This is the second part of Tert’s story. Herman is writing it down:

In the first part of the story, the beggar told of how someone had prayed for him and how he had been cured of alcoholism.

“So, how on earth did you find me?” Tert asked him. “Well, you see, I had a few jobs here and there. Mowing lawns and washing cars for a few Rand. 

Then I bought a newspaper and somewhere in a bin I found an old copy of a Gateway from 2011. I was looking for jobs. And I saw this advert in the newspaper,” he said, showing Tert a small piece of paper. It was an advertisement of a place that sold chocolate and small molds and then you can make your own chocolate to sell for an income. 

“I tore out this advert and kept it. Then I paged through the Gateway and read your Christmas story. And I asked a couple of people if they knew you. Do you know how many people in Harties know you? One man gave me your number.” 

“Why me?” asked Tert. “Well, you see, in that story I read how you were wondering about Christmas and about street children and people like me. And I thought maybe you could help me.”

“So, how can I help you?” 

“All I need is a place to stay and where I can work. And a few Rand to buy some of the molds and chocolate so that I can get started. I will pay you back.” 

“Do you know anything about building work?” 

“When I was living in Eersterus, I was a bricklayer. But that’s eight years ago. My hands aren’t used to bricks anymore. But I still know how to do it.” 

“Well,” said Tert, “come with me. I think the chocolate thing could work, but you’ll earn more working for me. I’m looking for a supervisor at one of the sites.”

“What happened then?” asked Herman when Tert stopped talking. 

“It’s two years since I met this man,” said Tert. “Two amazing years. He is still staying in the small flat in my back yard and things are going well. 

And sometimes, when I drive past the man with the amputated leg at the traffic lights, or past the old lady at Crossroads, I wonder if a stranger would stop next to them to pray for them.”

³… Look on victims of abuse as if what happened to them had happened to you.

May we do the same. May many of these stories about our way of doing things be written down …

Scripture
Hebrews 13:1-8

Reflection
What does your compassion for people who are suffering look like?
Are you doing something about it?
Are you making a difference in other people’s lives?

Prayer
Lord, I pray again that I may never be where people say You are not. May I take You everywhere and be Your hands and feet for people who are being abused and are suffering. Amen.