Upon arrival in the United States...life, for me, picked right back up into the chaos I left. It's been hard to find a few minutes to think about the trip, let alone write about it. Although it's hard to explain everything that happened...or even know how much this trip will affect the rest of my life, let me attempt to share a little of Kruger and the rest...
At Kruger we saw "The Big 5" Those are the animals that are the most dangerous....elephant, rhino, cape buffalo, leopard and lion. We saw all 5 in one day. That's only the 2nd time in Mike Massingham's life that he's seen all 5 in one day, and only the 4th time he's seen the leopard. It was fairly exciting. I loved learning about the different animals. For example, did you know that giraffes are double jointed in their knees and because they can kick either direction, very forcibly, they don't have any natural predators? Or did you know they only sleep 20 minutes a day? Elephants have the ability to feel seismic patterns in their feet, so they knew when the Tsunami was coming and ran for the hills before any human really know what was going on. It was truly amazing to see how God created animals with the most amazing things I would NEVER think of...most of the drive I was amazed at who He is as a creator.
The trip home was fairly uneventful, which is a bonus. Flights were good, we made all the connecting flights, luggage made it. Again a HUGE blessing!
It's been a little over a week...and I miss South Africa. When Liz was teaching on Tuesday night, she made the comment that South Africa was a beautiful country. It has oceans and mountains, beautiful scenery, animals...etc. The people of Masi did NOT agree with her. They don't see the natural beauty that surrounds them on a daily basis. I'm not sure we could have convinced them to think any differently. I think we are fairly similar.
So many times God tells us that we are beautiful, that He HAS given us certain gifts and talents and He does want to use us to further His kingdom. However we deny it. We don't see what He sees and dismiss truth for a lie. Like the people of Masi, we miss the everyday beauty of being His child and nothing He has said or done will change our mind. Whether the people of Masi were able to see the beauty that IS their country...it is still true. Whether or not we believe that God has created us to be His children and to do good works that He prepared...it is still true. So the choice is ours. Do we walk in truth or the mediocrity the world offers as life?
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Home, Sweet Home
The five of our group who opted not to go to the game park have made it home safe and sound. It was a long but smooth trip, though Leigh Ann's suitcase zipper gave up the ghost while we were transferring bags at the airport in Atlanta. A duct tape solution was all that was needed, but I have a feeling the bag will not be making any more flights.
Our expert in all things travel, Jay, bumped our Cape Town - J'burg flight back an hour or two so our layover in Johannesburg would not be four hours long. That gave us extra time in Cape Town, which we spent in an activity that was very effective in helping ease the transition back to the States: we went to the mall. I suppose you could say that part of our ministry was helping support the economy of South Africa--in which case, blessings abounded.
After a trip like this, having seen so much need and done so many different things to try to help meet those needs in such a short time, and being reminded of how much we have, it's only natural to experience what I call the "Schindler Syndrome"—"I could have done more...." Could have built & painted more walls, installed more computer programs, taught more truths, sung more songs, hugged more children, taken more pictures (OK, that last one is a stretch—we took a LOT of pictures). Which is valid—we all could have done more, and still can, and I hope we will, as a group and as individuals. But as far as the work of the past week or so is concerned, at some point we have to "let go and let God" (if you'll excuse what may be a cliché to you) and hope that He will take the seeds we scattered so apparently haphazardly, and cause each of them to grow into something greater than we would ever expect.
In the meantime, don’t be concerned or offended if I don’t answer the phone in the next day or so—I’m probably dreaming about a breezy place by the ocean where my “extended family” is taking turns making each other laugh (sometimes on purpose), our neighbors the whales are waving hello, and ice cream is on the house.
Our expert in all things travel, Jay, bumped our Cape Town - J'burg flight back an hour or two so our layover in Johannesburg would not be four hours long. That gave us extra time in Cape Town, which we spent in an activity that was very effective in helping ease the transition back to the States: we went to the mall. I suppose you could say that part of our ministry was helping support the economy of South Africa--in which case, blessings abounded.
After a trip like this, having seen so much need and done so many different things to try to help meet those needs in such a short time, and being reminded of how much we have, it's only natural to experience what I call the "Schindler Syndrome"—"I could have done more...." Could have built & painted more walls, installed more computer programs, taught more truths, sung more songs, hugged more children, taken more pictures (OK, that last one is a stretch—we took a LOT of pictures). Which is valid—we all could have done more, and still can, and I hope we will, as a group and as individuals. But as far as the work of the past week or so is concerned, at some point we have to "let go and let God" (if you'll excuse what may be a cliché to you) and hope that He will take the seeds we scattered so apparently haphazardly, and cause each of them to grow into something greater than we would ever expect.
