Pertucia Erasmus (38) first came across MES in March 2022 when she was looking for a job and would hear people talking about us. For three months, she initially experienced MES services through the KFC Add Hope food hamper distributions and personal and family development Bible sessions. These services provided her with essential food items and helped her find a sense of community and spiritual guidance, for which she continues to express her gratitude.
Soon after, she participated in the GROW Work Rehabilitation programme as a cleaner. This programme, designed to provide employment opportunities and skills training to needy individuals, was a turning point in Pertucia’s life. Her role at GROW resulted in her selection for the Better Belville Together team to work in the graffiti and gardening division. In this team, she is the second in command (2IC) when her supervisor is not present, another opportunity for which she is grateful.
Pertucia shares that before she encountered MES, she suffered from alcohol and drug abuse. Fortunately, she found her path towards the Lord away from her previous lifestyle and is now familiar with the Bible taught in the sessions at the MES Cape Town centres. Pertucia says she carries a pocket Bible everywhere she goes. This transformation is a testament to MES’s impactful work; your support makes it all possible.
Pertucia expresses her gratitude to the MES donors: “I am grateful for the donors because if it weren’t for you, some people would still be collecting tins or 2-litre bottles just to put food on the table. We thank you for supporting the MES team and all the partnerships that help us as human beings, parents and single mothers who need it.”
All the efforts from donors and MES staff do not go unnoticed. Vulnerable families and individuals receive food daily. Pertucia shares how painful it was when her son and daughter would tell her they were hungry, and she had no option except to shoplift to relieve their hunger. She is not proud of those actions but acknowledges MES’ significant difference in her and her children’s lives. Your support impacts not just individuals like Pertucia but also their families, making a profound difference in their lives.
