The girls at Refilwe amaze me. These young women come from many different backgrounds, living now with Refilwe foster moms. On Tuesday, after my hard day at camp (See Challenges at Refilwe blog), I was able to spend many hours with these girls. About nine girls floated in and out, as we chit-chatted, read a little Scripture, painted nails with yummy-smelling nail polish (strawberry & blueberry), looked at pictures of my family & friends that I brought (thanks mom), and laughed a lot. It was so refreshing! Officially, someone may view it as “side ministry” after camp hours. But to me, it’s building lasting friendships and investing in the future leaders of South Africa. I love these girls. I will have a really hard time leaving them tomorrow. They have become dear friends.
Later, after my nail polish was put away, I was able to speak with two of the girls about some serious things: From growing in the Lord, to assurance of salvation, to ancestory worship vs. worshiping the LORD Jehovah God, to choosing good over evil as a new creation in Christ.
Now THAT’s what I love. Pouring into these young women, able to pray over them, loving on them.
Last night (Thursday) we had a Bible Study for some of the older kids. Six kids came, asking many questions about the Lord. My squadmate Beth lead the study on 1 John 1 & 2. Although many of the questions were off-topic…they were important questions about growing in Christ. Tonight we had a camp fire, hot dogs (I just ate the bun), and smores for the kids here at Refilwe–a time of singing, chatting, and just loving on them.
Please pray for these girls that they will grow in the Lord and be great leaders for Christ in South Africa.
