1. Why did you start BEAM Africa?
There is never just one reason for starting a Ministry—it is always a series of events which lead in a direction. The Scripture which led us to the place where BEAM Africa Network started to take shape, was Isaiah 58:3-9. If one looks at the specific community where our office is situated, I believe that our video on the Home page addresses that issue where Louis speaks about the "NEED!” (Go to BEAM to see the video and other info for BEAM.)
2. What exciting things are happening at BEAM Africa currently?
We have had a talk on a national Christian Radio Station. Due to that a lady who has had various clothing factories has contacted us and has become involved by training some of our beneficiaries as well as taking them into the manufacturing of certain items.
We have had a visit from the Member of the Mayor's Committee for Housing. He came to see us to thank us for our work in Nellmapius. We took the opportunity to discuss our need for a larger property with him. We are excited to say that on his recommendation we went to look at different stands last week and will be reporting back to him with our findings this coming week.
We have also seen the need for housing volunteers as we were contacted by a few people from oversees who would like to come for longer periods than a week at a time. We prayed about it and a few months ago a piece of residential property came to our attention. We believe that this piece of property will cater for the need to house volunteers. We finally made an offer 3 weeks ago. Although we have not received the go- ahead, we believe that this will soon happen as we have taken the first steps in the right direction.
BEAM Africa Training Centre is currently registering to become accredited with SAQA. Personally, I feel so humbled by the way that it is happening. It also opens doors for many more ways in which people will be able to share their expertise with those in need.
3. How do you feel that running BEAM Africa has changed/touched our hearts?
We have discussed this and feel that the following scripture is appropriate: Mark 8: 23b-25: "And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything. And he looked and said, "I see men like trees walking." Then he put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly.” We feel that in this Ministry we have been taken through a process to be able to really SEE the people who we are dealing with.
4. What are your biggest challenges?
One would be to capacitate our staff to move with the same heart that we have. At present another would be space for our children to be able to have Holiday schools and play. To develop training material in certain subjects of which Computer/Administrative is the most important.
5. What are you long term goals?
To set up more Centers like BEAM in this community and other communities.
6. How can we be praying for you?
That we would have favor as we embark on applying for property in the township.
That the Lord will provide financially for us in buying the property for housing Volunteers and others.
That we will find the right staff-members. We need to appoint a Project Coordinator to assist with programs which should get off the ground. This should be a skilled person, but also one with the right heart. We also need a person to assist for 6 months with computer training. Training and developing our current facilitator as well as training material.
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