Floyd & Sally McClung

A few days ago a massive fire swept through the southern peninsula of Cape Town. The fire destroyed many homes and brought chaos to many people’s lives. Among those whose homes were destroyed was a small settlement of very poor people called Red Hill. The residents of Red Hill were moved to a community center in a very upscale coastal village. They have moved out of the community centre today.

The fire came suddenly upon Red Hill because gale force winds were driving the fire at an unbelievable speed. I went immediately to the site of the fire, and could not believe the strength of the wind. The fire was all around us and there was pandemonium everywhere as we assisted people to evacuate. Red Hill residents lost everything, clothes, furniture, blankets…. everything.

We have been able to mobilize teams of volunteers to respond to this disaster, but there is a great need to help the people rebuild their small shack homes, hopefully in a better state than they were before the fire. As we cleared the rubble and burnt remains of the homes, we found only one or two families actually had a concrete floor. Most of the people slept on the ground, not because they want to, but because they have no choice.

I am writing to you to ask your help in rebuilding the lives and homes of the people of Red Hill. We are committed to long-term involvement in the lives of the people. We have started a Red Hill Relief Fund and opened bank accounts to collect donations under the auspices of All Nations here in Cape Town. The bank account number is at the bottom of this letter.

Would you prayerfully consider sponsoring a new shack home with basic contents for the families and single parents of Red Hill? The disaster department of the City of Cape Town has donated a disaster kit that will put a tin roof over their heads with a blanket. But that kit does not include walls, doors or windows. We would like to do much more. Here is what your contribution would accomplish:

R6,000 - a 6X4 Meter one room dwelling place with two windows and a door.

This does not include a floor.

R8,500- the same as above with two beds and mattresses and a two burner stove.

R12,000- the same as above with a floor! United Nations studies have demonstrated that once a wood or concrete floor is constructed there is a 60% less chance of sickness or disease.

Perhaps your family can join with another family, or a home group, club, or your congregation to sponsor a home for a family in Red Hill? If you cannot sponsor an entire “beautiful shack” for a family, would you consider buying two windows and a door? That would cost R1222,68.

Yesterday I helped clear the rubble away for a single mother named Mavis. Mavis had lived in her home since 1982. Over the years she had built up a three-room home and ran a small shop from there as well. She sold meat and other food goods to the community. We walked through the remains of what was once her home. She showed me where the living room was, the bedroom for her two daughters, and the little shop area with two fridges and a freezer- all destroyed in the fire.

My wife, Sally, and I will help Mavis rebuild her life and her home. This is not a quick fix or a hit and run affair to us. We believe in helping the whole person. We will care for the spiritual needs of Mavis and her family as well as her emotional and social needs. Because we live near by, we will continue to have a long-term involvement in Red Hill.

Please help the people of Red Hill, will you? We would like to see every home replaced and improved, and every person have the opportunity to have a deepened relationship with God and others who love God.

If you would like to be part of this project,  please send your donation to:

Red Hill Relief Fund
Standard Bank
Fish Hoek Branch
All Nations Account nr: 073830135
Branch nr: 03600980

The accountant for All Nations is:

Rian Myburgh and his phone number 0219149493

For the latest news, photos and daily reports of the progress visit www.theglobalchallenge.org or www.floydandsally.org

I thank you in advance for your contribution!