Like it or not, hard times are good for you. The old truth that it builds character, is as valid today as it was years ago when our grandparents told us so. When I think back to the times when I was under pressure, to pass examinations, to submit reports on time, to make plans for the survival of Abraham Kriel Childcare, I experienced both pain and growth. I did not experience unhappiness.

Abraham Kriel Childcare is currently going through a tough period. The situation has forced us to look critically at what we do and how we do it.

In the end, this will help to turn us into a leaner and more effective organisation. It has not brought unhappiness or devalued our services to children and youth. It is astounding how one’s way forward becomes clear one step at a time in periods of great difficulty. As Christians, we believe that God is in control and that we can trust in his guidance. We also laugh and cry and think and pray harder. And we learn to appreciate and celebrate every blessing. One of the things we are proud of is the ‘Integrated Report’ that Abraham Kriel Childcare [2] managed to prepare and submit for the first time this year. Let us know if you would like one or view it on our website. Another highlight is the savings we managed to effect on the consumption of scarce resources, specifically water and electricity. 

It is a time of serious concern, particularly about the Abraham Kriel Family Care programme in Westbury, which is at risk due to a lack of funding. Despite this, we feel incredibly privileged to be instrumental in demonstrating God’s love to every child or young adult that benefit from the services we provide. When we really look at the people we serve, we can see that we have brought a little bit of heaven into their lives, because they can experience God’s love through our actions.

To our donors, friends and all those who pray for our work, please share this joy as you too brought it about. May God bless you all with the true happiness of bringing His love to those most in need of it.

• Paul Momsen is chief executive officer at Abraham Kriel Childcare [3].