When waking up in Beijing, China one morning and flying to Johannesburg South Africa later is just another day, we begin questioning if this is reality. Our lives have taken on an entirely new set of norms and our ability to make quick and drastic adjustment has improved tenfold.
After spending our last month in a northern city in China nearing the Russian border, we’ve journeyed to the tip of the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Our home for this month is in a small surfing town known as Cape St. Francis. We are in apartments, or “flats” as they call them here, within walking distance from the ocean. (I’m obviously in love!)
Cape St. Francis, South Africa
The landscape here is unlike any coastal town I’ve seen. The ocean is full of shades of teals and royal blues while the dunes and grass are rolling and vibrant green. The clouds are low and look as though they were painted into the sky. It’s unbelievable that we are able to call this place home for month 3. This place displays a magnificence that is unmatched and, to me, is pure evidence of a master creator.
Not only did our location change drastically but our ministry as well. This month we are volunteering at a pre-school for underprivileged children of the community. The Talhado Pre-Primary School Haven is for 5 and 6 year olds and is striving to prepare these children for their education as well as instill in them biblical principles. Our assignment is to assist the teachers in their classrooms each morning. Needless to say, this is allowing us to get back in touch with the “kid” inside us! We sing songs, we color, we dance, we cheer, we read stories, and all else that goes along with pre-school!
In the afternoon we work with a non-profit Christian organization called Volunteer South Africa that seeks to provide hope to young children through the opportunities that sports create. We teach and play soccer and netball with them as well as prepare small bible lessons to deliver at the end of each afternoon session.
Ashley singing with Sherano JM with Khyaniso, Banele and Luyolo
What I am beginning to see is that each month on the World Race is unlike the previous and requires different parts of us. Last month, we used words to share the gospel and develop friendships with the Chinese college students. This month, we will physically be the hands and feet of Jesus to love these children because they speak little to no English. While many adolescents and adults are proficient in English, these small students have not been taught yet. They speak two of the local dialects known as Afrikaans and Xhosa. Xhosa is a language with clicking sounds. Coming from a culture that highly values instant, tangible results, this assignment is causing us to revaluate our definitions of the words ministry and evangelism. Our cut and dry four-point gospel presentation is not effective here. We are challenged to love the children of South Africa in a way that reflects Christ’s love for us. This month we are stepping outside of our comfortable boxes and for this, I am grateful.
