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A newsletter full of gratitude
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As we discussed what topics to include in our newsletter this month, a feeling of gratitude overcame. Despite the global pandemic and all the limitations and problems that it entails, God's goodness is so much visible in Project Held and all of our projects. We feel very blessed and are very happy with you as a sponsor! We hope you enjoy reading!
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From 1 goat to now 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 or 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. We want to thank you very much for what you have done. Maybe you saw 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 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, 3 sewing machines have also been purchased through our webshop. Last week we received a message from our contact person Rajkumar in India that he has handed over all 3 sewing machines to 3 widows. All 3 women lost their husbands in 2020 due to Covid-19. In addition to the enormous grief that this entails, it also means that they no longer have any income. With a sewing machine and the accompanying lessons, she can generate income so that she can take care of herself and not be forced to beg on the street and live on the street. In this relatively simple way we can make a big difference in the lives of these women.
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Much 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 is 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 around in fear, for I am your God. I strengthen you, I also help you and support you with My wholesome right hand ”. Isa 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. We are very sorry that we cannot receive foreign visitors. But on the other hand, we see so many good things from God. Financially it is 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 en 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. Deserted by their parents, Milton and Zeca have been taking care of themselves for years, keeping themselves alive with what they found in others' vegetable garden.
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We were also able to welcome Arthur, Rahima and Isabel.
When the schools finally reopen, they will be busy in first grade, as Milton, Zeca, Aron and Isabel have never been to school.
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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 the elderly home in the North of Holland. The residents often sit in their room because of the restrictions by Covid-19. We thought it would be a nice gesture to give every resident a beautiful bunch of colored tulips with an encouraging card. The residents were pleasantly surprised. All in all, another successful day were 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 residents 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 would also have liked to offer you a bunch of tulips! Just hang on 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 score a nice or sweet card on our webshop.
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I Believe You Are The God Of
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