Once a notorious gangster and drug baron, South Africa’s public enemy number one, Solomon Staggie was ministered to by Vic Jackopson in Pollsmoor Prison. For the past ten years, Solomon has been diligently studying the scriptures and witnessing his faith to fellow prisoners. Recently he wrote: -
My dear beloved in Christ Jesus. I trust that the Holy Spirit will minister to your hearts. My love and gratitude to you, leaders of Hope Now, who, because of love for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, made it possible for me also to have this wonderful opportunity to study. Now I, once a stranger, also share in the abundance of God’s blessings, having access by faith to His kingdom. Hallelujah, now I am a part of the household of the saints. My dearly beloved, don’t you ever think that I don’t think about you. I am sure that I am one of your children in a far of country. I was for a few months at Pollsmoor Prison, Cape Town, a place that was convenient in many ways because I was blessed with regular visits from my wife and children. They could use public transport and people like Pastor Clayton and many other Spiritual workers make regular visits to Pollsmoor, so they could visit whenever there was a need. I was shocked by a sudden transfer to this place (Porterville, 120 north of Cape Town); I At first wanted to rebel. But then I realized what God’s Word says we need to give thanks in all circumstances – everything will work out for the better – for us, who love Him and do His will. When I came here, I was also faced with something I almost forgot about: “The Gangs!” They came to me and said: “Tomorrow we would like to talk to you.” That night I prayed. The next morning in the yard they came to me saying: “ We know that you are a “26” but we also know that you live “Christ Jesus”. All we want to tell you – if you need anything, you must come to us. Then they left me to report to their fellow – members (not that I would ever ask them for a help). I live according to God’s word. (Isaiah 60: 1-2). Wherever I go, Jesus Christ shines in me, bringing light into this dark world. Proverbs. 16:7. So, my dear beloved, you are much loved. Please, pray for my family, so that God may unite me with them in His time. Also, more important, that I may receive “daily” Christ Jesus and the willingness to freely share Him. Maybe someone has got books on “Pastoral ministry”, “Christian counseling” and other books that would be of help, commentaries, especially the book of “Acts”. Should I receive such books, it will form part of my personal library to assist others here with me. It will be of great help. Remember, I am just one of your children and I am truly blessed to share in your life what God Almighty has blessed you with. Once more. lots of love to you, family, and all believers. Your son Solomon Staggie, lots, and lots of Christ Jesus love.
Yet again, Close to the Heart, has had a very successful tour of the England and raised a significant sum of money toward the development needs at Kompas Park and the Mission Fund.
Welcome to 2010, our silver jubilee. Let us rejoice at all God has done in the past 25 years and celebrate the wonderers of His grace in the lives of many thousands of people in the three continents of Africa, America and Europe.
01.02.2012 Pray for Alla, Lena, Ksenya and the team presently working in Calcutta for another two weeks with Tear Fund projects
02.02.2012 Pray that the Mission Fund, which undergirds all that is done both here and in Ukraine, will have the finances to meet all our obligations
03.02.2012 Pray for all the older people that came to our Christmas party in Cherkiassy, that the Lord will bless them whatever their situation or background
04.02.2012 Pray for those who had a well installed last year, that as they share their water they will get opportunities to share their faith also
05.02.2012 Pray for all those who are attending the Bible School that they can give adequate time to studying, working and being with their families
06.02.2012 For all the foster parents of children supported by Hope Now, that they will have patience as they have to deal with problems that occur from time to time
07.02.2012 Our auditors visit the Southampton offices today to audit our accounts – pray that all will be in order as figures are checked
08.02.2012 Give thanks for all the volunteers that come into the office and give of their time so sacrificially, doing jobs at times without even being asked
09.02.2012 Pray for Frank and Lin as they plan for the summer at Kompas Park, and visit churches to speak about the varying areas of service possible
10.02.2012 Pray for Misha and all the staff at the Ukraine office as they consider all the requests from those asking for help
11.02.2012 Pray that all the plans for the Annual Weekend Away next month will come together well, and that people will register early while rooms are still available
12.02.2012 Pray for Alla Kostyunina, Director of Kompas Park, that she will be given wisdom in her decisions and management of the Park
13.02.2012 Give thanks that the young people in South Africa are doing well with their education, and pray for wisdom for Margaret Ferguson as she guides and directs them
14.02.2012 On this St Valentine’s Day, pray for the students we support who are in relationships, that they will be sensible and keep up their studies
15.02.2012 Pray for David and Valerie Reddaway as they oversee the Bible School, and the Church planting and twinning programme
16.02.2012 Pray for Jon as he attends a Men Meet meeting in Milford on Sea this evening
17.02.2012 Pray for Jon and Ali as they travel to Buckinghamshire to attend the Vetinerary Christian Conference this weekend
18.02.2012 Pray for Maria Shevchuki of Kuchkivka village as she celebrates her 86th birthday today
19.02.2012 Pray for the Directors and Staff of Orphanages we are involved with, that they will look after their children with love and dedication
20.02.2012 Pray for the young girls in Swindon House, and boys in Cornah House as they learn new skills which will prepare them for their futures
21.02.2012 Pray for Jon in his many responsibilities, that he will have wisdom in each decision that he has to make
22.02.2012 Pray for Lidia Savelieva and her vision of a sheltered home for older people to be realised, and pray for finances to come in for this project
23.02.2012 For Larisa Vovk in her work of overseeing the work being done with children in the orphanages and cottage homes
24.02.2012 Pray for Jon and Ali as they travel to Carlisle for the Northern Vet’s Christian Conference
25.02.2012 Pray for Cyndee and Darrell Knight and the work they do in the American Office for Kompas Park
26.02.2012 Pray for the Food Programme in Ukraine, especially through this winter time, that all those in need will receive help and no-one will be overlooked
27.02.2012 Pray for Vitaly and Ludmila Sidenko in their work with the African Students at 2nd Baptist Church, and Ludmila’s work with the deaf community at the same church
28.02.2012 Pray that we may be able to assemble a team of dentists and nurses to treat the children in the internats
29.02.2012 Give thanks for all our supporters who pray regularly for the work of Hope Now, and give sacrificially month upon month – pray the Lord will bless them as they bless the people of Ukraine
