Although the Cuddle Trust technically stands for "Community Upliftment Development Directives Liaison & Education," its acronym is so fitting, as it accurately describes the love, hugs, and care that the team of Brothers and Sisters in Cape Town pass on to many preschool-aged kids, helping them to help themselves which sustainably extends to their families and communities.

For 2 weeks 6 of us volunteers (or better: "voluntours!"), from Australia, the UK, and Germany were able to join the team in really living out the T2T motto, "touch to teach," by appreciating and encouraging the kids and young people in our hope for the kingdom, God's love, and confidence, which visibly made a difference in their lives!

But not just the kids' lives were changed- all of us volunteers' lives have been impacted massively!

Changing lives is life-changing

I learned heaps about active love from the Scheepers, Viljoens, and Fürstenburgs, who run the trust. All the kids they interacted with seemed to leave each Bible Club or Camp with a fully charged love battery, smiles, gratitude for God, genuine friendships, and many hugs!

Their approach to outreach and preaching work impressed me because they focus on creating real connections by spending quality time (kids camps, inviting the local youth over for regular “braais,” visiting and supporting hard-working individuals, etc.) as the foundation for trust. That trust often leads to healthy, long-term mentorship relationships in which they openly share their faith.

Random Act of Kindness

The “random” acts of kindness that occurred weekly were authentic expressions of God’s love for different people in the community, proving the truth of their conviction and openness.

Wherever they sensed a need that could be met sustainably (especially in equipping early education/ care institutions and teachers), they made an action plan of service.

One example of such an act of kindness was our visit to a lovely lady living near Hopefield called Tamsyn, who runs “Tamsyn’s Tots” out of the goodness of her heart. This creche does not give her any profit. However, she is still so passionate about just being there for the kids, to fill their lives with a bit of structure and joy while the parents are away working long days.

Sis. Leona Scheeper and the Family perceived her hard work. They were determined to be God’s blessing to her, so we spent each spare moment of the first week painting banners as educational resources to teach counting, colors, shapes, the alphabet, and emoji pillows to help the kids express and learn to deal with their emotions.

But there was more... a huge donation of old kids’ toys, chairs, and tables was available from one of Sis Lilandi Furstenburg’s friends, so we picked it up and took it to Tamsyn’s Creche, where we cleaned the old dirty stuff so it looked like new and could actually be used!

Still, Leona had more in store to make Tamsyn smile: Bro Henri Viljoen, who runs his own workshop, had us 6 Volunteers and the local Hopefield Youth over to create wooden toys to teach the kids threading, tying shoe laces and dexterity.

Many hands made light work, and we were all so happy for Tamsyn (standing in the center of the photo) and her “Tots” to have fun for many years with these quality resources!

I hope this example illustrates how the Cuddle Trust really rejoices in blessing others, and working with the team felt so much like God was using us as his vessels.

How this trip has changed my life

Now I understand the verse: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), For it is in giving that we receive! And we received so abundantly, it makes me so grateful.

This time has helped me better understand God’s grace and purpose for each unique individual’s life and the responsibility this brings to create value in my life by what God has given me.

What about your life?

Everyone has been blessed with resources, skills, a voice, time, and passion to help, plan events, or an open ear to support those in need!

One final essential lesson for me, which I hope also helps you, was that we don’t need to be perfect at any of those listed talents to use them. I used to shy away from calling something a “talent” because I thought: “Who am I, compared to other people in our community who are much better at this!” However, the truth is “the fastest way to kill something special is to compare it to something else.” (Quote by Sis Sharon Prins from her book “Revealing the Butterfly”)

In essence, if we don’t use the little we have for fear of being unable to do it “good enough,” we miss out on many opportunities to do good for God! In the end, hiding behind such fears is plainly just an excuse, so let’s remember that Noah built the ark by God’s strength while “experts” built the Titanic! God doesn’t choose the equipped, but he equips the chosen!

“WE CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO STRENGTHENS US!” (Php. 4:13)

Take some time to jot down some notes on how your “God experiences” have shaped your perception of HIS purpose for your life. What are your spheres of influence? (Ecclesia, job, school, home, community, or volunteer organizations) How can you share God’s love sustainably and in a way that’s authentic to you and your strengths?

I recommend experiencing outreach work for yourself, and the Cuddle Trust always appreciates volunteers. Let yourself be inspired by the attached photo collage (see link below), which also contains more information on how to get involved via the WCF White Fields Mission program.

I will leave you with a quote from Lucas Scheepers, which he said on the first night we met them in Hopefield: “If it doesn’t require some small sacrifice, it’s not love; love is active!”

God bless and keep you on your personal journey to his kingdom!

Your Sister, in the life-changing hope we share,

Jessie McQueen