Best memories

Sanele and Nhlanhla teaching:

It was an amazing evening.  In years past Jessica has done a bible study for a group of kids while we're here.  This time Sanele agreed to do the Bible study focusing on John 11:25-26.  "Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”   It was a blessing!  Then after Sanele finished his teaching Nhlanhla (his brother) stood up and discussed 2 Corinthians 5:1-2.

"For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life."

What an amazing blessing to hear these young men share the gospel in isiZulu with all of their neighbors.  No coincidence that these are the two boys in the Duma family, see more on them below...

Here's Sanele

It's hard to imagine the long term impact of apartheid, but we are always reminded when coming here.  We asked Sanele what type of book that he wanted.  He chose this one:

He started reading it immediately on receipt.  When I asked him about it later, he explained that Steve Biko fought against apartheid, was arrested in the 1970's, was slammed on the street when arrested suffering severe brain injuries and died in custody.  So much injustice in the world and so impactful on what happens here.  A legacy that will last generations.

Gogo Zulu serving the men working on her house:

Gogo Zulu and her three boys were such a pleasure to meet and spend time with.  She used to live with these three orphans in another part of South Africa where they were attacked, shot and their house burned down.  They moved to Ntshongweni and live in this structure...

Pastor Thwala found out about this families situation, even though they are a distance from the church.  With God's blessings we have enough funding to build a three room home, Amen!  This family is such a joy, is faithful and so grateful to God for providing.  Here's Gogo Zulu feeding the two men working on her new home.  Consider, she has little food for herself and her boys and she prepared this and delivered it with joy.

Teacher at youth event:

At the KZN Lutheran youth event there was a guest teacher.  She gave a presentation on how God wants our lives to be and related it to HIV, drugs and alchohol in the community.  Although her presentation was in Zulu and our understanding was limited, it was clear that she was stating the facts about the effects of these things on our lives.  I was amazed when she got to the question and answer period so many teenagers were asking excellent questions.  There's so much misinformation here about HIV and Kwazulu Natal has a very high infection rate.  What a blessing to have her here to explain the facts in a Godly and engaging way.

Playing Farkle at church and playing baseball:

Being in Ntshongweni there's no shortage of kids to play with.  Which we love to do.  Jessica taught them the classic family dice game of Farkle.  I was able to pick up her game the following day, the kids love it...  

http://youtu.be/9d5_aGOP9SM

The boys told me they wanted to play baseball (not cricket) and after taking the nails out of our bat, grabbing a tennis ball and setting up cinder block bases (Jessica pointed out the safety issues presented here) we had a great time of giving everyone a turn at bat...

Eating at Nandos with the kids:

After going clothes shopping with our orphans, Pastor suggested a sit down lunch and Nando's.  It was a great time and likely the first time a lot of these kids had a sit down restaraunt meal.  It was fun for all and a great end to our time together.

Praying for Nomfundo:

This year Nomfundo Duma passed away.  We were unable to attend her funeral but Pastor did a most excellent job of handling it.  I cannot imagine what would have happened without this good shepherd and his flock jumping in to provide this beautiful God's creation a fitting burial.  We took our second Sunday morning to take flowers to her grave and pray with her family.  It was beautiful to think of her in heaven looking down.  We do miss her.  She's buried next to her mother on the hill behind the house with the beautiful view pictured below.  A blessing to be there with the Duma family.

Domiso in the hospital and at McDonalds:

On our second day here we had to respond quickly to take Domiso Ndluolvo to the hospital in Durban.  He has epilepsy and was suffering from a prolonged seizure.  When we went back to the hospital, we were so happy for answered prayers seeing Domiso walking down the hall healthy and strong.

Then on bible study night we took the kids to McDonalds for dinner.  Jessica noticed Domiso dancing, another blessing.

Meeting with Linda, Mpilo, Thandi and Pastor Thwala:

Looking back these past 5 years.  Pastor Thwala and missionaries (Shara, Julia, Ginger and Zeal) created valuable connections throughout the area.  Here we are meeting with Linda, Mpilo and Thandi from Embocraft.  A local organization dedicated to training and supporting job creation and training for the communities here.  We met for breakfast to talk about conducting a basic computer class for our older orphans.  We got the idea from Nombusa, who had gone through an Embocraft class.  Listen to what she has to say about it and how it has helped her in University...

http://youtu.be/gCCrRz7cP40

Here's Linda talking about Embocraft...

http://youtu.be/lpZUBqlXkXM

Neil helping us purchase food at Checkout:

In buying food for 12 families we had a pickup truck and van cargo area filled.  Neil from the Checkout in Pinetown helped us get it selected and loaded efficiently...  A blessing that enabled us to quickly take Domiso to the hospital that day.

Seeing the kids grow up...

Coming here over 5 years has given us a chance to be a part of these orphans lives.  The guy below with the South African Flag painted on his face is Spa 5 years ago.  The photo below that one is Spa now with Jessica.  He's growing up!  The boy kneeling in the green shirt below, Nhlanhla, is the same young man three photos down on the left.  You start to feel like you have a relationship with these boys and girls and the conversations become deeper every year.

