Paula's Cell

Paula's mums and tots cell group grew even bigger last week as they have been joined by 3 pregnant girls, all in the last few weeks of their pregnancies. The girls are staying at the church pregnancy crisis centre and at the moment, all of their babies will be adopted out. Following the birth of their babies the girls have 60 days to decide whether or not to continue with their decision whilst their babies are being looked after by 'kanga mothers', so it is obviously quite a harrowing time for them.

Cell Group

The cell starts with a social time of tea & coffee and lots of chat. God friendships are developing which is a real blessing

Cell Group

Paula's cell getting down to the serious business

Running Around

Joel running around during the social bit of the cell group

Patrick

It's late as we write so this is a quick update.

Patrick was discharged and sent home today which is a bit of a shock. It's less than a week since the amputation and he is still in so much pain! Dean's main concern now that he's home is the level of care Patrick will receive and who is going to dress his wound each day. Patrick is staying with his daughter Mabel for a while and she has a drink problem and is not wholly reliable. Please pray about this, Patrick really needs tiptop care.

Michelle

Dean received a telephone call early this morning informing him that Michael's daughter -Michelle- had been raped and murdered. Unfortunately, Michael learnt of this from the news last night on E-TV. As the day progressed we gained more information and it transpires that Michelle was raped and murdered on the 1st May but the police say they were unable to locate any family so allowed the story to be broadcast in the hope of family coming forward. However, we also learnt from Michele's boyfriend that he approached the police soon after the incident and as such the police were fully aware of the family's whereabouts.

Sunday

Wow what a service! Ansie (a Rasta from CNP) came to church and appeared to have a good time. This is quite remarkable as the Rasta's very rarely venture near any church. Please pray for Ansie that he would have a personal encounter with God. Paula & I were in the creche all morning so didn't get to speak to Ansie or anyone else, which was a shame.

Dean didn't get to see Patrick over the weekend so will go tonight. However we did hear this morning that one of the women in CNP has died.

Container

At long last we got to use the container in CNP for the Men's Bible Study group. The container is actually 2 welded together with the middle cut out, but it provides an invaluable resource. Pray that we may continue to have free access to this resource as certain elements of the community are politicising the usage of it.

Patrick Update

Dean has just returned from the hospital where he saw Patrick and Ben.

Patrick is in so much pain after the amputation. His leg was removed just below the knee, so he will be somewhat unbalanced when he has recovered. Dean has never seen anyone literally writhing in pain before and it was quite distressing to see him in this state. Aunty Kuku has agreed to visit tomorrow so Dean will take her in the afternoon to see Patrick. Unfortunately their grandson Enslen has been dumped on her again. Enslen is seriously disable having some form of palsy and having him in the home puts a huge burden on Aunty Kuku.

Patrick Et Al

Dean went to Hospital today with our two medical electives (Jonathon & Rachel) to visit Patrick and Ben. Whilst there we also saw Annie who is being treated for severe chemical burns. She was working in the farms in Feb and was exposed to some chemicals which have left her quite badly disfigured and have burnt her throat and lungs. Dean didn't initially recognise her as she had lost so much weight.

Patrick is scheduled to have his leg removed tomorrow (12 May) and he is really upset about this. Whilst Dean was with Patrick, Paula arrived with Joel which appeared to brighten up Patrick's day.