Worship & Blackhawks

Happy Sunday. 

We started with Ntshongweni Lutheran Church worship. What a blessing to be with our African family in worship and song.  Part of the verse pastor preached on today, speaking of God's commands to love God and love others was; "Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."(Deuteronomy 6:7 NIV). Amazing words for a community where most children are orphans.

After church we helped Sendile, the Blackhawks soccer coach, make it to his game at Woza Moya High School.  Here's coach Sendile with Pastor evaluating the boys play...

Here's some of the action, fitting for all the World Cup attention.  Blackhawks won 2-0.  Here's warm ups

First half play...

Halftime coaching from Sendile's assistant coach who happens to be named Sendile.  He was intense with these boys. What a blessing to have this type of mentoring in Ntshongweni.

2nd half play action

Thanks to Christ Lutheran Church in Phoenix for providing all of the uniforms for these boys.  They looked sharp and played sharp.

We were feeling blessed today to spend a quiet day with our African family.  Tomorrow we head to Pinetown first thing in the morning for emergency food deliveries for 11 families.  We'll have Mr Kohza's Toyota Quantam taxi and our VW van to carry the shoppers and a lot of basic food stuffs.  Then we hope to handle the majority of delivery tomorrow.  Spending some time with each family praying and learning.

Thanks for reading, please pray for justice for orphans and widows everywhere.   God's desire for us is justice for all; "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." (Isaiah 1:17 NIV)

Most Excellent Way

We pulled down the street in front of Ntshongweni Lutheran Church yesterday afternoon and the kids were playing everywhere.  A sunny cool afternoon.  Waves and smiles and a lot of familiar faces.  We had to stop when we saw Sanele Duma.  In our first trip 6 years ago, we met Sanele and his older brother Thanthla and sisters Buchle and Nomfundo.  They were living in their deceased parents home that was in serious disrepair, with all four family members sleeping in the same room.  Here's a photo with Nomfundo from a few trips ago.  She came and asked me to take a photo with her and we brought her a copy to keep.  She's a sweet and I believe faithful young lady.  She passed away two months ago at age 15.  Definitely look forward to seeing her in heaven.

David Platt tells us that there are 160,000,000 orphans in the world.  Right in everybody's backyard and across the earth.  An unimaginable number and an enormous opportunity.  Jessica asked the group last night what happens to an orphan when they are sick and pass away alone?

We miss her terribly...  Then we talk to Sanele about his future.  He's about to graduate high school and told us he's worried about some of his finals (Jessica offers tutoring this week).  Sanele is the young man that essentially recited the book of Daniel story to us a couple of trips ago.  I brought up the idea of Sanele going to seminary to become a pastor (mfundisi in Zulu).  Sanele pushed out his chest and said; "I would love to work for God."  Out of adversity comes blessing.  Amen. 

Here's Sanele with Jessica yesterday...

Pastor Thwala spends the time between our visits being a good shepherd.  He learns of the people in Ntshongweni with the greatest need and prayerfully considers how to assist in "the most excellent way".  We met last night and reviewed Pastors plan for the week to make this happen.  Reminding ourselves that Jesus brother James tells us; "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. " (James 1:27 NIV)

One of our opportunities is to serve Gogo Zulu and her three orphans that she cares for.

This week we'll be ensuring that the building materials are arrived and ready and the site is prepared for their new home.  Then our local builder Johannes will get to work mixing a cement floor, setting concrete block, doors, windows and a roof for this family.  Here's their current home:

As we get to know more about these boys, we'll let you know throughout the week.

Please pray for the 160,000,000 orphans across the world and that they know their Father in heaven.

By Prayer Alone

Ever test God? Ever ask for a sign?

Well, though I don't make a habit of it, I will confess to you now that I have done it at least 4 times.

