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Keep abreast of the latest happenings and events at Morning Star Children's Centre as we strive towards a better life for our HIV/ AIDS children and their families.

Our focus, whilst taking care of the day-to-day activities of looking after and treating the children, is also to work towards longer-lasting solutions that will improve the mindset and living conditions of those living in the poorer communities by giving information on HIV/AIDS and equipping them with skills on how to sustain themselves in the future.
June 2025 Newsletter
2025-06-27

Dear Friends,

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.                                                                         He is like a tree planted by the water, that sends out its roots by the stream,                                                         and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green,                                                                           and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”                                                   Jeremiah 17:7-8

Welkom is in the grip of its winter season right now and its bitterly cold today. There’s an icy wind blowing off the not-too-distant Drakensberg Mountains, heralding the start of a massive cold front that made landfall in South Africa yesterday. Temperatures over the next few nights are expected to plummet to 4 degrees below zero!  That’s COLD – especially when you live in a tin shack in an informal settlement and have inadequate protection from the elements. We do what we can to help our many suffering clients – but it’s truly just a drop in the ocean of need. 

Joshua and I are safely back in South Africa, after another successful UK trip. We thank and praise God for journeying mercies all the way and for giving us the strength and stamina needed to keep going over the 3 ½ weeks of our round tour. All-in-all, we addressed 23 different audiences in England and Wales and covered many miles in the comfort of the car loaned to us for the duration of the trip. Many thanks to those who hosted us in their homes and went out of their way to make us feel welcome. I’m sorry we couldn’t visit all of you and share our important news with everyone, but a massive thank you to those who travelled many miles to see us and to listen to our presentation at other venues. We’ve returned home with our hearts full and praising God for His love and faithfulness and for the gracious response we had to the important news we shared. 

For those of you who have not yet heard our important announcement, Morning Star is in the process of merging with a well-established Christian organization in Fish Hoek, South Africa (near to Cape Town), called Living Hope. They will assume full custody of Morning Star Children’s Centre from the beginning of 2026, ensuring the continuation of our mission while expanding services to meet the broader needs of our community. This does not mean that our day care centres will cease operating next year; there’ll be a slow phasing out of our services in Kutlwanong Township, but we’ll be continuing, as is, in Welkom for the foreseeable future.

Living Hope (www.livinghope.co.za) is a much larger organization than Morning Star; they have over 200 staff members and reach 100,000 clients per annum. They have a proven track-record which addresses poverty, disease and despair through healthcare, education and community development.  And, most importantly, both organizations are rooted in Christian compassion, aiming to uplift vulnerable populations. A full transition would leverage Living Hope’s resources and expertise to preserve Morning Star’s legacy while enhancing its impact. 

Negotiations with Living Hope have been ongoing for the past year and Joshua and I have been down to meet Living Hope’s director, Victor Thomas, twice. He, in turn, has been to Welkom on two separate occasions too, the latest time being as recent as at the beginning of this month. The legalities surrounding our merge are presently being addressed and, God willing, Living Hope will begin their services in Welkom and in Kutlwanong Township from the beginning of 2026.

For those of you shocked by this announcement, please know that this is not an easy move for us either. Morning Star has been ‘my baby’ for the past 25 years and is very dear to my heart. But I am getting old and who knows how much longer I’ll be able to be part of the daily running of the charity. The bottom line is, if I was to die soon and Joshua Bolaji, our board chairman, was to leave Welkom, there’d be no one on the ground with the right set of skills and passion to drive the organization into the future. Morning Star would simply cease to function in a matter of years. Passing on the reins to younger and more able hands than we have, will preserve Morning Star’s legacy and ensure its ongoing sustainability. It’s been a very hard decision to take – but it’s right.

For further information, you’re welcome to contact Joshua Bolaji or myself. Please also take the time to watch our 2025 UK presentation on Hook Church’s YouTube channel. Joshua and I took over their evening service on 18th May and our full presentation is on Hook’s YouTube site. Simply search for Hook Church’s evening service of 18th May 2025. We start talking at about 21 minutes into the service.

Additionally, please watch the new Morning Star video shown around the UK this year. You’ll find it on our website (www.morningstar.org.za), on our home page. It was filmed and edited by Mr Jeremy du Toit, a professional filmmaker, from Bradford-on-Avon Baptist Church. It’s an excellent account of our present-day operations and truly captures the essence of our organization.       

Since our return home it’s been ‘go, go, go’ at Morning Star from morning to night! From the illness and tragic death of our beloved, long-term employee, Joyce Monyane, on 6th June, to the planning of our upcoming Holiday Bible/Skills Club for our 10-13 year olds, to Sarah Wilkins’ birthday farewell tea, to visiting our ill in hospital, to our three youth care workers discipling and counselling our many young adults, to, finally, welcoming and enjoying our latest group of UK volunteers – the 6 lovely, young adults on Grace Baptist Mission’s Envision Team.

These young folk are in Welkom for only one week before they go back to Johannesburg to serve at Honeyridge Baptist Church for the remainder of their time in South Africa. But, judging from what I’m hearing at a distance, they’ve all fully immersed themselves in our various programmes and are willing to assist wherever they are needed. Not only are they interacting with our preschoolers and school children in the classrooms and on the playground, but they’re also helping to prepare and serve meals, wash dishes, tell Bible stories, conduct arts and crafts session, go on the transport runs into the black townships and, of course, attend early morning staff devotions. On Saturday 28th June we’ll be taking them to Boskoppie Lion Park, before driving them back to Johannesburg after church the following day. Thank you for including Morning Star in your time in South Africa, Envision Team; we’ve loved having you.

We have another UK volunteer coming out for 2 weeks in August. She is Caroline Sheard from Horsecastle Chapel in Yatton, Somerset. Caroline is also one of the members of our UK Morning Star Support Group and our Church Champion Programme’s new coordinator. We’re so looking forward to her visit and believe she’ll be integral in communicating to our supporting UK churches what our merge with Living Hope is going to look like and help allay any fears that our supporters might have. Caroline will also have the opportunity to visit Living Hope in Fish Hoek whilst she’s in South Africa, together with Elizabeth vd Westhuizen, our operations manager and Rose Khambula, our internal accountant.  They’ll all be flying down to Cape Town for a couple of days, just prior to Caroline’s return to England. 

Yes, after 15 years of wonderful service at Morning Star, Sarah Wilkins is retiring and returning to England. I must admit, it’s very hard to let her go; she’s totally transformed the educational side of Morning Star in her years of service, made a massive difference in many a troubled child’s life and has, tirelessly, passed on her skills and expertise to our teaching staff. I truly don’t know how we are going to manage without Teacher Sarah in our midst! Sarah’s final day at Morning Star is July 25th, but it was her birthday on the 20th June, so we had a wonderful birthday tea in her honour and invited past teaching colleagues to join us in bidding her farewell. Our very first educator, Selina Thobe, now 80 years old, was able to attend and it was a delight to see her and Sarah chatting together and listening to them reminisce about their early years of service in our newly opened Morning Star school.  Sarah has assured us that she’s not leaving Morning Star for good; God willing, she’ll be back as a volunteer in 2026 and will continue to play a role in our children’s and staff’s lives. 

We have three extremely ill children in our midst at present; 8-year-old Nakane Ngantweni, 6-year-old Omphile Dzanibe and 14-year-old Lesole Sithole.

?Omphile has been in hospital for about 3 months, the bottom line being that she was suffering neglect at the hands of her mother who had stopped administering her anti-retroviral drugs. Omphile almost died in the process. Her home situation was so dire that social services are not allowing Omphile to return to her mum after her discharge from Bongani Hospital. Instead, she’ll be placed with a suitable relative who’ll be better able to care for her. 

?Nakhane is due for admission at Bongani Hospital today. He’s our young boy with a colostomy, which should’ve been reversed long ago, but because of ongoing health issues and weight loss, the procedure could not take place. Although already 8 years old, Nakhane weighs a mere 13.8kgs. He weighs less now than he did when he started at Morning Star at the beginning of 2024! We’re in consultation with our paediatrician, Dr Bruwer, about him now and she’s having him admitted to hospital for further investigation and treatment. 

?14-year-old Lesole is not in hospital. He lives in a township called Nyakallong with his aunt and two older sisters. They live in abject poverty and all three siblings suffer from HIV/AIDS. They survive on Lesole’s government child support grant (about 23pds per month) and the help they get from Morning Star. It’s pitiful to see them in their plight and, because Nyakallong isn’t on Welkom’s doorstep, we don’t get to visit the home as often as we should. Our professional nurse, Sr Mamorena, is using her wide influence in healthcare to get Lesole’s older sisters onto social aid as well because without enough food, taking ARV’s each day is a hopeless exercise. Food aids in the absorption of the medication, reduces potential side effects and helps maintain immune system function.  

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Praise and thanks:

1. For God’s amazing provision and care, always.

2.For Joshua’s and Joan’s successful UK trip.

3.That 73 teens & young adults attended the Bible Study on 7th June.

4.For our fantastic support teams – the UK Support Group and the Morning Star Board and especially Joshua Bolaji, who has played a massive role as board chairman over the past 14 years and who is a significant part of our merge with Living Hope.

5.For the Grace Baptist Mission Team, presently at Morning Star, that their time with us will leave a lasting impression on their hearts and minds and that we’ll have many more teams visiting us in the future. 

Please pray for:

1.Our merge with Living Hope and the mountain of legalities that need to be attended to by October 2025. Pray that we finish well and that I, Joan Adams, display humility and grace in the transition.

2.Joyce Monyane’s grieving family. She leaves behind 3 grown-up daughters and 10 grandchildren. Pray especially for Sharon, Joyce’s 18-year-old granddaughter, (now in her final year of secondary school) who Joyce brought up and who lived with her.

3.Our very ill children – Nakhane, Omphile and Lesole.

4.Our Holiday Bible Club taking place from 1st – 4th July – that the children’s hearts will be receptive to God’s word.

5.Our umpteen children who are struggling emotionally and suffering abuse at the hands of the adults in their lives.

6.Our children’s safety over the upcoming winter school holidays

7.Our three youth care workers and Pastor Revival as they meet with, disciple and counsel our many teens and young adults.

8.That Morning Star will ever glorify God in all we do. 

“They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;                                                                                           they shall mount up with wings like eagles;                                                                                                                they shall run and not be weary;                                                                                                                                        they shall walk and not faint.”                                                                                                                                        Isaiah 40: 31




April 2025 Newsletter
2025-04-16
“The Lord GOD will swallow up death forever;                                                                                                          and He will wipe away tears from all faces,                                                                                                          and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth,                                                                            For the LORD has spoken. It will be said on that day,                                                                                                “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us.                                                                    This is the LORD; we have trusted in him;                                                                                                                Let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”                                                                                                              Isaiah 25:8-9
Dear Friends
It’s been a very busy time at Morning Star since our last newsletter went out in February. Of course, I’m not ‘on site’ most of the time nowadays but am fully aware of the big issues that occur every week and of how the staff have been rushing around, dealing with the usual chaos that each day brings.  How blessed we are with the key staff members employed at our two centres.
But, overriding everything else over the past weeks was the planning of our 25th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner, held at Bundu Lodge on Friday 28th March. It was well attended and was a resounding success. Photos and news of the event have been shared on Facebook/Morning Star website so suffice to add what appeared in our local Vista newspaper recently: 
“25 years ago, as the nation was in the vice-grip of the HIV & AIDS epidemic, a housewife was burdened to do “something” to help, especially the children who were born with this terrible virus. However, she felt insufficient for the overwhelming task of making a true difference that would stem or turn this tide. What could she do?!
Joan Adams, resolved that, while she may not be able to save all, she could make a difference to several lives, “Just four or five children” she said to herself. Twenty-five years later, Morning Star Children’s Centre (MSCC) has had a phenomenal impact in the lives of hundreds of children and their respective families. For twenty-five years, Morning Star has provided daily care for children infected and affected by HIV & AIDS. This has included, home visits, food parcels, medical care, remedial education, youth peer support, youth Bible studies, youth care support and trade training among other services. Central to everything Morning Star does is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
On Friday 28th March, Morning Star Children’s Centre celebrated 25 years of God’s faithfulness by hosting a special thanksgiving dinner at the Bundu Lodge. The event was in honour of local people and businesses that have played and continue to play a role in supporting the work done at Morning Star. While over 95% of the financial funding comes from the United Kingdom, many locals have contributed to its success over the years, and this was an opportunity to acknowledge their roles.
The event included, a three-course menu, musical entertainment by the Bolaji Quartet, a special gift presentation to both Joan and her husband Ron Adams, and the centre piece was a brilliant video presentation documenting the work done at Morning Star.
A good evening was had by all. Morning Star and the members of the Board of Directors would like to, once again, thank all who attended the event.” (Joshua Bolaji, Board Chairman.)
The second ‘big event’ needing careful planning was our 2025 Sea Trip. This ‘once in a lifetime experience’ for 30 more Morning Star teenagers took place from 8th – 12th April. Chantell Erasmus, our PA, ably oversaw the preparations, from the measuring and purchasing of the allotted clothing, to ensuring that each child had parental and school permission to go on the excursion. She also accompanied the team, making certain that each day ran smoothly, and everyone kept safe and well. She was accompanied by our 3 drivers, youth care workers, Shedreck & Patricia and 3 additional lady staff members. 
For your interest, the sponsored children who enjoyed the 2025 trip were:
Boys: Elliott Tsienyane; Kamohelo Mbulelo; Karabo Mokoena; Karabo Montoedi; Katleho Pitso; Lesedi Komoreng; Ndandazo Phatekile; Sonny-Boy Sebokoli; Thapelo Lehana; Teboho Moshane. (10)
Girls: Itumeleng Rathaba; Khanyisile Faas; Khanyiswa Lesige; Mantsane Motloung; Nthabeleng Morata; Nthabeleng Ramokhanye; Nthabiseng Matlakeng; Nthabiseng Theletsane; Relebohile Thaba; Sibongile Koelman; Tlaleng Makole; Tshidi Molelekoa. (12)  
Youth care worker, Patricia, summarized the sea trip as follows:
“The children arrived at the centre around 16:00 on Tuesday 8th April to check their vitals, medication and bags. The excitement was tangible, and it was as if we were too slow for them. We had our supper and watched a movie at the centre and then left at 21:00 with 15 girls, 15 boys and 9 adults.  
Our drivers are the best and were swift around the potholes on the road. Some places, the roads were really bad. 
We arrived at Howick Falls around 04:30am and watched the sunrise there. You could see the amazement on the children`s faces. We then went to Ushaka Marine World in Durban. The children were so happy to see and learn about all the fish in the Aquarium. The Dolphin Stadium was the highlight, and we all loved watching the dolphins in their moves. I just wished our teenagers were more exited to dance but they were still too shy. We then drove to Kinderstrand Children’s Holiday Home in Port Edward where the facilitators welcomed us and informed the children that they were going to have activities that will help them learn through play. They would learn leadership skills, communication and teamwork. They took us to the beach for a walk and I could see how our children’s faces lit up to see the sea.
The children were clearly happy during all the activities as you could hear their laughter, cheers and handclaps. The teamwork activities really drew them closer together. Some were so scared to go up the wall but most overcome their fears and challenged the wall. Shame, Sonny-boy and Tlaleng could not make it; they were so frightened, but Tlaleng eventually managed to go up the zip slide. 
Vuyokazi Mokoena excelled in all she did and the trip gave her a huge confidence boost as she was the top performer also in the quiz. It was so nice to see how leaders rise up and become group leaders without being elected. The quiz also showed that most of our teenagers really have learning problems and my biggest concerns were Mantsane and Sonny-boy. I talked to Ntate Shedreck about Mantsane and he said he will keep me posted after seeing her March report. Will also follow up on Sonny-boy who really needs a lot of help. Khanyiswa and Khanyisile were also in their element, very bubbly, helpful and good team players. They have really enjoyed and there was nothing left of the shy girls.
On our way back home you could hear that bonds had been formed amongst the teenagers as I could hear their laughter and joking together most of the time. 
The sea trip is one of the world’s best things that Morning Star can give to these children. Everything is well organized and pleasant to watch unfold. I enjoyed it as much as the children did. We adults also participated in the activities and I even made the kids aware that I also failed in doing some of it and it is fine. Not being able to do something does not make you a failure – we all lose sometimes. That is part of life’s journey. We must not give up and most importantly, must have fun and be happy.” (Patricia Letseke)
Our 2025 sea trip was the 23rd year that our Morning Star children have enjoyed this exciting event. All-in-all, 480 teenagers have now seen the sea for the first time in their lives, and this is not even taking into account that ALL our staff members have been treated to this once-in-a-lifetime event as well. The UK couple who have made these excursions possible each year have truly blessed us, much more than they could ever comprehend.
The third big event on our calendar is Joshua Bolaji’s and Joan’s imminent UK trip. Joshua and I fly out to Heathrow on different days but meet up, God willing, on Tuesday 29th April. Our first presentation takes place the following evening, at Grace Baptist Church, High Wycombe. I’ve attached our itinerary to this email for your interest. Unfortunately, we’ll not be able to visit all our supporting churches, but I encourage you to go along to the nearest venue and hear, first-hand, what God is doing in our midst and what our plans are for the future. Together with what Joshua and I will share verbally, we’re also bringing along a new professional video and, depending on the time allotted to us, will show either the full version (28 minutes long) or the edited version (just over 15 minutes long.) Jeremy du Toit from the Old Baptist Chapel, Bradford-on-Avon, came out to Morning Star in November 2024, and spent close to 2 weeks filming every conceivable thing, both with his drone and with his camera, as well as interviewing key staff members. He returned home to edit his footage and what a battle it must’ve been to reduce his story to less than a 30 minute account! N.B. We will be needing appropriate electronic equipment for the viewing of the video at each venue.
In-between these three big events, we also had 3 staff members at Morning Star diagnosed with TB (tuberculosis) during the month of March. The first, and most serious, was childcare worker, Joyce Monyane, who hadn’t been well for several weeks prior to her diagnosis. Sr Mamorena, our professional nurse, finally took it upon herself to insist she undergo a sputum test to determine her status and this came back positive. Joyce is now on TB treatment and recovering at home. She is nowhere near ready to coming back to work yet. Joyce’s positive result led Sister Mamorena to test the sputum of all staff members and, amidst a flurry of activity, two further positive results were received. Both ladies are on treatment now and doing well and, praise God, healthy enough to have returned to work when we reopened yesterday, 14th April.
And we’ve had two deaths…….!                                                                                                                      
Tragically, 10-year-old Kabelo Monyane died from cerebral meningitis on Saturday 22nd March. His death has shocked us all to the core, as he’d always been a healthy young lad and well taken care of by his parents. About 3 weeks prior to his death, Kabelo developed an abscess above his eyebrow, which took quite a bit of time to heal. He was back and forth at the doctor for treatment – but none of us even vaguely suspected that this infection would spread to his brain and result in his death. A crisis was reached at about midday on Friday 21st March, and Elizabeth vd Westhuizen rushed to his home and drove him and his parents straight to Bongani Hospital for emergency treatment. He died shortly before midnight on Saturday 22nd March. We were all shattered and his mum and dad, and the broader family, devastated, to say the least. Please keep Kabelo’s mum and dad in prayer. They’ve already buried their eldest son and how one navigates this pain for a second time around – without Christ, is unimaginable.      
Our second death was not a child’s but that of dear friend, Paddy Winson. Paddy headed up our Tshedisanang Women’s Project for many a year and was at the helm when we produced and sold the many beautiful, hand-embroidered articles whilst on our annual UK trips. Paddy poured all her energy and love into developing the women under her during her time at Tshedisanang, teaching them sewing skills unknown of before and giving them the wings needed to flourish in life and become independent. She was sorely missed when she finally left the project. Paddy was diagnosed with widespread cancer about 6 months ago and died in hospital on Thursday 10th April. We mourn her loss but rejoice that she’s now with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15-16.

Prayer Requests:
Praise and thanks for:
•A successful celebratory 25th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner on 28th March.
•Another successful Morning Star sea trip. We thank God for His hand upon our precious load of children and staff all the way there and back home again.
•The general good health of our children and their safety over the school holidays.
•The excellent attendance at our monthly young adults’ Bible studies over the past months (50-70 strong nowadays.)
•UK Volunteers, Caitlin and Joshua’s fantastic work with our children whilst at Morning Star and their safe return home.
•The surprise visit to Morning Star of Kizzy Angel and family yesterday, 14th April. Kizzy was a UK volunteer here in 2023 and we were all delighted to see her again and to meet her beautiful family.
Please pray for:
•Papiki and Julia Monyane & family as they mourn the loss of their 10-year-old son, Kabelo. Pray, too, that this traumatic event will lead them to seek Christ.
•Paddy Winson’s three children, Lisa, Brett & Greg and families, as they come to terms with their mum’s recent death.
•Joshua and Joan’s upcoming UK trip – for safe traveling, good health and a positive response to the message we need to get across to our audiences.
•Our many children who have suffered deep trauma in their lives.
•The full recovery of Joyce Monyane from TB.
•Godly wisdom for our three Pastoral Youth Care Workers as they support and counsel our teens & young adults.


February 2025 Newsletter
2025-02-11
“I will give thanks to you, O Lord among the peoples;                                                                                             I will sing praises to you among the nations.                                                                                                          For your steadfast love is great to the heavens,                                                                                                        your faithfulness to the clouds.                                                                                                                              Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!                                                                                                                  Let your glory be over all the earth!                                                                                                                        Psalm 57:9-11
Dear Friends,
Morning Star opened its doors for the first time on 24th January 2000 to admit its first 8 children. It was born out of deep compassion for the plight our Nation found itself in due to the escalating HIV/AIDS pandemic that was sweeping through our land at the time. With just 4 staff members and these 8 little ones, we set out to make a difference to little children from impoverished backgrounds, born with HIV/ AIDS, and provide them with an opportunity to reach a measure of their potential before their untimely deaths. Yes! They were dying like flies in those days, and we were more like a hospice than a daycare centre, but now, here we are 25 years later, celebrating our 25th Birthday and praising God for His goodness to us. He has ordered our steps and sustained us all these years— and we give Him all the glory. Morning Star now boasts 2 Centres, (in Welkom & Kutlwanong Township), has 580 children on its register and 39 staff members on its payroll. Over the past quarter century, more than 3000 children have passed through its doors. Most didn’t fit the admission criteria but those who did were helped to thrive or loved until they died.
Today we look after 120 little ones at our 2 centres on a daily basis. About a quarter of them are still born with the HIV virus but seldom do we admit a child as ill as the ones we cared for in our early days. Those born with HIV are put onto antiretroviral drugs (ARV’s) soon after birth and are generally healthy and strong, whilst the remainder of our intake are all born to parents infected with the disease themselves but, because ARVs were given to them in utero and at birth, are born free of the disease themselves. This is wonderful news indeed and tells us that this terrible disease can be brought under control and that children don’t need to be born with it any longer. It’s a tragedy that 2.5% of them still slip through the cracks, mainly because their mothers don’t attend the community antenatal clinics and get help for their unborn infants whilst they’re pregnant.
However, our most vulnerable group these days is not our little children, but our teenagers and young adults. They are the ones born prior to the roll-out of ARVs and who suffer the symptoms of the disease and the side effects of the antiretroviral drugs. Slowly but surely more of an emphasis is being focused on them and assisting them to thrive, make something of their lives and pointing them to Christ, their only true hope in this messed up world. They have many a challenge and, in most instances, are struggling to accept their HIV statuses. It’s hard to come to terms with the fact that one was were born with the virus, through no fault of one’s own, and that there’s no cure for the disease – yet. Our 3 youth care workers do a tremendous job in befriending, counselling and encouraging them but the workload is immense. Up to half of the children on our register these days are 13 years old and over, and it’s difficult to get around to all of them on a regular basis and to spend real quality time with them. 
But here we are, at the start of a new year, looking forward to all that God has planned for us in the coming months. Thankfully, our children are generally well. The poor health of many of our little ones in our early years is a thing of the past and, for this, we are deeply grateful. Our annual death rate has gone down significantly too and in 2024, only one of our children passed away, the lowest annual death rate since our inception. Sadly, we do have a young adult who has aborted her treatment and we’re trusting that Mosa will get back on track, as she’s promised, and not leave her own one-year old daughter orphaned like she was at almost the same age.  We also have a 13-year-old girl who recently revealed that her grandmother’s boyfriend had been raping her over a period of 3 years and another whose stepfather has been making advances on her as well. And the stories go on and on! These cases always tear at one’s heart and leave one despairing for the future of South Africa. The rate of new HIV/AIDS infections in our young women between the ages of 15 – 24 years is alarming too. We hear there are up to 400 new infections per week in this age group, due largely to their relationships with older men, inconsistent condom use, gender-based violence and deeply ingrained social norms that disadvantage young women in sexual decision-making. 
About 40 of our little ones left our two Day Care Centres at the end of 2024, mostly to embark on their formal school careers and start Grade 1 at the surrounding Township schools. Although they’re happy to spread their wings and fly away, we’re always left with a sense of sadness as we know, in many a case, that their years at Morning Star will turn out to be the happiest in their entire lives. Many who leave us miss the food served each day and often a school-going child will come in looking thin and frail and nothing like the jubilant, robust child who left us at the end of their Grade R (reception) year. Of course, we support these cases as best we can – but from a distance.  Losing all these children, of course, left space for the admittance of 40 new little ones to our centres. They’ve all settled very quickly, and, to our surprise, few wails of grief were heard at being abandoned to strangers by their mothers. 
We are blessed to have two UK volunteers in our midst for the first 3 months of this year. Caitlin Chapman and Joshua Fisher, both from Woodgreen Evangelical Church in Worcester, arrived in South Africa on 11th January, just in time for the start of our new year. They were there to witness the dozens of school children and their parents descending upon us for ‘back-to school’ assistance and then to welcome our little ones back on the 15thJanuary.  Since then, they have been put to work in umpteen different ways, including Joshua washing dishes, peeling vegetables and cleaning windows and Caitlin sorting out clothing donations received whilst we were closed for the Christmas holidays. They’re now attending to some much-needed painting jobs, as well as assisting in the preschool, Little Stars and Special Classes. Sarah Wilkins is thrilled to have Caitlin’s assistance with arts and crafts each day and both young folk have enjoyed accompanying our drivers on their daily runs to collect our children from their Township homes. We love having overseas volunteers in our midst and so missed this benefit during the Covid era. Not only do volunteers bring their own set of skills and talents to share with our staff and children but they also spend quality time with our little ones, often stimulating them and loving them in ways our staff don’t have time to do. We are surely going to miss these two when they finally leave us towards the end of March. 
Have you considered coming out to Morning Star and volunteering in our midst? It’s a wonderful opportunity to see life from a different perspective and to interact with our children and their families
Many of you might not be aware that in addition to electricity power outages (load-shedding) across South Africa, we are now also suffering from water shedding. This is the practise of reducing or cutting off water supplies to consumers. It’s a response to water scarcity which can be caused by a number of factors, including population growth, the lack of planning by relevant authorities and the lack of investment into new and existing infrastructure. The folks living in the black townships are particularly adversely affected by this and have been without water for up to a week at a time. One can just about cope without a constant electricity supply but having no water coming out of the taps is another story altogether! We struggle immensely at Morning Star with this latest crisis and are just thankful that our Kowie Street property has a borehole in situ. Our gardeners are repeatedly having to go there with huge plastic containers to collect water for our daily usage. We’re unable to bath our children and use the washing machines and must constantly remember to fill up containers of drinking water whilst we have water coming out of the taps! Water shedding is happening all around the country but places like Welkom are particularly badly affected. 
The highlight of our first month back at Morning Star this year was definitely our 25th Anniversary Ceremony held on the 24th January. This was a glorious celebration and a wonderful day in every way. Joshua Bolaji, our board chairman, shared from God’s Word, and we also offered our gratitude to God in song, prayers, and testimonies to His faithfulness for a quarter of a century. The service was concluded by the singing of the beautiful hymn “Great is Thy faithfulness” the words of which say it all. Afterwards, the staff were given a commemorative mug, and a delicious lunch was served. There was also a jumping castle, ice-cream, cake and balloons for the children. If you’d like to few the photos and hear Joshua’s speech and Joan’s short testimony, please visit our Morning Star Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/100064366824709/  
In conclusion, our events planned for the next few months include:
1.A 25th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner on 28th March. This event is predominantly to thank God for His faithfulness over the past 25 years and to honour the many friends we have in Welkom who have supported and assisted us in many diverse ways.
2.Our 21st Sea Trip, scheduled to take place from 8th to 12th April 2025. Once again, 30 of our 15–16-year-olds will be taken down to Kwa Zulu Natal to see the sea for the first (and maybe only) time in their lives. They’ll be accommodated at Kinderstrand (Social Welfare Centre) in Port Edward, down the south coast of KZN, get to frolic in the Indian Ocean and experience uShaka Marine World in Durban as well. Once again, we thank the UK couple who have been funding these annual trips all these years. They have been a wonderful blessing to close on 500 children now and their legacy will live on these children’s hearts for the rest of their lives.
3.Joshua and Joan’s UK trip will take place from 30th April – 22nd May, God willing. The itinerary is just about finalized and I’ll be sending it out to you all in my next newsletter. 

We had a professional filmmaker, Jeremy du Toit, visit Morning Star towards the end of last year and the video he’s in the process of editing will be used for our presentations. This, of course, means that we’ll require our different venues to ideally have visual/audio equipment available for viewing purposes.  

PRAYER REQUESTS:
1.Praise and thanks for our Lord’s utter faithfulness to Morning Star over 25 years.
2.The safe return of our children after the Christmas holidays and Sarah Wilkins’ safe return form the UK in time for the new year.
3.For our sound financial position right now.
4.Our two very lovely new UK volunteers, Joshua and Caitlin.

Please pray for:
1.Our new General Manager, Revival Hlongwane. Pray that he’ll continue to settle into his role and quickly grasp the intricacies of a 25-year-old ministry.
2.Our sick & frail children – Lucky Rantsie who has lost a lot of weight over the Christmas break, Nakhane, still awaiting his colostomy reversal and very frail and Mosa, our young adult, who has aborted her antiretroviral regime. Pray, too, for 13-year-old Vusi Khotle, who for months last year was taking his and his aunt’s anti-retroviral drugs each day. It seems there was a bit of confusion over who these drugs were meant for and aunty presumed they were all for Vusi. He’s been in hospital for weeks and is now being transferred to the Universitas Hospital in Bloemfontein for further management. 
3.Rape victims – Lebohang and Mantsane and that their perpetrators will be brought to book, and for Neo & Goodman Mabaso, whose mother has been thrown into prison for being in South Africa illegally. Pray for them as they transition to a place of safety whilst they await her release.
4.The full restoration of our water and electricity supply and for able leadership in our South African government.
5.Our Morning Star Board Meeting scheduled for Thursday this week, 20th February. Pray for unity of spirit and for wise, godly decisions to be reached.
6.Our teenagers and young adults – pray for their safety and that they’ll keep taking their ARV drugs as prescribed. Most of all, pray that there’ll be evidence of spiritual growth in all those who attend our monthly Bible Studies.
7.Our three youth care workers, Zwide, Shedreck and newly employed, Patricia Letseke. Pray for Godly wisdom for them all as they interact with our teens and young adults.
8.Ron Adams, who slipped on a wet surface at the beginning of January and broke his left femur. After spending 3 weeks in hospital, he’s now finally back home and slowly recovering. Please pray for patience for us both and for his complete healing, in due course.

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think,
according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church
and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians: 3:20-21


December 2024 Newsletter
2024-12-12
11th December 2024
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
Trust in the Lord forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.
Isaiah 26: 3-4

Dear Friends,

And so, we’ve come to the end of another year! Our final function – our staff party – took place yesterday, 10th December. Only our office staff are at Morning Star today and until Friday 13th, when they, too, go on leave until we reopen on 10th January 2025.

Where has the year gone? It seems just like yesterday that we ushered in the New Year and Ron and I relocated to Johannesburg, and now we’re about to bid 2024 farewell! And, as I stop and consider all that’s taken place over the past 12 months – and over the past 25 years, I’m brought face-to-face with my own frailty and inadequacy in so many areas and can do no other but worship my Gracious God and thank and praise Him for His guiding hand upon us for a quarter of a century. I know, with all my heart, that our existence still today is all of Him and none of me - or any of us. It is our Lord Jesus Christ who has gone before us and sustained us. It is He who has blessed us and raised you all up to partner with us. I stand in awe of a Holy God and can only cry ‘Lord, I am not worthy to be your servant’!

Since I last wrote to you in October it’s been ‘go-go-go’ at Morning Star – from morning to night! Gifts to wrap, giving out clothes, packing sweet packs, planning for the New Year, feeding the hungry, giving out more clothes, Christmas parties, organising monetary gifts from overseas sponsors, giving out more clothes – all needing to be recorded and/or distributed.

We kicked off with our School Concert & Market Day on 28th November. Sarah Wilkins writes:

“Once again we have arrived at the end of another year. We have seen our children grow, learn and thrive over the past twelve months. It is always sad to say goodbye to those children who are leaving us to attend their government schools. We also have a measure of deep satisfaction that we have done our best to build a good foundation for them so they can continue to flourish. 

6 of our 12 children in the Special class are ready to leave us. 6 will remain at Morning Star. Their end of year concert was lovely, and they performed the Nativity story with great enthusiasm. Each child was presented with either a Bible or a Christian book. 

This was followed by our Gogos’ (Grandmothers’) Christmas Party on 30th November. Sister Mamorena, our professional nurse says: 

“The ceremony was opened by singing, and devotion was done by Pastor Revival. He read Matthew 14: 13-21, where Jesus fed more than five thousand men and women; he then elaborated on the importance of giving. We then had the privilege of watching Teacher Portia’s reception class perform the Nativity play, which reminded us of the Christmas season.
The grannies were happy to be at Morning Star for their Christmas celebration and we were able to thank them for the role they play in their grandchildren’s lives. I, Sr Mamorena, then did exercises with them and encouraged them to do them at home too. We had a time of singing hymns and traditional songs, and they did traditional dancing ,which they enjoyed very much. 
The tables were nicely decorated with sweets and chips, which the grannies enjoyed the most, as well as juice and water. They were well catered for.
They were then given time to speak from their hearts. This is the time when they thanked God for what he has done with their grandchildren and guiding them through. They were thanking Almighty God about Morning Star Children’s Centre saying that if it was not there for them and the provisions they got and still receive from the centre, they do not know what they could have done or where they would have been. Each and every one wanted to share some experience and thank the Lord for what has happened.
But we had to stop the line because it was time for lunch, where they were served rice, fried chicken, pumpkin and spinach. This was levelled up with dessert and drink. They were thankful for their taxi fares and their presents.
I also enjoyed the day a lot and being part of them and thank Almighty God for what he is doing at Morning Star.” 

Our Grade R’s (Reception) class officially “graduated” on Tuesday, 2nd December. This is an annual event that acknowledges the readiness of our 6-year-olds to transition to mainstream education and to attend the government primary schools close to their Township homes. Sarah Wilkins shares the following about the occasion:
“This year we had a record number of Grade R children graduating - 39 altogether, from our two Morning Star centres. Our graduation ceremony is always a special occasion, and this year was no exception. Portia’s Grade R class performed another excellent nativity, and all the children sang with gusto. As well as the certificates, each child was given a Jesus Storybook Bible. Our prayer is always that these little ones will grow up to trust and obey God and accept Jesus as their Saviour.“

Our Little Stars (toddlers) and preschool Christmas Party took place last Thursday 5th December. Teachers Sylvia and Julia had this to say about the day:
“Our Little Stars and Preschoolers had a lot of fun on their Christmas party. It was a wonderful sunny day and perfect weather to enjoy the outdoor equipment hired for the event. There was a jumping castle with a slide and a jumping castle with a water slide. The children especially loved the water one.                                                              Snacks were provided in the morning and Wimpy fast-food chain gave them all a hamburger and a cold drink at lunchtime. Soon it was time to hand out Christmas presents and sweets. The children were very happy with their gifts and wouldn’t let the parents touch them when they arrived home. Our drivers tell us that they were so worn out that they fell asleep on the way home. 
Our Grade R’s (reception classes) and Special Class children’s Christmas function took place last Friday, 6th December.  They were treated to a fun day at Funtasia Fun Park, just across the road from our Welkom Centre. Our youth care worker, Patricia Letseke, reports the following: 
“50 learners from our Kutlwanong and Welkom centres were treated to a fun day at Funtasia last Friday. They were accompanied by 6 staff members. Our children had a blast on the jumping castles, train and other vehicles around the park. It was clear that the swimming pool was the main attraction, though, as the children were in the water most of the time and having a lot of fun. The learners were given burgers and juice for lunch; these gave them all the energy they needed for returning to the play equipment. Having extra hands around made it possible for learners like Nakhane and Siyabulela, who needed extra care, to also have fun on the equipment of their choice. When the children returned to the Welkom Centre, they received gifts and sweet packets. The happiness on their faces was evidence enough to show their joy.” 

From the depth of our hearts, thank you so much for all your support and prayers for us over the past 12 months. We thank God for each one of you and want you to know that we pray for you regularly at our morning devotions and quarterly board meetings. We are truly a partnership, as what we do on the ground here in Welkom, South Africa, could never be accomplished without your prayers, encouragement and faithful support. How blessed we are to have all of you in our lives!

None of us knows what awaits us in 2025 but what peace and comfort is afforded us, knowing the God who holds the future in His hands.

“For by Him all things were created,
in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities –
all things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-16

Let us celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ with joy and thanksgiving. A blessed Christmas to one and all.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
•Please join us in praising and thanking God for his benevolence and for sustaining Morning Star for the past 25 years.
•Pray for the safety and well-being of our children and staff over the December/January school holidays.
•Pray that we’ll use your donations and monetary gifts wisely, remembering that, in many cases, they come to us sacrificially. 
•Pray that the rezoning process of our Kowie Street property will soon be finalized so that we can move forward re: selling it.
•Pray that we’ll never be ashamed of what we do at Morning Star. We are unashamedly a Christian organization. Pray that our organization will be Gospel first, Gospel second and everything we stand for.


October 2024 Newsletter
2024-10-17
Our Very Dear Friends,
“I love you, O Lord, my strength                                                                                                                     The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,                                                                                   My God, my rock in whom I take refuge,                                                                                                          My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”                                                                              Psalm 18: 1-2

Goodness me! We’re halfway through the month of October already! Where has 2024 gone? It’s also hard to believe that Ron and I have now been living in Johannesburg for 9 months. In some ways, living here has become easier over time – we’re well settled in our new, little home and are slowly putting down roots at our new church, Emmanuel Baptist, in Florida, west of Johannesburg. But, on the other hand, and at least once a week, I have an overwhelming sense of sorrow that I’m not in Welkom and at Morning Star. I so miss the buzz of activity there and being able to interact with the children, staff and our many clients at any time during the day. It is what it is though, and I’m fully aware that our Sovereign God orchestrated events the way they unfolded and that ‘for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose’. I am truly grateful for the 5 days per month that I get to spend at Morning Star, to properly catch up with all that’s going on.

Elizabeth vd Westhuizen is well into her last month of Acting General Manager. She’s done a great job in holding the organization together since we bade farewell to John Burrows at the end of February/8 months ago. Pastor Revival is on track to take over from her and step into his new role as General Manager at the beginning of November. He’s now more than halfway through his Project Management Course through UCT (University of Cape Town) and has also had a financial training session with our board treasurer, Naledi Marumo. Revival has enjoyed his course and says he’s learnt a lot about planning and organizing and leading and controlling an organization.  He’s presently busy with Module 7 of his 10-week course and set to complete everything by the end of the first week of November.  Whilst Elizabeth has been Acting General Manager, Chantell Erasmus, PA to the General Manager and to the Morning Star Ambassador, has also stepped up and has performed many of Elizabeth’s former duties. Both Chantell and Lineo Moroane, our very efficient receptionist, have been a wonderful support to Elizabeth this year. 

Pastor Revival transitioning to the new General Manager post leaves a gap for a third youth care worker. Our youth care workers had previously indicated that it would be ideal to have a woman in the mix and so, on the strength of this, Patricia Letseke has been employed to take Revival’s place. She’ll be mentoring and counselling all the young ladies in Thabong and Bronville Townships and Pastor Zwide Khumalo will pick up all the young men in the two above-mentioned areas. Patricia started working at Morning Star on 1st October so that both Revival and Zwide could show her the ropes and introduce her to some of the young ladies who will be in her care. We trust that Patricia is going to be happy and fulfilled working for Morning Star and that, as she builds relationships with our young adults, she’ll become their ‘safety net’, the person they’ll turn to when they’re troubled and burdened and when they need Christian counsel and sound Biblical advice.  

By mid-October we’re usually well into planning for our end-year functions – the Grade R Graduation ceremony, our school concert and market day and our various Christmas parties. We’re also busy determining which Township schools our Grade R’s (reception class children) are transitioning to in January 2025 and how many of those on our waiting list can be accommodated at our two Centres in the New Year. What stands out on the current waiting list is that only one child on it was born with the HIV virus. The rest were all given anti-retroviral drugs in utero and so, even though their parents have the disease, they don’t, at all! This is thrilling news and confirmation of how our ministry has changed over the past 25 years. We are no longer a hospice, caring for desperately ill children, but a day care centre, looking after healthy little ones, albeit from grossly impoverished homes.

The Morning Star School that catered for children from Grade 1 – Grade 3 in the past is no longer operational. These days we only have a single class, accommodating children with special needs. We were pressured to slowly phase out our Grade 1 – 3 classes as we’d never been able to register our facility with the Department of Education and thus enjoy their support and benefit from much needed educational resources. This is because our premises don’t belong to us; they belong to the Free State government. And, because Kopano Complex used to house  the government hospital in Welkom, it’s always been zoned for health purposes and not for education. We can’t change this without owning the premises we occupy. 

And now our little remedial class – with just 12 children – is under threat of closing too. These children are extremely vulnerable and are with us because of significant challenges in their lives, mostly health issues or trauma. Our aim is to help them overcome these and become part of the mainstream education system of South Africa in due course. We have always enjoyed very good relations with the Educational Support Centre, who recognize and support the work we do. Sadly, we are now under threat because certain people in the Free State Department of Education want to close us down permanently. Their argument is that all our children should be in government schools, registered by the education department. In reality, most of the children in our special class wouldn’t cope in mainstream education, which is why they are still at Morning Star. At least 2 would’ve died if we’d not recued them. Despite pointing this out and also explaining that these children have suffered deep traumas and have various debilitating medical conditions that impact them academically, there is still a vicious agenda to close our little school down permanently. At least two ladies in the Education Department are on a deliberate mission to do this. Please pray for this to be defeated. (On the quiet we’ve been told that they don’t like Morning Star because we expose their failures.)

The above is a sure indication of the high standard of education set at our Morning Star School since Sarah Wilkins joined us 14 years ago. Sarah has done a sterling job in raising our standard of instruction, training our teaching staff and leading by example. One of our success stories is that of 8-year-old Refentse Molonyeni. He came to us at the age of 5 years with multiple health issues, including an enlarged heart, a bigger-than-normal-sized head, a severe speech impediment and low muscle control. On top of this, he and his 3 older siblings had been abandoned by their parents and left to fend for themselves. Since moving to his grandparents, being at Morning Star and undergoing extensive health interventions, including speech therapy, Refentse has blossomed. From not being able to talk at all because of the trauma in his life, he’s become a real chatterbox and never stops talking. He’s now exhibiting leadership qualities and is the first to answer questions and stand up for his peers. He loves reading and, on the way home from Morning Star each afternoon, tells the carer all about the day’s events. He is thriving both emotionally and socially and is ready to be launched into mainstream education at the government primary school closest to his Thabong home in January 2024.  

Morning Star turns 25 years old on 24th January 2025. Isn’t that just awesome! Mind-boggling! Humbling! We plan to host a Thanksgiving Dinner event in Welkom during the year and encourage you all to put on your thinking caps too and plan something similar in your own churches. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, all over England and Wales, events to commemorate our 25 years of service could happen in 2025.

Many thanks to all of you who contributed to the contents of the eight big boxes of children’s clothing/stationery that Liz Richardson from Wheelock Heath Baptist Church, Cheshire, couriered out to Morning Star last month. Thank you, Liz, for collecting these beautiful items for us, storing them in your home for many months and then packing them into boxes, bound for South Africa. Our cupboards are full again (briefly) and many a Morning Star child is now walking around Welkom in designer clothes and feeling like royalty.

