Sanbonani

WHY SHOULD WE CARE?

We were recently asked to speak about Sinani, the non-profit organization that Brenda and I are leading. We care for orphans, widows and the vulnerable throughout the province of Mpumalanga and in Malawi with about 1500 orphans under our umbrella. As we mentioned this to someone from the church, she said to us... “People are Sick of Hearing About Orphans”. I thought wow! That is rough. But then I asked myself Why should anyone care? I went to the bible to research what it says about orphans, widows and the poor. What I found was surprising to me. Did you know there are more than 400 references related to these topics? I’ve been taught that when something is repeated in scripture, God really wants us to pay attention. How about if it’s repeated 400+ times?? So back to the question. Why should we care? Because it’s close to God’s heart! He tells us that over 400 times. 

South Africa is in the top ten (by number) of orphans globally. This is a crisis and I believe God’s solution is His church - Not the government. If we as the church, ignore this, it will be catastrophic for our children and our children’s children. “Feeding schemes” aren’t enough. Children need to be mothered and fathered, not just fed. So, after being humbled by reading what scripture says about orphans, widows and the poor... I came to the conclusion that the core issue is not about orphans or the poor at all... It’s about our hearts.

I take no credit for this. It’s from a book I’m reading from John Ortberg. I thought it was challenging and true. 

The High Price of Fear

Fear motivates us to take action and remove ourselves from whatever is threatening us. Fear readies our body to flee, hide, or fight. Fear can help protect us from harm. when fear rather than trust becomes our solution to difficult situations, however, fear exacts a devastatingly high price. Consider the following drawbacks of fear:

Fear can strike when it is not helpful or wanted. 

Fear can be paralyzing instead of motivating.

Fear can cease to be sporadic and become habitual worry.

Fear threatens to keep us from trusting and obeying God.

Fear that causes us to avoid a difficult situation instead of facing it head on and taking action, kills personal growth. When we take the easy way out, we feel badly about ourselves because we learn that we can’t cope with life’s challenges.

Living in fear keeps us from experiencing our God-given potential.

Living in fear destroys our joy and robs us of life’s delights.

Living in fear causes us to focus on the negative.

Living in fear creates a loss of intimacy between us and other people. We become afraid to say what we think or feel, afraid of the pain of conflict. 

Living in fear causes us to believe that God can’t, or won’t take care of us. 

Fear limits hopes, dreams, and callings.

“The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but it is fear.” 

Am I ready for 2017? I thought I was. Over the Christmas holiday we were able to get away for five days with the intention of recharging. We went to a beautiful area in South Africa called the Drakensberg. It’s a mountain range about 8 hours away that borders the country of Lesotho. We piled 7 of us into our car and headed out for some R&R.

I had zero reason to be anxious but for some reason the upcoming new year made me feel like I was 10 and we moved to a new town where I had to go to a new school, not knowing anyone. I can’t explain why, it’s just how I felt.

So as we kicked off the new year with the organization we volunteer with (Hands at Work - www.handsatwork.org). I was very encouraged and challenged to hear some fantastic words from leadership. A message given today hit me squarely between the eyes.

Why are we unsettled? That was a question that was posed. I’ll paraphrase part of the answer that was given: “Our world revolves around us. This is the reason we become anxious, depressed & unsettled.”

Huh? you might ask. What about “me time” and I'm supposed to be the king of my castle and I deserve to be happy?

In 2014, Americans spent 11 billion dollars on self help propaganda and in 2015 more than 30 million Americans were reported to be using antidepressants (that number is growing by the way).

The challenge is we rarely live up to the standards we or society impress upon us. Here is my own summation of what I heard today that is a solution we can hold fast to. “When you come to a place where you are overwhelmed by someone else’s situation, it takes the focus off of you and there is where you find freedom.”

I wonder if big pharma would agree with that?!? So how do we grow in this way or get “unstuck”. 1. Give yourself as a living sacrifice 2. Love God, & love your neighbor as yourself. Simple concepts but deeply challenging to really put into practice. Another way it was stated was to transfer the love you have for yourself and cast it onto God & others. And lastly “Our hearts need to fall out of love with ourselves and instead let it be captured by something else.”

