MAULUMA - The plight of the six orphans of the Thobo family of Matangari village, whose touching story was published by Mirror two weeks ago, was relieved when the Highways International Church held a free-will offering service for the orphans on Sunday.

Church members donated groceries, clothes and other household items worth R3 000 to the orphans. The kids were forced to fend for themselves after their mother, Mavis, died in February 2003 and their father disappeared two years ago. The children do not receive any child support grant and at times, they are forced to go to bed with empty stomachs.

Pastor Mavhungu Mafukata told Mirror that his church decided to do something for the orphans after reading their sad story in this paper. “The article in the Mirror touched us deeply and as a church, we felt it is important to assist the poor children so that they can live a normal life like other kids. After reading the report, we called an urgent meeting for all church members to discuss the future of these orphans and we came up with the idea of the free-will offering. We want to show these kids that we love them and we are still going to offer assistance to the family in the future…”

Pastor Mafukata further encouraged other community members to contribute to the welfare of the poor to uplift the standard of life in this country.

“The church should not only focus on the spiritual well-being of a person because it is difficult to convert a hungry and suffering person. We must first satisfy their material needs so that they can see the greatness of the Almighty. By assisting these orphans, we believe we are planting a seed that will germinate and grow, to help these kids to be responsible future leaders of our community.”

The chairperson of the church’s social and welfare committee, Mr Azwinndini Mulaudzi, said the Thobo orphans deserve better life, care and support from all members of the community.

“God did not bring anyone into this world to suffer. These orphans are a precious gift from Him. We want to prove the fact that it is possible for one to live a normal life even when one does not have parents. We love these kids whole-heartedly and we want them to have bright future and to be responsible and self-dependent adults.”

Mulaudzi also said that apart from the groceries and clothes donated on Sunday, the church is also facilitating the handing over of huge donations with different stakeholders during a date yet to be set.

Ronald (21), the oldest of the orphans, who received the donation on behalf of the family, could not hide his happiness and gratitude during the function.

“As a family, we thank the Highways International Church for coming to our rescue in hard times like these. This makes us feel proud because we know there are people who care for us. I will never forget to thank Mirror for publishing our plight and I believe the paper will keep on doing good work,” concluded Ronald.