|
 Alex goes to Durban, South Africa
This summer I will be spending four weeks (20th July - 17th August) in Durban, South Africa at “Project O”, an orphanage run by Martin and Vashti Downs. The couple set up the project after a trip to South Africa to work with children who had been orphaned by losing parents to HIV/Aids. Seeing such poverty and need struck a chord with them, they made a choice not to let their reaction be forgotten and moved to Durban to set up the project and make a difference where it seemed hopeless.
While I’m out there I’ll help with any general domestic duties that need doing, delivery of food and clothing to the children, pastoral care, care of children with cerebral palsy (something particularly close to my heart as my brother is disabled and I’ve grown up caring for him) and they have asked me to run dance workshops for children who love in the mountains.
“...there but for the grace of God, go I...” Is a phrase I use regularly, as I feel very strongly that God has delivered me from potentially destructive circumstances in my life by my salvation, following that of my mum's, and constant blessing since then. Throughout my Christian life I have felt passionately that my responsibility is to love the people around me and use the blessings and gifts given to me to the advantage of the Kingdom and to see people saved. I want to make radical decisions to honour God and make change, and I hope this trip is part of deepening that desire within me and another step in finding where God is calling me to serve. “You shall pass through this life but once...do something.”
I have to raise £1015 to cover flights, food and board for the month plus money for vaccinations. I’m struggling to work even enough hours on top of my course to make a quarter of the budget so any support that can be offered would be greatly appreciated.
|
Alex Hocking, 25/06/2009 |
|
| |