We have what’s called a Watch Word here at Hands at Work. It marks the beginning of the year. This year it’s Romans 12:12-13

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

I think if we really put into practice the above words, we’d truly be able to be “settled”. My encouragement to you for 2017.

I’ve been living in South Africa for over two years now, serving with an organization that cares for the most vulnerable African children and care givers in eight African countries (www.handsatwork.org). Many of these kids have had to raise themselves and their siblings. Many of them have been abused both mentally and physically. The children we work with don’t have food besides the one meal they get from our care points on a daily basis. The organization I serve with goes into communities where large NGO’s (non-governmental organizations) do not go. 

We are “off the grid” so to speak. I think this has given me a unique perspective as it relates to the racial tension going on in Milwaukee... the place I grew up. I’m currently living in a country where Nelson Mandela was willing to give his life for racial equality and apartheid has only recently been abolished. Some could argue apartheid ended ages ago (1994) but when dealing with generations of learned segregation and attitudes toward another people group, it is very recent. Racism is prevalent and still exists. This is why I’m deeply saddened by what I’m hearing about my hometown.

When I was about to go into seventh grade we had recently moved to a new area and being an only child, I had no brothers or sisters to lean on for the transition. I was nervous about entering into a new school with no friends. I went to a public school during a time when the government passed a bill called “Chapter 220” that allowed students from the inner city to be bussed in to help integrate our suburban schools. My very first friend was an African American student named Charles Temple. He was one of the 220 students. I was a small 7th grader with no friends and for some reason Charles had no problem looking out for me. We shared a locker and I’m sure that was the beginning of my perspective about other races. I bring this up because I think it highlights something. Our experiences shape our perspective.

I was recently in a meeting with a room full of African friends that I work with. I shared with them what was going on in my home town and we spoke about racism. I was able to ask very direct questions because they know my heart. When you hear what they answered, try and think of their answers audibly in whatever African accent comes to your mind. I’ll summarize:

When talking about violent acts towards people: “Who did this to you?” (Meaning, did all white people or all black people attack or shoot YOU). If they did not do it to YOU, why are you attacking THEM? She was saying that people hold on to history too much and forgiveness is a must. “If they don’t look forward they will be stuck. In God’s view we are all the same and we should respect one another.”

They went on to say, even Africans are hating each other. We are South African but we are hating people from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Somalia and Swaziland (see this recent article about Xenophobia - http://www.sahistory.org.za/article/xenophobic-violence-democratic-south-africa).

One thing I’ve learned about living in a community with no less than seven nations represented at any given time, is it’s easy to think too highly of yourself. It takes a laying down of your world view to love or simply understand others. As much as I’d like to think I’m right, there are times that I don’t have enough information to be right. My lack of understanding of another culture or that cultures lack of understanding of mine can either humble us both and produce something good, or it can become a catalyst for hatred.  

On February 4, 1968, at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, in speaking about how he wished to be remembered after his death, Martin Luther King Jr. stated:

“I'd like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give his life serving others. I'd like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to love somebody.

I want you to say that day that I tried to be right on the war question. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked. I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison. And I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.

Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major. Say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter. I won't have any money to leave behind. I won't have the fine and luxurious things of life to leave behind. But I just want to leave a committed life behind.”

Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most respected civil rights leaders in history. His example in the advancement of civil rights using nonviolent civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs allowed him to have influence far beyond selfish, senseless acts of violence. Have we completely lost the lessons this great man taught us??

I have two last thoughts. Not having television for over two years, living in a multicultural community and being a bit isolated has allowed me to “re-sensitize” to what the media spins back home. It’s so easy to be poisoned by news outlets that want nothing more than to create more news. In South Africa, there are occasional outbreaks of rioting when the government does not respond to basic needs. What that doesn’t mean is the country of South Africa is full of rioting and that all South Africans are violent. News outlets like to sensationalize which creates buzz and stirs the pot. Not all black people want to harm white people and not all police officers want to use excessive force. Its dangerous to demonize entire people groups just as my African sister reminded me… did they do this to YOU? I’m afraid we’ve gotten to a point where the media isn’t trusted anymore which is why facts don’t matter and cynicism is at an all time high. But this shouldn’t be an excuse for anyone to impose their will unfairly on other human being.

