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VISTARUS LODGE |
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VISTARUS LODGE |
"He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord,
and that which he has given, He will repay him." Prov. 19:17
In spite of overwhelming obstacles, the founders of Vistarus in great faith followed their dream to bring restoration, dignity and hope to a large group of suffering families as well as destitute woman, children and men.
Originally built as a hostel in Ambrose Street, Sydenham, with 220 rooms accommodating single men. in the period 1966 - 1967 the building was taken over by gangsters, a shebeen operated from the office. Strong-arm tactics were used to ‘collect’ rent. At this time, the department of health threatened to close the building down due to poor health and living conditions. The police were planning to establish a satellite station at the entrance due to the high crime rate in this concentrated area.
The 1997 period has been well documented in the press, the landlord at that time experienced power and water cuts as a result of his not paying for these services, families who were living under these appalling circumstances were powerless to respond.
Kobus and Lynette Jacobs were moved by the news reports of the dire circumstances of that communities suffering. In a great leap of faith they decided to actively engage the problem and their vision was born: The upliftment of the occupants in body, soul and spirit, with specific reference to bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, teaching of life skills and creating job opportunities. By eliminating child abuse, prostitution, unemployment, drugs and alcohol abuse, the community’s lifestyles would be improved. Their vision was to create a place of safety where every person could experience equal opportunities in all aspects of life.
After countless battles and obstacles the vision still lies ahead, but there are now many landmarks along the road, that celebrate the successes enjoyed along the road to empowerment and restoration, some of the are:
TV Lounge for the occupants of Vistarus, Library, Doctor’s surgery, Dentist, Crèche, Clothing bank, Soup Kitchen, Coffee bar, Lecture room, Counselling, Prayer room, Laundry, Free breakfast for children, Place of safety,There are various job creation opportunities being launched. Currently over 400 people are being accommodated. Approximately 40 destitute families are being housed and fed.
For more info, contact Kobus or Lynette on 041 484-1106
OUR VISION:
To care for the poor.
- Uplifting and improving lifestyles.
- Assisting the unemployed to find employment.
- Starting self-help schemes.
- Bringing the Gospel.
SERVICE PROVIDED:
Accommodates on average 350 people with a capacity of 550 people.
- Affordable accommodation and meals.
- Creche/daycare facility
- free of charge to tenants
- run by unemployed people in building.- Our soup kitchen provides a meal per day free of charge to those who cannot afford to provide the necessary for themselves.
- Free breakfast to all children.
- Clothing bank where donated second-hand clothing is distributed to the needy.
DESTITUTE PEOPLE:
Presently approximately 30 people(including children}.
- Accommodation, meals and toiletries supplied.
- Have to assist by working in complex ie. laundry, kitchen, general cleaning and maintenance.
SELFHELP SCHEMES ALREADY STARTED:
Woodwork.
- Maintenance Service.
- Alterations and additions to homes.
- Painting.
- Plumbing.
- Arc Welding.
LONG TERM PLANS:
Starting Workshops
- Ironing Service
- This will generate an income for the unemployed and for the complex.
- Spray Painting
- Sewing
- Gardening Service
- Shuttle Service to clinics and hospitals.
- On site mobile clinic. *
NEEDS TO ENABLE US TO CONTINUE WITH THIS SERVICE:
Good second-hand clothing.
- Foodstuffs.
- Toiletries.
- Bedding.
- PVA and gloss paint to upgrade the building.
- Crockery and cutlery for the central kitchen.
- Cash donations.
- Nursery School/Educational Stationary.
- Playground equipment.
- Gardening tools & Machinery, Seedlings/Plants and Trees.
- Woodworking Equipment and Machinery.
- First Aid Kit / Basic Medical needs.
- Library/Books/Tapes/videos.
- TV/Chairs for TV room.
- We do any General Maintenance, Electrical, Plumbing, Roof Cleaning, Panelbeating or Welding.
- People to assist with young Christians.
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TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT !
For more information,
Kobus &
Lynette Jacobs |
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