Christmas with COVID-19
December 2020 Updates
CHRISTMAS WITH COVID-19 has been a struggle for the people living in Phuthaditjhaba due to over crowding and poverty. Unemployment, exacerbated by the pandemic have contributed to the level of hardships faced by the locals.
Many have been curtailed from planning their normal Christmas celebrations. Mac Min has tried to make a difference by distributing clothing (especially garments for children) and food through the five Baptist Churches with whom we partner in this region.
Pastor Fusi comments: “And while I was busy giving it out, they told me that they have no money to buy clothes for Christmas for their children, so thank you Pastor Trevor and the people who gave to them. It was so touching, very touching, so to the givers, God bless you, we love you."
CHRISTMAS WITH COVID-19 has taken a turn for the worst. A second wave of infection is rapidly spreading across the country and is far more virulent than the first.
As always the knock on effect is more damaging for those living in rural to remote areas. This means the poor and needy will feel it most.
PRAISE GOD for donors who are enabling us to respond to some of these needs. Pastor Lawrence Khumalo, Church planter at Impendle received food gifts for his members, and a sewing machine for their textile project which manufactures affordable school uniforms for the immediate community.
Special thanks to those who are funding this ministry.
CHRISTMAS WITH COVID-19 has its blessed moments.
Ewald, a local farmer very kindly made 350kgs of potatoes available for distribution among the needy in down town PMB. Pastor Sam and Pastor Maisha used the opportunity for sharing these among their members.
Special thanks to those who continually keep the needy on their hearts and minds.
"In as much as you have done it for these people, you have done it for me.” - Jesus (Matt 25:40)
CHRISTMAS WITH COVID-19. The second group to receive gifts of food was Smirna Baptist Church, whose membership is comprised essentially of French speaking refugees from Sub-Saharan Africa. They live mainly in the inner city of Pietermaritzburg and as a result of their status are among the poorest of poor.
Yet, their affection for Christ is contagious and their enthusiasm for His Kingdom Mission indomitable. It is truly a super privilege to be partnering with this church.
Please keep them in your prayers.
CHRISTMAS WITH COVID-19 is different and brings challenges previously unknown with infection from innumerable sources on the one hand and impoverished households struggling to make ends meet on the other. All this exacerbated by inadequate medical care as well as over congested hospitals and clinics. Out hearts go out to those in need.
Thank you to those very generous donors who have made it possible for Mac Min to give food and clothing gifts to the needy through our churches in the regions where we minister most. These have been graciously, received with tremendous appreciation.
Some confessing that it is the only tangible Christmas gift which they anticipate receiving this year. REFUGEES FROM LESOTHO.... Single mothers and their children now being cared for by the church in Rookdale were the first to receive.
Mally and I were priviled to attend and officiate at the Induction service of Pastor Paulos Ntaka to the pastorate at Kwa Mashu Baptist Church near Durban on Sunday 6 th December.
Approximately 18 years ago Paulos commensed his Theological studies at Union Bible Institute in Pietermaritzburg with a scholarship from Macedonian Ministries. On graduating, he entered the pastoral ministry of the Baptist Union of SA where he has served numerous churches with distinction. He currently is chairman of the KZN Baptist Fellowship.
A capacity congregation attended last Sundays induction service at which we sensed the presence of God inspiring His church to persevere in the presentation of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It has been our joyous privilege over the past 18 years to journey together with Paulos and his family.
A HUGE THANK YOU TO THOSE DONORS WHO MADE THEIR SCHOLARSHIP POSSIBLE. Be blessed and please continue to pray for the Ntaka family and Kwa Mashu Baptist Church.
