Same - same...

My 7th visit to Ntshongweni, and much of our activities were the same as previous visits - painting newly built homes, food deliveries, visiting some of our favorite Gogos and friends at Embocraft, and taking a handful of kids (a large handful this year) shopping for clothes.  And while there was comfort in resuming our agenda after a 2 year hiatus, there's no denying that much has changed. 

Covid ushered in changes that none of us could have imagined and in KZN these changes were  compounded by frustration erupting in riots and recently in devastating floods that altered the landscape as we knew it.   But by the grace of God, we saw hope re-emerging as the week progressed.  During the past week, SA eliminated much of the remaining Covid restrictions and the smiling faces that had been concealed behind masks for 2 years were reappearing; the anxiety we felt as we ventured into one of the hotspots of the riots, melted away as we were met by acts of kindness; neighbors are helping neighbors, and the children returned en masse to the street in front of the church; and on our last full.day in Ntshongweni, we were blessed with the laughter of Gogo Zulu and the singing of Kheto.  In the darkness, love will find a way - thanks be to God.

-Valerie a/k/a Sibongile 

Rich in Faith

Such a joy to be around people who are rich in faith, in the face of adversity that would crumble many of us.

“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”  James‬ ‭2:5‬ ‭

We stopped at the Ntshongweni Community Center where 20 families are staying since their homes were destroyed in the recent floods.  In difficult conditions the families were joyful, kids playing outside, smiles as we greeted folks who’ve been living here since April floods.  Rich in faith.

We were able to take the Ntshongweni Crèche (preschool) teachers out to dinner last night at Spur (picture Ponderosa steak house African style).  These ladies help the youngest kids in the village to be loved, learn, make friends and get two square meals a day.  Such a blessing.  Couldn’t help thinking last night that if we took a group to Ponderosa in the States we’d get an underwhelming reaction, here the ladies were beyond appreciative and joyful.  Look at those smiles.  Rich in faith.

The boys coming to pick up the donated jackets.  Imagine living in a block home with a metal roof, temperatures dropping to the 30’s at night, no heat….  Thanks for providing for everyone, these boys are beyond appreciative.  Nhlanhla on the left was tending to his crops when we arrived at his home to give him a ride to church.  The yard and home looked great with bananas, crops of all kinds and a large area ready for new planting.  Rich in Faith.

Ntshongweni butte, the village namesake.

During food delivery we entered this rondeval.  Inside there was a gogo (grandmother), her two daughters and two grandchildren.  There was a cast iron pot on top of burning coals.  The space was smoke filled and one of the daughters was laying on the ground with a blanket with her two children and sister sitting with her.  Pastor found out that she hadn’t been able to keep food down for two weeks.  She’s been to the local clinic but no diagnosis.  Pastor arranged for her to see Dr Pienaar in Hillcrest.  There is definitely a difference in medical care between the village and the more affluent area, Dr Pienaar did her consultation and ordered an X-ray.  Her diagnosis was cancer for Hloniphile (probably in her 20’s).  The doctor ordered nausea medication and is sending her to the hospital Monday for further diagnosis.  She was strong after such a diagnosis and appreciative of getting a quality diagnosis.  Rich in Faith.

Meeting Nokwanda

You never know who you’re going to meet.  The team was getting dinner at Lupa restaurant in Hillcrest South Africa.  Little did we know, that we’d meet another teammate.  Nokwanda was our server two nights ago and when we spoke about what we were doing, she said she would like to go with us and she loves serving in the community.

Here’s Nokwanda (Nox), she’s a pre-med major that is such a pleasure to serve with.

She taught us new Zulu phrases, helped deliver emergency food relief to families with the most need, she prayed over folks and was filled with joy and love.  Thank you Lord for helping us connect with people like Nokwanda.

