At Hands at Work we have many who volunteer from Africa and all over the world, who have had experiences in Africa that have changed their lives. Most volunteers have a moment, or a series of moments that defined their understanding of God’s heart for the poor. At Hands we encourage all volunteers to focus on relationships, and the real moments God blesses them with as they meet Care Workers and children across Africa. There are memories that we hold onto that breathe air on the embers of our faith – reminding us that God is for the orphaned the widowed and the dying. Again this year, we asked for photos which evoke memories. The most significant photos to us are not always the most professional or even most beautiful images. They are the ones, however, that take us back to a moment that changed our lives.
Photo By: Jenny Wood
Community: Pfunani, South Africa
“This photo is of Josefa* from Pfunani Community. We were doing an appreciation day for the Care Workers and because there was an additional workbook left over, I gave it to Josefa and asked him to write his name on the heart. The booklet was based on Ephesians 3:18 and when I explained that it said ‘God loves Josefa,’ he gave me a huge, beautiful smile.”
Photo By: Celine Letkeman
Community: Zwelisha, South Africa
“When I first visited this little girl in Zwelisha, South Africa, in 2015, she was only a few months old. This year, I had the opportunity to go back and visit this sweet girl. I was overjoyed to see her beautiful smile greeting me as I drove up.”
Photo By: Craig Rebro
Community: Sommerset, South Africa
“Meet Minenhle*. This young lady was modeling leadership at Sommerset Care Point in Bushbuck Ridge. She has a smile that will light up a room and even though she lives in a very tough community, her attitude is positive and she is very respectful of others.”
Photo By: Frank Letkeman
Community: Maranatha, Zambia
“On one of our trips to Maranatha Community in Zambia, we had the privilege of washing the feet of those who walk daily to visit the children, bringing them comfort and love. These men and women are bringing the good news to the most vulnerable as they serve God.”
Photo By: Angelle Coutu
Community: Sommerset, South Africa
“I was always greeted with warm smiles from these two sweet friends each time I visited the Care Point in Sommerset Community. It was always such a joy to be around them.”
Photo By: Carleigh Wegner
Community: Swaziland
"When I met this little girl, she was living in one of the poorest communities in Swaziland and was born with a disability that prevented her from walking or talking. She was one of the most vulnerable, yet her joy was contagious and infectious. I never would have imagined that meeting her and knowing her name and story would change my outlook on God and life. The chance to meet her taught me a lesson that I will never forget - God gives us beautiful gifts that come in unexpected packages."
Photo By: Catherine Clarkson
Community: Chinku, Malawi
“When I visited a family in the community of Chinku, Malawi, one of the children was suffering from malaria. One of the Care Workers, Richard, lifted the child onto his bicycle and strapped the boy’s little sister to his back. As Richard cycled off towards the Care Point to ensure the children ate a meal, and then took them to the clinic, which was several kilometres away, it reminded me again of the life-line that our Care Workers across Africa are for our children.”