Little girl at the Baptist orphans centre in Tembisa. She and I held hands. =)

Children at the Baptist centre in Tembisa. We sang songs with them and taught them a Bible story.

Open Schools project in Polokwane area.

Eugene teaching the children one of the lessons. Notice how they are under a tree - and the only products needed for class are chalkboards (laying on the rock), workbooks and pencils. In some areas, the class uses an audio component from TWR.

Two days to go!

In just two days I'll be "leavin' on a jet plane" back to the States. I am taking so much back with me - not just souvenirs =) but memories, learning experiences and defining moments. Yet I realize that right now I'm still "in the moment" and that most of the things I have learned will have to be processed over time. Here are some of the things God has impressed on my heart since being here:

I have developed a passion for orphans. I talked about this in one of my previous blogs as well. The need for loving, godly parents is a huge need, especially for those who are raising themselves. As of 2007, there were 14 million AIDS orphans in Africa, and that number was expected to be increased by 10 million by 2010. So right now there could be as many as 24 million AIDS orphans in Africa (or more). What are these children being taught about life, and especially about God? Do they know there is a Father in heaven who loves them and sent His Son to die for them? Do they have hope for this life and the next? What will happen to Africa in the next 20 years when these orphan children are grown? I cannot get that thought out of my mind. But not only in regard to the future, but right now...are these children being loved right now? Last Monday I visited the Limpopo Province with TWR and a partner organization, Open Schools. Open Schools reaches out to vulnerable and at-risk children who are struggling in school or who aren't in school at all. The majority of the children are abandoned or orphaned. Through Open Schools they are being taught a Christian-based tutoring programme and being not only told about the love of Christ, but being shown the love of Christ in a practical way. I thank God for organizations like these and am praying about how God would use me to make an impact like this.

I have also learned much about the plight of women in Africa, and it is also overwhelming. Throughout the world there is much injustice done to women, including Africa. Women are not given a voice and are abused in various ways: whether physically, sexually, or emotionally. These women need to know that they are special and loved. Through research with TWR I learned about the situation of women in the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo). They are experiencing assault as a result of war, and it is exceptionally cruel. Many women are raped, killed, and beaten, and they are left with the physical and emotional scars. I believe in the almighty Healer and want to see these women experience His love.

As I wrap up my time here, I cannot say exactly where God is leading me, but I am going to seek Him especially in these two areas. Part of me thinks, "How can someone like me help orphans and hurting women? I have no idea how to relate to them. I'm from a wonderful, Christian family and haven't experienced what they've been through." However, I believe that God uses us in our weaknesses, and equips us to help in situations we think we are unworthy to serve in. As I return, I am going to be praying for His guidance in these areas and that He will open up the right doors of ministry for me. My prayer is that God would just use me...in whatever way He sees fit, to make a difference in at least one life.

Other things I've been doing in my last few weeks here:

I drove to Tembisa (a nearby township) by myself for a training and got lost (!) but found my way after about an hour. I felt very adventurous afterwards, like I had accomplished something.

I visited friends on the west side of Jo-burg who I worked with during my previous visit in 2008. What a blessing to see these people who are dear to my heart!

Went to an orphan ministry in Tembisa with women from Grace Baptist church and got to love on some kids. They were all 5 or younger and very eager to be held! Even though we were only there for an hour, I will never forget those children.

I've been involved in leading music at Grace Baptist church and at TWR and have really enjoyed it! The people here have been so welcoming and have embraced me as one of their own, and I am blessed.

There is much more to write, and perhaps I will once my mind absorbs all that has happened these past two months. Please pray for me that I would know what God wants me to learn from this and where He is leading in future ministry. As I return to the States on 5 August, please pray that I will adjust well and that God would prepare me for my Resident Assistant position at seminary.

Blessings!

I'll leave you with a verse that has encouraged me recently concerning orphans:

"Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me" - Psalm 27:10

Climbing the tower at the transmitter site. (It looks like I'm up high, but I really wasn't.)

TWR Swaziland offices in Manzini.

(L-R: Sibusiso, Ryan, me, Jarrod, and Chris)

At the Melrose Arch fan park; just to give you an idea of the crowds and the big screen.

View of Soweto from Vilakazi Street, where Mandela lived for a while.

At the Hector Pieterson memorial in Soweto.

Highlights from the Past Few Weeks

God is faithful. He is able. He is doing so much, even when we don't see it or feel it. That's how I feel about this summer (winter) in Jo-burg. Although I don't understand what is happening at this point, I am praying for clarity to take from this what He wills.