For those that have a faith, its time to take a stand for peace like Martin Luther King Jr. did. We need church leaders to not just occupy a building, we need visibility and action. 

Arm yourself with knowledge and truth. Make that your mission work. Create an experience for someone not like you so that their perspective can be shaped by you. Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. Go out and make a difference. Don’t just sit and stew about what you see. Don’t paralyze yourself by the lie of “I can’t possibly be a change agent.” You CAN.

I was inspired by reading about MLK & Mandela as it relates to Milwaukee right now. As they did not give up hope and took action, I pray that Milwaukee and other areas of the U.S. struggling in this way will do the same.

This is a “re-post” of blog I wrote a few months ago. I accidentally deleted it and didn’t want to lose it as it relates to a time & season we were going through. In Africa, the mornings tend to start earlier. I woke up at 4:30 am with thoughts I needed to get out of my brain. The sun hasn’t crept over the mountain yet that my bedroom window faces. There’s something about Africa that makes you feel alive. At the same time it can make you feel incredibly small.

A while back I wrote a mostly lighthearted blog about things I’ve learned while I’ve been in Africa. I’m following up on that but from a different angle. Over the last two years, I have done a lot of personal reflection. I’ve really dug deep into things like; what is ministry, what is the purpose of the church and how do any of us really make a difference.

The funny thing is, I can post a picture of an elephant that will receive over 100 likes on Facebook but when I share something to do with ministry, or mention Jesus, almost no one responds. I often wonder why that is. So for this post, I’m just going to state exactly what I’ve learned and how I feel.

If I’m honest, the lack of perceived interest makes me more resolved. One of the things that I’ve learned is that “ministry” is not always about doing, and listening is one of the most powerful things you can bring to someone. Stephen W. Smith puts it this way:

“Listen well. To listen is to love. Listening is not about stating your opinion, offering your perspective, or providing a solution. It is a remarkable experience to have someone really listen - to have someone’s undivided attention and interest. When someone listens, they communicate to us on a very deep level that we are valuable. When someone listens with respect and acceptance we are comforted and consoled. Our pain is soothed. Our burden is lightened.”

I’ve learned to examine what I really believe. “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” ~ 1 Timothy 4:16

As long as I watch my own doctrine (not being influenced by others), I can positively influence people of all races and denominations. John MacArther says this about it: “True biblical doctrine is practical. In fact, nothing is more practical than sound doctrine. Those who listen to right doctrine and put it into practice are transformed by it.” I couldn’t agree with this more.

I’ve also learned that you can’t put God in a box. Of course you can plan, but when you step out in faith it can be like a roller coaster ride. It can be fun, exciting, scary and it can even make you want to throw up. But after you experience it, you get a kind of spiritual adrenaline that is hard to explain. And so you want to keep doing it.

I’ve had to “die to self” many times and as Carrie Underwood sings, having Jesus to take the wheel. I’ve done things I was uncomfortable doing and am doing things now I never thought I would have. I’ve also learned that no church or organization is perfect… and neither are people. If you look for fault in someone or something, it’s probable you will find it. 

“First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” ~ Matthew 7:5

I’ve learned that people are desperate. Desperate to have someone listen to them or to be heard, desperate to know more, desperate to find purpose. This crosses ALL boarders. Everyone seems to be chasing something, the question becomes, is it the right thing they are chasing to unlock the life that God has planned for them?

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

As it relates to the poor and holistic ministry. I didn’t realize there would be the possibility of push back as it relates to this. But I’m thankful for it. It’s allowed me to “look under the hood” and to really try and understand what being a missionary is and what it isn’t. People often ask, so what do you do there. There are many things we do, but I’ll explain with a broad stroke description. Right now we are dealing with the worst drought in 100 years. It’s called the ‘Green Drought’ because there has been limited late rains that allow for things to appear green, but wells, rivers and dams are all but dried up. People in the communities are sharing the last water holes with cattle and people are getting sick and dying from the stagnant water. So food distribution to the 6000 kids we serve has become a big challenge now because the price of food has gone up 60%. Learn more: http://www.handsatwork.org/droughtrelief

So this part of what we do relates to the scripture below.

