Although meeting online is not the same as meeting in person, we have loved seeing you all on Zoom and feel there is much value in meeting together.
The Story of Promise
Between the end of May and the beginning of July, the global Hands at Work family battled in prayer for a boy named Promise from Luhonga, DRC. He had a septic wound in his hip which needed urgent attention from a doctor in Goma. However, there were many, serious obstacles, which made this a race against time
Mluti/Zwelisha Re-Opening
Lessons from Lockdown
Rose’s Story – So Much to Learn from Our Care Workers
Hands at Work UK Young Adult Weekend Away 2019
At the end of November, we spent a very cold and foggy weekend at a retreat in the West Midlands with 13 young people from across the UK who had previously been out to Africa on teams with Hands at Work.
Team members are often really impacted by what they’ve seen and experienced in Africa and return home and are not sure what to do next. The culture in the UK can offer many challenges to these young people. How do they live out how they’ve been impacted by Africa in their own culture and contexts? We discussed, explored and reflected on this topic with voices from our international Hands family encouraging us throughout the weekend.
The young adults dug deep and showed a deep understanding of Hands and the nine commitments – in particular ‘denying our culture’. The final activity on the weekend was to write one personal goal and one goal for the group to make sure we put actions to the things we had discussed.
It was a great weekend and the beginning of an emerging community of young people who are passionate about serving the most vulnerable in Africa, and in the UK too. We hope to run another weekend in 2020 so watch this space.
Given's story
When Given* was three years old, her parents divorced. Given’s mother then took her five children to live with their grandmother. Sadly, life continued to be a struggle and providing the most basic necessities was a challenge. Eventually, Given’s mother, overwhelmed with the responsibility of caring and providing for her children, ran away, leaving her children under the care of their ageing grandmother.
Abel Dreams of What the Future will Hold
Abel* is 15 years old and has never known his parents. Abandoned as a baby, he was left on a railway track, helpless and alone. By the grace of God, an older couple, the Bandas, found Abel and took him into their home, where he has lived ever since. Although they were kind enough to rescue Abel, the Bandas themselves live in extreme poverty and have had difficulty in providing for all of the household's needs.
Africa's drought- making it personal
Last Friday we had the monthly Hands on Deck meeting here at the hub. This is when news and updates from individuals and communities are shared. George had just returned from a brief trip to the new communities Hands is supporting in Swaziland. The drought has hit these communities very badly, with many children forced to drink water from a stagnant pool where cattle also drink.
Long term volunteers
Lunch arrangements for the Hands at Work gathering
We are all really excited that It's now under a week until our Hands at Work gathering. We will be meeting at St. Luke's Church, St Albans on the 28th November 10am-4pm. Before Saturday we ask that you do two things:
Firstly, lunch...
Firstly, we are planning on doing a bring and share lunch. Can we ask that you all bring a sweet or savoury dish to share please.
Secondly, please RSVP...
Secondly if you haven't already can you RSVP using the link below.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hands-at-work-uk-gathering-2…
We look forward to seeing you all there.
Two weeks to go until our Hands at Work gathering
We are really looking forward to seeing you all there.
Firstly can we ask a favour...
If you know anyone who you think this event might be of interest to, please do invite them.
Secondly, please RSVP...
Although it's an informal event and you don't need to pre-book your seat, it's still really helpful for our planning to know rough numbers. Could you please take 10 minutes to let us know how many will be coming in your group by registering for the event on the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hands-at-work-uk-gathering-2015-tickets-19549693660
Hands at Work gathering on the 28th November 2015
Exciting news! On Saturday 28th November from 10am until around 4pm you are invited to a Hands at Work gathering.
It will be hosted in St Albans (it's the same location as last year if you came.)
Map here:
The format will be a bit different to last year but will cover:
What's happened in Africa this year
What's happened in the UK this year, including progress against 1,2,3,4
A chance to learn more about Partnerships and how we want these to develop.
A look ahead to the challenges set for 2016.
In the afternoon we plan to run informal workshop sessions for those interested in:
Volunteering in Africa for a year - or those who might want to challenge a friend or family member to step out.
Those leading a team or going on team visits
Probably one on partnership for those who are looking to help their partnership go deeper or are interested in a new partnership.
We're relaxed on the details, particularly the workshops. We'll respond to the needs of people attending to make sure it's valuable.
We'll also sing, pray and enjoy some good coffee and excellent cakes.
If none of the Hands stuff appeals, then come for the cakes!
We'll send some more information out as we run up to the event. In the meantime can I please ask you to extend personal invites to people you know who this might appeal to.
Reflections from a team returning back from South Africa
Are you interested in taking a team out to Hands at Work?
I sit here with bags under my eyes, blisters on both hands and feet and apparently aged by at least 7 years (even without the beard!) Whilst my body and mind is definitely feeling the strain I have to say I have had some of the best times and am feeling immensely proud of every one of the 8 young people who signed up for this adventure.
Are you interested in going with a team to Hands at Work?
Link for Life visits Hands at Work
Please pray for:
Why am I going to Africa with Hands at Work?
Have you got a Hands at Work event coming up?
Have you got an event for Hands at Work coming up that you would like to promote? We'd love to advertise it on our website and Hands at Work UK Facebook page. Please email us at: stories@uk.handsatwork.org