At TWR, I have been getting to know employees more and more and am blessed by their friendships. People come by my "office" to talk, speak words of encouragement, and to pray with me. They have showed me around different areas of Johannesburg and taken me in as "one of them." That has meant so much.

Work-wise, I have been doing much of the same: writing proposals and researching. I was able to visit a charity organisation and talk with them about funding one of our projects, then come back and write a proposal specifically for them. It is exciting knowing that a proposal I wrote could be used to raise funding for a project that will improve people's physical lives and spiritual lives as well. While I could spend time explaining everything I have been doing to you, I think it's better to focus on the few significant things that have happened.

For one, Winfred and I visited St. Frances Care Centre in Boksburg, a place of hope and healing for people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. St. Frances is a nice facility that is well-organised and structured. Many of the South African orphanages, foster homes, and care centres I have visited previously are old, worn down, and run by very few people. The atmosphere is depressing at times. At St. Frances, however, the buildings are newer, there are decorations on the walls, the medical facilities are well-done, and everything is organised. The service so many people - currently, they service over 5,000 people - over 1,000 people receive ARV's (anti-retrovirals) and 140 of those are children. They provide a hospice for those at the terminal stages and counseling for those at all levels. Winfred and I came on behalf of TWR to bring a selection of our Christian programming for the leaders to sample. After they have listened to the programming and approved it, TWR will install speakers into the facilities for patients to listen to. The programming covers anything from HIV/AIDS to Through the Bible instruction to Children's programming. I look forward to hearing how all of this comes together.

During our tour of the centre, my favorite areas were for the children. The first building we visited was for children from ages 3 to 7. Many of them are AIDS orphans, but all of them come from unhealthy family situations, leading them to reside at St. Frances until they are provided with a better situation. During the week, they receive basic schooling and counseling. On the weekends, these children go home with a loving and healthy "foster" family so that they can experience what a healthy home looks like. Later on we visited the babies and toddlers building, where we were greeted by dozens of sweet little ones who smiled, screamed, and ran at us the minute we walked through the door. They wanted us to pick them all up - they tugged at our pant-legs, reached their hands up, and some even cried. Winfred and I couldn't help it; we picked some of them up and just held them. You could tell they were so happy just to be held. The little girl I was holding, although she was small, spoke excellent English (as they are taught in English by the workers). She pointed to parts of my face and asked me, "What's this? What's this?" The nurse worker informed us that 16 of those toddlers were HIV+, only 5 were not. How much I wished that we could stay longer! These children are precious; I thank God that they are in a nice, warm, place where they are loved.

Apart from work, I have been keeping busy as well. Sounds just like me, right? =) Last weekend, a group of us took a trip through Sandton, Soweto, and a fan park at Melrose Arch. We rode the Gautrain ("how-train"), the new above-ground metro in Jo-burg, into Sandton and looked around Nelson Mandela square and the mall at Sandton. Then we rode a taxi into the city center, hopped on another taxi into Soweto, and met up with some friends there who toured us through the area. We saw a lot of historical places: Walter Sisulu square, Nelson Mandela's home, the Hector Pieterson memorial, and the church where Mandela and others met to discuss politics and plan. It was a wonderful experience. We even ate at an authentic African restaurant where we ate meat, pap, chakalaka, and acha. Then in the evening, we went to Melrose Arch and watched the Germany vs. Uruguay game at the Fan Park. There were tons of people and excitement as everyone was rooting for Germany. We were so thrilled when Germany won the match for 3rd place in the World Cup!

Also took a trip to Swaziland with five other people from the Jo-burg office. We visited the TWR office in Manzini, met the staff and toured the transmitter site. It was amazing to see the giant transmitters and learn about how they work and how far they broadcast. Some of the antennas broadcast all the way from Swaziland to unreached areas of the world! I pray that God uses His Word to bear fruit in the lives of people who have never heard. Swaziland is a beautiful country full of rolling mountains covered with African villages. The people are friendly and the food is excellent. There is great need, however; of the small country's population of 1 million, over 1/3 are living with HIV/AIDS. One tenth of the population are orphans, and over half were orphaned from AIDS. Statistics say that over 3/4 of the population is "Christian," but the people need to become empowered to live out God's commands and live. Please pray for the country of Swaziland - for the church leaders and members, for Truth, for salvation, and for AIDS to be stopped.

I have a little over two weeks left here, and I pray that the rest of my time is spent wisely and with discernment. There is so much to be done in Africa, and I just want to be used in some small way for God's kingdom. I pray that He leads me to know what I need to do, where I need to be, and what steps to take in order to get there.

At the Uche concert with TWR people.

