Last week there was a flurry of activity with the arrival of our guests from Tampa, Florida on Monday.  Introductions were made and discussions were held regarding the weeks activities and then Dorcas led everyone on a tour through our facility.  The members of the team were introduced to the patients and the wonderful week-long visit began. 
Tuesday we held one of our monthly support groups lead by Constance Khanye, who with Madira Kgwale was trained last month on how to run support groups.  She taught them important basic information regarding HIV/AIDS and also allowed for discussions between all the attendees.  Many asked questions for Dr. Sonja, some even openly announced that they were HIV positive.  The meeting ended with card-making crafts with the team and a wonderful lunch of pap, chicken and veggies for all the attendees.
Wednesday the patients at Nakekela received another opportunity to create some more cards.  It was amazing to see those who suffered paralysis from a stroke being able to use their hands to pick up stickers.  We praise God for blessing the physiotherapy given by Riana Hattingh.  Many of the patients showed their creativity with different designs.  
On Thursday morning, a man walked about 5 kilometers to Nakekela to ask us for food.  He is HIV+ and on medication, but didn't have any food to eat.  We gave him some food and hygienic supplies to help him and his old mother for this month, informing him that we give these supplies in the name of Jesus Christ and we thank Him for our provision. 
The rest of the day was spent doing home visits with the team to several different areas that our Home Based Care workers serve.  The team had an opportunity to visit with patients, share God's Word and pray with them. It was very enlightening to experience the work that our Home Based Care team does daily.
The team members also contributed money for us to buy special heaters for each patient room.  These heaters can be left on all day using very low voltage and keeping our patients nice and warm through the cold winter months.  South African building generally do not have indoor heating or insulation and therefore the buildings can be just as cold (or colder) inside as it is outside. 
Dear team and church members of Village Presbyterian; Thank you so much for sending your representatives to us and blessing us with their presence. Thank for donating enough cash for heaters in all of our patient rooms. We are truly grateful for your generosity.  May God bless you and we look forward to seeing you again in the future!

We send you greetings on a cool, rainy South African fall day. As we look forward to the winter months, we are reminded of the promise that 'as long as the earth endures, seed time and harvest, cold and heat will not cease'.  Our work here on earth is not yet done, so we strive earnestly, as our motto says 'the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in the community'.
This past week we were blessed with several notable donations.  A couple donated an extra refrigerator to us.  We had been thinking of how to resolve some issues about the loss of food and supplies and decided we could use another fridge and put it in a spot only accessible by the responsible staff, when we were asked if we could use a used fridge.  Praise God for such a wonderful provision!!
Last week we were visited by some dieticians from the Department of Health interested in viewing the clinics in the area. This week Wednesday they brought by 30 boxes of fortified porridge for us to use. We are seeing God's gracious hand at work even in the daily workings of Nakekela. It is such a blessing to be able to be part of a ministry blessed and upheld by God.

While out on a recent home visit, Mirriam Rakwale was introduced to a family with two young children suffering from poverty, HIV and the father without fingers or lower legs due to amputation from gangrene. Our home base care workers have been visiting this family for some time now, trying help out where they can.  Assistance was also asked from our staff to search the internet to find hospitals and clinics close by that would help with artificial legs. After checking out a few of the hospitals in Pretoria, they returned home dejected because each of the hospitals required a lot of money to help the man with artificial legs. (R30,000 or $3400 USD per leg)
The man is trying to earn a living by selling things, however, cruel thieves beat him and steal his goods, because he is unable to defend himself or his products. As we continue to try to help this man and his family, please pray that we will find a way to help him.

Last but not least, we congratulate Dorcas Mathibela, our new Manager for completing her courses in Administration.  Please praise God with us for this accomplishment and pray that as she continues her education on nights and weekends that God will give her the grace to persevere, even when it gets tough balancing work, school and her home life.