English and the Tea Man

The young man walked through the train carriages with a large urn of tea, calling out his wares, stopping to fill cups and take in the few cents he made from his employment. My friend who was with me nudged my arm and said, 'Do you see that man? Well, only yesterday a group of the tea men came to see me, and to ask for help with education. And do you know what they also said?' 'No, I answered, as the dusty bowl areas of the outlying villages flashed past the train windows. 'Well,' said my friend, settling more comfortably in the seat, 'They said they felt the greatest lack they had was that they cannot speak English. The reason being, that in large cities almost every person can speak English; however, those who only speak village dialects are often difficult to understand in larger cities with greater employment opportunities. They feel that those who speak English often have more opportunity to apply for a better paid employment. Also, those with knowledge only of village dialect do not consider they have the opportunity to travel or to apply for a visa, because how would they be understood in another area? However, English speakers often find employment in another area.'

I was fascinated to hear this. My friend finished with,'The men said to me, we were born tea men; we live as tea men, and we will die as tea men. As did our fathers before us. But what if we want something more? Are we not men, and as such allowed to plan for a life that is better for ourselves, and that we will not condemn our children to the same? Can you not ask someone to help us with English? We do not have the money to pay for lessons, but what are we to do?  ' And my friend opened up the newspaper with the final words, 'Is there anything you can do?' And Lumiere Academy of English was born.

Since that time  Lumiere English Academy has offered a free educational service in order to provide assistance in learning English, and thus to increase work opportunity. Our Academy offers services in the following fields;
- Sponsorship of free education in English for children and disadvantaged
- Establishing and ongoing support of village libraries, also in shanty towns, squatter camps and slum areas
- English Educational Empowerment Projects
- Provision of donations of English books, globes, stationery, paper, school books, educational DVD's to children and
  disadvantaged in shanty towns, squatter camps, outlying villages, poor and disadvantaged areas
- Assistance in resources and ongoing education of English teachers for disadvantaged areas
- Online computer classes to disadvantaged areas
- DVD's of English songs and classes sent to disadvantaged areas
- Liaison with English teachers, principals and social workers

However, our efforts are only a drop in the huge ocean of need. So many people are hampered by illiteracy, and lack of good English skills. I have travelled in many countries, and realise that English is not the only language in need. Excellent German language skills, the Dutch language, French and Russian, Afrikaans and Sotho, Xhosa, Zulu, Italian, Hindi and Mahrahti are some of the languages spoken today in our global village among many others. Perhaps Providence is guiding you to read these words; in the spirit of Lumiere, would you consider sponsoring someone in your area in either language or literacy lessons, especially someone who is in need? And once that person has been assisted by your generosity to better work opportunity which will enrich both his/her lives and those of their families, surely society as a whole will be uplifted because each person who is able to receive educational opportunity will be able to fulfil their greatest potential in society. This will lead to greater personal upliftement, and thus  in time, upliftment of society by individual and family excellence. And what greater word will we be able to hear than that same word which time immemorial has greeted the gift of needed education; Thank you (English), Dankie (Afrikaans), Dank u (Dutch), Obrigado (Portuguese), Merci (French), Danke (German), Gracias (Spanish), Grazie (Italian) - and the same greeting in all the other lovely languages of this wonderful world of ours.

Education - key to a better future

The young girl who had been rescued two years earlier from the possibility of being trafficked was doing very well at school. Maria* carried herself with confidence, and was dressed in a beautiful outfit, her hair groomed and her school books immaculately kept. As always, she greeted me with affection and respect when I came to visit on one of my field trips, bringing sponsorship funds for herself and the other children to her carers. The carers and I were sitting having a cup of tea in the heat of the day, when the conversation turned to this child. They told me that Maria had spoken to them about her previous experiences, and how she was delighted to have been saved the life she had seen other girls on the street being subjected to in order to earn money. Every time they came by, she was studying or preparing to study.

Maria had high hopes of graduation eventually, and then going on for a post graduation qualification. It was amazing to me that such a young girl already had such clear insight and plan for her future at such a young age, and I said so. It transpired that Maria had seen her mother subjected to just such a life in order to provide for them, and then her mother had died, worn out and ill from her sufferings on the street, at a young age. Earning income by street work is a health hazard for any woman unfortunate enough not to have the education or career necessary for earning income to sustain a family by other means. Maria had seen her mother's suffering and increasing illness, and had then come in for care prior to her mother's death. This had been at the encouragement of her mother who had realised what her true situation health-wise was, and wished a better future for her daughter.

