We recently reported on the progress of ChangeNetSA’s dream of a facility for people who need help to rebuild their lives.
People fall into poverty for many reasons, some of them beyond their own control. There is now a facility in Bethlehem where they can find a place to stay and food to eat, where they can also receive skills development, emotional support and spiritual input into their lives.
On Friday 8 October the newly acquired facility in Morelig was officially launched and opened. Renovations and upgrades are in process, and will be ready within a few months. Airtec Aviation has already shown the way forward – beds and linen were donated by them, as well as a large fridge and other items.
Representatives of the media and churches, business people and other interested parties from the community came together on a windy morning. Justice and Anita Scott showed everyone around and explained the ways in which the building will be utilised as accommodation, the operating facility for Meals on Wheels and the head office of ChangeNetSA.
Everyone went outside to watch as the ribbon was cut by Anita, signalling the formal opening of the facility. Justice told the story behind the dream of helping people back on their feet and some stories of people already helped. He also told the guests how the young HJ du Plessis, part of the Eyberg family, brought him to this building after hearing the ChangeNetSA story. A special plaque in honour of the deceased HJ will be unveiled in the near future – the family could not attend the gathering on this day.
Mr. Richard Mashinini donated a whole lamb which was prepared on a spit. After all the formalities, everyone enjoyed a lovely spitburger!
This is a story with an open end – who knows how big this can become. With the blessing of the Heavenly Father and with the help of His representatives - the business community, churches, schools and everyone else, this can become a beacon of hope in Bethlehem and in the whole region, even further afield. With the other ChangeNetSA entities like the clothing Warehouse added, the charities in the town will also greatly benefit.
For more information or to become involved, contact Justice Scott on 061 534 2311.
By Retha Pretorius
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