Bruma market.

Kids at the community centre who acted out Dr. T Cell.

The volunteer tutor at one of the Open Schools projects. She is showing one of the teaching tools used with the children.

The "roof" (tarp) we put up for the children to have school under.

Time flies...

So much to say! I haven't written due to several reasons - but have finally sat down to write an update. Here's what's been happening on this end:

Was able to visit a nearby township through our partner programme, Open Schools. Open Schools utilizes local volunteers in townships to tutor children who aren't in school to a a third grade level so that they can get into school. The children listen to lessons provided by TWR, then work through a workbook with the volunteer "teacher." It's an excellent programme. We visited a woman's home who has so very little, yet she is tutoring over 75 children IN HER DIRT YARD. They meet in the afternoons and rotate between ages. The curriculum is faith-based and written specifically for children who need to be tutored. We went to help built a "roof" for her school area and basically to check in and see how she was doing. It was so heart-warming to meet this woman and see her dedication.

The township itself was so sad - people have made houses out of corrugated metal and scraps, there was no grass, and no toilets. We also were able to visit a children's home for orphans, neglected children, and children in dangerous situations. It was very good to go there, but again, very sad. These children have nothing, and not enough adults to take care of them. The centre was in great need of proper facilities and volunteers. I hung out with several girls for about 20 minutes while they played with my hair and held my hands and asked me all sorts of questions. When it was time to go, they were already sad - after only 20 minutes! One of the girls looked down sadly and said, "Please don't go." My heart was so sad...these children are in desperate need of parents who love them and will raise them according to the Bible. They also need someone to counsel them after the trauma they have been through. It is great that they have a simple shelter, but they need so much more than that.

My research on orphans has been shocking. There are over 14 million orphans in Africa, with an expected 10 million more within the next few years. These orphans are the result of AIDS, but also other sicknesses, poverty, and hunger. Let me get on a soap-box here for just a few sentences: the Church has GOT to do something about these precious children. It is not enough to come and speak to them about Jesus - they need a mother and a father who will show them Jesus. The Bible talks so much about caring for people in distress, especially orphans. James 1:27: Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..." I myself am praying about how to help and I encourage you to do the same. Ok, now I'll step down off my soapbox...=)

Another place I've been able to visit is with another partner organization of TWR, Business Against AIDS. I went with the founder to a community centre to help with a presentation for children about HIV/AIDS. How it works is BAA teaches 5 children a drama called "Dr. T Cell" about AIDS where they act out different parts of the immune system and viruses. Then the children act out the drama in front of their peers - it's excellent. Seeing these children was special to me; many of them (again) are orphans or are bussed in from nearby townships. They are on holiday now so it's a great place for them to come for a meal (perhaps the only one they receive for the entire day) and some fun. With Dr. T Cell, they also are able to learn about HIV/AIDS.

At work, I have been doing a lot of things: research on Malaria, doing programme summaries, and brainstorming for possible new programmes. I've said it before, but it is SO true: I really enjoy my co-workers. Their love for the LORD is overflowing and unifying. Although there are people from all different denominations and socio-economic backgrounds, at TWR, everyone is seen the same. The ministry is run through a servant-leadership model, and it is wonderful.

Outside of work, I've been able to do some really fun things. I've watched so many soccer games (on TV or big screen, not live, although I'd like to see one live before it's over) and have gotten more and more into it. There is always a braai and a game to watch - food and fun! Now that RSA, USA, and Brazil are out, I'm pulling for the Netherlands. Go orange! I also went to the Bruma Market for some African crafts, attended a Live DVD recording of a popular artist here - Uche, and even went to a 4th of July braai today at a friend from work's house. I made an American flag cake, and everyone loved it.

On the sad side of things, one of our co-workers lost her seven year old daughter this week. She was in a bicycle accident and passed away Friday. Please keep the Heimann family in your prayers as they go through the loss.

Personally, I've been learning so much from God's word and in everyday circumstances. There have been several times where He has used His Word, song, and people to speak truth to me, and I am so grateful for those moments. I am continuing to seek Him for truth and direction. Please pray for me for wisdom during my last month here.

As music is very meaningful to me, I'll leave again with a song. This simple chorus has been in my head ever since I heard it two weeks ago. Whenever I sing it, it convicts me.

You won't relent until You have it all

My heart is Yours

You won't relent until You have it all

My heart is Yours

He is working on my life, even in hard circumstances, to bring to a place where I am completely His.

Arrie

Zulu dancers. The show was truly amazing.

The men wore the traditional Zulu costumes.

Learning the diski dance at work on Friday.