Maria spoke to the carers and said simply, 'I never want to have to go back to the street. I saw what it did to my mother, and what people did to my mother. Never do I want to have to live like that. And now I don't have to.' She then stopped for a moment and said proudly, 'I am getting an education.'

I am getting an education. Those words were still ringing in my ears as I sat in the train travelling later. And they have stayed with me ever since. That little girl really understood the importance and value of what she was being given; education is the key to a future where you can make choices, where you do not have to be manipulated or hurt, or risk your health in order to feed your children. Education can give you a roof over your head instead of having to lie with a plastic bag or cardboard box as roof on a street pavement. Education gives you the ability to earn good food, to ensure good health care for you and your family. Education enables you to afford maternity care to provide safe delivery and care for you and your child, and for good clothing, safe transport, and excellent medical and dental care. Dad always told me that 'Education is the key to a better future'. 

As I sat on the train, I remembered an incident during my school years. I came home and informed my father that I was leaving school, and wanted to go to work as a part time casual worker. Dad, who I later found out had been unable to find work in a major city, and had been very hungry until he was taken in and assisted by the Salvation Army for whom he had the deepest reverence and love - told me that if I left school he would walk me every day to school and stay there throughout the day to ensure I did my studies until I graduated. He further told me that I did not understand how important education is. Dad told me that he would not be giving me a house, an inheritance or monthly allowance when he passed. What he was giving me, he told me, was something far greater; the best education he could afford so that when he was dead and gone to God, he would be at peace knowing that whatever ill or difficulties might befall me, I would be able to put a roof over my head and food on my table. And Dad said, 'Nog, Education is the key to a better future. You might not understand now, but believe me, the day will come when you will understand exactly what I am talking to you about, and you might even thank me for it'.

Unconvinced of this, but bowing to Dad's decision, I unhappily continued my daily trudge to school and the then seeming drudgery of eternal round of lessons and class discipline. Years later I had cause to remember Dad's words when I fell ill after a car accident injury, and began to experience a creeping paralysis of some of my muscles with unbearable pain. I required extensive and very expensive ongoing medical and dental treatment for a number of years while I continued working. Only my very expensive education and career which both my Dad and Mom had sacrificed a lot to be able to finance for me enabled me to fund the treatment which eventually led to my recovery. Now Dad is indeed in heaven, and I have the wisdom to understand just how caring and wise his words were to a rebellious teenager who was tired of the discipline of study. I had not been able to understand just how great a gift I was being given, a gift that not every person receives.

Yet here was this young girl with a wisdom beyond her years; deeply grateful for education, and fiercely determined to read every book, study every subject, and made the best use of every opportunity Lumiere and her carers were sending her way. I felt deeply humbled.

There are many in this world who are not given this great opportunity of education. In the spirit of Lumiere, please consider sponsoring the education and care of a child who has no-one in the world to care for them, or for a child whose parents are ill, homeless or out of work and who face a bleak future as a result. Another great assistance is to fund the education of an adult who is illiterate or uneducated due to personal life circumstances, and cannot earn a good salary as a result. Lumiere Charity funds many such children and adults, and many have already graduated and are leading full and productive lives.

There is truly no greater joy in the world than to know that the light of education sponsored by you has given a whole new future to someone who otherwise would have suffered much hardship and possible death on the streets. There are many groups who dedicate themselves selflessly to the assistance of others; they would be delighted to receive sponsorship for one of the children for whom they care. Perhaps Providence has guided you to read these words so that you can assist one of his little ones not to live abandoned and unloved to die on a street, but to receive education and care and be able to afford a happy family life for the future.
* Name has been changed

Module 7 - Jesus the Boy

Good Shepherd Church Seminary

Module 7 --- Jesus the Boy (1)

Learning about Life

 Objectives;  by the end of this Module you should;

1.    Have an understanding of Jesus’ boyhood years
2.    Be able to read the Gospels to gain a deeper insight into Jesus’ boyhood as described    by the Gospels
3.    Have an appreciation of how early childhood experiences help to shape us as people, and how they helped to shape Jesus’ emotional life

Contents
7.1  Jesus in Nazareth
7.2. The Home Life of Jesus
7.3  Jesus' boyhood experiences
7.4  Conclusion

