Hey you guys, it’s been a while. Let me fill you in on the past month and a half:
After finishing up at the orphanage in Cambodia (was amazing), I met up with my squad in the province of Siemreab to visit Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. We bussed back to Thailand (18 hours), and after a few days of rest we flew out of Bangkok. Flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. Stayed in Joburg for a few nights. Joburg is a progressive, creative, and crime-ridden city. They say that if any change is going to happen in South Africa, it is going to start in Joburg. We then bussed to Cape Town (22 hours). Took the train to our host’s home in Steenburg, a suburb of Cape Town. My team is there with two other teams. Thankfully our hosts were able to provide beds for most of us and enough space for the 18 of us to live. The month of December was a bit slow there. Since school just got out (it is summer down here) and most people are on summer vacation, it was hard for us to find a good schedule for ministry. This resulted in our ministry taking many different forms. One night we were invited to play Christmas carols in the middle of a park to the surround houses in the community. Sometimes we would walk to different shopping centers and simply pray with people. Every Sunday we would go to a church to preach, give testimonies, and/or lead worship for the congregation. We put on a week long summer camp for the kids in a gang-affiliated community. The camp’s finale was on the Christmas Eve, where we played another concert, this time with a full band (I played the drums 
) to the community. It was unfortunately cut short by a shooting that took place not more than 100 yards away. After some rest around Christmas time we began train ministry. It has been one of my favorite things I have done since leaving the US. You simply get on a packed train, preach the Gospel, and worship the Lord. Obnoxious to some, of infinite importance to others. Our contact in Cape Town really wants to get involved with the local prison when we return in February.
Cape Town is an absolutely incredible city. Surrounded by mountains that run straight into the sea. Indian Ocean on one side, Atlantic on the other. In my free time, I have been doing plenty of surfing. Take the train to 5 minutes Muizenberg on the Indian Ocean side for fun, long waves. Build up confidence there for a few days and then head over to Kommetjie on the Atlantic side to get humbled by hollow, powerful waves and frigid cold water. Retreat back to Muizenberg. Repeat. Hiked Table Mountain to get a beautiful view of the city and of the surrounding area. Took a train and a bus to Boulder Beach to hang out with the out of place little birds that live there known as “jackass” penguins. It was funny to watch them walk and jump. Explored the city of Cape Town a bit on New Years Eve. Watched the fireworks over the Atlantic Ocean while sitting on a dock in a harbor. Found a climbing gym downtown and was able to boulder for a few hours. Ate a sandwich infamously known as the Gatsby. Proceeded to throw up the Gatsby. I am finding so many reasons to thank God for this awesome life.
On January 1st all the men on my squad piled into a van and drove to the country of Lesotho for MANistry month (28 hours). That is where I am writing to you from. Unlike Cape Town, we have a nice, tight schedule here. We are helping with the construction of a school which is partnered with a local orphanage. Digging trenches and filling them with concrete for the Kingdom. We also visit HIV/AIDS clinics in the area to preach to them, pray for them, and bless them with a meal. One day a week we go to the local prison to lead a full church service. Every Sunday we split up and go to 4 different local churches to preach, share testimonies, and lead worship. We are about 6000 feet up in the mountains of Southern Africa. This country is experiencing its worst drought in 50+ years. Regardless, it beautiful. I am so glad to be up in the mountains. I have been enjoying plenty of time in simple conversation with God, my Father.
Getting more and more excited for this summer at Noah’s as it approaches. This trip is already half way over for me. Go Hogs. Miss you guys. I’ll see you soon.
Jack Sentz
