MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Hartenbos Heuwels residents Stefan and Abrie van der Berg have a heart for helping children.
They have chosen to start with one class at Garden Route Primary School in Asla Park, Mossel Bay.
The couple go to the school once a term and speak about Jesus. They take a treat for the children.
They are doing this under the auspices of dia-LOGOS, the missionary organisation. Stefan and Abrie visited the school last month.
Difficult circumstances
Abrie says: "We gave the children a cracker with sweets, icies and a toy. Many of them have difficult circumstances at home. Some of them find it difficult being in a school. They have to learn a lot of discipline. Their teacher is extremely patient."
Abrie notes: "Our main focus is to go and serve. We read them a Bible verse. We say that Jesus opened the door for us to go there. We teach them who Jesus is. We pray for them and motivate them.
"While speaking to them we find out about them. Some say they are living with their grandmother or their mom, who is single."
Abrie says some of the children lack confidence and do not speak confidently. "It's extremely challenging for their teacher.
Contribution
"I have a friend, who I ask to go with us. She is very willing to make a contribution. We bake and take cupcakes and she goes with us for moral support. We show love, care and concern for the children."
Abrie notes: "After we were there last year, one of the boys kept asking when we were coming again. So, when we went again, the teacher went and fetched him and he was so happy to see us.
"We could give him a hug and uplift him. It means a lot. We planted a seed."
Stationery
Last year Stefan and Abrie succeeded in giving stationery to the children in all four of the Grade R classes - 120 children.
"It was wonderful how the Lord went before us," Abrie said.
Anyone who would like to donate items for the children is welcome to do so. "Last year we gave them rugby and basket balls,"Abrie said.
If you wish to help, contact Stefan (082 952 9800) or Abrie (060 503 8971).
Items to donate can include toys, cooldrinks, cupcakes, sandwiches and ice cream.
"Some of these children hardly ever receive a treat. "In the winter time people can donate shoes or slippers for the children to wear at school. They are kept at the school. They don't take them home," Abrie said.
Stefan van der Berg with Nicolas Gertse, who was the principal of Garden Route Primary last year, and staff of the school holding boxes of stationery.
BELOW: The children had fun wearing masks on one of Stefan and Abrie van der Berg's visits. 
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