7.1  JESUS IN NAZARETH
As a young boy, Jesus spent much of his time learning about life. He learned carpentry from his father, and began developing a strong physique from wielding carpentry tools. Joseph and Mary took time to teach Jesus how to pray and  commune with God the Father. Jesus began to learn the Torah, the Hebrew Scriptures or sacred writings. He took His place with His father in synagogue, and watched as His mother and sisters were displaced in synagogue and society. It was clear from Jesus’ early years that, as a male, He was seen as a more privileged human due to His inherited male characteristics. This seemed unfair to Him, and He watched and bided His time, determined not to let societal mores influence His relationships with His mother, sisters and other women in later years.

7.2  THE HOME LIFE OF JESUS;
Jesus was raised in his boyhood years in Nazareth in Galilee, Israel (Matthew 2; 23 - 24). Due to these early years, Jesus was often called a 'Nazarene', as had been prophesied (Matthew 2; 23). Jesus' home was laid around a courtyard, around which a number of rooms were clustered. Nazarene homes had either one or two floors. Mary cooked at the clay oven, and Jesus often used to watch her at work. From these early experiences, Jesus gleaned knowledge of life and applied them to his famous parables in later years. He hung over the kitchen table as Mary added yeast to flour and water, and began to knead bread for her family. She often used to allow Him to help her, and Jesus gloried in the feel of the dough as it began to shape and change underneath the movement of his fingers.

Jesus marvelled at how the yeast caused the dough to double in size, and He used to come back and peek under the cloth at the dough rising in the bowl. Mary used to catch Him at it, and scold Him for not leaving the dough to settle and rise undisturbed in its own time. Then she would take Him on her lap, and explain to Him how the yeast - small as it was - was essential in order for the flour to take its true form and become life giving bread. Jesus used this knowledge to make the earthly conduit for heavenly grace and wisdom in the Eucharist. Yeast, flour, water and time together with the miracle of change by laws of Nature ordained by God causes great change in the dough leading to the creation of bread after baking. Jesus used bread in a creative way to help each of us commune with Him at the Eucharist He instituted at the Last Supper (Matthew 26; 26).

Mary, with the mother's intuitive practical theology, took time to explain the little everyday mysteries of life on earth. This helped Jesus' young mind to start its journey of growth into understanding and maturity. Her early lessons matured as he pondered and thought, and he drew on her early explanations in His lesson on the Kingdom of Heaven. 'The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.' (Matthew 13; 33). He drew a parallel between the teachings of the religious teachers of his time with yeast (Matthew 16;12).

Mary would light the lamp on the lampstand which was standard household furniture in Nazareth at the time. Around the kitchen would stand the meal tub or basket, and in the sleeping areas the mats and mattresses lay ready for sleep. The young Jesus who adored his fun-loving mother would follow her around, and spend ages looking into the glow of the flame from the wick of the lamp. He would try to put the meal tub over the lamp to see what would happen, and Mary would chase him around the table getting it away from him. The risk of fire was an ever present one in Nazareth, and Mary explained to him that putting the tub over the flame would not only hide the light needed for the safety of the household in the dark, but also risk knocking the lamp to the ground and causing fire. In later years Jesus would preach about the lamp, 'Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.' (Mark 4;21 - 22).

Mary would measure flour, yeast, milk, herbs, salt, butter and water into her recipes with a measure. Jesus would help her, and in later years preached about the importance of measurement - his first understanding of basic mathematics which influences all of daily life; 'With the measure you use, it will be measured to you - and even more'. (Mark 4; 24.) Jesus used the parallel to explain that we need to have generosity of spirit - when we give, and give wholeheartedly, in service and assistance to others - the Heavenly Father God will also give to us, and even more than we have given.

Jesus drew a comparison with the humble measure and the great issue of human attitudes of unforgiveness, judgementalness and selfishness. He addressed these by encouraging us to forgive (and thus free ourselves from ongoing bitterness to softening of inner pain by greeting each new day in hope again without the shackles of ongoing resentment by the very real wrongs done to us by others). He also encouraged us not to be judgemental towards others, because often the very thing we dislike and criticise in another is an issue we personally also struggle with, either in ourselves or in those near to us. Jesus also realised that each of us struggle with a very real dominance of self-interest - our own needs to be put always ahead of others' needs, sometimes with tragic consequences.

