The God of all comfort

'Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.' 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Praise God that all but two Care Points in South Africa have reopened to feed children. Care Workers have fought through their fear to begin cooking again. Tribal leaders in other communities, who initially closed Care Points, have asked them to be reopened and invited Hands at Work back because their people are hungry.

These communities are more vulnerable than ever as the economy stalls due to the necessity of the lockdown to slow the spread of COVID-19. The South African Government is offering increased social welfare grants and food parcels to its poorest people. Hands at Work has a commitment beyond that to work with the poorest of the poor, so many of the Care Points are amongst refugee communities. As non citizens they are not illegible for government support and so the Care Point is their only lifeline.

The photo above shows faithful Care Workers providing food for children that now come to the Care Point to take their food home in container, so that they are not gathering together. This little family of children has recently arrived from Mozambique. They spoke Portuguese and not the local language. I don't know why they left their home country, in time the Care Workers will find out their story, but how wonderful they can arrive in a community that has a place where they are safe, cared for and can receive nutritious meals.

I am now able to go and assist, at least two to three times a week, within two communities that are comfortable with foreigners visiting. Other communities are fearful that foreigners carry the COVID-19 virus and so only our African leaders visit. Now, volunteers like me spend our time ensuring children wash their hands when they arrive and maintain social distance. We wash their containers and make sure we are quick to provide their food so the children don't linger and gather in a larger group. The hardest thing is that we can no longer hug and play with the children. So, we must make the most of those fleeting moments when we can share smiles, loving words and pray for them as they go. There are still simple joys, as when children were delighted with the new experience of having hand sanitiser sprayed on their hands. One little girl held up her hand for a high five and I offered my elbow instead for an elbow bump. She thought this very funny but handshakes are out and especially after little hands have just been sanitised!

When not visiting a community I am working around the property that I am lockdown on. I have taken up gardening and have now weeded and replanted a number of garden beds. I have never had a garden before and didn't expect to enjoy it so much. It is a job well overdue and appreciated by those who never have the time to do it. I have been just given another task to work with a small team to document our protocols for COVID-19 health, mitigation and risk assessments around our residences and work in the communities. As well as this, the daily rhythms of prayer meetings and small groups continue but now via WhatsApp. This is what holds us together as a community and keeps us focused on the ministry. Thank God for technology that keeps us connected when we can no longer gather all together. I am so grateful to the God of all comfort who loves us so deeply, so that we can share his love with others who are in desperate need of comfort.

Please pray for...

• the Care Workers to be encouraged in their faith and the immense value of their service. There are fears for the virus, community and family disapproval and punishment from authorities and the military. The latter have been at times heavy handed in their policing of the lockdown. Many of our the communities have had terrible experiences of military from the countries they fled from. Though Hands at Work is an essential service and has permission to operate, Care Workers are fearful they could be arrested for breeching the lockdown.

• the two Care Points that remain closed to reopen and allow for the care and feeding of children. These communities have shut down everything, including essential services. There is pride involved with some local politicians wanting to exercise their authority. Pray the powerful would not ignore the needs of the poor for their own purposes.

• Wisdom, courage and strength for all Hands at Work leaders and volunteers. The current crisis makes the work all the more needed but the restraints are challenging.

• For all the vulnerable communities Hands works in to remain virus free. Orphaned children are often cared for by an elderly grandma. It will be devastating if the lives of these Primary Care Givers are threatened. Many people in the communities have HIV, including children, which heightens their vulnerability. Suitable medical services are not always nearby.

• Patience, hope, love and self sacrifice for my community. I am in lockdown with ten other adults and six children. We didn't choose each other, nor did we see this coming but God knew and so may we find strength and peace in his purposes for each of us.

God bless you for your prayers and support.

With love and appreciation,

Emma.