In changing the heart of the city, I would like to see us taking hands with likeminded organisations in the city of Port Elizabeth and the Eastern Cape Province by displaying the heart of God for the homeless and for the lost and broken. I envision MES PE being a shining light of hope during people’s darkest moments as we lead them to Christ.

The impact that COVID-19 has had on the shelter has been huge and as we continue to battle the return of the pandemic in our city, I am hoping that MES will continue to play the role it has played through this difficult time; to bring hope and light to the vulnerable in our community.
 
The little time we had as lockdown levels and restrictions were relaxed, gave us a chance to see some life return to the shelter. We managed to get some programs going again, see volunteers getting involved, and have had networking opportunities with various churches being realised. The willingness of people in the city to get involved is a great encouragement, as well as the numerous stories of grace of the change in people’s lives.
 
Looking forward, I hope that by the grace of God, we will be able to see the projects we are working on come to fruition including our GROW project, the clothing store, and soup packing for the hungry. We hope for stronger ties to be fashioned with stakeholders, churches and to see growth taking place in our staff. We are praying for a blessing of funds to afford a bigger staff compliment to serve the needs of the homeless. We also hope to see more stories of grace come out of the work we are doing and for our clients to embrace the hope that is offered in Christ our saviour.
 
As Christmas draws closer, my hope is that in our communities and cities we will hear the cry of the hungry, the homeless and the lost, that God will birth within the hearts of people a desire to see the birth of Christ become a life-changing event for that person sleeping under a bridge, or the family losing their home. I hope that the new year will usher in a new attitude and heart in the city toward the vulnerable to the Glory of God.
 
Regards,

Ronny Naude
MES Port Elizabeth Branch Manager

“We have found it really burning at heart, in our service, to do something for those who are in need of support and love at this critical time. We thank God for blessing us with the means to prepare these parcels and pray that He fills those who will receive it,” said Abigail Spandiel, an intern within the Social Work Services at MES PE.