Last night God gave us darkness at church - huh???
Janice, who usually runs the Wednesday night Bible Study, is out of town for the school holiday and asked me to show a video last night. She and I went to some place that rents out really cheap Christian videos and got a few last week. I reviewed several - some were really lame - 70's and well, 70's should say it all. Anyway, there was one from the 80's done by Billy Graham's organization and it was okay, so that was the one I was going to show last night.
During the middle of worship team practice, we realized the power was out in the church (funny how you notice that when you go to switch on the lights and nothing happens). We tried to muddle through on a few songs, but it got too dark to see the words, so we gave up, had prayer and went to prayer meeting. Prayer meeting was pretty cool, we had a couple of candles on the table and prayed in the darkness. I am continually warmed by the fact that we almost always have about a dozen folks there for prayer each Wednesday night. Its a different group each week, but we carry on.
After prayer, everyone went to the hall for the bread and tea. The youth who usually show up in time for the food and then stay for Bible Study were there in force. Cheryl and I were asking ourselves and each other, what were we going to do with no power? no video, so what to do? We had people there and didn't just want to send them away. We tossed around a few ideas and came up with one that we were going to do, but then decided not too. So this is what we did...
We had everyone gather their chairs in a circle around the heater. Then we lit more candles and had about 8 candles sitting on the floor in the middle of the circle. We started with a few songs and then I asked people to share something God was doing in their lives that they wanted to praise God for and share with the people around them. Several people shared - it was really neat to sit together around the circle and hear how God has blessed people. After that, Cheryl read from the DC Talk Jesus Freaks Devotional - a selection about the Apostle John and then one about a Christian in Vietnam who stayed in prison so he could continue to share Jesus with the other prisoners. Cheryl closed us in prayer and then we all went home.
God blessed us with no power - I'm pretty sure that the people living in the community around the church didn't really see last nights power outage as a gift from God, but it was for us at Troyeville. How sweet it was to sit around the circle in the dim light and praise our Father in Heaven together. Over half the people there were youth - and of course, that was an additional blessing for me. Thanks God!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
One Year!
So, yesterday was my one year anniversary of being in South Africa. Its funny because sometimes it feels like I've just arrived and other times it feels like I've been here forever. It amazes me to think that I feel comfortable here - have established a life, a routine, developed friendships, have my usual shopping places, usual groceries, usual schedule (okay maybe not that). Things will be changing over the next few months, though. Both my roomates will be returning to the states and I have no idea who will be here at the flat with me. I'm also getting involved in a new ministry with the potential to work on projects all over the country. It is in its infancy stages now, but is focused on helping orphans and vulnerable children. Will give more info once things get going with it.
I'm continuing to enjoy ministering to the youth at Troyeville. We regularly have about 15 youth on Wednesday nights for Bible study and about the same amount on Friday nights for Youth. Sunday morning varies, but averages around 15 too. Its interesting though because it is not the same 15 each time - probably a total of 30 if you counted them all up. Of course, numbers don't tell anything - I think they are feeling part of a community - part of a group that can support each others. Many of them have committed themselves to Jesus and seem to be trying to learn and grow as his followers. I love the times we can sit around the table and go through scripture together - them asking questions, me hoping and praying that I'm answering clearly and correctly. Their winter school break is coming up - hopefully there will be times to just hang out.
I'm hoping to go to at netball game tomorrow morning - I've never seen it before, but its kind of like basketball except that there is no dribbling and there is no backboard. I think only certain people are allowed to shoot. Several of the youth play, so I hope I get to go. They're supposed to call me in the morning to let me know where the game is.
There are seven Virginians here in Joburg right now - 3 college students at Door of Hope doing summer missions and 4 venturers. By September, there will be 2 - me and Russell. Hopefully there will be more on the horizon. We have about 12 teams coming from Virginia this year, so our wonderful state will be well represented here in 2008.
I'll be starting to raise funds for summer camp soon, so if you're interested in contributing to camp - helping offset the cost for the youth, see the bottom of my blog for how to contribute. If you do, make sure you note when you send the money to the VBMB that it is for Troyeville Youth Camp. They are already talking about camp and it isn't until December - how cool is that????
I'm continuing to enjoy ministering to the youth at Troyeville. We regularly have about 15 youth on Wednesday nights for Bible study and about the same amount on Friday nights for Youth. Sunday morning varies, but averages around 15 too. Its interesting though because it is not the same 15 each time - probably a total of 30 if you counted them all up. Of course, numbers don't tell anything - I think they are feeling part of a community - part of a group that can support each others. Many of them have committed themselves to Jesus and seem to be trying to learn and grow as his followers. I love the times we can sit around the table and go through scripture together - them asking questions, me hoping and praying that I'm answering clearly and correctly. Their winter school break is coming up - hopefully there will be times to just hang out.
I'm hoping to go to at netball game tomorrow morning - I've never seen it before, but its kind of like basketball except that there is no dribbling and there is no backboard. I think only certain people are allowed to shoot. Several of the youth play, so I hope I get to go. They're supposed to call me in the morning to let me know where the game is.
There are seven Virginians here in Joburg right now - 3 college students at Door of Hope doing summer missions and 4 venturers. By September, there will be 2 - me and Russell. Hopefully there will be more on the horizon. We have about 12 teams coming from Virginia this year, so our wonderful state will be well represented here in 2008.
I'll be starting to raise funds for summer camp soon, so if you're interested in contributing to camp - helping offset the cost for the youth, see the bottom of my blog for how to contribute. If you do, make sure you note when you send the money to the VBMB that it is for Troyeville Youth Camp. They are already talking about camp and it isn't until December - how cool is that????