In the meantime, don’t be concerned or offended if I don’t answer the phone in the next day or so—I’m probably dreaming about a breezy place by the ocean where my “extended family” is taking turns making each other laugh (sometimes on purpose), our neighbors the whales are waving hello, and ice cream is on the house.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Wrapping Up
I have to echo Heather’s thoughts about the service at Masiphumelele Baptist Church; the music is like spiritual caffeine to a sleepy soul! We experienced a remarkable contrast of worship styles; the one at King of Kings, very much like our own, and the one at Masi. It is a breathtaking reminder of how big God is, to realize how many ways His people relate to him, in so many places, in so many languages, all celebrating “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
An acquaintance of mine named Steven met up with us at Masi. He and his wife have just moved to Cape Town from the U.S. to investigate and pursue opportunities to serve the people here (possibly including Living Hope), under the auspices of the organization called ServLife. I met him via the blog site of Amanda Bradley, who was on the BBC S. Africa team last year. The rest of the team was going to the waterfront for the day, some to visit Robben Island, and so we made an afternoon of it there as well. It was good to hear about how he was settling into his life and ministry, and to see if I could offer any helpful information (with all my “vast”experience here in the Cape!). He coached me on asking for “tomato sauce” instead of “ketchup” at lunch, and goaded me into trying out one of the local electric guitars made from a Castrol can (one of our team members is bringing one home) at an indoor market, so it was a good day all around. His blog site is http://twoandtwomakesfive.blogs.com/.
Had a great dinner with Bill Bedi,and was touched by his passion for finding the right place where God can use him next, on the job or otherwise. I also appreciate his straight-shooting way of talking on any subject. His construction skills are a large part of why so much has been accomplished this week, and people have shaken their heads in wonder at how much has been done in such a short time.
Today was our last day of work, so we were up and at ‘em to get things done. We finished up the painting of the office spaces that our local “boss” Bill Eames had for us, and the ladies continued to extend the wall they began last week outside.
Marsha and company wrapped up the crafts work at the shelter and at Capri. I gave Ann Eames the handful of CD’s I had brought so the HIV/AIDS support group clients could “whistle while they work” on the crafts, using their newly-purchased CD player.
The work at the shelter on the new shop area was not as complete as the crew there had hoped for, but the rest is just polishing off the detail work, so their contribution will be greatly appreciated for a long time to come.
Some of us put together some new lounge chairs with cushions, to put on the front patio of the hospice, so the patients will have comfortable seats from which they can enjoy the natural beauty all around them. Naturally, we had to “quality test” them first; they seem to work well. Then we took them over the hospice and enjoyed the smiles of those who were there, eager to put them to use.
We spent a good bit of time praying in the new office spaces and next to the new wall outside, asking God to bless the staff who will be using the spaces, though we didn’t know them by name.
Tonight we’re topping off our time here with a dinner out with some of the Living Hope staff we’ve worked with, to celebrate God’s goodness to us all, and to encourage them further to continue their work here.
An acquaintance of mine named Steven met up with us at Masi. He and his wife have just moved to Cape Town from the U.S. to investigate and pursue opportunities to serve the people here (possibly including Living Hope), under the auspices of the organization called ServLife. I met him via the blog site of Amanda Bradley, who was on the BBC S. Africa team last year. The rest of the team was going to the waterfront for the day, some to visit Robben Island, and so we made an afternoon of it there as well. It was good to hear about how he was settling into his life and ministry, and to see if I could offer any helpful information (with all my “vast”experience here in the Cape!). He coached me on asking for “tomato sauce” instead of “ketchup” at lunch, and goaded me into trying out one of the local electric guitars made from a Castrol can (one of our team members is bringing one home) at an indoor market, so it was a good day all around. His blog site is http://twoandtwomakesfive.blogs.com/.
Had a great dinner with Bill Bedi,and was touched by his passion for finding the right place where God can use him next, on the job or otherwise. I also appreciate his straight-shooting way of talking on any subject. His construction skills are a large part of why so much has been accomplished this week, and people have shaken their heads in wonder at how much has been done in such a short time.
Today was our last day of work, so we were up and at ‘em to get things done. We finished up the painting of the office spaces that our local “boss” Bill Eames had for us, and the ladies continued to extend the wall they began last week outside.
Marsha and company wrapped up the crafts work at the shelter and at Capri. I gave Ann Eames the handful of CD’s I had brought so the HIV/AIDS support group clients could “whistle while they work” on the crafts, using their newly-purchased CD player.
The work at the shelter on the new shop area was not as complete as the crew there had hoped for, but the rest is just polishing off the detail work, so their contribution will be greatly appreciated for a long time to come.
Some of us put together some new lounge chairs with cushions, to put on the front patio of the hospice, so the patients will have comfortable seats from which they can enjoy the natural beauty all around them. Naturally, we had to “quality test” them first; they seem to work well. Then we took them over the hospice and enjoyed the smiles of those who were there, eager to put them to use.
We spent a good bit of time praying in the new office spaces and next to the new wall outside, asking God to bless the staff who will be using the spaces, though we didn’t know them by name.
Tonight we’re topping off our time here with a dinner out with some of the Living Hope staff we’ve worked with, to celebrate God’s goodness to us all, and to encourage them further to continue their work here.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Revival
So my favorite event of the day was visiting Masiphumelele church and listening to their choir! It was fantastic! (I'm determined to use the words "brilliant" and "fantastic" more when I return home)
I suppose it was what I expected...But what stuck me is the difference in the spirits of the people. We sit at Brentwood every Sunday with more than we could ever need and for some of us, more than we want. When I look around it's hard to see a smile on anyone's face. Here, in Masi, I looked around and it was hard to find anything BUT a smile. These people have one towel to share with their entire families...And yet more joy resides in their pinky toe, than in most of our American churches. I wonder if we are like the churches in Revelation 2...Have we forgotten our first love? Maybe we've just forgotten the reason we need that love?
