Something New

'Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it?' -Isaiah 43:19a CSB.

The Lord gave me this scripture at the beginning of this year. I am sure it is well known and has likely resonated with many looking for direction or to the future. I waited on the Lord for the new thing and finally understood that the something new was not in Africa. To those of you reading who don't attend my church, I just want to let you now that after 5 years in Africa I have now returned home. This is my final blog. I look back at the date of my last blog entry and realise that the posts were rather infrequent. Even so, I enjoyed writing each one and I am grateful that you were interested to do the journey with me.

This last five years have been an amazing experience for me and one of the most rewarding of my life. I have so many memories of the incredible ways the Lord touched and changed lives through the wonderful ministry of Hands at Work. I have beautiful photos reminding me of the precious people; children, mothers, grandmothers, Care Workers and African frontline workers who have greatly impacted my life. I count it a great priviledge to have witnessed miraculous transformations in the lives of individuals and communities that have experienced the power of the saving gospel of Jesus Christ.

I want to thank you and all the people who have taken an interest, supported and prayed for me throughout my time in Africa. It is your fellowship, encouragement and generosity that made this possible. I can't thank everyone enough for partnering with me and supporting this journey. I wish all of you a very blessed Christmas and the Lord's favour in 2025 and beyond...

Please pray...

• for my transition back into Australia. In the new year I will need to find a job and settle back into a permanent home.

• for the ongoing work of Hands at Work in Africa and especially the people on the frontline supporting all the efforts to help the orphan and widow in their distress.

• about how you might continue to be involved. You can sign up for Hands at Work newsletters, give and sponsor the care of children. Visit the website; www.handsatwork.org

Contact the Australia office on the partner page.

I want to end my messages with you with just a few highlights of some of the wonderful things I have witnessed during my time in Africa.

Look at Prudence now (Blog 18 October 2023).

With the love and care of the Care Point, she can now sit up and feed herself.

She is also walking. Without doubt the Care Point saved her life.

I have had so many encounters with wonderful Grandmothers (Gogos) who carry on caring for orphans well into their old age. Many are so grateful to our Lord for the goodness he provides through the Care Points. Here is a Gogo who couldn't stop praising and was delighted to do it for the camera!

Lastly, I just want to leave with you with images of so many precious souls that the Lord holds in his heart.

God Bless you all,

Emma