Our ministry in the township of Phumlani has been stretching for me.
Our focus was first to build relationships with the people of the community. This was done by just walking around and starting conversations with people. Not to scare any of you back home, but this is not the best neighborhood. We were told several times that it was dangerous. But every time we went out, we all felt such peace and always knew that we were protected.
I felt more than peace when I walk around Phumlani. I feel boldness. To be honest, I really don’t do well with door to door evangelism. It can just feel so awkward. But I really was challenged to get over myself and just talk to people. So I did, and it was awesome. I think it may have been the second or third time in my life of blatantly sharing the gospel with people.
There was a guy named Benjamin that stands out to me from all my interactions. We walked up to a group of three gangster looking guys and just started talking to them. While talking I felt like I was just supposed to ask them if they knew Jesus. They said they knew about him, but they had done bad things. I felt the Holy Spirit give me the words that I didn't even know that I had. I shared the gospel with them and tried as best I could to express God’s love for them, no matter what they had done. As I talked, the guy in the middle, Benjamin, started tearing up. Nothing dramatic happened from this interaction, but it was such a reminder to me to show God’s love and share him with everyone, no matter appearances.
We also work with the after school program, New Chapter, in Phumlani. It was so good to be able to love on these kids and give them a safe place to just be kids.
Spending time in Phumlani was really a reminder Jesus’ love for his people. I prayed for the Lord to allow me to see this community with his eyes. When he looks at Phumlani, he doesn't see groups of scary men, rough women and dirty kids. He sees his children who he loves so much that he came to this earth to save them.
“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” –Matthew 9:12-13