We did have the opportunity to sing for them as well. A team "theme song" would have to be "Because He Lives" so we sang that for them. Then joined in a song entitled "There's Going to be a Revival" It was a brilliant song! As I looked out over the faces of the children and the faces of those who aren't children, I knew what we were singing is true. Revival will start anywhere people are seeking God wholeheartedly....it'll start in Masi. There will be a revival from the top, to the bottom from the side to the side, because His people have humbled themselves, they pray and they seek His face. He hears from Heaven...and will answer those prayers.
Daddy....thank you for the people of Masi, the people who share joy so easily...make me more like them...
I suppose it was what I expected...But what stuck me is the difference in the spirits of the people. We sit at Brentwood every Sunday with more than we could ever need and for some of us, more than we want. When I look around it's hard to see a smile on anyone's face. Here, in Masi, I looked around and it was hard to find anything BUT a smile. These people have one towel to share with their entire families...And yet more joy resides in their pinky toe, than in most of our American churches. I wonder if we are like the churches in Revelation 2...Have we forgotten our first love? Maybe we've just forgotten the reason we need that love?
We did have the opportunity to sing for them as well. A team "theme song" would have to be "Because He Lives" so we sang that for them. Then joined in a song entitled "There's Going to be a Revival" It was a brilliant song! As I looked out over the faces of the children and the faces of those who aren't children, I knew what we were singing is true. Revival will start anywhere people are seeking God wholeheartedly....it'll start in Masi. There will be a revival from the top, to the bottom from the side to the side, because His people have humbled themselves, they pray and they seek His face. He hears from Heaven...and will answer those prayers.
Daddy....thank you for the people of Masi, the people who share joy so easily...make me more like them...
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Here's to our ladies
Today (Saturday) we made up for our day off yesterday, as predicted. It was a productive day, though.
Some of our ladies were eager to continue a project they started (and re-started) on Thursday at Capri. They spent a good part of the day moving dirt and laying blocks to continue the driveway around the back of the hospice. Then these industrious and versatile women shifted into full “relational mode” and accompanied a handful of Living Hope clients to Masiphumelele, visiting their humble homes and offering needed gifts of towels. Then it was back to shovels and wheelbarrows for the remainder of the day. I have had plenty of reasons to be more than impressed with my fellow team members on this trip, but this display tops them all!
Of course, Marsha, our crafts expert (you might have seen her list of requested supplies at church) has continued to help create beauty from scraps of paper and bits of ribbon…many examples of which you’ll no doubt have the opportunity to see and purchase on our return, to benefit Living Hope even further.
At the newly-created offices, also at Living Hope Capri, it was time to paint the new walls. Liz, Brian, Heather and myself were the paint crew (Brian did take a break to help Aaron chuck rocks and trash into a dumpster), working around Walt as he finished trim details, and a couple of people working on installing lights. We put a first coat on most of the area to be covered, so that project will be continued on Monday (unless our hosts have other plans).
The rest of the construction crew continued the relocation of the shop area at Muizenberg. Most of the elements are in place, but there’s more to be done on Monday there as well.
A tired but satisfied group of people made their way back to the team house for a pizza buffet, except for myself, because after a quick cleanup and change of clothes I was off to King of Kings Baptist Centre to perform a couple of songs at their missions banquet (I put a couple of slices of pizza aside for later—maybe breakfast). I found a couple of familiar faces to dine with, and enjoyed the evening. It was much like any missions awareness event in the States. The meal was served in three courses (starter, main course, and dessert), and for each course there was a missionary speaker or a media presentation. I was during the main course, and since I’ve learned to avoid singing after eating, I had to fend off attempts to take my food away and explain I was holding onto it. Judging from the mostly-elderly faces I could see from the stage I wasn’t sure if the upbeat (and/or offbeat) songs I had chosen were being received well at first (I started wishing I had something more like Sinatra or Wayne Newton) but the attendees did respond well, and even began clapping along (on the right beat!) toward the end. They were very gracious.
Tomorrow is church at King of Kings, then at Masiphumelele, then to the waterfront, where some will visit Robben Island and the rest will eat, shop, visit museums, etc.
Some of our ladies were eager to continue a project they started (and re-started) on Thursday at Capri. They spent a good part of the day moving dirt and laying blocks to continue the driveway around the back of the hospice. Then these industrious and versatile women shifted into full “relational mode” and accompanied a handful of Living Hope clients to Masiphumelele, visiting their humble homes and offering needed gifts of towels. Then it was back to shovels and wheelbarrows for the remainder of the day. I have had plenty of reasons to be more than impressed with my fellow team members on this trip, but this display tops them all!
Of course, Marsha, our crafts expert (you might have seen her list of requested supplies at church) has continued to help create beauty from scraps of paper and bits of ribbon…many examples of which you’ll no doubt have the opportunity to see and purchase on our return, to benefit Living Hope even further.
At the newly-created offices, also at Living Hope Capri, it was time to paint the new walls. Liz, Brian, Heather and myself were the paint crew (Brian did take a break to help Aaron chuck rocks and trash into a dumpster), working around Walt as he finished trim details, and a couple of people working on installing lights. We put a first coat on most of the area to be covered, so that project will be continued on Monday (unless our hosts have other plans).
