Hello again from South Africa! This is technically my second blog post since I’ve been here, but since the first one was all about PVT in The Philippines, it didn’t really count. So, this blog will actually be my first about ministry and life here in Africa. I will try to convey what life is like here, as challenging as that is, as well as share a little bit about what God is doing in me and through me right now.
First of all, I have a new team. We were given our new teams the day after we landed here in South Africa. My team is completely new to me, and consists of myself, Tyler, Christal, Sydknee, Abigail, and Ashleigh. Also on our team for now is Nano. Nano is from a different squad that is in Zimbabwe, and he was unable to get a visa there due to being from Costa Rica. He will be staying with us only for the month of February. Our team name is Cornerstone (yes that is also the name of my church, as many of you know). I have now been with this team for about two weeks, and it has been a pure joy. I can’t wait to see what God does through this team.
The Name of the ministry our team is working with for our three months in South Africa is Impact Africa. This is a missions organization that has around 14 American staff and around 40 African staff. They have several different branches of ministry, including baby rescue, kids, students, and community outreach. They also have an internship program, which our team will be participating in for three months. During this time our team will primarily be focused on community outreach, while also serving in the other areas of the ministry from time to time.
Our team of seven is living with about fourteen other interns in three houses located on a gated compound to the northwest of Johannesburg. Personally, I am living in a house with five other guys, including Nano and Tyler. I share both a bedroom and a bathroom with Tyler. We have nice beds, and both a shower and bathtub. The living accommodations are by far the nicest we have had on the race. We are responsible for buying and cooking our own food. In the guys house, we coordinate most dinners, so that each night one person is responsible for buying and being the “head chef”. So far, I have made spaghetti twice. Other dinners have included chicken, steak, pork chops, cheeseburgers, and other things. We have eaten very well, and it has been great to be able to control what I eat, after having almost no say in The Philippines. It has also been awesome getting to know the other interns, and their hearts for ministry.
The first two weeks here have mostly been filled with training, but we have gotten to start serving the last couple of days. As World Racers, our team will mostly be serving in community outreach. We go into the informal settlements, also known as squatter camps, and go door to door, getting to know people there. Our focus is on evangelism, and we tell people about the Gospel unashamedly. This ministry has certainly challenged and stretched me already, but it has also been incredibly rewarding.
I think as Christians, a lot of times we shy away from evangelism. We say things like “show them Jesus” or “just love people”. While obviously we should do these things, actually using words and telling people about our Lord and Savior is also important, and it’s easy to hide behind the “just be an example of Christ” mantra. I definitely have had a shift in mindset in this regard, and I would like to challenge you as well. Romans 10:13-14 says “for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” We are called to tell people about Jesus, plain and simple. So, who have you told about Jesus, or who can you tell? Obviously not everyone is called to South Africa, or any foreign country for that matter. But, we are ALL called to make disciples. I challenge you that just as I am telling people about Jesus here, you would too. I will be praying for anyone who sees this blog, and I hope to hear stories of people brought to Christ back in America!
I feel incredibly blessed to be doing ministry here in South Africa. I am really having the time of my life, and I can’t wait to see what God does the next couple of months. I would love prayer for the outreach ministry that I will be doing. Please pray that more people are brought into the Kingdom, and pray for revival in the communities we will be ministering to. As always, I am so grateful for your love and support back home. God bless you!