NEWS FROM THE MSUKSG (MORNING STAR UK SUPPORT GROUP):
This group has been in operation for several years now and is a huge encouragement  to us at Morning Star. We meet via ZOOM or TEAMS once a quarter, where Joshua and I update the team on the happenings and financial position at Morning Star. But we also hear how the UK team have been promoting us in the UK and what fundraisers have taken place, to benefit our organization.

In August of this year, Tayo Oyeniyi organized a BIG WALK at her church, Bexley Heath Baptist, in Kent. She reports that although it wasn’t as successful as she’d hoped for, a good number of the congregation participated and over £310.00 was raised for Morning Star. We are thoroughly delighted with this and thank her and Bexley Heath for their effort.

Although not represented on the MSUKSG, Emmanuel Baptist Church in Leeds has also just had a fundraiser for Morning Star. They hosted a Music & Pudding Evening last Saturday night. This was the second time that Sandra Rycroft had helped organize a music evening for our benefit. Many of you know her as the lady who couriers’ boxes of children’s clothing to us each year – but few of you will be aware that she does so much more for us behind the scenes. And all this from a woman close to her eightieth birthday! The event was a huge success. The musical talent at Emmanuel Baptist  is phenomenal and the combined support of so many in the congregation made it a memorable event for both the participants and those in the audience. Thank you, Emmanuel Baptist Church, for the blessing and encouragement you are to us, always.

A big thank you too, to Davenies Boys School in Beaconsfield for another magnificent donation of outdated school uniforms and to Anne Stacey, from Wimbledon College, for the wonderful lot of zip-up nylon jackets and sports shirts sent our way. Both donations have been gratefully received and will make a massive difference to our children next winter, especially.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. 
His mercies never come to an end.                                                                   
They are new every morning, new every morning,                                                                                          Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord, Great is Thy faithfulness.”

In closing, please note that, God willing, our Morning Star UK Fundraising Trip will take place from 30th April – 20th May 2025. If you’re interested in hosting us at your church, please get back to me so that we can start planning for it.
And for those of you who intend to send your sponsored child a monetary Christmas gift, please do so before the end of November. Anything sent thereafter will likely only be processed in the New Year.

PRAYER REQUESTS: 
Praise and thanks for:
1.The very welcome, widespread rains enjoyed this week.
2.Our generally healthy children.
3.Our new Youth Care Worker, Patricia Letseke.
4.Wonderful donations of children’s clothing, stationery and school uniforms.
5.Our present, stable financial position.
6.The successful fundraisers hosted by Bexley Heath and Emmanuel Baptist Church.
7.Staff unity and God’s guiding hand during Elizabeth’s term as acting general manager.
Please pray for:
1.Pastor Revival as he takes up his new position as General Manager.
2.Our ill children – Nakhane, awaiting closure of his colostomy, Siyabulela Latile suffering with pneumonia and teenager, Thabong Ncipha, who is seriously frail and thin and very ill with acute tonsillitis. 
3.Our children and staff who have recently lost loved ones: Lebohang Tisana’s father has died and Letlake Mohale’s mum passed away 3 weeks ago. Staff members, Anna Matiyase has recently lost her mother and youth care worker, Shedreck Hollane’s father died from throat cancer just over a week ago. Please keep them and their families in prayer.
4.The sale of our Kowie Street property. The rezoning of 44 Kowie Street has been a far lengthier process than we first envisaged; it’s reaching the final stages now, but our structural engineer has warned us that he’s experiencing serious delays from all the government departments involved in the process. 
5.Our Morning Star Special Class – please pray that God would thwart the efforts of the education department to close us down and change the hearts of the people who are bitterly opposed to us.

Thank you, always, for praying.


August 2024 Newsletter
2024-08-06

“Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways!

You shall eat the fruit of the labour of your hands; 

You shall be blessed and it shall be well with you.”                                                                                                                  

Psalm 128: 1-2

Dear Friends,

And before we can say “Jack Robinson”, July is history and we’re into August 2024! Goodness! How the year is flying by! 

We’re still in the midst of our winter weather in South Africa but as the LORD promised in Scripture, “while the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22) which means we can confidently say that by September, there’ll be signs of spring on the way and our nights won’t be as bitterly cold. 

July 2024 was a very busy and full month at Morning Star. It began with our Equip for Life Holiday Club for our 10 – 13-year-olds at the end of June. This was held over 4 days, with the 10–11-year-olds gathering on the first two days and the 12–13-year-olds thereafter. Each day was filled with hype, different challenges and, as always, good food – hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, cake, milo and chocolates! All-in-all, 110 children attended, all of whom had to be collected from their Township homes and taken back afterwards as well. 

 “Put on your Armour” was the theme this year. The children were divided into groups of 8 and instructed to dress one of their number in spiritual armour, using cereal and egg boxes, paper, roller towel tubes, gold and silver paint etc. At the end of each two-day session, a parade was held to judge the best-dressed soldier/group. The children loved this activity and were very creative in the way they decorated and adorned their elected soldier. They were competitive too; in fact, one young boy burst into tears when he was not chosen the ‘winner’!

Of course, each session was undergirded with Scripture. Our 3 youth care workers handled this side of things superbly and even enacted the importance of us all donning our spiritual armour routinely. Our new professional nurse, Sr. Mamorena, also spoke to the children re: the importance of morality, keeping safe from sexual predators, as well as on knowing their HIV status and taking their ARV’s (medication) as prescribed.

Our little children had no sooner returned to Morning Star after the June/July school holidays when Nelson Mandela International Day (or Mandela Day) was upon us once again. This is an annual event in honour of Mandela, and celebrated on 18th July each year (Mandela’s birthday). Everyone is encouraged to mark the day by making a difference in their communities. Each one of us has the ability and responsibility to change the world for the better and Mandela Day is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change. Morning Star Children’s Centre is privileged to have people bless us on Mandela Day each year. Some folk make appointments in advance whilst others just turn up unannounced. It is a day filled with donations of food and clothes etc. and of people giving of their time and skills. Our children love all the attention and fun and usually go home with gifts of sweets and fruit. This year we had the local DA (Democratic Alliance – political party) with us for most of the day. They came laden with lunch treats for the children and spent several hours working alongside our kitchen staff, prepping for breakfast, morning tea and lunch. Their visit was followed by that of the Welkom Crèche & Preschool, a local Methodist Church, a group wearing PPE clothing and willing to clean up anything and everywhere and students from Welkom College. If only Mandela Day happened every day and not just once a year!                                       

Mandela Day was closely followed by the arrival of a team of young adults from Woodgreen Evangelical Church in Worcester, England. Youth leader at Woodgreen, AJ Johnstone, contacted us over a year ago about the trip and from then onwards, he and the 7 teens/young adults who were set to accompany him to Morning Star went to work to raise the funds needed for their flights, accommodation, food, excursions etc. The team were with us for 8 days, all told, and this is what Rachel Bilson, had to say about their time in Welkom:

A group of 8 of us from Woodgreen Church had the most amazing time serving at Morning Star and in the community of Welkom and we have all come away feeling like a part of our hearts still remains with the incredible people who we met during our trip. 

We loved getting stuck in with everyday activities at Morning Star as well as meeting those at Welkom Baptist Church.

Our highlights included taking the children for ice cream, teaching the children’s devotions, painting a mural of the Bible stories we taught the children that week, teaching in the pre-school and doing crafts in the afternoon. We also enjoyed being part of the Welkom Baptist Church youth group on Friday evening where AJ lead the study and we were encouraged to see the large group of young people who attend each week. 

We were spoilt with a South African Braai at Joshua and Esther Bolaji’s home (pastor of Welkom Baptist Church) and for many of us it was our first time trying pap (a stiff porridge made from maize meal). Biltong was also a big hit with the team, and kept us going on our return journey. We loved visiting the Goldfield’s Ranch Game Reserve on our final day and were all thrilled to see giraffe, buffalos, lions and springbok! 

It was a joy and privilege to spend time with those at Morning Star and we thank God for the incredible work they do so selflessly day in and day out, serving our Heavenly Father in such a tangible way. 

AJ and team flew home on Sunday 28th July and our next UK volunteer, Tayo Oyeniyi from Bexley Heath Baptist Church, flew in Monday, 29th. She’s also in Welkom for just over a week and we’re trusting that her short time with us will be a wonderful blessing and the first of many more visits in the years to come.

We love having overseas volunteers at Morning Star. Please consider coming out yourself and seeing, first-hand, how we operate on a daily basis. No number of annual visits and presentations in the UK can capture the essence of Morning Star. You need to experience it personally.

The last day of July was our Operations Manager, (and present acting general manager) Elizabeth van der Westhuizen’s 70th birthday. Very discreetly, and without her smelling a rat, a surprise birthday braai (barbecue) was arranged in her honour and enjoyed by staff and children alike. What a blessing Elizabeth is to us all; what a privilege to have had a woman of her calibre and strength of character as part of our organization for the past 14 years. Nothing is ever too much trouble and going the extra mile is part of her make-up. We salute you, ‘Mme Moruti’ (Mrs. Pastor’s wife) You are truly appreciated and loved by us all.

And now for the news you’ve all been waiting for – and praying about – does Morning Star have a new general manager yet? And the answer is YES.

On 15th & 16th July, Joshua and I conducted interviews with the more suitable 12 of the close to 40 candidates who applied for the post. The first day of interviews was not promising. However, we were slightly more encouraged on the second day although very concerned with respect to the important matter of their Christian profession. For example, again and again, many were comfortable with affirming homosexuality and lesbianism. After further discussion the two of us decided to invite Rev. Revival Hlongwane to undergo the same interview. Here is what we discovered: 

1.He is a mature believer, and one who upholds the authority of God’s Word.

2.Not only is he familiar with Morning Star and our work, but he has worked in various departments within Morning Star over a period of 8 years.

3.He possesses the intellect and ability to manage the day-to-day duties of the general manager.

4.He has a genuine heart for our children and their families.

5.He is very familiar with the communities that our children come from.

6.He possesses leadership qualities.

7.He’s young (late 30s).

8.His spoken and written English is excellent.

The Morning Star Board affirmed Rev. Hlongwane’s appointment based on the above, provided he undergoes online managerial, project management and financial training over the next several months. God willing, Pastor Revival will take up his new position before the end of 2024. 

Another exciting snippet of news is that on 6th of September, 50 of our current Morning Star children have been selected to go on an aeroplane flight. “The Children’s Flight” at New Tempe Airfield, Bloemfontein, is an annual event where 500 underprivileged and terminally ill children are treated to an unforgettable day of taking to the skies in the spirit of Ubuntu. It’s a combined initiative with pilots, management, safety officers, ground crews, bus drivers and sponsors joining together to make the sky accessible and to demonstrate the theme of ‘living the dream’, that anyone can be whatever they dream of being.                                              

Our children have no clue yet as to what awaits them ‘around the corner’. Those selected are our older current children, all those 6 years of age and over. Hopefully this won’t be the first and last time we’re invited to participate in this initiative, for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. 

And on that happy note, I end my epistle of July 2024.

“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the

 great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,                          

equip you with everything good that you may do His will,                                                             

working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ,                                   

to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”  Hebrews 13:20-21

PRAYER REQUESTS:

PRAISE & THANKS FOR:

•All the wonderful donations we’ve received of late; especially the 13 couriered boxes of children’s clothes via Sandra Rycroft.

•The invitation to participate in the ‘Children’s Flight’ on 6th September. 

•The blessing the Woodgreen Team of young adults and Tayo Oyeniyi have been over the past month. What a joy to host them all! 

•For the good health of the majority of our children this winter, and especially that of 8-year-old Siyabulelo Latile. It’s the first time since his admission in 2020 that he’s not been seriously ill during our bitterly cold months. 

•‘The ‘Big Walk’ Bexley Heath Baptist Church (Kent) is hosting (to raise funds for Morning Star) on the 10th August. We’ll be having our own ‘Big Walk’ on the 8th August and invite you all to organise one at your own church before the end of your summer as well.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

•7-year-old Nakhane, who is still very frail/fragile and struggling with colostomy complications. We do praise and thank God, however, that he’s back at Morning Star each day and that we’re able to play a role in his care and education.

•Our 22-year-old Tshiamo Leshoro who had a stroke this past weekend. Please pray for her complete recovery; at the moment she’s paralysed down the one side of her body and drooling badly.

•Revival Hlongwane as he prepares to take up the position of General Manager at Morning Star.

•Our 3 youth care workers as they interact and counsel the many teens and young adults on our register. Pray that they’ll be encouraged and get to see the fruit of their labour, with many of our young folk coming to know and trust Jesus as their Saviour.

•A suitable replacement for Revival as youth care worker; he’ll have to step down from this role once he takes up the position of General Manager.

•Godly wisdom for the Morning Star Board of Governors as they discuss and decide on the way forward for our organisation.



May 2024 Newsletter
2024-05-10
Dear Friends,
“Look carefully then how you walk,                                                                                                                     not as unwise but as wise,                                                                                                                                     making the best use of the time,                                                                                                                             because the days are evil.”                                                                                                                                     Ephesians 5: 15-16.
Greetings to you all.                                                                                                                    
Welkom is enjoying a typical South African autumn day today. The sun is shining, the sky is clear and the outside temperature reading is 24 degrees centigrade. It tends to cool down quite a bit once the sun has set, but not significantly so, yet! The month of May in South Africa is definitely my favorite; it’s neither too hot nor too cold.
Joshua and I are safely back in South Africa, after a successful, meaningful UK trip. We thank and praise God for journeying mercies all the way and for giving us the strength and stamina needed to keep going. It’s always an adjustment, moving from my ‘other’ life back to normality here in South Africa; from being completely on the receiving end to having to cook and clean house etc. once again. To those concerned, a big thank you for your wonderful hospitality and for making Joshua, Nicole Correia and me feel so welcome in your homes and churches. I’m sorry we couldn’t visit all of you but a big thank you to those of you who managed to attend scheduled meetings within driving distance of your homes. We truly appreciate the effort you made to meet with us and listen to our 2024 presentation.
We’ve returned home with our hearts full and praising God for His love and faithfulness:
•For safe travelling for well over a 1000 miles (we did get a low emissions and speeding fine, unfortunately.)
•For Stephen Allmand-Smith’s smart BMW car loaned to us once again.
•For our Lord’s protecting hand when a huge deer collided with our vehicle on the way to Sandbach. 
•For the opportunity to share the Morning Star story 20 times at different churches/ private meetings.
•For the sponsoring out of 12 new children
•For generous financial gifts, freely given.
•For the loving hospitality enjoyed with dear friends.
•For the new contacts we made. (3 churches were visited for the first time.)
But we also returned home greatly saddened by two recent, tragic events; the death of 19-year-old Neo Matlakeng and the terrible rape of 8-year-old Tshepang. 
Neo aborted her anti-retroviral treatment regime for the second time towards the end of 2023 and although she improved sufficiently to be discharged from hospital, was just too weak to recover fully. She died on 11th April, in the midst of Joshua’s and my round trip of England/ Wales. We were as devastated as her family, the Morning Star staff and her friends back home. Neo was one of the little children we nursed and nurtured in early childhood, prior to the role-out of ARVs in South Africa. She thrived, went on to excel at school and was still a healthy, happy teenager in 2021. Sadly she stopped taking her treatment in 2022 for the first time and nearly died then. God heard the cry of our hearts and healed her and she promised she’d never do such a silly thing again. So, why she secretly did so last October is still somewhat of a mystery. What she did tell us was that the tablets were too big to swallow and made her vomit…….! If only she’d shared this with us long ago so that we could’ve stepped in and counselled and encouraged her before it was too late.
8-year-old Tshepang from Kutlwanong Township was raped by two 17-year-old boys living in the same street as him. He was badly injured and had to receive medical attention for the damage done. Although his mum reported the case to the police, no action has been taken yet. They’ve neither visited the scene of the crime nor arrested the two young men responsible. Personally, I’d like to castrate them both, I’m so livid.
Our younger Morning Star children are generally doing well health-wise. We do, however, have 7-year-old Nakhane Ngantweni in hospital in Bloemfontein right now. He underwent a procedure on the 19th April to have his colostomy fistula closed but, unfortunately, had it reinserted 24 hours later as a result of resulting complications. This is truly a blow for him and his mum.
Our recent trip to the UK caused us reflect on how significantly different things are at Morning Star nowadays compared to our traumatic, early years as an organization. Instead of dozens of extremely ill children, many close to death upon admission and dying from the symptoms associated with HIV/AIDS, we now, generally, admit healthy little ones who can enjoy normal childhoods. Yes, they still come from impoverished homes and yes, their parents still suffer from the disease themselves but up to 97,5% of babies born to HIV positive mothers nowadays are born free of the disease themselves. We look forward to the day when NO babies are born with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. It’s achievable – provided ALL pregnant mothers attend the community clinics, are tested for the disease and whose babies receive anti-retroviral therapy in utero. 
Our most vulnerable group of children these days are our teenagers and young adults. They are the ones who were born with HIV/AIDS through no fault of their own. They‘re either suffering from the symptoms of their condition and the side effects of their anti-retroviral drugs or from social isolation, rejection and stigmatization. Many, sadly, were adversely affected cognitively in early childhood too, resulting in underachievement academically and with the inability to successfully finish their schooling. They lose hope, abort their anti-retroviral treatment regimes, can’t find employment and often join gangs and start taking drugs.
Previously we were unable to visit the many teens and young adults we didn’t see at Morning Star on a regular basis but now that we have three youth care workers out in the field we are beginning to see a gradual change-around. In addition to the Gospel going out more purposefully, we’re also slowly determining which of them have aborted their treatment regimes, which don’t even know why they’re taking anti-retroviral drugs each day and who of them are not coping at school and are way beyond school-going age anyway. Slowly but surely more of them are attending the monthly Bible Studies and opening up and sharing their struggles with our youth care workers, Revival, Shedreck and Zwide. And, bit-by-bit we are assisting those who have dropped out of school with basic skills training at Thabiso Skills Development Centre here in Welkom. This is an exciting development and one we can thank a UK couple for. They’ve been specifically funding this venture for several years already and encouraged us to fine-tune our selection process and institute more accountably from the successful candidates. They now all need to volunteer at Morning Star for 3 months prior to beginning the various courses on offer (plumbing, carpentry, electrical, welding, catering etc.) so that we can assess their punctuality and work ethic. Once they’ve successfully completed the 10 -12 week course of choice, we’re endeavouring to get them local work experience and also help them find jobs. A few of them – only a handful thus far, have found permanent employment and are now financially independent and able to stand on their own two feet.
Coupled with the above is what our new professional nurse is doing in her specific field of expertise – HIV and TB. Sister Mamorena worked closely with local doctors in the midst of the AIDS pandemic 15 -25 years ago and knew many of our young adults when they were our extremely ill, little children. She’s now back in their lives and determined to walk a road with them, to point out the dangers of aborting their treatment regimens and to gently and lovingly counsel those of them who are seemingly still clueless about their HIV conditions. They all need to understand that they were born with an incurable disease and, until a cure is found, will have to take their anti-retroviral drugs every single day of their lives.
Praise God, now that the Covid pandemic is a thing of the past, we’re beginning to see an increase of overseas volunteers visit Morning Star again. We have Judie Turner from Australia in our midst at present and are looking forward to hosting AJ Johnstone and team from Woodgreen Evangelical Church in July, followed by that of Tayo Oyeniyi from Bexley Heath Baptist Church in August. We’re also looking forward to the visit of several members of our Morning Star UK Support Group in November. We love having volunteers at Morning Star and encourage more of you to come out and experience our organization in action. Being exposed to a different culture and way of life is truly a life-changing and enriching venture.
And last, but not least, we are still looking for a replacement General Manager at Morning Star. Do make this a matter of urgent prayer and also put the word out; perhaps there’s someone/a couple you know of who would love to serve in this capacity and who would jump at the opportunity of a unique adventure in a challenging environment.  
PRAYER ISSUES:
Praise and thanks for:
•A successful fundraising trip of the UK and journeying mercies all the way.
•For the wonderful sea trip for 31 of our teenagers recently, for God’s protection all the way and for the opportunity to hear the Gospel clearly explained.
•For our present sound financial position.
Please pray for:
•Neo Matlakeng’s mum and sisters as they come to terms with their deep loss.
•For complete healing for our 8 year old boy recently raped and for the two perpetrators to be brought to book.
•For Nakhane as he recovers from his surgical procedure and that the day will soon come when his colostomy can be permanently closed.
•For a new General Manager for Morning Star.
•For Elizabeth vd Westhuizen, acting General Manager, as she ‘holds the fort’ until a new GM is employed. Pray for stamina and good health and for Godly wisdom in all the decisions needing to be taken.
•For Revival, Zwide and Shedreck as they visit and counsel our teens and young adults and that they’ll be successful in plugging many of them into sound, evangelical churches.
•For Godly wisdom for Sister Mamorena as she leads and educates our children’s parents/carers at our monthly Support Group Meetings as well as when she counsels our teenagers and young adults, both individually and jointly.
•Our upcoming Teens’ Meeting on 25th May.
•For our Board Meeting scheduled for Thursday 23rd May – for clarity of mind and unity as we set about planning for the future of Morning Star.
•For South Africa’s General Elections on 29th May; pray that it’ll be a safe and fair election and that God would put leaders into positions of power who will allow us to lead “peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.                                                                               Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,                                                                                             though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,                                                                                       though the waters roar and foam,                                                                                                                           though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah.”                                                                                               Psalm 46:1-3

March 2024 Newsletter
2024-03-20
Dear Friends,
“Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Tell of His salvation from day to day.
Declare His glory among the nations,
His marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised.”
1 Chronicles 16: 23-24

What a privilege it is to serve the Living God, to know with complete assurance that He is sovereign over all, no matter what may befall us. He will keep in perfect peace the mind stayed upon Him. (Isaiah 26:3)

It is with real sorrow that I inform you all that our new general manager of just 6 months, John Burrows, resigned shortly after our last newsletter went out and that he has already left Morning Star’s employ. He regrettably informed us that, due to financial constraints, he had taken up a new job offer in East London (Eastern Cape Province of South Africa) and was required to begin there at the beginning of March. The news came as a great shock to all, especially as he’d exhibited strong managerial abilities in the short time he was with us and had endeared himself to both staff and children alike. It’s going to take some time to find a suitable replacement for John so, in the interim, we’ve reverted to the plan agreed upon after Albert Duvenhage’s resignation last July, to promote Elizabeth vd Westhuizen (Operations Manager) to Acting General Manager for the foreseeable future. This is a short-term solution so please join us in praying that God would raise up a suitable replacement soon, and even someone who will view this position more as a calling than a mundane job.

But not all is ‘doom and gloom’ at Morning Star at all! We have a wonderful new professional nurse in our midst, Sister Mamorena, who comes with a wealth of experience in our particular field of expertise (HIV/AIDS and TB) and three very enthusiastic youth care workers. Pastor Revival has been joined by Mr. Shedreck Hollane and, more recently, by Pastor Zwide Khumalo. All 3 are able men and doctrinally sound. With each of them working in a different Township we are finding that a greater number of teens/young adults can be visited/counselled in a shorter period of time and that we are better able to assess their current needs and state of minds. Amongst other issues that have surfaced, one shocking reality is that so many of our teenagers are totally unaware of their HIV/AIDS statuses! They’ve not been told that they were born with the AIDS virus and that they’re living with the disease. We’ve never kept what we do at Morning Star a secret and openly counsel our teenagers at each and every quarterly meeting on every aspect relating to their condition, little realizing that quite a number of them haven’t been sat down by their parents/carers at home and plainly told why they have to take medication (anti-retroviral drugs) every day of their lives! Sister Mamorena will be playing a key role in assisting parents/guardians disclose their child’s/children’s HIV/AIDS statuses with them, together with educating and counselling them thereafter.  Perhaps, as our 3 youth care workers visit/reach more of our teenagers on a more regular basis and encourage them to plug into all that Morning Star has to offer, we’ll see a decrease in teenage pregnancies as well. Sadly, over the past week we’ve learnt of 3 more of our young Morning Star girls who are pregnant. 

Praise God! We have a new Toyota Quantum bus! We’ve long needed to replace the oldest of our vehicles – it was forever undergoing costly repairs – so, great was our joy when enough money was raised for us to order a brand-new bus last month. This purchase was made possible through dedicated funding from our Morning Star UK Support Group, together with a couple of other very generous monetary gifts specifically earmarked for this need. Our school children, especially the boys, were beside themselves with excitement and spent a good few minutes examining the bus from top to bottom – and even underneath! 

Our 2024 UK trip is less than two weeks away now. Joshua and I fly out to Heathrow on different days over the Easter Weekend but meet up, God willing, at High Wycombe Station on Monday 1st April. Wonderful news is that Nicole Correia, a member of our Morning Star UK Support Group, as well as the coordinator of the Championship Programme, will be joining me for the last week of the trip. Joshua flies home on 15th April (and straight onto Kenya, God willing) and Nicole will take over from then onwards and until the end of the round tour. I’m very glad some of you will meet Nicole and that she’ll get a taste of what our annual UK trips are all about. (Please find a summary of our UK itinerary attached to this email.)

And lastly, Mrs. Liz Richardson from Wheelock Heath Baptist Church, Cheshire, has agreed to continue with the annual couriering service (of children’s clothes etc. to Morning Star) that Sandra Rycroft initiated several years back. Please see below:

PRAYER REQUESTS:
PRAISE AND THANKS FOR:
1.Our present, sound, financial position.
2.The general good health of our children.
3.Our new Toyota Quantum Bus.
4.Our new professional nurse, Sr Mamorena, and our three youth care workers, Revival, Shedreck & Zwide.
5.The growing success of our Skills Development Programme for our young adults.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:
1.A new General Manager for Morning Star.
2.Elizabeth vd Westhuizen as she takes up the role of Acting General Manager for the foreseeable future.
3.The Morning Star Board of Governors – for Godly wisdom regarding all strategic issues under discussion. Pray particularly for Joshua Bolaji, our board chairman, who will be playing a greater role at Morning Star whilst we seek a new general manager.
4.Our sick children: 7 year old Nakhane who has been living with a colostomy for several years and who sees his surgeon on 24/03/24 re: it’s possible closure and teenager, Neo, who stopped taking her ARV treatment for the second time at the end of last year and who is still fighting for her life.
5.Our forthcoming UK trip from 1st – 22nd April 2024; pray for travelling mercies, good health for Joshua & Joan and a profitable round trip.
6.Our imminent 2024 Sea Trip which takes place, God willing, from 2nd – 6th April. Pray for travelling mercies, the safety of our 30 children and 8 staff members going along and that God would be glorified in all things.
7.The safety of our children/staff/ over the Easter school holidays. (We’re officially closed from 21st March to 3rd April.)
8.Our local government (Matjhabeng Municipality) – that their 3-month long strike will come to an end and that all vital services will start-up again. (Whilst the strike is in process, we’re unable to conclude the sale of our Kowie Street property either as we’re waiting for the Matjhabeng Councilors to sit and sign-off on the rezoning of the property, from educational to residential.
9.For our 3 youth care workers as they visit, befriend and counsel our many teens/ young adults. Pray that they’ll have many an opportunity to share the gospel and that every one of our young adults will turn to Christ.

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”                                                                                                                               
 Ephesians 3: 20-21.


February 2024 Newsletter
2024-02-08

“Know, therefore, that the Lord your God is God, 

The faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love 

With those who love Him and keep His commandments, 

To a thousand generations”.

Deuteronomy 7:9


Dear Friends


And so a New Year has begun!  A fresh opportunity to tackle the goals we set for ourselves on the 1st January each year ……. and so seldom achieve!

2024 began with a rush of activity at Morning Star.  Dozens and dozens of school-going children queuing for back-to-school requirements – uniforms, shoes, stationery, school fees – right down to toilet paper in several instances. Imagine having to supply your child’s toilet paper for the year in the UK!!  It’s inconceivable for many of us to even imagine how the other side of the world lives!

Morning Star paid out about R100, 000.00 (£4, 200.00) for school expenses in a matter of 4 days! Our Morning Star Board set a limit to our spending in January each year and when we reach the limit, all assistance stops forthwith (at least until February, that is.) Our sponsored children are always attended to first and those starting their primary or secondary school education (Grade 1 or Grade 8) receive a bit extra as the purchase of complete new uniforms in this country is a very costly affair indeed. It’s always a hugely stressful week but new General Manager, John Burrows, managed admirably. Equally new, internal accountant, Rose Khambula, couldn’t get her head around the fact that over R40, 000.00 (about £1,700.00) could pass through her fingers in a single day!

We have three new staff members at Morning Star this year. They are Sister Mamorena Lekhalanyane, our new professional nurse, Pastor Zwide Khumalo, our 3rd Youth Care Worker and Dieketseng Thabana, our new kitchen assistant. Sr. Mamorema and Dieketseng have replaced former staff members who have retired/found alternate employment and Pastor Zwide joins our staff as a result of funding that came in towards the end of 2023, earmarked for a 3rd youth care worker for our organization. We welcome them all very warmly. Sr. Mamorena comes highly recommended and with a wealth of experience and Dieketseng, one of our children’s mothers and a faithful volunteer at our Welkom Centre for many a year, has been rewarded for her good service. You can just imagine how thrilled she was when offered the job, and that the news was delivered to her on her birthday was the best gift ever. On top of this, it sends a strong message out to our other volunteers that if they work hard and can be relied upon, they’ll be the first to be considered for a job at Morning Star, should another opportunity arise. Pastor Zwide heads up Grace Baptist Church, Hani Park, and will be responsible for visiting, befriending and counselling our teens/young adults living in Hani Park and Bronville Township. He joins Pastor Revival who’ll continue overseeing Thabong Township/Welkom itself and Mr Shedrek Hollane who lives and serves our young people in Kutlwanong Township. For those of you who’ve made it possible for us to have three youth care workers in our employ, a very big thank you indeed. What a difference it’s making in reaching and serving the 300+ Morning Star children who are 14 years and over. Our teens and young adults remain the most vulnerable on our register as they were all born with HIV/AIDS and all struggle with the varying and heart-wrenching consequences thereof.

Talking of our young adults brings me to share how well our Skills Development Programme is running these days. Dedicated funding for this came in a few years back and, after a few years of fine-turning on our behalf, we’ve now instituted a sound system, incorporating greater accountability for all concerned. The young adults who apply for skills training (catering, basic computer skills, welding, carpentry etc.) have to first volunteer at either of our two centres for 3 months. Only if they prove reliable and willing to work hard are they considered for the course. The young men work in our gardens and the girls, together with the physically disabled, help with the cleaning of our premises and with mundane office work.) We send our successful candidates to Thabiso Skills Development Centre here in Welkom where they undergo 10 weeks of training in their specific field. Once they’ve successfully completed their courses we do our best to get them job experience opportunities in and around Welkom. Thrillingly, four placements have already resulted in fulltime employment for the young men involved. We’d love to expand this service but, at present, only have enough funding to assist 10 - 12 individuals per year.

Everything at Morning Star revolves around our little ones, so it was with great joy that we welcomed 38 new children into our midst this year. Only a small number of them are suffering with HIV/AIDS themselves (because unborn babies receive anti-retroviral drugs in utero these days) but all of them are needy, vulnerable and under-stimulated for their ages.  A number of them are also emotionally traumatised and starved of love and affection.  We thank our Lord for sending these children our way and pray we’ll be able to meet their needs and make a difference in their lives.  And most of all, we want to share God’s love with them and tell them about Jesus Christ.

Our 2024 sea trip to Durban, Kwa Zulu Natal, is scheduled for 2nd – 6th April. God willing, 30 new teenagers will get to enjoy the excursion this year, most of them being 15 or 16 years of age. This is the 20th year that we’ll be taking children down to the seaside, bringing the total of those who’ve enjoyed this treat to 420. Isn’t that incredible! We recognise that this is an immense blessing and remain indebted to the couple in England who have financed these trips year-on-year. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

The sponsored children going along this year are:

Boys – Athenkosi Dyalivani, Katleho Mahlatsi, Khanyile Busakwe, Moeketsi Ramoabi, Ndumiso Nonyane, Pule Chabalala, Sihle Mdangi, Teboho Nkopa and Thabang Monatisa. 

Girls – Amohelang Tsunke, Dineo Mqwati, Kutlwano May, Lunathi Gana, Matshidiso Maloka,, Mbali Xaba, Mpho Moahlodi, Mpho Ntai, Ntsoaki Mokhele, Palesa Mofokeng, Pontsho September, Rakgadi Molisalife, and Zanele Mokolutlo.

We thank and praise God for protecting and keeping us safe over the 20 years we’ve travelled to and from Kwa Zulu Natal with our precious Morning Star children. This fact was clearly brought home two days ago when we got news of a horrific school bus accident that occurred a short distance from Welkom late Tuesday afternoon. 58 Grade 8 pupils – all girls (all about 14 years old) from Riebeeckstad High School in Welkom were on this bus, returning home after an excursion, when it overturned. 6 of the girls died on impact and 4 others are very seriously injured. The whole Welkom community is reeling at this news and we ask you to join us in praying for the bereaved, the injured and their families and the pupils and staff at Riebeeckstad High School. What a terrible, terrible tragedy and a sure reminder that tomorrow is not promised to any of us.

Onto a lighter note – our 2024 UK fundraising trip. This is scheduled to take place from 2nd – 22nd April, God willing. I’ll be accompanying Joshua Bolaji again this year as he’s only able to commit to two weeks, unfortunately. He’ll fly back to South Africa on 15th April and then immediately onto Kenya for an APC (African Pastors’ Conference) run. I’ll be doing the third week of the trip on my own – but, hopefully together with someone from our UK Morning Star Support Group. The proposed itinerary is attached to this letter, for your perusal. There aren`t many gaps in the programme anymore but if you spot one that will suit you/your church, please get back to me as soon as possible. 

Thank you, one and all, for your love and encouragement always. Thank you for your faithful monetary support and for praying for and blessing our children in many and varied ways. Ours is a partnership in the true sense of the word. We definitely could not do what we do at Morning Star Children’s Centre without your support and prayers.

Yours in Him

Joan.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Praise & thanks:

1.For God’s hand upon all our children over our December shutdown period.

2.For the safe return to South Africa of UK volunteer, Sarah Wilkins. Sarah spent 7 weeks with her family and friends in England over Christmas and also had the opportunity to catch up with her supporting churches.

3.That Morning Star has run smoothly in my absence (Ron & I have now relocated to Johannesburg) and that John Burrows has grown in his role as general manager and proving a wonderful support to Elizabeth and the rest of the managerial team.

4.That Ron Adams’ health has returned to normal and that there’s no sign of him needing another brain shunt.

5.Morning Star turned 24 years old on 24th January 2024. Join us in thanking God for providing for us and sustaining us all these years. We stand amazed in His presence.


Please pray for:

1.Our sick children – Sonwabile Mateza, Lethabo Kumalo, Relebohile Maboya, Omolemo Zola and Keletso Lekale. Thankfully, none of them were ill enough to be admitted to hospital; they are all recovering at home. 

2.Our Board Meeting scheduled for 22nd February – for wisdom in moving forward and for all strategic issues under discussion.

3.Our forthcoming sea trip: 2nd – 6th April. Pray for travelling mercies and that this once-in-a-lifetime experience would be a wonderful blessing for all those going along.

4.Our three new staff members – that they’ll settle well and experience God’s love and a strong Gospel witness in our midst.

5.Please continue to pray for the sale of our Kowie Street property. Unfortunately, in the midst of the sale to a cash buyer last year, it was discovered that the previous owner had no plans drawn up for the alterations he undertook and also that the site needed to be rezoned – from educational to residential – before the sale could go through. We’re now awaiting the first quarterly municipal meeting of 2024 for this matter to be finalized. Unfortunately, we lost our first two buyers and will have to start the process all over again. 

6.For our 3 youth care workers as they minister to our teenagers and young adults. Pray for wisdom for them as they deal with those who have moved in with boyfriends/girlfriends, those who have aborted their ARV (anti-retroviral drugs) regimes and those who have rebelled against parental authority and find themselves virtually homeless.

7.Pray that our teens/young adults would avail themselves of our monthly Bible Studies at Morning Star and our invitation to attend sound, gospel-preaching churches on Sunday mornings. Our greatest desire is that they would come to a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 


“Óh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! 

How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 

“For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counsellor?” 

“Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” 

For, from him and through him and to him are all things. 

To him be glory forever. Amen”

Romans 11: 33-36


 



December 2023 Newsletter
2023-12-18
Dearest Friends,

And it’s Christmas! Another year has gone by. We’ve had good times and hard times, storms and calm, joys and sorrows. We’ve all had our ups and downs, some more so, than others, but through it all, Almighty God has been ever present, ever faithful and ever true to His promises. He has kept us and sustained us and His Word has comforted and instructed us and brought us peace and joy.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Praise God the father who’s the source,
Praise God the Son who is the course,
Praise God the Spirit who’s the flow
Praise God, our portion here below.” 
Thomas Ken (1674).

Today is our last official day at Morning Star for 2023. Our children and most of our staff members are already on holiday. The whirl of activities of the past month, all our end-of-year functions and parties are behind us, once again. “Yesterday” we were planning for the year ahead and today we’re bidding 2023 “good-bye.” In many ways, 2023 has been the worst year of my entire life ....... but I take comfort in the fact that God, in His providence, has orchestrated events the way they have unfolded and that “for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. 
Looking back over the past year, my 2 overwhelming thoughts are:

1.Your amazing generosity and support of our ministry here in Welkom and 
2.God’s abounding grace and ever-present guiding hand in all our activities. 

All else fades into insignificance. Without God at the heart of our Organisation and without your prayers, encouragement and monetary support, we’d certainly not be where we are today. I stand amazed at all God has accomplished since our inception 24 years ago. From 8 to well over close to 800 children, from 4 to over 40 staff members; ever-expanding premises; 8 vehicles, always with enough money in our bank account to feed our children and their families, transport them to and from home each weekday and pay our staff a monthly salary. Up to 2, 500 children have been through our doors and received assistance in one way or another since our inception on 24th January 2000. Isn’t that absolutely mind-boggling! Yes, we’ve only scratched the surface in the big scheme of things – but, at the same time – and with your help – have made a vast difference in the lives of the families God has brought our way. Thank you, one and all, from the bottom of our hearts.

Some of the highlights over the past 12 months include:

•January 2023 – Welcoming 35 new children to our two Morning Star Centres.
•February – Our annual Sea Trip and Linda Gardiner’s and Isabella Astengo’s visit and video made of Morning Star. Such a wonderful gift from two very special ladies. 
•March – Bidding internal accountant, Naledi Marumo farewell and welcoming Rose Khambula in her place.
•April –Hosting Ian & Hilary Sneller (from England) overnight on 18th May. Ian’s father, Andrew Sneller, left Morning Star a sizeable legacy when he died and it was so special that Ian & Hilary took the time to come all the way to Welkom to see the organization for themselves.
•May – Joshua Bolaji’s and Joan’s successful fundraising trip to England & Wales.
•June - Our annual Holiday Club for our 10 – 13 year olds where we endeavour to prepare them for teenage-hood and equip them to say ‘no’ to sexual advances. 
•July - Saying ‘goodbye’ to General Manager, Albert Duvenhage.
•August – Welcoming new General Manager, John Burrows.
•September – Employing a second youth care worker, Shedreck Hollane, to assist Pastor Revival with the colossal task of ministering to and counselling our teenagers and young adults. Thank you so much for the funding that came in for this need. (Praise God that a recent, additional monetary gift will enable us to employ a 3rd youth care worker in 2024.)
•October - The successful installation of solar panels on wheel-based trolleys so that we have power/electricity during our frequent ‘load-shedding’ periods.
•November – Hosting our annual Gogos’ (Grandmothers) Christmas Party on 25th to thank them, once again, for the role they play in their orphaned grandchildren’s lives.
•December – Receiving well over 100 hand-knitted dolls from Seven Rivers Outreach in Kwa Zulu Natal. Thank you, David Brown, for travelling all the way to Welkom to hand-deliver them over to us. Also saying goodbye to lovely professional nurse, Pulane Leeuw and teacher, Shiyiwe Ziyeka. Happy retirement, both of you.

This Christmas, as you ponder afresh God’s gift of His only Son, Jesus Christ, to a lost, sinful world, may sheer praise and worship burst forth from your souls at such love, mercy and grace. 
 
Love in Christ, 
Joan 
  
POINTS FOR PRAYER: 
Praise and thanks for: 
1.God’s protection and wondrous blessings over the past year. 
2.The sustained good health of most of our children. We only had 2 deaths in 2023.
3.Ron Adams’ return to good health. Ever since his shunt was removed he’s gone from strength-to-strength. Praise God he’s not needed another shunt into his brain.
4.Our finances – that God has wondrously supplied our every need, over and above expectation.                                                                                                                                                   
Please pray for: 
1.The safety of our children and staff over the Christmas holidays. 
2.For our sick and frail children – especially Siyabulela Latile, and Philokuhle Mraushe. 
3.For Ron & Joan as they transition to Johannesburg on 5th January 2024, God willing, and begin the next chapter of their lives.

“Now to him who is able to do far more than all we ask or think, 
according to the power at work within us, 
to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus 
through out all generations forever and ever. Amen.” 
Ephesians 3:20-21


October 2023 Newsletter
2023-10-24
Our Very Dear Friends,

Summer – and the heat of the season – has been very slow in asserting itself this year. Somehow, one just can’t pack away the last of one’s cardigans and light blankets yet; today might be warm and tomorrow, really hot, but then we hit a cold front and the weather turns chilly all over again. Very strange for this time of the year in South Africa! 
We do thank and praise God for the first rains of the season though – not only have they brought relief to farms and gardens but they have, thankfully, settled the dust as well. And taking note of all the signs of new growth and new life around us is ever a reminder that:

”As long as the earth endures,
 Seedtime and harvest,
Cold and heat, summer and winter,
Day and night will never cease.”  
Genesis 8:22.

What a comfort this is in the midst of the widespread turmoil going on in the world these days. Simply reminding ourselves that ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever’ brings peace to our souls. Our God remains sovereign over all and fully in control of every little detail of our lives. 

So much “living” has filled our days at Morning Star since my last letter to you. It’s all too profuse to adequately share; my ‘letters’ can ever just reflect a small part of our daily routines here. Thankfully, the joys always outweigh the sorrows, making our work with our precious children at Morning Star the most rewarding and fulfilling job in all the world. 
 
Our greatest joy was the arrival of Sandra Rycroft’s 16 couriered boxes on 21st September. These were filled with not only children/young adults clothing, shoes and pyjamas but also crafts, toys, puzzles, towels, stationery, school uniforms, sponsored children’s gifts and so much more. Bit-by-bit all 16 boxes were opened and the contents admired and carefully sorted, in readiness for Mapulane, our clothing cupboard overseer, to pack away in our cupboards. As can be expected, quite a bit has already been given out, much to the delight of the various recipients. 

To all who contributed to the contents of the boxes, a very big thank you. Please know that you’ve blessed us ‘out of our socks’ and that we truly value your loving partnership in our ministry here in Welkom, South Africa. And God bless you, Sandra Rycroft, for co-ordinating this massive project again this year.

On 1st September Kutlwanong Morning Star joined Welkom for a combined sports event (to mark the beginning of spring) and on the 22nd, we celebrated Heritage Day at both centres. At the latter function children and staff alike donned traditional wear and, in addition to some of our little ones performing a few tribal dances, everyone also proudly paraded themselves around the playground to a cheering audience. Our Kutlwanong Centre went the extra mile and invited their children’s parents to not only their Heritage Day function but to a traditional meal served afterwards as well. How’s this for a menu: maize meal, mokgodu (tripe), motoho (sour porridge), madombolo (dumplings) and spinach. Delicious, is how this feast was described. All I know that preparing the mokgodu is a very smelly business indeed!

