1.18.10 - ccm 0004
Cross 0004
Heidelberg, South Africa
Story Behind the Cross
14 Years ago a young couple from Heidelberg, South Africa --- Henk and
Juanita Van Zyl --- were called by God to start an orphanage
for HIV/AIDS orphans. This is their story to Give God All the Glory
as today January 18, 2010 we built a cross at the orphanage.
Fourteen years ago Henk and Juanita moved to Heidelberg, South Africa
to open a new business. Soon after they arrived a local pastor witnessed
to Juanita and at the end of the day she accepted Jesus Christ as Lord
in her life. Her born again experience included bright lights and a
revelation of who Jesus Christ is in her life. A few months later Henk
received Jesus Christ as his personal savoir
and the desire to start a new business vanished.
Their business desire was replaced by a burning passion to feed the
homeless and less advantage. This they did for several months until all
the money they had saved to start their new business
was gone. Now it was God’s turn.
With their own reserves depleted Henk and Juanita turned to God
and prayed for him to provide the means for them to continue.
Soon doors were opening and local businesses began
donating food for them to distribute.
While distributing food they met the less fortunate --- many of which
were street kids. These kids had mostly been abandoned by their parents
who had died of HIV/AIDS. They did not desire to be on the street
but had no alternative.
Henk and Juanita began to accept these kids into their home. A tiny two
bedroom home was soon busting at the seams with street kids seeking
help. Again Henk and Juanita prayed and asked God for help if they
were to continue providing shelter to the HIV/AIDS Homeless Children.
Within days a man stopped his car in front of their house. A man they had
never met before directed them to a vacant train station in town. He
suggested they contact Spoornet (South African Rail Road)
and move their kids to the buildings.
The buildings had been thoroughly trashed and needed everything
from running water to electric lights. They were allowed by Spoornet
to use the buildings and currently have 70 + street kids living
at Shalom Children’s Ministry and a staff of 19 to help out.
Since their commitment to proceed God has met their every need.
And they Give God All The Glory, by building this cross,
for the many miracles they have witnessed in their lives --- all
this since Juanita’s born again experience of lights --- and
the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Location sign
Site for the cross as digging starts
Glen and Henk chisel the notch for integrating the two beams
Notch is complete
Henk and Glen celebrate the union of the two beams
Hole is ready to receive Cross
Cross is lifted
Higher
Cross in place
Mixing Concrete
Filling the hole
Burying a Bible at the foot of the Cross
Three previous students --- David, Daniel and Sipho --- took the day off
work to help us in the costruction of the cross. They were a great help
and we left them with a love offering.
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