“There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work (1 Corinthians 12.5). We are all blessed with talents. Some of us may be exceptional scientists, musicians, acrobats, whatever. But the majority of us have less dramatic talents, quieter abilities that tend to be overlooked. Drivers, cooks, people who have physical strength, loud voices to control crowds – ordinary people, like you and me. When I see so-called “ordinary” people using their talents to help others in need, I feel inspired. That is what attracted me to support FoodForward SA. What an extraordinary group of people they are! What an amazing concept, fulfilling a huge fundamental need.
My maternal grandparents were missionaries in Zambia. Growing up in the Christian Brethren community in Durban, I was involved in outreach activities from a very young age. As a child, I remember being touched by the sight of two babies in a Mission Hospital sharing one cot, one blanket. South Africa didn’t have television in those years. My family used to sit around the radio after dinner, listening to the news and stories. To stop me from fidgeting, my mother taught me how to crochet. The first blanket I made at about 10 years old, was probably rather wonky, but I remember the feeling of satisfaction, that it could keep one or two babies warm. Even now that I am very much older and no longer live in South Africa, I am blessed in that I can still use this simple talent to provide warmth to those in need. But God has blessed me in other ways too. I have enough to eat and a lovely home. South Africa gave me a wonderful childhood and an excellent education. My way of giving back is to donate to charities that are serving the community in exactly the fundamental way that FoodForward does. But I do wonder what the beneficiaries of the food are doing, in their way, to help their community?
One of the questions asked how I would like to be remembered. But doesn’t this concept go totally against the fundamentals of giving and serving? I don’t help others to gain recognition or power for myself. God is the giver of all things. I am merely His steward, His willing handmaid. To Him be the glory. It is He who should be remembered and thanked. if something is well worth doing, it is worth doing it well!”