One of the greatest challenges and frustrations we experience here in Port Alfred is the frequent request for help that we receive, mostly financial help, although sometimes for food or medical care. The needs here are great, and we quickly realized that it's not possible to help everyone. If we do help one, we then have an obligation to help anyone that comes to us with similar needs. So we have had to make the very difficult decision that we cannot make loans or contributions to anyone. We've let it be known that we will do everything we can to "help them learn how to fish, but not give them a fish". That has certainly come with it's frustrations as some feel we are "rich Americans", and as Church leaders, we should be helping everyone. So we continue to receive requests.
This past week we received a call from one of our Branch members asking if they could meet with us. We agreed on a time and place, but were certain it would be another request for financial help. As we sat down together, our member explained that she was considering starting her own business, and knowing that both Dian and I had extensive business experience, asked for our advise. Wow! That was the last thing we expected, but we were so pleasantly surprised. It gave us hope that change is possible. It was another good day !!!
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