After school we run homework clubs that children can come and have a safe and productive place to come do their home work and get help with their subjects as well as a snack. Hope, a tiny toddler cute as a button, walked(it is quite a ways for a little girl to walk) with her friend to the community centre (orphan care centre) and was left there; no friend, no parent, no one wondering where she was or anyone caring enough to find out. So Hope stayed with me during homework club. I felt her heart take true rest as I held her head so she could sleep comfortably. This beautiful little girl breathed softly against my chest and I prayed for her as she slept. I prayed that she could feel the love of our heavenly parent who always watches, always protects, always loves, is always faithful, and never failing.
I truly thank God for those moments. To so many of these kids, we are the only ones who ever really show them that they are loved and valued and beautiful. My goodness, how that breaks my heart. What motivation and purpose it provides me with though. I am so thankful for God allowing me to continue ministry here. Thank you for those who make that possible. You provide these children with hope.
This got me thinking about our ability to rest. The only time we can truly rest is when we trust our environment. Not many people sleep well the first night in a new place. We can only rest superficially, but not deeply until we believe that we are protected and safe. Spiritual rest can only happen when we sink deep, confidently trusting the arms of Jesus to keep us safe through life's shadows. Hope was so tired. She is so young and already must take care of herself without the proper knowledge or means to do so. She lives in a loud and dangerous place where it is every man for themselves mentality. Only once she trusted in the arms of the one who cares for her was she able to rest and rest well. I feel privileged and honoured to be able to show the love of Jesus to her in that way. I asked myself these questions after thinking back on this and would like to extend them the same to you. Are you truly resting? Are you truly trusting? Spiritual resting does not imply physical resting although it can be both. Spiritual rest does not mean that everything goes 100% in life either but you are comforted in the loving protection of a loving Father. If you are struggling with rest, you may be struggling with trust, a struggle I battle as well which stems from willingness to give up control. I would check things out if so, and try your best to cling onto the peace that is only provided through Jesus. Think about it : )
The below is some information about my amazing friend Natalie who is doing some amazing stuff for Jesus : ) She is looking for some places to share about the children's home she helps run to create awareness and try to get some support. Contacts are below if you can help out. Love you all and hope this post finds you well!
My name is Natalie Spronk, a 26 year old South African missionary and worship leader, currently serving at Kwathu Children’s Home, a non-profit, community faith-based home in Livingstone, Zambia that provides shelter, education, psychosocial support, care for the HIV infected and affected children, and life skills to vulnerable children in a healthy, stable and safe environment.
Kwathu Children’s Home is a registered charitable project, registered charitable project, registration number ORS/102/53/233 under The Societies Rules Act Cap 119 of the Laws of Zambia.
On the 9th of October 2013, I left South African soil to take up my role in assisting in the administration and fund raising of Kwathu Children’s Home together with assisting in the daily lives of the children and staff at the orphanage. I find myself in the privileged and blessed position to share love, life and faith with these precious Zambian children, empowering and growing the future generation with the truth that they are fully accepted and fully known and that no matter what life may present to them as an obstacle or set back, Father God can take it and turn it into a testimony of His saving Grace.
At present Kwathu is renting a property which makes it expensive to run the home. For sustainability of the project, Kwathu has however secured land of its own. Building our own houses will largely reduce the running cost of the project and allow more children to be cared for who are displaced. A staff house and a borehole have already been placed on the property, and we are currently in the process of completing our first children’s home on the property which will be home to 16 children. Our next goal is to raise enough funding in order to start erecting the next building on the property.
I have been invited by our partner organization, Grace Klein Community, to share the heart and vision of Kwathu Children’s Home in the United States of America and will be hosted in Birmingham, Alabama between the 8th of October and the 8th of December 2014 in hopes to build relationships, create further connections, and raise further funding for the completion of the dream and vision of Kwathu Children’s Home.
Currently my schedule is open to travel in the United States to share about Kwathu Children's Home, to share my own personal story and to serve by leading worship or playing worship music for new friends.
Can you help me find some places to share?
Can you help me find some places to share?
- Bookstores
- Coffee shops
- High Schools
- College groups
- Singles
- Retirement homes
- Book Clubs
- Ladies Groups
- Women’s Retreats
- Student Sport Teams
- Churches
- Youth Groups
Also, take up my challenge to give $1 towards the children’s home and ask others you know to do the same. Every Dollar makes a difference! If one person can donate $1 USD to the home and encourage two other people to do the same, and those two then encourage another two people etc. it can make a world of a difference in a child’s life.
Donations in the US can be made through the Grace Klein Community website (www.gracekleincommunity.com). All contributions are tax-deductible.
Blessings,
Natalie Spronk
Kwathu Children’s Home
PO BOX 60021, Livingstone, Zambia
Website: www.kwathuhome.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kwathuhome
Email: kwathuoffice@gmail.com
Beautiful, Madi!
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