Tough year for East London couple who rescue children, help desperate families

Over the past three years Gateway News has shared some stories on the ministry of Marion and Matthew Peake, an East London couple who just don’t seem to have “no” in their vocabulary when it comes to helping the poorest of the poor and taking in destitute children.

Their lifestyle literally makes no sense unless you believe in a miracle-working God — which they do. They have many miracle testimonies and have been recognised by their city and other NPOs for their selfless, compassionate service.

They launched their ministry, Helping Those In Need, in 2017 soon after Marion began an uphill battle with cancer which has included having a double mastectomy and chemotherapy.

I spoke to Matthew last week and learned that the Peakes are experiencing their toughest year yet with a fresh, serious attack on Marion’s health and daily financial pressure to cope with responding to the mounting cries for help around them. They are also busy moving to a farm where they hope to provide a safe home to even more than the 10 children currently under their care. They have launched a “Go Get Funding” appeal to raise much-needed support for the costs of the move.

The Covid 19 pandemic escalated demand for their help and Matthew said that during lockdown last year they helped thousands of desperate people in need, leaving them financially stuck.

In December they believe God directed them to focus their ministry on children. Currently they are providing meals to 2 300 children in need. They receive some supplies from local businesses and donors but have to buy most of the provision — not only to feed the children but to help many struggling families alongside those children they’ve taken in.

Since opening their doors to children in need just over three years ago, while Marion was undergoing chemotherapy, more than 100 children have come through their doors. With their current focus on children they are committed to longer-term involvement with their children — feeding them, housing them, educating them, loving them and raising them to be who God intends them to be.

Matthew said that with transporting children to and from school and local ministry requirements, he easily drives about 4 000km a month which makes for a hefty fuel bill.

The children currently under their wing include their two biological daughters and 10 young girls, mostly from abused and neglected situations. The pressure to take in more is always there with police constantly bringing them children who have nowhere else to go, he said.

“How do you turn a child away? We can’t, they need help and we offer a second chance at hope,” he said.

Marion’s current health situation is a major concern. Since her first cancer ordeal five tumours appeared in her body but eventually vanished after much prayer. Since then, more health issues have surfaced which raise cancer fears — including a growing lump on the back of her head. They are trusting for healing, said Matthew..

“It has been a constant uphill battle this year. I don’t know where God is taking us but I know we are moving in the right direction. We really are trusting God for a breakthrough miracle,” he said.

He said that in this tough season he and Marion would greatly appreciate any contributions/support towards their ministry.

To donate to Helping Those In Need or to find out more about this NPO, call 072 348 4528, email helpingthoseinneed.el.sa@gmail.com , visit the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pg/OUTREACH.EL.SA or the website https://helpingthoseinneed.co.za/

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