F4U S.Africa visit 2012             

 

F4U – Visit to South Africa 2012 Report

 

From the 1st – 10th November 2012, the F4U team visited South Africa. Travelling with Bishop Dr Miller was, Rev Dr Lurliene Miller, Coral Joseph, Sharma Campbell, Elder Caroline Lawes, Elder Elaine McPherson and Mary Atere. They were joined by two in-house medical professionals, Sister Lesley Hunt and Elder Annette Grant.

 

The aim of the trip was to fulfil the missionary arm of F4U which is to share the love of Jesus Christ and spread the Gospel through teaching, preaching the Word of God and practically supporting those who are less privileged.

 

The team attended a number of local churches/crusades where the Word of God was powerfully preached and the Gospel of Jesus Christ freely shared with those who are often forgotten. During one tent meeting, the Holy Spirit moved so mightily, that a number of people, predominantly children and teenagers - male and female - gave their lives to the Lord.

 

A Community Day was held in Shoshanguve, at Bishop Jack Baloyi’s church compound. A large number of men and women flocked in the scorching heat to be seen by the team of medical professionals. The medical team consisted of South African doctors, supported by Sis Lesley and Sis Annette. The team administered basic medical care, including blood tests for diabetes, blood pressure checks and where necessary, referred people to their local doctors for follow-up or further treatment. The significance of the community day is that the average South African is unable to afford basic medical check-ups – which we in the UK take for granted. Transportation costs and medical bills/prescription charges, keep many poor South Africans from accessing the healthcare.

 

 Counselling services were provided to those who wanted an opportunity to speak with someone in confidence about concerns, fears, issues, abuse, marital problems or any other “matter of the heart”.

 The team visited several orphanages during their time in South Africa, providing basic toiletries for the orphans, most of whose parents have died from HIV and Aids. During their visit, some of the team members taught the children Sunday school songs and how to do sign language to “Jesus Loves Me” The children loved the interaction which was expressed in their faces. Bishop Dr Miller handed out sweets to the children, teaching them to memorise Philippians 4:13 and how to apply this scripture to achieve their aspirations. Before the team left the Orphanage, Bishop Dr Miller spoke into the lives of the children and the team prayed for God’s protection over the children.

 

 The F4U team will soon be making another missions trip to South Africa, however, if you would like to donate to the missionary work of F4U, or would like further information, please contact us: www.freedomforyou@hotmail.co.uk