Jesus firmly believed that it is better to tackle the root of the problem, the cause, rather than the symptoms. And the root of many problems in the human psyche cause untold sufferings to ourselves and others. The root of these problems lie in our attitudes flowing from our personal value systems at any given time. Our value systems change on an ongoing basis as we evaluate our lives, experiences and change our attitudes and beliefs as we mature and learn from past mistakes. So, if we change our fundamental attitudes, many of the issues in our lives which have been going wrong will swing back into synchronisation with the harmony of the universe, and peace and happiness in ourselves and with others in our lives will result. So Jesus, drawing on his boyhood experience with measures, preached, 'Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured over into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.' (Luke 6; 37 - 38).

Mary possibly used to take Jesus out into the herb and flower garden with her. She probably let him help her remove the non-useful plants from the garden in order to allow herbs to flourish which would be helpful in family healing remedies and good for flavouring her cooking, and for beautiful flowers to grow. It is possible Jesus had the common childhood experience of coming into the house waving some of her precious herbs one day, proudly thinking he had weeded her garden and been helpful. However Jesus came to the knowledge, He had a firm foundation of the importance of healthful plants and weeds which choked them. He used these experiences in later preaching, telling of an enemy who had sown weeds among the wheat, thus compromising the crop (Matthew 13; 24 - 29). The meaning was that satan, the evil opponent who constantly wishes to usurp God's sovereignty, has interfered with the good sowing of holiness and wholeness in humanity. Jesus also spoke of thorns interfering with the sown crop in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13; 7).

Jesus watched the unfolding of the four seasons, and loved them. He would run around Nazareth with village friends, watching all that was going on. He loved the small dramas and fun of everyday life, and drew many lessons from them. The farmers in the area sowed their seed, and he would watch them scattering the seed with firm arm movements from the leather bags hung around their torso. Jesus would then see the birds come screaming down, some of the seeds would be eaten and the sweating farmer would make plans to keep the bird-theft to a minimum.

As spring matured into slumbering summer, Jesus would hunker down in the fields and touch the burgeoning plants with a wondering finger. The wonder of new green life which would bring life to humanity with the wonder of the food they were growing from God's natural bounty never ceased to amaze Him. The pragmatic village boy within Him noted how not all of the little seedlings flourished to full maturity. And, in later years, Jesus would draw on his boyhood knowledge by preaching the Parable of the Sower, 'A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a good crop - a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.' (Matthew 13; 1 - 8). Jesus drew a parallel between the seed and the Word of God in our lives. The seed of the Word of God is sown in our lives - yet the Word of God may be snatched away, or never take root. God's Word may be choked by the very real daily worries we have with finances, rent, mortgages, raising a family, illness and the daily problems life faces us with. Our challenge is to find a way to allow God's Word to take root in our souls, and to grow and change us for the better. As priests, we do this by dedicating our lives to the growth of the Kingdom of God in our lives and in those around us by our lives of dedication to God and preaching.

There are many further instances in the Gospels of how Jesus learned from his boyhood experiences in Nazareth which will be discussed in further modules.


7.3  JESUS' BOYHOOD EXPERIENCES;

Jesus was a firm favourite of the women of his town, as he was a polite and helpful little boy. He was always getting into scrapes, and was thoroughly interested in the everyday lives of His family and His neighbours. He helped a young bride search for her dowry coin which had fallen and was lost in her house. Mary and Jesus came from their neighbouring house, and Mary helped the distraught woman light a lamp and sweep the house. Jesus scurried around looking in nooks and crannies, and eventually their careful search found the coin. Jesus drew on this experience in later years in his Parable of the Lost Coin, preaching, 'And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbours together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.' (Luke 15; 8 - 10).

At a young age, Jesus was unappreciative when He saw women being harassed. The first time Jesus witnessed a woman being stoned was probably as a small child in Nazareth, shortly after the family's return from Egypt. Possibly the event occurred as He was walking as a small child with Joseph and Mary. They would have tried to cover His eyes and hurry Him away from the scene, as the woman’s death initiated Jesus into the reality of societal execution. Joseph and Mary would have tried to protect Jesus from the full harshness of some aspects of society at this time. This brutal execution appalled the sensitive Jesus. He witnessed  women being stoned to death for adultery, while their male companions were not. Jesus, with His deep sense of justice and understanding, quietly noted this as one rule for some, and another rule for others.

