“If God gives you a vision to do something, eh, don’t say to yourself ‘but no I can’t do it’ no, take hold of the vision and then you run with it. -Cecil Begbie

Reverend Cecil Begbie founded H.E.L.P (Healing Evangelist Leadership Program) Ministries Soup Kitchen to serve those less fortunate than himself and to assist in the healing of the South African nation. Early in his life, Cecil dreamt of being a detective or a mechanic, but while at The University of the Western Cape, he decided to train for the ministry.

Through the guiding hand of God, Rev. Begbie lives a life of “paying it forward.” He hopes other Christians can use the H.E.L.P Centre as a model to experience and establish all across the globe. As hunger continues to overrun South Africa, Rev. Begbie feeds thousands of people every day in his community through his Soup Kitchen Project. He is inspired by the Bible, and through his service of his people, he also serves the Lord. “Greater things than what I have done, you shall do,” serves as his ultimate inspiration.

A bitter fact in South Africa and around the world is that many people do not know where their next meal is coming from. Cecil Begbie does his part to alleviate his community’s suffering by providing them with a cup of soup and bread. This may be the only meal they eat all day.

“Since 2001, the West Chester University Honors College has been visiting the soup kitchen, where they get the opportunity to cook soup and deliver it along with Cecil and his team to two primary schools: Nederberg Primary School and Montana Primary School” (Journey to South Africa). Everyday, the H.E.L.P Ministries Soup Kitchen feeds 5,000 primary school children and 1,000 unemployed adults at 1pm.

One West Chester Honors student noticed the selflessness she witnesses among the people:

“...When it was my turn to pour the soup into makeshift bowls, I quickly noticed that the people would often pull their cups away before I was even finished filling them. I couldn’t help but think this was yet another act of selflessness; that even though these people were starving they would pull their cups away to ensure there was enough soup for all the other people in line too.”

Another student said:

“A little boy, no more than four years old, came to get soup from me. He was skinny, and shy- no words were exchanged between us but his eyes shared stories with mine as I ladled soup into his container. The boy came back for a second serving of soup, which wasn’t allowed (I gave it to him anyways) and I promptly choked on my privilege and pride as I watched the boy join all the other children, adults, and babies eating their meatless soup; they were all smiling.”

The hunger continues in South Africa, but through the leadership of Reverend Cecil Begbie, some of this pain and burden is lifted. He says, “ Those who will serve people and not serve themselves, but rather be committed to uplifting others. That, I will say, is the meaning and purpose of life … servant leadership.” May we all learn the Honors College mission statement, “To be honorable is to serve,” through this truly remarkable man.