Scott

10 Years Later…

Here’s Joe 10 years ago.  He’s a member of our Ntshongweni family that we’ve grown to know and love.  He’s always loved cars and driving.  I remember a time that I took Joe and his friend Nhlanhla (Lucky) down a country road in the valley by Ntshongweni butte to try driving my rental car.  A manual transmission, and the boys did great.  I don’t think this was in my rental agreement, but it was awesome fun and the boys loved it.  They didn’t have family members to do this with growing up so I was so happy to fill in.
Here’s Joe and his buddies at the wheel of a rental vehicle that same Fall.  He loves cars like I do.
Fast forward to today, Joe is a taxi driver.  He has Zodwa, his wife.  He has a three month old son Luzelande.  He’s doing great.

It is mind boggling that we’ve been able to know Joe for over a decade and be a part of his life half way around the earth.  If you would have asked me in the first 30 years of life if I would have had a family in South Africa with cherished experiences, I would have said you were crazy.  It makes me think of scripture saying “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  God knew that I would be connected with Joe before I was even born.  So excited to see what God has prepared in advance for the next 10 years of life.  Very thankful.

Scott

My heart is full. 

Today we had the pleasure of painting the house of Ntombikayise and her family.

When we first met Ntombikayise in 2018, she was living in a one room house with her 4 children, 1 grandchild and 2 nephews. She had also recently had her leg ran over by a car and struggled to walk. In 2021, by the grace of God, they received a new home with 2 bedrooms and a kitchen. 

Here is a picture of the family(minus2) in 2019.

And here is a picture of in front of their newly painted house. 

While we were painting, a group of kids gathered with Ntombikayise’s children and enjoyed kicking a new soccer ball that our friend Roberto brought for them. Full disclosure, I may have slacked off on my painting to join the kids but hey “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.”  They also enjoyed making necklaces and entertained us with a song and dance. 

 Brandon painting with Elihle and Sphelele. 

                           Making necklaces. 

The view from their house may be one of my favorites. 

People frequently ask me “Why South Africa? Why go there?” Honestly, I don’t know why God has sent me 8,460 miles from my home town to be with His children in Ntshongweni but here I am. I often think it was to change my own heart and renew my faith in the Lord. The people of Ntshongweni are the most strong spirited and faithful people I have encountered. In the past 2 years they have endured COVID, riots and floods, yet their faith and perseverance continue on. I think we all have a little something to learn from the people of Ntshongweni. I am so thankful that God has sent me, the unworthy sinner, and I cannot wait to see what else He has planned. 

Lord, help me to be a little more like Jesus, a little less like me. 

-Katie “Gugu” 

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

Let the mission commence!

Today marks the first full day with the church here in South Africa for our much delayed but greatly anticipated trip in 2022! Looking around seeing all the smiling faces on the locals as well as us missionaries was awe inspiring and served as valid evidence of the community that we have through our merciful God. 

After hearing Pastor Thawala’s sermon on Lazarus and the rich man, I was reminded of an interesting duality of the role of material possession in our lives: it’s uselessness and it’s usefulness. See, we need not anything other than The Word to sustain us for as God provides for the grass in the field and the birds in the air and therefore more so for us. But it’s usefulness in that we could show God’s love by providing those in need as what we have done to the least among us, so too have we done to The Lord Jesus Christ.

All belongs to God and observing the other members of BLC and their great generosity towards Pastor Thawala’s church as well ourselves one can truly see God at work. This is also reflected in the hospitality Pastor Thawala and his congregation, their smiling faces friendly attitudes proves that we are not strangers but, members of one body with Christ at it’s head.

My hope is that we can continue to bless and be blessed by our this family throughout the week!

-Brandon Avery

Landed in Joburg!

 

On the way!

 Heading to Ntshongweni via Atlanta and Johannesburg.  See our KZN family tomorrow!

Preparing

So excited to be heading back to our Ntshongweni family.  Our last visit was over two years ago and so much has happened since then.  The team has been pouring over 13 years of memories to start creating photo albums.  Such a beautiful expression of love.  Can’t wait to get there and share these memories with everyone.