Written by: Major Thataetsile Semeno
Article source: JOY! Magazine
It happened 2025 years ago… yet it is still relevant today. It is the gift of eternal hope that God gave to all humankind through the birth of His Son, Jesus. Each Christmas we commemorate this gift, sharing the joy and promise of God’s hope with one another.
Donations bring hope to abandoned children nurtured in our children’s homes and early childhood education programmes.
Sharing hope all year round
Here at The Salvation Army, our sharing is all year round with our fellow citizens in need – those who desperately need the gift of hope. The need is especially great at Christmas, when others are celebrating. We share spiritually, by the grace of God, and practically through the generous donations of our faithful partners. The gift of hope comes in many ways.
Hope for rehabilitation for those trapped in substance abuse at our Hesketh King Treatment Centre.
A family’s winter relief
Life is a daily struggle for Zizi* and Lucky*, parents to seven-year-old Thembi*. Zizi is disabled, and Lucky has a poorly paid job in construction. In the depths of winter, with no heating and no food in the house, kind donations became a food parcel, warm clothes, and blankets for this little family. It gave them hope.
Hope for the elderly, often abandoned in their final years.
Safety and a fresh start
Hope for Debbie* and her two young sons came in a different way. When her partner beat her and threatened her with a knife, she found refuge at Beth Shan, our home for abused women. Safety allowed Debbie to build on that thread of hope by training for a career and finding a flat of her own.
Our Beth Shan Home is a place of healing for hundreds of abused and trafficked women who have been rescued. Here women and children are promised anonymity and protection, care and understanding.
Daily meals for the hungry
Hope for daily survival comes with plates of hot, nutritious food placed into the grateful hands of homeless people who line up outside our corps (churches). Again, this is made possible by donations.
Nutritious meals for the homeless and those who have lost their jobs.
Share your hope this Christmas
If you have hope in your heart and would like to share your blessings with others this Christmas, please use our banking details below to send a donation to be transformed into hope. Thank you in advance for your kindness, and please accept my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones at Christmas and beyond.
BANK DETAILS:
The Salvation Army Red Shield | FNB Account: 50540087604
Reference: Please use your contact number – and the reference JM25. This will allow us to thank you for your kindness.
This article is featured in the December issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 27/11/2025
MAJOR THATAETSILE SEMENO – Territorial Communications Secretary, The Salvation Army, Southern African Territory.
Feature image: Hope in times of emergency relief.
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