Once again, I have returned to South Africa with a team of interns from Mt. Zion School of Ministry, serving DFL’s projects in Harding, KwaZulu Natal. HBC provides home and community based support for the terminally and chronically ill, including hundreds of AIDS patients in this area.

Patients in KwaMachi, Harding.

With the support and care of our Home Based Carers, many people have been cured of tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other serious illnesses. It is always a joy to see someone who has been bed-ridden for months become well enough to resume a productive, normal life; going to church, working in the garden, caring for their children and simply enjoying their health.

This mother was helped by our HBC volunteers

After two years of involvement, I am still impressed with the diligence and dedication demonstrated by our local volunteers. Most of the HBCs are themselves living under difficult economic situations, and many are even dealing with HIV within their own families, yet they desire to serve their community; faithfully, voluntarily, sacrificially.

Home Based Carers added to the Harding team this year.

This month we have been meeting with several others who would like to become Home Based Carers and are planning another course for November. They are committed to helping those in need and we are delighted to assist them.