Unexpected Gifts-Ministry Month 7 South Africa

 

 

 

This month in South Africa has been such a blessing to me. Its be a month of refreshment, spiritual renewal, service and learning how to adapt to the environment around us.   The first few days I was here in South Africa, I was completely overwhelmed. For the first time in months we had nearly everything we were used to in America. There was a mall in the airport. There were hot showers, electricity and most of all…ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLE. Although these things are nice, it’s also extremely hard to get used to them again when you’ve seen so many people, families, and children that go without….that live, happy, complete lives not needing and without want. However, I have really seen our reintroduction to these luxuries this month as a gift from the Lord 1. Because who wouldn’t want a hot shower after a month in Nepal of bucket showers? And 2. Because it really will make it so much less difficult when we go through re-entry back into America! Praise. The. Lord.     At the same time, I know its gonna be really important to maintain this lifestyle of living on less when I return to the states (especially since I have been called to be a long term missionary)… so I would really appreciate your prayers in this way!

As far as ministry though, our team has really been able to do a TON! Every morning we go to the township where the poorest of the poor live here in Port Elizabeth. There, we hold a program in The Church of The Mount Of Olives Of Southern Africa (yes, that Is the church name…coolest name ever!). Over a hundred kids between the ages of 3 and 13 come to play games with us, learn songs about Christ’s love, hear and reenact a bible story with us and then have a dance party. ITS SO MUCH FUN. These children are the greatest, they love so well and they have adopted us into their families…making us feel so appreciated and welcomed!  

 

Then on top of doing children’s ministry we have been hanging out with a youth group at Lighthouse Church (an AWESOME church on FIRE for God). We have been able to go to their youth group meetings, church lock-ins, church services and birthday parties! They too have been so welcoming to us and man oh man have they taught us a thing or two about their generations. THESE STUDENTS ARE TAKING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND SPREADING IT LIKE WILDFIRE HERE. They are ministering to one another, they are sharing their visions, dreams and words they receive from the Lord. They are worshipping in every method possible and giving ALL the glory back to the father. EVERY WEEK they invite more and more friends to join us, and one by one they are spreading the invitation of giving your life to the Lord in exchange for the most miraculous promise of all time….the gift of freedom and redemption through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

 

Needless to say, its been an INCREDIBLE month and thankfully I still have a week left!! I know this will be one country, I will shed many tears over but I know I have a South Africa family I can come visit in the future and I am so so blessed to have had this month of refreshment, spiritual renewal and service.