Celebrating SA's score against Mexico during the opening match.

Getting into the World Cup spirit. (L-R): Shane, Ryan, me (yes, that's me!) and Holly.

Lion and Rhino Park pictures:

A lion cub...very calm behind the fence, but once you enter into their territory, they are very scary!

The smallest cubs there...close to newborns

The braii area at the park. We are boorewors, pap (ground maize) with a nice sauce on top, salad, and steak. Mmmmmm!

Buffaloes walking our way. They were literally a few feet from our vehicle.

Mama and baby rhino.

Ke Nako! (It is here!)

It's only been another week but it feels like a month! I am continuing to adjust and learn; it is feeling much more "normal" here now. I am making wonderful friends at the office and it is great to see everyone's smiling faces everyday. At TWR we begin each day with morning devotions, which I love. It is so nice to begin the workday by dedicating it to the Lord. We sing songs, discuss a Bible passage, and close in prayer. My roomate Millie led devotions this week and asked me to play guitar for her, so I was able to lead everyone in some songs. One of the songs, "With All My Heart," has held special meaning for me since being here. It talks about surrendering everything into God's hands and simply knowing Him more.

This week I've worked on creating evaluation forms for an HIV/AIDS project Central Africa. I have also done a lot of research on HIV/AIDS and the statistics are staggering. There are over 33 million people in the world who are living with HIV/AIDS, and over 22 million of them live in Sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa has the largest amount of PLWHA (people living with HIV/AIDS) - 5.7 million. It is so sad to hear about the statistics, yet it challenges me to do something about it. When I hear feedback from listeners who have written in or sent in an SMS (text) I am so encouraged; people's lives are changing and people are finding hope in Jesus Chris. To read some of these responses, you can go to: www.twrafrica.org and look under the Explore Tab - Share Your Story.

Friday was the Kick-Off for the World Cup and it was so exciting! At work we had a half-day and ended work with a braii. The staff room was decorated with all of the different soccer team flags and everyone sported colors of the team they are supporting. I didn't have anything to wear, so I pinned a South Africa flag to my shirt! We learned the "diski dance" (diski means soccer) which everyone knows here. It was hard and quite funny to try to follow.

The Opening Ceremony was at 2 p.m. and the other interns and I went to a church to watch it on a big screen. The spirit here is great! Everyone is so colorful and full of energy. Everywhere you go you hear vuvuzelas being blown (like a blow horn) - even while driving down the road! The church we went to was decorated, as were all of the 200+ people there (supporting South Africa of course). Since we were from overseas they had us sit on the front row to watch the Opening Ceremony and the match between SA and Mexico. What a game! SA and Mexico tied, which means they both are still in the running to proceed to the next round.

After the game, the church had dancers from the show "UMOJA" perform some traditional Zulu dances for us. They were in costume and very animated; it was really something. At one point one of the dancers grabbed the daughter of the people we came with and ran around the sanctuary with her - she was scared but very brave. =)

Yesterday was the first soccer match for the USA and they tied against England. I'm rooting for both USA and SA...hopefully they don't play each other or I'll be torn!

Tomorrow begins a new week and new opportunities. Winfred and I will be travelling to a nearby township to promote the Open Schools program from our department - this program seeks to integrate children who are not in school into school through a tutoring program. I'm looking forward to physically seeing how this works.

On a side note, I purchased a CD-ROM this week that will help me to learn more of the Zulu language. I am really looking forward to it; one of my personal goals for this summer is to learn more Zulu.

Unkulunkulu anibosise! God bless all of you!

"With all My Heart"

In this quiet place with You
I bow before Your throne
I bare the deepest part of me
To You and You alone
I keep no secrets for there is
No thought You have not known
I bring my best and all the rest
To You and lay them down

With all my heart
I want to love You Lord
And live my life
Each day to know You more
All that is in me
Is Yours completely
I'll serve You only
With all my heart

You faithfully supply all my needs
According to Your plan
So help me, Lord to seek Your face
Before I seek Your hand
And trust You know what's best for me
When I don't understand
Then follow in obedience
In every circumstance

The Beginning of a New Thing...

This first week has been a lot of adjusting. For one, I'm adjusting to a completely different experience in South Africa. The previous times I've come to work in villages or with churches, and this time I am working a 9-5 job with a Christian radio station. God is teaching me a lot about trust and waiting on Him - and it's only been one week!

