Panda's Ponderings: Offer compassionate care and demonstrate God's love

With 40 million people infected with HIV/AIDS around the world and more than 14 million children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS, we can't afford to wait until we know all the perfect solutions before we begin to offer compassionate care and demonstrate God's love. Acts of Mercy

God's Golden Acre - Heather Reynolds with Dale le Vack

“The boy was lying on a mat in the hut. He had probably less than a day to live. I finally broke the silence. ‘God, from this day on I will help every child in need, every child that needs a home, every child that crosses my path.’”

Heather’s sanctuary in South Africa, known as “God’s Golden Acre”, is the outcome of that promise. In KwaZulu Natal Heather and her sculptor husband Patrick have established a community for orphans, where nearly 100 children find sanctuary from abuse, poverty, and starvation.

The sick can die with dignity. Teams of volunteers risk danger distributing basic food supplies to the many scattered families, most headed by a granny or teenage girl. Each day they rub shoulders with death. 36% of the local people are infected with AIDS – the highest percentage of any area in Africa. For many dying mothers, Heather is the last hope for their children.

In the early years, Heather and Patrick dedicated their entire savings to the orphans and fighting the AIDS pandemic. They faced financial ruin, white and black prejudice, indifference, cruelty and a bureaucracy overwhelmed by need. Often there wasn’t enough to eat. Yet time and again, through a series of miracles, and Heather’s resolute faith, donors stepped in, touched and challenged by the spirit of awethu – the Zulu word for “Our Mother”.

Where did such courage and vision come from? Read Heather’s own astonishing story!