Cell Outreach Over Christmas

Our cell decided that we wanted to provide food to people in need. After several weeks of discussing the matter, we decided that the people living next to the Rosslyn Rubbish Dump, who had been subjected to xenophobic attacks were to be the recipients.

It took quite a time to find out exactly where they were, but after good advice from Duane Lightfoot we managed to find them through the Pretoria North Police Station. The Station Commander kindly offered to send a car with us on the day, to see that we were quite safe, as this was unknown territory for us.

When we arrived, on the 23rd December, Doctors Without Borders were busy seeing to their medical needs. However, since then even this service has been withdrawn, as they are concentrating on the Zimbabwean refugees gathered at the Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg. We asked for their leader to come forward, and together with him, as he called out the names of the different countries, we distributed the food as fairly as possible.

I was concerned about whether what we had would make any sort of an impact, we are only five ladies in our cell group, and I said a prayer on the way there asking God to provide sufficient for the need. I was absolutely astounded when I tipped out the grocery bags, as to how much tinned and dried food there was available!

There seems to be a need for rice, tinned fish or boxes of soya mince and milk powder for the babies. I appeal to the congregation, who I know are continually asked for donations, for a small bag of rice and either a tin of sardines or a box of soya mince, would cost about R14 in total. This would make such an impact on their lives as they have nothing, no toilets, no water, and they live in plastic and blanket hovels. Remember the proverb of the Good Samaritan? How terrible to be in a foreign country and to be beaten and to have all you possessions stolen from you and to be left with nothing but what the authorities provided for you, and then to have these services withdrawn as well!

If you feel led to contribute, you can phone me on 012-3294846 or deliver to the Church Office where I will fetch the goods. May God Bless you greatly if this is your calling.

Cell Group of Anne Roux and Sisters in Christ.