Arms of Love - a project that began 7 years ago with the prompting of the Holy Spirit. The goal was to feed some orphans and widows who were struggling in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. This week we have observed, first-hand, what God has done with this work. Easily over 1000 orphans and widows are receiving food, medical help, school fees and clothing through Arms of Love. The efficiency and authenticity with which the Nketa leadership has implemented this project is overwhelming. We have been blessed beyond measure as we have visited, listened to and shared in the lives of these people. There is no shortage of love here. Chloe, your stuffed animals were the biggest hit! Many thanks. I can't wait to show you and Braeden the pictures. Love to all - keep praying for us. There is more in store for the Arms of Love. James 1:27 says, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Carolyn


After a 4.5 hours service (yes that's what I said- and I am proposing WMB move to the same format!) and a quick break for lunch, I spent most of the time during the food distribution to the widows and orphans in the food storage area. I helped distribute 10 kilo bags of Mealy Meal for each person to take home. I watched as young children and elderly women joyfully and thankfully received their cooking oil and sugar beans as well. They all had to lug those big bags back home, some several kilometers. Some of the young children could barely lift those bags from the ground. Some of the elderly women were stooped over under the weight of two bags (50 lbs.) Happily they left the room to carry their food for the month home It was amazing, humbling and inspiring.

Paul

My most powerful moment......
Today started with a simple request from Nathan to get lip balm. None to be found so we bought a jar of aloe Vaseline. Finally came to the place for our home visit and wandered down a thorny path to a small clearing where 2 huts and a shack stood. We met the two elderly women who lived there (virtually no possessions) and were moved as we learned about their situation. One was blind and in very poor health and the other was lame. We noticed how cracked the skin was on the blind woman's hands. Her leathery cracked skin was had been bleeding and then Carolyn gave me "that look". I gave Nathan "that look" and he reached into his bag and out came the Vaseline. As Carolyn gently rubbed her almost disabled hands, she then told her how to massage the cream into her hands and left the cream with her. Paul took her face, held it and kissed her cheek. Touch is a sacred thing. We cried. Thank you for praying for us.

Elvira