No act of kindness is too small to touch someone else’s life in a meaningful way. And this is precisely what our pastors recently set out to do in blessing health care workers with doughnuts at various COVID-vaccination sites across our city. We asked a few of them to share their experience.
Pastor Ian, who delivered doughnuts to an Olifantsfontein site, said, “I went a week early to ask permission and get the number of people on-site… It was wonderful how many of them joined in the prayer, and you could see authentic connections happening with the Lord as we prayed. We could not stay long to not interfere with the work and social distancing calls. However, I am sure they all worked with an extra little smile that day.”
“When I delivered the doughnuts on [the] Wednesday,” said Pastor William, who delivereddoughnuts to Steve Biko’s emergency unit, “they were very surprised and grateful for the kind gesture. I explained to them that I am from Hatfield Christian Churchand that we appreciate them as medical professionals.” Pastor William’s site choice was prompted aweek before after he’d gone with one of his congregants who neededurgent medical attention. He’d seen how the staff assisted patients notonly inside the emergency unit but also outsidein marquees.
Pastor Erryl and his team initially received a nervous reception at the site they chose in Eersterust because of past negative experiences. Still, in the end, “Our gesture was highly appreciated, though, no photos were to be taken which included staff members.”
Pastor Mmabatho fully agreed with one of her shepherds who shared the following about their visit to the Olievenhoutbosch clinic and vaccination site, “Instead of overwhelmed and frustrated nursing staff, we were welcomed by friendly, surprised, yet appreciative and blessed nurses. How humbled and fulfilled we were, receiving this treatment on behalf of the church and community! A blessed opportunity indeed!”
The initiative also created an opportunity for Pastor Trudi Joynt to help at NG Moreleta Church’s weekly mobile clinic, which serves the community of Plastic View – a neighbouring informal settlement. In her own words, “It is so fantastic as I have made a few new friends there and am so excited about just going to help wherever they need me. You can see that some people are scared; some are grieving as they have lost loved ones which prompted them to be vaccinated for their own health and the health of their friends and families. There are so many stories there and people from different walks of life.”
It’s been a pretty tough time for many in our nation, as around the world, since the start of the pandemic. But people’s hearts are more open now than ever to experience God’s love. So many people are ready to receive Jesus after experiencing His love and compassion through others. That’s the life-changing power of kindness.
May you, too, be encouraged to share kingdom kindness wherever you are, however you can. Small acts of kindness can indeed make a big difference!
