MESsage from the Branch Manager
|
|
|
It may almost be too late to wish all our readers a happy new year, but it is a special time for us no less as we prepare for the greatest event on the Christian calendar: EASTER!
In our previous newsletter we asked the question: Is there still hope? We explored what that hope is, and discovered that ultimately it is found in the truth of who Jesus is. In Him and through Him, we believe that hope lives.
We believe that through Jesus change is possible, and that homelessness can be eradicated within a decade!
|
|
|
|
With Easter in mind, we have the opportunity to reflect on this message of Hope personally. What did Jesus do for me against that cross? What does 2 Corinthians 5: 18,19 practically mean for us as individuals? Is it not that we have been tasked with the ministry of reconciliation? How does Christ-in-me influences personal change and that of my community?
Thank you for taking this message into effect and changing the heart of the city! Here are some of the changes you have helped us achieve during this season:
|
|
We are also looking forward to this quarter, as we will be restarting our practical service, evangelism outreaches, every Friday of each month. Please come and join us! Interestingly enough, our newly appointed social workers in Parow and Durbanville are up to exciting projects so keep an eye out for all the opportunities to get involved. We want to thank you for keeping us in your prayers and supporting our work. Thank you to each partner for your donations, support and help. We could not do this without you.
Let us continue this journey together! Let us carry the message of hope into world. Let us change the heart of the city together.
Regards,
Ilse Maartens - Greyling
Branch Manager, MES Cape Town |
|
Upcoming events:
- Durbanville Community Dinner on 06 April 2021. Contact Franita Knudsen to reserve your seat on 082 440 7055 or email cptfundrasing@mes.org.za.
- Winterhope Campaign from 1st to 30th June 2021. To get involved contact us on 021 949 8736 or email prcapetown@mes.org.za.
- Street Outreaches held last Friday of every month, the first being on 26 March 2021 at Bellville Presbyterian Church hall in Lingen Street, Boston. For more information, please contact Enrique at 074 652 7073 or email enrique@mes.org.za.
|
|
|
Get involved!
The Give Responsibly Campaign in partnership with local schools and small busineses, aim to educate the public on responsible giving while encouraging support for local organisations such as MES, who sustainably bring change and development in the lives of the homeless instead of giving money or food at traffic lights.
We are working on partnering with primary and high schools in the Durbanville, Bellville and Parow areas in order to educate students about the importance of responsible giving and start a meal voucher selling competition in these schools. Through this, we are also intending to equip pupils with skills and necessary knowledge of relevant local organisations and structures through which they can give responsibly.
|
|
|
The Centre of Hope opens in Parow
We saw the establishment of a joint operations committee at the end of 2020 in Parow. This inspired a local businessman to donate a building that we have made into our Centre of Hope. The Centre of Hope is a concept for a multi-purpose, all-inclusive centre for relief, rehabilitation and development services. We will elaborate on this in our next newsletter. For now, we give God all the honour and praise for His provision.
|
Our new Drop-in Centre in Durbanville
The partnership with Friends of Durbanville, Business Chamber, individuals, churches and local government saw the old Lions Club transformed into a hip and cool Drop-in Centre! Sprouting minds jumped in and created a wonderful vegetable garden that will continue to provide food relief for our clients. We also hosted our first community dinner, and we plan to expand our other programmes including more job rehabilitation (cleaning) teams and more training courses.
|
|
Watch out Bellville, change is happening!
Our initiatives with local City Improvement District (CID) partners including the Boston CID, Welgemoed CID and Voortrekker Road CID, are allowing us greater opportunities to effect change together as is our motto; “watch out!! change is happening here!”.
We are also working hard with The Greater Tygerberg Partnership to further build our capacity for launching new recycling projects. We have already made great progress and we are proud to announce that our trolley project has been chosen as the Best Community Recycling Initiative at the PETCO awards 2021.
|
|
|
City of Cape Town's Lion Club turned Centre of Hope in Cape Town
One would think that December resembles ending off, rest and winding down...well, not for us! December meant the opening and renovating of our new Centre of Hope in Durbanville. In our world, December meant starting things, working hard, and winding up! After two years of prayer for a place within Durbanville, the City of Cape Town granted us the use of the old Lions Club which became a reality during the festive season.
By the grace and goodness of God, we received an empty building with one desk, filled with potential and hope. We jumped in and started sourcing everything we needed to operate, reaching out to churches, schools, local businesses and community members.
|
|
|
Cindy elevates from nothing to something
Cindy was living on the street for just over 6 years when she joined MES. She has since moved off the street and worked herself up to a supervisor position within our GROW programme. We are so proud of Cindy for taking hold of the opportunities and support around her. We commend her hard work and positive spirit. You have inspired many and continue to do so. We thank you. |
No more stress for Bulelani
MES Cape Town would like to take this opportunity and congratulate Bulelani, who secured permanent employment as driver for Voortrekker Road CID, our partner in the Mother City. Bulelani was part of MES Cape Town’s GROW Job Rehabilitation programme and a client at our Safe Space Shelter. We thank God for his success and look forward to seeing him grow in this new season of life.
|
|
DONATE TO MES CAPE TOWN
ABSA Bank
Account holder: MES Cape Town
Account number: 4058062432
Branch code: 632 005
Swift code: ABSAZAJJ
|
|
|
|
|
Needs list
In order for us as MES Cape Town to continue with our vision to change the heart of the city, there are a few things that we would like to ask assistance with.
|
|
|
Prayer requests
MES is based on Christian principles. We invite you to join us in our prayers and pray for the organisation to be able to deliver on its mandate.
|
|
|
Nation Builder
MES is one of only 16 NPOs in South Africa that has been selected to be a beneficiary of the Nation Builder initiative.
|
|
|
|
|
|
