by Paul Spolander – SSVP Victory Park
Hunger brings much misery to families in need, particularly where children are involved. Family visits are at the core of the Society of St Paul’s work amongst the poor. Visiting these families in their homes helps us verify and identify needs first hand.
More importantly though, family visits serve to let people know they are not alone in their struggles; there are others who care and want to listen to their stories. All too often poverty is accompanied by a sense of shame and failure. Visiting Vincentians are there to listen to their stories and to pray with them.
Vincentians are only instruments in the greater service of God. It is truly amazing the amount of comfort human contact and prayer bring to those in need. In our experience there is never been a time where people or families have refused prayer.
Paul’s Testimony
I joined the Society 20 years ago after doing a Life in the Spirit Seminar at Family of God Community. It felt as if God was calling me to give something back for the turnaround I experienced in my life at the time. One thing I have learnt is that, if you find time for God, God finds time for you.
Many hands make light work. So we always need new members (women and men of all ages) to help with our many projects and do God’s work. We would also love to have more youth involved. In May last year we lost a remarkable member, Larry O’Sullivan, to Covid. This was a huge loss to the Society, which we still feel up to now.
How to help
We need volunteers to:
- Assist with our social media platforms
- Drive / food deliveries & collections / logistics
- Sunday morning braai at the Masses
- Pray with us
- Collections outside the church
- Help at Vincent’s Charity Shop in Blairgowrie
- Assist with family visits
Be assured that your life will be highly blessed through the time you give. Join the society, get involved and experience God working in your life. God Bless.