Christmas Day at Parsonsvlei
On Christmas Day, the Parsonsvlei Child Development Centre (CDC), located in the suburbs of Gqeberha, South Africa, hosted a Christmas service for 83 people, sharing the good news of Jesus’ birth with the children and families who frequent the CDC. Several children and parents took this opportunity to rededicate their lives to Christ. Rev Garland Felix and his wife, Lizette, used Christmas Day not only to celebrate the birth of Christ but also to celebrate the birthdays of the children who are part of the CDC by serving a large cake. Additionally, each family received a food hamper to help see them into the new year—a time when prices traditionally rise in South Africa and many families struggle.
As an extra-special treat, all the children and a few adults were treated to a McDonald’s meal—a rare luxury in this community, where most children would never be able to afford such an experience.
The Felixes have a special place in their hearts for education, believing it is a vital tool people can use to rise out of poverty. They recognised two young ladies who worked particularly hard: one completed high school, and the other, in Grade 5, missed only one day of school—both major accomplishments in the Parsonsvlei community.
For 7.5 years, the Felixes personally funded the CDC, which feeds children and assists them with homework and other needs as they arise. They also received help from friends, family and businesses they were able to solicit. In June of this year, the CDC became officially registered with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM), enabling the centre to supplement its activities with a monthly stipend from NCM. “We are grateful to NCM for supporting the CDC since June this year,” stated Rev Felix. “Without these funds, none of this would have been possible. We would also like to acknowledge the gifts received from sponsors, family, and friends who donated snack packs and biscuits to add to the hampers. Our family, who always so willingly help serve the children, also assisted with preparing the hamper boxes with so much love.”
Rev Felix further stated, “We are humbled by the gratitude with which these gifts were received. The blessing of cheerful giving is the sweet taste we left the ministry with today. God has been good. He supplied our every need. Bless His holy name!”
