Carryou founder honoured

Carryou Ministry founder, Pam Jamison was honoured by the West Rand District Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Mpho Nawa during the State of the District presentation.

Pam and Carryou Ministry’s contribution to the community of the area was recognised and acknowledged; she and her husband Tony even received a standing ovation by the guests and dignitaries.

It all started when the St John the Divine Anglican Church asked Pam Jamison, member of the congregation and a nursing sister to attend an Aids Trainer of Trainers course.

This was because an increasing number of people were turning to the church for assistance in dealing with the trauma of HIV and Aids.

Pam completed the course and soon began to care for patients in Toekomsrus.

Word quickly spread and she was asked to train others so they too could care for the sick.

It wasn’t long before caregivers in other townships and rural areas also came flocking to her for help and so Carryou Ministry was born.

“It just grew,” says Pam.

“Carryou Ministry is a non-profit organisation involved in home-based care for the sick and elderly, as well as people affected by HIV/Aids.

“As a result of the devastating disease, our biggest challenge now is caring for the children left behind.”

Carryou Ministry’s work is inspired by Matthew 25:35 – ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick, and you looked after me’.

“We started this ministry with no resources, just sick people and strong faith,” says Pam.

“We prayed to God to lead us according to His purposes, which He always has done.

“The name Carryou is found in Isaiah 46:4, where God says: ‘I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you’.”

And God has been true to his promise.

Today Carryou Ministry feeds around 1 000 people, mainly children, six days of the week, provides home-based care to over 200 terminally-ill patients, helps hundreds of children with their homework and provides counselling and support-services.

As usual, Pam was modest about her contributions, giving credit to God and the team.

“It is with grateful thanks to our Lord Jesus for this honour given to us,” she says. “We are working hard every day to fulfill the vision and tasks He has given us and I have every confidence in the team we have developed under Reverend Lawrence Mabaso.”