Our 3rd happy event was our parents’ pre-school workshop on 12th October. We’ve held these workshops every quarter for a few years now and they’ve made such a difference to our parents’ perception of what their children are taught at Morning Star each day. Many a Township crèche/pre-school does little more than provide a safe place to leave one’s child when one is at work. Discovering that even a 2-3 year old child can be taught through play and group activities has been an eye-opener for our parents. Most of them never finished their own education, let alone had the privilege of attending pre-school in early childhood. We’re trusting that all that is learnt at these quarterly workshops is played out in the home environment and that our parents are even passing along their newly acquired knowledge and skills to their neighbours. Pre-school teacher Sylvia described this recent event as follows: “The parents’ activity for the day was the making bean bags. Each parent was given a pre-sewn little pouch which they had to fill with recycled plastic shavings and then sew closed. After the children had demonstrated the different functions of the bean bags to the parents they did exercises/aerobics with them as well. It was a very successful workshop and thoroughly enjoyed by all.”

As always in life, joys are usually intermingled with sorrows and we’ve had our fair share of these over the past month. In fact, we can’t even remember when last we had so many people dying within such a short space of time:
•Two of our children passed away in September: 15 year old Lucia van Rooyen, after aborting her anti-retroviral treatment and contracting meningitis and young adult, Pheello Pali, who was apparently poisoned and who died on 30th September. 
•Six of our children’s mothers/grandmothers have died over the past month as well: Junior Lebetsa’s, Rearebetswe Mosa’s and Karabo Shale’s mothers and Lefa Mohlouwa’s, Karabo Utloa’s and Relebohile Motjaleba’s grandmothers.
•Additionally, we have two mothers suffering from MDR tuberculosis (multi-drug resistant TB) at the moment and another who is terminal ill with cancer. 
•4 year old Nosipho is in hospital and being treated for hot oil burns to her legs and Siyabulela’s and Philokuhle’s poor health remain a serious concern.
•We’re also aware of several teenage girls who are sexually active and who are either pregnant or have already given birth to babies. The most tragic case is that of a 14 year old who was seemingly raped and who fell pregnant as a result. Her little boy is already 3 months old. 
•And then there’s my husband, Ron.  My last newsletter shared that he was getting to the end of a 6 week course of antibiotics and seemed so much better. But, to our horror, 3 days after completing the course, his abdominal infection returned in full force and he had to be re-hospitalized – this time up in Johannesburg, because that’s where we were at the time. Many more tests later the team of specialists in Johannesburg concluded that he had an infection higher up in his shunt and that it had to be taken out forthwith. He was sent back to Welkom to have it removed by the neurosurgeon who put it in, in the first place and subsequently spent a further two weeks in hospital on very strong intravenous antibiotics, intended to bring his extremely high rate of infection down. In the process, the toxicity of the antibiotic burnt his veins at each of the six infusion sites on his lower/upper arms, resulting in blood clots forming. This led to the development of thrombophlebites, causing intense pain and discomfort. Praise God he’s finally home and slowly regaining his strength. He is truly a shadow of his former self. 
We now know that Ron ‘caught’ a superbug in hospital when the shunt was inserted seven months ago and that it should never have been left in situ all this time! Join us in praying that he won’t have to have another shunt inserted into his brain at all.  

Many of you will remember that last Christmas you were able to purchase Sarah Baskerville’s hand-painted Christmas cards, the proceeds of which came directly to Morning Star. Sarah has let me know that she still has Christmas cards available and is selling them on eBay.  You can also order directly from her, using her e-mail address: s_bask@outlook.com or using the links below:
A. 
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175911312596?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=vtbUyIf4RV-&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=vtbUyIf4RV-&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
B. 
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175911141168?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=vtbUyIf4RV-&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=vtbUyIf4RV-&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
C. 
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175910624376?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=vtbUyIf4RV-&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=vtbUyIf4RV-&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
D. 
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175910606944?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=vtbUyIf4RV-&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=vtbUyIf4RV-&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

The proceeds will once again go to Morning Star.

Talking of Christmas cards brings to mind that Christmas is just around the corner and many of you will be wanting to gift your child/family with something small. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANYTHING TO US BY POST. YOUR PARCEL WILL SIMPLY NOT GET TO US IN TIME. (For example, we recently received a parcel intended for a child’s birthday in October 2022. It arrived almost a year later and he got it in October 2023 instead! Fortunately, the gift was still appropriate and there were no clothes included.) 

If you intend to transfer a small sum of money to ‘your child’ please reference the transaction with yours/you’re his/her name. 

Our children’s last day at Morning Star this year is Wednesday 6th December. I know it sounds terribly early but once the country’s schools close for the Christmas holidays we struggle to get our children to still attend Morning Star each day. 

Other important dates are as follows:
28th October: Last teens meeting for the year.
16th November – Next Board Meeting
25th November – Grandmothers’ (Gogos’) Christmas Party.
1st December: Grade R (reception class) Graduation Ceremony.
5th December – Pre-school/Little Stars (toddlers) Christmas party.
6th December: Grade R/School Christmas Party.
15th January 2024 – Morning Star reopens for the New Year.

God willing, our 2024 Durban Sea trip will take place from 2nd- 6th April with 30 young teens selected to go on it. Our sincere thanks to the UK couple who have, once again, sponsored the trip.  

PRAYER REQUESTS:
Praise and thanks that:
1.Most of our children are well and that they’re so happy at Morning Star.
2.We’re not having half as much ‘load-shedding’ as previously. Why this is so – and what’s happening ‘behind the scenes’ is a mystery – but we’re thankful for this period of grace indeed.
3.We presently have enough funds to help 150 families with a monthly food parcel.
4.Although still fragile and weak, Siyabulela Latile is back at Morning Star each day.
5.Ron Adams is out of hospital and slowly regaining his strength and stamina. Join us in praying that he won’t have to have another shunt inserted. 

Please pray:
1.For our bereaved families as they come to terms with their loss and navigate a way forward.
2.For our sick children, Siyabulela and Philokuhle, as well as Khanya, Mohau & Thatohatsi’s terminally ill mum, Ms Mosula. Pray that the morphine will keep her pain under control and that she’ll feel the benefit of hospice’s care each day.
3.Youth Care Workers Revival and Shedreck as they visit and minister to our teens/young adults.
4.That our children’s lives will be transformed by the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and that they’ll put Him first in their lives.
5.That the sale of our Kowie Street property will go through sooner than later.
6.For our teens meeting this coming Saturday and for our board meeting scheduled for 16th November.
7.For Godly wisdom as we restructure our little Morning Star school in the New Year and for Sarah Wilkins as she oversees everything pertaining to education at both centres. We truly thank God for sending her to us way back in 2010.

“He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice and to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8


September Newsletter
2023-09-08
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16: 1-2, 11.

Dear Morning Star Friends,

As always, much has happened at Morning Star since our last newsletter was circulated. The biggest announcement, though, is that we have a new General Manager in our midst, Mr. John Burrows. John lives locally and came to our attention when he responded to an advert put out by board chairman, Joshua Bolaji, for a new administrator at The Pines Christian Care Centre here in Welkom about two months back. Joshua and two other board members interviewed him, deemed him suitable to fill the position of general manager at Morning Star and engaged his services from 1st August 2023. John comes with a wealth of managerial experience and we’re trusting that, in time, he’ll develop a real passion for the ministry that is Morning Star and truly grow to love the children and families we serve.

August 2023 has come and gone in a flash! Some of the issues we’ve dealt with over and above our normal, day-to-day activities include fretting about a couple of very ill children, investigating cases of reported child abuse and neglect, visiting and counselling several problematic teenagers, assisting various families access their vital South African documentation (including driving folk all the way into the neighbouring country of Lesotho and back),supervising the installation/erection of doors/fences to improve the security of a few dilapidated tin shacks (homes), hosting our regular parents meetings,(including a workshop for our pre-school mums on the importance of puzzle-building in a child’s life) and most importantly, providing food assistance to the growing number of impoverished and homeless folk coming to us for help. The last mentioned is heart-breaking indeed.

One of the homeless men who came to us for food assistance recently arrived doubled up in pain as well. One look at him told us he probably had a burst appendix and needed to get to hospital urgently. But, he was absolutely filthy – and smelled like a skunk – and it was difficult to even reach out and touch him. My one thought, when confronted with the issue was ‘what would Jesus do?’ Jesus’ example when approached by a leper asking to be made clean came to mind. ‘He stretched out his hand and touched him.’ We touched him, took him to hospital, visited him whilst he was recuperating from his appendectomy and gave him the Gospel upon discharge. We also washed his filthy clothes and blanket. That blanket went through the washing machine cycle three times before it was pronounced ‘clean’! Please pray for him; his name is Tertius. We’re trusting God for his salvation, as well as the will power to clean up his life and get off the streets. 
 
The 1st September always heralds the onset of spring in South Africa and people celebrate the day in all kinds of creative and innovative ways.  This year we organized a Sports Day for our children, with lots of fun races for them to enjoy; an obstacle course, skipping and sack races, a hula-hoop competition and, of course, the normal flat races as well. It was amazing to watch how expertly a few of our 5 year olds kept their hula hoops circulating around their waists! The two finalists went on for longer than 3 minutes before we stopped them and pronounced them both winners. The sports events were followed by prize-giving and then lunch consisting of hotdogs and chips. It took our kitchen staff a long, long time to peel and cut the 5 big bags of potatoes allotted for the occasion and then to fry chips for the 150 hungry children and staff. As you can guess, the potential for chaos at a function like this is always high but, all-in-all, a wonderful time was had by all. 

Besides the above event on 1st September, we held our 3rd Teens’ Meeting for the year on 26th August and will also be celebrating Heritage Day on 22nd September. Heritage Day has been a major calendar event since 1995 when a national holiday was created where South Africans of all backgrounds could come together and celebrate their diverse heritage. Bishop Desmond Tutu used the term “rainbow nation” to describe South Africa’s diverse cultures, customs, traditions, histories and languages back then. Heritage Day is a celebration of this variety. Our children and staff (and in Kutlwanong, the parents too) will come dressed in cultural attire and enjoy a traditional meal together.

Good news is that we’ve had two excellent offers to purchase our Kowie Street property. For those of you unaware of the details, this was a building we invested in back in 2016 in view of the fact that we were facing possible eviction from our Kopano Complex premises in Welkom and would need somewhere to relocate to. But here we are, still occupying and enjoying our Welkom premises all these years later and, even though there have been various waves of uncertainty since then, God has undertaken for us in the matter. Wondrously, we’ve heard nothing from the Free State Department of Public Works for over a year now.   
                                                                                              
N.B. Morning Star board members recently agreed to sell our Kowie Street property as the structural damage is of such a nature that we’d probably have to pull the building down, and rebuild it from scratch, before we could ever consider using it for Morning Star’s daily operations. We’ll be ring-fencing the income gained from the sale of the property in case we’re still evicted from our Kopano Complex premises in the future and need a place to relocate to. 

Wonderful news, too, is that as a result of a recent, generous monetary gift from a UK supporter, we’ve been able to employ a second youth care worker to assist Pastor Revival in counselling and ministering to our many teenagers/young adults. Of the 600 children on our register these days, 45% are 13 years old and over. Our new youth care worker is Mr. Shedreck Hollane. Although Shedreck has been in our employ as a gardener for several years already, we’ve long noted his potential to be more than a gardener for the rest of his life. He’s a fellow believer, with a passion for reaching out to children and young adults and sharing the gospel with them.

We have sad news to share too though; Sr. Pulane Leeuw, our professional nurse, has informed us that she’ll be retiring at the end of 2023. Her family has encouraged her to step down after her many years of service to the Welkom community.

Please be aware that we’ve experienced colossal problems in receiving parcels/ cards through the South African postal system over the past few years. Parcels, even those posted airmail, are taking between 4-12 months to get to us, if ever!! Many arrive, having been opened in transit, and a few have even been eaten by rats. In essence, the SA postal system is non-operational/almost non-existent. It’s no longer worth taking the risk.

What to do instead:                                                                                                                                        
  • Please rather find somebody travelling to South Africa who can bring your parcel over with him/her and courier it to us from here. (Morning Star will cover the couriering costs from anywhere in South Africa.)
  • Make use of Sandra Rycroft’s (or the person who might like to take over from her in the future) offer to include your parcel in her annual couriering of clothes/general items to Morning Star.
  • Transfer an additional small sum of money to us for your sponsored child’s birthday/Christmas. This can be done via our Lloyds Bank/Stewardship accounts in the UK,
All in all, life here at Morning Star continues to provide a healthy, happy environment for the children in our care and we know, without a doubt, that we are making a significant difference in each of their lives. Yes, we only reach a small percentage in the ‘greater scheme of things’ but, like the starfish story I often share when travelling around the UK, we simply can’t help everyone in need. Thankfully, we are making a difference in this child’s life and in that teenager’s future and in many a family’s well-being too. We’re even make a difference in the life of the odd, homeless individual, living on the street. And it’s all because of Jesus. 

Beauty for brokenness, hope for despair, Lord in your suffering world this is our prayer, Bread for the children, justice, joy, peace, Sunrise to sunset your kingdom increase. Shelter for fragile lives, cures for their ill, Work for the craftsmen, trade for their skills; Land for the dispossessed, rights for the weak, Voices to plead the cause of those who can’t speak. God of the poor, friend of the weak, Give us compassion we pray: Melt our cold hearts, let tears fall like rain, Come change our love from a spark to a flame. (Graham Kendrick.)



PRAYER REQUESTS:
Praise & thanks for:
•The relatively good health of most of our children.
Our sound financial position at present; praise God there’s enough money in our coffers to provide monthly food parcels for up to 150 Morning Star families these days. (We’ve noted a sharp increase of folk in greater need lately – as in the UK, food prices have soared and the likelihood of finding a job in this region of the country remains extremely scarce.)
The employment opportunities that have been sourced for several of our young adults who have come through skills training at Thabiso Skills Development Centre/other local training institutions. Malefetsane is working in the kitchen at a retirement village in town, Siviwe is getting job experience with a builder/carpenter, Kamohelo has been employed at the local Konica Minolta branch, Asandile is baking cakes and muffins at Morning Star and Tumelo is installing solar at a reputable company in Johannesburg. This is such good news for the UK couple, and the individual sponsor, who are covering the costs of the skills development courses our young adults are benefitting from each year. 
Ron Adams’ improved health over the past weeks. He takes the last of his 6-week course of antibiotics today, the 8th September, and we’re trusting that they’ve finally eradicated the source of the repeated abdominal infections he was experiencing previously. 
Praise & thanks that Albert Duvenhage and family have safely relocated to Oudtshoorn and are settling down well.


Please pray for:
•Our ill children – Siyabulela Latile and Phillokuhle and young adult, Martha Lukhuleni. 
Simphiwe Mashinini and family as they come to terms with his mum’s recent death. She died from AIDS-related symptoms on 7th August.
Our many children struggling in their home environments; for wisdom for social services and for our mothers/ guardians to heed the advice given/ warnings issued and take more responsibility for the little ones in their care. 
8-year-old Bokamoso. He’s an extremely angry, badly behaved young boy, with deep emotional problems. Pray he’ll show signs of improvement now that he’s been removed from the care of an abusive grandmother and placed at The Pines Christian Care Centre and is undergoing counselling with a child psychologist and occupational therapist.  
Our teenagers/young adults, many of whom have either aborted their ARV (anti-retroviral drug) treatment or who are struggling academically. Pray, especially, that the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ will transform their lives and that they’ll not stop striving for a better future. 
Our new General Manager, John Burrows, as he settles in and learns the ropes at Morning Star.

Special Newsletter July 2023
2023-07-27
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope.                                                                                                   The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;                                                                                                           His mercies never come to an end; they are                                                                                                           new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”                                                                                                 “Lamentations 3: 21-23

Our Dear Friends,

Morning Star reopened just over a week ago, ushering in the third term of the school year. Most of our children have returned well and strong and our spate of mumps infections seems to have abated. It’s been an icy June/July in Welkom this year and when our children arrive at our 2 centres in the early mornings, they look as if they’ve donned all the clothes they possess! Another cold front is about to sweep across the country, bringing rain, snow and icy winds in its wake; our winter weather is not at an end yet, for sure. 

Great news is that Teacher Sarah Wilkins is safely back from her 2 months in the UK. Staff and children alike were thrilled to see her and it’s a relief to know that she’s ably dealing with all matters relating to education once again. 

Sad news is that Albert, our general manager since January 2020, has left our employ as he and his family relocate to Oudtshoorn, in the Western Cape at the end of this month. We said goodbye at Morning Star this past Monday and will surely miss his wise counsel and expertise in so many fields in the days that lie ahead. 

This letter is mainly to tell you about a very wonderful, truly meaningful thing that happened at Morning Star in February 2023. Our long-term UK supporter and dear friend, Linda Gardiner, visited Welkom for a week then and brought along with her, her Italian friend, Isabella Astengo. Isabella is a renowned Italian documentary filmmaker who has long been involved in raising awareness about archaeological research and the importance of protecting cultural heritage. In conversation with Linda, (who is a true ambassador for Morning Star, wherever she goes) an interest in making a film of the children at Morning Star was awakened in Isabella and, because she had an assignment cancellation, and thus a ‘gap’ in her very busy schedule, the two of them were able to visit us briefly and make a film for us.

It was a totally amazing experience having Isabella in our midst. God has brought many, many visitors to Morning Star over the years but none as unique as this lady-filmmaker from Italy. Beautiful, eccentric, passionate, artistic and intelligent, all wrapped up in the person of Isabella Astengo. Equipped with an enormous camera, microphone and other accessories she began to randomly take footage of anything and everything that moved at Morning Star. She would pop up in all sorts of places and times, filming whatever was happening, whether good, significant or just plain boring. Interviews with children were unrehearsed and spontaneous. Teacher Sarah said that she cringed as children struggled to articulate anything. One of them just burst into song when he couldn’t think of anything to say and still she kept filming.

After their short stint in Welkom Linda and Isabella bade us farewell and continued on their way. Life went on and we didn’t hear anything for four months, by which time most of us at Morning Star had forgotten all about the foreign lady and her camera.

But then, one day in June, we received from her the most awesome gift; a wonderful film about Morning Star. How Isabella and her editor managed to condense 5 hours of solid footage into a 12 minute video entitled “A Day in the Life of Morning Star” we just don’t know! We were blown away by the result. In just 12 minutes Isabella encapsulated the essence of Morning Star on a daily basis and transformed it into a professional film, worthy of the ‘big screen’. THANK YOU SO MUCH (Grazie).

The whole scenario reminds us of how God can take hundreds of pieces of our broken lives and fit everything together and turn them into something of purpose, meaning and beauty. 

Linda and Isabella’s dream is that this little film will be shared far and wide and that, once you’ve enjoyed it yourselves, you’ll pass it on to many others. Perhaps you could even encourage your friends and family to get involved with Morning Star and, better still, become a part of our child sponsorship programme. As you well know we are totally reliant upon the generosity of our overseas friends for our sustainability. We value your help, your prayers and your monetary support always.  

The film will be posted on our Morning Star Website and if any of you would like us to send you the link via WhatsApp as well, please just let us know. 

The link to the file - https://vimeo.com/838321177?share=copy
The Password to access the file is: MORNINGSTAR2023

Finally, before ending this ‘special edition’ newsletter, a last word of encouragement to avail yourselves of Sandra Rycroft’s offer to courier children’s outgrown clothes/ shoes to Morning Star. Sandra is arranging for her many boxes of clothes/other items (even a birthday package for a sponsored child) to be sent out to us in September so, if you’d still like to make use of her offer, do get in touch with Sandra as soon as possible. Bear in mind, though, that she’s no longer able to carry the financial cost of the couriering fee as in the past and is asking that you to contribute £5.90 per kilogram of the merchandise sent to her. If you live close to Leeds, Sandra is willing to collect your donation, thus saving you the trouble of posting it yourselves. Her contact details are as follows:

E-mail address: sandra.rycroft@ntlworld.com 
Mobile Number: 07929 265 398
Address: 74a Thornhill Street, Calverley, LS28 5PD 


Yours in Christ,
Joan



PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.Praise and thanks that our children are mostly well and that our spate of mumps has finally ended.
2.Praise and thanks that Sarah Wilkins is safely back in our midst and that Kutlwanong’s pre-school teacher, Emely Mahlangu, has returned to work after being on maternity leave for the past 4 months. 
3.For the little successes we’re seeing regarding our young adults sourcing employment after completing their basic training courses at Thabiso Skills Development Centre and iCalc Academy.

Please pray:
4.For Morning Star’s Annual General Meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, 28th July.
5.For 7 year old Siya Latile. He’s health has been up and down for many a year but right now he’s desperately weak and battling to breathe (we’ve invested in a nebulizer for him). He’s also presently being treated for a severe ear infection and for impetigo on his scalp. Please pray for his parents too – they are distraught by his present condition.
6.Pray too for young adult, Martha Lukhuleni. She’s been back in hospital for a spell and although home now, is still very weak and extremely frail.
7.For Albert & Chantelle Duvenhage and family as they move to Oudtshoorn to begin their new ministry at the Afrikaans Baptist Church down there. Pray that they’ll settle easily and will be a blessing to their new congregation.
8.That God would go before us in raising up the right person to replace Albert as the General Manager here at Morning Star.
9.For Pastor Revival as he continues to visit and counsel our many teenagers and for wisdom as we seek to employ a second youth care worker to assist with the immense load. 
10.For my husband, Ron Adams. He’s in hospital for the 3rd time since our return from England mid-May. Pray that the doctors overseeing his case would finally be able to determine what’s causing his reoccurring, severe abdominal infections and spiking high blood pressure readings and to treat him successfully. (This, of course, means that our move to Johannesburg is ‘on hold’ until Ron is well and strong enough for the transition.)


July 2023 Newsletter
2023-07-01

Dear Morning Star Friends,

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?                                                                              My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth.                                                                                  He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.                                                            Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.                                                                                    The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.                                                                    The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.                                                                                  The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore”         Psalm 121

Greetings from a very chilly Welkom today. The sun is trying to break through the thick cloud above but it looks as if we have a pretty miserable day ahead of us. In fact, the past few days have been very cold, with temperatures plummeting to below zero degrees overnight. Today would’ve been a really good day to forego coming to work and rather staying warm and cosy at home. But then, what immediately springs to mind are the thousands of impoverished folk living around us who have inadequate shelter and who go to bed cold every night, with little hope of warming up at all. It’s absolutely heart-breaking to witness the suffering going on around us every single day. We just cannot keep up with the pleas for a Morning Star food parcel or for assistance with warm clothes and extra blankets. We’re also finding ourselves going out and buying socks, coats, tracksuits and trousers etc. every fortnight at the moment and, within a few days, our stock has dwindled and needing replenishing again. It’s a never-ending story! 

Strictly speaking, Morning Star should be closed right now (and until 18th July) as we’re in the midst of our winter school holidays. However, our 2nd annual Holiday Club for our 10-13 year old children is presently on the go. As mentioned this time last year, we’d long felt the need to have more of an input into the lives of our primary school children. They come to us for their pre-school years, then go off to the primary schools in the surrounding townships and then we get them back again as teenagers, at our teens’ meetings and Bible Studies. But our 8-13 year olds only come in when they’re sick, for their birthdays, for school needs or for food and other assistance. And, in light of the alarming number of 10 – 14 years in this country who are falling pregnant and being raped, we decided to host a Holiday Club to address the problems and give our children the skills needed to spot the signs of sexual grooming and to know where to go for help. Close to 100 children have attended and enjoyed the sessions over the past 4 days and, of course, morning devotions, outdoor activities and a delicious lunch were provided as well.

Good news for us is that, in the midst of the never-ending load-shedding/power outages across the length and breadth of South Africa these days, we’ve been able to purchase two portable invertors/ batteries and two solar panels for our Welkom premises. We’ve had to go ‘the portable route’ as we daren’t ‘rock the boat’ and ask the Free State government for permission to use Kopano Complex’s main electricity supply system for our personal needs. We’re constantly aware of the fact that the government views us as ‘squatters’ and we, thus, bring as little attention to ourselves as possible. Unfortunately, the solar panels cannot be installed on our roof either as they’ll definitely be stolen within days of the installation. We’ve, therefore installed them indoors, over two of the windows catching the morning and afternoon sun and are trusting that this will work, as promised, and give us sufficient solar power during our power outages.

Other news is that at our last Morning Star board meeting it was agreed that we sell our Kowie Street property. When we purchased this property in 2017 it was with the view of relocating there should we be evicted from our Welkom premises. Prior to it being converted into the present 4 apartments, Kowie Street was a pre-primary school and thus, officially zoned for educational purposes. This was the main reason we bought the premises in the first place. However, over the years, increasing and ongoing structural damage has occurred, so much so that it’s doubtful Morning Star could ever move there if evicted. We’d have to demolish the whole building and start again from scratch. So, the property is ‘on the market’ and, when and if we’re ever evicted from Kopano Complex, we’ll have to purchase other suitable premises elsewhere.

Two important announcements were made at Morning Star recently. The first was me (Joan) telling the Morning Star Board that husband Ron and I would be relocating to Johannesburg soon and that I’d be working for Morning Star from there. Ron’s health and general well-being took a terrible knock after his recent illness and he’s simply unable to commute up and down to Johannesburg (Gauteng) every fortnight any longer. Since our return to South Africa from England on 10th May, Ron has been hospitalized twice more and, amidst numerous blood tests and procedures, been treated for a severe bacterial infections in his abdomen. He’s lost 23kgs, all-in-all and truly is a shadow of the man he was before.  Shortly after my announcement, General Manager, Albert Duvenhage, tendered his resignation from Morning Star’s employ. He’s taken up the pastorate position at the Afrikaans Baptist Church in Oudtshoorn, in the Cape Province, and is due to begin his new ministry there on the 1st August. As can be expected, the Morning Star staff were devastated by this announcement although a few of us did know that Albert has had his heart set on this course of action for some time already.

Thankfully, we already have a very good support system at Morning Star so Albert’s imminent resignation and my move to Johannesburg are not going to affect the organization in any major way. We’re already on the look-out for a new general manager and, until one is found, Elizabeth vd Westhuizen will become our acting General Manager and other staff members, especially Youth Care Worker, Pastor Revival Hlongwane, and PA, Chantell Erasmus, will pick up some of Elizabeth’s former duties. I’ll not be disappearing completely either and, to begin with, hope to visit Morning Star once or twice a month. My correspondence can be done anywhere – as long as I have a laptop at hand and, of course, I’m only a WhatsApp call away as well. As Elizabeth told the staff, “Mme Joan is only moving her office to Johannesburg.”

In closing, thank you so much for your love and prayers for us – always. Your concern and ongoing support of our ministry in Welkom humbles us deeply. May our Lord Jesus Christ continue to meet all your needs too, according to His riches in glory.

Love in Christ,                                                                                                                                                                   

Joan.

PRAYER MATTERS:

1.Praise and thanks that our children are mostly well and that, even though more than 30 of them are down/have recently had mumps, none was/is seriously ill. 

2.Praise and thanks that we’ve been able to install a portable solar system at our Welkom premises recently and that we had sufficient funds to do so.

3.Praise God for our present, healthy financial position and for the amazing support we receive from our UK and Australian friends. 

4.Praise and thanks that teenager, Hlompho Vanda, is much better and discharged from hospital and teenager Neo Matlakeng is gaining strength week-by-week and back at school.

5.Praise God for the blessing and encouragement our two recent UK volunteers were at Morning Star. Thank you, Beth and Kizzy, for all your wonderful assistance and gracing us with your presence.

Please pray:

6.For our children’s safety over these June/July school holidays. (God willing, we reopen on Monday 17th July.)

7.For an uncomplicated sale of our Kowie Street premises. 

8.That all the information imparted to our primary school children at our Holiday Club this week will take root in their minds and be applied in their lives. 

9.For a smooth transition as Albert leaves Morning Star’s employ and as we seek a new General Manager to take his place.

10.For Morning Star driver, Eric Mtshali’s daughter-in-law. She innocently used public transport (small taxi) this past Monday but never reached her destination. Praise God she was eventually found, (at 10pm that night) albeit badly scratched, unconscious (she’d been drugged) and possibly raped and had to be rushed to hospital. Praise God she’s conscious now and starting to talk but please keep her and the family in your prayers as they deal with and recover from this terrible ordeal.

11.For Sarah Wilkins’ safe return to Welkom and Morning Star on 13th July. (We’ve so missed you, Sarah!)

12.For Pastor Revival as he continues to visit and counsel our many teenagers. Pray that he’ll see spiritual fruit in many a life and truly be encouraged.

13.For our President, Cyril Ramaphosa, and his cabinet – for Godly wisdom and courage to implement hard decisions.


“Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart                                                                                                                  naught be all else to me save that Thou art                                                                                                            Thou my best thought, by day or by night                                                                                                              Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Riches I heed not, nor vain empty praise,                                                                                                                Thou my inheritance, now and always                                                                                                                Thou and Thou only first in my heart                                                                                                                      High King of Heaven, my treasure Thou art.” 


Taken from the hymn “Be Thou My Vision” based on a 6th century poem by Irish poet, Dallàn Forgaill.



May 2023 Newsletter
2023-05-25

“Greatis Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,

Thereis no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thouchangest not, Thy compassions, they fail not

AsThou has been Thou forever wilt be.

“Greatis Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy Faithfulness!”

Morningby morning new mercies I see;

AllI have needed Thy hand hath provided –

“Greatis Thy faithfulness,” Lord unto me!

DearFriends,

It’shard to believe that 2 weeks have whizzed by since Joshua Bolaji and I returnedfrom our 2023 UK fundraising trip. All-in-all, it was a very successful timeindeed and a wonderful blessing to our hearts.

Thankyou all so much for your generous hospitality, sacrificial giving and faithfulprayers for Morning Star. Words fail me in expressing how in awe I am of our GraciousGod’s faithfulness over the 23 years of our existence and the depth of mygratitude to you all for your solid support, always.

Once again, Peter Barham put our UKPowerPoint Presentation together and Glenys Barham coordinated the itinerary.Many miles were covered as we criss-crossed the length and breadth of thebeautiful English country-side, all done from the comfort of the luxurious carloaned to us for the duration of the trip. Joshua and I shared the 27presentations delivered to different audiences over the four weeks oftravelling and he definitely brought an added dimension to the talks. All-in-all,43 of the 44 little children seeking individual support were sponsored out.

For those of you who couldn’t get toour meetings or churches we didn’t visit this year, the following are some ofthe highlights shared:

  1. When Morning Star opened in January 2000, the world was in the grip of one of the most devastating pandemics known to man – the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Morning Star was opened to address the suffering of little children born with this terrible disease through no fault of their own and provide them with solid day care, good nutrition and the opportunity to reach a measure of their full potential before their untimely deaths.
  2. As time went by, anti-retroviral drugs were rolled out in South Africa, thus providing treatment for people infected with the disease, enabling them to live healthier lives and not die as prolifically as before. The South African government were also determined to eradicate mother-to-child transmission back then and began giving anti-retroviral treatment to the unborn babies of HIV positive mothers, whilst they were still in utero. This move certainly brought the rate of infection in new-born babies down dramatically and Morning Star began to see far fewer children presenting with the HIV/AIDS symptoms themselves.
  3. Today, the world no longer talks about HIV/AIDS. Most people think the disease has been eradicated/brought under control. Its, thus, hard to grasp the fact that South Africa is still the epicentre of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, with 4,500 new infections occurring every week. And, of these, one third are adolescent/young women aged 15-24 years.
  4. Yet, the AIDS pandemic in South Africa is not being treated like a crisis. It’s alarming that there’s so much complacency towards the rate of new infections from all levels of society, and that there’s an absence of emergency response, especially with young people. It’s as if other issues are more important than contracting AIDS these days, such as gender-based violence, rape, lack of job opportunities and poor education. Sadly, without aggressive action, AIDS will continue to take a tremendous toll on our country for years to come.
  5. Shockingly, up to 20% of people in South Africa today are living with HIV/ AIDS. In some communities in the province of Kwa Zulu Natal, up to 60% of people are infected with the disease. South Africa’s population is estimated to be over 60 million these days. According to our national statistics, up to 8.5 million are living with HIV/AIDS.
  6. TB – tuberculosis – is second only to HIV/AIDS as the leading infectious disease killer world-wide. South Africa faces a high burden of TB, including multi-drug resistant TB, both of which amplify the AIDS pandemic. The two diseases, linked, increase the severity and accelerate the course of both diseases.
  7. Only about 4 million of the 8.5 million people infected with HIV/AIDS in South Africa are on anti-retroviral treatment. One of the problems facing South Africa’s HIV response is that the rate of new infections supersedes the access of the drugs, resulting in the epidemic failing to bend the curve.
  8. And shockingly, at least 2.6% of babies, born to mothers infected with HIV/ AIDS today, are still born with the disease themselves!
  9. On a more personal level, over 50% of the 600+ children on Morning Star’s register are 13 years old and over. They are definitely our most vulnerable group of children as they are all infected with the disease and are all living with the consequences and side effects of both HIV and the antiretroviral drugs. It’s become a massive task to counsel and encourage them and to equip them for adulthood.

Whilst Joshua and I were travellingaround the UK, Morning Star continued to run smoothly, with Albert at the helmand Elizabeth, our Operations Manager, expertly managing day-to-day events. Nochild was admitted to hospital in this time and all staff members pulledtogether well and performed their duties admirably. We have a new internalaccountant at Morning Star, Miss Rose Khambula. She replaces Mrs. Naledi Marumo,who has moved on to a new job, more in line with her hard-earned, professional qualifications.We are indebted to Naledi for coming to our rescue when former accountant,Teboho, resigned from our employ and thank her for pulling our finances out ofa terrible mess and ensuring that proper systems were put in place. She maintainedexcellent control over our finances in the 18 months she was in our employ. Nalediis still in the process of handing over/training Rose after-hours, and greatnews is that she’s agreed to join the Morning Star Board of Directors and ishappy to take over as treasurer, in due course, as well.

Our Head of Education, Sarah Wilkins,is presently in England, visiting her family and catching up with her personalsupporters. She’ll be away until mid-July, God willing. Wonderful news, though,is that we have two UK volunteers in our midst at the moment, who are not onlyfilling in for Sarah a bit but also assisting in all our other departments aswell. Beth Atlee (from the Old Baptist Chapel, Bradford-on-Avon) and KizzyAngell (from Clifton, Bedford) didn’t know each other before they flew out toSouth Africa but I’m sure they’ll be firm friends by the time they leave us inJune. It’s wonderful having overseas volunteers at Morning Star again; we so missedthis benefit through the Covid era. It’s always a blessing hosting overseasvolunteers; not only do they assist us in many and varied ways, especially inthe way they interact with our little children, but they also bring their skillsand talents along with them, which enrich both our children’s and our staff’slives as well. Beth is a paediatric nurse back in England and has both conductedsome staff training sessions whilst here and also given us great advice re:treatment regimens for our little ones with varied physical disabilities.

Come out and visit us, all of youreading this newsletter back home: we’d so love to avail ourselves of theskills you bring to the table. There’s no better way of truly understandingwhat we’re endeavouring to accomplish at Morning Star than seeing our set-upwith your own eyes.

Other good news is that our financesare in a very healthy position at the moment. This is largely due to a legacywe received when a dear friend in England died and left us a sum of money inhis will. In addition to this, Joshua’s and my recent UK trip yielded greatfinancial rewards as well. It’s been a very long time since our financialreserves stood at 3.57 months.

And lastly, Sandra Rycroft, up inLeeds, is planning to courier boxes of children’s clothing to us again soon.She welcomes contributions from as many of you as possible, providing you canget the goods up to her and are willing to contribute towards couriering costs.(I`ve attached her letter below for your perusal.)

Yours in Christ,

Joan 

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.    Praiseand thanks for God’s great faithfulness to Morning Star over the past 23 years.

2.   Praiseand thanks for our recent, successful UK trip and for our Lord’s hand uponJoshua and I as we travelled around England (and popped in Wales.)

3.    Praiseand thanks for our healthy financial position at present.

4.    Praiseand thanks that our children are generally healthy right now. We do have a few downwith mumps, including a staff member, but none of them is/has been seriouslyill.

Please continue to pray for:

5.    SouthAfrica, as a whole. Every single government department and all essentialservices in our beautiful country are either bankrupt or virtually non-existent.These days we’re enduring 8 hours of load-shedding (no electricity) in 24 hours,which is set to increase to 12 - 16 hours before our winter season is behindus.

6.    Prayfor our political leaders, that God would do a work of grace in their heartsand halt widespread corruption at all levels of society and, please Lord, toinstitute a change of government leadership in the general elections scheduledfor 2024.

7.    Prayfor our Morning Star teenagers and also for Pastor Revival; pray that he’d be moreintentional and strategic in his home visits and Biblical counselling sessions withthem and that we’d see many of them coming to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

8.    Prayfor our quarterly Teens Meeting, scheduled for tomorrow, 26th Mayand for our next young adults Bible Study session on Saturday 3rdJune.

9.    Pray,too, for our Holiday Club for our 10-13 year old children, set to take placefrom 27th – 30th June. We’re endeavouring to hold thisclub annually, hoping to reach the minds of our primary school children before they’reraped or become sexually active and fall pregnant. We want to equip them withthe coping skills needed to evade the advances of sexual predators/sexualgrooming which, at first, appear so innocent. So often, by the time ourchildren are old enough to join our teens’ meetings, they’re already sexuallyactive – and it’s then virtually impossible to intervene and change alreadychosen life styles.

Thank you, always, for praying sofaithfully for Morning Star Children’s Centre in South Africa. God bless you allabundantly.

 

“The effective, fervent prayer of arighteous man avails much.” James 5:16

 

DearAll,

MORNING STAR DONATIONS2023

Wellit’s April now and the spring is here, beautiful flowers and lambs are beingborn.  How good is our God. 

Iam hoping to send boxes out to Morning Star in June/July.  I’m late starting because of health issues,but I’m getting better and praying that will continue.

Joansent me the following list of needs:

The things we most need when you feel up to coordinatingmore boxes are;

Children’s clothing, all ages (baby to ages 15 –16 years):

T-shirts – long & short-sleeved. Shorts, longpants, track pants. Fleeces, jumpers.

Underwear (underpants, knickers, socks – notreally vests).  Pyjamas for children, children’s shoes.

School uniforms (dresses, grey shorts/skirts,white socks, grey socks, and black school shoes).

Stationery – rulers, HB pencils, erasers,sharpeners, coloured ballpoint pens, pencil crayons – in boxes of 12,children’s paper-cutting scissors, highlighters, Pritt glue sticks(40gms).  

Sarah Wilkins needs to let you know exactly whatarts/crafts items she’s short of....... she has a surplus in some areas. 

Toys in good condition – dolls, dolls clothes,puzzles etc.

Children’s toothbrushes andfacecloths/flannels. 

Myissue this year is that I’m not able to provide the finance that I did in yearsgone by, so I will need to ask that if you are sending donations that thefreight costs be paid in full.  I havecontacted my Freight Company and the cost this year with all the increases infuel and many other things is £5.90 per Kilo. There are standard charges which I will cover. I always send by air asthat is the safest and quickest way.  TheFreight Company vetted a number of companies in Johannesburg before choosingthe one they use.

Ihave contacted a friend who sent all her donations to me from Wales last year,she used DPD and found their price very reasonable.

AsI said, I am very happy to coordinate the packing and transporting. If you arewithin a few miles of me then I will be happy to collect from you, for a cup oftea ha ha.

EveryBlessing

Sandra.



March Newsletter 2023
2023-03-24

24th March2023   

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of variouskinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produced steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its fulleffect that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1: 2-3

 

Dear Morning Star Friends,

It’s hard to believe that March 2023 is almosthistory! From our side, we’ve had an above average summer rainfall over thepast few months, leading to widespread flooding in places as well. For all ofyou in the Northern Hemisphere, spring is around the corner and must be eagerlyanticipated, after your long, cold winter. I’m sure you can’t wait for thedaffodils to burst forth and, hopefully, by the time Joshua and I begin ourround trip of England on 11th April, my favourites, the beautifulbluebells, will be revealing their glory as well. 

As ever, the days and weeks at Morning Star fly byfaster than anywhere else on earth! Goal-setting just doesn’t seem to work as thereare always umpteen interruptions and urgent human dilemmas needing attention!Just last week I was reminded of how blessed I am; we had an elderlygrandmother telling us that all her and her young grandson’s meagre belongingshad been drenched by the rain that had poured through the rusty, corrugatedroofing of their shack in the night. And additionally, that their remainingfood, their last bit of maize-meal, was sodden and ruined too. I live in asolid brick house with running water and electricity (except during the growingnumber of hours per day when we have     load-shedding)I have food on my table every day and a comfortable bed to sleep on at night.The rain has never gushed through my roofing and drenched all my belongings inthe 71years that I’ve been alive! I am truly one of the most blessed people onearth! Every day we have folk at Morning Star appealing to us for basicfoodstuffs – because they have absolutely nothing in their homes at all. Nobreakfast for their children before school, nothing for school lunches even!Others who ask for an old piece of carpet to cover the mud flooring of theirshacks, a bed – even just a mattress – so that an old granny doesn’t have tosleep on the ground, or a cupboard to store clothing in, rather than having touse a cardboard box. But for God’s grace, each one of us could’ve been one ofthe people we serve at Morning Star every single day.

Our load-shedding dilemma at Morning Star wasexacerbated about 3 weeks ago when our power utility, Eskom, cut off the wholeof Kopano Complex’s power supply. We were informed that this was because theDept. of Public Works (Free State government) had failed to pay theirelectricity bill (not just one month’s arrears – but many months, apparently)to Eskom. We were back to having no power at our Welkom Centre again – andwhich lasted for two whole weeks. Our trusty little generator works overtime ininstances like these and, thankfully, enables most of our computers to keepgoing. We also cook solely on our gas stoves at both centres these days. But,during our increasing periods of ‘darkness’, all foodstuffs in our fridges anddeep freezers have to be used up, given away or stored elsewhere, we can’t useour washing machine and launder our children’s clothes and, most importantly,our security/alarm system ceases to function. We’re forced to leave ourpremises unprotected at night and over weekends and trust God to keep ourassets safe. But, with all the ‘squatters’ occupying premises around us atKopano Complex, we are never safe. We have a criminal element on our doorstepand these nothing we can do about it. 

The above quandary has forced us to begin seriouslyconsidering how to get ‘off the grid’ and stop being so heavily dependent onEskom for our power. The problem is that our premises in Welkom are not our ownand, aware that the government has long been looking for a way to evict us, wedaren’t install anything that’s going to require government permission and‘rock our boat’ in any way. We’ve thus come to the conclusion that we need toinvest in a portable system, an inverter and battery that can be wheeledaround, and to place a couple of solar panels on the inside of two of ourwindows that catch the sun each day, rather than install them on our roof,where they’ll definitely be stolen almost as soon as they’re in place.

We’re deeply grateful, truly blessed, that a long-termsupporter left Morning Star a legacy in his will. A portion of his preciousgift will be going towards the installation of solar power at our Welkompremises. Dear friend, you will long be remembered in our midst; it’s hard notbeing able to thank you, personally, for blessing us so abundantly.

Teacher Sarah reports that 21parents/carers of our Welkom pre-schoolers attended the first of four workshopsplanned for this year. These annual workshops have proven their worth sincetheir inception a few years back and have been an eye-opener as to the limitedmental stimulation our children enjoy at home. Our parents/carers are generallyill-equipped to teach and train their little ones in early childhood and we’vebeen shocked to discover how little they read to them, talk to them or evenplay with them. The theme of last week’s workshop was ‘Language and Literacy’.It was a lovely occasion, held outside under the pine trees. Teacher Sylvia didan excellent presentation about how vital language and communication is whilstTeacher Selloane explained the book-lending scheme and the importance ofreading books and taking care of them properly. All the parents were engagedthroughout the whole meeting and enjoyed making a sock puppet at the end.

Ron after his surgeries

 
My big news (excuse mebeing personal) is that my husband, Ron, has been seriously ill over the past 5weeks. It all began when his eyes stopped focusing and he started seeingeverything in double. In summary, this led to him being admitted to hospitalwith hypertension and transient cerebral ischaemia and, shortly afterwards,being diagnosed with adult onset hydrocephalus too. He subsequently had a shuntinserted into his brain to relieve the pressure/build-up of cerebral fluidbehind his eyes and, last week, underwent an urgent prostate procedure as well.As you can imagine, it’s been a roller-coaster ride for family and friendsalike. We praise God that all went well, though, and that he was finallydischarged from hospital this past Monday. Ron’s back to being a ‘happy chappy”and is enjoying recuperating from the comfort of our own home.

