November 23, 2004
Life-Child Update - Work at the Deemount Centre, Harding
The following reports are written by 3 volunteers helping out at the DFL Home Based Care centre in Harding, Deemount.


The threee volunteers based at Harding. From the left is, Rebekah, Stephen and James

James Abbott Indiana , USA - Four months ago my friends and I arrived in South Africa for eight months of missions work. Not knowing what to expect, we were filled with excitement and many expectations. Life here on the mission field hasn’t been disappointing. Challenges and wonderful blessings meet us every day. The Lord has blessed us with wonderful friendships with those we work and live with and everyday we witness practical Christianity lived out.

My friends and I have been involved in many areas of ministry. Through Doctors for Life we have worked at the daycare for orphaned children, visited terminally ill patients and helped train and instruct Home Based Carers, who will in turn care for terminally ill patients. Along with this we also get to speak at schools. On one experience we were asked to attend a funeral of a patient who had passed suddenly. On arriving after Sunday service we were already late, they asked one of us to speak on the spur of the moment.

Some of my fondest memories and experiences have been with the children at the crèche. Their smiles, laughs and runny noses will forever be etched in my mind. Loving the orphans has a wonderful way of simplifying your life. At the end of the day whether we have visited the sick, the widow or the orphan you hear the words of James "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this…”. We thank you for your prayers and support, God Bless You.

Rebekah Donovan Indiana , USA - I am honored to help these children. The kids at the crèche have taught me many things, they are so carefree and full of life. These little ones love to sing and play, and they also work hard in the crèche.   The Zulu people have such a closeness with one another. When one person has a need, all those around come to help just as if it was family. Through the day at the crèche, many people stop in to say hello and to see the work we are doing.   We as a team have had some really good times. We've been able to share the Gospel at many of the local schools. The Zulu children can sing! We were also able to meet with the local chief and we will hopefully be able to work hand in hand to teach the people how to stay pure and stop the AIDS virus from destroying so many lives.  

Several families have lost loved ones to AIDS. We have attended these funerals and spoken with the families. It is very sobering and only God is able to comfort them. Please continue to pray for the work here.   

Stephen Pasquale Pennsylvania , USA - At the end of June, I arrived in Harding with James Abbott and Rebekah Donovan. We have been involved with the Khonzinkosi Creche, Home Based Care, and speaking at schools.   It has been amazing to see how receptive the people are to everything we have to say. Whether we are talking about AIDS or about the Lord, they cling to every word we say. They are so in need of basic instruction. Things I have known for years are news to these rural people. At a meeting with the chief, an induna asked us if we had a cure for AIDS. We couldn't believe he didn't know!   Tragically, most homes we visit have already been affected by HIV. Many times we enter a rondawel to find the head of the household lying down on a mat on the floor, the spouse having already passed away, and the children soon to be orphaned. We offer medicines for the patients and basic advice for the families on how to care for their loved ones. But the sick are in need of more than physical health; we minister to their spiritual needs by praying with them and sharing the Word of God. They need to be filled with this hope and piece before they pass away.   The most amazing thing I've noticed about the work in this area is the dedication of the Home Based Carers. They faithfully visit their patients, walk several kilometers to attend monthly lectures, and even the Life Child center in the area was established by a committed Home Based Carer with a burden for the orphans. We are learning a lot from these volunteers who are willing to give all.