Well, I am back in the USA and readjusting to everyday life :) I’m sorry it has taken so many days to get a post out- the last several days in Cape Town were MAD! Friday (11/30) was our final day of pref for Journey To Bethlehem (JTB). We got everything done, including all the booklets made for the caroling service to be held that Sunday night after JTB- praise God! I also got a moment to stop by the Harvest Training Initiative (where students learn farming, agriculture, and business skills). Incredible!
Saturday was a free day, so I spent the time with my good friend Valerie-Gail, a 15 year missionary veteran of South Africa who works for an organization called Beautiful Gate. It was just a joy to spend time running around beautiful Kalk Bay with a “local!” In the evening, I went with my friend Karen’s family to a multi-church worship service. I have no words to sufficiently describe it, and I truly think I will remember that night for the rest of my life. Sunday morning was church and then we went straight to Living Hope to spend several hours all over the land, setting up the stations for JTB: The prophet Isaiah foretelling the birth of the Messiah, the angel appearing to Mary, Mary and Joseph making their way to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus (in a real stable with hay... ask me to tell you sometime about the joy THAT was setting up with a goat pooping on you while you are trying to spread out hay and trying to ram you out of the way ;), the angel appearing to the shepherds, Jesus calling his disciplines, etc. Once we had everything set up, we changed and ate quickly, then hurried back to get people in costume and start welcome visitors. Originally, I was going to be one of the “Journey guides,” but I ended up being asked to help with greeting guests and signing up sponsors for the Chritsmas tree lights (yes- let the American ask people for donations! This is my area of strength- lol!) The goal was 50 sponsors, so I was happy to have had 71 by the time it was over ;) The money goes straight to the health care center, so I was thrilled. After JTB concluded (we had a total of 347 people walk through the story of Jesus’ life and hear the gospel presented!), we moved to the chapel for a beautiful caroling service. Towards the end, we all walked together over to the health care center and stood outside to sing for the patients who were not able to physically come to the chapel. It was a precious experience. Then, we all walked to the corner of Living Hope’s property and sang again as the Christmas tree was lit! I have watched the lighting of the tree for many years on Facebook and it was amazing to finally be there in person! Monday morning I packed up and it was time to go home. I cannot believe the time went so fast. I arrived back in the states on Tuesday late evening, and ran to the waiting embrace of my amazing husband. It was the best hug I’ve ever had! Reflecting now, days later, on this trip, I have had one predominant thought. I am calling it “The Battle for The Blessing.” You see, every time I go to South Africa (or really do anything “for” the Lord, or for people), my goal is to be a blessing to THEM. That is my aim and mission. But along the way, I find that no matter how much I try to do for THEM, it is I who end up being the most blessed. The love and acceptance of the people I meet, their quickness to share whatever it is they have, their open hearts, great faith and incredible trust in God’s provision despite limited resounrces... they bless ME far more than I could ever bless them. It is a humbling thought, and I am ever grateful...
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AuthorI am passionate about world missions, specifically the country of South Africa. As an Ambassador for Living Hope Ministries in Cape Town, I am honored to serve with them in impacting their community for Christ! Archives
August 2018
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