At the back of our minds all this time was whetherJoshua’s and my pending UK trip for Morning Star was still going to happen. I’mnow happy to report that everything is back on track for it to take place asplanned, God willing. Ron’s doctors have given the go-ahead for him toaccompany me to England next Thursday, 30th March, where he’llcontinue his recuperation period in the homes of our three children/familieswho live there.

For all of you who have prayed for us through ourrecent trial, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. What comfort, whatencouragement and joy comes from knowing that our Christian family around theworld have been upholding us before the throne of Almighty God. There’s nobetter way of living one’s life than being fully yielded to the will of ourLord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and resting in the promise that He is good allthe time and does all things well. Our lives might be very different goingforward; Ron is still seeing everything in double, but we know the God whoholds our futures in His hands and can happily rest in that.

Prayer requests:

1.    PraiseGod for a safe and wonderful sea trip last month. Pastor Revival reports thatit was a truly awesome experience for all who went. Everything happenedaccording to plan and, as far as Revival is concerned, this year’s group ofteenagers were the best he’s ever accompanied to the seaside. Our two schoolteachers and the other adults who went along enjoyed the excursion so much thatthey didn’t want to come home.

2.     PraiseGod for the restoration of electricity after it was cut off completely againfor 2 weeks.

3.     PraiseGod that all our children are well at the moment and that the two pre-schoolerswho were hospitalized last month have fully recovered and are back at MorningStar again.

Please pray for:

4.     JoshuaBolaji’s and Joan’s upcoming UK fundraising trip ((11th April – 7thMay.) The Itinerary is attached to thisletter

5.   The safety and health of ourchildren over the Easter holidays. (MorningStar closes today, Friday 24th March, and reopens again on 11thApril, immediately after the Easter weekend.)

6.    Prayfor God to be glorified through Easter celebrations throughout the world.

“Therefore,since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, andsin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance therace that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder andperfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him,endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne ofGod.” Hebrews12: 1-2

 



January Newsletter 2023
2023-02-01

“Therefore, since we aresurrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, andlet us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and isseated at the right hand of God.” Hebrews 11: 1-2

Dear Morning Star Friends,

Morning Star started with a ‘bang’when we reopened on the 9th January 2023. Whilst the bulk of usstaff members were preparing for the arrival of our children and catching upwith backlog over the first few days, our General Manager, Albert, and Socialworker, Shiwe, plus the two personnel in the finance office, Naledi & Lorato,were hard at work assisting our school-going children/parents with the newschool year’s uniform and stationery needs. Altogether, 254 children werehelped in 5 days and about R100, 000.00 (5,000pds) spent supplying the need.This colossal undertaking happens each January and couldn’t be executed withoutour vital Child Sponsorship programme in place. Unfortunately, the bulk of helpgoes to sponsored children only.

Our new intake of children for 2023are now all happily settled and thoroughly enjoying the delicious mealsprepared each day and the educational programmes presented in the differentdepartments. There were a few who yelled for their mamas at first but, by thesecond day, they already knew what to expect here and arrived, all smiles. Altogether42 new children have been admitted to our two Morning Star centres for 2023: 26in Welkom and 16 in Kutlwanong. In total we have 120 children attending our twoday care centres and, for your interest, there are 525 school-going childrenenrolled at the different schools in and around Welkom. Quite a lot of ouryoung adults are now being discharged from our register each year. 20 years ofage is the final cut-off date; by the time they reach this age, they are allthoroughly ‘adult’ and need to be treated as such.

It’s hard to believe February 2023was ushered in today. Where has January gone? January was a very dry, very hotmonth in Welkom and, together with all the daily load shedding schedules we’resubjected to these days, we’ve struggled to stay ‘cool’ in more ways than one.The highlights in February will include the first of our monthly teens’ BibleStudies on Saturday 7th, our board meeting on 16th, theweek-long visit of dear friend, Linda Gardiner, and her Italian friend IsabellaAstengo, from 13th – 19th and the most exciting of all,our annual Durban sea trip from 21st – 25th February.

It’s mind-blowing to think that thiswill be our 22nd sea trip! 30 more of our young teens will be takendown to Kwa Zulu Natal – to see Durban and the ocean for the first time intheir lives. This excursion is an annual highlight and eagerly anticipated byour 14-15 year olds who suspect that ‘their turn’ is ‘next on the list’. Thusfar, over 370 Morning Star children have enjoyed this excursion in total. Allcame from impoverished homes and all were born with HIV/AIDS. In our earlyyears, many an extremely weak child enjoyed this ‘once-in-a-lifetime-treat’only to succumb to his/her illness and die with-in months of returning home.

Not only do the children and staffof Morning Star get to spend quality time on the beach and romping in theIndian Ocean but they also experience the wonders of uShaka Marine World inDurban. Here they are escorted around the aquarium and told many interestingfacts about sea life and its diversity and beauty, thus ensuring that when theyreturn home they have a greater understanding of God’s amazing creation and,hopefully, a keen desire to invest in the caring of our oceans.

For your interest, sponsoredchildren selected to go on this year’s trip include:

Boys: Hlompho Vanda; Karabo Malasse; Bokamoso Keketsi; Kgomotso Seele;Samkelo Manyanisa; Thabang Ncipha; Israel Sefatsa; Thabang Khepheyi; Amukelo Khohlongoaneand Mohau Ndzaba.

Girls: KeratilweMotladi; Salima Tevete; Palesa Masimong; Katleho Matladi; Chi Chi Okorieoji;Onele Jabusa; Refilwe Mokhothu; Puleng Mojafi and Analisa Sithole.

Once February is behind us, our nextbig event to plan for is Joshua Bolaji’s and Joan’s 2023 UK fundraising trip.God willing this will take place from Tuesday 11th April – Sunday 7thMay. Joshua is accompanying Joan this year, with the view of talking over from her,going forward. Glenys Barham is, once again, attending to the itinerary andreports that 18 churches have already confirmed meetings, with 8 still in the‘probable’ stage. I’m sure the itinerary will have been finalized by March andwill be circulated with the next Morning Star newsletter due then.

And, last but not least, you mightbe interested to learn that the Kutlwanong Reformed Baptist Church, startedfrom our Kutlwanong Morning Star premises back in 2012, has recently relocatedto their own site in the Township. They have been allocated their own site andwere able to erect a corrugated zinc structure on it until such time as theyhave funds to put up a brick building. We’re sad that we no longer have thechurch operating from our Kutlwanong premises but thrilled that its experiencedgrowth and consolidation over the past several years.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.            Praise& thanks for the sustained good health of most of our children over theChristmas holidays.

2.            Forthe ongoing support of the Morning Star board members and for their wisecounsel always.

Please prayfor:

3.        Ourchildren with health issues – especially 6-year-old Siyabulela Latile and4-year-old Philokuhle. Siya has suffered from chronic diarrhoea over the pastseveral weeks and is extremely weak and frail. He can no longer walk and isback in disposable nappies (diapers). Philokuhle is new at Morning Star andamidst other health concerns, has an enlarged liver and a grossly distended abdomen.Pray that God would restore both these little ones to full health and strengthagain.

4.            Staffmember, Emely Mahlangu, now heavily pregnant and due to deliver in about 6weeks’ time. Emely’s 14-year-old daughter is ecstatic about this event andeagerly awaiting the birth of her little sibling. Pray that the remainder ofEmely’s pregnancy will be trouble-free and that her baby will be born healthyand strong.

5.            Ourforthcoming Sea Trip. Pray for the group’s safety over the 4 days they’re awayand that all they experience of God’s creation on this excursion will result inpraising and worshipping Him.

6.            Ouryoung adults who are facing important life choices and for Pastor Revival as heengages with them.

7.            Godlywisdom for Albert as he deals with diverse social issues and ongoing requestsfor financial aid each week. Pray that he’ll have the ability to decipher realneeds from perceived needs and the truth from lies.

 

 

Thankyou so much for praying.

 

 



December 2022 Newsletter
2022-12-14

 FOR TO US A CHILD IS BORN, TO US A SON IS GIVEN;AND THE GOVERNMENT SHALL BE UPON HIS SHOULDER, AND HIS NAME SHALL BE CALLEDWONDERFUL COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE.”

ISAIAH 9:6


Our Dearest Friends,

And so another year is drawing to a close! Another year offruitful service and enormous blessing! Another year to thank God for ourhealth and strength and all the benefits we enjoy at His hand – but take so forgranted!

Looking back over the past year, my two overwhelming thoughts areyour amazing generosity and support of our ministry here in Welkomand God’s abounding grace and ever-present guiding hand in all our activities.Yes, it’s been a tough year in many respects but everything fades into insignificance when one stopsand considers the countless blessings we enjoy each day. Without God at the heart of our Organisation and without yourprayers, encouragement and monetary support, we’d certainly not be where we aretoday nor be able to positively impact the lives of children infected/affectedby HIV/AIDS in our region of the Free State. I stand amazed at all God hasaccomplished since our inception 23 years ago. From 8 to over 700+ children onour register; from 4 to 38 staff members, plus a long-term UK volunteer; 8vehicles, providing 120+ food parcels to the poorest of the poor each month,annual sea trips for 20 – 30 children per time, a doctor who sees our sickchildren free-of-charge, monthly teens Bible studies and enough money in thebank to keep us functioning month-by-month. We have so much to be thankful for.Our Gracious God has wondrously provided!

GRADUATION2022

It wastruly heartwarming to witness the graduation ceremony of our two Grade R(reception) classes on the 2nd December. After performing awell-executed nativity play and singing several Christmas songs to a packedschoolroom, the children changed into their graduation gowns and proudly waiteduntil they were called up to be  presented with their certificates. Everysingle one them walked confidently onto the stage to rapturous applause,received their award and posed for a photograph! 33 children have completedtheir Grade R year at our two centres and are ready to transition to Grade 1 atthe nearest government school to their Township homes. Many of them come from direbackgrounds so to see them all achieving so well was fantastic and a credit toour two Grade R teachers, Portia Khobi and Zanele Khambule. I often wish our UKsponsors could be present at our functions and share the joy we all experienceon these occasions.

CHRISTMASPARTIES

Christmas begins very early at MorningStar as it falls within our long summer school holidays. By the end of Novembermost schools in the country have already closed for their 6-week break and weare forced to follow suite or face operating at quarter-strength, as ourchildren’s parents get into the ‘holiday spirit’ too and fail to bring theirchild to our transport stops in the mornings. As a result, Morning Star closesin early December which means that we generally conclude our Christmasfunctions by the end of the first week in December.          

Monday, the 12th December, wasour final function for 2022 – our staff end-year party. We treated them all tolunch at the ‘Mediterranean’ Restaurant in town where a wonderful time of unityand fellowship was enjoyed by all.

A big thank you to the many who have sentmonetary gifts, presents and cards to Morning Star over the Christmas season.Thankfully, a few parcels have arrived safely pre-closure of our centres and,thus far, 99 sponsors have transferred monetary gifts for the children theysupport. A big thank you to Linda Gardiner and friends for their magnificentmonetary assistance again this year, to Laura Murray and team from BanijayRights for the 35 Christmas boxes they packed and couriered over to SouthAfrica, Sarah Wilkins’ UK support team for ensuring all our Morning Star schoolchildren took home a lovely package and Ellen Abatzoglou and team from Ocean Basket,Welkom, for their wonderful collection of wrapped gifts for all our toddlersand pre-school children. Amidst much excitement, (in the middle of athunderstorm and load shedding,) every current child received a gift to takehome. Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts.

PLEASE NOTE:

1. Re: monetary gifts transferred for children’sbirthdays/Christmas: Please remember to put down a reference with all monetarydonations. We’ve recently received two donations that simply say: ”HappyBirthday” (one for 20pds on 21/11/22 and one for 30pds on 22/10/22.)Unfortunately, we have no way of knowing who these gifts are for and who tothank for them.

 

2.   God willing, our 2023 Durban Sea trip will take placefrom 21st – 25th February 2023 with thirty (30) new youngteens selected to go on it. Our sincere thanks to the UK couple who have, onceagain, fully sponsored the trip.

 

3.  God willing, our 2023 UK Fundraising Trip will takeplace from the 11th April – 7th May 2023. Please contactGlenys Barham (glenys.barham@gmail.com) to book a date for Joshua Bolaji and Joan Adams tovisit your church.

 

This Christmas, as you ponder afresh God’s gift of His only Son,Jesus Christ, to a lost, sinful world, may sheer praise and worship burst forthfrom your souls at such love, mercy and grace.

 

A TRULYBLESSED CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL.

  PRAYERREQUESTS

Join us as we praise and thank God for:

1.       Hisgoodness to us this past year and for meeting all our needs.

2.      The ongoing good health of themajority of our current children.

3.     Our restored electricity supply (eventhough we still have lengthy load-shedding periods each day which are likely toincrease, rather than decrease!)

PLEASEPRAY FOR:

1.      Safety, protection and good health forstaff and children over Christmas and the New Year. (Morning Star reopens on 9th January 2023).

2.       Allthe children leaving to attend government schools in 2023 – and that parentswould continue to take an interest in their education and support them well.

3.       Ouryoung adults and teenagers who are facing important life choices and for pastorRevival as he engages with them.

4.       OurWelkom premises: there’s been a new wave of uncertainly over our long-termoccupation of our Kopano Complex premises. Government officials have recentlyvisited our Welkom Centre and have indicated that Morning Star’s future isseriously being considered in’ behind scenes’ discussions and conversations.

5.      The families of our recently deceasedchildren/young adults as they celebrate Christmas without a loved one in theirmidst: 11-year-old Kabelo Lekitlane died on 10th September fromcerebral meningitis and 22-year-old Ntswaki Tomose on 18th Novemberfrom chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.



November 2022 Newsletter
2022-09-11


“Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust,

Who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!

You have multiplied, O Lord my God,

Your wondrous deeds and your thoughts towards us;

None can compare with you!

I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can betold.”

Psalm 40: 4-5

 

Dear Friends,

 

Thisnewsletter of mine is long overdue, I know. I’ve been aware of the fact for acouple of weeks already but have just not had the time to get around to it.

 

Why, youmight be asking? Because October 2022 has been a hectic, crazy month. Not onlyhave we been without electricity at our Welkom premises for over 4 weeks (inaddition to 2-6 hours of load shedding per day throughout the country) andexperiencing intermittent water supply, but we’ve also had an acute staffshortage as a result of various personnel being off sick with this and that.General Manager, Albert Duvenhage, was the worst hit and off work for twoweeks, fighting bronchial pneumonia. He was finally admitted to hospital whenno improvement was noted after 7 whole days. (He’s been back at work since Monday07/11 – and much better – but still not 100% well.)

 

The rest ofus were left scurrying around like ants, filling in for each other, dealingwith the overwhelming social issues that arose day-by-day and coping with thechaos of laundry to be done, birthday cakes to be baked and rapidly defrostingmeat and vegetables – all as a result of having no power. In-between the aboveissues, office personnel were endeavouring to attend to all their computeractivities before our little generator was switched off at 4pm, when staff beganto go home. (Often, our best time to work on our computers is after 4pm wheneveryone else has gone home and there are no more interruptions!) 

 

Some of theissues we’ve faced in October include:

1.       Rain, rain and more rain! We’re notcomplaining; we truly need this rain and are deeply thankful for it but itresults in very few of our children being able to come to Morning Star eachday. Muddy roads, often deeply pot-holed, combined with sewerage spillage, areimpassable making it impossible for our children to get to our transport stopseasily/on time and for us to pick them up from their homes. Believe it or not,only 12 of 33 pre-school children were able to get to our Welkom Centre formost of last week.

2.       Matjhabeng (Welkom and surrounding towns) municipalworkers are on strike again resulting in zero garbage collections for the past3 – 4 weeks.

3.       The near suicide of one of our staff members.Praise God he had second thoughts.

4.       A constant stream of people, pleading for foodassistance. We simply cannot stretch our resources to meet the ever increasing,dire need.

5.       Our sweet 13 year old Nthabiseng viciouslyraped by the man living next door.

6.       14 year old Amukelo in hospital and beinginvestigated for TB (tuberculosis). He arrived at our recent teens’ meetinglooking like death warmed up and struggling to breathe. He was rushed to thedoctor, and subsequently, to hospital for urgent attention.

7.       20 year old Mosa, forced into prostitution byher biological mother, 27-year-old Langa in kidney failure and 24 year oldNtsoaki, recently diagnosed with C.O.P.D. (Chronic Obstructive PulmonaryDisease) and fighting for her life. Her lungs are permanently damaged by theseveral bouts of tuberculosis she’s contracted over the years and she’spresently on oxygen 24/7.

8.       The Yahaya family evicted from their home (theroom they were occupying in a communal house) for defaulting on monthly rentalpayments and all their belongings dumped outside in the rain.

9.       No mum to welcome 7 year old Noni home oneafternoon about 10 days ago. She subsequently spent the night at a staffmember’s house. Mum was eventually found the following day, lying under a treeat the side of the road, filthy and dehydrated. We bathed her, fed her and tookher to the doctor who, after examining her, referred her to Bongani Hospitalfor urgent admission. She’s still in hospital and Noni is still staying withstaff member, Lineo. In the midst of all of this, a previously non-existentbiological father materialized, saying that he’s long been denied access toNoni and that he would like this to change. This news left us aghast! Thematter is now in the hands of a social worker and we’re glad we’re not the onestrying to sort out the mess.

In spite ofall the above crises, and in the midst of the busyness of October, we’ve alsohad the great pleasure of hosting UK volunteer, Hannah Ramsey again andwelcoming Sarah Wilkins back from her 5-week trip to England. Hannah arrived atMorning Star at exactly the right time and we truly don’t know how we would’vemanaged without her gracious, ever willing assistance during crazy October.Hannah has visited Morning Star twice now and has endeared herself to bothstaff and children alike. Lots of tears flowed as goodbyes were said lastFriday, 4th November, before she headed to Johannesburg Airport andher return home. Come back soon, Hannah!

 

And, to crownit all, what a joy it was to welcome 3 members of our UK Morning Star SupportGroup to Welkom/ Morning Star on Friday, 27th October. Andrew Gurr,Paul Stark and Stephen Allmand-Smith flew in and out again within 5 days, butmanaged to pack an awful lot into their tight schedule whilst here. They got toexperience the delights of Welkom and the surrounding black townships,(including pot holes, power outages and sewerage stench), meet the Morning Starboard members over a proper South African braai (barbeque), participate in ourOctober Teens’ Meeting, meet their sponsored children, attend a Sunday serviceat Welkom Baptist Church, (as well as witness the induction of Pastor Revivalas the new Riebeeckstad Baptist Church’s pastor),  and spend a whole day at both the MorningStar Centres, visiting each department and, thus, coming to appreciate what wedo and who we serve and better understanding the constant difficulties we face.They’ve returned home with a totally different perspective of the extent andscope of our ministry here in Welkom and eager to do what they can to increasefunding for us in the UK.

 

In closing,please note that our children’s last day at Morning Star this year is Friday,the 9th December. Thanks to the

many who havealready deposited ’Christmas money’ into our bank accounts for their sponsoredchild and family over

the festiveseason. If any of you are still planning to do likewise,please ensure that your monetary gift is reflecting in our bank accounts by 5thDecember. Anything after this will only be picked up and processed in the NewYear.

 

PLEASE NOTE: It’s alreadytoo late to post parcels/cards etc. for this Christmas. Posted items, even ifsent by air, are taking 3-6 months to reach us nowadays.

 

 

PRAYERREQUESTS:

 

Praise andthanks to God:

1.      For the wonderfulrain we’ve enjoyed over the past month.

2.      For the goodhealth of most of our children.

3.      For answering ourprayers and restoring Albert Duvenhage’s health and bringing him back toMorning Star.

4.      For the recent,flying visit of Andrew, Paul and Stephen and for the keen interest they and therest of our

UK Morning Star Support Group aretaking in our Organization.

5.      For the joy ofhaving Hannah Ramsey back in our midst and for the safe return of our dear,

long-term UK volunteer, Sarah Wilkins.

6.      For the UK couplewho have pledged 1000pds per annum for the next 3 years to help establish ourYoung

Adults’ skills training endeavours.

7.      For our manyoverseas supporters/sponsors – who are ever encouraging and committed topraying for us

regularly. We thank God for yourfaithful partnership in our ministry.

 

 

Please prayfor:

8.      Our illchildren/young adults: Amukelo, Thabang, Bontle, Bonolo, Ntsoaki and Langa.

9.      For our brokenfamilies and the many children on our register who are suffering abuse andneglect at the

hands of the adults in their lives.

10.   For Nthabisengand family as they begin to deal with the trauma of her recent rape.

11.   That theelectricity at our Welkom premises will soon be restored. (The problem is as aresult of cable theft,

 followed by the transformer blowing up.)

12.   For our upcomingBoard Meeting on Thursday, 17th November.

13.   For Pastor Revivaland auxiliary social worker, Shiwe, as they minister to, and counsel the manyMorning Star

teenagers and clients with whom theyinteract with on a daily basis.

 

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;

Perplexed, but not driven to despair;

Persecuted, but not forsaken;

Struck down but not destroyed;                                                                                                                                                                                                                so we do not lose heart.”

2 Corinthians: 4: 8-9; 16

 



August 2022 Newsletter
2022-08-22


Our Dear Friends,

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you because ofyour partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Philippians 1: 3, 5.

AsI sit here deciding what to share with you in my newsletter, I am filled withan over-whelming sense of gratitude for how God has blessed Morning Starthrough you and used you to accomplish His purposes in this insignificant placein the world ….. Welkom, South Africa! Who would’ve thought nearly 23 years agothat Morning Star would’ve grown to the size it is today and that God’s planfor us would involve so many of you! I find this thought truly awesome!

It’sbeen a busy time since my last letter went out at the beginning of July. Inaddition to the hive of activity relating to our big building project out atKutlwanong Morning Star over June/July school holidays, we’ve held our AnnualGeneral Meeting, had two successful parent/ partnering workshops andaccommodated various individuals, school groups and local businesses wishing tovolunteer their services and bless us in different ways, in honour of our latePresident Nelson Mandela. Mandela Day is held annually on 18th Julyand is in response to him calling on the people of the world to honour him byhelping in their communities on this day, each year.

OurKutlwanong house is now looking as good as new. It took our builder and histeam much longer to  fix everything, andour Kutlwanong children were forced to stay home for a further 2 weeks of‘holiday’, but, thankfully, we’ve been able to bus them all in again from thebeginning of August. The repairs to the house’s infrastructure were moreextensive than first envisaged and, of course, the expenses involved roseproportionately as well, but we’re all glad that this big project is behind usand very happy with the end result.

Ournext ‘headache’ is what to do about our Kowie Street property – theex-pre-school building we purchased over 5 years ago in Welkom and which wastransformed into four apartments before our time. The previous owner took somany shortcuts in his conversion of the former pre-school into four homes and,as time passes, we’re increasingly reaping the results of this. The maintenanceof the building is ongoing and costly. There are continual problems with earthmovement e.g. cornices pulling away, cracks appearing in the walls andfoundational issues. We should be recouping the money we invested in thisproperty by now and not still struggling to balance our monthly income againstour continual expenditure.            

Thedraw card for this particular purchase was that it’s still zoned foreducational purposes and could be used to rehouse Morning Star should the FreeState government decide to evict us from our existing Welkom premises. (Forthose of you still praying about the matter, we’ve not heard a word from theFree State Department of Public Works regarding Morning Star paying rent andfor our utilities in almost a year. And, whilst they say nothing, we lie low.)

Therewas much excitement at Morning Star on the 5th August when SandraRycroft’s 25 couriered boxes arrived at Morning Star. We’re ever amazed at the excellentservice provided by this particular courier company and how the items arrivethis end in record time – and with no added expense to the organization. Thankyou, Sandra, from the bottom of our hearts, for orchestrating this massiveproject once again this year. Thanks to each and every one of you whocontributed to the contents – masses of beautiful children’s clothing andunderwear, shoes, jackets, craft materials, knitted blankets and cardigans,toys, puzzles and books, school uniforms, football gear and one of the biggestteddy bears we’ve ever seen. One of the boxes was mostly filled with pyjamasand these we handed out to a good number of the children attending our WelkomCentre each day. It was a joyous occasion for all of them as these pyjamas are,in most cases, the first pair our children have owned in their lives. They weretried on and kept on for the rest of the day; they even went home wearing whatthey’d been given. Such fun!

How relieved mostof us in South Africa are that the Covid era is behind us, at last. No moreface masks, continual sanitizing of hands and ‘social-distancing’.Unfortunately, we’ll be reaping the consequences of this bizarre way of livingfor years to come. One of the many negative impacts of the Covid pandemic arethe number of previously disadvantaged families who are even worse off thanthey were before. The plight of the poor around us is heart-breaking and,sadly, we’re very limited in the amount of assistance we can render. We’re nowgiving out over 120 food parcels per month, at a cost of R42, 000.00 in total(about 2, 100pds) and there’s no end in sight. Nowadays we frequently spotindividuals in the big garbage skip in the grounds of the Kopano premises andalong the streets of Welkom, scavenging for food scraps in the many plasticbags awaiting pick-up to the garbage tip. We also often assist desperateindividuals off the street with a day’s work/wages as it’s soul-destroying tosend them away empty-handed.  There’slittle hope of things improving in the foreseeable future; both the Free Stategovernment and our local municipalities are bankrupt and worthwhile employmentopportunities locally, extremely scarce.

On the positiveside, we’ve once again got UK folk coming out to volunteer at Morning Star. Havingnot had anyone for 3 years, its all the more special that Hannah Ramsay isbooked to come out for a month in October. She had to forego her trip out inAugust 2020, due to the international Covid restrictions in place then and now,two years later, is coming back as a fully-qualified nurse. We also have threemembers of our Morning Star UK Support Team flying out for a few days at theend of October and are very much looking forward to showing Andrew Gurr, PaulStark and Stephen Allmand-Smith around and helping them to understand ourset-up here and the various challenges that we face. There are several othersupporters lined up to visit Morning Star in the New Year and we’re trustingthat this renewed trend will continue and flourish once again. We’re alwaysblessed by the talents and skill-sets our volunteers bring to Morning Star andour children simply love the added attention they get.

PRAYER ISSUES:

1.     Praise and thanks that gardener, Papiki’s eyeoperation is behind him and was a success. He’s been told to not pick up heavyobjects for at least a month and we’re trusting that he’s following hisdoctor’s instructions to the letter. (A big thank you, too, to all who contributedtowards the repairs of his fire-damaged home.)

2.     Praise and thanks that our UK long-termvolunteer, Sarah Wilkins’ visa has finally been processed and she was able tocollect it in Bloemfontein last week. Sarah has been waiting for this foralmost 18 months so there was much rejoicing on hers and her family’s part.

3.  Praise and thanks that Thato Ramosebi, one ofour earliest intake of HIV positive children, is now a qualified secondaryschool teacher and employed at Nanabulela Secondary School in Thabong Township.This is a first for us; our first Morning Star “child” meaningfully employedand able to stand on her own two feet.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

1.   5 year old Nyakello Thys and family.Tragically, her grandmother (primary carer) was shot and killed in ThabongTownship a month ago. She was part of a "Neighbourhood VigilanteGroup" and, together with other members of the group, was apprehendingsome Zama Zamas (illegal miners) in her area of Thabong and was subsequentlyhit by one of the bullets being fired at them all - and died on the spot.Please pray for her broader family and for her neighbours as they come to termswith their loss.

2.    Pray for the safety of our children at home;many suffer from neglect and abuse and we’re very aware that we don’t know evenhalf of what goes on behind closed doors. Just this past week one of our 4 yearold girls was sexually abused by a 9 year-old- boy in her neighbourhood andwhen she told her mother about it, she was beaten and told not to be naughty!

3.      Pray for our Teens Meeting this comingSaturday, the 27th August. Pray that all who attend will have listeningears to the Gospel message brought by Pastor Revival and that the same DVD andpuppet show, dealing with sexual abuse and shown to our 10-13 year old childrenin the July school holidays, will speak to their hearts as well. It might cometoo late for those already sexually active but please pray that the programmewill impart the coping skills needed to evade the advances of predators and tospot the signs of sexual grooming. Our greatest desire remains to see our youngadults breaking free from the cycle of poverty and hopelessness that’s pervadedtheir lives and moving beyond their vulnerability to productivity. Best of all,placing their trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

“Youkeep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you,

Becausehe trusts in you.

Trustin the Lord forever, For the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”

Isaiah26:3-4 



July 2022 Newsletter
2022-07-01

“Theearth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwelltherein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon therivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD and who shall stand in his holyplace? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soulto what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing fromthe Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. “Psalm 24: 1-5”

DearMorning Star Friends,

Greetingsfrom a very chilly Welkom at the moment. The sun is shining and I’d quicklywarm up if I was out-of-doors or travelling in my car, but my office at MorningStar is like an icebox and, unfortunately, we’re in the midst of another roundof load-shedding too.

Ourelectricity cuts (black-outs) across South Africa are on the increase and everyindication points to the fact that things are getting worse by the day – andare actually not going to get better in a hurry. The draw on our electricitysupply is naturally higher during our winter months – and Eskom, our utilityprovider, is simply not able to cope with the demand in the midst of ongoingpoor maintenance, widespread corruption and the gross mismanagement over manyyears.  Generally during black-outs we’reall without power for up to 4 hours per day but over the past 4 days we’veexperienced Stage 6 load-shedding, meaning that we’re without electricity for 6in 24 hours. It’s extremely tough not having power from 6.00pm – 10.00pm atnight, just when one is needing to turn on lights and cook an evening meal.And, of course, it’s always the poor who suffer most. Those in our country whocan afford to, are rapidly installing solar and going off the grid. It’s acostly business, though, and most of us simply can’t afford the expense.Thankfully, Morning Star cooks with gas and has a little generator to keep ourcomputers running when the lights go out. However, even the latter has given ustrouble this past week and been in for repairs.

Oneof the results of load-shedding is power surging once the electricity supply isswitched on again. Surges can damage or destroy plugged in electrical devices.When too much electricity flows through an appliance at once, the appliancecould overheat, break down or even start a fire. Exactly that happened in thehome of Papiki, our gardener, last Sunday night. His area in Welkom experiencedload-shedding between 8.00 - 10.00pm that night, so the family simply went tobed in their little 4-roomed house in Hani Park Township. One of Papiki’s 5sons was actually sleeping on a mattress, on the floor of the sitting room thatnight. At about 11pm Papiki awoke to the sounds of this son coughing badly sogot up to check on him. On opening his bedroom door, he was greeted by ahouseful of smoke and immediately afterwards, the entire sitting room wasengulfed in flames. That he and his wife and children escaped unscathed is anabsolute miracle. But the trauma of loss, as they saw so many of their worldlypossessions go up in flames before their very eyes, was immense. They lost alltheir electrical appliances, including their television set and mobile phones,their sitting room window and frame and furniture, carpet, curtains andpictures, amongst other things. Thankfully, the fire was contained to only oneroom.

WhenI arrived on the scene on Monday morning I was greeted by a very despondentPapiki. How does an impoverished family, surviving on a minimal income, pick upthe pieces and start again? The fire wasn’t their fault; they don’t haveinsurance; they live from hand to mouth each month. Thankfully for this family,they have a Morning Star to turn to.

Forthose of you who have been praying for Papiki and his eye problem, you’ll bepleased to know that surgery is now scheduled for Monday 18th July,God willing.

Strictlyspeaking, Morning Star should be closed right now (and until 18thJuly) as we’re in the midst of our winter school holidays. However, somethingtruly thrilling is happening at our Welkom premises this week. Our full staffquota are on duty and at their posts for our first ever Holiday Club for our10-13 year old children.  For a long timewe’ve felt the need to have more of an input into the lives of our primaryschool children. They come to us for their pre-school years, then go off to theprimary schools in the surrounding townships and then we get them back again asteenagers, at our teens’ meetings and Bible Studies. But our primary schoolchildren, our 8-13 year olds, only come in when they’re sick, for theirbirthdays and school needs or for food and other assistance. And, in light ofthe increasing number of 10 – 14 years in this country who are sexually active,falling pregnant and being raped, we decided to host a Holiday Club to address someof the issues and give our youngsters the coping skills needed to evade theadvances of predators and spot the signs of sexual grooming which, at first,appears so innocent. 

Closeto 100 children have attended the sessions over the past 4 days.  Pre-school teacher, Sylvia, reports that theyarrive shy and unsure of what to expect but straight after the ice-breaker(Chicken Dance) they begin to relax and feel safe. The sessions have beenpresented in both Sesotho and English and have included lively singing andmorning devotions, the airing a DVD on sexual abuse, a follow-up puppet showreinforcing the graphics portrayed on the DVD and a corresponding handcraft.The above have been interspersed with much discussion and private conversations.The early results of the workshops have already shown us just how pertinent they’vebeen to the many social problems our Township children face on a daily basis.Of course, outdoor activities, tea and cake and a delicious lunch each day werethe cherry on the top!

It’samazing how our simple sessions have opened the eyes of some of our children tothings they’ve had no knowledge of before and, on the other hand, how it’sgiven those who have already experienced abuse, in one form or another, thetools they need to report what’s happening to them and to their peers. They nowall know what to look out for and avoid and where to go for help, even whentheir parents refuse to listen to them. God willing, we’ll be running ourHoliday Club every July from now on and endeavour to play a small role incutting down on the number of children suffering abuse at the hands of theadults in their lives.

Duringmy UK tour in April/May I shared of the terrible condition of the main house atour Morning Star Kutlwanong premises. Over the past several months, abnormalcracks have appeared on the interior walls and they’re actually hanging in theair as a result of the floor sagging. We presumed the damage was as a result ofthe high rainfall we’d experienced this past summer so, in addition to sendingour builder out to quote on the repairs, also contacted our insurance company,confident that they’d pay out for the damages incurred. However, they came backsaying they’d not be taking responsibility at all as the damage was structuraland the result of the foundations not being properly impacted and built in thevery beginning. (All long before we bought the premises.) Since then we engagedthe services of a structural engineer to inspect the property and he ordered usto cordon off the house immediately as it was no longer safe for the staff andchildren to be/work inside the building.

Theensuing action, in summary, is to break down the interior walls of the house,dig up the floor, re-impact the original foundation, lay an additionalfoundation on top of the existing one and then build the walls up again. Ourbuilder is in the process of doing this right now/whilst we’re closed for the schoolholidays. He hopes to be finished by the 18th July, when we’re dueto reopen again. As you can imagine, undertaking repairs like this is hugelycostly.  Thankfully, my recent UK tripreaped rich rewards financially and part of the profits are being used to coverthe costs of the repairs. It’s something that had to be done urgently as we’dlose our licence to operate a Morning Star satellite centre in KutlwanongTownship otherwise, and have to close it down altogether.

Certainlynot my strength or expertise is anything to do with modern technology andsocial media. I was, thus, astounded to hear that our present Morning Starwebsite is outdated and inadequate. Those of you who are aware of this will bepleased to hear that we’re in the midst of having it redesigned and modernised.Our Morning Star UK Support Group is planning to create a website as well,linked to ours so, with this in mind, if any of you are web designers, or knowsomebody in this line who could assist us in the matter, please get in touchwith Nicole Correia, our UK Champions’ Co-ordinator, as soon as possible. We’reaware that this could prove an expensive exercise so if there’s anybody “outthere” who could design it ‘free-of-charge’ we’d be very grateful indeed.Nicole’s email address is: nicoleajc@hotmail.com

PRAYER ISSUES:

Praiseand thanks for:

1.       The general good health of ourchildren.

2.      Our improved financial position as aresult of Joan’s recent UK trip.

3.      Sparing the lives of Papiki and hisfamily in the midst of the fire in their home last Sunday night.

4.      The early indications of how opportuneour Holiday Club has been in the lives of our primary school children.

Pleasepray for:

1.      Gardener, Papiki, and his scheduledeye surgery on 18th July. Pray, too, for his and his family’ssalvation.

2.      The protection and safety of ourchildren over the 3 week winter holiday period.

3.      For Pastor Revival as he counsels ourteenagers and leads their Bible Study tomorrow morning, 2nd July.

4.      For South Africa as a whole; pray forour government leaders as they seek solutions for the diverse problems thiscountry is faced with at this time and that God would be gracious to us andsend a spiritual awakening to our land.



May 2022 Newsletter
2022-05-27

Dear Friends,

Asyou’ve no doubt gathered, or heard, I’m safely back in South Africa, and behindmy desk at Morning Star, after a very successful UK trip.

Ohgive thanks to the LORD for He is good;

ForHis steadfast love endures forever.” 

1Chronicles 16:34

Ipraise and thank God for His hand upon me as I travelled around England, for mysustained good health and for the positive way my presentations were receivedat the different churches I visited. It was also fantastic seeing so many oldfriends/long-term supporters again, after a very long time. 

Travellingaround without Glenys was different - and I missed her - but, all-in-all,having various Morning Star friends driving me from venue-to-venue worked outwell and was a real blessing. I`m hugely grateful to the folk who drove meto and fro - all at their own expense, and for those who graciouslyaccommodated me overnight.

Theresponse to my appeal for children`s clothing was amazing. My poor chauffeursincreasingly struggled to fit everything into their cars. Thankfully SandraRycroft from Emmanuel Baptist Church in Leeds was willing to accommodate theexcess; she’s been couriering children’s clothing to us annually over the pastfew years and is always willing to accommodate additional clothes, provided thedonor pays a small sum towards the expense of the couriering company she uses.(If you’d like her contact details, please get in touch with me.)

Thankyou for helping me dispose of the two suitcases of Pelo & Hart merchandiseI brought over to England with me. In the end, I could’ve had far more to sellas, by the time, I arrived in Yorkshire for my final week of meetings, therewas very little left. Please be aware that you can still place orders for thesewing project’s merchandise; we still have two women on the premises attendingto new orders but, at the same time, serving their private clients as well.

Allwas well when I arrived back at Morning Star. Albert and his management teamexpertly ‘held the fort’ and handled the few crises that cropped up. Good newsis that our little Relebohile Motsie had her heart operation in my absence. Itwas successful, she’s recovered well and is already back at Morning Star eachday.

Afew of you asked that I put the content of my presentations into my nextnewsletter. This was to assist those wanting to ponder on some of the mattersmentioned and also serve to update Morning Star friends from the churches Ididn’t get to visit. For those of you who would like to watch the video thatmade up the bulk of my presentation too, please go to You Tube and type in“Morning Star UK Support Group: Introduction.”

UKPRESENTATION 2022

MorningStar has been in operation for 22 years. There are presently about 640 childrenon our register.

Thingshave changed significantly over the past decade. We’re no longer a palliativecare centre, looking after little children born and suffering with HIV/AIDS. Wenow care for children mostly affected by the disease but not suffering from itthemselves. This is because they were given ARVs (anti-retroviral) drugsbefore/at birth, resulting in most of them being HIV negative at birth.

Nowadaysover 50% of the children on our register are 13 years old and over. Thesechildren are our most vulnerable and are all living with HIV/AIDS. (They wereborn prior to the advent of anti-retroviral drugs and also have the additionalproblem of stunted brain growth in early childhood, due to being born with thedisease.)  In addition to growing up in abroken society, they lack concentration and have poor memory retention and willprobably not be able to finish their education successfully. Sadly, theygenerally lack the skills needed to flourish in life and won’t be able topursue tertiary education or get sustainable jobs in adulthood.

MorningStar is generally 5,000pds (2,500pds operational + 2,500pds capital) short offunds month-on-month. Our large expenses are:

a.      Staff salaries

b.     Feeding our 120 children each weekday.

c.      Vehicle/maintenance expenses

d.     Monthly food parcels (only to thosewith an income of less than 50pds per month/ with UK sponsorship.)

e.     Buying clothes for our children(Postage issues over the past several years have resulted in very few clothingparcels getting to us from the UK.)

 

Wehave about 300 overseas child sponsors who contribute from 15pds upwards permonth. When Charity Aids Foundation closed down their partnership with usseveral years ago we lost about 50 sponsors overnight and have never recoveredfrom the loss. My yearly UK trips helped cover the annual deficit but, due toCovid, weren’t able to take place since May 2019.

Sincethen an attempt was made to register Morning Star as a UK charity but, inaddition to the savings envisaged being insufficient, recent events (Covid)took over, resulting in us having to put the issue on the backburner for thetime being.

Instead,the UK Support Group was born. Their joint input has resulted in the productionof the video you’ve just watched and the introduction of church champions ateach of our supporting churches. We’re trusting this move will reap richbenefits and that, as time goes by, our monthly income will pick upsignificantly and counteract our ongoing shortfall.

Waysto assist us, going forward, are as follows:

1.      Keep praying for us – always anencouragement.

2.      Pray, for our SA Board of Directorsand UK Support Group as they advise/direct strategic issues and seek ways toraise funds for Morning Star. The UK Support Group’s immediate goal is to raisean additional 5000pds per month for us.

3.      Elect a Morning Star Champion at yourchurch. This person will keep Morning Star at the forefront of each congregation’sminds, seek ways to raise funds for us at your church and ensure ourorganization is prayed for regularly. (Almost half of the churches I visitedthis year have already elected their church champion.)

4.      Plan a visit to Morning StarChildren’s Centre, South Africa – either on your own or in a church group.There is no substitute for folk coming out to Morning Star themselves andexperiencing our organization personally and, now that we’re coming out of Covid,this can be considered once again. A visit could take the form of a gap year, ashort-term/long-term placement or a community project. A good time to visitMorning Star is during your UK summer holidays (mid-July to end of August.)

5.      Sponsor one of our children @ 30pds(or less) per month. Please contact Joan Adams for further details.

6.      Fund a particular monthly or capitalexpense at Morning Star. For example:

a.      Children’s food – 1000pds per month.

b.     One vehicle’s petrol/maintenance costs– 300pds per month (x 7).

c.      Food parcels – 1, 440pds per month.(For only 80.)

d.     A new vehicle – e.g. the cash pricefor a new Toyota Avanza is 14, 000pds.

e.     Repair of infrastructure at KutlwanongCentre house (sinking interior / foundations) – 7, 300pds.

Inconclusion, please diarize the following new email accounts for futurereference:

Morning Star UK Support Group

Username: morningstaruksg@outlook.com

Password: MorningStar2022

Morning Star UK Champions

Username: morningstarukchampions@outlook.com

Password: MorningStar2022

Joan’s direct email address at Morning Star:

morningstar.reception@tiscali.co.uk   

PRAYER ISSUES:

Praise God for:

• Good attendance and participation in thePre-school Parents Workshop.

· The success ofRelebhohile’s heart operation and that she’s already back at Morning Star eachday.

• Joan’s safe and successful trip to Englandand for all our supporters, sponsors and donors.

· An excellent Board Meetingon 26th April and for the way our finances have picked up over thepast couple of months.

Pray for:

• 17-year-old Katleho Pontseng and family:His mum passed away unexpectedly last week. She had complained of a badheadache and was dead before the family could even get her to hospital.

· Our Teen’s Meeting on28/05/2022, focusing on Digital Wellness, amongst other activities.


March 2022 Newsletter
2022-03-29


OurDear Morning Star Friends,

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in everyprayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of yourpartnership in the gospel from the first day until now… I hold you all in myheart because you are all partakers with me of grace”. Philippians 1:3-5; 7.

Allis quiet at Morning Star as I begin this letter to you this afternoon. It’s“school holidays” in South Africa at the moment and our two day care centresare closed until Monday 4th April. Our gardeners are hard at work outsidebut, other than the sound of their spades and brooms and the fan and tickingclock in my office, not another squeak can be heard.

Howsincerely grateful we are for your partnership in our ministry. My heartrejoices when I ponder on your amazing support over the past months and of howGod continues to use you to bless Morning Star and ensure our sustainability.We’ve had a tough year or two and are not out of the woods yet, but thecost-saving measures we undertook at the end of last year are starting to bearfruit. We’ve also had several very generous donations of late and these haveboosted our coffers and enabled us to attend to a few urgent maintenance issueswhich have long been on the ‘back-burner’. Some of the recent monetary giftswere sent anonymously. If you’re one of these donors, please know that we trulyappreciate your generous support. And to the person who recently deposited 10,000pds into our Lloyds bank account, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

I (Jesus) washungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave mesomething to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in… Whatever you didfor one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did forme.” Matt.25:25-36; 40.

