Hermanus Outreach

 

This past weekend a group from our church went on a short outreach to the Hemel en Aarde Vallei in Hermanus at the invitation of Jean and Noel Livesy to experience firsthand the work they are doing on the farms in the area.  Noel and Jean have been working on the Hermanus farms for the past 5 years after returning to South Africa from 27 years in the Philippines, working with the Manobo tribe. The drive to Hermanus was fortunately uneventful as the heavens opened up shortly after we left Cape Town – and so, with the rain pelting down on the cars we proceeded with caution over a dangerous mountain pass.

We arrived in Hermanus just after 13h00 and after the customary “Hello’s, How- are-you’s and Pleased-to-meet you” we sat down to lunch and a chat.  Noel and Jean shared with us the nature of the work they are doing in the Valley and Noel spoke of his personal experience when they started off in the Valley. Challenges there were a plenty and included gaining the trust of the farm workers in the area and their initial struggle to get buy-in into the vision.  Noel is an engaging storyteller and had our attention during tea, served with desserts and cakes. After exchanging some cake recipes we headed to the farm where the get together was taking place. We were told that a big rugby match was taking place on the neighbouring farm and to expect only about 15 people at the gathering. 

 Arriving at the farm we introduced ourselves to one another and engaged in some activities which we planned before hand.  As the farm workers are predominately Afrikaans speaking and some of our group members spoke limited or no Afrikaans, my wife Sonja (who was on her 1^st missions outreach) and I acted as translators for the group. Much fun and laughter was had by everyone as we learned about one another and about God and what He means to us as individuals during the 90 minutes we spent together.  Not even an almighty downpour of rain could damper the spirits of anyone.  After some more treats and coffee we said goodbye to our new friends with a promise to return soon - we met as strangers and parted as friends.

 After popping in at the Livesey's on the way home for a quick goodbye we hit the wet road back to Cape Town –filled with joy and happiness.  The 6 of us who went on the outreach brought their own God-given talent on the outreach - from helping someone during the games, , acting, singing to sharing stories on a particular topic. The presence of God was truly present amongst us. Our thanks to Noel and Jean for sharing their precious weekend time with us and for allowing us to observe the work God has called them to do in the Hemel and Aarde Vallei of Hermanus.