Interdependence

I knew this goofy picture would get your attention! When people ask how my visit to Michigan is going, I usually say something like “Great. It’s been fun to see family and friends.” Which is so true! But this doesn’t even begin to express what it has been like.

I’ve also been humbled, overwhelmed, and blessed by the outpouring of love and support.

I’ve been intimidated and even a little embarrassed about being in the “spotlight” as I’ve shared my testimony and heart for South Africa.

And I’ve had to trade my once-valued independence for God’s design of interdependence as I’ve relied on partners in various ways – everything from prayers and encouragement to accommodations and a vehicle here to additional finances so that I can stay working in South Africa.

Through this whirl of emotions the Lord just keeps reminding me of how blessed I am to do the work I love, for people I love, with people I love (those in South Africa and partners in the US). What a joy this past year has been!

So I guess this is just a huge THANK YOU to everyone who is helping to make all this possible! May the Lord bless you as you have blessed me.

Meeting Christ

As the music blared throughout Pastor Maria’s village, kids came from all over to hear Bible stories, play games, sing, and learn what it means to follow Jesus Christ. The kids loved hearing about Jonah, Noah and Daniel, and the important lessons they still teach us today. Lessons about obedience, faith, prayer, and what can happen when we run away from God. Remember the whole whale "situation?"

Our Thrive Africa mission team did a great job of teaching Biblical truths in a way that was fun, memorable, and kid-friendly...something that kids don't really experience in their home churches. And in a few short days they impacted these young ones for a lifetime. Not only did the children learn about Jesus Christ, but they also met Him through each of the team members.

The Power of Prayer

Tshehla has a long, difficult road ahead of him. His family does as well. We met them last week while visiting the Harrismith Hospital. Tshehla is 14. So handsome. So bright. With an infectious smile that lights up the room.

It was a joy for our Thrive Africa mission team to meet him, but it was heart-breaking as well. What had started as a fun, innocent soccer game ended in a fight. Tragically, Tshehla was badly beaten by an older bully and he suffered a stroke.

When we met him, he had been in the hospital over a month. His outside wounds had healed, but half of his young body was still paralyzed, and he was just learning to speak again.

We also met his brother and sister, weary from visiting everyday to help feed, bathe and change him. As they poured out their grief, we listened, encouraged them, and prayed together. Through the grace of God, grief was replaced by hope. Anger was replaced by forgiveness. Weariness was replaced by perseverance and strength.

Please pray with us for the family’s continued strength and for Tshehla’s full recovery and bright future.

Peaches

What do canned peaches have to do with sharing the Gospel? Last week I would have said “Not a thing”, but this week is a different story… I spent the week with our Thrive Africa mission team. 4 awesome women from Michigan, Tennessee, and Georgia who came to share their hearts with the people of South Africa.

As they spent time with Paulina, they learned about her work as a traditional healer (Sangoma in Zulu, Naka in Sesotho). Traditional healers practice natural medicine and communicate with ancestral spirits for wisdom and guidance. Paulina believed in God and Jesus, but didn’t know that the Bible spoke against communicating with spirits and consulting the dead - basically a rejection of the Gospel.

As the ladies helped with laundry and canning peaches, they also built friendships and opened the door for heart-to-heart conversation. Now Paulina has some real food for thought. Can she forsake her traditional spiritual beliefs in order to commit fully to Jesus Christ? Please pray with us that she does.