Durban Youth Corps initiative brings tremendous joy to orphans 

A few years ago a brother, Thembinkosi Ngema, with the help of the Durban Church started supporting The Agape orphanage in Waterfall, Kloof. The children are placed there as a result of the effects of HIV and Aids in the community – either abandoned or orphaned. An overseas company supports the orphanage financially but with between 40 and 50 children, they are always in need of a helping hand. The brothers and sisters in the church support by visiting every Saturday morning. 

In July 2007, we were very excited as a group of sisters from the church in Toronto Canada, led by Megan Oberholster (a former South African) organised a “Youth Corps” and travelled over to Durban to help work with the orphans at Agape. The Canadians were extremely generous and brought a gift for each child.  The gifts were presented to the children at a special party and picnic held at the Kloof gorge to celebrate all their birthdays!  Each child was given their own backpack filled with goodies.  

We were also treated to their beautiful singing as the older children have formed a choir. We were then given a lesson in Zulu dancing! 

The orphanage was burnt down a few years ago and with the help of the sisters from Canada, a new room was painted and stocked with toys, tables, chairs and games to provide a crèche and playroom for the younger children. 

With sponsorship assistance from the Ushaka Marine World, we were also able to treat the children to a visit to the Aquarium and the Dolphin show. After this wonderful adventure, a lunch was enjoyed by all at the Spur!  The excitement and joy felt by the children was clearly evidence on their faces!  And we too felt incredible joy in our hearts knowing that we were able to give a bit of our time, money and energy to these wonderful children.  

A big thank you to Megan Oberholster, Rachel Oberholster, Stacey Somerville, Jasmine Jordan, Brianna Lock, Rachel Douglas,Rebekah Dimaulo and Carolyn Spriggs for their love and sacrifice for the poor in South Africa.

Welcome home 

God has recently blessed us with three people being restored to the Durban church. It is extremely exciting to see people being restored back to the fellowship and renewing their commitment to God.