He’s tiny. Definitely too small for his age. His legs are stick thin and his belly protrudes from the obvious malnutrition. His worn and dirty shorts and t-shirt can’t possibly keep him warm against the winter winds. He runs around with no shoes, climbing up anyone or anything he can. The stench coming from his body will probably never leave your clothes once you pick him up, but when he lays his head on your shoulder, you can’t help but fall in love with him. And love is exactly what he needs.
We call him Apie, which means monkey in Afrikaans. His name fits him well.
Apie is growing up in a neighborhood called Phumlani. Shacks line the streets, poverty is their life, unemployment is high, and safety seems unattainable. Kids as young as 11 and 12 join the gangs that walk their streets and you can barely find a home where drugs aren’t being used. Of all the places I’ve been over the past eleven months, Phumlani is probably the most hopeless, destinies already set for future generations.
But in the midst of the hopelessness, we have the incredible opportunity to work with a ministry that brings hope to the children of Phumlani.
New Chapter is an after school program in Phumlani. Malcolm’s heart and passion for this ministry and the kids is contagious! Each afternoon, we head to the center to love on these kids. On Mondays and Wednesdays, we have sports and recreation stations, where the kids can play soccer, dance, and color pictures. Tuesdays and Thursdays are our educational days, where we will (once school begins after break) teach life skills and help with homework.
Malcolm has a huge heart for these kids and making their lives better and helping them achieve their dreams! What an incredible honor it is to be a part of this ministry!
Please be praying for Apie and all the children in Phumlani! They are children of the King!
