We Worked with BEAM Africa in July and it was one of the best ministries we have worked with. Erika &
Louis Lingenfelder started this organization in hopes to improve the lives of
those who are underprivileged in the Pretoria area, specifically Nellmapius.
Their organization has their hands in many things, including community
education (teaching computer skills), social work help (getting grants and
legal aid), teaching skills to women that have none (Erika is a certified
beautician and teaches nails), and creating a safe place for the kids to come
and play and receive a hot meal each day. They also give out donations and help
the community any way they can. Our job this month was to play with the kids
and build relationships while they were on winter break (our first two weeks),
and then help out around the Center in the mornings and play with the kids
afterschool (the last 2 weeks).
We lived on the same compound as Erika & Louis, as well
as their daughter & their family (Louise, Vernon and little Alex) and
Carmen, a woman on staff at BEAM. It was so great to fellowship with them
throughout the month and be such a part of their vision and ministry.
A visual of what we did each day:
A chronicle of some of our adventures:
Please Pray:
*Erika &
Louis Lingenfelder- year, and that they would be able to lead the kids to
Christ (As many of them still hold onto their family’s practice of witchcraft
Pray that they would have the gifts and abilities to keep their ministry
growing; that they would have sponsors for each BEAM kid by the end of this).
*BEAM Africa-Pray for funding, for the
community to realize what they are doing and to help, and for safety at the
center. While we were there, there was an armed robbery (we happened to be
running 10 minutes late), and the crime rate is very high in that area. Pray
for advanced security, and for the criminals to realize that BEAM is striving
to help out the community instead of harming it
*Volunteers & Staff- Pray that the Lord
will strengthen everyone He calls to be involved in this ministry, and that He
will provide their every need. Pray for the groups that come in from America,
that they can make an impact and learn more about being the hands and feet of
Christ.
*The new building site- They had the
opportunity to purchase new land while we were there, and they are starting
construction soon. Pray for quick, efficient, and quality work to happen and
for the doors to open soon.
*Against the strongholds of witchcraft and
ancestor worship that are so prevalent in the South African culture. Pray
against generational involvement, and pray for each BEAM child to be claimed in
the name of Christ.