Last Monday I began my internship at TWR. Most of the week was spent just learning about my department, reading a lot of information (on TWR and on the issues that Africa faces), and meeting people. Everyone at the office is very friendly! They have made an extra effort to make sure I feel welcome. The office is very international; people are from all over - I'm definitely not unique in that regard. There is so much to learn, but it just takes time. The most important characteristic I've seen at TWR is a passion for the Great Commission. Everyone who works there wants to see people come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. That passion is contagious and very motivating. I'm glad to be working with an organization that wants to glorify God the way TWR does.

As far as what I am doing, I am working in the HCY (Health Children and Youth) department on the creative end of the programming aspect. I will be working under Winfred and helping with different aspects in the complete process of a programme (by the way - they call it a "programme" here...haha). Basically, I help with either the creative end (thinking up a project), the middle aspect (monitoring the project to see how it's going) or evaluating the project at the end (feedback from listeners, leaders of programmes, etc.). I will also be doing research for the programming. The programmes I am helping with this summer are HIV/AIDs, getting children into schools, Malaria, to name a few. I'm also helping to create a new programme for Youth.

I haven't driven yet because I haven't needed to - plus, I'm a little scared! Driving in Africa is totally different than the States! The rules are bent a lot more! =) I ride to and from work with my roomate Millie or the Winfred and Juliet, who live right next door.

My roomate, Millie, is great; she is definitely a blessing from God. Millie came to SA in January and is serving with TWR for one year (or longer, depending on how God leads). She has always wanted to come to Africa but was prevented until now. She is a breath of fresh air and such an encouragement to me. She imparts wisdom to me all the time and loves to laugh!

I had a great weekend. Saturday was spent doing laundry, cleaning house, and resting. I went to a popular coffee shop chain to read called "Mugg & Bean." It was really neat to just sit and observe people. There are "American" looking people and also very "African" looking people all living in the same place. It is unusual, but nice.

Sunday I went to the famous Rhino and Lion park in SE Johannesburg. One of the TWR employees took me and the other two interns. We saw lots of animals, and four of the Big Five - Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, and Rhino. We actually got to play with lion cubs! It was not as fun as it sounds...those lion cubs were very rough and a little too playful for me. Their idea of playing left deep bite marks on another guy who was in the pin with us. The "guide" who was with us kept telling me to get closer and teased me because I'm American. He said even Oprah got closer to the lion cubs when she visited. WELL....=)

That's the update so far! I will add pictures soon .

Thank you for your prayers. I really do feel them. God is continually reminding me (and I continue to ask Him to remind me) that He wants me here for now. Last week I read Psalm 121 - I lift my eyes unto the hills; where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker heaven and earth...He who watches over you will not slumber nor sleep...the LORD protects you; the LORD is a shelter at your right hand. Those words are a great comfort to me. I can rest knowing that God has provided the way for me to be here and He has a plan in my being here. I am seeking Him for guidance and strength, and wisdom to know what His will is for the future.

I also read the book of Esther over the weekend, and God reminded me that He is in the details! He works everything out according to His timing just the way He wants it to be. So I am trusting Him that His timing is perfect and that my time here in Africa will accomplish exactly what He wants it to accomplish.

Cheers for now!

First day back in SA

I've arrived safely in SA! Got in last night around 5 p.m. My Supervisor Winfred Oppong-Amoako and his wife Juliet met me outside of baggage claim. My roomate Millie was there as well. It was so nice to finally meet them! We drove to a restaurant, Mugg & Bean, and ate dinner, then came to the flat where I'll be staying. It's very quaint - one bedroom, bathroom, small kitchen and "lounge". Very cute! I'm glad to have Internet here so I can stay connected to people back home.
I haven't been here long so there is not much to write for now. I will rest today (Saturday) and tomorrow go to church with Winfred and Juliet. Monday I begin the internship at TWR! I'm very excited but not nervous at all - that is from the Lord, I know. I'm looking forward to what the Lord is going to do here, and cannot wait to see how TWR fits into His plan. Whatever happens, I pray that God receives the glory.
I'll be updating you within the next week, as things develop.

I am walking everyday with Jesus, I feel His presence sweetly near;
Unto me He whispers words of wisdom that banish doubt and quiet fear.
For I'm walking everyday with Jesus, with Jesus, my Saviour;
For I'm walking everyday with Jesus, I'll go with Him, with Him all the way!

I am walking every day with Jesus, although His face I cannot see;
He has said 'I will be with thee alway', His promise is enough for me.
For I'm walking everyday with Jesus, with Jesus, my Saviour;
For I'm walking everyday with Jesus, I'll go with Him, with Him all the way!
-Alexander's Hymns, no. 60

Back to South Africa!