If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? ~ James 2:16

If you’ve made it this far in the post you’ve had to have figured out that we are a Christian organization. Or a Non-Governmental Organization often called an “NGO”. We are involved with development in the poorest of the poor communities in eight countries as it’s the biblical mandate to care for orphans and widows.

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. ~ James 1:27

In combination with bringing the most vulnerable children out of crisis situations, we support them with bible study, workshops and counseling opportunities. There is overlap in some of this in regards to discipleship. We believe that the local church has a responsibility to care for their own communities and so we like to describe it as - we provide the scaffolding that surrounds the communities we work in.

There is also the international church and partnerships. We play a role in getting those people here, cared for, and plugged in so they can “catch” what God is doing in Africa. It’s incredible how people’s lives are changed from these short term trips. In many ways, this aspect of what we do embodies:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” ~ Matthew 28:19-20

If you’ve read Brenda’s blog (http://rebrofamily.com/post/142779469596/this-blog-comes-with-a-warning) she describes exactly how this happened during her last trip to Swaziland. It’s been said that Africa needs us in the U.S. as much as we need Africa. I’ve come to understand this. You have to experience it to really understand, and you are all invited!

Some of the difficult things about serving in Africa are when family has situations you wish you could be there for. My dad had a stroke recently. I remember exactly where I was when I spoke to him the night he was able to “sort of” speak. That was really hard. It was probably my lowest point in our time here. But the fantastic thing is we had hundreds of people praying for him all over the world and he’s recovered in a miraculous way. The doctors were amazed. Praise the Lord!

I / we miss family and the sense of peace and belonging during holidays. The smells & the traditions. I can say there are times I feel like that annoying teenager trying to get a girls attention when reaching out to friends, family and supporters. It’s super difficult to describe what life is like, so there are times it’s frustrating to even try.

But with all of that said, there are things about what we do that aren’t tough, and are quite amazing. We are surrounded by super selfless people. We are privileged to work in a multi-cultural environment and to go to places where there are unreached people. To see things that hardly anyone with my skin color has seen. To live in a community that embraces kingdom culture.

We have many amazing experiences that we haven’t posted or shared. Things that are really unbelievable and for that I’m thankful.

It’s been a busy season for us in Africa. From top down, This was a young leader youth exchange day. We bring together youth from 6 different care points and communities and pour into them. We had a pastor join us for this one who was really amazing with the kids. Most of these kids are raising themselves or maybe have a grandmother who tries to care for them.

The second picture is of a young girl we found while doing home visits in Swaziland. As you can see it’s a very rural area and due to the drought Africa is experiencing there is little to no food. This girl hadn’t eaten in two days. We of course fed her and she is now on our radar to bring into the care point. It’s crisis mode in many of our communities.

The third picture is of our service center guys. These are the young African men who work directly with the communities we serve on a daily basis. I have the privilege of supporting them in discipleship and operations. They are what Africa needs...male role models. Africa suffers from fatherless communities, which is one of the reasons we are here and helping the way we do. See below for a quote related to American history, which holds true to any country.

Imagine yourself in a 30′ x 30′ cinder block room (that serves as a church) with a tin roof and two holes cut into the wall for light. Starting on Monday, you’ve been showing up in the morning and spending time with a group of care workers from a community called Zwelisha. You’ve been listening to them learn about what Christ did for them throughout the week. You’ve also learned how painful it is to hear some of their stories. Slowly, they’ve come to a place of reconciling their wounds. Now it’s Friday. You’ve just heard their amazing testimonies of freedom through understanding what a relationship with Jesus is. They have learned that they are loved.... and this is the beautiful noise that makes its way into your ears! 

Many times I’ve been asked to describe what we do here, so I will attempt to describe one little sliver of it on one particular day. I drove to a weekly meeting at our Service Center which is located about 40 minutes away in an office building that is poorly maintained. Toilets are “almost” working and power went out in the middle of our meeting during this rainy humid day. The 90 degree air was heavy and laid on us like a blanket. The Service Center is made up of local African leaders who support the care points in the different communities we work in. Our “Hub”, then supports the Service Center in an attempt to help things go smoothly.  