Asalways, much has happened at Morning Star this past quarter. But the two eventsthat ‘stand out’ are our recent seaside excursion and my forthcoming UKfundraising trip.

Oursea trip this year took place from 2nd – 5th March. Wepraise and thank God for travelling mercies, for perfect weather, that ourchildren and staff kept strong and well and that they returned home with a newappreciation of the wonders of God’s creation and, hopefully, an awareness ofHis power and might. Being with children and adults ‘seeing the sea’ for thefirst time in their lives is ever a joy to behold! Its expanse and the power ofthe crashing waves astounds them. What a wonder! What a delight!

One of the teens on the excursion this year writes:

I just want to say thank you all for the Durban trip. I really enjoyed myselfthere. It was so much fun and the food was delicious. And thanks to Mam’ruti(Mrs. Pastor’s wife – Elizabeth vd Westhuizen) and Ntate Moruti (PastorRevival), even though they watched us like hawks. You guys treated us equally,you made us unite like we were one family. You made us have confidence inourselves and showed us life ‘out there’. But now it is so hard for me. I missDurban very much. I wish I could just go back there. I miss the ocean’s water,morning breakfast food, that ‘easy life’ and the night games we played. I justcan’t wait to see our photos. I really can’t wait. And I just hope that somedayI will be able to visit the sea again. From Thandeka Malakoane

Pastor Revival writes:                                                                                                                                                            

Iwas delighted to be given the privilege to join Morning Star staff andteenagers to the sea trip. It was my second time to join this amazing trip andI would do it again if I was to be asked to join it in future. KinderstrandCamp site is beautiful and the facilities are top notch. The camp site managerand the staff are very hospitable and always cheerful. When you are at a placelike that, with such kind of people, you feel secure and at home. Our teenagerswere so much joyful to be at such a place with people like that. The games andactivities organised were excellent and built teamwork amongst our teens. Thefood was also delicious. I love good food and I enjoyed the food prepared by thekitchen staff.  I enjoyed swimming in the sea with our teenagers and Morning Star staff. Every time I look at the sea, I see the glory of God displayed. Creation reveals His glory. Our teenagers loved the sea and I was privileged to enjoy the waves of the Indian Ocean with the boys who knew how to swim.  What a wonderful experience! Morning Star Children`s Centre is a unique organisation and I believe is the only organisation in South Africa that seeks to take every member of its staff to the sea. I am proud to be part of this beautiful organisation, because it doesn`t only seek the well-being of the children and parents, but also the well-being of its staff members. I would like to thank the wonderful people who make our yearly sea trips possible. Thank you for your unwavering support in ensuring that our Morning Star teens and staff get the privilege to see and enjoy the sea. May God bless you! I would also like to thank all the people who faithfully support Morning Star Children`s Centre. Your assistance ensures that this beautiful organisation continues to be a beacon of hope in our children`s lives. "A Nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but it`s lowest ones." Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom

Theother matter occupying my personal headspace is my forthcoming UK trip. Godwilling this will take place from 24th April – 12th May.The itinerary has been finalized and overnight accommodation secured. The BIGdifference this year is that I’ll be travelling around England ‘on my own’.Glenys Barham will not be accompanying me and driving me from venue-to-venue.Up until last Friday we were still hopeful that Sarah Wilkins’ long-awaitedvisa would materialize in time and that she’d be able to accompany me instead,but this is not to be. Instead, different UK friends will transport me to andfrom the different venues and ensure that I get to my meetings on time. I amhugely grateful to them all and humbled by their willingness to travel, evenlong distances, so that I don’t struggle.

Asmentioned in my previous newsletter, I’m bringing over a big suitcase of Pelo& Hart merchandise to sell (which would’ve been a huge burden to transportaround without the help of my various ‘chauffeurs.’) I’d dearly like to selleverything before I fly home. As you know, we’ve had to close down our women’ssewing project, Pelo & Hart recently. The worldwide tourism industrysuffered immensely during the many months of Covid, and its resultingrestrictions of movement affected our women’s project enormously.Unfortunately, the Pelo & Hart manager couldn’t sustain it from her ownpocket indefinitely and was eventually forced to move on with her life. Allmerchandise is being sold at cost – so please come to the meetings prepared tospend a little money.

Travellingto England on Qatar Airlines means that I have quite a lot of luggage allowanceat my disposal. I would, therefore, welcome donations of used children’sclothing to carry back to South Africa with me. If any of you are able to help in thisregard, please let me know so that we can arrange how to collect or where tosend your donation. We are extremely short of children’s clothes for all ages.We get very few donations locally.

Andfinally, I’m conscious of the fact that I won’t be able to visit and see youall – and I’m truly sorry. If possible, please attend one of my presentation atanother nearby church instead. Big changes are to be announced regardingfundraising and future UK trips and it would be wonderful if as many of you aspossible could hear about them first-hand. My summarized itinerary is attachedto this newsletter for your interest.

Lovein Christ,

Joan.

PRAYERREQUESTS:

Praiseand thanks for:

1.    God’s ongoing faithfulness to MorningStar.

2.    Our recent successful sea trip andthat God’s hand of protection covered every aspect of it.

Pleasepray for:

1.    Sarah Wilkins – that her long-awaitedvisa will soon be issued and that she’ll be granted permission to continueserving at Morning Star and so be able to travel home to England to visit herfamily.

2.    Joan as she prepares for her U.K.visit and for good health and travelling mercies whilst there.

3.   For favour with the Free Stategovernment; that they’ll agree to waive all charges for rent and utilities atour Welkom premises. (We’ve had no word from the Dept. of Public Works regardingour Welkom premises for several months.)

4.  Continue to pray for Pastor Revival ashe seeks to speak into the lives of our many teenagers and pray for Godlywisdom for Albert in the ‘snap’ decisions he’s called to make, in regard to themany families we serve.


February 2022 Newsletter
2022-02-22

OurDear Morning Star Friends,

HappyTwos Day to you all (22-02-2022.)  What agreat day to begin my latest newsletter!

Igreet you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ever grateful for yourpartnership in our ministry and for your encouragement, always.

“Youare my God, and I will give thanks to you;

Youare my God and I will extol you.

Ohgive thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

ForHis steadfast love endures forever.”

Psalm118:28-29

Wonderfulnews is that our electricity at Morning Star has finally been restored. It took8 full weeks for the Free State government to rectify the problems and switchour lights back on. For the first few days we kept our generator close at hand,ever fearful that it would have to be pulled out in a hurry. Funnily enough, weeven missed the noise to start off with; we were all so used to the generatorrumbling on, day in and day out. We no longer take our electricity supply andrunning water for granted in South Africa. Power outages and empty water tanksare increasingly the norm here and have, together with the absence of othervital service deliveries, resulted in a mind shift of expectations. Alarmingly,we’re only too glad these days when a ‘service-related problem’ receives aninterim solution, fully aware that the job wasn’t done properly in the firstplace and that it’s only a matter of time before it resurfaces again – onlyworse than the time before. 

Thispast week has been a torrid week as far as deaths are concerned. We’ve beenleft reeling at the news of two of our children’s mums passing away lastThursday and Friday, as well as the death of teenager, Thabo Mkhabela, onSunday 20th February. All 3 died in Bongani Hospital; Ms Mxhiki fromcancer and from aborting her ARV regime last year, Ms Tisana from the severeburns incurred when her shack  burnt downwhilst she was asleep in it and Thabo, after contracting TB meningitis andsubsequently having a severe stroke. Thabo had just written and passed hismatric (Grade 12) in 2021 and was looking forward to studying further andmaking something of his life. Moira Mxhiki leaves behind 4 children, theyounger two being Morning Star children. Thankfully, Ms Tisana was alone athome on the night of the fire. Her little boy, our 7-year-old Lebohang,providentially slept over at his father’s house that night. Morning Star is inthe midst of assisting with funeral expenses and counselling/advising thebereaved families re: their way forward. 

Ofsignificance in the case of 19-year-old Thabo Mkhabela was that even though hegrew up knowing that all the children at Morning Star were born with HIV/AIDS,he never owned the fact that he was infected with the virus himself. Because heremained healthy throughout childhood and was, thus, never put ontoanti-retroviral drugs, he presumed that his guardian had just found favour atMorning Star and that we were assisting the family because they were so poor.Only at the end of last year when he contracted tuberculosis, and hospitalized,did he grasp the reality of his own condition. Looking back, we’ve had severalother teenagers who were similarly brought to the realization of their statusesin their mid-teens. Even though we openly talk about HIV/AIDS at Morning Starand especially at our regular teens’ meetings, our frankness with our childrenis not reciprocated at home.  Ourchildren’s carers/ guardians don’t routinely share with them what theirbiological mothers and fathers died from, why they’re having to take medication(ARVs) each day and why clinic visits are so frequent. The shock of learningone’s HIV/AIDS status in one’s teenage years is immense and results in allkinds of emotional and behavioural problems. It’s something we truly need toaddress going forward.

Inlight of the above and coupled with the fact that so many 10 – 14 year oldgirls in South Africa are falling pregnant and having babies (the Gauteng MECof Health recently reported that 934 babies had been born to 10-14 year oldgirls in the Gauteng Province alone in 2020/2021) we’ve decided to start anannual Holiday (Bible) Club for our 9-13 year olds during the July schoolholidays and make a concerted effort to talk to them about their HIV/AIDSstatuses and to equip them with the life skills needed to avoid falling prey tothe advances of predators in their communities. Often, by the time they’re oldenough to attend our teens’ meetings and monthly Bible Studies, they arealready sexually active and we’ve missed our window of reaching them. Pleasepray for wisdom in this endeavour.

Onceagain the UK couple who have faithfully been funding our annual sea trips since2005 have provided the finances required for the excursion to take place againthis year. 30 new Morning Star children between the ages of 14-15 years are setto visit Kwa Zulu Natal from 2nd – 5th March. Once againwe’ll be staying at Kinderstrand (in English – Children’s Beach) down in PortEdward and once again, the children will be treated to uShaka Marine World inDurban and to as much frolicking on the beach/in the sea as time allows. One ofthe young girls on this year’s list was so overwhelmed upon hearing that she’dbeen selected, that she burst into tears and sobbed with joy. 8 staff memberswill accompany the children, three of them being the drivers of the ToyotaQuantums being used to transport them there and back. Of the group, thefollowing children have UK sponsors and will be known to some of you: 

Girls: Bontlenyana Mohlapo; DeisaLephuting; Difedile Mokatsane; Hopolang Mokhethi; Kananelo Maile; Lunathi Gana;Mamashalane Maleho; Mantombi Sokaya; Matshdiso Mahloko; Mpho Lehana; PalesaNtoko; Thandeka Malakoane.

Boys: Ben Hanyane; Katleho Moraile;Lehlohonolo Sebogoli; Lehlohonolo Wesi; Motsau Thobatsi; Nceba Luthi; SarameRasello; Thabang Mkwani; Thapelo Rampai; Vusi Masitha.

Some of you already know that I’mplanning a UK fundraising trip again this year. God willing, I’ll be visiting agood number of our supporting churches from 24th April – 12thMay. Glenys Barham has very kindly coordinated the itinerary for me again but,sadly will no longer be driving me around the country. The bottom line is we’reboth getting old and are unable to keep up with the hectic pace past visitshave been. This year’s trip is generally better spaced out which, of course,means that I’m not able to visit as many supporting churches as I’d like to.I’m therefore attaching the basic itinerary to this newsletter for yourperusal. Hopefully, many of you will be able to make your way to the closestvenue and, thus, see me/hear my presentation as well. For those of you keen todo this, please contact Glenys at: glenys.barham@gmail.com for the exact location of each church/venue.

I’llbe bringing the last suitcase of Pelo & Hart merchandise with me (ourwomen’s sewing project.) As mentioned in my last letter, we’ve had to close theproject down due to the fact that the tourism industry has all but died overthe past two years of Covid/its implications. All products will be sold at costprice – affording you the wonderful opportunity to stock-up on Christmas giftsfor family and friends.

PRAYERREQUESTS:

1.    Praise & thanks for the generalgood health of our Morning Star children.

2.    Praise and thanks that gardener,Papiki Monyane, has been able to get an earlier hospital appointment for hisdetached retina on 30th March.

PleasePray for:

1.    Our Sea Trip from 2nd – 5thMarch. Pray for journeying mercies, that the children and staff will be keptsafe and remain healthy and that what our 30 teenagers see and learn over the 4days they’re away will have a positive impact on their futures.

2.    Our bereaved families: Pray for thesix (4 + 2) children who have recently lost their mothers and for Godly wisdomfor Albert, Pastor Revival and social auxiliary worker, Shiwe, as they counseland assist them.

3.    Pray, too, for Thabo Mkhabela’sguardian as she comes to terms with her loss of a beloved son.

4.    Pray for Bonolo Mantje whose hipsurgery is scheduled for 25th March and for Relebohile Motsie whoseheart operation takes place on 9th March, God willing.

5.    Please pray that Sarah Wilkins’ visawill be processed soon. She submitted her application a whole year ago and isstill waiting for it to be issued. In this country one can’t even make enquiresas to what the delay is. Until such time that Sarah receives her visa, she’sunable to fly home to England to visit her family and friends. She couldn’teven go home at Christmastime last year, as is her usual custom.

6.    Please pray for our Board Meeting,scheduled for Thursday 24th February, that we’ll be granted Godlywisdom in all the matters at hand.

7.   Pray that the cost-saving endeavoursembarked upon at the end of 2021 will have born some fruit and that we’ll findourselves in a better financial position than we were 3 months ago.

8.    Continue praying for Pastor Revival ashe seeks to share the Gospel with our many teenagers and speak into theirlives. Pray too for our staff, many of whom have attended our morning devotionsfor years, but whose hearts remain hard.



January 2022 Newsletter
2022-01-18

18thJanuary 2022

Dear Friends,

Greetingsto you all on this the 18th January 2022. Christmas 2021 has comeand gone, New Year celebrations are behind us and like all of you, we’rewondering what the next 12 months will usher in. Will Covid dissipate andenforced restrictions subside/ disappear altogether? Or are we in for the sametype of year as 2021, with imposed lockdowns, successive booster vaccines andthe never-ending wearing of masks? Thankfully, our Sovereign God is in controlof all things, even this.

“ForI know the Lord is great and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lordpleases, He does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. Your nameO Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord, throughout all ages,” Psalm 135:5-6, 13.

MorningStar reopened last week and our new intake of children began yesterday, 17thJanuary. Amazingly, their wails of protest at being separated from their carersfor the first time in their lives have already subsided and today they’requietly adjusting to their new environments and starting to enjoy theactivities on hand.

Asper our restructuring process, we’ve taken in fewer new children this year andhave also dispensed with one of our minibuses. (In place of the 95 children atour Welkom Centre in 2021 there are only 83 this year.) However, we’ve notdisposed of the Toyota Quantum no longer in service but are keeping it foremergencies, for when one of our other buses is in for repairs/ maintenanceetc. The logistics of getting our children to and from their homes when there’sa vehicle short has been Elizabeth vd Westhuizen’s worst nightmare and hasvastly contributed to the many grey hairs on her head. When this happens, we’reforced to use one of our smaller cars for the transport run and, instead ofjust two trips in and out of Thabong Township, morning and afternoon, severaltrips have to be made instead. Having a spare vehicle at our disposal is goingto make a world of a difference, going forward.

Otherchanges include reduced numbers in our little school (Grade 1 -3’s) and no morechildren under the age of 2 years. As you well know, fewer and fewer childrenare born with HIV/AIDS in South Africa these days and so, for the foreseeablefuture, our baby rooms will be put to other uses.

Abig frustration awaiting our return to work this year was discovering that westill didn’t have electricity at Morning Star. This problem began in the firsthalf of December already when, due to cable theft and heavy rain damage to ourelectrical sub-station, our power supply came to an abrupt halt. It had nosooner been restored on 10th January when it went off again, due toa faulty circuit breaker. We can do nothing but wait for the government torepair it and continue running our little generator to keep our computers operationaland using our gas stove to cook for our children each day.

Thankfully,all our little children kept well and safe over the Christmas holidays. PraiseGod for answered prayer.

Sadly,we did have a death though; one of our young adults, Solomon Molete, passedaway at Bongani Hospital on 29th December. Admittedly, he wasn’t oneof our little ones; rather he was one of our earliest intake of children whenMorning Star first opened and grew up before our eyes. A bright eyed little boywho, tragically, suffered the loss of one family member after the next until hehad nobody suitable to care for him anymore. He made a profession of faith as ateenager but then got into bad company and, as well as defaulting on his ARVtreatment, became addicted to drugs. He was in a sorry state at the time of hisdeath. In addition to liver and lung damage, his mind had also been adverselyaffected by the drugs. What a tragic, tragic story! Solomon’s death broke thehearts of those of us who knew him.

Godwilling and Covid allowing, I’m planning a Morning Star round trip to the UK inApril/ May this year and hope to visit as many of you as possible. GlenysBarham offered to contact our supporting churches and put together a schedulefor me and I hear this is already in process. I must say, it’ll be wonderful tosee you again – face-to-face. Zoom is fantastic – and certainly better thannothing – but, please pray that this trip will, indeed go ahead and that I’llbe able to share with you, in person, how we envisage Morning Star movingforward in the future.

NextMonday, 24th January, Morning Star will be turning 22 years old.Isn’t that amazing! That God has sustained us and faithfully provided for ourevery need all this time is humbling, to say the least. We give Him all theglory and thank you for your prayers, your ongoing encouragement and yourwonderful partnership in our ministry since the year 2000. 

 

Love in Christ,                                                                                                                                                                 

Joan

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1. Praise and thanks to our Gracious God forkeeping our children and staff over the Christmas holidays.

2.  All praise to Him too, for sustaining MorningStar and providing for our every need for 22 whole years.

3.   Praise and thanks for the widespread rainsSouth Africa has experienced this summer. We’ve never seen anything like it inour lives before! All the country’s dams are full to over-flowing and ournormal, semi-arid Welkom is as green as the countryside in England. And therain keeps coming, day-after-day-after-day.

Please pray for:

1.  Our teenagers. So many of them lose hope inlife when they have little home support, don’t make the grade at school, suffersevere side-effects from their ARV regimes, struggle with limited abilitiesgrowing up and have zero job opportunities post-school. Solomon Molete’s deathwas a sure reminder of just how vulnerable our young adults are and, in thewhole scheme of things, how miniscule Morning Star’s assistance really is.

2. Pastor Revival as he walks a road with ourteenagers and young adults and ministers to them through the monthly teens’Bible Studies and the one-on-one conversations he has with them. He is one manendeavouring to reach and form relationships with 150+ teens/young adults andof course, has to juggle this in-between his other responsibilities and familylife as well.

3. Bonolo and Relebohile awaiting imminentsurgery. Both Bonolo’s second hip operation and Relebohile’s heart operationare scheduled for early March 2022.

4.  Godly wisdom for both our Morning Star Boardand UK support team as they seek to support us on the ground, plan for thefuture in the face of probable changes regarding our Welkom premises anddiscuss ways to supplement our monthly income.



NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2021
2021-11-30

Dear Morning Star Friends,

My last letter beganwith doom and gloom at Morning Star, as I described our current financialposition and the deaths of two teenagers in our midst. This letter is a lotdifferent but still coming to you from a heavy heart.

Some of you alreadyknow that my husband, Ron, and I are booked to fly to England for the month ofDecember, to use up our plane tickets from April 2020 before they expire at theend of the year. And bang! A week before we were due to leave, a new Covid variantwas identified in South Africa and international travel from this part of theworld immediately halted. Believe it or not, we’ve been deemed ‘unsafe’ onceagain! I can’t even begin to describe how devastating this is and how heartsore we are, not just our family, but the thousands of other folk in both ourcountries who have been similarly affected and whose Christmas plans have beendashed, once again. Enough said. I know we all have different opinions on Covidand vaccines and this is not the platform to discuss them. Suffice to say ourGod is sovereign, even over all over of this. May His will be done.

I actually begancomposing this letter before the above news broke and this is how it began:“Greetings to you all from sunny South Africa. It’s a  beautiful sunny day  today (it is today too, even though it’s aweek later) and everything visible outside my office window is looking freshand green after the recent, very welcome rains we’ve had.

 “For the Lord is good. His steadfastlove endures forever and His faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:5.

My last letter left youall wondering how we would cope in the midst of looming retrenchments and cuttingback on our monthly expenditure – and also whether we could continue trustingour Lord, despite the trials of the day. The answer is a resounding ‘Yes’. Wepraise Almighty God for bringing us through this   difficult period. The first step was to sitdown as management, commit the matter to prayer and then discuss ways in whichwe could cut back on our expenses. This led to consultations with our labourconsultant as to the legalities relating to the retrenchment of staff. Decidingwhich three staff members to dispense with and then working through the actualprocess wasn’t an easy exercise at all but Albert, our general manager, expertlyhandled the matter to its conclusion. One thing for sure, Albert manages allour staff and labour issues far better than I ever did! I’m very relieved thatthis responsibility is no longer mine.

Thankfully, we’ve beenable to secure alternate employment for the two affected women and, Godwilling, will continue to use the 3rd, retiring driver, Johannes, asa relief driver for the foreseeable future. 

Most of our cost-saving measures will only come into effect in 2022. Weshould see a huge difference in our monthly expenditure with less new childrenbeing   admitted in 2022 and with one ofour buses not in daily use anymore. Thank you, one and all, for your prayersfor us over the past two months. After the initial shock had worn off our staffrallied positively and even came up with a few brilliant cost-saving ideas oftheir own. They, themselves, suggested foregoing their annual bonuses & thebread, tea/coffee help we’ve always provided each day. The whole process wastruly smoother than we ever   imagined itwould be – and we give God all the glory.

Encouragement for usall in these dark days:

 Then I saw a new heaven and anew earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and thesea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out ofheaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard avoice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.He will dwell with them, and they will be His people and God Himself will bewith them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. And deathshall be no more, neither shall there be  mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things havepassed away.” Revelation 21: 1-4

PREMISES UPDATE: 

The only newdevelopment regarding the occupation of our Kopano Complex premises, Welkom, isthat we were visited by an official from the provincial office of theDepartment of Social Development, Bloemfontein, last week. Social Developmenthad been approached by the Free State Department of Public Works to determinehow they could assist us financially (so that we’d be in a position to pay forour utilities and the rental for our premises.) It was a positive meeting andwe now await the outcome of Mrs Motsemme’s report and recommendations to PublicWorks. This issue has been ongoing for over two years now – but is not beingput on a back burner this time around. Please keep praying.

The past two monthshave been fraught with water shortages and power outages across South Africa.We are truly in a sorry state in this country and, alarmingly, there’s no lightat the end of the very dark tunnel. Our utility supplier, Eskom, has beendescribed by its CEO as a ‘dying horse’ and that there’s no hope of itrecovering. As a result, we’re set to join the rest of the African continentvery soon, with each household obliged to purchase its own generator if they’renot in a position to install renewable energy components. As for our watercrisis, this is due to the fact that our municipalities are bankrupt and indebt to the supplier, Sedibeng Water, by millions of rand. (In South Africa, wedon’t pay the utility providers directly; instead, all monies are channelledthrough the local municipalities.)

Closer to home, all ourcopper (water) cables were stolen from our Kultwanong premises last week. Ourstaff, arriving at work the next morning, were greeted with water, watereverywhere! The perpetrators simply cut the pipes and took what they wanted, withno regard to the water wastage in the  process. It’s a shocking reality of life here – and occurs on a dailybasis in different locations. Pittance is received for the sale of the copperto scrap dealers compared with the cost of repairing the damages incurred. 

Over this past weekend, our Welkom compound (where our vehicles arehoused) was broken into twice and two attempts made to steal one of our ToyotaQuantum buses. We’re going to have to move this vehicle to a safer locationforthwith as the thieves are intent on stealing it and will be back to completethe deed if we don’t act   promptly.(Unfortunately, only two of our three Welkom buses can fit into the garage. The3rd has always ‘slept’ out-of-doors.)  

 OUR CHILDREN:

Thankfully, most of ourchildren are healthy and thriving at Morning Star.  It never ceases to astound us what adifference good nutrition makes to a little body ravaged by the effects ofbeing born with HIV/AIDS virus. We have a new 3-year-old in our midst calledSonwabile. A quick glance at him when he and is mum arrived at    Morning Star for the first time was enoughto tell us that this little boy had untreated HIV/AIDS. We confirmed hispositivity with a rapid test and learnt that his mum had been unaware of hisstatus all these years. We admitted him immediately and have been encouragedwith his progress over the past month. He’s now on antiretroviral drugs and hasgone from being a disinterested eater to thoroughly enjoying his food; he’sstarted putting on weight and is beginning to play and smile. It’s toowonderful to see.

We have another little boy at our Welkom Centre also in much need ofprayer. 5-year-old Siya Latile survived meningitis two years back but was leftunable to speak or walk. Over time we’ve helped him to walk on his own againbut sadly, he’s still unable to talk. He’s usually a very happy child but, oflate, has suffered repeated chest infections which have left his little bodyweak and fragile. We’re also trying to determine why his ARV regime was recentlychanged; the new treatment doesn’t seem to agree with him at all.

 STAFF:

In addition to thethree recently retrenched staff members, we also have Mr Teboho Moloi leavingour employ at the end of November (today 30/11/21.) He took over from Mrs LizaMans as internal accountant when she died two years ago and we had high hopesof him remaining in our employ for many years to come. But it was not to be.Mrs Naledi Marumo, a qualified chartered  accountant, joined us at the beginning of November to learn Teboho’srole at Morning Star and will be assisting us with our finances going  forward.

Please continue to pray for our gardener, Papiki Monyane. He’s stillstruggling with ill-health and with a detached retina and, more recently, witha cataract as well. We need a miracle for him as the eye clinic at NationalHospital in Bloemfontein have informed him that the equipment needed to repairthe detached retina is broken and there’s no money for a new one in the currentfinancial year. They’ve told him to come back in July 2022!

PELO & HART WOMEN’S SEWING PROJECT:

As mentioned in myprevious letter, the Covid pandemic and total breakdown of the tourism industryworldwide resulted in our Pelo & Hart women’s sewing project having no outlet to sell their merchandise any longer. Additionally, former manager, Mirna de Hart,found alternate employment and has lost interest in the project. At our boardmeeting last week it was decided that the project be closed down forthwith. Allremaining stock is to be sold or given away. The two remaining women, Dada andNthabiseng, can continue working from the premises but there’s to be no furtherinvolvement in the project from any of the Morning Star staff. New orders arestill welcome but will be handled entirely by Dada and Nthabiseng. What atragedy! I never could’ve dreamt that our beloved sewing project would come toan end in this way.

 

I do still have a full suitcase of products bound for theUnited Kingdom though. God willing, all this merchandise will accompany Ron andme to England when we finally get to go. UK supporter, Sarah Baskerville, has offered to help sell the productson her website “Mission for Morning Star”


END-OF-YEAR ACTIVITIES:

Thank you, one and all, for ensuring that allour little children have a Christmas party this year and that each receives agift as well. In addition to individual sponsors providing for ‘their child’we’ve also been blessed with Christmas shoe boxes and monetary supportfrom  Banijay Rights and Linda Gardiner& friends in England, Sarah Wilkins’ UK support base and locally, by SouthAfrica’s favourite seafood restaurant, Ocean Basket, Welkom. Their combinedassistance has enabled us to buy each child a new Christmas outfit, ensure theyall receive a bulging Christmas shoe box or gift bag and all get a lovely foodhamper to take home to share with their families. Our two Christmas parties arescheduled for next Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8thDecember.

 

Please bear in mind that our children’s lastday at Morning Star this year is Wednesday the 8th December. If anyof you are still wanting to transfer Christmas money, you need to ensure it’sin our bank accounts by next Monday. Anything after this will only be picked upand delivered in the New Year.

 

Bear in mind, too, that should internationaltravel open up for us in the foreseeable future, I might not be able toacknowledge your monetary gifts timeously or send you updated photos and newsof your child’s December birthday until we reopen Morning Star on 10thJanuary 2022. However, I will be able to access mail on my Gmail account at alltimes and can be contacted on:

 joan.elizabeth.adams@gmail.com  


SANDRA RYCROFT – CHILDREN’S CLOTHING FOR MORNINGSTAR:

For those of you who would like to sendchildren’s clothing over to us from the UK, here’s some exciting news: SandraRycroft from Emmanuel Baptist Church, Leeds, is willing to include yourdonations in the boxes she’ll be sending to Morning Star in the New Year. Sheuses an excellent courier company; they’re very efficient and we’ve hadtrouble-free deliveries time-after-time. She asks only that:

1.    All donated clothes to belaundered and to be in good condition (no holes, zips working etc.)

2.    Please send only children’sand teenagers’ clothing, crafts etc.

3.    The cost of freight is4.90pds per kg for 100kgs and over. Donations towards courier costs areessential.

For further informationplease contact Sandra on:    sandra.rycroft@ntlworld.com


“Therefore, since weare surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside everyweight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the racethat is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of ourfaith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising theshame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”   Hebrews 12: 1-2

Praise & thanks for:

·        For the good health of most of our children.

·        That our staff retrenchment process went well and that there were nomajor issues with the union representative.

·        For our many overseas sponsors – for their encouragement always, theircommitment to praying for us regularly and for their faithful partnership inour ministry.

·        All praise to God for His guiding hand over Morning Star for another 12months. He has wondrously met our every need for another year.

Please pray for:

·        The safety of all our children and staff over the Christmas shut-downperiod.

·        Our Welkom premises – that we’ll find favour with the Free Stategovernment and will be able to continue operating here free-of-charge.

·        Morning Star’s finances – for wisdom in how we utilize our income, especiallywith the new school year fast approaching and not having sufficient funds tohelp each and every child with their    stationery and uniform needs.

·        Pray for our ill children – Siya Latile and little Sonwabile.

·        Pray too for 12-year-old Bonolo Mantje and 8-year-old Relebohile Motsie.Bonolo’s hip operation wasn’t a success and she needs to have it done all overagain and little Relebohile hasn’t been able to have her heart surgery at all.Each time she goes to Bloemfontein for admission, a new issue crops up; thefirst time she was tested positive for Covid and the second time, she haddeveloped a chest infection.

·        Pray for gardener, Papiki Monyane’s health issues and for a miracleconcerning the operation he urgently needs for his detached retina

 



NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2021
2021-09-28

Dear Morning Star Friends,

I’ve written difficultletters to you before but this one, today, is the hardest of them all. Not onlyare we facing a few heavy challenges at  Morning Star at the moment but we’re also reeling at the news of thedeath of one of our teenagers last Friday (she aborted her ARV treatment) andof the suicide of the 15-year-old son of American missionaries serving at ThePines Christian Children’s Village, Welkom, in the early hours of Mondaymorning.

Perhaps today is not agood day to try and compose a  letter –but, at the same time, I’ve put off  communicating with you long enough and got up this morning determinedthat my letter needed to be typed so as to put you into the picture of what’sgoing on at Morning Star at the moment.

FINANCES:

As you well know, ourfinancial predicament at Morning Star has long been an issue. It goes back towhen CAF UK ceased channeling funds to overseas charities and we lost up to 50of our long-term monetary supporters overnight. We’ve struggled on in theensuing years, relying on my annual UK visits to improve our monthly incomeand, embarrassingly, on your    generosity in the hard times as well. Over the latter years we’ve hungonto the possibility of registering   Morning Star as a UK   charity andraising funds via this route too. But, there is now legitimate doubt as towhether the additional   income raisedfrom the setting up a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organization) would beworthwhile, bearing in mind the extra administrative costs that would berequired in the UK. The time has thus come to take stock of our presentsituation and ‘cut our coat according to our cloth.’

Our Morning Star boardmet on 2nd September and after much discussion,  instructed management to find ways to reduce expenditureby R60, 000.00 (3000pds) per month and this by the end of 2021. The directiveincludes working on a clear, concise statement of our focus   going forward and also means concentratingmore on what we do well – early childhood development – and not on skills            development of our young adultswhich, unfortunately, is not reaping sustainable results.

We’ve since sat down as management and agreed onwhat we can forego each month and what’s  non-negotiable. We’re   determined that our services to our childrenwill be the last to suffer so it’s our little ‘luxuries’ and the benefits thatour staff enjoy that have/will go first. This   includes admitting fewer new children in 2022 and thus cutting out one ofour busloads (and driver) per day, personnel restructuring and staffretrenchments. This is a very hard call and one that’s causing sleeplessnights; unfortunately, though, it’s unavoidable. Our labour consultant isinvolved in the process and has already met with our 43 staff members,explained the legalities being followed and shared that restructuring at Morning Star isgoing to result in at least three of them losing their jobs.

 

CHRISTMAS CARDS

U.K. artist, Sarah Baskerville from WheelockHeath Baptist Church in Cheshire, has set up a Facebook page called “Missionfor Morning Star”. In due course, various Christmas cards (her own creationsplus some of our children’s art work) will be featured on this site and you’llbe able to place orders for the one’s you like. The cards are still at the printers. Once available, the links will beshared on both the Morning Star and Mission for Morning Star Facebook pages.Morning Star will be benefitting from this generous gesture so please support   Sarah in her endeavour.

 

HERITAGE DAY:

Not all is doom and gloom at Morning Star though;last Thursday saw us celebrating Heritage Day at both our Welkom &Kutlwanong Centres. On this day South Africans remember the cultural heritageof the many cultures that make up the population of our country and variousevents are staged across our land to commemorate them. What we did this yearwas to invite our staff and children to come dressed in their traditionalattire and to enjoy cultural games and dances during the course of the morning.We also hosted a home-industry market at our Welkom premises where the public,our staff members and our children were invited to purchase our homemadeproducts. Some children brought small sums of money from home whilst otherswere ‘sponsored’ so that they didn’t feel left out. The products sold includedfreshly made pancakes, home-baked rusks, jams and lemon cordial but the mostappealing of all were the muffins, biscuits and no-bake cookies that thechildren made themselves.  These weresold out in no time and I must say, were absolutely scrumptious.

 END-OF-YEAR ACTIVITIES:

The end of 2021 is fastapproaching and we’re in the midst of determining which Township schools ourreception children will betransitioning to next January and whether and when we’ll be able to have ourusual Christmas functions. These days Covid and ‘the next wave’ and ‘lock-down’all have to be factored into everything so we’re trusting that our rate of newinfections continues to diminish and we don’t enter into our 4thwave by November, as predicted. It appears that things have settled down in ourarea of the Free State Province though and none of us even knows anybodysuffering the symptoms of the disease at the moment. God willing, our Gogos’Party (Grandmothers’ Christmas function) will still take place on 27thNovember; they’ll be devastated if we are forced to cancel the event, as willour little children be if there are no Christmas parties for them this year.

If any of you areplanning to send gifts over, please know that our postal system is still notoperating satisfactorily and that we cannot guarantee the safe delivery of yourparcels. Believe it or not we’re still awaiting several parcels posted over ayear ago!! And these are ones we know about! This is not to say that nothing isarriving at all – only that deliveries are random and make little sense. Forexample, of 2 parcels posted on the same day, from the same person, from thesame post office, only one is arriving. Full-stop! Bizarrely, one sponsor’sgift was returned to her in England and we had no    notification that it had arrived at ourlocal post office and had subsequently been ‘returned to sender.’

The safer option is to put a small extra sum ofmoney into our Lloyds or Stewardship accounts, referencing who/what the gift isfor.

KOPANO COMPLEX:

The issue of ouroccupancy at our Kopano Complex premises in Welkom, as well as us paying forour electricity and water consumption each month, has yet to be resolved. Twoyears have passed since the initial visit by officials from the Department ofPublic Works and still we await their final decision. We understand that theDept. of Public Works’ recommendation gets submitted to the Provincial TreasuryDepartment and that they make the final decision. Please continue to keep thismatter in prayer.

 

PELO & HART SEWINGPROJECT:

Our women’s sewingproject, Pelo & Hart, is barely limping along. The best two sewers, Dadaand Nthabiseng, still come in each weekday and, although the odd overseas orderkeeps them busy, they mostly work on the private jobs they source. Will thetourism industry in South Africa ever be revived? Will we ever get largenumbers of overseas visitors to our land again? Only God knows. As long asSouth Africa remains on the word’s red list, even though we’ve had the samevaccinations as all of you, there is no hope at all. Of course, as long as thisrestriction is in place, we cannot visit the UK either.

 

As mentioned at thestart of this letter, we received the tragic news on Monday of 18-year-oldHlompho Khaeane’s untimely death. We were alerted to the fact that she was illsome weeks ago but after a visit to the doctor and follow-up Morning Starvisits to her home, we were led to believe that she was much better and ‘out ofthe woods’. Sadly, she took a turn for the worse last Tuesday and was rushed tohospital. She died on Friday, 24th September. Her death was as aresult of her aborting her ARV (anti-retroviral) treatment. Oh, why do so manyteenagers, living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa, do this? If only we could getto the bottom of it all.

Our other recentMorning Star death was that of former gardener, John Masupa. He was finallydiagnosed with TB of the spine and died in hospital on 8th September

 

 ZOOM MEETINGS:

3 new Zoom Meetings are scheduled to takeplace between now and the end of the year. Ifanymore of you would like to take the opportunity of having us join one of yourweekly Bible studies/prayer meetings, please let us know. It’s one way of ‘keeping in touch’   during this difficult time we are all livingthrough.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

¨ Praise and thanks for the good health of our littlechildren and the untold blessings we  enjoyfrom God’s hand each day.

 

¨ Praise and thanks that 12-year-old BonoloMantje is back at Morning Star this week and has recovered well from her hipoperation.

 

¨ All praise to God that Albert, our General Manager,is finally back at Morning Star after    undergoing shoulder surgery 2 months ago. Keep him in prayer, though, ashe’s not yet fully       recovered andfree of pain.

 

¨ We’re aware that various children on ourregister are not being cared for properly at home and   suspect that some are being  abused, or are    suffering from gross neglect. Please praythat we’ll be granted wisdom in how to approach these matters and for full cooperationfrom the various social workers we’re dealing with.

 

¨ Please pray for the management team at MorningStar as we begin cutting down on our monthly expenditure and decide which staffmembers to retrench. Pray, in particular for Joan who is   struggling to come to terms with all theinternal issues we’re experiencing at present.

 

¨ Our Welkom premises – keep praying that we’llfind favour with the Free State government and not be charged rent or for ourelectricity and water consumption.

 

¨ Please pray for gardener, Papiki Monyane. Heunderwent surgery for a detached retina 4 months ago but something has gonewrong and he’s needing an urgent re-appointment. Consulting a privatespecialist locally is going to prove costly and something he cannot afford.

 

¨ Please continue to pray for Morning Star’sfinances, that our Gracious God would help us to ‘rest in Him’ at all times andtrust Him for our tomorrows.

 

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;     His mercies never come to an end; they arenew every morning; Great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” saysmy soul, “Therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3: 22-24

 

 



July 2021 Newsletter
2021-07-29

Dear Morning Star Friends,

Greetings from a very chilly Welkom at the moment. For those of us whothought we’d be having a mild winter this year, we’ve been horribly mistaken.The month of June was quite pleasant on the whole, but July has been adifferent story altogether. Several cold fronts have hit our shores over thepast few weeks and made their way into the interior of South Africa, leavingice, snow and a bitterly cold winds in their wake. Temperatures have plummetedto 8 degrees below freezing point overnight and we’re all saying we’ve notexperienced a winter as cold as this in years. It’s the plight of the poor inthese conditions that tear at our hearts. If I’m freezing in the midst of mymodern comforts, how are they coping with their inadequate shelters,insufficient clothing and blankets, no electricity, no bed to sleep on and withthe nearest source of cold water down the road at the communal tap? We have somuch to be grateful for – and we take so much for granted.

RecentUnrest in South Africa

I’m sure many of you are wondering how we are at Morning Star andwhether the recent unrest in South Africa has affected us in any way. Thesimple answer is no – not directly at all.

We praise God that the horror, the malicious damage to property byvandalism and fire and the looting of shops, malls, factories and 139 schoolswas contained to just two of our  9provinces, Gauteng and Kwa Zulu Natal and thus, didn’t reach Welkom and theFree State Province at all.

Weare a nation desperately in need of God’s mercy. In a country with the highestrate of inequality in the world,         combinedwith a politically divided, corrupt ruling party, a flailing economy, 75, 000jobs lost/in jeopardy as a result of the riots, a third of our adult populationunemployed, 61% of our population reliant on social grants and 50% of our youthaimlessly roaming the streets each day, we’ve been brought face-to-face withthe realization that we were very close to losing control of law and order.And, if the underlying issues that caused this flare-up in the first placearen’t properly addressed, we are in danger of something like this happeningagain.

But we are a resilient nation too and can rebuild what was destroyed.The spirit of Ubuntu shown by diverse individuals across all sectors of societyto protect property, lives and livelihoods in response to the devastation, hasbeen truly heart-warming. From ordinary people standing guard at the entrancesto their towns, to the cleaning up of malls and streets, supplying foodstuffs,blankets and   emergency shelter,ordinary South Africans have united to defend themselves and each   other where government has dismally failedto do so.

 2 Corinthians 4:7-8 reminds us: But we have this treasurein jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not tous. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not drivento despair.”                                                                                                                                                             Weremain encouraged, fully conscious of the fact that there are individuals andgroups behind the scenes who have dedicated their lives to saving our countryand the people in it. This gives us cause to hope for a better tomorrow. Pleasecontinue keep South Africa in your prayers.

CovidUpdate:

Coupledwith the recent chaos in South Africa, our 3rd wave of theunrelenting Covid pandemic saw a spike of over 26, 000 infections per day inthe first week of July, with the Delta variant claiming the lives of over 600people. Thousands in South Africa are in mourning, often having more than oneperson in the same family who have succumbed to the virus. Is there ever goingto be an end to this pandemic, we wonder? We were greatly relieved to hear our presidentannounce last Sunday that we’ve passed the third wave peak and that newinfections are down to about 12,000 per day. Restrictions have eased somewhat and we are now legally allowed toreturn to church. Thus far, only 4% of our 60 million population have beenfully vaccinated.

And, what of Morning Star? Well, we reopened our two centres last Monday,19th July, after a two week break. We were in renewed lock-downthen, but it fell close to our winter school holidays and we had planned toclose for two weeks anyway. Most of our children have returned now and oh, howtheir happy smiles and expressions of joy at being back at Morning Star gladdensour hearts.

Thankfully, our little ones are generally well. In our early years theyused to get so ill during winter and many didn’t make it through to spring. Butnowadays most of our HIV positive children are on anti-retroviral drugs andtheir general well-being is vastly improved. In Morning Star’s early years100% of our children were born and suffering the symptoms of HIV/AIDS. Thesedays only 30% of our little ones are HIV positive. It’s a different scenariowith our school-going children and young adults, though. 82% of them are stillliving with HIV/AIDS and bearing the long-term consequences of the disease.

Our only reallyill Morning Star child at the moment is 14-year old Patricia. She’s still inthe MDR ward (multi-drug-resistance TB) in Thaba Nchu, outside of Bloemfonteinand terminally ill. Her family were called to visit her urgently yesterday andtold that she’s not likely to survive beyond this coming weekend. What atragedy! An intelligent, bright-eyed teenager who enthusiastically  began secondary school at the start of thisyear and whose life has been cut short – way before her time, humanly speaking.Yes, our death rate has dropped significantly over the past decade and yet,each time one of our children succumbs to the symptoms of this terrible diseaseHIV/AIDS, we are heartbroken all over again.                                                                                                                              

NEWS UPDATE: Our Patricia has passed away. We’ve just been informed that she diedat 11am this morning, 29th July 2021. God willing, her funeral will take place on Saturday, 7thAugust.

Morning StarFinances:

As mentioned previously, our monthly income remains a cause for concern.On average, we are short by about R50, 000.00 (2,500pds) per month. We’ve agonizedover where we can cut down, what we can do to reduce our deficit, but it’svery, very hard in the face of the increased poverty around us since Covid 19began 18 months ago. Day-by-day people out in the community walk all the wayfrom the black townships to Morning Star to plead for food.  And that’s not taking into account the manyMorning Star families who, all of a sudden, find themselves unable to make endsmeet because they’ve lost their jobs too We’re increasingly careful inassessing whether a need at Morning Star or a request for assistance for one ofour children/their families is pressing or not and whether we can forego theitem in question for a while longer. It’s heart-breaking that we can only provideregular food parcels to families whose monthly income is 25pds or less atpresent.