Mfundisi Thwala:

We're blessed to have the good shepherd in Ntshonweni looking over his flock...

"Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding." (Jeremiah 3:15 NIV)

I Don't Know

I am often astounded when I try to reconcile my thoughts, bound in the flesh and sin of this world; with the "new life," of the Spirit that has been promised to me.

It is truly mind boggling when I try to reconcile citizenship in Heaven while living on earth. I just don't know the answer to, "What would Jesus do?" Chances are, He would tell a story, or sleep while I was freaking out! Would Jesus try to arrange computer classes for orphans so they can become more marketable after graduating from a school system that offers no computer training I the year 2014? His discussions during meals were often some of His most intense, and unusual.

I am pretty sure that if I were Jesus, at a wedding, and they ran out of wine, I would probably tell them, "Well, I think you've had enough! TTG!" But as usual, Jesus does the unthinkable providing more for the party and bringing forth the best! Definitely not the house brand, but the premier vintage. Party on!

As I go, day to day, minute to minute, many thoughts, ideas and passions compete for time, space and a place in my heart to take root. I am continually asking myself, "What do I think Jesus Would Do?" I am just not good enough for the old WWJD. The Word shows an upside down, inside out, totally crazy type of experience, nothing that my petty, little human brain could conceive or believe. 

Following a homeless Jesus leads you to often swimming upstream, and against the flow. The healing at the pool comes to mind. Walking by a gentleman, Jesus sees a man and asks if he wants to be healed. What??? Well, I'm pretty sure I would assume, "Of Course!" he wants to be healed! Who wants to stay sick- physically, spiritually or mentally? So sad though how comfortable I am in MY habits, in MY ways, surrounded by MY wants. WWJD...

Wouldn't it have been cool if Jesus just assumed that, Of Course! Everyone wants to be healed and performed "The Healing of the Five Hundred?" This would just go so well as a prequel to "The Feeding of the Five Thousand."

 Maybe there is something to the submission in the healing, the faith in the journey and the humility to admit that you are not God and actually are in need of help. 

So, moving forward, I will find freedom in the fact that - I know nothing about nothing. The more I think I know, the more I know how much I truly do not have a clue. 

We see but a thread, a speck, and a single ingredient. We must step back trying not look through the zoom lens, but to see the satellite view. Realizing that this stich in time, is part of a much bigger story, one whose ending we will not be here to see.

If we are lucky, we can only begin to admit how are lives are intertwined, sewn together in the story of mercy, forgiveness and redemption. A story that flows throughout history. 

My small part is simply to realize that I am not God. His ways are not my ways and His thoughts are not my thoughts.

How comforting to rest in His ability to figure it out, for what we do know is What Jesus Has Done - come to earth to live a life I can't live and to die a death I can't die. All so I don't have to worry about WWJD, for He has done it all, already. 

What we worship?

What do you value?  What do you worship?  Websters defines an idol as: a person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered.  

I had a great conversation with Pastor Thwala about the challenges he has being a Christian Pastor in Africa.  There are sangoma (witch doctors), muti healers, a muti market in Durban where you can buy traditional healing animal parts, Shembi religion focused on nature, animals and ancestors....  Pastor has to deal with people who request Christian services like funerals and incorporate traditional ceremonies that idolize false gods.  This evening a large group of girls walked by the church singing a beautiful song.  Mrs. Thwala explained that they are headed to a Shembi all night church service.  Here they are (it's dark but you get the sound).

http://youtu.be/_YPl_GdPrGI

Then as I start to feel high and mighty- we don't do this in the United States.  I start asking myself about what I idolize.  I can say there have been many times that I've idolized work, boats, cars, motorcycles...  I know that's different from worshipping Shembi religion, but is it really in God 's eyes?  Check out this Psalm...

"But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them." (Psalm 115:4-8 NIV)

When I think about a personal legacy I'd rather be known for who I serve and support than what I have or have achieved.  This verse says it all: "This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 9:23, 24 NIV)

Time is Money

There is a saying that, unfortunately, I think we truly believed. Yes, time can be used to create money and time has worth. But truly, time is something that is totally definite. There is no time tree in the backyard, and though we may get a second job or increase our education to increase our earning power; we all share the same 24/7. Rich or poor, powerful or humble, Eastern or Western, male or female. No matter where you live, or any other condition, we are all gifted with the same 365-24/7. No exceptions! 

So the question becomes - how will we spend it? Serving self or serving others? Performing tasks or uplifting people?

Yes, certain tasks, chores must be accomplished, but not to focus on people - seems almost criminal. 

This is Rejoice, one of our favorite people. A teacher at the crèche, we saw her and picked her up and delivered her to her appointment. Would have been quicker to pass her by, but then...

We still made it to the building site on time. Yeah! Prayers are answered, we have water. Now to get it to the site! But time is taken and fellowship practiced.

When Gogo Zulu, the Gogo for whom we are building the house, and her three orphans... Brings a homemade lunch to those that are building her house. How does this happen? She has nothing? We just delivered emergency food to her one room home this morning. She is dressed to the T, and sees it as her privilege to serve others. This is from God alone - this selfless act that meets the needs of others and lifts them up.

