God is at work in Africa!
Over the last three months, I have seen God
move in people of all ages, economic and social statuses, ethnicities and religious backgrounds. I have
witnessed a love that does not discriminate and I have finally grasped the fact
that no person is beyond the grace of God.
When I arrived in Coffee Bay, South
Africa…
I entered a community plagued by the
spirits of laziness and universalism, a place where drug use and alcoholism are
the norm and promiscuity is rampant.
I encountered a family divided by years of
bitterness and strife, all because of a daughter’s faith in God.
I was surrounded by several hundred
children, desperate for attention and bound for the same spiritual destruction
as previous generations.
By the time I said goodbye to Coffee Bay…
The presence of the Holy Spirit was noticed
and acknowledged by our addict friends.
The spiritual atomosphere of our backpakers
lodge had shifted due to our fervant prayers and worship.
Reconciliation had taken place between a father
and daughter.
The local children learned the basics of
surfing and soccer.
Over twenty young boys publicly proclaimed
Jesus as their Savior and were baptized in the ocean.
When I arrived at Beacon of Hope in
Mozambique…
I discovered that long-term missionaries
serving overseas become exhausted at times, miss their families back in the
States and desperately need encouragement and support.
I was introduced to a group of reserved,
young men, searching for a better education and future.
I desired the comforts of home and the
closeness of familial bonds.
By the time I said goodbye to Beacon of
Hope…
Our contact had a team of five young
Americans and one Canadian (love you Nicole!) to share her joys and struggles,
eat baked goods, and sew headbands and handbags with for an entire month.
All six of the young men accepted Christ
and were filled with joy and boldness through the Holy Spirit. Those guys know
how to worship!
It felt like I was leaving a part of my
home and family in Mozambique.
Since arriving at El Shaddai, an orphanage
in Swaziland…
My eyes have been opened to the reality and
severity of AIDS in this country.
I have seen hope and life in the eyes of
each child because Jesus lives in each of them.
I have found an even deeper love for God’s
children, especially those without earthly parents.
I have a new understanding and appreciation
of my position as an adopted son of God.
And I’m expecting to leave a huge part of myself here in Africa.
Looking back over these last three months in Africa, I can honestly say that this place, these ministries, and the people here have changed me in so many ways…and all for the better. I will miss you Africa, hope to see you again soon.
