Marking a milestone moment in its three-year history, the Nation Builders’ Prophetic Apostolic Movement (NBPAM), a service centre for the elderly in Humansdorp, treated its members to a rejuvenating three-day getaway to Port Alfred, offering a welcome respite from their daily struggles.
Founder of NBPAM, Pastor Ashwell Goliath, said that the tour was a vital intervention for their elderly members, many of whom are struggling with emotional and spiritual exhaustion. Having faced numerous challenges with their children and grandchildren, he said they desperately needed a break and an opportunity to recharge.
As part of their three-day tour, Goliath mentioned that the 18 beneficiaries, along with the project manager and two care workers, enjoyed a boat cruise and visited The Big Pineapple and the Pineapple Farm in Bathurst. They also visited Kenton-on-Sea.
Goliath said that since they do not receive regular funding, it was difficult to plan any tours for the last three years.
He said that the recent trip was, therefore, a significant accomplishment for the organisation, as the fundraising committee and members put in a considerable effort to gather the necessary funds for the trip.
Goliath added that they also received substantial donations from community members, which greatly helped them reach their goal.
He also expressed gratitude for the prayers and financial support they received.
“This tour was a first for all the elderly members, and it was a transformational experience in many ways,” said Goliath. “The 18 beneficiaries cannot stop thanking the members of the organisation for working so hard to make this tour possible.”
Since their organisation is Christian-based, Goliath said that during the tour they offered their members counselling and prayer sessions as part of their Recreation and Restoration programme.
Looking ahead to their next adventure, he mentioned that the organisation’s executive board members and fundraising team have already started planning their four-day tour to Oudtshoorn for next year.
Additionally, Goliath said that they have a few local trips planned.
He said that they are also planning their annual Christmas event, which is their highly anticipated event expected to take place in December this year.
Expanding on the difficulties encountered by their members, he mentioned that they all rely on social grants.
Some members also have the responsibility of supporting their children and grandchildren, which adds extra financial pressure on them.
Goliath said that additional financial pressure for both the organisation and its members includes their dependency on public transportation to ensure that all members can attend their weekly programme at Kruisfontein Library.
He further said that the organisation relies on public transportation for member pickups and drop-offs; however, they frequently encounter difficulties securing transportation between the 15th and 31st of each month, leading to disappointing member absences due to lack of transport. “We trust God for transportation for our organisation which is available for all our members,” said Goliath.
For more information or to contribute financially towards the Nation Builders’ Prophetic Apostolic Movement (NBPAM), contact Ashwell Goliath (project manager) at 072 208 4230, Imelda Felix (chairperson) at 076 785 1672, and June Potgieter at 062 324 7003.
