Well here it was, the moment I had been waiting for my whole life! I was finally on a plane headed to South Africa. It was my first time ever going to the African continent, and it just so happens that I celebrated my birthday on the flight.
Not knowing what to expect and trying not to dwell on the disappointment of not being placed in Cape town for the month, my heart was bubbling with excitement as the last twenty minutes of our flight passed by.
The airport was amazing with all its posters displaying native people in their African attire alongside beautiful colors and wildlife. I was ready to get on my Safari Truck and head into the wild. Okay, maybe that’s a bit exaggerated, but what can I say? Its kind of what I expected.
Instead of running off on my own, I was met by the amazing directors and founders of BEAM Africa, Erika and Louie. They would be our contacts for the month in the capital city of South Africa: Pretoria. They drove us to the place we would call home for the month, and the moment we pulled in it was clear that this was exactly where God had ordained for my team and me to be.
We felt like royalty, not only were the accommodations amazing, but we were also received into a family, instead of just a ministry. We were quickly introduced into a way of life by our “Parents” for the month (Erika and Louie). They shared with us their stories, struggles, battles, and victories. In the end the theme was that no matter what the journey looked like, our God was still alive and good. They practically left everything they knew as life back home to pursue the dream of caring for the widows, the orphans, and the less fortunate. Against family advice, and what others said, they now let their hearts and passion direct their everyday life.
This is the place where I came into a close encounter with a side of the Father’s heart I’ve never seen before. I’ve known for quite sometime now that I had a heart for orphaned kids. This disarming and freeing love that I’ve experienced from God was about to be taken to a whole different level. When you wake up everyday and live a life outside of “YOU” that’s when you start tapping into HIS heart, it’s no longer about what YOU can do, but about what HE wants to do with YOU. In light of this, we dedicated one or two evenings a week strictly to worship and prayer, in order that his kingdom would invade our reality and circumstances, and give us direction and a LOVE greater than we could give ourselves.
Some of these kids, in the projects of South Africa, or what would be considered the projects, are so dependent on the food BEAM offers, but more importantly the love, the care, the guidance, and the HOPE they bring to them as well. When you sing, play, love, or just spend time with kids it’s hard not to be on the border of tears, and realize how blessed you really are.
I thought I was there to GIVE something, but once again, I learned from the people I was sent to minister to. Not only did we learn tribal dances and native songs, but I also learned to find the song of my heart as well. I was welcomed with open hearts, smiles and HOPE. I was loved and accepted not because they knew me for years, or I had given them anything, but because we all LOVED Jesus, which in return made us have love for one another.
More than these kids needed me, they need what you and I carry inside of us: that love that comes from the one and only Savior and Redeemer of the world. So, For the Sake of the WORLD, burn brighter than you ever have. Dare to believe the impossible. Let your heart go WILD. Trust the whisper, follow the voice inside your heart, find your own song and sing it LOUD. Maybe it’s not an actual song, maybe it’s a calling, or an old dream knocking at your door. You’ll never know what you are capable of unless you dare to BELIEVE and TRUST Him.
One of my favorite quotes says: “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” -Lao Tzu
What is God asking you to BELIEVE today?
As always, thanks for going on this journey with me, and reading my ramblings.
The Race is truly changing a lot in me, and I can say I am more and more in love with my JESUS. On a less spiritual, but still important, note, I am in desperate need of funds. I need exactly $2,500 to finish my race, I know God has called me to be here for now, and I’ve had no doubt about His provision and perfect timing. I ask that you consider donating and being a part of this great story.
THANK YOU!
LOVE,
Daniel C.
PS: Forgot to give a shout-out to the Nebraska CRU family than Joined us. oh and Kristen and Katie as well. Love you all.
World Race and CRU Families together for the Month!