• Time #1 - I was driving to the Y in Oviedo, Fl. A new Christian, I was praying in my car and my Bible was in the front passenger seat. Maybe I shouldn't say praying, more like complaining. Trying to fit in at church and make a difference was starting to drive me a little crazy. A little, nagging voice said, "See! This is why you stayed away from church for your entire life! It is politics and bureaucracy, just like you thought!"So at the red light on Red Bug Lake Road, I opened my Bible and got this Word from God -

  

  Yup! That is the date that I added at the red light - another confession!

  "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Gal 6:9-10 Ok, so... 

• Time #2 - I was a $20 in the plate person.

It has always bugged me that I get little envelopes with my number on them. Though I understand for accounting that this is a good thing, I did not trust the human church with my money. My money - how silly! During the pruning and the growth, God took His time with me on this and through the years I have become a first fruits type of gal. Though the small, nagging voice has hounded me many a time, the Holy Spirit has proven true and given me the encouragement needed when tempted to listen. A huge step came when a Pastor spoke this Word over me one Sunday - "Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings.  You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." Malachi 3:7-10 Test me in this! He said it! And I now believe it!

• Time #3 - This test happens a lot... Should we go to Africa? "Yes!" Says the Lord. "But, I want a new bathroom!" Says me... Really!!!!  "Not sure I have the money for the trip."Says me. "You will if you put off the new bathroom to go and visit people who have NO bathroom." Says the Lord.

  

  Yes! That is my 1962 Mint Chip original - Hey! It works! And now 7 months later, we have the funds for a
  re-do:)

  Another time I was prompted to buy a ticket., and make a commitment. "Just do it." Says the Lord. I just did it, and within two days a refund from an insurance mistake arrived at our home for the exact amount of the airfare and a dinner to go with it. "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

• Time #4 - Recently read, "Dr. Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secrets."

  

  Read it! This is one amazing book! You won't be sorry!

He was a missionary to inland China in the mid 1800's. He NEVER asked for funding, and never incurred debt. He simply prayed for funds, workers and the country of China. George Mueller was a contemporary of his who lived in England. He ran an orphanage, and NEVER asked for funding. Mr. Mueller actually supported Dr. Taylor's ministry through praying for specific missionaries and funds. After receiving them he would mail them to Dr. Taylor. I figured, if it worked for them, maybe it would work for us. No door offering, and no asking. Just prayer, and God has mightily provided for all the work we will do. AMAZING! He has heard the prayers of the orphan and the widow and has provided for their needs. 

Well, I confess all of the above. Writing this has given me more encouragement that God is true to His Word, and His promises. I hope it has done the same for you! Feel free to confess your testing below, but personally it scares me a little, so I am going to try and not make a habit of it. 

That is why they call it FAITH!

Video Links from Ntshongweni...

The Gumede boys having a letter from America...

Jessica playing with very fun kids...

Linda from Ebocraft who helps this region in a major way...

Singing from VBS 6 months earlier...  WOW!

Jesus loves you...

GOGO Constance...

Mzobe house girls...

Gumede boys painting the inside of their new home...

Nombuso telling us about her schooling...  A gift from God

Pastor Thwala...

Rhonda shares from her trip...

Spectacular Sunday

What a great Sunday.  We started by stopping at the Gumede boys house and delivering some housewares for their new painted home.  One of the best parts was when a neighbor translated a letter from these boys sponsors, wow!  Here's a video of it...

http://youtu.be/ou-A88PNQOc

The boys love their books.  Jessica suggested that Kululeku (the youngest) write his name in the cover and share the book with his neighbor.  He wrote both of their names very neatly in the cover.

Then worship!  A great service with a baptism and 7 confirmations.  What a blessing.  Check out Gogo Emma, our 74 year old confirmand, how awesome.

Then we finished by addressing the group with this verse:

"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands" (Revelation 7:9 ESV)

B & B on our last full day

We started our last full day following up as we drove around picking up boys for shopping.  First stop the Mzobe family home construction project.  Johannes and his helper do fantastic work.  Look at the progress...  At the Mzobe house we gave the 4 year old Picasso a sketch book and pencils.  He's incredible.