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He chose for His inheritance...the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine" -Psalm 33:12, 18-19

For those of you who haven't heard about my summer plans, begin reading here:

God has provided another wonderful opportunity for me to return to South Africa this Summer 2010! I caught the "bug" for South Africa in 2004 when I first visited, and after returning twice since then, I don't know if I'll ever recover! When I last returned in October 2009, I realized a need I had missed before - the need for discipleship among the people. There is a great need both to evangelize AND disciple the people of South Africa how to live as a believer in Jesus Christ. Without understanding what Christ commands are and why it is important to follow them, people are living hopeless lives that many times end in despair. After I returned to the States, I began to pray that God would provide a way for people in South Africa, specifically the Zulu (who I've worked with the most and have a heart for) to learn the Bible and live by the Bible. In November I learned about TWR, formerly known as Trans World Radio - an international Christian radio ministry located all around the world that provides programming on knowing Christ and growing in Christ...and they have a regional office in Johannesburg.

You know where this is going...=) After a process of seeking out the ministry and filling out paperwork for internship opportunities, I was offered a position as the Wholistic Health Intern for the Summer (actually, their Winter) 2010. (Continue reading!)

For those of you who know about my internship in South Africa, begin reading here:

In a matter of one month God has provided all of the money needed for the internship with TWR, and I am STOKED! I am now counting down the days until I go; about one month exactly (well, a little more, but I'm "rounding"). I'm not exactly clear on everything my internship requires, but here's a brief description: write programming on life-threatening illnesses, work on the human trafficking program content, provide some health workshops in primary schools, and help with needs analysis, research, and monitoring and evaluation . I cannot wait to arrive in South Africa, a country I absolutely LOVE, and bring hope to people in Jesus' name. I will also be able to connect with friends I made during my time in SA in 2008, which I am VERY MUCH looking forward to. Please pray for me as I go - that I will be able to write the programming with passion and in a way that people will listen, that I am able to invest in people's lives individually, and that I will know if TWR is a ministry I would like to work with full-time after I graduate.

I will be updating this blog while I am gone, so I'm posting this to let you know where to look for updates. I will attach it to Facebook and send it via email as well. Thanks for your support and prayers! For the South Africans reading this blog, can't wait to see you and hug your neck! My prayer for the Zulu is that one day they will be able to claim the rest of Psalm 33: "We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name"

Ashley (from The Summit Church) and me the last day of MK Camp.

View of one of the townships in Soweto.  People make their houses from scrap pieces; they have no electricity or running water, no AC or heater, and live very meager lives.

Standing in a circle to play a game with some of the kids in Soweto at one of our Kids Camps.  The kids would fight over who got to hold a white person's hand.  These two girls would not let go of me!  It was very sweet, and I was reminded how much they need to be shown the love of Christ.

I don't know this little boy's name, but you can see the glimmer of joy in his eyes just from hanging around us.

Sarah giving the Bible story.  Many of the kids knew basic English, so they were able to understand Sarah's story about Jesus and the little children. 

MK Youth Camp Dec 28- Jan 1

Trent and I singing during one of the worship sessions.

A modern version of "Jousting". So hilarious to watch!

Tug-of-war:  Team Narnia against Team Gondor....Narnia won. I was on the Gondor team so I was sad.

Some of the MKs showing Gondor spirit. They got into it!

Practicing with "the band" before MK Camp. I'm sitting with Tim; his twin brother Steve played the electric guitar. I played the keys (obviously) and sang, and Trent was lead guitar and vocals.

MK Youth Camp was a blast! After spending Christmas with Trent's family in Pietermaritzburg, we drove back to Johannesburg to help with the annual MK (Missionary Kid) Youth Camp for all MKs in Southern Africa. Trent was asked to lead music for it, and he asked me and some friends to help.  We practiced for hours(!) before the camp started, and ended up sounding really great (at least I thought). We wanted to provide worshipful, Biblical, youthful songs for the campers, and I feel like we did just that. 

Camp was a lot of fun! I roomed with several girls from all over; some were Journeyman or short-term missionaries, and others were from a church called The Summit in Raleigh, North Carolina.  I made lots of friends and was able to get my "fill" of youth because I LOVE working with them! 

Kurt Holiday, an IMB missionary working in Johannesburg, led the Bible teaching every night, and "the band" led the music. Every morning different MK musicians helped lead music with us; that was fun, getting to teach them the different songs and help lead them in leading others to worship.  The theme for the week was 1 Tim 4:12, "Don't let anyone look down on you because of your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity."  It was a great challenge to the campers, and to us adults as well!

