Burlington is tucked away in a little valley in between the suburbs, lies the small community of Burlington. "Will you pray that I get a job?" is usually the answer when we ask for prayer requests. The people here are hopeless; few have jobs, sufficient food, proper clothing or housing, lacking even the most basic needs. To get to the nearest school the kids have to take a train, which few can afford. There is no clinic or church. We feel called to this community, to the broken, to the hopeless, to the desperate. We are called to give hope, to give life.
On a weekly basis YWAM Durban staff and students go to Burlington to share the love of God with the people. We are strategizing how to bring practical help to this community, i.e. providing skill training, education, house construction, etc.
Dignity Centre, YWAM Durban's Crisis Pregnancy Centre, meets with young pregnant ladies to teach them how to take care of their own bodies and children , and to assist them with transport to the hospital and clinic. This is just one of the many opportunities in Burlington to make a difference.
On a weekly basis YWAM Durban staff and students go to Burlington to share the love of God with the people. We are strategizing how to bring practical help to this community, i.e. providing skill training, education, house construction, etc.
Dignity Centre, YWAM Durban's Crisis Pregnancy Centre, meets with young pregnant ladies to teach them how to take care of their own bodies and children , and to assist them with transport to the hospital and clinic. This is just one of the many opportunities in Burlington to make a difference.
A Story from Burlington:
"Can we see him?" I asked, not sure what to expect if we enter that small 5 X 5 m room. My eyes had to adjust as I was coming into this dark room with no windows, from the outside sunshine. And there he lays, the small 3 year old boy, Emihle, a micropech. He can't see, sit up or basically do much physically, yet he is so alive in spirit. Walking closer, leaning over the cot where he lies, I smile at him and as I give him a little tickle of greeting, the biggest smile appeared on his face. He instantly grabbed my heart when I saw him. Even though he can't do much, his smile lit up my day. Bulelwa, his mom sits on her bed explaining more of her situation. This week it is her youngest little girl's first birthday. So Denise and I decided that we'll be taking cake to them this week to celebrate the lives of this small family. So easily we lose sight of how valuable life is and what gifts God has given us, but in a moment can be reminded of his goodness and love for us. And so we went. All the base vehicle's were broken so Denise and I took my car, bought cake, candles, party hats and 2 teddy bears and off we went to go and have a party. It was so much fun, singing happy birthday and just laughing with them as we are excited about their lives. Bulelwa(the mom) was really overwhelmed at us just bringing these small gifts to celebrate her daughter's first birthday. And Inam just loves the camera; she gets the biggest smile when the flash goes off. As Denise and I walked back to the car she said: "It really is so simple to make a real difference in someone's life" and that is the truth, it doesn't take much!Now 4 months later, God has done so much. He opened a door for us to take him to a school that specializes in children with multiple disabilities and we have going every month for a session with a great Occupational therapist named Kirsty. Through going to these sessions Emhile has developed so much. From barely chewing and only being able to get nutrition through liquids, he is now able to eat a some sandwhich as well as play more. God has really been faithful in sending Kirsty and the team of people from Pathways school to us to help with Emhile, the little boy of joy!
Maxie van der Merwe.