As Jesus' boyhood progressed and He came to knowledge of the unusual circumstances surrounding His birth, He realised that His loving and gentle mother, with Him still unborn within her, could have been stoned to death but for the honour and discretion of Joseph. This violent form of bloody execution was a horror to Jesus. It was custom for each person to take a rock and throw it at the victim. Jesus as a young boy coming to manhood dropped the rock given to Him. This small boy at that time of His life was still too small and weak to defend the women He saw thus condemned to death for the act of love. However, the young Jesus came to a powerful determination to change this ruling, and this boyhood determination was made clear in His ministry years when He saved a woman from this same execution (John 8; 1 - 11).

 As Jesus grew, he determined to do what He could to found a movement with an outlook that would have respect for infants, children, women and men in equal measure. Emotional and physical violence would be unacceptable. Infants, girls and boys, men and women would all be worthy of equal respect. Women were the female image and likeness of God, as men were the male image and likeness of Him. God created men in His own Likeness; that is, like Him. God created women in His own likeness; that is, like Him. The Book of Genesis tells us this, 'Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness... So God created man in His own Image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.' (Genesis 1; 26 - 27).

This is truly incredible; we are made as God is. We have senses, intuition, intellect, sensory abilities and reasoning abilities. We also possess the ability to draw conclusions, and the ability to learn. We have differing moods, the ability to socialise and to feel. Each of us has the ability to move, to affect others' lives for better or worse, and the ability to love. We are able to create, and also to create new life. We are able to work and to change our surroundings and the lives of those around us. We are, each of us, a wondrous small universe within the great Universe made by God. Jesus Himself  as a boy became aware of the wondrous destiny of each human being; that of being a full daughter or son of God, being as God Himself - (in His image and likeness).

This would certainly account for the undying enmity satan and his followers (the evil one and his demonic fallen angels) have towards us. We are destined to live in heaven as full heirs to the royal house of God, and occupy the wonders which satan and his followers had attempted to usurp in their battle for supremacy in heaven before their eviction from heaven. Jesus told His followers that He had been witness to the great battle between God's supremacy and satan (also known as lucifer) and his followers. Satan's eviction had caused cosmic turmoil, described by Jesus; 'The seventy-two returned with joy and said, 'Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your Name.' He replied, 'I saw satan fall like lightning from heaven.'' (Luke 10; 17).


7.4 CONCLUSION;
Jesus' boyhood spanned years of learning and inner growth from His life stage as a young boy, through His teenage years until early adulthood. As in our own lives, Jesus' body, mind and spirit went through growth and maturation towards adulthood. We will continue to follow His wondrous growth in His human incarnation as Son of God in Module 9, Jesus the Boy (2). This growth of Jesus into the icon of humble Leader of all nations and hierarchies of archangels and angels is a wonder; and so, too, is the personal growth of each one of us as a son or daughter of God. We - each one of us - are so precious, unique and irreplaceable that Jesus came to earth as God's earthly incarnation in order to heal the breach between God and humanity which had come about in our early relationship years as described in Genesis Chapter 3. This He did so that we all may one day live together in love and harmony in the heavenly sphere according to the Divine Plan God set long ago, and which Jesus has so lovingly fostered ever since. Let each of us as priests help God in our own unique way to bring about this heavenly kingdom of justice, love and peace. May God's Divine Grace, Blessing and Wisdom bless each and every one of you who reads these words.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Copyright 2011 by Rev. Catherine Whittle D.D. All rights reserved.


*Photograph taken by Rev. Catherine. Please feel free to use copyright free for any educational or spiritual purpose.

A Street full of Wheelbarrows

The work at the evening assistance of Pastor Johan and Pastor Marianna at CRC Project Kroonstad continues, with fresh carrots being given out to those in need by a dedicated volunteer.

Fresh milk is made available for the hungry at home. Illness and absence from school has dropped since the Pastors began their life saving mission in Kroonstad.

Pumpkins are bagged for those in need.

Elderly with illnesses are helped by food and the Pastors' outreach programme.

And in the evening, the transport home with the food needed is wheelbarrows. I watched in amazement as a street full of wheelbarrows were silhouetted against the setting South African sun. Another day was over, so much good had been done - but more help is needed. If you wish to help Pastor Johan and Pastor, please contact Rev. Catherine at lumierecharity@yahoo.co.uk.