Bongay... we took her shopping last year. Now she and her children have a home and it is time for hugs. What if we all put aside our personal wants and saw all of God's provisions as His belongings? Maybe we would use our blessings - time, talent and treasure to bless others!

You got it! The Gumede brothers' home. Mud shack to concrete block, to plastered and painted inside, plastered outside, to now painted outside. There is something special to come alongside, to suffer with, to fellowship with, to rejoice with... Their parents and eldest brother are buried on the site. Our lives here are but a vapor. Feel the weight of eternity! Feel the urgency! None of us are promised anything. We are criminals crucified between our past and our future. The only gift we have is the present and what we do with it.

Our final ministry of the day was to take a sister and a dear friend to see their loved one in the hospital after being admitted for fits. None of us know when our days are up. We can be Martha's, or we can be Mary's. We can run around being human doings, it we can STOP and worship. Becoming human beings, seeking to Love God and to love our Neighbors. Very simple, very easy. Today is the only day we get... Spend it wisely and celebrate each breath it may be your last!

C.O.P.

Change Of Plans...  One of the many sayings here in South Africa.  Let me share the day and you'll see the C.O.P.

We met Pastor and Mr Kohza (best friend of Pastor that is always there to help) this morning to purchase and deliver food for 12 of the neediest families in Ntshongweni.  Here's Mr Kohza with his awesome Toyota Hilux Truck he bought last December.  Perfect for the job today and he loves it (of course).

We used a different shop today for food and met Neil the Checkout Store Manager and he was very helpful.  He took our list and provided stock people to put together bulk carts of the largest items.  Definitely an adventure but Neil made it easy.  Here's Neil with Pastor and Mr Kohza:

Gogo Ginger and Sma, a local lady from the village that has taken on food shopping monthly for these families as her volunteer ministry.  What a blessing. A modern day widow and her mite- read Jesus parable by clicking this link to know what I mean: (http://bible.com/111/mrk.12.41.niv)

Check out the sign above the meat counter at the market.  "All meats are strictly Halaal", this means in accordance with Muslim Shari'a.  This part of South Africa is heavily Muslim and Hindu.  A great opportunity to share Jesus love.  We talked about what we are doing and how the store serves the community with Habib, one of the store managers.  He told me at the end of the conversation: "There are silver ships, there are gold ships and there is friendship." Then he shook my hand and said he appreciated friendship with me (he says that to everyone).

Then checkout, 

African style grocery loading...

http://youtu.be/-qfh3YS58Wg

When we returned from shopping, these boys helped us load all of the food into the sanctuary and separate it for each family.  It worked out great and it gives these boys a chance to serve in the community in Jesus name.

Then C.O.P...  Pastor received a call from Nobusa Ndlovo saying that her brother Domiso was having siezures and she needed Pastor's help right away.  We loaded into the VW van and headed to her house.  When Pastor and I arrived at the house Domiso was in the middle of a siezure and Pastor and I carried him to the van.  With Pastor, Mr Kohza, Nobusa, Domiso, Ginger, Jessica and me we headed to the hospital in Durban.  Prayer and fast driving in full swing.  The sign at the ER entrance said "Hospital for the poor".  Nobusa knew that this was one of the few hospitals that treats epilepsy.  

Report tonight is that the doctors are going to keep Domiso for a few days to try and figure out a treatment plan.  Blessed that Pastor was equipped to help and that our food shopping was so speedy.

Then, back to Ntshogweni and food delivery.  We started at the Ntombela home.  A group of three older orphan girls and one has two sons.  A joyful house with great need.

The Ngcobo home, two boys who recently lost their mother that we've submitted a grant request for renovating this home.  The young lady pictured is helping care for the youngest.

The Makhoba family that African Orphans  Project is coming in July to build a new home for.  What a blessing!  Beautiful kids.

On the road we saw some stunning views, like this one...

The Nzimand home was filled with love.  Jessica took photos of the herd of kids out front and they couldn't wait to see themselves.

Going back a couple of years ago to Phili, a young lady who was helping nearby orphans with food and care while she had very little herself.  See some before and after shots of her home....

New roof:

Old roof with many holes:

New door and bed:

Old bed in a room without a door:

Pastor and Phili:

Here's Gogo Ginger having fun with Phili's orphans... http://youtu.be/lERwn6g4zzI

Another awesome view on the way to our next home.  This is Ntshongweni butte. The namesake of the village.

The Ngid family, a Gogo with three boys living in this metal structure and an orphan girl that is staying with another family that doesn't treat her so well.  The blocks you see in the foreground are from Gogo taking part of her pension to buy bags of cement for the boys to make these blocks from sand dug up next door.  Wow...  A blessing to be able to provide her food in Jesus name.

We finished today with the Mzobe family. Last years visit was when their new home was built.  What a blessed family in a home full of love.  Here's little Sihle (Zulu Rembrandt) sharing his latest artwork and sharing love with Jessica.

We are all blessed so that we can bless others in Jesus name... "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV. ). ‘Leave your fatherless children; I will keep them alive. Your widows too can depend on me.’ ” (Jeremiah 49:11 NIV)