Shopping!  8 boys in Pinetown Mall the day after everyone receives their state grant = chaos.  But it got done and these orphans have some awesome new clothes.  We waited and played games in the mall and saw this fantastic view as we dropped some of the boys off.

Bible study and Braai- What a blessing to end our last evening here with a Braai (cookout) and Bible study for a very large group from the village.  It was filled with God's word, full plates, playing on the playground and love.  Jessica did a great study on these basic steps in our lives...

Isaiah 62:6-7- Wear God out with your prayers.  

Acts 5:20  - After God answers your prayers according to His will you should go and tell others to bring glory to Him.  

Romans 6:14 - Now that you have a new life, live like it and look different to others by doing all you can to stop sinning. 

Luke 17:11-19 - Now that God has answered your prayers and given you a new life give thanks and praise to Him.

Singing before Bible study:

http://youtu.be/9Ob0rZYQnF8

Selene Duma reading one of the verses in Zulu:

http://youtu.be/OZz4U2t0Oyo

I ended the evening as kombi (taxi) driver to a bunch of folks.  When we drove Mxolsi (awesome local artist and friend) home after he helped us with the boys shopping in the morning, I had Thanthla and Joe help with the driving.  They shifter for me on a 1 hour journey through Africa.  Very good students and like any young man excited about things with wheels...  A joy to spend time with these boys.

Blessed to be in Ntshongweni!

Jesus last words on earth...

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight." (Acts 1:8, 9 ESV)

We are blessed to be witnesses near the ends of the earth.  Here are a couple of ways from today.

Gogo Emma-  Gogo = grandmother in Zulu.  With so many parents out of these kids lives, Gogo's are literally the backbone of the community.  Gogo Emma is a perfect example, she has her two grandchildren living with her and is 74 years young.  Eric to her left below, is a wonderful example of a young man that honors his Grandmother.  Look at how he helps her out of the van and will sit with her at the doctor's office in Pinetown.  We saw earlier in the week how Gogo Emma had swollen spots on either side of her neck.  When we asked her about it, she said she wasn't going to see the doctor because they didn't hurt.  After some discussion she agreed to go today.  What a blessing.  

Pastor Thwala- Pastor Thwala is truly a shepherd of the community.  The young lady pictured below came to the church as we were preparing to take Gogo Emma.  She had a lengthy discussion with Pastor in Zulu, then pastor explained her situation to us as we drove.  Apparently she saw us working on the Mzobe house down the hill and asked if we would help her.  Her father passed away and her mother has since remarried, her stepfather has abused her in the worst possible way and kicked her out of their house.  She was graduated and working, paying a friend to build a house for her.  As you can see below, the house is half finished and the work is not very good.  She asked if we could help her with materials to finish it because now she is living with different friends to have shelter.  Not sure how this will end, but there are many examples of need everywhere, but especially here.

Gogo Theodore- Gogo has three orphans she cares for and provides a loving home.  We had the opportunity to paint her front room and spend time with her two youngest.  Check out this video link of Jessica and Rhonda playing with these wonderful kids:

http://youtu.be/I7HH-leoq34

Also, check out their view into the valley.  This is a beautiful place.

Mrs Mozambuko- She's an outstanding servant as principal of Charles Primary School and she's recovering from gall bladder surgery.  We visited to convey to her how grateful we are for her work.  So many of the orphans that we work with mention her or were brought to us by her.  She knows every child in her school.  I share the story of the Mzobe girls who told us how much she cares and how she cried when she gave them their reading award.  An amazing lady in a challenging place.  With her family school photos proudly displayed, we had a laugh about how her youngest daughter's school photo didn't match her current look.  Had to be there, but it was funny.

Such a blessing to spend time here, it's quickly coming to an end.  We ask for prayers for orphans in Ntshongweni and to the ends of the earth.  Siyabonga!