This week’s news is all good. A group of young people in Europe planted trees, helpers in Asia distributed seeds in remote areas, and teachers in Africa went back to school. The stories are inspiring and encourage us to follow suit.
Our daily bread
Neither bad weather nor a lack of roads have stopped the helpers from NAC SEA Relief from bringing seeds to those in need. On behalf of the German aid organisation NAK-karitativ, the Filipino helpers were on their way to bring corn seeds to farmers and their families in remote areas. Many challenges have to be overcome before the farmers can start sowing and harvesting. In a town-hall meeting in Lake Sebu in the Philippines, the aid agency reached 756 families and distributed seeds. This was an important contribution to combating a possible famine due to climate change, the aid organisation writes on its website.
Twenty-fifth anniversary
The congregation of Garín No. 2 celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of its church on 13 October 2024 near Buenos Aires in Argentina. The preparations for the big celebration took a whole week. The brothers and sisters spruced up the church building, and organised flowers and balloons for decoration. Apostle Claudio González was among those invited to the festive service. “Dear brothers and sisters, I wish you a very happy birthday,” he began his sermon. He not only looked back on the eventful history of the congregation, but also ahead to the future: our salvation through Jesus Christ. The congregation had another reason to celebrate because it received two new ministerial gifts: the Apostle ordained two female Deacons for the congregation.
Making good use of time
A Chinese proverb says: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second-best time is now.” On 26 October 2024 then a group of young people from the Emden church district in Germany got up early and decked themselves out with rubber boots and spades to make a contribution to nature and the environment. The young people planted twelve mixed fruit trees and field maples in a local community area of Brookmerland. They really enjoyed doing it.
Sunday School matters
“Sunday School matters” was the motto on the badges that the Sunday School teachers of the Somerset East district in South Africa received. Eugene Felkers, the district rector, together with Apostle Area Sunday School co-ordinators Shauneen Baatjies and Amanda Scharneck, conducted a workshop on leadership and leadership accountability on 9 November 2024. The Sunday School teachers learned more about their role and how to lead those entrusted to them. After the presentations, the highlight of the day was to show appreciation to the Sunday School teachers for their work and dedication over the past year. In addition to the badges, the teachers received a certificate as a token of appreciation. This was followed by lunch together.