For New Years, Trent and I led the worship service at camp, then drove into Joburg (about 45 minutes away) and led a watchnight service with Florida Baptist Church. We sang songs and prayed in the new year. It was very meaningful, especially because I had never been to a watchnight service before.  Afterwards  Trent and I drove back to camp and celebrated the beginning of 2009 with sparkling grape juice. Happy New Year! 

Coming home

These last few months in South Africa have been amazing! I have accomplished what I came out to do: God has confirmed in me a call to missions and a heart for the people of the world and has taught me all about the South African culture. I have so many stories to tell when I get back to the States and can't wait to speak with each of you more specifically about my experiences here. Which leads me to the next step...
Many of you have heard that I was trying to extend my stay in South Africa for another 3 months to refine what my niche is in missions - what ministries I fit into in this country of endless possibilities. I was approved to extend my Visa, was offered a part-time job, a vehicle to use, even a place to stay (which was amazing!) but substantial ministry opportunities did not arise. Also, there was an underlying "unsettling" that maybe it wasn't the right time. I talked with many people, and it seemed everyone pointed me towards the "next step" - seminary. "But I don't want to go to seminary!" was my answer, "I want to serve the LORD now!" I'm not opposed to learning - that part I love - it's just the time involved that is the problem. However, God has been at work in my heart over the past few weeks, and has surprised me and everyone involved. He has lead me to a Scripture that spoke specifically to me; it's Proverbs 19:2 - "It is not good to have zeal
without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way."  And again in the same chapter, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise," Proverbs 19:20.  So, I am returning to the States as originally planned - Friday, January 30! From there the path is not quite known as of yet, but things are in the making. I am going to pursue seminary and begin the learning process. It's exciting and crazy at the same time!
I hope to see all of you upon my return and will keep you informed as things develop. THANK YOU so much for your prayers and emails of encouragement; I have needed them!

I will update my blog with the rest of my adventures while here as soon as I can. Don't have the photos on my computer yet but as soon as I have them, I will show you info on my last month here. 

Back in Jo-burg

Carol Ann, Lee-Ann, and Belinda by the thatched hut in Peter and Lee-Ann's back yard. I stayed with Peter and Lee-Ann for a week. Peter is the Youth director at Florida Baptist. They are great people with a love for the Lord. Lots of fun, too! I felt right at home. This day they had invited all of the young adults over for a potjie ("poiky" - sort of a stew cooked in a big iron pot) and fun in the pool. We also played a big game of volleyball that lasted hours b/c it was so much fun. My team lost, but we had so much fun, so it didn't matter.

In the pool at Peter and Lee-Ann's house. The group in the pool (starting with me and going clockwise) is Peter, Kim, Tony, Archie, Conrad, and Anne. In the background are Grant, Trent, and Justin (another American missionary). They were tossing the rugby ball while we hit around the volleyball in the pool.

Playing 30 seconds. Trent was on a roll! Pictured sitting down are Gareth, the associate pastor of Florida Baptist, Tony, and Justin. We had SO much fun with that game. The girls won - yes!

Practicing music for MK Youth Camp in Steve and Tim Mew's studio. We all wore headphones and the sound was awesome! I think we sounded great, if I do say so myself. =)

Tim on drums and me on keys and vocals.

Transkei - the end!

Celia, me, and Mark once we arrived back in Joburg from Transkei. They were staying at a pastor's house right down the road from Trent; how ironic! So we went and had dinner with them the night before we left. I had a great time getting to know them and hope to keep in touch with them.

Umfundisi Mimi (pastor Mimi) dancing during morning worship at Cebe Baptist Church. It is very common to have a woman pastor, or leader in the churches out in the bush, because there aren't any men who can lead. 

Outside church with Nosipho (left) and the other maid (I can't remember her name!) We became good friends the week I worked with them.

Me with Trevor and Celia the night we went fishing late. We only caught one fish! But it was still fun.

I'm posting a few more pictures of Transkei because I feel like I haven't gotten to sit down and finish it all! Everytime I'm online it's for just a short while, so I never get everything out that I need to. =) Now it's been a few weeks since my trip to Mozambique and Cebe in Transkei, but I want to finish so that my readers will know more of the details and how to pray for me. 

One thing I've learned here over and over is that people in Africa, and all over the world really, just want to be loved. That is a God-given desire, and can only be filled by God. He is love, and since we are His hands and feet, we need to be loving others like He loves them.  So that has been one of my main goals - to simply love people where they are and because they are special to God. I have really enjoyed hugging on kids and telling them "Jesu Oingitanda" - Jesus loves you. The kids just soak that up; they love being held, and love touching! Sometimes I've had to tell them to stop fighting over who can hold my hand or sit on my lap. Another thing I've learned is to make the most of every moment, because you never know if these people will hear about Jesus again. So when I've shared my testimony, I've tried to make it so clear that they will know how to accept Jesus from hearing what I've had to say.  