The work of Pastor Johan and Pastor Marianna

Pastor Johan came in from his pastoral visits, ready for the afternoon giving of food to the poor and those in need. Many helpers who were being assisted in learning skills were there to assist in the giving out of the food. For hours the numbers of those in need came from all areas, looking for the food which enables them to keep their families alive. Pumpkins from local farmers ensures healthy vegetable diet for those in need. The reduction of illness and the improvement in the living conditions of the people in the area in the past years has simply been astounding.

As the afternoon stretches into evening, potatoes are bagged and given out to those requiring assistance. In the dusty South African sun, people labour to organise food for those back at home. The cameraderie, mutual respect and fun is clear as the work continues.

The area itself is dusty - water is given for parched throats, and I was very glad to receive cool and refreshing glasses of water from the CRC office, which is offered with hospitality to all who stop in and are thirsty.

Pastor Johan and Pastor Marianna minister out in the township area, bringing ease and comfort through their dedicated service to many in need.

The amount of food given out daily is staggering. Here is a small portion of the daily needs of the poor.

Potatoes for the Poor

A few months ago I visited the project of Pastor Johan in Kroonstad towards which Lumiere Charity for a number of years has given donation. Prior to my sister's husband passing away unexpectedly from a heart attack at the young age of forty, he had taken me to this project and asked me to assist in whatever way I could. In September, I brought some funding from Lumiere, and was invited to see what work is being done. The area in the township has been developed, and is bringing much assistance to the people in the area. Potatoes are sorted, and given to poor families together with vegetables, milk and assistance in many ways. Equipment has been made available for the people in the area, and all band together to sort the potatoes and bag them for poor families.

Pastor Johan is a dedicated Minister, who devotes his life to helping those in need. He is developing the project further, offering service and assistance to the hungry, unemployed, street children and rag pickers. Pastor assists in providing shelter, and here is shown in one of the new rooms being developed for outreach services to the poor.

These containers are in the process of being upgraded and made suitable for the outreach services. Pastor Johan and dedicated volunteers work at making suitable facilities ready, and to date a beautiful church which is also used for meetings, singing, and to house clothing and shoes for the poor has been built. The church forms a landmark for the area.

Pastor Johan makes transport available for many children and adults who wish to worship or make use of the social outreach facilities of assistance with problems, assistance in financial difficulty, assistance in shelter, Aids programmes, street children and rag picker assistance, assistance of the elderly and infirm. The transport is sometimes filled with lively children shouting happily on a day out. All in Kroonstad know when the bus is out, because the children sing happily, and enjoy services or outings which brighten up their day and are educational and helpful. The distinctive yellow bus is seen parked outside the church.

The beautiful Church offers a place where the weary and struggling in the townships can spend some time in prayer, with refreshment offered by the Pastor in the afternoons, with food and drink such as water and milk to take home to hungry families. Pastor offers training and employment to people who work in the Church, on buildings, with equipment, sorting potatoes, organising refrigeration of food, vegetables and milk. Pastor Johan is helping by Pastor Marianna, his wife who is also dedicated to the service of the poor.

Pastor brings food and assistance to elderly, infirm and those in need of assistance in Kroonstad. This dedicated lady spends time ministering to those in need, and the day I spent with her there we joined in a time of worship, dancing and singing which left the elderly ladies there delighted and happy. Thereafter, the elderly ladies and gentlemen all enjoyed the fruit and food brought by dedicated Pastor from their CRC Project. If anyone wishes to donate towards the wonderful work done by the Pastors at this Project, please contact Rev. Catherine at lumierecharity@yahoo.co.uk.


*Photographs were taken by Rev. Catherine and Pastor Johan

The Blind Lady

It was four am in the dark South African morning, and Dad was well on the go with his Charity rounds. He had invited me to go along with him as it was 'a special visit'. I was intrigued, and when Dad mentioned something special with that Irish twinkle in his eye, it always promised to be an interesting time. We bowled along the dusty township road in the creaking old red Mazda that at times seemed to be held together with some pieces of twine and a prayer, and the tyres shook over a rutted village road as we went further and further into the shack areas. Overhead the one white star sparkled brightly, the Free State wind blew with the balmy scent of South African foliage, and I couldn't have been happier. The little dog Norman, a feisty and loveable black-and-brown daschhund, perched with his legs up against the seat and his ears flapping in the breeze from the window.

