Making an Impact

Leadership Summit is our school outreach program (currently 7th, 8th, 9th grade) where students are trained in leadership development and life skills. It is also the heart of our AIDs prevention approach as young people are inspired to hope for the future, recognize their potential, and discuss peer pressures in an open environment.

This month I had the opportunity to attend their Impact Day – a special quarterly conference and celebration for young leaders from each of the LS schools. Principals and teachers nominate up to 20 of their top students to participate in the Impact program. It’s an honor to be selected, but it also comes with responsibility and hard work. This year the students took on community service projects. They discussed the issues their schools and communities are facing, selected problems to tackle, generated ideas, developed plans, raised money, and then implemented their solutions.

As I met with students from each of the schools, they were so excited to tell me about their projects. Their accomplishments were amazing! A Community Garden that gave food to the local orphanage. A Green Recycling Program that saved money and kept their community clean. Funds raised to provide Electricity for their classrooms. A School Safety Program that included training younger students. Computer Training Classes. An Anti-drug and Smoking Campaign. And the list goes on…

In a way it’s sad to think these kids have such difficult problems to face in their schools and communities. But it was amazing to see them rise up, lead positive change, and serve as role models to others. Did I mention these were 7th, 8th, and 9th graders? Wow!

Home Away from Home

In keeping with my “What it’s Like to Live and Work Here” theme, I thought I’d share about where I live. The Thrive Africa mission base used to be a game reserve, and is nestled into 2500 acres along a beautiful mountain range. The mountains are Mooihoek (7470 feet above sea level), Mount Everest (6620 feet) and Eagle’s Head (7020 feet). The base is about 6000 feet above sea level. When people think of Africa they think of hot, desert-like conditions. Not Southern Africa.

The staff and interns live in chalets around the base. As an example, I live in a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom chalet with 3 other girls. Our chalet includes a full kitchen, living room and nice porch with a Braai (BBQ pit) out back. There are various other buildings we use for offices, church and our main reception area. The buildings are much simpler and more rustic than at home, but quite nice.

What I love about this place is the beautiful scenery and animals all around. With the changes in sun, clouds, and seasons the landscape always looks different and always amazing. I never tire of just walking, hiking or jogging and admiring the beauty everywhere. (Well, I do get tired of the jogging, but not the looking).

The base is also home to more than 700 animals included Zebra, Wildebeest, Springbok, Blesbok, Deer, Rock Rabbits, Ostrich and Horses. The other day an Ostrich tried to follow me inside my house and when I shut the door she ran to our window to get a good look inside. It was so funny! I tried to take a picture, but it didn’t really turn out.

I’ve included some pictures so you could get a feel for what it’s like living on the mission base. Hope you find them interesting!

My Role at Thrive Africa

Through our busy outreach season I’ve been sharing about the mighty ways the Lord works in and through mission teams. We were blessed to have teams with us February through August this year and we’ve seen so many lives changed as a result. Now I’d like to share more about my role here at Thrive Africa.

As Outreach Director, I’m responsible for the planning and execution of our Outreach season. This includes working with mission team leaders to plan their trips, managing our overall Outreach schedule, and helping to arrange for accommodations, transportation and free day activities. I also plan for the team’s ministry in the villages and local hospitals, and work with our interpreters including scheduling, training, and coaching. Then when teams arrive, I provide cultural and ministry training and assist them however needed.

Our goal is to serve our teams with excellence, ensuring each trip is an enjoyable and life-changing experience. It’s a great job! And I’m thankful to use my business experience to do something I’m so passionate about.

I’ve also begun working with Abram Moloi, our Thrive Africa pastor, in building relationships with our local pastors and managing our Hand in Hand pastoral development program. Christian leadership development is also something I’m passionate about, so it’s a joy to pour into our local churches helping them to grow and reach others for Christ.

That’s what I do. Thank you so much for the prayers and financial support that allows me to live and work in South Africa. You are a critical part of God’s work here.

Equipping Church Leaders

In Africa, 90% of our church leaders have no formal training. Our vision for Hand in Hand, our pastoral development program, is to stand in the gap equipping pastors and strengthening local churches through leadership training conferences and one-on-one mentoring.

On September 4th, we hosted a Hand in Hand conference for our local pastors, coaches and interpreters. It was an opportunity to thank them, serve them, and pour into them as leaders and co-workers for Christ. The theme for the day was “Run the Race” - how we are to “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us” (Philippians 3:14).

Abram Moloi, our Thrive Africa pastor, taught about how we can position ourselves for success by knowing who we are in Christ, having a vision for our lives, and being confident in God’s provision each step of the way. Terry Riggs then taught about running in such a way as to model the life and work of Christ. Amy Riep, our Interim Director, closed by inspiring us to have courage for our calling drawing key lessons from the lives of Daniel, Noah and Joshua. What made this day extra-special is that Terry is Amy’s father visiting from the US, and it was blessing for them to be able to teach together.

In addition to powerful and practical teaching, we also enjoyed fellowship, a great meal, and heartfelt worship together. It was a blessing for me to serve and learn at the conference, and I’m excited about coordinating the next one in October.

Praise Reports

I’ve been in the missions field for just over 3 months – June, July and August - and it has been an amazing experience. Through my next few blogs I thought I’d share a little more about what it’s like living and working in South Africa….starting with some praise reports thanks to God and to your faithful prayer support!!

- For the generous financial partnership of family and friends that allow me to remain in South Africa and work among the Basotho people. I’m currently at 75% of the necessary monthly commitment which covers basic living expenses each month.

- For an awesome and impactful outreach season. 16 mission teams who brought 215 team members, served with 7 partner churches, led 65 people to Christ, taught more than 575 children during week long children’s programs, planted 55 gardens, gave away Bibles, did countless chores and the list goes on…

- For a growing Leadership Summit school program as the new term kicked off with more than 3400 students in 10 schools.

- For the 8 interns who have been serving with us all year, and for the 24 interns who served with us during their summer breaks. We continue to see amazing fruit from their ministry with us.

- For a smooth transition into a new home, community living, and a new role as Outreach Coordinator. I’ve learned so much these past few months and it has been great.

- For the dear friends I’ve made here - for my housemates and co-workers who as brothers and sisters in Christ really do feel like my extended family.

- For each of you who have been praying with me and for me during this wonderful journey. It means so much!! Thank you!!

Prayer Requests

I also have some prayer requests that I would love for you to lift up with me.

- For each person who is being transformed by the love of Christ through our mission teams, Launch Pad discipleship classes, and Leadership Summit school program. That they continue to grow in their faith, discover their God-gifted potential and purpose, and make a difference in their communities.

- For our leadership and staff. For continued wisdom, passion, and focus as we plan for 2010.

- For my personal financial support. For additional people to partner with me on a monthly basis, as $500 per month is needed to cover vehicle, healthcare, and travel expenses (airfare to the US in 2010). Also for the finances needed to purchase a used vehicle in October.

- For our ministry finances, as this continues to be a challenging year. That our financial partners are encouraged and blessed by the huge impact they are having, and that new donors join with us as well.

- For protection of our mission base property and equipment, as there have been some robberies this past month.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support!! If you have any prayer requests I can help with please let me know via email.