The rest of the construction crew continued the relocation of the shop area at Muizenberg. Most of the elements are in place, but there’s more to be done on Monday there as well.
A tired but satisfied group of people made their way back to the team house for a pizza buffet, except for myself, because after a quick cleanup and change of clothes I was off to King of Kings Baptist Centre to perform a couple of songs at their missions banquet (I put a couple of slices of pizza aside for later—maybe breakfast). I found a couple of familiar faces to dine with, and enjoyed the evening. It was much like any missions awareness event in the States. The meal was served in three courses (starter, main course, and dessert), and for each course there was a missionary speaker or a media presentation. I was during the main course, and since I’ve learned to avoid singing after eating, I had to fend off attempts to take my food away and explain I was holding onto it. Judging from the mostly-elderly faces I could see from the stage I wasn’t sure if the upbeat (and/or offbeat) songs I had chosen were being received well at first (I started wishing I had something more like Sinatra or Wayne Newton) but the attendees did respond well, and even began clapping along (on the right beat!) toward the end. They were very gracious.
Tomorrow is church at King of Kings, then at Masiphumelele, then to the waterfront, where some will visit Robben Island and the rest will eat, shop, visit museums, etc.
Ocean View
Today the centre at Ocean View will be dedicated and officially opened. If I fully understood how much this will impact the community I would share it here, but I don't have the words. Again, this area has 75% of their high schoolers addicted to Meth, the highest teenage pregnancy rate, and one of the highest drug abuse problems in the Eastern Cape. The Centre is already too small for all of the activities that need to be held there....but it is a start. What Nathan and Melanie would really like to have a youth center. It'll be fun to hear about how God provides that for them. The house where Ocean View Living Hope will be, used to be a drug pushers home and he had turned it into a brothel. Now it'll be a place of refuge and hope, an area where change can happen. It's so excited to be a part of it. Last year the team helped clean/build/straigten and who knows what else....now we get to see it open...next year...well..we wait eagerly for what God will do.
Yesterday, I was one of the few who went horseback riding. It was BRILLANT! We walked, trotted, cantered along the sand, with the cool breeze in our face and Shane and Shane singing in my ears about the majesty of Jesus. Amazing.
I leave you with a song...it's been in my head all week (well actually there have been more than just this one...but still...) I think it sums up my thoughts fairly well this morning.
"There is none like You. No one else can touch my heart like You do. I could search for all eternity long and find there is none like You. Your mercy flows like a river wide. Healing comes in Your name. Helpless children are safe in Your arms. There is none like You!"
Yesterday, I was one of the few who went horseback riding. It was BRILLANT! We walked, trotted, cantered along the sand, with the cool breeze in our face and Shane and Shane singing in my ears about the majesty of Jesus. Amazing.
I leave you with a song...it's been in my head all week (well actually there have been more than just this one...but still...) I think it sums up my thoughts fairly well this morning.
"There is none like You. No one else can touch my heart like You do. I could search for all eternity long and find there is none like You. Your mercy flows like a river wide. Healing comes in Your name. Helpless children are safe in Your arms. There is none like You!"
Friday, October 07, 2005
Getting a higher view
Our “day off” has been enjoyable, as all our days have been (though in different ways, of course). We had a slightly later breakfast than usual, and Keeli led a devotional at the table, challenging us (herself included) to think of ways to serve not only the people of South Africa but each other as well.
Then we piled into the combies (VW vans, now numbering three in use) to visit Table Mountain. The weather was perfect, and we split off into groups or pairs to hike the easy trail around the top and/or have lunch at the cafe with possibly the best view of any dining experience I’ve ever had. We were literally looking down on the few clouds, and on the city and coastline below them.
I rode back in the van taking Dave and Kerri, our California team members, to the airport, and Jay took us on a route that passed between the stark poverty of the Kayalitsha township (a shantytown with a population of about 1 million) and the astonishing beauty of the recreational beaches of False Bay.
A group of 7 or 8 is out now riding horses rented from a stable next to the team house. The riders include our team members, our house manager and some young Living Hope volunteers on a sort of work-study from a university in Finland. This is the first ride for some. I look forward to those stories!
Speaking of stories, I very much look forward to having dinner tonight at the home of Pastor John Thomas and his wife Avril (very much a ministry team in themselves).
Tomorrow and Monday will be our last two full days of work, so I expect this day of rest will not be wasted as we make that final push to finish projects and make the most of the time we have left with new friends.
Then we piled into the combies (VW vans, now numbering three in use) to visit Table Mountain. The weather was perfect, and we split off into groups or pairs to hike the easy trail around the top and/or have lunch at the cafe with possibly the best view of any dining experience I’ve ever had. We were literally looking down on the few clouds, and on the city and coastline below them.
I rode back in the van taking Dave and Kerri, our California team members, to the airport, and Jay took us on a route that passed between the stark poverty of the Kayalitsha township (a shantytown with a population of about 1 million) and the astonishing beauty of the recreational beaches of False Bay.
A group of 7 or 8 is out now riding horses rented from a stable next to the team house. The riders include our team members, our house manager and some young Living Hope volunteers on a sort of work-study from a university in Finland. This is the first ride for some. I look forward to those stories!
