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A newsletter filled with gratitude
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As we discussed the topics to include in this month's newsletter, a feeling of gratitude washed over me. Despite the global pandemic and all the limitations and challenges it entails, God's goodness is so evident in Project Held and all of our projects. We feel very blessed and are very happy to have you as a sponsor! We hope you enjoy reading!
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From 1 goat to a goat farm
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As we wrote earlier, we have a new webshop where you can buy beautiful cards and bags, among other things. But not only that! You can also buy a goat or chicken for one of our projects in Kenya, a sewing machine for the widows in India, or seeds for fruit and vegetables in South Africa. It is heartwarming how the response has been. Reginold, our Hope4Hope contact in Kenya, responded to the many donations:
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Dear donors of the Project Held webshop. Thank you very much for what you have done. You may have seen it as a small thing, just a chicken or a goat, but it means a lot to us. Thanks to you, our farm is now much bigger than it was 3 months ago. We now have about 20 goats and 30 chickens. We are so grateful that you made that possible. But of course, we thank God. Without Him, we could never do this work. We are deeply grateful for what God has given us and what He continues to give us every day. Be blessed and stay safe! Best regards, Reginold.
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Sewing machines in India
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In the meantime, three sewing machines have also been purchased through our webshop. Last week, we received a message from our contact person, Rajkumar, in India, stating that he has handed over all three sewing machines to three widows. All three women lost their husbands in 2020 due to Covid-19. In addition to the enormous grief this entails, it also means they no longer have any income. With a sewing machine and accompanying lessons, they can generate income to take care of themselves and avoid being forced to beg on the street and live on the streets. In this relatively simple way, we can make a big difference in the lives of these women.
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Lots of fruit in South Africa
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There has also been a lot of donation for the cultivation of fruit and vegetables. We received beautiful pictures of the huge harvest in Tshega in South Africa. Growing fruit and vegetables creates more employment. In addition, this way the children get a healthy diet and they can even sell part of it on the market, which in turn provides income. We are very grateful for this wonderful result!
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New children in Mozambique
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Here's an update from Corrie, our contact person in Mozambique at Iris Ministries:
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“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not look about in terror, for I am your God. I strengthen you; I also help you and uphold you with My righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10.
This is one of my favorite Bible verses over the years. We also see this wholesome hand this time over our work and our children. It seems as if the whole world is locked down. We are very sorry that we cannot receive foreign visitors. But on the other hand, we see so many good things from God. Financially, things are going well. It also pleases my heart that we were able to take in 6 new children. Social Welfare forbade us to take in children and wanted to send most of our children home, but that never happened.
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On the contrary, now they even bring the new children. This is how Aron was brought to us last week. The police had picked him up from the street, and he had been in a health center for the past few months. He is a funny little boy.
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From left to right: Zeca, Aron, and Milton
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Last week, we picked up Milton and Zeca from miles away. It was an adventure, through bumpy dirt roads and puddles that were way too deep. Abandoned by their parents, Milton and Zeca had been taking care of themselves for years, surviving on what they could find in other people's vegetable gardens.
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We were also able to welcome Arthur, Rahima, and Isabel.
When schools finally reopen, first grade will be busy, as Milton, Zeca, Aron, and Isabel have never been to school.
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Tulip Campaign Held @ Home
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Last week, Held@Home took action again. With a car loaded with 125 bunches of tulips, the Held@Home team went to a nursing home in the North of Holland. The residents often sit in their rooms due to COVID-19 restrictions. We thought it would be a nice gesture to give every resident a beautiful bunch of colorful tulips with an encouraging card. The residents were pleasantly surprised. All in all, another successful day where we could bring some hope!
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Spring in the house
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A cart full of flowers entered the nursing home, and after the residents awoke from their afternoon nap, all of them received a beautiful bunch of tulips.
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On behalf of the Project Held team, we would like to thank you for your support and loyalty to the children in the projects. Especially now they need it more than ever. Despite all the measures and the lockdown, we want to offer them Hope and Courage, right through everything. The children are the real HEROES!
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We also would have liked to offer you a bunch of tulips! Just hang in there with all of us. We hope that, despite the limitations, you can make something beautiful and warm these days. Take care of yourself and those around you.
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Don't forget to snag a nice or sweet card from our webshop.
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I Believe You Are The God Of
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