Unfortunately, there’s been no progress in thesetting up of a UK Charity wing for Morning Star yet. Our UK Trustees are   planning to meet up soon but we’re fullyaware that even once that’s happened, it’s highly unlikely that there’ll be anyadditional funding into our coffers for quite some time. Perhaps we need tostart looking into an income generating venture right here in Welkom, somethingthat’s going to supplement our income month-on-month and sustain us in thefuture.

 Zoom Meetings

Since our lastnewsletter went out, Albert & I have participated in 4 church Zoom Meetingsin the UK. Albert had the            opportunityto introduce himself to our audiences and has also been the one to share ourupdated Power Point Presentation.         The meetings have so blessed our hearts and your prayers for MorningStar are very humbling. If anyone else in the UK would like us to join oneof your weekly Bible Studies/Prayer Meetings, please e-mail me directly at: morningstar.reception@tiscali.co.za to let us know. It’s one way of ‘keeping in touch’during these difficult days we are all living through. 

Pelo & HartSewing Project:

Heart-breakingnews. Our Pelo & Hart Women’s Sewing Project (formerly Tshedisanang)officially closes at the end of this month. The impact of Covid 19 on thetourism industry worldwide has been significant and sadly, it’s affected us ‘onthe ground’ right here in Welkom too. Mirna de Hart, the Project Manager,reports that every single former outlet for their shweshwe merchandise has nowclosed its doors. The OR Tambo Airport shop and all the little boutique shopsat strategic tourist destinations across South Africa have ceased to exist andshe can no longer pay the women from her own pocket each month. The livelihoodsof 15 women have been affected by the closure and although each has been senthome with a sewing machine, it’s going to prove very hard for them to sewwithin their communities and earn as much as they did at Pelo & Hart. Therewill still be ‘a presence’ at the Morning Star premises; two of the women,Nthabiseng & Dada are ‘holding the fort’ in the hope that orders will comein and that the tourism industry will open up again in due course. In themeantime, I have a huge suitcase of finished merchandise in my office awaitingmy next UK fund-raising trip. It’s been standing in the corner of my office for16 months now.

Child Sponsorship

We’ve had a fairly good response to our appeal for new sponsors since mylast newsletter was circulated. Of the neediest of our little ones, only 15 nowremain without support.

A big thank you to those of you who agreed to continue supportingMorning Star even though ‘your child’ is grown up now and no longer on ourregister. A few of our long-term supporters have chosen to sponsor anotherneedy child whilst others have opted to channel their giving into our generalexpense fund instead. Thank you, one and all, for assisting us in this vitalway.

 

Praise& thanks for:

1. God’s protective hand upon us all during the recentunrest in South Africa.

 

2. The safereturn of our children after lock-down and that they’re all relatively well.

 

3. OurMorning Star family being protected from Covid and that we’ve lost none of ournumber in the midst of all the deaths around us.

 

Please Bring to the Throne ofGrace:

 

1. Our 14-year-old Patricia passedaway at 11am on 29th July. Please pray for her grandmother, older brother and the extended family.Grandma is thoroughly gutted and can’t imagine living on without her preciouslittle granddaughter’s   presence. Praythat the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ will impact her heart and mind andcause her to turn to Him in her grief.

 

2. Our Welkom premises – the wheelsturn very slowly in government circles. Keep praying that we’ll find favourwith the Free State government and not be charged rent or for our electricityand water consumption.            

                                                                                                                              

3. For Morning Star gardener, John,who went from being seemingly well one day to being paralysed the next.Currently, he’s in hospital, unable to walk and wearing diapers. Pray that thedoctors will accurately diagnose what’s wrong with him and manage to treat himsuccessfully.

 

4. Pray for South Africa in theaftermath of the recent looting and malicious damage to property. Pray that thefinancial assistance set aside by government for reconstruction and the replenishmentof what’s been looted and destroyed will not fall into corrupt hands. Pray thatthe assistance will reach the people it’s intended for.

 

5. Please continue to pray for MorningStar’s finances, that our Gracious God would help us to ‘rest in Him’ at alltimes and trust Him for our tomorrows.

 

 



May 2021 Newsletter
2021-05-13

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, alwaysin every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy because of your partnershipin the gospel from the first day until now”.                   Philippians 1: 3-5

Todays as Ibegin this letter to you I’m keenly aware that we are a partnership; all of youand Morning Star, and that neither of ‘us’ can do without the other. We reachout, care, serve, counsel and train and you pray, support and encourage in manyand varied ways. You may think your role insignificant but, in the big schemeof things, each prayer for Morning Star and every £1 donated towards ourministry here counts. In   essence, we’dcease to exist without you.                                                                                                                                                                                            

Haveyou ever wondered where and when our partnership in the Gospel started?

Many of you knew and loved Peter Parkinson, thefounder of Caring for Life up in Leeds, who passed away on 10thApril, but how many of you are aware that he played a significant role in thestory of Morning Star and is testimony to majestic tapestry of divine providence?Peter actually played a crucial role in the development of our UK support baseand his introduction to key UK churches way back in 2002 opened up a channel ofsupport for Morning Star that continues to be significant to this day. WouldMorning Star even have survived this long if Peter hadn’t generously arrangedmeetings at a few of his own supporting churches for us? Today we have at least40 churches in England/ Wales on our donor base, with over 95% of our financialsupport coming from the UK ...... all thanks to Peter. As our Board Chairman,Joshua Bolaji, rightly put it “Peter has been more than a link to the churches.He has been a friend to Morning Star. He has been a ‘partaker of grace’ with usin the work here in South Africa. For this we will always be grateful and giveall the glory to God.”

Update: WelkomPremises:

For those of you wondering whetherthere have been further developments regarding our occupancy at Kopano Complexin    Welkom, the answer is no, not atall. The last we heard was back in February when the Dept. of Public Works letus know that they were compiling a submission to the Free State ProvincialTreasury, requesting rental exemption for us. Please continue to keep thismatter in prayer.

Anotherissue relating to our Welkom premises is that Kopano Complex’s telephone cables(copper) are repeatedly being stolen. This has happened three times over thepast 3 months. When this occurs we’re left without telephone lines and internetconnection, sometimes for days on end. It is hugely frustrating. The onlysolution is to do away with our Telkom lines completely and go the route ofinstalling fibre at   Morning Star. Theproblem is, the outlay is very expensive and we’re not sure whether to investthe R35, 000.00 (1, 750pds) to resolve the issue. This is a huge sum of   money to part with when we’re failing tomeet our budget each month.

New Toyota Quantum

A very big thank you to the manywho heeded our appeal for assistance re: the purchasing of a new QuantumMinibus for Morning Star. The response has been overwhelming and very humbling.All-in-all over               R100,000.00(5,000pds) has come in since my last newsletter went out and together with therecent         R100,000.00 donation received from UniversalHealthcare in Johannesburg, we’ve been able to go ahead and order our newvehicle. It is scheduled to be delivered to Welkom sometime next week. AlbertDuvenhage & Elizabeth van der Westhuizen have spent time examining all theminibuses and pondering over which of them needs replacing first and in theend, even though our Kutlwanong vehicle isn’t the oldest, it is in the worstshape and costing the most maintenance-wise. This is the one needing trading inmost urgently. We’ll now have to start saving towards a second replacementvehicle.

Covid 19 Update:

It’s wonderful to hear that yourCovid lock-down regulations in the UK have eased considerably over the past fewweeks and that so many of you have been vaccinated against the virus already.I’m sure you must be feeling that life is slowly returning to ‘normal’ for youall. Here in South Africa we seem to have entered our 3rd wave ofnew infections now, with 2 more Covid-19 variants (from the UK and India)detected as well. Our vaccine drive for the general public has not even begunyet. To date, about 300,000 South Africans have received their jabs whichrepresents only a fraction of the 1, 25 million healthcare workers who arefirst in line. This amounts to about 0.5% of the general population. Theinitial target of   having 67% of thecountry’s citizens vaccinated by the end of 2021 is now unlikely to beachieved. It is reported that at the current vaccination pace it will take adecade for South Africa to reach herd immunity. All the above doesn’t bode wellfor travelling abroad for us anytime soon. I had wondered whether I’d be ableto fit in a trip to the UK before the end of 2021 but, as time goes by it seemsincreasingly less likely that this is going to be possible. For as long asSouth Africans are obliged to spend 2 weeks at designated quarantine hotelsupon reaching the UK, at their own expense, travelling abroad remains out ofthe question.

 

How is Morning Star affected by our inability totravel abroad?

Firstly, my annual trips afford methe wonderful opportunity of updating our sponsors and supporting churches onthe work of Morning Star. Sometimes fund-raising events coincide with my visitsto the UK and I’m able to attend these at the same time. I’m sure you’ll agreethat although “Zoom” is better than nothing at all, there’s nothing moresatisfying than interacting with one another face-to-face.

Secondly, I’m getting older eachyear and am not sure how much longer I’ll be able to continue with these annualtrips.   Albert, our new General Manager,was to have accompanied me to the UK this year, to be introduced to you all andto be exposed to this side of my former job description, but...........!

Additionally, we’ve still not beenable to register Morning Star as a UK charity. The whole process has been put‘on hold’ for the    meantime. Not onlyhas the UK Charity Commission not processed new applications over the past yearbut our UK trustees have advised us to not ‘rock the boat’ during Covid and theeconomic recession but to carry on with the present status quo until we’reforced to do something about it. Our trustees plan to meet and discuss the wayforward as soon as travel has opened up in England again and come up with a newplan of action. 

Last but not least, my annual UKtrips always reap rich financial gain. Not only are we given monetary donationswherever we go but all our new children are sponsored out as well, resulting inan increased monthly income. Without these trips our general income actuallycomes down. Each year elderly sponsors pass away and changes in folks’ ownfinancial positions forces them to sever their monthly commitments to MorningStar.

On a sobering note, recentcalculations here have indicated that our financial position is inching towardsthe crisis we experienced in 2019 when my SOS letter of appeal went out to youall. The marvellous response received then enabled us to put a substantialamount of money into our money market account, meet all our monthly obligationsright through Covid lock-down and pay our staff their full   salaries. It’s only now, 18 months    further down the line that we’re very closeto having to dig into our reserves in our Money Market account again. 

The bottom line is nothing has changed; we’restill short on budget each month by about 2,500pds (R50, 000.00); as was ourpredicament back in 2019. In    additionto this, a couple in the UK paid Albert Duvenhage’s salary for his first yearat Morning Star and that, of course, came to an end at the end of 2020 as well.

What can we do to counter the position we nowfind ourselves in?

1. Until such time that we’re ableto travel to the UK again or register Morning Star as a charity there, we needto pursue a fresh series of Zoom Meetings with all our supporting churches.Peter Barham has put together a new PowerPoint Presentation for us and I’mhoping that between   Albert and me,we’ll be able to ‘visit’ all of you in the coming weeks to update you properlyon the work of Morning Star. So, please plan your dates and get back to usas soon as you can.

2. Advertise the 20+ new childrenneeding to be sponsored out. This remains a very important   avenue of income for us, even though moreand more folk are opting to rather channel their monthly giving to our generaloperational expenses. Either option is fine with us.

3. Invite folk to support aparticular aspect of our work, thus alleviating our monthly shortfall.  Areas to be considered include:

 

¨ Food for 150 children per month -  1, 250pds

¨ Children’s birthdays per month – 1, 000pds

¨ Sponsorship of key staff member’s salary permonth – 750.00pds (or less)

¨ Vehicle maintenance/petrol expenses per month –350.00pds per minibus

¨ Medicine/doctor consultations per month –250.00pds

¨ 10 food parcels per month @ 15pds each -150.00pds

 

Staff Issues:

Howblessed we are to have a staff who work well together and generally give oftheir best. When I think back to the problems we had in the past, of thethieving that took place and the undermining of authority, I can but thank Godthat the troublemakers have gone and that there’s a general sense ofcamaraderie and looking out for each other these days.

Alberthas grown into his role as General Manager and is well in   control of all our day-to-day activities.Teboho Moloi, with the assistance of Lorato Rapuleng, run the finance officelike clockwork and Camilla Moholobela and her  helpers in the kitchen   continueto cook up a storm each day, serving up meals fit for a king. Exciting news isthat we have one of our own young adults, Martha Lukhuleni, working alongsideCamilla in the kitchen at the moment. Being at Morning Star each day givesMartha’s life purpose and meaning, as does the baking of all our birthday cakesfor Louisa Makhubela and another of our young adults, Moitheri Dlamini. Oh, ifonly we could support more of our jobless, seemingly hopeless young adults! Toomany of them are out of school, unable to pursue tertiary education and aresitting at home, wasting their lives away. 

Pleasekeep gardener, Papiki Monyane in prayer; he’s recently undergone surgery for adetached retina and is not ‘out of the woods’ yet. Also, pray for Elizabeth vdWesthuizen who is fast getting to the point of needing a hip replacement andfor Anna Matiyase, our Kutlwanong Manager, recovering from a hysterectomy.

 

News of our Children and Families

Ourchildren are mostly well. Our little ones flourish in our care and definitelybenefit from the good nutrition enjoyed at Morning Star each weekday. Outsideof Morning Star,    poverty and neglectare evident everywhere, even more so since Covid began. We help where we canbut are conscious of the fact that we can only take the edge off the sufferingexperienced and not change each family’s circumstances. Our clients often findthis   difficult to understand, that wecan’t give them everything they ask for, and leave our premises in a huff. It’sever a hard call to know what assistance to give and where to draw the line.

Issueswe’re dealing with at present:

1. Mathepelo Mofokeng’s home in HaniPark Township recently caught fire and the family lost all their belongings inthe flames.

2. Five-year-old Portia Mamakoatsi hasbeen rejected by her paternal family and is being placed into a foster home, asof today. The tragic thing about this case is that when her mother (one of ourMorning Star   teenagers) died 4 yearsago, the paternal family were adamant that they loved Portia and wanted toraise her. We had to halt the adoption process already in place back then,knowing in our hearts that this new arrangement wasn’t going to last.

3. We’ve had two deaths over thepast         6 weeks: 21year old MalesediMajake passed away on the 29th April after     aborting her ARV regime for the secondtime. She was buried last Saturday. And    5-year-old    Mohau Molefe, bornwith HIV / AIDS, Down’s syndrome and a heart condition died on 23rdMarch. Her mum has been left bereft. Please remember her in your prayers.

4. Our 14 year old Patricia,Mhampinde, already suffering the symptoms associated with HIV/AIDS, startedhaving seizures and then suffered paralysis on the one side of her body. Atfirst it was thought she’d had a stroke but upon further investigation, she wasfound to have a brain tumour. She’s since undergone surgery in Bloemfontein,which appears to have been successful, and has subsequently been moved from theintensive care unit to a general ward in the hospital. We hear she is slowlyrecovering.

5. One of our 15 year old girls,someone we’ve invested much time and energy into over the years, is pregnant.The ‘boyfriend’ is a 26 year old, jobless Zimbabwean.

Ourheartaches and disappointments with our teenagers, especially, are real and, attimes, one despairs for them all; their lack of education and inability tolearn, having to drop out of school before finishing the syllabus, turning todrugs, falling pregnant, throwing away their opportunities to flourish or justsitting at home, doing nothing. One wonders whether all the years of caring andsharing the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ were a waste of time. But then, inthe midst of the crushing disappointments, there’s a Tsidi who did so well inher Grade 12 examinations last year that she’s been admitted to the Universityof the Western Cape and a Thato who recently successfully completed her 4-yearBachelor of. Education Degree and is now a fully qualified secondary schoolteacher.

No,the 21 years of caring and service are not in vain; we remind ourselves that itis God who grows the seeds we’ve planted and only eternity will reveal whichlives our ministry had an impact upon. After all, we’re called to be faithful,not successful.

 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sakeof your steadfast love and faithfulness.    Psalm 115:1

 

Pelo & Hart/ Tshedisanang Women’s Project:

Most of you know and have purchased the beautifulhand embroidered merchandise from our former Tshedisanang Women’s Project andmore recently, the gorgeously, colourful shweshwe creations produced by thewomen at Pelo & Hart. Sadly, Covid 19 had an enormous impact on the tourismindustry in South Africa and many boutiques and even bigger outlets have had toclose their doors and are no more. Tragically, Pelo & Hart have beennegatively affected too. Very little, by way of new orders, has come in overthe past 12 months and Mirna de Hart, the owner of the project, has had to paythe women out of her own pocket, to ensure they have food on the table eachday. The time has come to take the decision to close Pelo & Hart, eitherfor the time being, or permanently. It breaks my heart even to type thesewords.

 

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay upfor yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys andwhere thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there yourheart will be also”. Mathew 6: 19-21

 

Praise & thanks for:

1. For God’s faithfulness andprotecting hand upon us all in the midst of the Covid 19      pandemic.

2. The life of Peter Parkinson and thelasting   legacy he’s left behind – bothin the UK and here in Welkom, South Africa.

3. For the generous response towardsour new Toyota Hi-Ace Minibus.

4. For the excellent health of most ofour little children

 

Pleasepray:

* For Godly wisdom in how we utilize the    funding and donations that come in eachmonth.

* That we’d remain dependent upon Christ and not dothings in our own strength.

* Our Welkom premises – that we’ll find favour withthe Free State government and not be charged rent and for our electricity andwater consumption.

* For staff members with health issues: the fullhealing of our gardener, Papiki’s eye, Elizabeth’s discomfort with her arthritichip and wisdom as to how to get this attended to without medical aid and forAnna, as she recovers from her hysterectomy.

* For 14-year-old Patricia – that God would begracious to her and restore her to full health and strength. Also, that we’dhave an opportunity to share the Gospel with her grandmother and broaderfamily.

* For little Portia Mamokoatsi as she transitionsinto foster care this week. Please pray that her paternal relatives will agreeto her being adopted.

* For Pastor Revival ashe teaches and counsels all our teens and young adults. His is a massiveresponsibility and we’d really love to employ a second pastor to assist him.Please pray that the monthly Bible Studies will go from strength to strengthand that our young adults would attend for the right reasons. 

January 2021 Newsletter
2021-01-27

26– 01 – 2021

“Lord,you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 

Beforethe mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and theworld, 

fromeverlasting to everlasting, you are God.” Psalm 90:1-2

 

DearMorning Star Friends,

Greetingsat the start of a brand New Year. Bizarre 2020 is behind us – and 2021stretches out before us like a blank page. The introduction hasn’t proved verypromising …… but, perhaps, as we begin to turn the pages, things will settledown and life will, somehow, return to some form of normality? Humanlyspeaking, it seems nigh impossible – but let’s not lose hope.

IfJanuary 2021 had been normal, the Morning Star staff would’ve all returned towork by now, in preparation for our children returning tomorrow, 27thJanuary. There would already have been a skeleton staff at our Welkom premisesthe whole of last week too and we’d have been rushed off our feet trying toassist all our school-going children with their uniform and stationery needsfor the year. But, Coronavirus …………..!

As predicted, the second wave of Covid 19 hit South Africa in abig way and, sadly, finally arrived in Welkom as well. We saw no sign of ithere right up until we closed Morning Star for the Christmas holidays but theNew Year has heralded-in an influx and we hear that all our local hospitals arefull to overflowing. Our president, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced two weeks agothat our South African schools would, thus, remain closed for a further periodof time and only reopen on the 15th February. It was a hugedisappointment – and there are very mixed feelings about the ruling, but we’reall obliged to help curb the spread of the virus and ease the pressure on ourhealth care system. Morning Star is, thus, to remain closed to our childrenuntil Monday, 15th February. However, last week our routine, monthlyfood parcels were packed and distributed and, from yesterday a skeleton staffhave been operating from our Welkom premises, getting ready for the start ofthe new school year. We’re trusting that revised government announcements won’tbe made in the interim and that our South African schools will, indeed, allreopen mid-February, as directed. If not, thousands of South African childrenwill be left stranded again this year – with no way of attending to theirstudies and making any significant progress.

Our lock-down regulations weren’t as harsh as yours in the UK overChristmas and New Year. In spite of the dramatic increase in Covid cases incertain parts of our country towards the end of 2020, we were all still able toget together with loved ones on Christmas day and even go away on holiday. Thiswas probably to allow the support of our flailing economy, in the midst of theissuing of stricter mask-wearing, re-imposed curfews and social distancing. Alltold, though, it probably wasn’t a good thing having so many people travellinginter-provincially and spreading the virus from one area to another. Lookingback, resorts should’ve closed down completely and not admitted holidaymakersat all. On a personal level, my husband, Ron, and I went away with our pastorand family for a week and all of us came down with Covid 19 whilst away.  Most of the two families had it mildly andthe symptoms have already disappeared but, Pastor Joshua Bolaji (and MorningStar Board Chairman) has underlying comorbidities (weak lungs and type 1diabetes) and was ill enough to have been in the intensive care unit at StHelena Private Hospital, on oxygen and intravenous therapy, for most of the twoweeks he lay there. He was finally discharged yesterday but is still very, veryweak and in much need of prayer and God’s healing touch.

Goodnews! We have received a few very generous monetary gifts over December 2020/January 2021, for which we praise and thank God. Our bank balance is currentlyin a healthy state and we are deeply humbled by your faithful support ofMorning Star and of our Lord’s caring hand upon us as an organization. We knowthat we are well prepared for what the year brings and are even able to reachout to the broader community, once again, in the midst of the colossal economiccrises our country is going through.

9-year-oldTshepiso Matlaletsa has been accepted at St Dominic’s College, Welkom, on afull tutorial bursary this year. We are still looking for someone to sponsorher/assist us with her additional school expenses (weekly transport to schooland back and ongoing stationery and uniform needs.) The amount required is 25-30pdsper month. If interested, please email me directly at: morningstar.reception@tiscali.co.za

“Lord,teach us to number our days

thatwe may get a heart of wisdom.”

Psalm90:12

Everyblessing for 2021. I am increasingly doubtful that I’ll be able to travel tothe UK this year – but, who knows, a gap might miraculously occur somewherealong the line, allowing for a trip and the opportunity to see many of youagain.


Yoursin Christ,

Joan

POINTSFOR PRAYER:

Praiseand thanks for:

  1. God’s protection of our children and staff during the time Morning Star was closed over Christmas.
  2. The sustained good health of most of our children and their parents/guardians.

Pleasepray for:

  1. Please keep praying for a compassionate outcome from government regarding our Welkom premises at Kopano Complex. We’ve heard nothing further from the Free State Department of Public Works but haven’t been expecting anything concrete over our shutdown period, anyway. (It’s a known fact that SA government departments all close and go on holiday at Christmastime and only start up again after the middle of January. We do know that they are in receipt of our lawyer’s letter, though, as confirmation thereof has been received.)
  2. For our sick and frail children – especially Bonolo Mantje (at home but awaiting hip surgery) teenagers, Patricia Mhampinde and Kekeletso Manyokgo and our young adult, Martha Lukhuleni. All four are struggling with the symptoms of their conditions and remain very frail and thin.
  3. Please pray for our Board Chairman/Welkom Baptist Church pastor, Joshua Bolaji, for a complete recovery from Covid 19, and for staff member, Melanie Cornelissen, still struggling with multiple health issues and presently undergoing exploratory procedures at Rosepark Hospital in Bloemfontein.
  4. The safe return of long-term UK volunteer, Sarah Wilkins, in due course. There are no direct flights into South Africa at present and we have no idea when it’s going to prove safe enough for Sarah to return to Welkom and Morning Star. We are all trusting, though, that it’ll be sooner than later.
  5. Godly wisdom for our management team as we move forward into another year of Covid 19 restrictions – that we’ll make sensible, sound decisions based on facts and not fear.
  6. And that all of us would “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12: 1-2


December 2020 Newsletter
2020-12-18


18thDecember 2020

Our Dear Morning Star Friends,

 

“I will givethanks to the Lord with my whole heart;

I will recountall of your wonderful deeds

I will be gladand exult in you,

I will singpraise to your name, O Most High”

 Psalm 9:1-2

 

The end of a very difficult, unprecedented year hascome to an end. Who would’ve thought, this time last year, that we were in forthe shock of our lives and that life, as we’ve always known it, would never bethe same again? Who could’ve imagined that we’d spend months locked away athome, not being able to see family and friends, nor able to enjoy churchfellowship, Sunday-by-Sunday? Who could ever have guessed that we’d beforcefully separated from family members who were hospitalized and not even beable to see them before they died – nor attend their funerals, in someinstances? And that we’d ALL be wearing masks – with no end in sight!!

But God knew. What a comfort those few words are! Godknew what 2020 would hold and throughout all these months, has never left usnor forsaken us. He reigns supreme in the heavens and is ever working out Hispurposes in all our lives. Philippians 2:12-13 reminds us that as we work outour own salvation with fear and trembling, He continues to work in us too,working in us both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 

Our national news broadcasts tell us that South Africais experiencing a second wave of Covid infections right now. Certain areas ofthe country are worse than others but, praise God, we’ve seen nothing of it inWelkom at all - yet. Masks are still being worn and social distancing beingadhered to, but here at Morning Star we’ve been able to continue with ourChristmas programmes and end-year functions and even send all our youngerchildren home with a lovely gift. All-in-all, 400 sweet packets were packedthis year and right now there are only a handful left to still be distributed.

And so, after a rush of activity, all is now quiet atMorning Star. Our final children’s Christmas party, our teens’ end-yearfunction, took place yesterday. As a special treat we took the 70 of them alongto the local cinema to watch “Wonder Woman 1984.” But, because of Covid 19 –and social distancing, weren’t able to seat them in the same theatre.Amazingly, the proprietor was accommodating enough as to offer/ show the samefilm in three cinemas, all at the same time. How awesome is that!

This is not going to be a lengthy letter. My mainreason for hurrying it along before we close Morning Star today, 18thDecember – until mid-January 2021 is to thank you all for your encouragement,prayers and fantastic monetary support this past year and especially now atChristmastime. I’ve not yet managed to email all who sent parcels andtransferred monetary gifts to their sponsored child, nor thanked the manywho’ve sent generous sums of money to assist us with our Christmas expenses andextra food parcel needs at this time, but please know that we appreciate everykind gesture and your ever faithful support of Morning Star. A special bigthank you to Linda Gardiner and friends who, in lieu of the Santa Shoe Boxesshe usually organizes for us each year, collected in excess of 2200pds so thatwe could give each current Morning Star child a new Christmas outfit, somelittle extras and a big packet of sweets. It would’ve been really sad to havesent them all home empty-handed this Christmas. We adults understand Covid 19 andall its practical and economic implications, but our little ones have noinkling of the ‘bigger picture’ going on ‘behind the scenes.’

“Nothingwhatever, whether great or small, can happen to a believer, without God’sordering and permission.

 There is no such thing as “chance,” “luck” or“accident” in the Christian’s journey through this world. All is arranged andappointed by God. And all things are “working together” for the believer’sgood.”  J.C. Ryle.

Lovely news to share with you is that our 9-year-oldTshepiso Matlaletsa has been accepted at St Dominic’s College in Welkom on afull tutorial bursary for 2021. She begins Grade 4 there on 13thJanuary. This has never happened before – that a Morning Star child, from animpoverished background, gets to attend the best educational facility in townto further her education. Tshepiso has the ability to succeed and we just praythat she’ll go on to make us all proud.

NOTE: Ifanyone would like to sponsor Tshepiso’s education and assist us financiallywith the additional, hidden expenses that are bound to crop up each month(including school transport), please email me directly at: morningstar.reception@tiscali.co.za

Other lovely news – our very own Thato Ramosebi, (now25 years old) who joined our Morning Star family at the age of 6 years, isabout to graduate from the Central University of Technology in Welkom with aneducational degree. Born with HIV/AIDS, struggling with its symptoms in earlychildhood, surviving the taunting and discrimination associated with beinginfected with the disease, growing up without a father figure, observing hermum eke out a living on government support and Morning Star’s assistance, Thatohas emerged an overcomer, victorious and well able to stand on her own two feetin life. We are very, very proud of her and the magnificent role model she isto all our younger teens.

And so, the ‘Year of the Mask’ has come to an end.None of us knows what 2021 will bring – even whether we’ll get to use our newlypurchased diaries or I’ll be able to travel to see you again? But we do knowwho holds our tomorrows in the power of His Hands. Our Gracious God issovereign over all and we rest in that.

This Christmas, as you ponder afresh God’s gift of Hisonly Son, Jesus Christ, to a lost, sinful world, may sheer praise and worshipburst forth from your souls at such love, mercy and grace.

Love in Christ,

Joan.

The Lord works fromthe inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would takepeople out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people and then theytake themselves out of the slums. The world would mould men by changing theirenvironment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The worldwould shape human behaviour, but Christ can change human nature.                           Ezra Taft Benson.

POINTS FOR PRAYER:

Praise and thanks for:

  1.  God’s protection and wondrous blessings over the past year – even in the midst of Covid 19 and all its implications.
  2. The sustained good health of most of our children. We’ve only had three deaths in 2020.
  3. Our finances – that we’re in a far healthier position than this time last year.

Please pray for:

  1. Wisdom for the M.S. Board regarding our Kopano Complex premises and a softening of heart, on the part of the Free State government, in their drive to get us to pay an exorbitant sum of money to continue operating at our Welkom Centre.
  2. The safety of our children and staff over the Christmas holidays.
  3. For our sick & frail children over the holidays – especially Bonolo Mantje (in hospital awaiting a hip operation) Patricia Mhampinde and Kekeletso Manyokgo. Kekeletso, who had to be rushed to hospital in the midst of writing her matriculation exam, has now been discharged for Christmas but is due to return on 4th January to have fluid drained off her left lung.
  4. Staff members Lorato Rapuleng whose husband recently passed away and Melanie Cornelissen, struggling with multiple health issues and long been unable to fulfil her Morning Star duties.
  5. The safe return of long-term UK volunteer, Sarah Wilkins, at the end of January 2021. We’ve missed Sarah these past months and can’t wait for her to return to us.


October 2020 Newsletter
2020-10-16

16October 2020

SEA TRIP 2020

This newsletter is largely about ourrecent Durban Sea Trip. I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know that our 2020excursion finally happened. It was originally planned for the endMarch/beginning of April this year but had to be cancelled at the last minute,due to our Covid lock-down restrictions and all of us having to stay home tohelp ‘flatten the curve’. But last Tuesday night, 29th September, saw our 2Quantums, 6 staff members and 26 x 16 year olds set off for Kwa Zulu Natal atabout 10pm. In spite of the trailer breaking down near a town called Harrismithat midnight, and their journey coming to an abrupt halt for about 2 hours, theycontinued safely the rest of the way and arrived at uShaka Marine World inDurban on time for their guided tour of the aquarium and always popular,dolphin show. After a delicious lunch at the Spur Steak Ranch at uShaka, theytravelled along the KZN South Coast road until reaching Port Edward and theiraccommodation destination, Kinderstrand. (You can Google both to check wherethey are.) Our Gracious God went before them and protected them all on theirway down. In His providence, they were stopped by the police for breakingcurfew just before midnight, which led to our one driver, Johannes, ‘smelling’that something was burning. It turned out that the trailer’s suspension springhad jumped out of position, causing the tyre to rub against the mudguard. If ithadn’t been detected, the tyre would’ve burst and the trailer/vehicle would’veoverturned. Praise God the problem was detected – thus preventing a terribleaccident from happening further down the line.

The weather down in Kwa Zulu Natalwasn’t ideal – it was generally chilly and rained every day – but this didn’tdeter our group from enjoying the beach and all the activities presented atKinderstrand to the full. Each morning saw them romping in the waves andmarvelling at the expanse of the Indian Ocean and in the afternoons theyexplored the surrounding terrain, had a tide-fighting competition, tried theirhands at zip lining and an obstacle course laid out in a forest and visited thesite of a 1933 shipwreck, when the Nightingale Trawler ran aground on GlenmoreBeach, Port Edward. The Port Edward area has a long maritime history and is apopular scuba diving destination. The Portuguese ship, Sao Joao, ran agroundthere in 1552 followed by the Sao Bento in 1554. Do any of you enjoy scubadiving? Port Edward is the place to visit once all our travelling restrictionshave eased.

After dinner each evening PastorRevival shared God’s Word with our children. Our hope, always, is that ourGracious Lord would open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel and that theywould trust Jesus as their Saviour. Each successive year I’m deeply awed at theprivilege that is ours, of fulfilling a life-long dream for a group ofimpoverished HIV/AIDS sufferers – of seeing and experiencing the sea forthemselves! How thankful we are to God for creating such a beautiful worldand how grateful we are to the UK couple who have made these annual tripspossible. They’ll never truly grasp just what their generous gift accomplishesin many a life and I continue to trust that, one day, they’ll be able toaccompany us on one of our sea trips and see for themselves what joy they bringinto our children’s lives.

This particular trip saw the followingsponsored children enjoying the treat: Basiya Binyane; Petrus Motshwa;Relebohile Pulela; Katleho Nyathi; Katleo Ramakoae (boys) and Mpho Mololo;Retshedisitswe Moiloa; Neo Matlakeng; Sinolizwi Hlatshwayo; RetshidisitsweSekute; Busisiwe Mlungwana; Nomvuyo Pita; Dieketseng Khakhane; Thato Ramongalo;Mpho Mabaso; Pulane Seloane; Relebohile Lesesa; Rethabile Mosimane and KhomotsoLekhoaba (girls).

This trip also included 2 deafchildren (lost their hearing due to their many ear infections in earlychildhood), 2 physically disabled teen boys (had to take their walkingframes/wheelchairs along with them) and a young man who underwent a breastreduction operation last year because he’d developed such huge breasts as aresult of the anti-retroviral drugs he was on. Thabiso actually went on the seatrip two years back but had such an awful time trying to hide his breasts thatwe decided to take him again, now that his operation was behind him.)

“I will remember the deeds of theLord; Yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work,and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is greatlike our God?” Psalm 77:11-13

Following are a few accounts from staff andchildren regarding their individual experiences down at the sea:

I’d like to take this opportunity tosay thank you for giving me time to go to Durban with the Morning Star childrenand learn how to take care of them. I learnt many things, like working as ateam, to never give up in life, to think and always work hard. The childrenwere well behaved and learnt a lot through the games they played. They lovedall the activities and swimming in the sea.

Thank you Mme Elizabeth. You reallylove the children and were like a mother to them. I enjoyed being with you andlearning from you. And God blessed us with rain while we were away too.

Nomvula Mpinda – Staff Member

****************

I had a very great time in Durban. Ourteens were very enthusiastic and optimistic about this trip. We really enjoyedourselves as we beheld God’s beautiful creation, looking at the wonderful wavesof the sea. I also had an opportunity to swim in the sea and enjoyed our othertours at uShaka Marine World, Howick waterfall and the historic site where theengine of the ship, Nightingale lies. I also enjoyed the games we played andthe welcoming reception at Kinderstrand, where we stayed in Port Edward.

I really thank the Lord for thisamazing ministry of Morning Star Children’s Centre, because of the godly impactthey bring to the Matjhabeng community. It is my prayer that we may continue togrow to Christlikeness for His eternal glory.

I thank the Lord for people who donatefunds to ensure that these Durban trips take place every year. It is notbecause they are rich, but they do this act of generosity because of their lovefor our Lord Jesus Christ. Morning Star Children’s Centre seeks to shine thelight who is the Morning Star, the Lord Jesus Christ. Dr John Mac Arthursspeaks about this Morning Star in the following way: “This is the brighteststar announcing the arrival of the day when Jesus comes. He will be thebrightest star who will shatter the darkness of man’s night and herald the dawnof God’s glorious day.”

Jesus Christ, who is the BrightMorning Star, has shone in the hearts of believers and will shine in the heartsof those who will believe in Him. In His service.

Pastor Revival Hlongwane

********************************

The first thing I enjoyed, even beforewe even left Morning Star was a movie called “Cool Running”.

We, the Morning Star teenagers, learnta lot about the different kinds of fish at uShaka Marine World. We didn’t knowthat there are zebra fish and that small fishes group themselves so that sharkswill think they are a big fish. I adore dolphins. They are smart and sweet andlisten to their trainers. I liked how they danced the Jerusalema song. It wasbeautiful.

After the program at uShaka we took awalk and at 1.00pm Mme Moruti (Mrs Pastor -Elizabeth vd Westhuizen) took us forlunch at The Spur Restaurant.

We took a long drive - again. We werevery tired. The staff at Kinderstrand Resort where we stayed were so nice. Wespent 3 days at the sea and did many activities. They were scary but fun.

The staff at Kinderstrand became evennicer on our last day. The grandfather called Louis even dropped some tearswhen we had to leave. They were sad because we were leaving and we were sadbecause we were going home. We all wore our new yellow t-shirts on the wayhome. On the back it is written:-“Been to Durban 2020”

That’s what I enjoyed. Morning Star Ithank you for all you did for us. May God bless you.

Petrus Motshwa – 16 years old.

***************

TO KINDERSTRAND

I write this letter because we have enjoyedourselves, and I thank you for the nice hospitality you have given us. I can’tstop talking about how I enjoyed myself, to my family and at school. When Ithink about how enjoyable it was I take the shells that I picked up at the seaand the water and say to myself, “I wish I could go back again.”

I really liked most of the activitiesthat we did, especially zip lining – but it’s so scary. I miss going to thebeach to swim. The activity I enjoyed most was that we were asked to do a talentcompetition. Other people were dancing, singing and doing poems, so I came withmy own dance. I was dancing Gumboots dance and it was fun. My friends werecheering me and I won the competition. I was happy.

We learnt a lot at uShaka Marine Worldand I was listening to the teachers. Now I am teaching people here in Welkomthat we must not litter the sea because there are some sea creatures that couldeat those plastic bags and we are going to eat those fish and we will be eatingour own litter. I also learnt that sharks don’t eat people but they bite. Somefish work as a group so that sharks won’t notice that they are so small.

We thank our mother, Jones Adams, thatshe took us to Durban to see the sea. I wouldn’t know this much if it wasn’tfor her. It shows that she loves us all. I also took shells and sea water homewith me to show people the proof that I was in Durban. We also have a Facebookgroup where we talk to each other. We all miss you, Kinderstrand. We miss allour helpers and before I forget, we liked the food you cooked for us. We allwant to come and visit again.

WE LOVE YOU ALL AT KINDERSTRAND!! Lotsof love from “Been to Durban 2020”.

Neo Matlakeng—16 years old

POST COVID 19 NEWS

All’s well at Morning Star. All our littleones are back this week, every day and all day. Hip! Hip! Hooray! Although westill wear masks and wipe all surfaces down regularly, there’s no more temperature-takingeach morning and continual spraying of hands. No more alternate days for differentchildren, going home straight after lunch and wondering who is left ‘homealone’ all day, when they’re not at Morning Star. We’re so enjoying ‘normal’ again,if there’s such a thing anymore. Of course, nothing is a certainty these days.We might still have a ‘second wave’ like you have? God has clearly shown us thatwe are not masters of our own destinies. He is absolutely sovereign overall andwe are reliant on Him for each and every breath we take.

It’s sad to hear you’re in full lock-downin England and parts of Australia again. That’s a real blow and terriblyfrustrating. Let’s trust this difficult period in our lives will soon be over.

HOME FRONT

Two issues at Morning Star areparticularly concerning at the moment. The one is that we were revisited byFree State government officials mid-September regarding our Welkom premisesand, in addition to being reminded that we were ‘squatters’ here, were informedthat a valid lease agreement is to be drawn up and that we’ll be expected topay rent and for our water and electricity consumption each month. This is anissue that’s cropped up at regular intervals over the past 10-15 years – andhas always ‘died down’ over time. But, we’re aware that the Free State Provinceis thoroughly bankrupt nowadays and that the government is desperate to make upits short-fall, somehow. So, this problem might not go away this time. Pleasepray for Godly wisdom on our side, and compassion and understanding on the government’sside – that they will take into consideration that we are a Non-Profit Organizationand use all our income for the benefit of the children and families that we serve.We simply cannot afford to pay an exorbitant fee for utilities and rent eachmonth.

The other matter that’s surfaced isthat one of our staff members, a woman who has been in our employ for the past13 years, is presently undergoing training to become a sangoma. (A sangoma is atraditional healer/witchdoctor who practises divination, herbal medicine andancestor worship). This is a very delicate issue to address in this country assangomas are recognised by law and a dismissal based on a person’s religionwould most certainly end up in the Labour Court where compensation up to anamount equal to the employee’s salary for 24 months could be awarded in favourof the employee. Our sadness is that this lady has come under the Gospel, week inand week out, for 13 years and yet, has hardened her heart to the truths of God’sWord. Albert Duvenhage is handling the case and it’s an area I’ve been more thanhappy to relinquish to him.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

You’ll be pleased to know that ourfinancial position is much healthier than it was this time last year. I well remembermy plea for a miracle last October/November and how our Great God touchedhearts and used so many of you to rescue Morning Star at the eleventh hour. So muchso, that in the midst of the rising unemployment around us, due to Covid 19this year, our staff have all received their full salaries each month, as wella small increase at the beginning of the new financial year. We give God allthe glory.

Our Child Sponsorship Programme continuestoo and right now, only 8 of the original children in my little photo album areleft seeking support. Thank you for responding to this need. We’re increasinglyaware, though, that many of you aren`t keen to become involved with individualMorning Star children and would rather help fund something specific – likeplayground equipment, our children’s food for a month, a staff member’s salaryor even a new vehicle. These needs are ever present and a new vehicle,especially, is becoming increasingly urgent. Our oldest Quantum is costing usdearly, maintenance-wise, and our one Avanza barely splutters along each day.

CALENDARS AND CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS

Christmas for our little ones thisyear is going to be very different. We’re still planning to give our current childrena party, but Christmas shoe boxes and gifts will not be possible at all.Individual sponsors have already begun to deposit an extra sum of money intoour bank accounts so that ’their child and family’ will still have a specialtime over the festive season and our dear friend, Linda Gardiner, is busyraising funds in England so that we can purchase ‘Christmas clothes’ for asmany of our children as possible as well. Our postal services have reopened buthow trustworthy they’ll prove to be remains to be seen. If you’re planning topost a gift to South Africa, please do so as soon as possible.

Our revised, post-Covid 19 schoolcalendar has recently been broadcast, informing us that our government schoolswill officially close on 15th December this year and reopen on 27th January2021. What a long, long summer holiday lies before us. We’ll be ‘chomping atthe bit’ to get back to work and school by then!

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in theday of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him. But with an overflowingflood He will make a complete end of His adversaries and will pursue Hisenemies into darkness.” Nahum 1: 7-8

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Praise and thanks for the safereturn of all those who travelled to Kwa Zulu Natal for our 2020 Sea Trip lastweek.

2. Our trailer broke down on the wayto the coast. Praise God ‘the problem’ was detected before it caused a massiveaccident further down the line.

3. Praise and thanks that ALL ourchildren are back at our two Morning Star Centres. We thank God that new Covid19 cases in South Africa are on the decrease and that life has gone back tosome form of normality.

4. Praise God for a strong managementteam at Morning Star. We’re well aware that many of our staff member are not Christiansbut what a blessing that all on the management team are and that we, jointly,seek to worship the one true God and make Him known.

Please keep the following issues inprayer.

5. Pray for Morning Star in the faceof the fresh wave of insecurity regarding our Welkom premises. Pray thatgovernment officials from the Free State Department of Public Works will showus compassion and take into consideration that we are a Non-Profit Organizationand have no ‘extra’ funds for exorbitant rental and utility charges.

6. Pray for Godly wisdom for AlbertDuvenhage and our Labour Consultant, Debbie, as they address the issueregarding our staff member who is intent on becoming a sangoma. Pray that Godwould take away her heart of stone and give her a heart of flesh. Please praythis prayer for all our staff members. How many more are there who have satunder sound Gospel preaching for years and who are still caught up insyncretism.

7. Please pray for Melanie Cornelissenwho has not been able to return to work after Covid 19 due to a nagging backinjury.

8. Pray for teachers Shiyiwe andCynthia and families. Both have sons who have suffered nervous breakdowns overthe past 6 months and are in a bad way. Pray, especially for Shiyiwe’s son, Ntando,who disappeared without trace last week and has just been located in aJohannesburg hospital, extremely dehydrated and weak. How he got there is acomplete mystery?

