July 31st, 2021
Many vulnerable children across the informal settlements and townships in South Africa have a diet that consists of mealie meals (coarse flour made from maize), rice, a tomato-based sauce, and beans as well as other starchy foods. Although they have chicken as their main meat when affordable, there is still a huge deficiency of healthy protein in their diets, therefore, they are often malnourished. In one of the areas that was greatly affected by the looting and lockdowns, many children are not eating on a daily basis and therefore we were greatly concerned for their well-being.
As soon as we saw the need, God’s provision and faithfulness for these little ones came about in a miraculous “God-incidental” way; we received the funds needed to purchase over 50 food parcels for these precious kids. We focused on protein-rich food, namely, pilchards (sardines), canned meat, salt (used medicinally…good for children who get dehydrated or sick due to lack a healthy water supply), and a few other essential items. Each parcel has around 867 grams of protein, which we hope will help the children’s nutrition and energy levels.
At the end of the month, we joined up with Bokamoso and taught all the children (who were to receive a food parcel) about how to stay safe within their communities as well as held small groups to find out how we can support the children who are not currently in safe homes or environments. The children also had a blast dancing and learning lots of new workouts and ways to stay fit and healthy. These workouts are practiced each afternoon as well as on Saturday mornings in an effort to keep the kids “off the streets” at the same time as keeping them healthy and strong!
My favorite part of the day was the “oohs & aah” from the kids upon receiving their food parcels. It was also so humbling to see the pure joy radiate from a little girl who was given shoes that fit her, she expressed how her toes no longer hurt. Such a simple thing, but so valued by those who do not have as we do. Lastly, we had to laugh that the kids unanimously agreed that their best activity of the day was Ryan’s disco version of “Simon Says”! 😉
If you are interested in supporting food parcels for these precious kids, please select “orphan ministry” on the donation page. We work with the social workers in the communities as well as go house to house and meet with each family individually to access who has the greatest needs. Thank you!
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