I met some really sweet girls while staying with the Hessells in Cebe (Ashley and Melba). Their maids Nosipho, and Ngumisa (I can't remember the other maid's name! but she was very sweet, too). They are in their early twenties and have been working with the Hessells for years, and have come to know Christ. I tried to encourage them and just be their friend. They taught me songs in Xhosa and we laughed a lot together when I messed up the language. I pray that God continues to teach them and draw them to Himself. 

Ashley is a very godly man. He is fluent in Xhosa, which is very unusual for a man who grew up in aparheid (segregation). Apartheid only ended here in 1994, so there are still a lot of repercussions happening now. Many blacks and whites still dont' associate, accept on a very generic level. So I've tried to show God's love and be very accepting, and sort of "prove" myself to the black Africans. Ashley has very high standing in Transkei, because he knows the language and even preaches in it. He visits people in their homes, supports several ministries and churches, and the people respect that. He and his wife have made a huge impact on the Xhosa people. 

It was sad to leave Transkei in a way, because I felt like I hadn't been able to do as much ministry as I had hoped. But the Lord knows my heart, and hopefully He will provide ways for me to make an impact in the future. 

More Cebe

Uncle Ashley leading the children in song. I called him "Umnumzaana"- man of the house.

Beautiful sunset behind the church we ministered at. We powered the lights inside by a generator. 

One of the maids, Ngumisa, who wanted to learn the guitar, playing on mine. I taught her a simple song and she was ecstatic!

Outside the church one evening. The sun was setting and it was the perfect light for a nice photo. Celia was overlooking the town as children walked up for church.

On the beach at Cebe. The weather was foggy but really pretty. It looked like Scotland. I'm with Chelsea, Trent's parents dog.

My time in Transkei was brief but wonderful. We basically went on a road trip with Mark and Celia Houghton, a father and daughter from the UK. Ashley and Melba Hessell, an older couple from the Transkei area, organized the trip for Mark and Celia, and since they are good friends with Trevor and Marilyn Eayrs, who I'm working with, they arranged for me to come along with them.  I dont' remember everything that I've written before or what got posted, but I'll try not to repeat much. =) 

We went to Kruger National Park for a few days (which was totally awesome!), then do Mozambique for a day - that drive took us through the country of Swaziland, which looked exactly like the rest of South Africa but is totally different governmentally. They are ruled by a King and Queen. We were only in Mozambique for one day because our trip came earlier than expected. We dropped off Christmas packages and shared during the church service at Ponta do Oura Baptist Church in the morning. Then we headed down through Zululand (the town of Manzibomvu) for evening church service on our way through to Transkei. The church in Manzi was awesome! The people were so friendly and welcoming. Everyone hugged you upon meeting and wanted to talk to you about the Lord. I sang a special and Trevor preached. The singing from the Zulu people was amazing - very loud, harmonious, and with passion and dancing. 

In Transkei we ministered in the small town of Cebe (pronounced with a click on the C). Each night we went to a different place and shared testimonies, sang songs, I shared a special music, and someone preached. The first night we went to a hospital and ministered to the patients. Many there were terminal, but were excited to hear from the Bible. Another night we went to a youth group and shared with the wild children there. =) They loved hearing from us and wanted me to play guitar more! The other nights we spoke at churches. The churches in Cebe are very small, but very diligent in their service to the Lord. They need a lot of encouragement and discipleship. Again, we shared testimonies and sang. The kids loved us. Cebe itself is an amazingly beautiful coastal town, so we were able to spend lots of time on the beach (although the weather was bad many days) and I got some sun. It was a great week! Will write more later!

Mozambique and Cebe

The view of the coastal homes at Cebe.

Cebe - what a beautiful coastline! Completely natural, unaltered, and hardly any traffic, with so much to offer! 

Celia and I on Ponta do Oura beach in Mozambique.  Again, it was very simple and natural, but SO beautiful. 

On the way to Mozambique we went through several towns like this one. You can see how busy it is with vendors and people everywhere. I could sit and watch people in towns like this forever, it's so interesting.

This picture got switched with the one above it, when it actually happened after it. We went through the town pictured above before we reached Mozambique. This picture shows you what the "roads" look like in Mozambique; hardly any are paved, and most of the time you drive on soft sand with no signposts or stoplights. The good thing is all roads lead in one direction - the coast!