I began this trip with multiple anxieties about where God would lead me, what I would encounter, etc. But what I found here was... family. Within 10 minutes of meeting our driver for the week, Fransi, he called us his family. Because of our jetlag-induced exhaustion, his words did not hit me until the next morning before we left our guesthouse. Fransi explained that he called us family because we are Christians. This fact unites us no matter where in the world we go. Ms. Mari then told us that if we look at this experience as meeting new family instead of simply meeting strangers, we will see God move stronger. I can now say from experience, this is truth.
I think one of the hardest parts of this experience was seeing some of the communities. Never before had I seen people, families, living in tin shacks and struggling to even survive. My family is neither wealthy nor poor, so I do not know their struggle. Though there was this struggle for survival, one can also see a hunger for God. For much of this trip I have been speechless and the way God is moving through these shantytowns despite the despair that Satan has placed there. The faith that this family of Living Hope still has has inspired me to look into a spot on their team. We will see where God takes me. To conclude, God is moving. We may forget that He is, or fail to see Him among the junk of our lives, but God is moving globally. Will you join Him? God Bless, Ryan Harris Hello All,
This week has been filled with many wonderful adventures. I have been blessed with the opportunity to experience wonderful things and the culture of Africa. This week we have gotten the opportunity to go all over the city of Cape Town, and meet many wonderful people. These people have a heart for God, despite the trouble they may have, they still find the joy in God to keep pushing in everyday life. We also had the chance to work with an after-school program where we had the chance to play with the kids and teach them more about God. This trip has been a well taught experience that taught me to never take anything for granted, appreciate what i have, and to always trust in God no matter the circumstance. Thank you all for your prayers and support. Monet Jackson Oh magnify the lord with me for He is worthy to be praised. Today In South Africa we have seen God in mighty ways. This morning we started out with devotional with the health workers and prayed with them. Having the chance to talk with people who serve other people all the time is a blessing. There was such a high spirit of worship throughout my time here... I can hardly speak. The only thing i could do was cry. Worshiping in English and native languages, making thank you notes, and listening to stories, even working in the garden have all ministered to me in more words than i can formulate.
Bless The Lord for all the things he has done. We want to thank you for praying for us .. please continue to go to God on our behalf. With love and a high spirit, China Tonight we ate dinner with the founder of Living Hope Ministry, John Thomas. I have traveled to three different countries and heard what has caused pain and suffering in these nations. Here, in South Africa, the pain is from socio-economic stress. High unemployment and a great income discrepancy have caused conflicts among the people. The culture is very accepting of each other's racial and cultural contrasts but the struggle is for economic control. John Thomas, explained to us that unlike America the minority used apartheid to control the power in the country and keep the other groups in conflict with each other. So what do the struggles of so many nations have in common? The only thing that has brought people together is a love for Jesus that calls them to care for one another. It is clear that the divide in this country as on the beach there are resorts and wealth high on the mountains but on the other hand a poverty stricken third world country. It's clear that God is the only one that has a solution to any of our problems, whether they be in America or South Africa.
Please continue to pray for us and thank you for doing so already. Troy Dicks For those of you praying and checking on us, thank you!
We've had some IT problems with getting posts up so you should see several today. We're having an excellent time and are in good health and spirit. Pray for Mari battling a cold and that we'll finish strong! Drew First, thank you for all your prayers. This trip has been an unforgettable experience and we have only completed our firsts full day in Cape Town. Cape Town is a beautiful place with beautiful people. Everyone one that we have encountered thus far as been very hospitable and welcoming. The staff at the Chartfield Guest House and Living Hope Ministries have been very friendly and helpful. I am looking forward to what God has in store for the Chowan Mission Team as well as the people of Cape Town, for the remainder of our trip. I hope this ends up being a positive experience that will resonate with all involved for years to come. Please continue to pray for us; God bless you all!
Brad Cash |
Archives
June 2019
Categories |