During our first day of ministry we walked about a block to the local church and a group of youth were standing outside in the basketball area. They immediately asked us, “Are you scared?”
The pano from Fish Hoek beach where our team went for our first off day!
This month we’re in Cape Town, South Africa partnering with our contact, Fungai. We’ve been helping in the community church, at local preschools, and doing street ministry. We’re living in a community called Masi with our contact, another woman and her daughter Sino. Masi is an all-black community and we’ve been told that only one other white couple lives here. **[Mom and Dad, due to your caring heart for me and my safety please skip ahead to the next asterisk]
Sino, Alayana and I one early morning!
Are you scared?
Nearly every time I tell someone that I’m living in Masi that question has followed. Am I scared of getting my stuff taken, am I scared of being robbed. Hearing this question over and over has helped me see the stronghold of fear that is over the community we’re living in. After playing basketball [so freaking fun] last night with another team here in Cape Town, I was asked if I was scared yet again and he jokingly said, “Even I’m scared and I live there!” He said that in jest, but I saw it as another indicator that there is a deeply ingrained idea that it’s not safe, particularly for whites. Our team noticed this early on in the month so we’ve been intentional about praying for each other and have seen it vanish in our hearts.
**[Mom and Dad, start reading here, this is the good part]
The funny thing is I’ve never once felt scared, threatened, or nervous. In fact I’ve felt welcomed by our host and our neighbors, I’ve experienced awe every time I walk outside and look at the mountains, I’ve shared the runner’s “hello” with the other brave souls pounding the pavement in the morning, and I’ve felt that deep seated joy when the little girl we’re living with, or any of the kids in the playground run and jump in my arms.
This month I’m learning about and thankful that Jesus isn’t concerned about color, socio-economic status, history, or material things. I’m also learning that I eat way to much ice cream, but that’s another story!
For real though, I invite all of you at home to join me and my team by praying for Masi—praying that Jesus would break fear, break racial divides, and bring healing and unity like I know that he can. Join me in praying for child-like joy for each member of this community similar to what our team has experienced while frolicking on Fish Hoek beach!
I love all of you, those I know and those I don’t and I’m so thankful for each person that has become a part of my journey.
PRAISE TO GOD, I’ve met my April 1st deadline! There are still three girls on my team that haven’t and if you feel God stirring your hearts I’d love and appreciate your support to help them stay on the field.
