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.