Historic flooding- power in weakness

 Today we had our first opportunity to see the historic flooding in KZN South Africa and meet some of the people most effected. KZN News Video Link  It’s hard to explain the scope of the damage, but here are some photos.

The bridge that leads to Ntshongweni, a single lane bridge that leads over a lush stream that runs right next to Ntshongweni butte.  

Here it was in 2019.

Here it is today.

For us this is a minor inconvenience, adding another 10 minutes drive time to Ntshongweni from where we stay.  We met families today that faced life changing losses in a community that doesn’t have FEMA, homeowners insurance or resources to repair their home.  This is Zanele and her husbands home.  The flood occurred at night and Zanele was entering her home when it collapsed.  In the dark, in torrential rain, your home disintegrating in front of you and you’re nearly swept away by the current.  This is what remains of the home, the ground gave away underneath.

This was the porch, all that is left standing of the home.  The only structure left is the rondeval (picture a round storage shed) that the family is living in after the flood.

Here’s Zanele with the crew.  She was amazingly positive and faithful.  Happy that her family is still together.

The path to Zanele’s home was washed out by the torrent, at some points the land was washed away 5+ feet.

Another family we met lost half of their home.  Mom and her two sons were joyful and thankful.  Amazing when you consider what has happened to them.

The young lady with the baby tied to her back lives in this home.

The sewing school at the church was destroyed as well, fortunately there’s a new sewing factory in place of the church soccer field so those jobs stay in the village.

Visiting these families brings both sorrow and joy.  Sorrow for the difficulties and lack of a path forward.  Joy for meeting people who in the face of sorrow are filled with faith, strength, happiness and understanding of what is truly important in life.

The apostle Paul had a physical challenge for most of his life.  When he wrote about his answer to prayer, this is what he said.

• “But he (Jesus) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

The families we met today exemplify power made perfect in weakness.  Such a blessing.

Scott