9. Please continue to pray for Albertas he assumes the role of General Manager at Morning Star. Pray that he’llincreasingly grasp all that his role entails and develop a deep love for thefamilies we serve.

10. Keep Pastor Revival in prayer ashe interacts and counsels our many teenagers. It’s a massive task for one man.Please pray for strength and Godly wisdom in all his endeavours.



August 2020 Newsletter
2020-08-25

 25/08/2020

Psalm 93: 1-2:

“The Lord reigns; His is robed in majesty; TheLord is robed; He has put on strength as His belt. Yes, the world isestablished; it shall never be moved. Your throne is established from of old; Youare from everlasting.”


GENERAL


It’s been 2 ½ months since I last shared ourMorning Star news with you all. In some ways, nothing much has changed sincethen; we’re still only operating at about half strength at Morning Star, a fewof our staff members have yet to return and we’re still practising socialdistancing, wearing masks, sanitizing everything and having our  temperatures taken each  morning. Thus far, only our 2 pre-receptionand reception classes, special class and Grade`s 1-3 are back at our twoCentres. Our children come in 2-3 times per week each so we’ve divided the classesup into smaller groups to accommodate them all. It’s good to have half back,even though things are much quieter behind masks!!

In other ways, so much has changed. There are nowabout 600,000 known Covid 19 cases across South Africa and over   13, 000 people have died as a result. We’retold that we’ve reached our peak and that new infections are showing a     downward trend. South Africa officiallymoved from Level 3 to Level 2 lock-down last week, and most of our former       restrictions have been lifted. Amongstothers, inter-provincial travel is allowed, restaurants have reopened and thesale of alcohol and tobacco products have been unbanned. The sad reality isthat South Africa is facing a particularly long road to recovery due to itsweak economy ahead of the pandemic and high unemployment rate. On the groundwe’re still seeing massive suffering every day. So many impoverished folk havenot been able to return to their former jobs and the heartfelt cry for foodassistance is relentless – especially amongst those who come from theneighbouring countries of Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Just recently I heard that upto 6 million Zimbabwean people are living in South Africa these days – that’s athird of their total population! I wonder what percentage of Lesothians areliving here. Many, that’s for sure.

Unfortunately, Morning Star has had to cut down onits food assistance to the general community over the past month as ourallocated Covid 19 fund has all but dried up. We’re still reaching out to thebroader Morning Star ‘family’ but have had to put the brakes on regarding thequeues of people lining up outside our premises each day, crying forassistance. Sadly, the vast need around us won’t diminish for many more monthsto come.

OUR CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Thankfully, our children have generally kept wellover the past 6 months. We’ve had several extremely cold spells this winter –more so than over the past ten years, and for the many families living in tinshacks, it must’ve been a particularly difficult time. We praise God that veryfew of our children have needed doctor consultations and, as far as we know,none have had to be   hospitalized. Infact, even though we’re not aware of the struggles of all 700 families on our register,as far as we know, only two of our children have lost their grandmothers duringlock-down and we’re not even sure if their deaths were Covid related.Coronavirus deaths are happening around us, especially amongst our frontlineworkers, but there are very few known personally.

BOARD NEWS

Morning Star has had two board meetings andits Annual General Meeting since lock-down began. Both the board meeting in Mayand our AGM in July were via Zoom – and not very satisfactory at all. Nothingcan beat meeting personally and great was our joy when we were able to convenephysically at our scheduled board meeting last week and sit around a table andenjoy each other’s company. Our board meetings are always a pleasure. MorningStar is blessed with a fantastic team and all come to the table with soundadvice and insightful observations.

Two of the issues discussed were the registering ofMorning Star as a UK Charity and the renewed phasing in/out of   Albert and me regarding the General Manager’srole here. As you know, Covid 19 and all its implications brought our change ofroles to an abrupt halt. It’s only now that life is returning to some form of normalitythat we’re able to relook at the issue and devise a new plan moving forward. Inthe interim, Albert has assumed most of the role of general manager, as far asoperational issues are concerned, but strategic issues have not yet beenrelinquished into his hands. It was agreed at our board meeting last week thatthe phasing-in process would be undertaken more slowly than previouslyenvisaged and revisited at each forthcoming quarterly board meeting.  It’s proved providential Albert having me inthe  background to consult and, what withour shortage of staff members over the past few months and us having to pick upon each other’s roles at Morning Star much more, I’ve had little time to‘interfere’ in his decision-making. This is all a process, though, and very hardfor everyone. Please keep us in your prayers.                    

The registering of Morning Star with the UKCharity Commission was put on hold during your Covid 19 lock-down regulationsin England as well.  Travel wasprohibited, so the planned meeting of the Trustees couldn’t take place inApril/May, when I was due to be in England, and nor was the  Charity Commission accepting any newapplications. It’s only since your lock-down regulations have been relaxed thatAndrew Gurr from Cheshire (heading up the  initiative), has been able to meet some of the team and gather therequired signatures for the founding document and get the ball rolling onceagain. We’ve been informed that it could take 20 weeks or more for theregistration process to complete.

 

Psalm 93:4

Mightier than the thunders of many waters;Mightier than the waves of the sea, The Lord on high is mighty.

STAFF MEMBERS


God has graciously kept our Morning Star staffmembers over the past 6 months. Slowly but surely more of us have returned towork and resumed our duties or been deployed to other areas. Our younger childrenhave not yet returned to Morning Star so the staff involved in their care arecleaning, sanitizing and screening clients, personnel and children each day. Afew of us have had winter ailments over the past weeks but only one of us,Elizabeth vd Westhuizen, our Operations Manager, has had symptoms relating toCovid 19. Whether any others contracted the virus is hard to determine as testsare very expensive when done privately and mainly reserved for folk who are trulysymptomatic. Government tests are free but the queues of people awaiting helpeach day are off-putting, especially when the mobile clinic fails to arrive atall. Several staff family members have been ill over the past months but most havebeen treated for non-Covid issues and have returned to health and strength.Those who have passed away had comorbidities and were never tested forCoronavirus at all. One staff member—Lindsay Leonard, our former clothing cupboardsupervisor, and close to 75 years of age, will not be coming back to MorningStar. She’s happily taken a generous retirement package.


OUR FAMILIES


Two incidents that stand out are the stabbings oftwo of our mothers recently. Both went to the doctor within days of each otherto be stitched up. The first, Dieketseng, was out seeking employment (she losther previous job mid-Covid) when she and a friend were attacked and robbed oftheir mobile phones and shoes. She put up a fight and, in the    process, was stabbed with a knife in herupper thigh. She limped all the way home in this state and spent all night indreadful pain before reporting the matter to Morning Star the following morningand being referred to the doctor.

The second stabbing took place in the midstof marital conflict. One of our Zimbabwean mums had posted something onWhatsapp that her husband disapproved of and, in the ensuing moments, hestabbed her right through her hand. Our doctor remarked that the wound remindedhim of Christ on the cross and His nail-pierced hands as he had to stitch herup on both sides. Her wounds have healed now – but the couple’s marital issuesare far harder to address, as is her emotional trauma, their inability to makeends meet and her husband’s drug addiction.

The other traumatic incident that occurred was whena group of Zama-Zama’s (illegal miners) converged on Pule Chabalala’s home inThabong Township and before anything could be said or done set the placealight!! The outdoor          corrugated building was completely engulfedand the flames took out all the windows of their home as well. In addition,their curtains caught fire, they lost several of their blankets and all theirclothes. Only then did the Zama-Zama’s realize that Mr Chabalala wasn’t whothey thought he was and that they’d come to wreck vengeance on the wronghouse!!! Poor little family. It took some weeks before we got wind of theirloss and were able to send a glass company around to their home to fit newwindows, give them money for paint and new blankets and assist them withreplacement curtains and  clothing.

NEWS OF SARAH WILKINS

Our little school is going well under the COVID-19 restrictions with allchildren attending at least two days a week. Although we can’t see their smilesbecause of masks we know most are happy and healthy. I am ever grateful to theteachers for doing a good job and to the drivers for delivering the rightchildren on the right days. There are a significant     number of children who are strugglingacademically and are unlikely to ever cope in mainstream education. We are inthe process of referring them to the Education Department to be assessed.

JOAN’S UK TRIP

As you’ve probably gathered, my 2020 UK trip isdefinitely not going to happen this year. Our international travel restrictionshave not been lifted yet and it’s doubtful they will in the foreseeable future.Both my husband, Ron, and I have been issued with travel vouchers and will takea decision as to when to come to England once international travel is allowed.

In the meantime, though, a big thank you to thoseof you who responded to our appeal to sponsor one of our Morning Star children.We now only have 12 children seeking support – a whole lot better than the 30in my little photograph book prior to Coronavirus. Please email me directly at:morningstar.reception@tiscali.co.za if you’re still interested in assisting usin this way.

PS. 118: 8-9

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It isbetter to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.


PRAYER REQUESTS

Praise and thanks for:

1. For God’s hand upon Morning Star over the past 6 months and forkeeping us all well and safe in the midst of Covid 19 and the panic and feararound us.

2. For the generous monetary assistance from so many overseas supportersin response to our Covid 19 food assistance appeal.  Believe it or not, R500,000.00 has beenreceived (about 25,000pds = 1,800 additional food parcels) over the past fewmonths.

Please pray for:

3. God’s hand upon our front-liners in Welkom,especially the two doctors on our board – Dr Tavares (surgeon) and Dr Nhiwatiwa(physician).

4. Continue to keep all our teenagers in prayer. They’ve been up totheir own devices for 6 months and we have no idea if any have been abused,have stopped taking their treatment or have engaged in immoral behaviour.

5. Pray for Pastor Revival as he picks up and leads our first“post-Covid” Teens Bible Study on Saturday 12th September. Prayfor    spiritual growth amongst our youngadults and that he’ll be able to walk a closer path with them in the monthsahead.

6. Pray that our postponed 2020 Sea Trip will take place at thebeginning of October this year, as re-booked, that the                accommodation facility(Hibberdene Children’s Holiday Home) will have reopened and that uShaka MarineWorld will be fully operational. If not, we’re going to have to postpone until2021 and will have 26 very disappointed 14-15 year-olds to console.

7. Pray that the UK Charity Commission will accept our application forregistration and that “Morning Star Children’s Support Network” will be fullyoperational by the end of the year.

8. Pray for the re-phasing-in of Albert as General Manager at MorningStar and the phasing-out of Joan into her new role as    Morning Star Ambassador. Pray for the keystaff members here who are struggling to adjust to the change of roles.

9. Pray for Godly wisdom for our president, Cyril Ramaphosa, and hiscabinet as they seek to formulate policies that affect all of us and endeavourto stamp out wide-spread corruption and mismanagement of funds.

 

 



June 2020 Newsletter
2020-06-03


“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; theyare new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations: 3:22-23


Dear friends,


COVID 19 IMPLICATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA

It’s the 1st June 2020 as I beginthis letter to you all. Where did March, April and May go to? My last newsupdate was sent out towards the end of summer in the southern hemisphere andnow we’re in the throes of our coldest months of the year. In fact, last weekWelkom (and Bloemfontein)   recorded thecoldest temperatures overnight in the whole of South Africa - 5 degrees belowzero! It’s been absolutely icy, with a bitter wind blowing off the snow-cappedsurrounding mountains and   causing allof us to wish we could forego coming to work and stay warm and cosy at home.But then, what comes to mind are the thousands of impoverished folk livingaround us who have inadequate shelter and who are literally starving to death,and who go to bed cold every night, with no hope of warming up at all. It’sabsolutely                heart-breakingto witness the suffering going on around us every single day. So many folk havehad no income over the past 10 weeks and, what it must be like to have no wayof feeding one’s family, over so long a period, is beyond my imagination!Coronavirus has caused untold suffering across the length and breadth of ourland – and the general indication is that we’ll never recover. It is estimatedthat there’ll be between 700,000 – 1, 3 million jobs losses and that 50% ofour   population will soon be unemployed.Humanly speaking, we’re in the midst of an irreversible economic recession inSouth Africa and well on the way to becoming a welfare state. We truly believewe’ve not seen the end of our problems by far, even though we’ve now officiallymoved to Level 3 Lock-Down Regulations and most businesses have reopened, as oftoday.


We’re keenly aware of the extent of thosehospitalized in the UK and of your overwhelming death rate due to Covid 19. Weknow you’ve been ‘self-isolating’ as well and have had to stay home and meet‘online’ for your church services for many weeks now. It’s bizarre how a tinylittle virus has literally shut-down the whole world and caused untold stressand panic. In South Africa, we’re told that we’ll only reach our peak inAugust/September this year. But, since mid-March we’ve all been self-isolating, wearing masks when out inpublic, having our hands sprayed wherever we go, practising social distancing/keeping2 metres away from the next person – all the while not having one single caseof Covid 19 in Welkom yet! In fact, the first positive Coronavirus case inWelkom was confirmed only last week. Our President’s advocating lock-down and‘flattening the curve’ earlier on in the pandemic has had the desired effectand given our government time to plan and put things in place for what liesahead of us. Thus far, only 705 people have died from Covid 19 in South Africa,with only 8 deaths recorded in the Free State Province. 


TWO DIFFERENT LOCKDOWNS

There are two totally separate lock-downs in thiscountry, though. The one is practised in the towns and cities – where everybodywears a mask and keeps to the social distancing Regulations etc. and the otheris in the Townships and Informal Settlements, where no lock-down and socialdistancing occurs at all. When one travels in the Townships, everybody is goingabout life as before: children playing in groups on the streets, men sittingunder trees, chatting to their neighbours and women secretly plying theirtrades, hoping to not be ‘caught out’ by the police or the army. 


MORNING STAR CHILDREN: EDUCATION

And, what of Morning Star.Well, we’ve not seen our children for almost 12 weeks now. We have, on two  occasions, delivered food parcels to their homes and, on the surfaceall seems well, but we know our little ones are extremely vulnerable and that not having good nutrition for this lengthof time has had detrimental effects, for sure. Like thousands more SouthAfrican children, their education has suffered too and the fear is that if theydon’t   return to school soon, thisentire year will be wasted and they’ll all have to repeat the grade in 2021. Our Townshipschool children cannot get their lessons online. The bulk don’t have internetat home, don’t have smart mobile phones, don’t have money for data or airtimeand don’t have electricity to chargetheir phones. Their predicament is dire. 


Educator, Sarah Wilkins, and her team ofteachers have   endeavoured over the pastweeks to prepare ‘homework’ for our school children and get these lessonsdelivered to their homes. It’s been a massive undertaking. Not only were weobliged to purchase new stationery items for every single child but photocopying,packing and delivering the lessons to every home    required careful planning too. There’s beenno  feedback at all – we’re only trustingthat       someone at home has been ableto assist them with their assignments and that once they all return to MorningStar, they’ll not have fallen too far behind in their syllabuses.


Our South AfricanMinister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga, has made several public announcementsre: the reopening of our schools of late but, as in the UK, there’s been muchdicussion as to when this can be done safely. Our issue here is that many ofour Township Schools will never be ready. In addition to many schools having noaccess to clean water and classes being grossly over-crowded, there aren’tnearly enough text books to go around. The situation is such that many of ourTownship school children have long had to share text books and, of course, thiscannot happen during ‘lock-down’. All of this is over and above supplying handsanitizers to each school and providing each child with two masks and theteachers with protective clothing. One wonders if our government schools willbe able to open at all this year? Each week new announcements are made,goalposts are moved and directives are changed.


BACK TO SCHOOL UNDER LOCK-DOWN

Good news, though, isthat Morning Star is reopening from Wednesday 3rd June, albeit to asmall group of children per day. An Education Official inspected our premiseson Tuesday 2nd June, pronounced us compliant with governmentdirectives and granted us the permit needed to start operating. We’re bringingin only our school children    initially, those in our Special Needs Class and in Grade R (ReceptionClass) – Grade 3. Only 24 children per day. Each class of children will besplit up so that there are no more than 8 per grade, per day and 8 pertransport load, per day.  If all goes accordingto plan, we hope to start bringing in our pre-school children, group-by-groupin a few weeks as well. No child will attend Morning Star more twice a week(except Sarah Wilkins’ four Grade 3 pupils who’ll come in each day). But, at leastwe’ll get to see them, provide valuable nutrition again and send them home withhomework for the rest of the week. 


FOOD PARCELS

Our biggest activity over the past threemonths of lock-down has been ordering, packing and delivering food parcels; notonly to as many children on our  Registeras possible, but to the wider, impoverished community as well. To date, 1,350parcels have gone out to assist the poor in our region of the Free State. Asthe drum beat, and word got out that there was food       available at Morning Star, umpteen peoplehave walked long distances to our Welkom premises each day, seeking assistance.Our God is ever gracious, ever providing, ever encouraging us. Valuable assistancehas been received from a local farmer who delivers bags and bags of maize mealto Morning Star each week. In excess of 500 x 5kg bags must’ve been dropped offat our Welkom premises over the past weeks. And, as they come in, they go out.Day-by-day-by day. We’ve also received generous monetary gifts from manychurches and individuals in the United Kingdom over this period – earmarked forCovid 19 assistance. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. We could neverhave reached out as   generously as wehave, if it had not been for your wonderful assistance. Two families have evenbeen assisted twice during the same week. The one’s shack burnt down and helost his Morning Star food parcel and all his belongings in the flames. The other,a local ‘car guard’ at a shopping mall, had his house broken into the day afterhe received his food parcel and returned home that evening to find his housebroken into and all his food stolen! 


UK TRIP - CHILD SPONSORSHIP - UK CHARITY

I’m so sorry that my UKtrip for 2020 had to be cancelled. It doesn’t seem likely that it will takeplace at all this year now. In the interim, though, I have been attendingvirtual Zoom Prayer Meetings hosted by different churches across the UK over thepast few weeks. I’d not even heard of ‘Zoom’ three months ago! And now, it’spart of so many of our lives. It’s lovely to see old friends (and meet new folk too) through this amazingmedium and though it’s better than nothing at all, nothing could take the placeof seeing and hugging friends face-to-face and enjoying close   fellowship in your homes. God willing,things will have returned to some form of normality by 2021 and I’ll be able tovisit you once again. In the meantime, if you’d like a Zoom Meeting with me,please contact Glenys Barham at:   glenys.barham@gmail.com so that she can book you into the schedule. My cancelled UK trip alsomeans that we’ve not been able to sponsor out our new Morning Star childrenthis year. Several folk have picked up a child through our Zoom Meetings butthere are still about 20 seeking sponsorship urgently. If any of youfeel led to respond to this appeal,please e-mail me directly at: morningstar.reception@tiscali.co.za                                                                              


Our financial position,at this point in time, is very good. My SOS appeal towards the end of 2019yielded a fantastic response and we have enough funds in our bank   account to see us through to the end of thisyear, at the very least. However, our general income each month still does notmatch our expenditure; we’re eating into our reserves month-by-month.                                                                                                                             

Our desire to set up aMorning Star Charity in the UK is on hold too. Covid 19 brought this process toan abrupt halt and it’s only likely to be followed through once your UKlock-down restrictions have been lifted. We are not expecting to be registeredwith the UK Charity Commission before the end of 2020, at the earliest. 


ALBERT DUVENHAGE

And lastly, Albert Duvenhage, the incomingGeneral Manager at   Morning Star. My UKtrip this year, and being away from  Morning Star for 6 weeks, was vital in the process of Albert    taking over from me. It   didn’t  happen and Albert was not ready to take the reins in the midst of theCoronavirus crisis. During this interim period and whilst we all wait for thisstrange time to pass, our Board of Governors deemed that   Albert do a 10-week On-line  Project Management Course through UCT(University of Cape Town). He is mid-way through the course now and, no matterwhat the future holds for Morning Star, this skill will benefit him whereverlife takes him. Once Coronavirus is behind us, our Board of Governors will goback to the drawing board and devise a new strategy for    Albert’s phasing into the position of GM atMorning Star.


In closing, thank youso much for your love and prayers for us – always. Your concern and   ongoing support of our ministry in Welkom humblesus deeply. May our Lord Jesus Christ continue to meet all your needs too, accordingto His riches in glory.


Love in Christ,                                                                                                                                                         

Joan.


PRAYER REQUESTS

1.      Praise and thanks that our children are all welland that Coronavirus has not yet infiltrated Welkom and our surrounding blacktownships. 

2.   Praise and thanks that we’ve been able to packand distribute 1, 350 food parcels over the past 10 weeks.

3.   All praise to God Almighty for touching our UKsupporters’ hearts and for the many who have rallied to our need to reach outto the poor at this time.

4.   Pray that the evangelical tracts that go outwith each food parcel will be read and bear much fruit and that God would showmercy on South Africa.

5.   Please pray for us as we reopen Morning Starfrom 3rd June. Pray that we’ll have thought through every issue andthat the correct safety messages will have been put in place. Pray, too, forwisdom in our care of the 24 children here each day and that we’ll not doanything to compromise theirhealth. 

6.   Pray for our new Grade 1 & 2 teacher,Shiyewe Ziyeka. She has not taught these grades for many years and has had totake over the class at a very difficult time in all our lives.

7.   Pray for our ill staff member/head gardener,Papiki Monyane, that God would restore him to full health and strength and thathe’ll take his medication as directed. 

8.   Pray for staff member, Esther Matsaneng’s husband,Abel. He suffered a second stroke over 3 months ago and is still in a coma andin ICU at the MediClinic Hospital in Welkom. Pray for wisdom for the doctors overseeing him andfor the family as they go through this very trying time.

9.   Pray for our President Ramaphosa and his cabinet– for wisdom in making the right decisions.


 


 


 


 


 



April 2020 Newsletter
2020-04-09

09– 04 – 2020

 

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also inme”. John 1:1

 

DearFriends,

 

Well,here we are on Day 14 of our official South African lock-down – the day aftermy husband, Ron, and I were due to fly out to the UK. I know you are all in asimilar predicament, with a little more leniency in some areas, but, basically,we’re in the same boat. We’re having to ‘stay at home’ and hopefully, ‘flattenthe curve’.

Whata very strange time we’re living through. Not one of us has been unaffected byCovid19. The virus has locked down nations, affected royalty and heads ofstates and changed the lives of all of us. It’s possible that it will takeyears for the global economy to recover. And what of South Africa? Even beforeCovid19 exploded, we were on the brink of financial disaster. But now, withshut-down and downgrade, it’s doubtful that our ‘old normal’ will never return?

 

Clearly,we are not in control of our lives; God is. Oh, what comfort it brings toremember that the God who created the world and flung the stars into space solong ago, is the very same God that we worship today. He is eternal andsovereign over all things and Coronavirus has certainly not taken Him bysurprise. Almighty God continues to work out His purposes in all our lives andthis is surely a time for the church to wake up and be salt and light in thisdark, messed up world. “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be withyou; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”(Deuteronomy 31:8.) We rest in this truth.

 

We’revery conscious of your prayers for us at this time and know that you’rewondering how we’re managing in the midst of the Covid19 pandemic. As you areaware, we live in a very vulnerable situation, with the potential of the viruspervading our squatter camps and informal settlements being immense and causinghavoc amongst the impoverished and immune-supressed in our communities.

 

I know you’re wondering how our Morning Star children, and themany families we serve, are faring? As far as we know, everyone is fine. We’reunable to check on each child, but many a family is in touch with our staffmembers/management team via their mobile phones, and nothing has been reportedat all. In saying this, of course, I don’t mean they’re not faced with theirnormal struggles; overcrowding, no easy access to water, lack of food and vitalnutrients, little money for paraffin and electricity etc. These needs are allreal and ongoing. However, as far as we know, none have contracted Coronavirus,are in hospital and are fighting for their lives. In fact, we’re as amazed asyou are that this pandemic has not infiltrated our society as much and asquickly as expected. Is it because our president, Cyril Ramaphosa, institutedlock-down earlier than most other countries, determined to ‘flatten the curve’,or is there something else here that has slowed down the virus’ spread? Nothingis certain – and I’m no expert on these matters but, like all of you, we areclosely following what the media is saying and what scientists and healthexperts report and are quietly hopeful that things here won’t get as bad asthey could.  What we’re all certain of,however, is that if our lock-down continues after these initial 21 days, manythousands of people are going to lose their jobs and hundreds of businesses aregoing to go bankrupt. Even our family business, Crown Technologies up inJohannesburg, will not survive if no work comes in for a further month.Salaries can’t be paid and their 20+ employees will have to be laid off. Andwhat of Morning Star? Well, our future is in God’s hands and my heart rests inthat.

 

Atthe moment, we’re all still praying that we’ll be able to reopen Morning Staron Friday, 17th April, as stipulated. Our president is still toinform the nation as to whether lock-down is to be extended; everything hangson his decision. If we’re forced to continue ‘staying at home’ for a longerperiod of time, then we will ensure, once more, that every current child atMorning Star is given a basic food parcel and that the families who alreadyreceive one, routinely, are given two. All we could do when lock-down wasinitially announced was to ensure that each family had food for the next monthand our street hawkers, those of our families who depend solely on what theysell on the side of the roads, were assisted with house rentals for a month aswell. All the foreigners in South Africa are finding this period particularly tryingas they do not qualify for government assistance and have been stopped fromplying their trades during lock-down. This applies to our many Lesotho andZimbabwean families, in particular.

 

Pleasepray for all our children, their families and our staff members.

 

My2020 UK trip has been postponed indefinitely. I’m doubtful that it’s going toeven take place this year at all. Conditions in the UK are dire and, as I typethese words, I’m fully aware that over 1000 people died from Coronavirus in theUnited Kingdom yesterday, 8th April, the most since Covid19 struckyour shores. My heart weeps for all of you and for the NHS doctors and nurseswho are at the forefront of fighting this disease and who are being stretchedbeyond their limits. May God be merciful to you and grant you a speedy returnto ‘normal.’

 

Successionplanning at Morning Star has also been affected by Covid 19 as well. AlbertDuvenhage, our upcoming general manager, was in the process of taking over fromme, and my UK trip, and being away for six weeks, was crucial in thistransition period. All we can do is ‘pick up the pieces’ and reschedule oncethings have returned to normality again. In the meantime, I’m still at the helmand endeavouring to hold things together.

 

Howcan you pray for us?

1.      Please keep our children and their families inyour prayers. Pray that they’ll remain healthy and strong, that they’ll be keptsafe during this shut-down period and that none will suffer abuse of any kindfrom the adults in their lives.

2.      Pray for our staff members – all 44 of us, inthe midst of our varying struggles. Pray that during this lock-down periodwe’ll all reflect on what we’ve been taught about Christ at Morning Star overthe years, and turn to Him for salvation. Pray that those of us who areChristians will be salt and light at this time and take every opportunitypresented to us to share God’s Word with a lost and dying world.

3.      Pray that Covid 19 will not get as bad as itcould in South Africa and that our president and his cabinet will be grantedGodly wisdom in all the decisions they need to take in the days that lie ahead.

4.      Pray that lock-down here will end sooner thanlater so that people’s jobs would be secure and hundreds of businesses won’t gobankrupt.

5.      We have no idea how being declared ‘junkstatus’ in this country is going to affect our future. Pray that, no matterwhat happens - even if our ‘old normal` never returns again, that we’ll trustGod implicitly, knowing that He it is who directs our lives and works allthings out for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For weknow “that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things presentnor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in allcreation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus ourLord.” (Romans 8:38-39).

Lovein Christ,

Joan



January 2020 Newsletter
2020-01-31

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

MORNING STAR IS 20 YEARS OLD THIS MONTH

Morning Star opened its doors for the first time on24th   January 2000 to admit its first 8children. It was born out of deep compassion for the plight our Nation founditself in due to the escalating HIV/AIDS pandemic that was sweeping through ourland at the time.

With just 4 staff members and these 8 little ones,we set out to make a difference to little children from impoverishedbackgrounds, born with HIV/AIDS, and provide them with an opportunity to reacha measure of their potential before their untimely deaths. Yes! They were dyinglike flies in those days!

And now, here we are 20 years later, celebratingour 20th Birthday and praising God for His goodness to us. He has ordered oursteps and sustained us all these years—and we give Him all the glory.

Morning Star now boasts 2 Centres, (in Welkom &Kutlwanong Township), has 706 children on its register and 44 staff members inits employ.

In total, 2,796 children have passed through ourdoors over the past 20 years.

 

Our Children’s Health

Our children aregenerally well at the moment. The poor health of many of little ones in ourearly years is a thing of the past and, for this, we are deeply grateful. Ourannual death rate has gone down significantly too and in 2019, only 3 of our   children passed away, the lowest annualdeath rate since our inception.

Sadly, one of ourteenagers died just before Christmas though. 15- year-old Teboho Molise passedaway in Bongani Hospital on 12th December 2019. She was never a robust childand   suffered with chronic lung      incapacity all her life.               

We have 4 children atour Welkom Centre suffering with physical disabilities at present. Little Mohauhas a congenital heart defect and Down’s syndrome, Tumi   Madimabe has been diagnosed with autism andwas also born with a heart problem, 3-year-old Siyabulela has lost his abilityto walk /talk, the cause of which is currently being investigated, and    8-year-old Dimakatso Kheu still can’t walklong distances unaided. All are cheerful and happy, though, and have made greatstrides since joining the Morning Star family.

Despite the advent of anti-retroviraldrugs many years ago, several of our newly admitted children are stillpresenting with HIV/AIDS symptoms upon   admittance, They struggle with ill-health and are very small and frailfor their ages. (See 2 children on the left in the photo on Page 2)

 

NEWS OF MORNING STAR BOARD

Our First Board Meetingfor 2020 is scheduled for Thursday 20th February. This next meeting will be ajoyous one, as we reflect on our Lord’s goodness to us over the past 3 monthsand how, through so many of you, our finances have turned completely around.From not having enough money to hold all our scheduled Christmas functions atthe end of last year, being uncertain as to whether we’d be able to assist ourschool-going children with their uniforms/ stationery needs for 2020, wonderinghow we were going to pay for our vehicles to be serviced and washing machinerepaired etc. …… to having a bank balance of almost R2,000,000.00 right now(about 105,400,00pds), is totally overwhelming and thoroughly humbling. What arelief to be able to make quick decisions as to urgent repairs required insteadof having to discuss whether each new need is really necessary and whether wecan do without it.

We’re trusting that ourpresent healthy bank balance will last for as long as it takes to get ourproposed Morning Star Charity in the UK registered with the Charity Commission& a steady income begins to be generated from this source

 

STAFF MEMBERS

Several changes have occurred in our staff quota this year. In addition to our new General Manager, AlbertDuvenhage, beginning here mid-January, we also have Sr Pulane Leeuw back as ourprofessional nurse and a new driver in Mr. Eric Mtshali. Eric has taken overfrom Mr. Tokelo Mambo who died un-expectedly at the end of November 2019. It’swonderful having Sr. Pulane back in our midst, albeit only in the   mornings now.  She’s come out of   retirement to assist us again and take overfrom Sr. Ntaoleng Lebeko, who has also now retired.

Albert has been hard atwork learning everyone’s name at Morning Star, job shadowing in the various departmentsand, generally, finding his feet. He is set to take over from Joan as GeneralManager by the beginning of April 2020.

Once this happens, Joanwill transition in to Tricia Dargie’s current office and take over all MorningStar‘s correspondence. Tricia’s last day here is Friday 31st January. She willbe moving to a retirement complex in East London (in the Eastern Cape) to benearer to her children. I’m sure you all join me in wishing her every blessingfor her future and in thanking her for the important role she’s played atMorning Star for the past 7 years.  

 

NEWS OF OUR FAMILIES

I could write a bookabout all the issues that our many families face. We’re becoming more and moredependent upon our Pastoral Youth Care Worker, Pastor Revival, in addressingand resolving the challenges that so many of our    families are confronted with on an ongoingbasis.

To name a few:

1. 8-year-old LuvoNgweshe’s mum sent him to the Eastern Cape on public transport over theChristmas break and, upon his return to Welkom, it was to discover that mum hadtaken herself to Cape Town over the holidays and has no money to get back home.We cannot get her on her mobile phone and don’t know if she’s even coming home?Luvo had nowhere to go and has had to be placed at Emmanuel Children`s Home, ina place of safety.

2. 16-year-oldMosonguoa ran away from home last November. Aunt Jacobeth was thoroughlystressed by this and on the verge of a stroke before the police ‘found’ her inthe Free State town of Clocolan, with previous neighbours from Welkom. She’sback home now and thoroughly remorseful about her irresponsible behavior. Herpresent unstable state all stems from her biological father’s total rejectionof her, even though the paternity tests done proved that he’s genuinely herdad.  Please pray for her.

3. 11-year-old PascoKatiya was at Morning Star as a pre-schooler but returned to Zimbabwe with hismum two years ago. (We have several little Zimbabwean children at Morning Star,all whose parents sit on the side of busy roads, day in and day out, sellingbrooms and trying to eke out a living). Great was our surprise, thus, whenPasco’s grandmother arrived at Morning Star with him on our first day back thisyear. Conditions in Zimbabwe have deteriorated so (schools have no teachers;hospitals have no doctors or medication) that his mum decided to send him backto us so that he could attend school at Morning Star this year and receive thedental care, medical attention and the nutrition he needs to flourish onceagain.  He’s painfully thin, his gums arebleeding and his teeth falling out. Consider the dozens of other children inZimbabwe right now, all suffering in much the same way as young Pasco. Pray forZimbabwe.

 

NEWS OF SARAH WILKINS

Sarah writes …..

After a truly blessedand amazing six weeks in England over the Christmas break I have returned to my‘other home’ here in Welkom. “I bet you can’t wait to get back to thesunshine!” was said to me quite a few times before I left the UK.

As I write this it ispouring with rain and every other day since I got back it has rained. It hasbeen the wettest January in Welkom for years! However,    in-between are the clear blue skies and thesunshine.

In July this year Sarahwill have been at Morning Star for 10 whole years. She’s seen many changessince beginning here; losses and gains, comings and goings, with no day everthe same.

And, it’s been ourprivilege to have benefitted from her expertise and love for the    children over all this time.

 

JOAN’S 2020 UK TRIP

Joan’s 2020 UK Trip:

This is scheduled totake place, God willing, between 20th April - 11th May this year. Its happeningearlier than usual to allow Albert space to take over the reigns at MorningStar without Joan being around.

Glenys Barham is, onceagain, planning the itinerary for the trip and will also beaccompanying/driving Joan around beautiful England, possibly for her last time.Please contact Glenys at: glenys.barham@gmail.com for appointments andany other issue relating to the trip.

On a personal note …..

God willing, Joan &Ron (her husband) and their two children still living in South Africa, Felicity& Tammy, will be flying out to England in time for the Easter      weekend this year, in order to be with,and celebrate the 40th and 30th birthdays of their son/brother, David, anddaughter/sister, Elizabeth, who now live there.

The whole Adams family(parents and their 5 offspring) together in England for the very first time!What a blessing and what a privilege!

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Praise and thanks for:

1. The safe return ofall our children this year.

2. For God hearing thecry of our hearts and for you all responding to our call for a miracle forMorning Star. Our finances have wondrously turned around, enabling us to carryout the vital services we provide to so many impoverished families in theWelkom region of South Africa.

3. For Teboho Moloi,who, at short notice, stepped in to assist in our   finance office after Liza Mans’ unexpecteddeath last October, and who has agreed to stay on this year to serve and tostabilize our accounting department.

4. For God’s utterfaithfulness to Morning Star over 20 years.

 

Please pray for:

1. Staff members LoratoRapuleng (not responding satisfactorily to the treatment prescribed for herDeep Vein Thrombosis) and Anna Matiyase who broke her arm (humerus) very badlyover the Christmas holidays and has been booked off work for a further twoweeks.

2. Ill children:18-year-old Mpho Tsoeu who spent several weeks in hospital in Bloemfontein overthe Christmas break, with suspected meningitis. He improved enough to bedischarged and to return home but has suffered a relapse this week and is backin hospital.

3. Teenagers, NeoMatlakeng & Tumelo Phatela, both struggling with severe dermatitis and whohave dreadful sores all over their bodies.

3. Our Morning StarBoard Meeting scheduled for 20th February. Pray that chairman, Joshua Bolaji’sproposed    constitution to the UKCharity Commission is ratified and that our UK Charity will soon be up andrunning.

4. Albert Duvenhage,Morning Star’s new General Manager. Pray that he’ll settle into his new roleeasily and grasp the intricacies of a 20-year-old ministry in record time.Pray, too, that the staff will settle into the changes afoot at Morning Star andsupport Albert well.

5. Pray for Joan—thatshe’ll be gracious in stepping aside in the role she’s held for 20 years and bea godly witness in the transition process.

6. Our teenagers. Prayfor their safety, that they’ll continue taking their ARV drugs as directed andthat there’ll be evidence of spiritual growth in all those who attend ourmonthly Bible Studies with Pastor Revival Hlongwane.




Introducting Albert Duvenhage
2019-11-22
Dear Friends,

As we approach our twentieth anniversary(24th January 2020) of service in the Lord`s vineyard, we are facedwith exciting possibilities, daunting challenges, and change. Quite a fewchanges, actually.

Over the past several years, the Board ofGovernors at Morning Star Children`s Centre (MSCC) have undertaken a processwhereby we have reviewed the work that has been done over the years, andassessed current and pressing challenges facing the organisation. Four mainissues have secured the attention of the Board in that time: -

1.     Sustaining the good work andreputation of MSCC;

2.     How to address the growingchallenge of the increasing numbers of teenagers/young adults at MSCC;

3.     Producing a viable newstrategic plan that helps us meet these challenges; and

4.     Someone to drive this newstrategic plan.

It is concerning point number four that wewrite to you on this occasion. The Board has been in conversation with JoanAdams (founder and current General Manager) about succession planning. Joan hasraised this topic on many of her tours and past communications. Together withJoan, over the past several years, we have been discussing this matter as Joanapproaches her 70th year, and faces increasing physical challenges. It has beena very hard process as we’ve realised that it will be impossible to replaceJoan. Joan is very unique and the organisation has evolved with her from thestart. Thus, our approach has been to seek for a person who would be suitablefor the role of General Manager, rather than seek another "Joan".

The process of identifying the rightperson, and securing their services has been a long and difficult one. However,we serve a sovereign God. Earlier this year, we interviewed Albert Duvenhage(Doo-ven-nah-ger), and unanimously settled on him. Since the interview, we haveundertaken a lengthy process in preparing for the change that will take placeover the course of three months at the beginning of 2020, as we phase Albertin, and phase Joan into a new role.

So, as Joan steps down as General Manager,she will not be leaving the MSCC family. Joan will assume a newrole as, the Morning Star Ambassador (we will report more on this later).

All this to say: we would like to introduceto you the new General Manager of MSCC: Albert Duvenhage. Albert is married tohis lovely wife, Chantelle; and they have two children - George and Lulu. Ifyou would like to know a little more about Albert and is family, please visitour Morning Star Facebook page/Website where we have uploaded a short interview with him and hisfamily.
If you would like some more clarificationconcerning this, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Every blessing,

Joshua Bolaji


Newsletter - October 2019
2019-10-25
Newsletter - August 2019
2019-08-20
Newsletter - June 2019
2019-06-14
March 2019 Newsletter
2019-03-26

26th March2019

 

Rejoicealways, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances:                 

  For this is the will of God in Christ Jesusfor you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

DearMorning Star Supporters,

 

Each time I typethe above words, my heart overflows with thankfulness and joy. How mightily Godhas used you all to sustain Morning Star Children’s Centre all these years andhow deeply I value each and every one of you. We would never have reached thispoint in our ministry without your prayers, financial support and everencouragement. Thank you – from the bottom of my heart.

 

We’re in the midstof the first term school holidays in South Africa at the moment. The children don’tcome in for 2 weeks and the staff, generally, are able to rest and relax athome as well. It’s the ideal opportunity for the admin team to catch up onwhat’s gone before and for me to prepare for my rapidly approaching UK trip.

 

For those of youwho don’t know, I fly out to England on May 5th and finish up withthe Morning Star round-trip on Sunday 26th May. I’ve attached myitinerary to this newsletter for your interest. 

 

This newsletter ismostly to let you know just what a wonderful time the latest group of teenagershad down at the seaside earlier this month. 24 children were selected to gothis year and proved an especially lovely group. God kept us all the way –granted the children sustained good health, our drivers, safe travelling, and perfectweather for each activity enjoyed. We give Him all the glory. A few of ourteens have written us thank you letters and an account of the trip (from theirperspective) and I’m attaching a few of these to my newsletter for yourinterest. (These are a few of the best accounts).

 

From 15-year-old Moleboheng Mahloko:                                                                                                                                    

On the 5th ofMarch when my mom was taking me to Morning Star, I was so happy and also in ahurry to meet all my friends.                                                                                                                                                                   

When I arrived I saw my friendsand they were all over the moon because of the trip.

On the 6th, in themorning, I was so happy to go to Durban and it was also my first time to go onthat trip. We were about to sing the songs to show our happiness.

We stopped at “The Windmill”to have some food and take another road again. It was too long until we arrivedat the Howick Falls. It was so beautiful and we took some pictures for ourjourney. I saw the mango tree, avocado tree and lots of sugar cane that producesugar. Kwa Zulu Natal is a beautiful place and I learned that the Howick Fallswas discovered in 1870. Also that the Zulu legend has that mythical snake thatwas called “Inkanyamba” that live under the Howick Water Fall. The Umayayatree, the gum trees and the pine trees were so beautiful because I also lovethe nature thing.  The hotel we slept inwas called the “Mercury Children’s Holiday Centre”. It was very attractivebecause they welcomed us with warm hands. They treated us very well and thething that I loved were the cooking chefs, because their food were veryawesome.                                                                   

 

We went to Ushaka Marine World and I loved thedolphins, sharks and other animals. The thing that I learned firstly was thatsharks have reproductive organs, heart, stomach, liver and muscles. What Iloved about the sharks they don’t eat people because we are not tasty. Theother things is that sharks have scales called dermal denticles and their manyteeth are made from dentin.                                                                                                                                                      

Other things I got to enjoywas the musical chairs, because I won, and I even wrote the test about thethings that we have learned. That is why I could write this letter about what Isaw.  The thing I loved about this tripwas having fun with my friends. I hope someday I could go to Durban by takingother children to explore the world just like I did.                                                                             

I would like to thank MorningStar for taking me to Durban and I’m sure that the other children are thankfultoo.

 

 

 

 

From 14-year-old MpeoaneMoteane:                                                                                                                     

 

Since I arrived in Durban, Iam filled up with peace inside my heart. The reason why is, the trip I took waskind of a fabulous trip. Going to Durban made a huge change in my life, becauseI was a kind of person who was just acquainted with other people, but from nowI have friends that I can stay with them for long time, because of Durban’strip.                                                                                                               Themost things that inspires me a lot was the ocean, Ukhahlamba Mountain(Drakensburg) the Kwamashu place and the Howick Falls. The reason why I was soinspired was all of the things that I saw in Durban, I‘ve never seen them withmy real eyes in life. I was only saw them in TV. It was my first time to seethem with my eyes and pass through them.                                                                                                   Mrs. Joan I reallyappreciate you with all of my heart by your mercy that you made for me andrenewing my life, because I am sure if it was not about your mercy upon me I amgoing to stay with my intellectual current which is flowing one way street.                                                                                                 

Thank you. Everything on thattrip was great!!!                                                                                                                    

May God the Protector be withyou for the rest of your life; the mercy you have to me, have it to others.

 

From 14-year-old KaraboMohlakoana:

 

It is a pleasure for me to write this letter to you.

As for me, when I was inDurban, I had a very good moments, having fun with all the Morning StarTeenagers.

What I liked the most is thatwe went to the “Sea”. In my life I have never seen a “Sea” before.

We also saw waterfalls.

We had a great hotel that hasgood stuff and makes us happy all time, e.g. giving us healthy food, teachingus to eat with fork and knife, every morning exercising, showing our talents.The important one is that they even teached us to be close to “God” to know hislaw and to obey them.

We even went to “UshakaMarine World” where we saw different fish, different birds. I liked the“Dolphin Show”. Yooh!!!! They we dancing in front of everyone.

