In May, five of us had the opportunity to travel from the US to South Africa, joining other volunteers from Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom for International Office Celebrations. It was a chance for us to be together in person, with each other and with the volunteers in South Africa. We met new faces, sat through several sessions and learned a lot from each other.
Reflections from the IO Gathering
Over a month has passed since the International Office (IO) Gathering at the Hands Village, which brought over a dozen Hands management team volunteers from around the world to South Africa. While the busyness of life here in the U.S. eagerly engulfed me upon my return, I still find myself pausing occasionally to reflect on the experience...
Holy Home Visits
Roger experienced his first Holy Home Visits in Zimba, Zambia in July 2014. As part of a short-term team with Sunset Church from San Francisco, he walked side-by-side with Care Workers visiting the poorest children in their village. Roger learned that the Care Workers visit the children to bring love and hope where there is much suffering and struggle. He learned that they visit the children because God first visited us.
George's 2014 U.S. Tour: Thanks and Encouragement
Tea Party and Auction
Romina Chang is one member of a team from Sunset Church in San Francisco who recently traveled to serve for two weeks with Hands at Work in Zambia. The team diligently prepared for their service with regular team meetings, prayer sessions, and by fundraising and advocating in their local and church community. Here Romina describes the team’s fundraiser—a tea party and auction!
Becoming a Global Church
Serving through Prayer
Pam Heubner, from Minnesota, first encountered Hands at Work through her son and daughter-in-law who were volunteering with the organization via the Peace Corps. Following her exposure to the transformative work, Pam responded to an urge to further her involvement. Read below as she shares her story.
Hands U.S. 2013 Annual Report
We at Hands U.S. are so thankful for what God is doing in our nation regarding Hands at Work in Africa. Churches across the U.S. are committing to communities across Africa, sending individual volunteers and short-term missions teams, praying, and raising funds so that children can receive food, basic healthcare, and an education.
Hands Family Reunion in Kenosha, Wisconsin
A Beginning of Special Friendships
Art Benefit for Hands
Cable cars and the famous golden gate bridge might be the first things that come to mind when you think of San Francisco, but the city is also known for its love of art. When a vision to use many talented artists within the church to raise awareness of poverty and AIDS in Africa came together last year, it all made perfect sense!
From My Living Room to Nigeria
George Snyman is Coming!
George Snyman, founder and CEO of Hands at Work in Africa will be visiting many churches and advocate groups in the U.S. from October 4th through the 21st. Here’s a breakdown of his schedule. If you’re in the area, we would love for you to come out and connect with George. If you would like more detailed information, please contact Lauren at lauren@us.handsatwork.org
Walking the Dusty Roads of Mwaiseni with Esther
Joy of the Lord I Saw in Malawi
This past May, I had the privilege of traveling to Malawi where God opened my eyes to see more of Him and His purpose in ways I could not have imagined. I decided to go on my first missions trip primarily because I wanted to live out the gospel by serving and loving orphans and widows, as God commands in the Bible.
From San Francisco to Southern Africa: A Journey of Hope
In March of 2013, we traveled to Zambia and South Africa on a 10-day adventure that changed our lives. We had the privilege of spending time with the volunteer staff and care workers of Hands at Work on visits to four villages – Maranatha and Zimba in Zambia and Welverdiend and Senzokuhle in South Africa – and found ourselves so blessed and humbled by the experience.
Sharing a Heavy Burden (NIG)
Seth is a five year old boy living in the community of Ilaje, Nigeria. He is the youngest of four siblings. Several years ago when Seth was still a baby, his father left the family and divorced his mother, leaving the family destitute. Seth’s mother had no work and the children were severely malnourished.
What's Behind This Lovely Smile? (MAL)
Bethany is a 15-year-old girl living in the rural village of Mcheneke, Malawi. Her smile defies the hardship she is living with as a teenager who has lost both of her parents.At the age of two, Bethany contracted a debilitating illness that left her mentally impaired and paralyzed on one side of her body
Free At Last! (SA)
Connie is a 14-year-old girl who lives in South Africa. She was born with a form of cerebral palsy, a congenital disorder that has affected one side of her body, resulting in her inability to walk or have full use of her extremities. However, her physical limitations do not seem to affect her spirit.
Great time at Urbana (US)
We had an awesome time at Urbana these last couple of days. I was really inspired by the 16,000 youth that were willing to give up their holidays and spend time worshiping, and trying to discern what God has planned for their lives! If you stopped by our booth, thank you! If you have questions be sure to check out the rest of the website, or email me at Jed@us.handsatwork.org.