Speaking of stories, I very much look forward to having dinner tonight at the home of Pastor John Thomas and his wife Avril (very much a ministry team in themselves).
Tomorrow and Monday will be our last two full days of work, so I expect this day of rest will not be wasted as we make that final push to finish projects and make the most of the time we have left with new friends.
Moving walls and building bridges
Thursday started slowly for me, but ended with a bang. I went to the homeless shelter at Muizenberg, mostly so I could make sure things were set for my songwriting seminar that evening across the street at the radio station. I like to “case the joint” when I can before a presentation.
Kathy, a Living Hope staff member, was gracious to allow me to use her computer to type up my notes to hand out, then Susie (another staff member, personal asst. to Avril Thomas) took me over to CCFM to get copies made and check out the room. I helped out where I could with the construction guys in their task of moving a couple of wall sections to relocate the shop area where clients’ craft items are sold. It seems we are seldom able to do things here with the same efficiency that we could do, because of the culture, communication difficulties, availability of resources, etc. But often the process gives us the opportunity to interact with people we would normally bypass, and that interaction is the stuff of heart-to-heart relationship—which is the real reason we’re here.
The Children’s Club team was back at Masiphumelele Baptist Church for a meeting with the teens. Mostly boys showed up, which made the group a little harder to direct, but that was OK. Our “special guest” Aaron gave a very good lesson on the Prodigal Son, and directed some comments to the boys that might not have occurred to him otherwise. Our time there was shorter than we had originally expected, so the flexibility factor kicked in once again.
After an abbreviated dinner I was off to the radio station for the seminar. Dave Horton, one of our “part-time” (but fully integrated) team members went along for support. A group of about 30 attended the meeting, fewer than the expected 70-80. The station has been hosting this monthly “Music Makers Forum” for about a year. After a time of worship in song led by one of the forum committee named Darryl (a South African of Indian descent, who said he’s been teased with the “this is my OTHER brother Darryl” line from the TV show), I made my presentation. I had been given over an hour, but I don’t think I used all my time. I included a couple of songs of my own and used a song on CD by my friend Audrey Hatcher as illustrations of certain points (after making it clear I’m no “expert” but I was passing along the wisdom of others). I used Eph. 2:10 and some of the Psalms, as well as Gen. 1:27 to make the point that we are all created to create, and it is up to us to use our gifts as best we can for God’s glory and for our own enjoyment. Avril (wife of Pastor John Thomas) then led a short discussion with the group and gave what I half-jokingly refer to as an “altar call” to ask for commitments to put the lesson into practice…and many attendees stood to show their desire to make that commitment and to ask for prayer in following through. The response was very encouraging.
Today (Friday) is a day off and we’ll be heading up Table Mtn. in the “James Bond” cable car, and this evening we’ll have dinner with the pastor and his wife.
Tomorrow we go back to work and tomorrow evening I’ll be doing a couple of songs at a missions conference dinner at King of Kings Baptist Centre.
Thanks for the encouraging comments on this blog site!
Kathy, a Living Hope staff member, was gracious to allow me to use her computer to type up my notes to hand out, then Susie (another staff member, personal asst. to Avril Thomas) took me over to CCFM to get copies made and check out the room. I helped out where I could with the construction guys in their task of moving a couple of wall sections to relocate the shop area where clients’ craft items are sold. It seems we are seldom able to do things here with the same efficiency that we could do, because of the culture, communication difficulties, availability of resources, etc. But often the process gives us the opportunity to interact with people we would normally bypass, and that interaction is the stuff of heart-to-heart relationship—which is the real reason we’re here.
The Children’s Club team was back at Masiphumelele Baptist Church for a meeting with the teens. Mostly boys showed up, which made the group a little harder to direct, but that was OK. Our “special guest” Aaron gave a very good lesson on the Prodigal Son, and directed some comments to the boys that might not have occurred to him otherwise. Our time there was shorter than we had originally expected, so the flexibility factor kicked in once again.
After an abbreviated dinner I was off to the radio station for the seminar. Dave Horton, one of our “part-time” (but fully integrated) team members went along for support. A group of about 30 attended the meeting, fewer than the expected 70-80. The station has been hosting this monthly “Music Makers Forum” for about a year. After a time of worship in song led by one of the forum committee named Darryl (a South African of Indian descent, who said he’s been teased with the “this is my OTHER brother Darryl” line from the TV show), I made my presentation. I had been given over an hour, but I don’t think I used all my time. I included a couple of songs of my own and used a song on CD by my friend Audrey Hatcher as illustrations of certain points (after making it clear I’m no “expert” but I was passing along the wisdom of others). I used Eph. 2:10 and some of the Psalms, as well as Gen. 1:27 to make the point that we are all created to create, and it is up to us to use our gifts as best we can for God’s glory and for our own enjoyment. Avril (wife of Pastor John Thomas) then led a short discussion with the group and gave what I half-jokingly refer to as an “altar call” to ask for commitments to put the lesson into practice…and many attendees stood to show their desire to make that commitment and to ask for prayer in following through. The response was very encouraging.
Today (Friday) is a day off and we’ll be heading up Table Mtn. in the “James Bond” cable car, and this evening we’ll have dinner with the pastor and his wife.
