If you do one thing today, watch this moving clip captured by Richard Bolland from the Common Ground New Hope Street and Shelter Ministry team.
Here’s what this lady, who wishes to remain anonymous, had to say when asked what she would want if she had three wishes…
For more info on how to get involved in the street and shelter ministry, email info@commongood.org.za. You can also check out the Common Ground New Hope Facebook page here!
Thinking of serving through Common Good this year? Here, five volunteers share with us a bit about why they chose to give their time and talents to serve through Common Good initiatives last year.
Izandla Zethemba
“I think that realising my call to “live social justice” and responding to it by volunteering for Izandla Zethemba has been very fulfilling. Realising that even though I am volunteering to be an influence in the lives of the kids at IZ, I myself have learnt so much from them and they have positively influenced me as well. Being part of something bigger than myself, where God is so evidently at work, has been wonderful.” – Jessica Granger, Izandla Zethemba volunteer
Paradigm Shift
“The end of course graduation is an amazing event where graduates and past graduates share how much they have benefited in their business, in their confidence in facing life’s difficulties, and in their daily walk with Christ. It is like seeing a miracle where a “few loaves and fishes are used to feed a multitude”. Helping men and women recognise their gifts and God-given abilities despite material poverty, remains an awesome experience.” – Roy Mayers, Paradigm Shift volunteer
Maintenance Ministry
“It’s an amazing feeling knowing that my time can be used to help organisations with something I enjoy doing. Not only do I get to do what I enjoy but also help where it’s needed, in a practical sense and seeing the end result.” – Denton Walters, Maintenance Ministry volunteer
Bedtime Reading
“I genuinely look forward to seeing the kids each week, and while it is often sad or frustrating to be there it is also so rewarding when they remember what you taught them the week before, they give you hugs, or they ask you to pray for them. God has definitely opened up my heart even more to His children and taught me more about the things that matter to Him.” – Debbie Kusel, Christine Revell Children’s Home Bedtime Reading volunteer
Paradigm Shift
“My most fulfilling experience as a volunteer was seeing the entrepreneurs grow in their business, grow in their confidence and their spiritual growth. Their enthusiasm and willingness to participate in all aspects of the lessons was also really encouraging… To be part of this initiative is an amazing blessing to me. I just feel so encouraged by this programme. God IS at work! In us and through us, and I ask the Holy Spirit to continue to show me where opportunities to serve present themselves and step up. I feel so privileged!” - Rose Reddy, Paradigm Shift volunteer
Are you interested in finding out more about the volunteer opportunities available through Common Good? Click here for a full list!
May this Franciscan blessing encourage you during the week ahead. (We have it stuck to our office message board 
)
May God bless you with discomfort. Discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen.
May God bless you with anger. Anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen.
May God bless you with tears. Tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and turn their pain into joy. Amen.
May God bless you with foolishness. Enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.
And the blessing of God, who creates, redeems and sanctifies, be upon you and all you love and pray for this day, and forever more. Amen.
(Photograph by irene gr, via Flickr.com)
Every Saturday, a group of volunteers goes to Litha Primary in Gugulethu to help teach maths to grade 6 and 7 students. Here’s what one of these students had to say… 
What are you grateful for this year?
Getting informed about the facts of our world is so important if we are to respond effectively, but, and let’s be honest, statistics cause most of us to space out, right? That’s why we’re loving the new trend in infographics that provides information in a visually appealing way. Here are our current top 5:
1. The Impact of the Internet on Human Rights
2. Where is the Safest Place in the World for Women to Live and Work?
3. Education Levels Around the World
4. The Life of an African Child
5. What’s Wrong with our Food System?
For more great infographics, follow us on Pinterest!
Do you have any favourite infographics?
(Photograph courtesy of Melissa Deakin via Flickr.com)
