Manager Ida Born: "She is a teenager with a violent past, one of many. I remember the day she was brought to Geeie Hoop. Her howling and wailing for her "grandmother" does not stop. To do something, I take her on my lap while I continue behind my computer with my arms around her. All I do is reflect her grief. The next day I hear that she is covered with lice. There is none in my own hair! From that day on I know that God is there. In the years that follow we have a lot to do with her; a negative self-image, stealing and running away to places where she knew exactly where to get glue and drugs, easily influenced and still moaning and complaining. And yet… there is always an open Bible next to her pillow. The psalms are favorites. Sometimes she puts the Bible at the doorstep of her room. As if she wants to keep evil out. Unfortunately, she maintains her negative behavior. Something has to happen. Paul says in Philippians 4 that you should focus your thoughts on everything that is good and beautiful and that you will experience the peace of God. I give her a notebook and agree with her that every week at a fixed time at my office, she shows her book containing a positive act, thoughts or words that she has done or experienced in the past week. The book fills with large letters, small letters, cheerful colors, decorations and yes, in between, also wailing. But that is allowed. After a few weeks, she pasted a photo of her deceased mother, with her as a baby, on the cover of the book. Meanwhile, her behavior changes. In a positive way. Even when her brother is killed, she remains strong and honest in her emotions, without complaining. And after the great wildfire in November last year, in which I narrowly escaped the flames and lost my house and all my memories, it was this very girl who came to give me a firm "fuss" and whisper in my ear; "When that Lord takes something away from you, Aunty Ida, they will return something better!" Last December, she went to stay with her "grandmother." The positive change was noticed and "Grandma" opened her heart. In no time all the puzzle pieces fell into place. Paperwork was handled, a school was found, and "Grandma" took her into foster care. I can still see the surprised face of our social worker in the doorway of my office. "This is what the Lord can do, Ida!"
Our team believes in miracles. Nothing is impossible for God. But it is also a fact that God uses people for that. People, like our team, but also people who pray for us and support our work financially. Goeie Hoop currently has too few sponsors to continue this intensive, therapeutic work and to expand it to help disabled children from emergency situations. Will you help? Then look at "sponsor a child" to find out how you can help.
08/05/2018
