Basotho Spiritual Beliefs

Over the weekend, I went to Johannesburg to help pick-up a team from LifeChurch.tv, and then provided them with cultural and ministry training in preparation for their week in Qwa Qwa. The Basotho culture is infused with spiritual beliefs. Traditionally, Basothos believe that when a person dies their spirit remains nearby. Most Basothos believe in God (Modimo) as a Supreme Being, and that ancestral spirits are an essential link between this world and the spirit world, between people and God.

Such spirits are believed to have supernatural powers to bless or curse, therefore people strive to honor and appease them. For example, they may set aside gifts or ritual offerings in order to receive various blessings such as wealth, health, children, protection, etc. Because of their special powers and nearness to God, such ancestral spirits are also considered to be the mediators between people and God. People will often pray to their ancestors asking them to go to God on their behalf rather than praying to God directly. And it’s these traditional beliefs that keep people from a saving faith in Christ alone, from living a life according to His purpose.

As we talked about Basotho cultural and religious beliefs, we also realized that barriers to faith come in all shapes and sizes, and you don’t have to be a “professional Christian” to teach others about Christ. It’s something we are all called and equipped to do.

Impacting South Africa

Not every mission team that partners with us is from a specific church or organization. For the past 2 weeks, I have been blessed to serve with group of family and friends who decided to put together a team of their own. “We always wanted to travel to Africa and doing ministry while we were there was something God laid on our hearts.” Pretty cool, huh?

Called Impact South Africa, the team of 8 from PA and NJ served in Intabazwe. With 4 teachers on the team - the Lord was delighted to use their gifts and also stretch them as well. Each day, more and more kids came to the children’s program to learn from stories of Joseph, David, Noah and Jonah. They were quick to memorize Bible verses, and happy to sing songs and play games. The kids especially enjoyed the puppet shows which are a pretty rare treat here. And on the last day, more than 90 children prayed the prayer of salvation.

Another cool thing was when a local teacher stopped by to help and to learn how to teach children’s ministry in her home church. Basotho churches don’t usually have children’s Sunday school or VBS like we’re used to back home. Instead, children attend the same service as the adults. That’s why children’s programs are such an important part of our ministry in the villages. They are a great way to introduce children to Christ in ways that are understandable, memorable and also a lot of fun!

Thanks so much for supporting me as I support mission teams who come to Thrive Africa. Together we are changing the lives of children in South Africa!

Johanna and little Seipati

Last week I spent the afternoon at the Harrismith Hospital with the mission team from The River. And there I met a wonderful woman named Johanna. She had been staying at the hospital day and night with her 20-month-old grand-daughter Seipati who had a serious respiratory infection. Johanna shared with me that her daughter, Seipati’s mother, had passed away and that she is currently caring for 7 grand-children ages 20-months to 19 years.

Half-laughing and half-crying she said she was too old for 7 children (I think she said 59), but she trusted that the Lord would take care of them. When we asked what we could pray for, her request was so simple and so sacrificial – that the Lord would heal her hands so she could keep up with the laundry for such a large family.

What Johanna thinks she lacks in money, energy and strength, she more than makes up for in love, faith and courage. And with a lot to spare (and share) because I was definitely encouraged and inspired by Johanna. After a bit of playing, praying and light-hearted conversation, I hope that Johanna and Seipati enjoyed our time together as much as I did.

I pray that Seipati recovers quickly. And I pray that Johanna continues to trust the Lord to supply her every need, and passes that strong faith on to her grand-children as well.

PS. this pic is not them, but gives you an idea...

Friends from The River

I spent the last 2 weeks serving with friends from The River Community Church in Highland, Michigan – 8 men and women with a love for the people of South Africa, and a desire to share the hope of Christ. It was an extra-special treat for me because we had served together years ago when our River and Kensington teams came to Thrive Africa together.

(Hope you enjoy The River pictures in the slide show on the left)

Working in Qwa Qwa, they built relationships with families and shared the Christ’s love in tangible ways: doing chores, planting gardens, caring for the sick. They also led children’s ministry each afternoon beginning with 48 kids on the first day, and ending with whopping 78 kids on the last day as excitement spread through the village.

Pastor Maria from Lighthouse Ministries Church was so excited to have the team come into her community sharing Christ’s love and connecting people with her church. She was encouraged as well because it confirmed that the Lord was truly moving in her church and village.

Please pray with me.
- That the seeds that were planted in the soil and in people’s hearts will grow into a plentiful harvest.
- That Lighthouse Ministries continues to thrive, reaching people for Christ and helping those in need in their community.
- That The River team is continues to be blessed by their experiences here.

Thanks for your prayers and support!