Thank you!!! Very muchMorning Star for taking me there. In my life, I will never forget you doinggreat, good things to me. You even make me “cry” some days, because of what youdid for me.  From your loving one, KaraboMohlakoana   Morning Star my #1

 

These 24youngsters, all of who forged new friendships whilst down at the seaside, arenow able to attend Morning Star’s “Teenagers Support Group Meetings” heldquarterly. This is so necessary as many still face much ridicule andstigmatization from their peers at school. How wonderful to have a safe havento share their daily struggles and enjoy the support of other teens withsimilar problems.

 

Thetragic thing is that over half of our teenagers are totally unable to write aninformative letter at all. As I’ve previously shared with many of you, thebrain development of so many of our HIV/AIDS children before the advent of ARVS(anti-retroviral drugs) was impeded, resulting in them having

limitedconcentration and poor memory skills today. So many of our teenagers just can’tmake any progress at school, year-on-year, and are never ever going to completetheir education and qualify for further studies.  We have a massive problem on our doorstep inthis country, with hundreds and thousands of youngster entering adulthoodwithout any skill at all.

 

FROM: Hannah Ramsey:

 

I was given a fantasticopportunity to go with Morning Star to Durban in 2019. It was a greatexperience.                                                                                                                                                                         It’s veryinteresting to see a different side to Morning Star other than the WelkomCentre. My highlight was taking the teenagers to the sea. Having never seen theocean before, watching their first impressions was amazing. I have never seenso many shocked and excited people. They were just in awe. This will stick withme forever. A once in a lifetime opportunity that I was able to share withMorning Star teens and staff.                                                                                                                               Iam so thankful to everyone for a safe and pleasant trip, not forgetting theamazing and clever dolphins. Seeing two of the Morning Star children chosen tobe splashed by the dolphins made their day as well.                                                                                                                                                                                          This trip meant so much to me and I will never forget it. Thankyou.                                                                                             

 

Who is HannahRamsey, you might be asking …….? 18-year-old Hannah has been volunteering atMorning Star for the past 3 months. She hails from a beautiful part of England– from Wensleydale Evangelical Church, in the Yorkshire Dales. Hannah has beenan outstanding volunteer, always willing to tackle anything asked of her She’sbeen fantastic with the children and the teenagers, got on well with the MorningStar staff members and has formed firm friendships with the youth from theWelkom Baptist Church as well. It’s been an absolute pleasure to have Hannah inour midst. We’d like to keep her here forever.

 

We have no other overseasvolunteers on the horizon for this year yet. If reading this newsletterinspires you to come out to South Africa – and to Welkom in particular, pleaseknow that you’ll be more than welcome. Whether you spend time with the childrenor paint and revamp our premises, or even make us new curtains, we need you. Inreturn, you get to meet some of the most wonderful children in all the worldand have the opportunity of experiencing a bit of beautiful South Africafirst-hand as well.

 

Love in Christ,                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Joan                                                                                                                                                              

 

PRAYERREQUESTS

1.      Praise and thanks for the lovely rain that’sfallen over the past month.

2.      Praise and thanks for a wonderful Sea Trip andGod’s hand upon us every step of the way.

3.      Praise and thanks for the UK couple who havefunded our annual sea trips for the past 16 years and have enabled 260children, thus far, to travel to the seaside. .

4.      Praise and thanks that our 4 Kowie Streetflats are occupied and that we seem to have reliable tenants at last.

5.      Praise and thanks that our children are allwell and that we don’t have anyone in hospital at the moment.

PLEASEPRAY:

6.      For our teenagers. Many have deep issues todeal with and we’re often at a loss as how best to counsel them and give themhope for tomorrow.

7.      Wisdom for the Morning Star Board as theyconsider the future strategic objectives for Morning Star.

8.      Our finances. We’re finding ourselves digginginto our reserves increasingly and noting, with concern, that our monthlyincome is no longer matching our expenditure.

9.      For South Africa. Our country is experiencingvarious challenges at the moment that are impinging on us functioning fully asan Organization.



January 2019 Newsletter
2019-01-02

24 – 01 - 2019

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year to you all and Happy Birthday, Morning Star. Today, the 24th January 2019, Morning Star Children’s Centre turns 19 years old.

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow                                                                                                                       
Praise Him all creatures here below,                                                                                                                                  
Praise Him above Ye heavenly host,                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Praise Father, Son & Holy Ghost”.

God, in His grace and mercy, has ordered our steps and sustained us all these years and we praise His Glorious Name.

We aren’t marking today in any significant way. We’ll sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to ourselves and there’ll be a slice of cake for all 190 of us (150 children + 40 staff members). We’ll save our BIG celebration for our 20th Anniversary in 2020 and begin to plan for it during the course of this year.

It’s hard to believe that January 2019 is almost history already. It’s been such a hectic month at Morning Star – the“back-to-school” rush is always a crazy time – and, on the two days preceding the first day back at school, at least 210 children and their guardians passed through my office, via my desk, to collect the monetary token of assistance we provide each year for the purchasing of school stationery and school uniforms. Some of our Township schools require such expensive uniforms and what we can assist with always seems to be just ‘a drop in the ocean.’ It’s ever a puzzle to grasp why school governing bodies choose such expensive uniforms for their pupils when they know that the majority of them simply can’t afford them. Our total spending on school needs this January will only be accurately determined once all our bookkeeping tallies but, I can truthfully say that it’ll be in the region of R100, 000.00 (7, 000 pounds). I trust it’s not more than that – otherwise my Board of Governors will fire me!                                                                                                                             

It’s so hard working to a budget,even one set at the generous sum of R100, 000.00. I’ve had to turn a lot of children away who arrived for assistance once our limit had already been reached. At present, we have just over 500 school-going children on our register and only about half of them received any help at all. Our sponsored children are always our first priority and those without overseas support canonly be assisted with whatever is left-over.

Morning Star is running at maximum capacity this year. We are full to overflowing with 110 children registered at our Welkom Centre and 40 at the Kutlwanong branch. Not another little body can fit onto our various transport loads, let alone into the different classes. There are still close to 50 children on our Waiting List but it’s highly unlikely that any of them will be admitted to Morning Star during the course of 2019. We always try and accommodate the neediest and the ones born with HIV/AIDS firs tbefore admitting the other vulnerable children on our lists. I fear the level of poverty in the Free State Province has reached new heights in the present economic recession and that an ever increasing number of families are going to bed hungry at night. It is estimated that up to 60% of the adult population in our region is unemployed, and all this in a province that is seemingly bankrupt.We have to keep reminding ourselves that God is Sovereign and totally in control of all that’s going on in South Africa today and then, rest in this knowledge. I have a little text next to my desk to remind me of this each day.It reads: “When you came to faith in Christ you should’ve guessed there would always be something outside of your control. Otherwise, there would be no need to trust.”

We’ve had a few staff changes at Morning Star this year. Teacher Roseline Moshane retired at the end of 2018 and has been replaced by Cynthia Poloko. Our ex-staff member, Pastor Revival Hlongwane ,is back in the finance office to replace Tebogo Mokoko who has an exciting new job in Cape Town. Besides this, Child Carer Selloane Mukwevko is on maternity leave until May, having given birth to a little daughter on the 18thJanuary and long-term employee, Merriam Moreboli, has been paid off for the time being so that she can qualify for her unemployment insurance fund. Merriam fell at home at the beginning of last November and broke her ankle and her most recent x-ray shows that the bone has not even begun to knit yet. It’s going to take many more weeks before she’ll be able to part with her crutches and put any weight on that leg at all and she’s certainly not in a fit state to oversee the toddlers’ class at our Kutlwanong Centre at present. Additionally, Merriam suffers from diabetes which further aggravates the situation.

Our big news of the moment is that we’ve done some alterations/renovations at our Kutlwanong Morning Star site and have incorporated the outside storeroom into the old Kutlwanong house itself. This was deemed urgent after a further break-in towards the end of last year where our exterior water pipes were stolen …. again, whilst the Centre was closed and nobody was there. We’ve long felt the need to have someone living on the premises as we’re frequently robbed, and this last burglary was the ‘last straw’. Having this Centre in the midst of Kutlwanong Township is a wonderful asset but they being unoccupied at night andover weekends does mean we’re ever vulnerable and an easy target for theft. OurKutlwanong staff are even afraid of arriving at work on their own in the early mornings as there are so many reports of loiterers on the prowl ever seeking an easy target to rob or to rape. So, when the new pastor of the Kutlwanong Reformed Baptist Church that still meets at these premises each week reported that he couldn’t find accommodation anywhere in the Township, we thought it best to provide him with a room and access to the house for his cooking/ablutions purposes and ‘kill two birds with one stone’. Having a constant presence on the premises has brought peace of mind to all.

My 2019 UK trip is now booked and scheduled to take place during the month of May, God willing. Glenys Barham is hard atwork planning this and ensuring that we visit as many churches as possible in the 3 weeks we’re together. If you’d still like to arrange a meeting for us at your church, please get in touch with her as soon as possible at glenys.barham@gmail.com

So, here we are at the beginning of 2019. What lies before us is unknown – but we know from past years that, amidst the joys, there are going to be trials and tribulations, heartache and tears. Here at Morning Star we face impossible decisions every day and, under incrediblepressure, have to exercise wisdom and discernment at all times. The clarity weneed to make difficult decisions, especially as we enter another year, comes not mainly from meticulous planning or budgeting or scheduling, but from lifting our eyes up to God – knowing Him more through what He says (in HisWord) and waiting upon Him in prayer.

                                                                                                “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
                                                                                                                        for in you I trust.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Makeme know the way I should go,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      for to you Ilift up my soul….                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                Teach me to do your will,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        foryou are my God!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Letyour good Spirit lead me on level ground.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Psalm 143:8,10


May our Great God be your strength and songin all the days that lie before you.                                                                                

Love in Christ,                                                                                                                                                                                   

Joan

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1.      Please pray that God wouldindeed go before us in all the decisions – big and small – that need to betaken in the days to come. Godly wisdom is ever our deepest cry.

2.      Pray for our children/teensundergoing counselling at the moment – for our two rape/ attempted rape cases,for those in pain as a result of being disowned by family members and for ourthree teenage boys who have been caught up in Township gangs and are resortingto taking drugs.

3.      Pray that the Lord would do awonderful work of grace in many of our children’s hearts this year.

4.      Pray for staff unity and thatwe’ll all have our children’s best interests at heart, always.

5.      Praise and thanks that ourchildren have generally kept well over the Christmas holidays and that none arein hospital at the moment.

6.      Pray for our forthcoming SeaTrip, scheduled to take place from 6th – 9th March. 24more of our teenagers have been selected to go to Durban and Hibberdene thisyear, bringing the total number of those who have enjoyed this treat from 2004to 2019 to the grand total of 260. So amazing! Such a joy!

7.      Praise and thanks for the UK couplewho have ensured that these sea trips take place annually and have faithfullyprovided the finances needed, year-on-year.

The sponsored teenagers selected to go onthe Sea Trip this year are:

Girls: 
Kamogelo Mosoabuli
KaraboMohlakoana
Matshidiso Motaung
Makgotso Magokolo
Masanti Mothswa
Moleboheng Mohloko
Beauty Tukula
PulaneThakedi

Boys: 
Basiya Binyane
Clenton Mabuya
Itumeleng Mohlakoane
Tlotlo Selepe
Lehlohonolo Radebe
Neo Zililo
SiyandaBolitina
Thabo Lephakha
Thabo Mololong
Tshepo Moeleso.



December 2018 Newsletter
2018-12-14

FROMMORNING STAR CHILDREN’S CENTRE: DECEMBER 2018

 

Our Dearest Friends

It’sall over! Weeks of frantic preparation for our end-of-year events, recordingthe over-whelming number of parcels received, categorizing the gifts into thedifferent functions planned and then ensuring that each of our younger childrenhad something to take home with them are behind us for another year! In themidst of great excitement on Friday 7th December, we bade ourwonderful children goodbye and wished them well for the Christmas holidays.

We’re left with a sense of sadness – that 33 of our little oneshave ‘flown the nest’ and will be starting at new schools near their Townshiphomes in January 2019 and we’ll no longer have daily input into their lives. Weknow from past experience that some of them are entering a hostile world withlittle home support, that a few of them are going to get sick and succumb totheir illnesses and that some are going to be abused in one way or another.It’s so hard to sit back and let it happen, helpless to change circumstancesand lifestyles. All we can do is entrust our little ones into God’s care andkeeping and pray that our plea to our children’s parents/carers to keep inclose contact with us is heeded. (It’s a comfort to know that many of you outthere will be praying this too and that those who sponsor the specific childrenstarting ‘big school’ next year will ever bear them up before the Throne ofGrace.)

 

Closeto 140 children attended our Grade R –Grade 3 Christmas Party on the 7thDecember. What a fantastic day was had by all. The weather forecast predictedrain – and it was overcast the whole day – but no rain fell and our childrenwere able to enjoy the variety of waterslides and jumping castles in our gardento their hearts’ content. Spur Steak Ranch provided beef burgers once again andMorning Star supplied the cake, popcorn, sweets, crisps, juice and ice-lolliesbefore the children were taken home at the end of the afternoon.

 

Our special teens’ function – for those who’d attended all ourquarterly meetings during the course of the year – was to Gold Reef City ThemePark in Johannesburg on 29th November. 32 teenagers were eligiblefor this long-awaited event and the Morning Star staff selected to go were justas excited as the children on the morning of their adventure. A great time washad by all. My PA, Chantell Erasmus, and UK volunteer, Megan Morison, ensuredthat those who just needed a little push got to experience rides that weredaunting to start off but left such a thrill once attempted. The bravest of thegroup experienced The Jozi Express and the Miner’s Revenge whilst the moretimid settled on the big wheel, the train and the log ride, amongst others. Allreturned home thoroughly exhausted but oh, so happy that they’d got toexperience Gold Reef City for the first time in their lives.

 

Fantastic fun was had at our Preschool & Toddler Party on the4th December. This event was for the 80 two to five year olds, fromboth the Welkom and Kutlwanong Centres. In addition to the carousal swings, bigwheel and jumping castle put up for their enjoyment, there was also a waterjumping castle where many of our little ones had the best bath of 2018. Thecolour of the water after these annual functions always astounds us. It’s as ifnobody has had a bath the entire year! It’s always such a privilege to watch ourlittle children enjoying the equipment provided and listening to their excitedchatter as they embark on their little ‘big wheel’ for the first time and taketurns on the roundabout swings. Our local Wimpy fast food restaurant cateredfor this funtion and provided burgers, chips and fruit juice for all the children.Most of the little ones couldn’t finish the meal and took what was left homewith them to eat later or share with older siblings.

 

Our 1st Christmas Party of 2018 was held on Saturday 24thNovember – our Gogos’ (grandmothers’) annual event-of-the year! We always hostthis on the last Saturday in November, making it easy for them to remember thedate. Over 70 grandmas received special invitations to this function, a policywe’ve had to adopt over the past few years to ensure that just grandmothers whoare our children’s primary carer at home are invited. Formerly, every granny(it seemed) in the surrounding Townships used to turn up and we were leftscuttling around for extra food and gifts throughout the day. Our grandmothersjust love the good meal we serve each year – Camilla’s Kentucky fried chickenand an assortment of vegetables. This is always followed by trifle andice-cream. In-between they dance and sing and just enjoy being waited on forone day in the year. We are so grateful to our grandmothers for the role theyplay in our children’s lives. A few of them we’ve known since Morning Staropened 19 years ago; they brought their grandchildren up and are starting tosee them finishing their school careers. These are now so old and frail thatthey can no longer come to Morning Star on their own and have to be fetchedfrom their homes and taken back afterwards.

 

Our concluding party for 2018 took place this week, on 11thDecember, when we treated our Morning Star staff to lunch at the localMediterranean Restaurant. This is the first time most of them have ever beenthere and, I think, the first time they’d ever experienced a buffet where theycould eat as much as they liked. And, boy-oh-boy, they certainly did! I thinkthe manager of the restaurant was a bit anxious that he’d run out of foodbefore we’d all been served. But, all was well in the end and our staff wenthome satisfied and ready for their month-long break from work. We have a truly lovelystaff at the moment. So many go the extra mile in their jobs and, thankfully,are pulling together well and supporting each other far better than a few yearsback. I thank and praise God for them all and am ever grateful that thetroublemakers of earlier years have all gone and moved on with their lives.

 

Avery big thank you to Linda Gardiner and friends, Endemol Shine, Santa Shoeboxin South Africa and our individual supporters in the UK and Australia forensuring that our end-of-year functions were so well catered for and such happyoccasions. Of special mention are the three UK volunteers who flew out toassist us at this hectic time of the year and who eased Elizabeth vd Westhuizen’sload considerably in the process. Sandra Rycroft from Emmanuel Baptist Churchin Leeds almost looked like a sweet once she’d packed the 350 sweet packsneeded for all our parties. Sandra, Rachel Sheldon and Megan Morison, you are such stars. I don’t know what we’d havedone without you all. Elizabeth’s parting words to them were “Please come againnext year”.

 

Fromthe depths of our hearts, thank you so much for all your love and support overthe past 12 months. Morning Star would cease to exist if it wasn’t for you all.

 

Muchlove from all of us at Morning Star

Joan

 

 

As we look forward to 2019 our trust is in the Lord our God – forHe is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that we ask or think(Ephesians 3:20).

ABlessed Christmas to you all.

October 2018 Newsletter
2018-11-10

Dear Friends

 

Spring has sprung in South Africa and everywhere there are signs that our Eternal God lives and reigns. It never ceases to amaze me how one day there is no sign of life in a tree that’s stood bare all winter and then – seemingly overnight – new growth bursts forth and it is transformed into a green wonderland! It makes me think that if I took the time to just stand and watch, I’d actually see the little leaves unfolding before my very eyes and the tree coming to life once again. Our Lord is so faithful. Right from the beginning of Creation, day has followed night and summer has followed winter. And, with time and seasons constant in our lives, we can surely trust God with everything else as well! He is in control of all He has made and will ever hold the universe in the palm of His hand!

 

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come from you and you rule over all.” (1 Chron. 29:11-12)

 

So much “living” has filled our days at Morning Star since my last letter to you. It’s all just too profuse and overwhelming to adequately relate and my ‘epistles’ can ever just reflect a small part of our daily joys and sorrows here. Thankfully the joys always outweigh the sorrows and losses, making our work with our precious children at Morning Star the most rewarding and fulfilling in the whole world.

 

September has been a very busy month and, in addition to all our normal activities and crises, we held an exciting Inter-Centre Sports Day on 7th and then celebrated Heritage Day on 21st. The children loved competing against each other in the different fun races and, because many of the events took into account our children’s health issues and physical disabilities, everyone could compete and have an equal chance of excelling. Most of our staff gamely entered the races put on for the adults as well and even us oldies could participate and give the children a good laugh.


Heritage Day is a South African Public Holiday celebrated on 24thSeptember each year. On this day, South Africans are encouraged to celebrate their culture and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions, in the wider context of a nation that belongs to all its people. Morning Star’s Heritage Day celebrations took place on Friday 21st September this year. Kutlwanong Morning Star organised a very special event and, in addition to encouraging the children to come dressed in their traditional wear, also invited the parents/guardians to join in the fun and dancing and in the sharing of a traditional meal. I was invited to come and join them and, consequently, got to taste ‘mala mogodu’ (intestines and tripe cooked over an outdoor fire), samp (dried corn kernels that have been stamped), morogo (wild, African spinach), digobe (big mielies/corn) and sorghum beer (a bit like ginger beer). Some I enjoyed! Some I struggled to swallow!



                         

Heritage Day is always such a colourful event with so many South Africans donning their traditional dress. Dark skinned people always look gorgeous in their vibrantly colourful attire, complete with a dhuku (head wrap) or iqhiwa (cloth fitted to the head and covered with beads) to round off the effect. The ‘rainbow’ in our nation comes into full play on Heritage Day each year.

 

In the midst of the fun and joy of the above events, we’ve also had our share of disappointments and sorrows over the past while as well. 2 deaths – Mpho Lekaleand Karabo Motsididi’s mum died mid-September and then, tragically, Kgauhelo Monyake passed away on the 4th October just after his 6thbirthday. Kgauhelo’s death was not unexpected. He’s long been weak and frail and, ever since starting at Morning Star in 2014, has suffered neglect and abandonment at the hands of his mother. No amount of trying to get him removed from her care and put into a place of safely has succeeded and, in the end, we had to simply work around the extremely vulnerable environment Kgauhelo was living in. He died at home, minutes after his mother had bathed him. She was getting him ready to take him to the doctor, even though he’d complained of pain several days before hand and she’d done nothing about it.

 

Thankfully,most of our children are quite well at the moment but we do have 13-year-old Rethabile Nthapo in hospital right now, recovering from dehydration and pneumonia and being treated for anaemia. I could not believe how gaunt and ill Rethabile looked when she came into Morning Star about 2 weeks ago. She’d lost so much weight since the last time we saw her and was a skeleton of her former self. Intravenous therapy worked wonders and it’s encouraging to be told she’s slowly regaining her strength and taking an interest in what’s going on around her again.              

After many months of planning and preparing for it, our Chairman, Joshua Bolaji, was finally able to present our first ever ‘Preparing for Life’ workshop with our older teens last week. We’ve long been concerned with the unpreparedness of our teenagers for adult life. Not only has our SA educational system failed this present generation of children, but the stunted brain development of those born with the HIV/AIDS virus prior to the advent of ARVs has compounded the dilemma. Thousands of children are leaving school each year totally unprepared for life. The aim of our Preparing for Life Curriculum is to ‘prepare vulnerable young people for adult life by equipping them with skills that will enable them to navigate the challenges presented by society’. The curriculum covers the following areas – living, staying healthy and managing a home, managing money and the basic requirements for succeeding at one’s work place, all from a Biblical perspective.

On average, 40 of our teens, sixteen years and over attended the three day course and what shocked Joshua most was the realization that his simple lessons were not simple enough and that more than half of those present were unable to comprehend what he was trying to teach them. The next course presented will have to be even simpler than last week’s one. It’s a frightening scenario; so many young adults in South Africa today who are ill-equipped to negotiate adult life successfully and, without intervention, will have little chance of flourishing at all.

 

A big thank you to all of you who’ve ensured that our bank balance is in a healthier state than it was at the beginning of 2018. At our Board Meeting held last month our treasurer, Kevin Lombard, reported that we had in reserve 3.84 months of funds in our bank accounts. In contrast, at the end of January 2018, our reserves stood at just 1.39 months. God is so good and you are all so caring. Thank you for hearing our cry and for responding so generously and promptly.

 

Before I end my letter I’d just like to share the following with you. In our early years I used to apply for funding from any and every source I could find. This included the National Lottery andt he Elton John Foundation. One of our supporting churches in England challenged me about this and asked why a Christian Organization wasn’t trusting God more for our finances. I brought this matter to the attention of our then Board of Governors and shared how convicted I was about this challenge and how I wanted to implement it and trust God to supply our needs going forward. Our Board Chairman at the time was dead against it and, as a result, resigned from his position, never to return to Morning Star again.

 

How faithful our Lord has been since then. Today, over 95% of our income comes from our supporters in the UK andA ustralia. We receive no ongoing monetary assistance from any source in SouthAfrica at the moment, not even from the Free State Government. The only help we get is in kind, for our rent-free/utility-free premises at Kopano Complex in Welkom (no small matter to scoff at).

Over the past 9 years, I’ve learnt to trust and rest in God more, assured that the God we serve is the same today as He was yesterday and will be forever. He will sustain Morning Star for as longas it exists in His sovereign plan.

 

Below are a few pointers to bear in mind running up to Christmas.

1.        Please let us know when you put a parcel in the post for your sponsored child. Our SA postal service remains unreliable and if we    don’t know there’s a parcel on the way, we can’t trace its whereabouts.

 

2.         Monetary Christmas gifts can be deposited into our Lloyds Bank Account in the UK or transferred via Stewardship. The details of   both can be found on our website: www.morningstar.org.za. Please put your child’s name down as a reference.

 

3.    Our last day before we close for the Christmas holidays is Friday 7thDecember. Please ensure your monetary         gift reaches us before this date otherwise your sponsored child will only get it in January 2019.

 

4.       2019 Morning Star calendars are available for purchasing. Details/prices will becommunicated to you soon – or contact Glenys Barham for further information: glenys.barham@gmail.com

 

Yours, with a full heart for all you do for us,


Joan.


PRAYER ISSUES: Praise and thanks for: 


  1. The good health of the majority of our children
  2. Our improved financial situation at Morning Star
  3. Our first ‘Preparing for Life’ Workshop has finally taken place.
  4. For our newly employed professional fundraiser in South Africa – Mrs. Helen Vosloo.

Please pray for:

1.        Our sick/hospitalized children:Rethabile Nthapo, Mosonguoa Matela and Daniel Mofokeng.

2.        Our vulnerable children/those suffering from neglect at home: Kamohelo Saul & Sihle Mdangi especially.

3.        Our bereaved – the Lekale family and little Kgauhelo’s parents/extended family members.

4.        Our teens – that they continue taking their ARVs and don’t get drawn into gangs, drugs and sex.                                Pray especially for Bongeka, Neo and Ikarabeng who have, seemingly, gone off the rails and are rebelling against authority.

5.        The Orukwem family – Promise (dad) and Prosper & Chi Chi (2 sons) – that the documents required for them to leave SA for Nigeria permanently will be processed speedily. This has been a very drawn-out affair and taken much longer than initially envisaged.

6.        A solution to be agreed upon at top government level ensuring that all children born in SA to Lesotho mothers can attend school here without discrimination.




July 2018 Newsletter
2018-07-31


                                                                                                                       
31st July 2018

 

DearestFriends

 

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord,

When he delights in His way;

Thou he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,

For the Lord upholds his hand.”

Psalm 37:23-24

 

Isn’t that an amazing thought! God directs our steps and delights inevery detail of our lives. That He takes pleasure in you and me is an awesomethought indeed!

 

It’s been very cold here over the past few weeks, with frost atnight and a sneaky, icy wind during the day.  Fortunately, Morning Starwas closed for half of July so our children got to spend the school holidays athome and, hopefully, were able to keep warm enough until the winter sun rosehigh in the sky and invited them outside to play.

We’ve all been back at Morning Star since Tuesday 17th Julyand, thankfully, the weather has improved since then and we’re beginning tothink that summer is on its way.

Life is always harder for the poor in winter.Juggling limited income between food requirements and warm clothes, needingadditional money for electricity or paraffin consumption, not even mentioningschool uniform requirements, is a constant challenge. Regular power outages,taxi strikes, increased petrol tariffs and ongoing running, raw sewerage pastfront doors just compound their struggles, causing tempers to rise andexasperation levels to peak.

 

Sadly, post-apartheid South Africa is failing the very people itliberated. Any progress made to liberate our black majority over two decadesago looks to have long been undone, with more than half the country living inpoverty. More than 30,4 million South Africans – 55.5% of the population, liveon less than R1000.00 (60pds) per month. A number of factors have contributedto this tragic state of affairs, but most at fault, it seems, has been SouthAfrica’s inability to implement its own policies.

 

Godhas been merciful to us this winter. None of our children have died. In fact,our only death thus far this year has been that of 23-year-old NthabisengMamakwatsi on 10th May. Tragically, this young lady went off therails some years ago, started sleeping around, gave birth to a little girl in2016 and then died as a result of stopping her ARV treatment. Her child is in aplace of safety at the moment and we’re trusting will be adopted into a goodhome in due course. Sadly, Nthabiseng’s younger brother also spurned ourcounsel and we’ve recently heard he left his job and the family who weresupporting him and joined the zama-zamas (people who work illegally inabandoned mineshafts in order to retrieve gold).

 

Oursickest children at the moment are both on the road to recovery. MatshedisoMatjeka is still in hospital with suspected meningitis but is much better thismorning, and Mosonguoa Matela is well over her severe asthmatic attack of lastweek. She was rushed to hospital by ambulance and was totally unable tobreathe. Her guardian got a terrible fright and really thought the end hadcome!

 

Thereare always crises at Morning Star and urgent issues needing instant decisions.The two that have occupied a lot of time over the past few weeks were getting afamily of 4 young boys to an Orphanage/ Child Care Centre in Lesotho and caringfor 2 brothers, Prosper & Chi-Chi Orukwem, whilst their father was inprison.

 

Thefirst case involved the 5 Selebalo siblings – ranging in age from 12 years downto a 15-month-old baby girl. Their mother died from AIDS-related symptoms inLesotho in May 2017 and their father, residing in Lesotho, chose not to takeresponsibility for them but to contact their maternal grandmother in SouthAfrica to come and collect them and bring them back to this country. This shedid in July 2017, crossing the border illegally both ways. The children had nopassports, only 3 of them had Lesotho birth certificates and they arrived withjust the clothes on their backs. Grandma doesn’t have a job or regular incomeand is an illegal resident in South African as well so it’s been a struggle forher to feed and clothe them, let alone get them into schools here. And then, onthe 16th July this year, grandma threw the 4 boys out onto thestreet – right down to the little 3-year-old! (She kept the baby girl). She’dhad enough! She’s a bitter, angry woman at the moment and couldn’t be reasonedwith at all. The eldest, 12-year-old Tswanelo, has been worst affected by allthis. Amidst heartrending tears, he’s expressed how painful it’s been to havebeen cast out onto the street by the granny they all love, and who they thoughtloved them, and not to have attended school for a whole year.

Thisis a long, complicated story and I don’t want to bore you with all the details.Suffice to say that only after a first unsuccessful trip to the Lesotho border,where we failed to get permission to cross over without the relevant permitsfor the children and a series of subsequent, frustrating phone calls, until asympathetic Lesotho social worker could be located, were we finally able totake the boys into Lesotho and get them placed in the Apostolic Faith MissionChildren’s Home in Maseru (the capital there). It’s not the ideal situation –but the best that could be arranged under the present circumstances and untilthe boys’ older step-sister, Mosa Selebalo, now in her second-to-last year ofschool in Thabong Township, finishes her education & starts earning anincome and can provide for her family.

 

Theother recent challenge is that of 2 young boys with a Nigerian father;8-year-old Prosper and 5-year-old Chi Chi. Their Sesotho mother walked out onthe family in December 2014, leaving dad, who was jobless at the time, with 2small boys to care for. Morning Star got involved in 2016 and have beenassisting the family ever since. The best hope they have, we think, is for themto get back to Nigeria, where Mr. Orukwem will have the support of hisimmediate family in the raising of his children. With this in mind, I put anappeal out to our Australian supporters some months ago to raise the money fortheir air-fares to Lagos. Enough came in to cover the costs and if it wasn’tfor the delay in the issuing of Prosper’s unabridged South African BirthCertificate, the 3 of them would’ve been back in Nigeria long ago. Time aftertime, Mr Orukwem has been summoned to our local Home Affairs Office, only tofind it’s been a false call or the certificate doesn’t contain the correctinformation. And, we’re still waiting….!

 

Late on Monday night, 16th July, I got a call from Prosper,tearfully relating how the police had sprayed his daddy with pepper gas,handcuffed him and taken him off to prison. He and his little brother hadwitnessed this and had then been left at home alone. The family live in anabandoned building in Welkom’s CBD – very unsafe and notorious for crime andsubstance abuse. They were fetched in the dead of night and stayed at my housefor the 10 days their daddy was in prison. Mr Orukwem was released on bail onWednesday 25th July and is due to appear in court again on the 16thAugust.

Thetragic thing about all this is that he shouldn’t have been taken into custodyin the first place. The police had been summoned because a fight had broken outinvolving another Nigerian man – and they had targeted and arrested the wrongperson! Mr. Orukwem was badly mishandled and xenophobia definitely played arole in the way he was treated.

It’sbeen a hugely traumatic time for the whole family and we’re trusting that theboys won’t suffer long-term effects from what they witnessed that night. We’repraying, too, that the police will drop the charge before it gets to court,realizing that they’re in the wrong and that Mr. Orukwem has a strong caseagainst them. Please pray with us that Prosper’s Unabridged Birth Certificatewill finally be issued so that the family can return to Nigeria as soon aspossible.

 

We’verecently sat down and planned the dates of our end-of-year functions for 2018.The following has been finalized:

§  MorningStar will close for the Christmas holidays on Friday, 7th Decemberand re-open again on Monday, 7th January 2019 for the staff and onWednesday 9th for the children.

§  Graduation/Prize-Givingfor our school children is scheduled for 27th/28thNovember respectively.

§  OurPreschool/Toddlers Christmas Party will take place on 4th December.

§  OurPrimary Party (Grade R – Grade 3) is scheduled for 6th December.

 

You are welcome to send a Christmas gift to your sponsored child butplease be aware that our SA postal service remains a shambles and there’s noknowing if your parcel will ever arrive here. To give you some examples, thepostcards I sent by air to Morning Star whilst I was in England in May have notyet arrived! And the small gift a sponsor sent her child in time for lastChristmas only made its appearance at the end of June 2018 – and minus the giftthat had been enclosed!!

Moreand more folk are placing a sum of money into our UK bank accounts these days,ensuring that their sponsored child is remembered and can go and buy ‘Christmasclothes’ or whatever is most needed at that time of the year. But please doyour transfer of funds before we close on 7th December. Otherwiseyour child will only receive his/her gift from you when we reopen in January2019.

 

Due to the overwhelming financial response to our SOS plea a few monthsback, our bank balance is looking much healthier. A big thank you to all thosewho contributed to our great need and for encouraging me, personally, with yourprayers and generous financial support. God is good all the time. We praise Himfor meeting our daily needs again and again. We’re thankful for our staff andthe unity that exists between them at present. We’re thankful for our vehiclesand drivers and for the way God has protected our children on the roads allthese years. I’m thankful for our Morning Star Board and the solid supportreceived from them. And please be assured of our deep appreciation for all youdo to make a difference in the lives of our/your children as well. Eachdonation, each monthly standing order, every parcel of clothes or even apostcard or letter, blesses one or more lives here.

 

To the world you may bejust one person,

But to one person youmay just be the world.

 

Yoursin Christ,

Joan.

 

 

PRAYER ITEMS:

 

  • Praise and thanks for the ongoing good health of the majority of our children this winter.

 

  • Praise and thanks that the 4 Selebalo brothers are back in Lesotho and haven’t been separated. Pray that they’ll settle well at the Apostolic Faith Mission Children’s Home in Maseru, find a real substitute family there and come under the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

  • Pray for our sick children – Matshediso Matjeka, Mosonguoa Matela, Kgauhelo Monyake and Nthati Kobela. And our ill mothers – Anna Ramosebi, Ms. Jack and Veronica Ludada.

 

  • Pray for our bereaved:

i.             3-year-old Bokamoso Kitime’s mum passed awayyesterday. Pray that a safe home will be found for him and his two siblings.Their maternal grandmother is a drunkard and not a suitable carer for thechildren at all.

 

ii.            Teacher Roseline Moshane’s sister died a week ago.Pray for the family as they adjust to life without her.

 

iii.           Our Kutlwanong pre-school teacher, Emely Mahlangu’suncle was stabbed to death in front of his 9-year-old son two weeks ago – allbecause he took too long in a public toilet! Pray for the family as they cometo terms with uncle’s unexpected death and that his little boy will be helpedthrough this traumatic event in his young life.

 

  • Pray for Mr. Orukwem as he awaits his court date on 16th August and that 8-year-old Prosper’s unabridged SA Birth Certificate will be speedily and correctly processed so that the family can be back in Nigeria as soon as possible.

 

  • Pray for our UK volunteers due here in August: Sarah Stilwell arrives this Friday and Hannah Elliot and Jo & Ed Flexney on Sunday 12th. Pray for traveling mercies for them all and that their time with us will be a blessing all round.

 



2018 Sea Trip
2018-04-12

MORNING STAR SEATRIP 2018

Sarah Wilkins

Getting up at 4o’ clock in the morning was a struggle but by the time I arrived at MorningStar on Wednesday 21st March, twenty eight sleepy teenagers werealready up and getting organized and ready to leave  for the trip of a lifetime, a visit to seethe Ocean. The three Quantums were soon packed, and everyone settled in theirseats. Our day was committed to the Lord in prayer and the eleven hour journeybegan.

As well as theteenagers the following adults also came; our four drivers ( Johannes, Tukelo,Thapiso and Vusi), John and Marion McDonald from The UK, spending a month withus, Elizabeth, the Operations Manager, Dineo our Receptionist, Thandi, one ofDoctor Tavares’ nurses and myself.

Our destinationwas Mercury Children’s holiday Centre, Hibberdene, a really special place. Thestaff are fantastic, the food is superb, the facilities excellent (One of thegirls on our return said that one of the highlights for her were thebathrooms!  Here in Welkom she lives in agarage with no bathroom.) Best of all the Centre overlooks the mighty IndianOcean. Walking through the gate at the end of the path from the main buildingleads you straight onto the beach.

We British love talking about the weather so here Igo. It rained and rained and rained all Thursday and almost all of Friday.However this did not dampen our spirits it just changed the activities we did. Organisingthings for children who have no expectations is a huge bonus. No one complainsor sulks. On Thursday morning we went to a large shopping mall and playedTenpin bowling. I’m not sure if the children or the adults enjoyed it the most!Some of the children could barely lift the bowling balls but all of them lovedit. Phumlani told me that this was the best thing for him the whole trip.

It was interesting to observe the first reactions ofthe children to the Ocean. Not surprisingly they are utterly mesmerized by itsvastness and power. As we walked along the beach for the first time many ofthem were afraid and cautious. Just one boy seemed fearless and began takingrisks getting ever closer and walking into the crashing waves seeminglyignorant and oblivious of the danger.  Somecollected shells for their grandmothers, others watched ghost crabs fascinatedby them as they scuttled about. A few kept uttering exclamations of awe andwonder.

UShaka MarineWorld in Durban has always been on the programme for our Morning Star sea tripsand on Friday morning we paid our customary visit to this incredible projectthat provides a unique insight into the Ocean and the creatures that dwellthere. An excellent guided tour was followed by the dolphin show. The childrengaped open mouthed as the dolphins performed their breathtaking antics. Most ofchildren identified this experience as the highlight of the whole trip forthem.

It was Friday afternoon when finally a break in theclouds provided the opportunity to get in to the waves at Hibberdene beach. Itwas very windy and although warm the Indian Ocean was rough. The flags markingwhere swimming was allowed were close together and I was somewhat reassured bythe presence of a life guard. The beach slopes steeply down to the water andsupervising 28 teenagers who have little clue and can’t swim is not for thefainthearted. John and Marion, gallant and brave did a tremendous job in thewater letting the youngsters hang on to them and retrieving them from beneaththe waves when they frequently fell over.

The generalnoise level of the children I think increased exponentially over time as theygot to know each other. It was also greatly exacerbated by a wonderfullyexuberant member of the Mercury staff called Nkululeko (whose name meansfreedom); a young man who seems to think his role in life is to make as muchnoise as possible most of the time and is as mad as a bucket of frogs. Alongwith Sherlock and Nomfundo these three did a fabulous job of keeping our groupbusy and entertained in the wet weather.

 

The originalplan was to depart for home early on Saturday morning but with the rain cloudshaving disappeared and waking up to a clear blue sky plans just had to bechanged. Once more we set off for Hibberdene beach and braved the rollingwaves. I think a lot of British people would have deemed us insane. I didwonder myself at times. But again John and Marion were fantastic and all twentyeight children were delivered safely back to dry land after more exhilarationand excitement in the waves.

The lives of ourteenagers are deeply affected by the impact of the HIV virus and the conditionsthey grow up in. Many are physically small for their age. One of the girls thatcame is the size of an eight old. The medication they take often has unpleasantside effects.  Most have poor livingconditions and almost all have lost their birth parents and are extremelyvulnerable. The quiz and the written tasks we gave them to do provide clearevidence that almost all of them struggle academically and cannot concentrateor retain, process or apply information. But they are resilient, wonderfulyoung people with aspirations and dreams. This brief interlude in their livescreated joy and laughter, love and hope and made many memories that they willcarry with them for the rest of their lives. Those who made it possible willnever know the incredible blessing they gave to twenty eight South Africanteenagers and those who accompanied them. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

The children whowent on the trip:

Matebello Mokone                                                                         ThaboMoholobela

Keketso Masolang                                                                           LwandoMpinda

Motshidisi Molehe                                                                          SiviweMnja

Disaletse Hlakoane                                                                          ThabisoMautsoa

Teboho Molise                                                                                  TshepoNtsasa

Lerato Khosing                                                                                  ThaboMkhabela

Mamello Tseisa                                                                                 KatlehoNtai

Poeletso Mbongi                                                                             TumeloXume

Vuyelwa November                                                                       SiphesihleMdolomba

Mampe Mdebuka                                                                           GoitsemangMogwera

Makubu Sefuli                                                                                   PhumlaniTose

Malehlohonolo Fischer                                                                  MphoLekale

Busisiwe Busakwe

Refilwe Makhalanyane

Puleng Berries

Maria Mahumane

March 2018 Newsletter
2018-03-07

LH8


"In100 years time nobody will care how much money you earned;

But theworld may be different because you were important in the life of achild"

 

Dear Friends                                                                                                                           05 – 03 – 2018

 

I’ve been meaning to start thisletter to you for the past 2 weeks already but, in the rush of fresh dilemmasthat present themselves at Morning Star each new day, most needing immediateattention, have been prevented from pursuing my heart’s desire!

 

2018 has been ushered in with aburst of activities! To think we’ve already begun the month of March utterlyastounds me! Admitting new children, dealing with the umpteen school-goingchildren’s uniform & stationery requirements, implementing changed staffpositions, organising our 2018 sea trip, dealing with two burglaries at our WelkomCentre and addressing fresh social crises that crop up keeps us busy each andevery day. Yet God is good and each day is a gift!


All-in-all, 38 new children wereadmitted to our 2 Centres this year. We now have 110 little ones at our Welkombranch and 40 at Kutlwanong. Our Organisation has grown beyond my wildestdreams and sometimes my heart is filled with trepidation as I stop and considermy lack of skills in heading up an Organization of this size.

 














Our new children settledquickly and we were amazed that there were so few tears their first day. Ofcourse, they’re as cute as ever and, as always, have quickly endearedthemselves to the Morning Star staff. A few of our new toddlers are veryvulnerable and quite frail but, from past experience, we know that soon andlargely as a result of good nutrition, most will burst forth as new blooms andgo from strength to strength under our loving care. Surprisingly, of the 26 newchildren at our Welkom Centre, almost half are infected with HIV/AIDS! In anage where all women attending the ante-natal community clinics areautomatically screened for HIV/AIDS and their unborn babies put onto ARVs inutero as a precaution, this came as quite a shock! That such a huge percentageof them are still born HIV positive is an indication of how many slip throughthe cracks and whose mothers fail to attend the local health clinics duringtheir pregnancies at all.

 

Sadly, we had a death over theChristmas holidays. Our teenager/young adult, Vincent Disenyane who had beenseriously ill since October 2017, finally succumbed to his illness and died onthe 22nd December. His Morning Star peers were deeply shaken by hisdeath and are still struggling to come to terms with it and with all the otherswho passed away during the course of 2017.

7 of our 10 deaths last year wereas a result of teenagers aborting their ARV treatment regimes. We so long toget to bottom of this problem and know what more we can do to prevent it fromhappening. 

 

We had a thoroughlyhectic first week back at Morning Star in January. These 5 days had been allocatedfor our school-going children to come into Morning Star for back-to-school stationeryrequirements and uniform needs. Over the first 2 days, 230+ sponsored children andtheir guardians descended upon Morning Star for assistance! It was like a badnightmare! Queues and queues of people, from early morning to after dark atnight! All hot, thirsty, hungry and impatient for assistance! We were stillseeing clients up to 7.30pm that week and those of us involved all went home wellafter dark!

I had to interact with each andevery one and, with the assistance of my PA and social auxiliary worker, determinewhether their sponsorship support was still active, what grade they wereproceeding to, what of their needs was most urgent and how best we couldassist. We had a predetermined budget set by the Board of Governors to worktowards – and we did so to the very best of our ability – but by the end of thefirst 2 days found that we’d already spent R90,000.00! (About 6000pds dependingon the exchange rate at the time!) That left just R10,000.00 for the remainderof the week – resulting in all our unsponsored children receiving only a smalltoken from us. We had 32 children starting Secondary School this year – a newrecord – and mainly because they’re on ARVs (anti-retroviral drugs) these days andliving longer and enjoying better health.