Be Strong and Courageous

 

This book was born out of reflection, prayer, and a deep appreciation for the life of Joshua—a man called to lead God’s people during one of the most daunting transitions in biblical history. After Moses, the great servant of the Lord, Joshua stepped into leadership at a time filled with uncertainty, responsibility, and opposition.

The words spoken to Joshua still echo powerfully today: “Be strong and courageous.” These words are not merely encouragement; they are a command rooted in God’s promise of His presence.

This book is an invitation to reflect on what those words mean in our own lives. Whether you are facing change, uncertainty, leadership responsibilities, or personal battles, the same God who walked with Joshua walks with you today.

The Edge of the Unknown

To truly understand the weight of God’s command, we must look at the landscape Joshua was facing. For forty years, the Israelites had been wanderers in the wilderness, led by the towering figure of Moses. Now, Moses was dead, and the nation stood on the banks of the Jordan River.

This was not a peaceful transition into a vacant land. Joshua was tasked with leading millions of people across a river into a territory inhabited by powerful, fortified nations who would not welcome them. The “Promised Land” was a place of destiny, but it was also a place of imminent conflict.

Joshua wasn’t just managing a move; he was preparing for a spiritual and physical battle against overwhelming odds. Without Moses’ guidance and facing a future defined by war and uncertainty, Joshua had every human reason to be “dismayed”. 

 It is against this backdrop of rushing water and waiting enemies that God speaks the words that would define Joshua’s life: “Be strong and of a good courage”.

 All proceeds from the sale of this book go directly to the CLR Foundation for them to continue helping the poor and needy. The book is available as an e-book or a paperback.

 Here is the Amazon link for the book  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HNFTH66J

 Thank you for your support from the CLR Foundation.  

Township Stories and Realities - Gogo Storytime, Mam' Thandi

 

Yesterday, at the first Gogo Storytime, Mam' Thandi read to fourteen children. 

Then Kagiso asked if she could read one back.

She chose a short Sesotho picture book, one of the new ones donated this week, and read it to Mam' Thandi slowly, finger under each word, with Sipho sitting just behind her in case she got stuck. 

She didn't need him. 

When she finished, Mam' Thandi clapped the way she used to clap for her Grade 3s, and the other gogos joined in. 

Three generations on one rug, and a child who has gone from asking what a word says to reading a whole book aloud.

Gogo Storytime now runs every Saturday at 10am. 

Help keep the shelf stocked: donate a home-language book or sponsor a set through the link below.

Hashtags: #GogoStorytime #TownshipStories #Literacy #Ubuntu #SouthAfrica

 ❤️Link for donation  -    https://www.clrfoundation.com/donate-1

You can join our WhatsApp channel for daily updates, stories and videos. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6QzBf72WU2IWqXcQ3Z  

🔴 Trying to make a difference. 🔴

 From the CLR Foundation, we thank every donor for their support, which helps us to continue visiting the townships and making a difference. 

 

Township stories and realities - Lindiwe is 11

 

Lindiwe is 11. She wants to fly planes. She's already worked out which airport she'd like to fly from.

She found a book about aircraft on the reading corner shelf a month ago and hasn't really given it back. 

She can tell you what the flaps on the wings do and why planes take off into the wind. 

She's the one who reads the hard words out loud to the younger kids at storytime, mostly so she can show off a bit.

On the International Day of the Girl, we're thinking about what girls like Lindiwe need to keep going: a book that answers their questions, a school day they don't have to miss, and adults who take their plans seriously.

What did you want to be when you were 11? Tell Lindiwe in the comments. We'll read them to her.

 🍞 Link for donation  -    https://www.clrfoundation.com/donate-1

You can join our WhatsApp channel for daily updates, stories and videos. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6QzBf72WU2IWqXcQ3Z  

🌍 Trying to make a difference.  🌍

From the CLR Foundation, we thank every donor for their support, which helps us to continue visiting the townships and making a difference.