Helping Hands

August 19, 2015

Hello!

HELPING HANDS

Yesterday we spent several hours in Esikhaweni working with church members on a Helping Hands Project.   Every year, each LDS congregation in South Africa is asked to do a large service project for the community. (Actually, every congregation in the world is asked to do a meaningful service project annually.)  They had been searching for a something where we could make a difference, but that it wouldn't cost much money (always a huge challenge---especially in Africa where the people have VERY little themselves).  In this region,  they discovered an organization for physically handicapped adults.    Many of them are blind or wheelchair bound.   It began several years ago when a small group organized themselves to try to find a way to fit into society.  There are no educational or government programs for them.   This group now has a few hundred members.  Someone donated an old building for them to use.    Someone else donated a few commercial sewing machines.  So a few handicapped members have learned to sew and repair shoes.  These members teach the others and they are producing things to sell (recycled shoes they have repaired and native Zulu clothing.) So they are earning money, developing skills and making friends!!!

A member of the congregation went to assess the needs of what needed to be done to help this organization.
  We arrived with buckets, brooms, mops, soap, rakes, hammers, etc.    The women and girls began cleaning the workshops, the kitchen, school rooms and bathrooms.   I do not need to describe the condition of these facilities. The toilets, sinks, refrigerator, floors were covered with filth and grime.   I am sure when a person can't see or walk, cleaning is difficult.  

The men and boys went outside to clean the grounds.   Another man measured the windows.   Most of the window panes were broken or missing completely.   Without windows the items they were producing were not safe, because it was easy to gain entry into the workrooms.   What a great feeling it was to leave the premises clean, sanitary, organized and every room had a glass pane in the window.   

As we left, they called out thanks.   Others yelled prayers for us.   And others asked the Lord to bless us.  We need to do more of this! 

SELF RELAINCE

We continue to be overwhelmed with the assistance that is needed for our participants to secure employment.  BUT WE ARE NOT SLOWING DOWN.   We still have 6 more weeks to go.   You might be wondering what we could still be doing!?   When we began our classes, I thought to myself, let's skip all this preliminary stuff.........just give me a list of job openings and we will help them with the application and interview skills.   This program starts so SLOW and the lessons are "below basic".  However,  I am learning, AGAIN, that our people need instruction with the most simple tasks. So I am no different than the class members.....I am slow to learn the basics of what I need to do.

 One of their class assignments, was to come with a list of businesses (that they are are interested in) where they could apply for a job.   After 1 week, one participant could not think of ONE place (we are asking for entry level jobs like fast food.) that he could apply.   He is interested in cameras and retail.   So when he couldn't think of any place,  we suggested 2 places that sell cameras and Game (a general store like Walmart).   He said, "I never would have thought of those places!"  Even understanding where to apply is difficult.   These businesses are all close together in our mall!              Another person said, "The only place where they have a store that I am looking for is in Empagnei."   (This isn't the town where he lives, it is the next town over.   But there are NO businesses in his town.)   We suggested that he go there and get an application.   He insisted, "But I don't EVER go to Empageni."   We told him that when you are looking for a job, you must look for jobs everywhere....not just where you happen to grocery shop...which is in a different  town.   He is still skeptical that you would look for a job in a place that you don't shop in. 

A wonderful component of this program is called, My Foundation.   For the first 20 minutes of every class, they learn a new Foundational principle.    Then they must go home and teach that lesson to their family, neighbor or relative.    The lessons we have taught so far are:  Using time wisely, managing money, taking responsibility for your own problems and faith in Jesus Christ.   Having them teach these lessons to their family is an inspired idea.   They are affecting a wider circle of people and are possibly gaining support for their new "habits".    Also, every person is required to save ONE COIN every week.   It can be a penny or more.    This has been one of the most difficult things for them to do but it will be one of the best habits they can learn. 

ADDITIONAL STUMBLING BLOCK

Another stumbling block that we have uncovered, relates to all government jobs (which are perfect for our participants because they receive benefits and can get promoted into better areas).    To get one of these jobs, you must pay a bribe....   the largest bribe is guaranteed the job!  We thought this was a rumor, but it  is now a confirmed fact.

TRANSERS

Every 6 weeks some of the elders (missionaries) in our group get transferred to a different area.    We receive new missionaries (from other areas in South Africa) to replace those that leave..  We become so attached to these young men, that it is hard to let them go.   We know we will love the new arriving missionaries, but it takes a while to get to know them and develop a solid friendship.   Tonight (in 45 minutes) we are having everyone over for dinner to say goodbye.   We also give them their instructions from the mission home on how they are to move to their next area (bus, car etc.) It is a formidable task moving dozens of missionaries all over this huge country...and it all must be done in 24 hours or so.   We are also having a birthday celebration for one of our African missionaries tonight.  

LEARNING

We are striving to learn more about South African businesses/jobs, how to assist with education and more about the Zulu culture.    We have met so many people "by accident" that have helped us.  But a lesson we are re-learning, is that the best way to help these wonderful people is to help them come to Jesus Christ.   We truly know the Lord is able to help them and us!!  A few times we have forgotten that truth and tried to do things on our own, and we wondered why we "weren't up to the task." 

We love all of you dear friends.   Have  wonderful week!

Love, 

Elder and Sister Todd

Mormon Helping Hands