From a North American perspective, life growing up as a South African in a poor community would be unimaginable. Rampant alcoholism is part of the everyday. Just yesterday, I was getting petrol (gas) and a pick up truck pulled up next to me. A late twenty something man stumbled out of the back with what would be equivalent to an almost finished 40 ounce beer, looking to replenish. It wasn’t even noon yet. I had a similar experience the day before. With the unemployment rate over 25%, a severe drought that is expected to cause 14,000 deaths, the aftermath of the HIV pandemic leaving a generation of fatherless and sometimes motherless children, South Africa is in a tough spot. 

So here was my quandary while I was dodging potholes on a dreary, rainy day. Last year was a year of opposites for us. The things we thought would be hard were easy and the things we thought would be easy were hard. Now that we’re back immersed in our work, I’m thinking that is just what South Africa is, a place of opposites (as well as extremes). In spite of what I just described, it’s a place of tremendous beauty within an hours drive in any direction. Almost all of the people I meet are incredibly friendly, giving and happy. Those that are poor are not usually down cast but rather welcoming and appreciative. I would say just about everyone I’ve come into contact with holds material things and resources with an open hand. “What’s mine is yours.” They don’t get fussed about the little things that would send us over the edge. Can you imagine if the power went out when it’s 90 degrees and 100% humidity while you were having a company meeting? How much complaining would their be if that meeting continued for hours?Here, we simply laugh and continue on. We often yell out the obvious “powers out!” as an attempt to avoid irritation.

My conclusion is there is something to be learned from not being 100% comfortable all the time. I wish I could send you video footage of how the driving is here. For those that get irritated by bad driving, or have the occasional feeling of road rage, I think it could be a place of melt down for you. But it gives me perspective. For me, I’ve learned that comfort can be an idol and patience is part of learning in the uncomfortableness. If I’m able to make it through the learning, my character is developed.  

*The above picture is of two young men carrying water containers on their heads. In this community, there is no running water or plumbing like many of the communities we work in here. The water truck comes by the side of the road with a hose and sprays all of the containers full with river water. But with the drought, and dry rivers it’s been hit and miss. Can you imagine carrying those containers long distances when they are full? Now imagine waiting anxiously for the truck to come for days on end when you need to hydrate, cook, wash yourself or clean your clothes. Today we had our first extensive rain in a long time. I can tell you it was a celebration. Please pray for more because more rain = people will live. 

http://www.handsatwork.org/droughtrelief

I thought I’d share some lessons I’ve learned in the first 15 months of living in Africa. Some lighthearted, others not. 

“The Church” is more important to missionaries than “it” realizes

Sincere care and concern with a compassionate ear can get you through the toughest of times

Culture shock has “layers” that come at different times

Poverty has many different faces: Social, Physical, Urban, Rural & Spiritual... They all wreak havoc

When you think you are humble, think again

It is amazing what you can get used to

Allowing yourself to be vulnerable is the place where growth occurs…try it

Living a life of faith can be very lonely

A definition of leadership is ‘thoughtful hospitality’

Sacrificial service is good, but more so for us personally

Desert seasons bring people quickly to the end of their self-sufficiency & independence

In the “wilderness” we can lose our bearings OR regain them

Words are cheap but actions speak about what is in a person’s heart

The concept of kingdom culture is difficult to live out but beautiful when it works

When serving in a volunteer role, it takes more than a year to re-program

Our culture is not always right – either are other cultures

You can survive without television

Hurting people hurt others

Keep short accounts with each other

Jesus didn’t condone sin nor did he condemn – why do we?

Distractions are deadly to intimacy with God

When the family is disrupted, everything else is affected

If you never experience trials, how do you learn how to trust God?

You can live comfortably without all the stuff you accumulate

Some laws are negotiable if you are nice to people

Chicken in Africa tastes better than in the U.S.

