Praise! Complete anarchy only broke out one more time during my last week as a pre-school teacher (no lie, that IS a praise) AND, I discovered that I do retain influence in one key place: the playground. Oddly enough the little ankle biters listen to and flock to me there. Go figure.
Praise! The sport division of Sky TV, the a cable television station here in South Africa, was able to get some favorable footage, despite the rain, for the soccer and surf camps we hosted for the children. The kids managed the less than desirable weather wonderfully, I was able to overcome my drenched, chattering state to provide a reasonable sound bite (per the founder and cameraman) and the ministry organization we partnered with has means to get their vision/message into millions of homes across South Africa – awesome.
Praise! Together we have prayed peace and blessing over numerous homes and lives just interacting with the small communities of St. Francis Bay and Cape St. Francis. It is a curious thing when you are stopped at the local grocery by a church member and complimented on the encouragement you are to her and the “young people” in the community. Even more curious that our team was invited to lead a worship service at the local pub. But then isn't that is just the way the Lord works — mysteriously and with greater breath than we'll ever know!
The above are great reason for celebration and I celebrate you for making each one possible. I would add that I think I feel more blessed than anyone. South Africa for me can be embodied in a number of different ways including abundant, beauty, and hospitality. We've explored abundance and you've seen glimpses of the beauty (though I assure you my photography in no way has done this place justice; it is simply ridiculous). The hospitality, well, that has been everywhere. I leave here challenged to cultivate a lifestyle more rich in hospitality because it is such a quiet and yet poignant way to show Christ love. The author of 3 John 5 – 8, but specifically 8, was spot on when he wrote, “We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.”
Dearest team, South Africa is working with us to proclaim the Truth of the Gospel. I am delighted to report that we were a blessing here AND we were blessed.
