I’ve recently thought about what it is that drives me to do this kind of thing, and part of it is the same thing that I need to a better job of doing. Not only do I do what I do because Jesus commissioned me to do it, but also because it’s unfamiliar to me. It’s uncomfortable at times. The moment I got in Pastor Fernando’s truck to ride to our Home for the month in Ecuador was when I first felt it in that way and in that magnitude. Adventure. It wasn’t the same as it was when I got lost in the woods. It was different. I was thousands of miles from home. The thought of, “there’s not even a way of turning back now if I wanted to.” ran through my mind. What I was feeling wasn’t quite fear, but it was the unknown and unfamiliatrity. Now I find my self attracted to that feeling, and Identifying where it is and feeling the graceful conviction when I don’t act upon it.
The world Race is full of that. Unfamiliarity. Questions and statements like, “Should I pray for them?” or, “I’m not sure if I’m comfortable with this,” will come to mind. When you put whatever it is up against your convictions and scripture, and you find that it is of God, buy into it. Our Father usually saves some really cool experiences for moments like that. We experience this almost everyday in Phumlani, Cape Town, South Africa. The community looks rough at first glance. The average Joe would even question entering the community, but when you actually step in and meet some of the people you find that these people really love and care for each other.
The other night we experienced a memorial service for a boy that had been killed right around the time we had arrived in South Africa. I think the only expectation I had was that of tears and sorrow. I remember feeling reluctant to go not because I was tired from ministry, but only because I didn’t want to be in a sad atmosphere. Then God decided to through me a curve ball.
We get there and set up a few chairs, then just decide and sit and wait for folks to file in. All the sudden Regina, The woman that runs the daycare we are working at, bursts out in an Africa Gospel song. I think they’re just trying to past the time till more folks get there, but no it was a for-shadowing of what was to come for the next three and a half hours. All these voice harmonizing, naturally, and it was the most beautiful sound I’ve herd from the human mouth.
I had been listening to African gospel on my phone in anticipation of the Africa months. I was finally getting to here it in person. It blew my mind how everyone in the community knew the words and what parts to sing. How do they do that? How come it’s so natural? Things like this exist within the slums and gang-ridden communities you here about here in Africa. It’s so beautiful! It would happen spontaneously. It was almost like there were rules to follow and if you felt lead to start a song you were to do it, and sing as loud as you could. I literally had to fight back tears, and I really wish I hadn’t. The Holy Spirit, I believe has many voices, and I strongly believe I herd it in the Phumlani community center that night. This is only our fist African country, and I have had a pretty strong feeling for a while that God has a lot of good things in store for Africa! Can’t wait to tell y’all more about it!
Be blessed,
Steven Buffington
p.s. My last deadline is coming up July 1st and I have $3,500 to go. If you would like to donate click on the SUPPORT ME link on the left hand side of the page. Thanks again. Love y’all!