Steak isn’t as good as it is in Wisconsin

Soda is still served in glass bottles in Africa (and it tastes better)

Elephants are scarier than lions

Africa has a stigma that makes it scary – but it’s really not

Police don’t pull you over with a car in Africa, they stand in the road ahead of you and wave you over

Border crossing into Zambia is crazy

Communication doesn’t rely on speaking the same language

You can get good at photography when TV isn’t a distraction

As a rule, pizza is terrible in Africa. Especially, when you are married to an Italian

Grilling or BBQing is called Braaing in South Africa. It’s taken very seriously

I can grill with wood, sticks, over bricks and with a Frisbee as a serving plate

Beet root is really good here & so are the grapefruits

Firefighting is done with helicopters and airplanes in Africa or not at all

Africans like to burn everything

In group settings, it’s expected that you share with everyone…and it gets reciprocated

I’ve come to understand what it feels like to be the minority

North America really has turned into a nanny state – my son was told to bring a knife to school for a project today!

Parking lots have people who help you in and out of your spot or with your groceries for the equivalent of .20

Shoes are optional in South Africa – everywhere. Malls, restaurants, schools, etc.

Men mostly but women too, pull to the side of the road to pee, anywhere, anytime.

Load shedding (planned loss of electricity) is incredibly frustrating – Zambia has load shedding for 8 hours per day

Driving is a combination of aggressive maneuvers and caution. Speed limits are only suggestions

For the most part, Africans are very friendly

It’s difficult to see your children struggle

Africans don’t make eye contact out of respect

Music from the 80’s and 90’s is played as mainstream

Australians have the most in common with Americans

We place a lot of emphasis on who we are through our jobs and accomplishments

Pick-up trucks are called Bakkies in Africa

Sun rise and sun sets are really incredible here

No one will fight for you like you

There is hardly any heating or air conditioning in Africa

If you ask where something is, the answer is “that side”

Over the last two weeks I was gripped by two things I experienced. I feel like I came face to face with the epitome of poverty twice. When I say this, I need to explain that we deal with the poorest of the poor on an everyday basis. The first picture is a refugee camp for those that don't have papers (birth certificates) because they had to flee from war torn countries. Forgotten people. I saw this as we were driving and had to stop and remind myself of what desperation looks like.

The second is of a young boy a friend and I visited at his one room "house". I can only explain that it was a dark feeling that surrounded me as I investigated how the roof leaks when it rains. There are no windows, it was dirty and uncomfortable. We prayed for this boy and when we were done he clung to me as we walked.

We are excited to give you an update on what God’s been doing here. The last month or so has been a very exciting time for us. For me, it’s been the best month I’ve had while serving in Africa. We’ve had the privilege to watch about 100 children, care workers and care givers come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through the work we’ve been involved with. 

There have been two main venues where this took place. The first way was through two Young Leader camps (Scroll down after the pictures below to see the video from the camps). These camps come from a deep need for the children to hear the clear gospel message of Jesus and also to teach the kids about relationship groups – how to have a safe place where they can share their wounds with their peers on an ongoing basis so they can begin healing. At our first kids’ camp I helped lead a relationship group with two eighteen year olds and a sixteen year old. The kids are taught about the lost sheep. They identified themselves as one of the 99 or the 1 who was lost. They are taught about the pit – what causes them to be separated from God.  Then they are taught about Jesus and how He can rescue them from the pit. All but three of the children accepted Jesus that day.

This alone could have been a point of celebration but God wasn’t finished yet! We were able to be involved with two more events where this kind of outlet was made available to the kids and care workers with similarly amazing results. (see pictures below). 

From this, I have had the privilege to go track down the three boys that were in my relationship group and have been working with them in a discipleship relationship. They’ve since started attending church and we’ve worked on establishing trust and what it means to do what you say you are going to do. These kids get lied to all the time so they don’t take it seriously when someone says they are coming to see them, or go to church with them. What a surprise it was when I called one of them and told them I was waiting at his house!

Brenda has been coordinating hospitality with a team of beautiful African ladies. Their stories would bring you to tears. They meet together to pray with each other and encourage each other in their faith. She has her own Relationship Group with them and it’s been wonderful to see them grow together. Please pray for her as she is getting geared up to leave on Sunday to travel to a new community we are walking with in Swaziland.