Tomorrow we go back to work and tomorrow evening I’ll be doing a couple of songs at a missions conference dinner at King of Kings Baptist Centre.
Thanks for the encouraging comments on this blog site!
Thursday, October 06, 2005
May Your wonders never cease!
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and this photo amazes me! Here is a glimpse of one of God's creations of the sea right outside our back-door here in South Africa. Just one of the many ways He is blessing us on this journey. Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
So much to say....so little time.
Isn't that how it always is? I'm just not sure where to start today. Do I start with the little girl who had AIDS lesions on her face, or her many many friends who have the scars from where their's have heald?
Do I start with the Marine School in Ocean View, where 350 4th-7th graders got to hear about how Jesus and how each of them are made special...and that they aren't a mistake. These are the children that South African society has kind of forgotton about.
They live in an area where 75% of the high schoolers are addicted to Meth-Amphetamines (called TIK here)...and the drug pushers take over people's homes and the police can't get anything on them because of the insiders on the force informing the pushers when the busts will be?
Then there is Nathan, who grew up in OceanView. He will help run the children's club in Ocean View and his desire is to see more positive role models in the lives of the children there. I asked Nathan who his positive role model was....his answer? God. His dad died when he was 5, and he accepted Christ at age 13, knowing that there had to be something better for him
outside of what he saw day in day out. (sidenote--when Nathan told me this...he was holding about 10 balloon animals in his hands. It's a great picture!)
Maybe I should start with this morning. I helped dig a trench that is now the home to computer cables that will help the hopice and the new offices that we're building be more effiecent.
Or I could start with the end of the day and talk of Matt Allison who came and played for us this evening. He's a great singer/songwriter....and his passion for relationship evangelism
is precisely evident in the music he writes. It was an incredible reminder to me that God IS everywhere. The same thing He is telling the Christ followers of my generation in the US of A, is the same He's sharing with my generation in South Africa.
All of that to say, it's been a full day. A lot of emotions/thoughts haven't quite made themselves straight in my mind. My heart aches for Ocean View this evening...and for the 100ish 4-6 year olds who may or may not have a tin roof over their heads this evening.
The wind blows loud outside the window and the extra blanket for my bed has just arrived. Extra blanket...His grace flows down and covers me.
Do I start with the Marine School in Ocean View, where 350 4th-7th graders got to hear about how Jesus and how each of them are made special...and that they aren't a mistake. These are the children that South African society has kind of forgotton about.
They live in an area where 75% of the high schoolers are addicted to Meth-Amphetamines (called TIK here)...and the drug pushers take over people's homes and the police can't get anything on them because of the insiders on the force informing the pushers when the busts will be?
Then there is Nathan, who grew up in OceanView. He will help run the children's club in Ocean View and his desire is to see more positive role models in the lives of the children there. I asked Nathan who his positive role model was....his answer? God. His dad died when he was 5, and he accepted Christ at age 13, knowing that there had to be something better for him
outside of what he saw day in day out. (sidenote--when Nathan told me this...he was holding about 10 balloon animals in his hands. It's a great picture!)
Maybe I should start with this morning. I helped dig a trench that is now the home to computer cables that will help the hopice and the new offices that we're building be more effiecent.
Or I could start with the end of the day and talk of Matt Allison who came and played for us this evening. He's a great singer/songwriter....and his passion for relationship evangelism
is precisely evident in the music he writes. It was an incredible reminder to me that God IS everywhere. The same thing He is telling the Christ followers of my generation in the US of A, is the same He's sharing with my generation in South Africa.
All of that to say, it's been a full day. A lot of emotions/thoughts haven't quite made themselves straight in my mind. My heart aches for Ocean View this evening...and for the 100ish 4-6 year olds who may or may not have a tin roof over their heads this evening.
The wind blows loud outside the window and the extra blanket for my bed has just arrived. Extra blanket...His grace flows down and covers me.
Picking up the pace
The last couple of days have kept us hopping. I let too much time slip by to catch up on it all, but I’ll try to hit the highlights, at least from my point of view. I’m also doing what I can to encourage others to blog—no promises!
Being on the Children’s Club team leaves the mornings and some other times free to join other projects. Yesterday morning (Tuesday) I decided to hang out with the construction team as they framed in office spaces in a former residence next to the Capri center and hospice. As a person with limited construction experience, my motto was “First do no harm.”
I managed to make myself useful by helping attach the studs to the frames, “coaxing” them into place with a hammer then using the power screwdriver/drill tool to put them in place. Steve was a good coach, and the entire crew was a joy to work with; we/they accomplished amazing things…enough to encourage Pastor John Thomas to make a few extra requests—and these guys are ready to get it done.
After lunch and a short errand to pick up a pallet of food supplies, I joined the rest of my Children’s Club buds in the van to the Masiphumelele Baptist Church building. We did basically the same program as the day before, only the craft on this day was making maracas out of decorated plastic bottles with beans in them. “Making a joyful noise” has never been less of a problem for a group of kids!
Today (Wednesday) the house being turned into offices was a zoo of construction AND computer guys, installing moldings and computer hookups.
