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The Church’s liturgical feasts add so much meaning to our lives as Christians!
Easter 26 was equally blessed and very joyful, with a luncheon then, in the
afternoon, the Easter egg shower. We thank Mr Peter Keshwar, of the SvdeP,
who magnanimously donated a good number of cooked chickens and loads of
other Easter goodies. The support of Peter and the SvdeP in general is so
encouraging. Thank you again!

As last year, we have continued to support around 22 scholars with school fee deposits, stationery and transport. Age range from creche fees until matric. See below our little Giana proudly in her uniform.

We aim to help our young people to get onto their feet in life, since most do not have family to support them. It was a great blessing that we found out about FITPRO – FITNESS PROFESSIONALS – mentioned in our previous Update– which offers a one-year internationally recognised course for qualifying as a Gym trainer. Zama was the first to attend, in 2024, and he was offered a job with them as soon as he qualified. Since then, we enrolled Jaffa, then Danny (see photo below of him graduating), then, in January this year, Josh, Zama’s younger brother, whom you see beaming in the photo below on the occasion of receiving his first certificate, and finally in July of this year we will enrol David, another of Zama’s brothers, making it already 5 on this course. It is expensive, but we managed it, thanks to our donors. As this is a very topical field, there is a good chance they will get employed on afterwards.

In addition to this, we have enrolled a few for shorter courses: e.g. Josephine did the dressmaking course at the Bienvenu Skills training centre, some of our youngsters have done driving lessons and so on. So, our sponsors can be proud that their money is being spent wisely and that they are able to help young people in need to build a future.

At the beginning of each year AISJ holds a super FUNDAY on their premises and we had the privilege of once again being invited. They magnanimously even sent a 40 seater bus to fetch us and also to bring us home. The bus was almost full and everyone had the time of their lives. The fun included face painting, waterslides, the chance to swim in the pool, and so many other fun activities. In addition, a delicious meal was provided. Whilst the AISJ community had to pay for all activities, our Mercy House delegation got everything for free. Wow! It was wonderful and such huge fun, as the photos show. Our young people would not otherwise have this kind of experience and we say a huge big thank you to Nicci, who organised our visit, and the AISJ community for giving those less privileged such a wonderful experience. May you be blessed.

Comboni Father Jeremias was stationed in Johannesburg as Provincial around the year 2010. He had a big place in his heart for refugees and was a huge supporter of and blessing for our Mercy work. His personal care and humble service won over all who encountered him. It was a great loss when he was transferred to Rome to be the Vicar General of the worldwide movement. When his term of office ended, he was able to fulfil one of his greatest wishes, to work in Mozambique, where he is currently stationed. He came to Johannesburg on business in March 2026, and we had the great privilege of his visiting us during his short stay. The first photo shows Father with Danny, our orphan from eastern DRC, on the occasion of Danny’s First Holy Communion many years back, and the second shows him on his visit in March this year, with the same Danny, now a qualified gym instructor. What a faithful friend Father is to us, we appreciate this very much.

Alfredo Riak was born in Sudan and matriculated in 2010 then studied theology at the University of East Africa. In 2025 he came to South Africa and moved into Mercy House. Meanwhile, he had been researching the history of Sudan thoroughly, resulting in this publication: The Broken Nation, the Unbroken People, in February 2026. We congratulate him on this remarkable record and wish him well. Anyone interested can contact him on 0027 0691 447 250.