“We have seen a darkness. But we have seen a light. We have felt the love of a hope’s hot blood in the machinery for night. We have seen a darkness. But we have seen the sun. We have come undone to a love’s hot song in a symphony of blood.”
“Seen a Darkness” by John Mark McMillan
This blog is a tribute to the people and places that have touched my heart this month in South Africa and have helped me continue to grow in Christ. It has been an honor to be able to serve and be served by them. I hope that through these stories and descriptions you will be able to see a glimpse of my first month on The World Race. So here you go, in no particular order.
Devon, Sister Anthea, Lameez, and other staff at Camp Joy
These people are world changers. I have been blown away by their intense love and desire to bring back men and women from a life of drugs, violence, and gangs. Their joy for the Lord shines through their words and actions. You can just see the love oozing out of them.
Women of Camp Joy
These women have opened up their hearts and their arms to us. They have shared their pasts with us and we have done the same. We came as strangers and are leaving as friends. Their drive to turn from their past and push for a better future is inspiring. These women will not be forgotten. Farren. Vivian. Fatima. Melissa. Tarren. Kim.
Men of Camp Joy
We have been able to experience awesome worship this month, especially because of Camp Joy. We get to worship with them during morning and evening devotions. We also were able to go to a Gospel Jam and an evening bible study. The men’s booming voices singing praise to God drown out all other sound. Whether they are singing in English or Afrikaans it is just amazing to be a part of it.
Malcolm Josephs
Our Ministry Contact for the month. I would not have any of these relationships formed or experiences this month if not for this man. His vision and love to work with the brokenness of Cape Town and the surrounding area is unending. It has been an honor to bless him this month with our hands and feet.
Our hosts and Camp Vander Westhuizen Hostel
What a beautiful family. They have brought our teams such happiness and laughter. Faith, five years old, who is a bundle of sweetness, cute sass, and energy. Olenthu, who is not only our amazing cook but has become a part of our community and shares her life stories with us. Sutu, who has the magic touch and can open our hostel doors when no one else can. Luvyolo, a smart young man who doesn’t even know how witty and humourous he is. Richard and Bole, loving and hospitable hosts who are so much more than just the hostel owners.
Team Ahava
I write this as I help some of my teammates bake cookies for our hosts and Camp Joy. My heart is already bursting for these men and women that I am getting to know more and more each day. They make me better and are stretching and pushing me to be more like Christ. I can’t imagine being any place else than living in community with these loved ones. Paige Jaquish. Kiersten Hammock. Shelley Sparling. Krista Schweitzer. Brian Corder. Michael Spegal.
Team BBH
This month we have had a special treat and have been able to live with and work with Team Beautifully Broken to Heal. Sarette Stahnke. Aimee Labelle. Jena Bea Haney. Christa Albright. Arianne Torres. Aly Tofel. It has been absolutely incredible getting to know these women on my squad more intimately.
Squad Leaders Alicia and Pat
The first week and a half of our time here our two teams were blessed with our squad leaders Alicia and Pat staying and serving with us. These two have such a place in my heart and I learn so much just being in their presence. They have loved on us from the very beginning, and their zeal is contagious. I can’t wait to see them again next month.
The mountains and beaches of Cape Town, South Africa
Although not a person, the beauty of waking up to mountains and beach every morning has been such a blessing. It has helped renew my strength and spirit. You can’t get a better place for quiet time with God. I’ve always been blessed with the chance to hike Table Mountain and visit Cape Point and the whole Cape Peninsula. The views are breathtaking and indescribable. For me there is not greater indicator that there is a God that exists.
Children of Phumlani New Chapter Foundation
Oh the children. There is nothing sweeter than children that are absolute strangers to you running up to you and just wanting to be loved by you. Whether that means clinging to your leg, holding your hand, using you as a jungle gym, wanting to be held, etc these kids have begun to break my heart again despite the short time I got to share with them.
Lindon and Anthea
Our drivers for the month. Lindon has taken us everywhere. He is not only our driver, but our tour guide, friend, and Brother in Christ. He blesses us so much, and him and his wife have welcomed us as family. I honestly don’t know what we would have done without him this month. Yesterday he used up his whole day and took us around the entire Cape Peninsula. And tonight they are serving us dinner when we should be serving him.
Children of South Africa
There have been countless children that we have met outside of our ministry. All of them have touched my heart. The girl who sat with me at Hilllsong Church and played with my hair the whole service. The kids who want to walk with us to the grocery store and back because they have nothing better to do. Children in Phumlani or elsewhere who see us and run up to us and want to cling to us and hold our hands. Kids who have come and gone at our hostel who either want to run and workout with us, talk to us, or just wave a us.
Family, Friends, and Supporters back home
The times I have been able to get on the Internet and read emails and comments from everyone back home has been very so wonderful. The point that people make to read my blogs and invest their time in me makes me feel so loved. I know that in the months to come your support will bring me even greater strength and renewal.
Thank you Jesus for blessing me so abundantly this month. It is You who through all blessings flow. I will strive each day to bring You glory and love on Your people the best way I can. I pray that You will give me wisdom and discernment, words to speak when necessary, and the strength to carry out Your work. Amen.
