We just got to Botswana for our second month of ministry. I wasn’t able to post much last month because it’s hard to find wifi, and so far it looks like this month will be the same.
Our ministry in South Africa was nothing that we expected it to be, but God couldn’t have planned it any better. The BEAM property is absolutely enchanting; we were so blessed to be able to stay in such a beautiful and peaceful place. We pulled weeds for the first week and a half. As our team bonded over the weeding, we realized that God wanted us to weed out the bad things in our lives. We were able to learn what kind of baggage we brought onto the race and how we’re all hungry to fall more in love with Jesus.
When we were done weeding we began working in trenches and eventually laid a water line. It was hard work but we got in a nice arm workout and now BEAM can supply its own water and save money!
The BEAM property is about 30 minutes away from Mamelodi, the township where we did the rest of our ministry. Driving into the township was the first time I think I’ve truly been in shock. We had to walk around from home to home to get information from the families about the upcoming life skills class we were helping with. As we started walking, my heart began to break. These homes are what we would consider small metal shacks. The streets are filled with trash and murky green water. I had to concentrate on where my feet were walking to make sure I didn’t get stuck in the thick mud, but when I had time to look up I felt lifeless. There was no way God was in this place. We visited two homes, and then hopped back in our Land Rover and drove away. On the ride home I felt nauseas and I couldn’t talk or think straight.
That night was hard. I had never felt those kinds of emotions before. I sat on the bench in our garden and cried and prayed, trying to understand what the point of all this was.
I woke up the next day already dreading going into Mamelodi. On this day we were doing more home visits and then assisting with BEAM’s feeding program for the kids in the area. As we walked the streets all I could think of was how mad I was at God. How could He let people live in these conditions? I assumed they were all miserable and that God wasn’t a part of their community.
That afternoon after home visits the kids started trickling in. They came straight from school and were instantly drawn to us “white people”. It’s rare for white people to be in Mamelodi. They loved getting piggy back rides and playing with our hair (ouch). I instantly connected with one of the little girls. She asked me about a bracelet that I was wearing, and I told her it was a gift from one of my best friends back home. I followed up by asking her who her best friend was, and she excitedly told me it was Jesus.
I was so happy when she said that, but also surprised. She is growing up in the worst place I’ve ever seen, but she still loves Jesus so much. In that moment, my mindset was completely changed. God was in Mamelodi, changing lives just the way He does all over the world.
Our main focus for the month was a life skills program. BEAM offers this course every few months, and it is free to attend. The course is for ages 18+ and it teaches them the skills needed to get a job for the first time, such as math and communications. Life skills is a blessing because it’s rare for people who grow up in Mamelodi to get a job and have a chance at a career.
Most of the life skills attendants were women. It was a great opportunity for me to put together my first Beauty for Ashes women’s retreat. Beauty for Ashes is Adventures in Missions women’s ministry and I get the opportunity to orchestrate a women’s retreat wherever there is a need during my race. We only had a short afternoon and I was really nervous because it was the first time I’ve stood up and shared my story a room of people I didn’t know.
My goal was to get these women to open up and learn more about God’s love for them, no matter their circumstances. Many of them shared about the times they had been raped or abused, which is far too common in Mamelodi. Also, it was pretty cool to be able to give many of the ladies their first flower.
I spent more time with the little girl from the feeding program and quickly fell in love with her. Her name is Phaladi and she is 5 years old. She’s always smiling and is so full of joy. I began to realize that my time in South Africa was coming to an end and I wanted to figure out how to remain in her life. She deserves the chance to have a beautiful life and get out of the township. So, I talked to BEAM and I will be supporting her monthly and eventually paying for her college. Saying goodbye to her was so hard. She doesn’t understand much English, but when I hugged her goodbye I told her that she was smart, beautiful, and loved by Jesus. Even through the language barrier, I know she understood. I’m excited to make it back to Mamelodi to see her in the future.
Our host family was absolutely amazing. They run BEAM Africa and do whatever they can to help the community. They affect so many lives and if you’re looking for a great organization to donate to, I would definitely suggest looking them up.
South Africa was hard, but a blessing. I thought when I got on the race that I would somehow become a super-Christian and things would be easy. I’m learning so much about life, God, and myself, and it’s a bit overwhelming. This is already the hardest, yet best thing I’ve ever done. I’ll be doing a separate blog on all of that soon.
I’m still about $2,800 away from fully funded. I’m trusting that God will provide through my blog readers, because I can’t go home. I’m determined to stay the full 11 months and do whatever it is that God has planed for this journey. Thank you so much for the support I have already received, y’all are a blessing.