The Children’s Club team went to a public primary school in Ocean View (made up mostly of non-white and non-black (mixed, Indian, Malay, etc.) residents, called “coloured” in this country (the term is not an offensive one in the culture). We had been invited to come and make a short presentation to the students, with no restrictions on content. About 300 (?) children assembled in a courtyard area to listen to us; not a comfortable situation given the cool weather. We were pleasantly surprised that one of the staff led them in some Christian songs before we started.
We did our skit based on Max Lucado’s “You Are Special,” read in condensed form by Danielle. It won’t win us any Tony nominations, but the message was clear. Aaron spoke for a couple of minutes, and had to wrap quickly when it started sprinkling rain. The kids were very polite and responsive.
After returning to Capri, I joined the work crew made up of Aaron, Chad and Brian in moving dirt to make a driveway around the hospice. I didn’t stay with them long, but I plan to be sore tomorrow.
Children’s Club today was a challenge. Our expected group of 70 or so young children turned into a much larger group. The games, songs and story (by their local teacher) went well, but when we started doing a handprint project on one end of the room and painting designs on their hands on the other end, it was pretty hectic. But a good time was had by all. A black teen named Colin and another named Nokolo volunteered their well-qualified help in painting. Our diehard, faithful teen named Darren has been helping with everything, and I gave him as much prominence in leading songs as I could today.
Being on the Children’s Club team leaves the mornings and some other times free to join other projects. Yesterday morning (Tuesday) I decided to hang out with the construction team as they framed in office spaces in a former residence next to the Capri center and hospice. As a person with limited construction experience, my motto was “First do no harm.”
I managed to make myself useful by helping attach the studs to the frames, “coaxing” them into place with a hammer then using the power screwdriver/drill tool to put them in place. Steve was a good coach, and the entire crew was a joy to work with; we/they accomplished amazing things…enough to encourage Pastor John Thomas to make a few extra requests—and these guys are ready to get it done.
After lunch and a short errand to pick up a pallet of food supplies, I joined the rest of my Children’s Club buds in the van to the Masiphumelele Baptist Church building. We did basically the same program as the day before, only the craft on this day was making maracas out of decorated plastic bottles with beans in them. “Making a joyful noise” has never been less of a problem for a group of kids!
Today (Wednesday) the house being turned into offices was a zoo of construction AND computer guys, installing moldings and computer hookups.
The Children’s Club team went to a public primary school in Ocean View (made up mostly of non-white and non-black (mixed, Indian, Malay, etc.) residents, called “coloured” in this country (the term is not an offensive one in the culture). We had been invited to come and make a short presentation to the students, with no restrictions on content. About 300 (?) children assembled in a courtyard area to listen to us; not a comfortable situation given the cool weather. We were pleasantly surprised that one of the staff led them in some Christian songs before we started.
We did our skit based on Max Lucado’s “You Are Special,” read in condensed form by Danielle. It won’t win us any Tony nominations, but the message was clear. Aaron spoke for a couple of minutes, and had to wrap quickly when it started sprinkling rain. The kids were very polite and responsive.
After returning to Capri, I joined the work crew made up of Aaron, Chad and Brian in moving dirt to make a driveway around the hospice. I didn’t stay with them long, but I plan to be sore tomorrow.
Children’s Club today was a challenge. Our expected group of 70 or so young children turned into a much larger group. The games, songs and story (by their local teacher) went well, but when we started doing a handprint project on one end of the room and painting designs on their hands on the other end, it was pretty hectic. But a good time was had by all. A black teen named Colin and another named Nokolo volunteered their well-qualified help in painting. Our diehard, faithful teen named Darren has been helping with everything, and I gave him as much prominence in leading songs as I could today.
Monday, October 03, 2005
If only Mondays were always this good!
Monday went very smoothly. In the morning we visited each of the of the Living Hope locations: Capri, Masiphumelele, Ocean View and Muizenberg. We met with some of the L.H. staff (much enlarged since last year) at Capri, and toured the hospice. It was exciting to see the exterior bursting with gorgeous landscaping (in those flowerbeds we helped form and the hillside plantings we did in 2004) and the interior complete with beds and furniture. The hospice has patients, though it is not full at the moment.
Also at Capri, I sat in with a meeting between the fulltime Children’s Club teachers at Masi and (starting next week) Ocean View, and our own Leigh Ann and Danielle (the latter playing “Aaron” to hoarse Leigh Ann’s “Moses”) . I was so impressed with the time and work these ladies had put into preparing lesson plans and gathering resources to present to the Cape Town teachers to use in the following months. The teachers were also impressed and appreciative.
After quick visits to Masi and Ocean View (the latter now furnished and operational), we joined the staff and “clients” of the homeless center at Muizenberg for lunch, and had a quick tour.
Avril, wife of Pastor John Thomas, has shifted her focus of responsibility to the shelter, but I know she still has a heart for the radio station outreach, especially music. She asked if I would be involved with the Music Forum this Thursday, and help lead a discussion of songwriting. This is something I had offered to do but hadn’t known for sure that I would do, so pray for my preparation for that in the next couple of days (and my slight cough, while you’re at it).
Children’s Club went very well. We led about 25 kids in games, music and a craft (I discovered a future pro “braider” in a little girl named Buhe!).
We have been given a fantastic opportunity (an answer to Danielle’s prayers) to go into a public school, in Ocean View, and share. We have 15-20 minutes with a large assembly of students on Wed. morning, with NO restrictions on content. Hmmm, what to talk about…..!
