Board of Directors

On Father's Day the first Board of Directors where annointed: Jon, Gordon, Rouen and Denzil

The complete Board Directors of Ethembeni are pictured here. From left to right: Mphuma, Gordon, Elliot, Rouen, Jon, Denzil and Grant

Praise be to God for their willingness to serve.

A tribute to Hlengiwe Mphuthini

Hlengiwe Mphuthini: died on the 10th August 2009, aged 40. Leaving her husband Albert, 6 children and Sipho. Ethembeni pays tribute to her for your faithful service and especially for her amazing legacy of caring for Sipho! Sipho was abandoned by his mother when only 20 months old. Hlengiwe offered to take him into her family home while Linda Smallbones found a more permanent solution. After only 2 weeks of caring for Sipho, Hlengiwe indicated that she was willing to take Sipho into her home permanently. Sipho and her had bonded - God's love had moved Albert to support his wife's desires to have their 7th child in their home! It was a joy for us to watch Sipho and Hlengiwe grow into all God intends for a mother and little boy relationship - laughter, tumbles, stern reprimands, forgiveness....unconditional love and acceptance! When Hlengiwe tragically died we were all afraid that Albert would return Sipho and ask us to find another home for him. But with tears in his eyes Albert told us of how Hlengiwe made him promise to never give Sipho up! He was to always remain part of the Mphuthini family no matter what happened! This is how she taught me to leave a legacy! How you care for people and the promises you make and keep while you are alive - are the witness that speaks powerfully about your life in Jesus! Hlengiwe we miss you and we promise to pray for you and your family faithfully.

Nomusa and the hopeful story of the Care Centre

In 2009, the Ethembeni Care Centre, with its focus on providing care for those who are very sick had 38 patients admitted to our 4 beds. Of these 38 patients, 14 went home better. Close to 35% of our patients can tell a story today of how the following services restored them:

1. Daily spiritual food including workship, prayer and bible readings.
2. Good nutrition: 3 meals a day with lots of healthy snacks
3. Correct and diligent medication.

We celebrate with Nomusa her restored physical health yet it is her spiritual joy and peace that excites us. She knows Jesus is with her for the rest of her life as she lives as a HIV positive person. This picture shows Nomusa with two of our care worker team: Luleka and Thembelihle. We praise God for His faithful restoring of Nomusa. Please pray for her today.

It is important to realise that over 50% of our patients are dying either with us or after being referred to hospital. This is becuase the care provided was too late! This leads me to two pleas:

• Know your status! If you are HIV negative, remain so! If HIV positive, then keep your immune system high so that you do not become sick.
• Make pro-active decisions to help those who are sick before it is too late! Please refer anybody to the care centre for a visit 033 238 0596.