Living during the past month in South Africa has been more than life-giving, really it was life-changing. I got the honor of doing ministry with my team 1010 Fierce and the Gospel Girls. We were placed in various ministries such as tutoring and assisting teachers at schools, teaching children how to play instruments, counseling in children’s summer camp, helping to build a log house, or singing in a choir for church.
I was honored to dedicate my month working in three main ministries. Here’s a bit more about it and what God taught me.
Ithemba Afterschool Program
Aside from the new friendships I made here, I enjoyed the opportunity to be intentional with 4 young boys ages 9-13 years of age during their afterschool program. I would tutor them in math, english, or natural sciences. They shared with me their future dreams which ranged from being a lawyer, a pilot, or a doctor. I got a chance to work alongside a teacher named Ms. Bridgett. She worked part time at Ithemba and attended college full time to receive her degree in high school education.
Proverbs 18:15 says, “intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.” Through their passion for learning, the Lord reminded me that I’m not a shrub or a bush. I’m a tree, firmly rooted in Him and therefore will grow as tall as I mighty tree if I never stop learning from Him.
Log House
I believe God truly knew how much comfort I would be needing this month since it’s my dad’s birthday month and his 2-year death anniversary. The log house smelled like him – hard work. The sound of drills, hammers, manual saws, and floor boards being installed ringed comforting memories of watching and helping my daddy build. I got the honor of working alongside some skillful and kind men all with a passion for carpentry among other things. And whose diligence and desire to work reminded me of my dad. They were comforting to be around.
The log house we were helping to build is a memorial to two missionaries named Austin and Rebekah who had a fire for loving Jesus with all their heart. They passed away 1 day after their wedding in a tragic car accident about a year ago. I can feel in my spirit a sense of deep loss and grief in the log house. But God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4).
There’s tremendous power in God’s comfort. When you invite Him into your grief He gives you strength to laugh, to sing, to have joy, to remember memories, to speak of your loved ones with gladness, to dance, to teach, to work with all your heart, to live with hope, and to leave a mark on all those you meet.
The log house will be home to many future missionaries, called and chosen by the Lord. What a beautiful legacy to be a part of. Getting to be a small part of building this home and most especially connecting with Austin and Rebekah’s family and loved ones are treasured memories.
Singing in a Choir
The last time I sang in a choir I was in 6th grade. And honestly, because of my smoking addiction during my younger years I didn’t think I would be able to use my voice to honor God. He is merciful and in Christ we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace (Ephesians 1:7).
We were led by Uncle Ian, who not only has a gift of carpentry, but also leads professional choirs in Scotland! What a treat it was to work with him who was so delighted, gracious, and encouraging. We sang a song called “Peace Like A River” by Vine Song. We welcomed the Holy Spirit, singing praise during our evening practice in the log house. The more we sang, the more we felt the presence of the Lord.
Isn’t that so like God to show up in grand style. He not only gave us the grace to sing, but He brought His spirit of peace, comfort, and joy.
I believe that if I wrote of everything God revealed to me in South Africa, I’d certainly be sharing the many pages from my journal. I left a piece of my heart in South Africa with all the friendships I made and all the children that I miss so very much. I know in God’s timing and His provision I will be returning to Jeffrey’s Bay again. As for now, I wait patiently for the Lord, enjoying every moment of this 11-month journey and looking forward to a lifetime of adventures with Jesus.
It’s month four already! Botswana here we come!!