Eventually we stopped outside a little shack. A stately elderly lady sat fully dressed in the doorway, her feet encased in slippers and her two hands clasped on a small knobkerrie, a walking stick. She had a scarf tied neatly around her head, and her whole stature was one of eager expectancy. Dad whispered to me, 'This lady is blind, and unable to get to town for her pension. I bring her food every day, and blankets and shoes when she needs them. I also bring food for the family. Stay here and talk to her, while I visit the family'. And Dad, with his impeccable Irish Tramore courtesy, knocked at the corrugated iron door of the main shanty and whipped off his old veldt* hat as the lady of the house answered the door with as much courtesy as if he were meeting royalty.

I spoke to the old lady, 'Dumela, Mme,' and went through the Sotho form of greeting courtesies as my beloved South Sotho friends had taught me in my youth. Mme Maureen* courteously asked me when the Father was coming. I explained that the Father was my dad, and he would be coming shortly after visiting her family. She bent over her walking stick, and fixed me with her unwavering sightless gaze. 'You do know what the Father does for me, don't you?' she asked. 'He looks after my family with food, pap, clothes, blankets, oil and candles so they don't need to use my pension anymore. Before we were so poor, that the pension I got was all we had to live on. Then Modimo (God) sent the Father, and he took care of my family. Because of him, my grandchildren are now going to school, and have shoes to wear. Now the Father organises for me to go to the pensions office with my daughter, he takes the two of us together so we can draw my pension. Then the Father takes me to the doctor, so that I can get the medicine I need to keep me well. Now I am much better, before I was on blankets on the floor, and could not walk. Now I can walk, and I have a bed. A proper bed. You are very blessed, little one, to have such a father. He truly is a great man.'

And I watched as Dad came out of the shack, followed respectfully by three little children, two boys and a girl, all dressed and ready for school, and their mother who was giving them instructions as to how to behave for the day at school. We all climbed into the car, with the matriarch in the front seat and Norman sitting quietly in the back of the car on his best behaviour. As we made our way into the nearest town, the exquisite South African dawn broke through the baobab trees on the veldt with gold, red and tawny rays. Once the children had excitedly run off to school, Mme Maureen and her daughter went in for the pension, and then we drove on to the doctor. Once all had been organised, and the two ladies dropped off at home, it was time to get to the first soup kitchen, where Dad organised food for the homeless, street children, prisoners just released from prison and unemployed. I couldn't believe the range of his good works, done in the name of the Lord.

And now, many years later, I still can't get over the last words of Mme Maureen. She said, 'Yes, I always look forward to a visit from the Father. But mostly, because he always spends time to talk to me, and asks me about my life. Before the Father came, I used to be so lonely. I used to sit in my room, and have no-one to talk to. My daughter was so busy. But the Father explained to her and my family that it is important I have someone to talk to. And now people visit me all the time.

The Father, he brought me happiness and an end to my loneliness. Before I was blind and I could not see anything at all. Now I see with the eyes of my heart, because the Father has taught me to feel happy and useful again. I told the Father I was of no use anymore, and he made me see that I am so important to my family because I have the time to talk to the children and teach them the old ways of ubuntu, of the importance of community and caring. I am important because I have brought them life and brought them up. But most of all, I am important because I am me, a special person.' And Mme Maureen beamed with pride. 'Yes, I am special. Because each of us is special.'

And I realised as Dad and I drove home after a very busy day at the Free State Soup Kitchens Charity, that the greatest gift Dad had brought to this family was an end to the loneliness Mme Maureen had suffered. In the spirit of Lumiere, please think of someone in your neighbourhood or area who is elderly, ill, or blind. Please extend your hand in friendship to them, and assist them in some way that they need. Another option is to visit a Retirement Home, there are many people who are elderly who sometimes have no-one to visit them. Perhaps Providence has ordained that you be the one inspired to bring happiness into their lives with a visit, assistance, flowers or card. As we go into this New Year, may God bless your and your families, and all those who are elderly and ailing that we - the larger human family - may link hands so that no-one may feel lonely, uncared for, or unwanted.

*veldt - felt
Dumela, Mme - good day, ma'am
Mme Maureen - name has been changed
* Photograph taken by Rev. Catherine of street art in Africa