When my team and I first got here ministry was very slow. December is summer in South Africa so everyone was on holiday break. I know, Christmas in summer? Crazy, right? But I’m really thankful for this time of rest because we were able to form strong relationships with our host parents Nazeem and Vanessa and their son Carlo right away. They have become like real family to us and saying our goodbyes last week was extremely tough.
In January ministry began to pick up, me and two other girls from my team Rachel and Kathryn helped out in a preschool. While the other girls Rebecca, Aimee, Molli Caite, and Claire taught at an elementary school. Preschool ministry involved helping out our teachers with whatever they needed assistance with and getting to know the students. We would prepare snack time, read bible stories, play outside with them on the playground, worship and occasionally change diapers and cleaning up accidents…….buuut I won’t get into details on that.
The students in my class were quite a handful. Since I wasn’t a familiar face they wouldn’t listen to what I said and if their teacher wasn’t in sight they would run out of the classroom trying to find her. They would cry, kick and scream when I tried to get them back in their seats and some wouldn’t even want to come close to me. They only wanted their parents or their teacher. And when it was time to play, none of the kids wanted to share their toys.
This was the first week, but thankfully things improved. As I spent more time with the kids they really started to warm up to me. When I would walk into the classroom they would run up to me shouting GOOD MORNING AUNTIEEE and welcome me with a big group hug. They would allow me to do puzzles with them, push them on the swings, and build sand castles with them. It was really great to see the transformation within their hearts. To see them loving so well not only toward me but also toward the other students in the class. I saw a huge transition in myself as well. It’s crazy how I went from constantly checking the time because I couldn’t wait to get out, to wishing I didn’t have to leave their sweet faces. l love how I can see the Lord is continuously working in my life and those around me. During this time the Lord taught me more about patience, loving others when it’s hard, relying on Him as my provider, and possibly some tricks for when I become a mother one day.
In February my team and I had the opportunity to continue working in schools but instead of being placed in a preschool, God placed us in an elementary school. I got to do this ministry with 3 other girls from my team, Molli Caite, Kathryn, and Claire, while the other girls, Rebecca, Aimee, and Rachel counselled at a high school. School ministry involved counselling students, running a VBS, assisting the teachers, and leading an after school program called Kids for Christ.
Counselling these kids was challenging because their stories can be extremely heart breaking. Most of them come from broken homes and are trapped in ugly cycles of abuse and poverty. I got to meet new faces every day and be a listening ear while pointing them toward Christ. Throughout this month I could see a tremendous change in their behaviour and so could everyone else, especially their teachers. The kids we counselled would act out in class, give attitude, fight, and not do their school work. But after talking to us and by the power of prayer all of their misbehaving quickly disappeared. It amazes me how The Lord is so quick to work in people’s lives when we are willing. His faithfulness astounds me.
I’ve also been given the chance to attend a drug support group every Thursday night with Molli Caite and Aimee. While the rest of the girls did a prayer walk at a hospital. My ministry involved a small group of older men and women who have struggle with drug addictions but have been saved by the grace of Jesus Christ for many years. Some were alcoholics, addicted to crystal meth, cocaine, heroine, or glue. During our meetings we were able to share testimonies with one another and pray. It was really encouraging to hear older men and women so in love with the Lord. Their stories showed the power of God and the satisfaction receive by His love.
This was the ministry I got to participate in South Africa and it was amazing to see the Lord’s restoration in so many lost lives.
Thank you to everyone for the ways you have been supporting me throughout this time. My heart is so full and overflows by the love you have shared. I know God is so pleased with all of you and your obedience to say yes to what He places on your hearts.
Please be praying for South Africa and the lives I’ve connected with. Pray for the family who took me in as their own daughter for the past 3 months. For the little ones in the preschool, that they would keep their eyes fixed on the Father and wouldn’t turn down the wrong path. Pray for protection in the children’s lives at the elementary school that are surrounded by violent gangs. Pray for the teachers. For rain because South Africa is currently in a drought and for those who are stuck in darkness.
Much love,
Tori
