3 years in South Africa
May and June have seen the Healing Wings crew at hard work developing the program, instituting the Youth Centre and giving Glory to the Father in all that we do: June 2012 marks our 3rd Birthday on South African soil. We are astounded by what has been developed and grown since our team and residents embarked a journey across the Mozambican border, such a short time ago. It has not been without challenges and we hold fast onto the creed that it is our challenges and struggles which provide the platform for growth. Friction is what breaks walls and boundaries and we are happy to say that every challenge faced, has been overcome with boldness.
Farewell
We bid farewell to Addictions Counselor, Alan Strachan, who was with Healing Wings South Africa for a full four years. We wish Alan well in his every endeavor further.
Professional Nurse, Sister Hester Perie, has also left Healing Wings; being a part of the team for the past 2 year, Sister Hester has left her mark and we pray blessings and favor for her and her husband Philip Perie.
Department of Social Development
On the 02nd May 2012, the national office of the Department of Social Development, the Mpumalanga Department of Health and other stakeholders conducted an official inspection of the Healing Wings Youth Centre and Purpose College, as a final step in our registration process. The inspection was successful and it was noted that the Youth Centre premises and treatment program aspects stand as a bench-mark for in-patient facilities for treatment of young people in South Africa. On . June 2012, we received our certificate of compliance and registration with the Department of Social Development. What an exciting journey this has been so far, we are looking forward to the road ahead in this scope of treatment (please see the program section of the website to download and Youth Centre program information and application forms).
Skills Development
Skills Development is an integral aspect of the Healing Wings program – hand in hand with developing of skills, is the opportunity to display and enjoy that skill to its fullest. The Healing Wings Culinary Skills Course has recently incorporated a chocolatiering module into the program. Individuals learn, from scratch, the art of chocolate making – getting creating with chocolate, who could ask for a more amazing skill?
Mankele Community
The community in the Mankele area have hidden themselves in the forests of the Sappi plantations. Leaving their homes only to attend work before retreating to their humble dwellings. Most of them have had to move away from their families in pursuit of employment and see there children maybe once or twice a year. Jeanine Fourie, Healing Wings Social Auxiliary Worker, has initiated a community development and empowerment program, aimed at meeting needs on a level which is wanted by the community members themselves – instead of deciding on their behalf, investigations are conducted to assess what is needed within their personal scope of living and to assist them with obtaining this. This has been an exciting and informative journey thus far and we eagerly witness the development of the community members.
Clearing out an area, erecting soccer posts and providing a soccer ball has ignited in community members a passion for soccer and a camaraderie, which it seems has been dormant for far too long. With practices lasting way into the evening, these soccer players are not swayed by the winter chill. The soccer team ……. Has played friendly matches between Healing Wings members – the excitement is contagious and a female team is now being put together. How wonderful it is for individuals to meet on common ground and be void of pressure, discrimination and hardship. We are excited about the new found relationships in our neighborhood.
Healing Wings Mozambique
Healing Wings Mozambique is flourishing. It is incredible to be witness to the Lord’s faithfulness and the fulfilling of his promises. In every aspect there is growth at the Mozambique facility. We are blessed to have been visited by Dr. Richard Heard, Apostle Natasha Grbich and Beverly Watkins from Ariel Gate ministries. It was an honor to show them both the South Africa and Mozambique facilities. Dr Heard gave encouraging messages to all the staff and residents and we were afforded the opportunity to show him the community development projects in place in Mozambique. A big thank you to Dr Heard and Ariel Gate for their generous contributions to the Mozambique projects.
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