Other teams (construction, crafts, computer) were good, and dinner was as lively as ever.
After dinner Liz Clark and a few of the team went to Masi to teach a group of about 30 on stewardship. Reports were glowing, both for Sue’s skills and for the response.
Also at Capri, I sat in with a meeting between the fulltime Children’s Club teachers at Masi and (starting next week) Ocean View, and our own Leigh Ann and Danielle (the latter playing “Aaron” to hoarse Leigh Ann’s “Moses”) . I was so impressed with the time and work these ladies had put into preparing lesson plans and gathering resources to present to the Cape Town teachers to use in the following months. The teachers were also impressed and appreciative.
After quick visits to Masi and Ocean View (the latter now furnished and operational), we joined the staff and “clients” of the homeless center at Muizenberg for lunch, and had a quick tour.
Avril, wife of Pastor John Thomas, has shifted her focus of responsibility to the shelter, but I know she still has a heart for the radio station outreach, especially music. She asked if I would be involved with the Music Forum this Thursday, and help lead a discussion of songwriting. This is something I had offered to do but hadn’t known for sure that I would do, so pray for my preparation for that in the next couple of days (and my slight cough, while you’re at it).
Children’s Club went very well. We led about 25 kids in games, music and a craft (I discovered a future pro “braider” in a little girl named Buhe!).
We have been given a fantastic opportunity (an answer to Danielle’s prayers) to go into a public school, in Ocean View, and share. We have 15-20 minutes with a large assembly of students on Wed. morning, with NO restrictions on content. Hmmm, what to talk about…..!
Other teams (construction, crafts, computer) were good, and dinner was as lively as ever.
After dinner Liz Clark and a few of the team went to Masi to teach a group of about 30 on stewardship. Reports were glowing, both for Sue’s skills and for the response.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
What we had planned vs. what we did
Today was a day of testing our “flexibility factor.” We attended King of Kings Baptist Centre (aka Fish Hoek Baptist Church), and enjoyed the worship in song and sermon with our host church. Then we were off to join the Masiphumulele Baptist Church service, in the Masiphumulele township. After we were seated, the pastor informed us that the choir was singing at another church, and since they like to make sure visitors hear this talented group of young people, he would prefer that we come next week instead.
So we proceeded toward the next part of our plan, a tour of Table Mountain (involving an eyebrow-raising ride on a rotating cable car, a la James Bond). But since the mountain was clouded over, we had lunch at the waterfront, then visited an outdoor market next to the stadium, where many bargains were made and many team members found themselves wondering how they would get their purchases home. No complaints, though, especially on my part, thanks to a brief visit to McDonald’s.
After a drive home past some eye-popping views of God’s creation, we shared dinner, then heard a presentation by the public relations officer for Living Hope, giving us an overview of the work at the hospice, the home health care visits, and the other projects going on. Tomorrow we’ll tour a couple of the Living Hope centers, and then the work begins. Children’s Club at Masi, remodeling living space into office space, computer work, etc. We’ve enjoyed our chance “get adjusted” to our surroundings and to each other, and all are eager to put some of our plans into action…. barring any unforeseen changes!
So we proceeded toward the next part of our plan, a tour of Table Mountain (involving an eyebrow-raising ride on a rotating cable car, a la James Bond). But since the mountain was clouded over, we had lunch at the waterfront, then visited an outdoor market next to the stadium, where many bargains were made and many team members found themselves wondering how they would get their purchases home. No complaints, though, especially on my part, thanks to a brief visit to McDonald’s.
After a drive home past some eye-popping views of God’s creation, we shared dinner, then heard a presentation by the public relations officer for Living Hope, giving us an overview of the work at the hospice, the home health care visits, and the other projects going on. Tomorrow we’ll tour a couple of the Living Hope centers, and then the work begins. Children’s Club at Masi, remodeling living space into office space, computer work, etc. We’ve enjoyed our chance “get adjusted” to our surroundings and to each other, and all are eager to put some of our plans into action…. barring any unforeseen changes!
Rest?? What's that??
We're ready to work. We've been here 3 days and our team is anxious. It made me realize how bad we are at relaxing/resting. I've enjoyed my time. September was a crazy month for me and God knew I needed a few down days before being thrown into a hectic schedule. I'm sure that is true of most of our team. These three days have also been a great time of getting to know each other I'm anticipating the first stressful/tired moment where one of our many extreme personalities skyrockets...at the same time praying that doesn't happen.
In devotions this evening Aaron talked about how Satan will throw things up in your face while you're on your way to the house of prayer. (Acts 16:16...) Pray for us. Pray that we see past those distractions, that we purposely seek time with Jesus and that we'll share his love from our overflow.
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably and abundantly more than we ask or imagine, to Him be the glory and honor in the church now and forever. Amen." Eph 3:20-21
In devotions this evening Aaron talked about how Satan will throw things up in your face while you're on your way to the house of prayer. (Acts 16:16...) Pray for us. Pray that we see past those distractions, that we purposely seek time with Jesus and that we'll share his love from our overflow.
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably and abundantly more than we ask or imagine, to Him be the glory and honor in the church now and forever. Amen." Eph 3:20-21
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