Friday, June 6, 2008
Its June!
Okay, so its been awhile since I updated this blog. Sorry for leaving you with the scary post about Xenophobia. We haven't had any violence related to xenophobia in the past 2 weeks. All the people that were staying in our church went home last week - I haven't heard that there have been any problems - God has answered our prayers for peace.
The gov't is now trying to figure out how to help the displaced people find homes again. The number of refugees was as high 30,000 I think - now I think it is less than 10,000. Many of the people from other African countries have gone back to their home countries - others feel they are better off in South Africa, even with the problems with xenophobia - others can't afford to go anywhere else - still others have been here so long, that SA is their home.
I'm coming up on one year - amazing how quickly it has passed. I'm most likely going to branch out in what I do here - Cheryl and I have been talking about me getting involved in a new organization that right now is called the International Door of Hope. The paper work is in with the government now to establish it as a non-profit organization. They submitted 3 names, so we don't know what its official name is. Anyway, the organization will be helping with others who are taking in orphans and vulnerable children and other organizations who are helping the disadvantaged. Seems as if there are a lot of folks who want to help kids, but they don't have the contacts or knowledge to do it legally - IDoH will help them get set up. There are others things the organization will do, its in its infancy stage now. I'm excited to be involved - in helping others - in branching out.
We had a little visitor for a couple of days this week. On Wednesday night at church, Josh found a little black kitten by Cheryl's car - he tried to find someone in the church to take it, but no one would. Amber and I decided that we couldn't leave it out in the cold, so we took it home. She was cute - we named her Shiloh. I debated with whether to keep her or not - it would have been fun to take care of her - to have a pet to cuddle - but today I realized that when you adopt, its for life and I wouldn't be here for her whole life. It would be better to take her to the SPCA while she was still young so she would have a better chance to get adopted. It was a little tough handing her over, but it was for the best.
Right now, I'm watching Freedom Writers - previewing it before showing it to the youth tonight. I figured that they are in the midst of exams, so it would be nice to see a movie tonight.
thats all for now...all is well!
The gov't is now trying to figure out how to help the displaced people find homes again. The number of refugees was as high 30,000 I think - now I think it is less than 10,000. Many of the people from other African countries have gone back to their home countries - others feel they are better off in South Africa, even with the problems with xenophobia - others can't afford to go anywhere else - still others have been here so long, that SA is their home.
I'm coming up on one year - amazing how quickly it has passed. I'm most likely going to branch out in what I do here - Cheryl and I have been talking about me getting involved in a new organization that right now is called the International Door of Hope. The paper work is in with the government now to establish it as a non-profit organization. They submitted 3 names, so we don't know what its official name is. Anyway, the organization will be helping with others who are taking in orphans and vulnerable children and other organizations who are helping the disadvantaged. Seems as if there are a lot of folks who want to help kids, but they don't have the contacts or knowledge to do it legally - IDoH will help them get set up. There are others things the organization will do, its in its infancy stage now. I'm excited to be involved - in helping others - in branching out.
We had a little visitor for a couple of days this week. On Wednesday night at church, Josh found a little black kitten by Cheryl's car - he tried to find someone in the church to take it, but no one would. Amber and I decided that we couldn't leave it out in the cold, so we took it home. She was cute - we named her Shiloh. I debated with whether to keep her or not - it would have been fun to take care of her - to have a pet to cuddle - but today I realized that when you adopt, its for life and I wouldn't be here for her whole life. It would be better to take her to the SPCA while she was still young so she would have a better chance to get adopted. It was a little tough handing her over, but it was for the best.
Right now, I'm watching Freedom Writers - previewing it before showing it to the youth tonight. I figured that they are in the midst of exams, so it would be nice to see a movie tonight.
thats all for now...all is well!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Xenophobia
Xenophobia - not something I really have thought about - not even sure if I really knew what it meant. Its in the headlines here - xenophobic attacks - the dictionary says that xenophobia is unreasonable hatred or fear of foreigners or strangers - unreasonable - how true - unreasonable that people would hate and attack others for no other reason than that they are from another country or tribe.
Its been an interesting week. It actually started last week - we saw on the news that there were attacks on foreigners in Alexandria - a settlement just outside of Joburg - South Africans attacking those from Zimbabwe or Mozambique or any number of other African countries - beating them, killing some, stealing their possessions and burning their homes (shacks). Hundreds of foreigners fleeing the settlement and taking refuge at police stations - spending the night outside in a field near the station - men, women, and children. It was just a news story then.
On Sunday morning, Cheryl was told that there was more violence against foreigners - we had a special time of prayer during the service for those who were hurt, for those who were displaced, for those who were attacking, for peace.
When I returned to the church after taking the youth on a hike, a woman had come to the church seeking help - her home had been broken into - she was scared - and she wasn't a foreigner. The word we heard was that the Zulu's in the area were attacking anyone that wasn't Zulu. We saw these guys walking down the street with Zulu war sticks - sticks that have been carved so that one end is pointed and the other is like a ball - used for fighting. As I drove away from the church to take the IMB team home, it felt different - like it was volatile - like there was an air of unrest - hadn't felt that before. Seemed like everyone walking down the street was on mission - no one was just hanging out like usual.
On Monday (19th), Amber sent me a text saying that several people from the church had come there asking to stay there overnight - they were from the Congo mostly. They were scared of being attacked - of having their home's broken into and their things stolen. I understand that several children were kept home that day from school and from the preschool - parents afraid to let their children go out. Since then, there have been about 6 adults and 10 children staying in the basement at the church - seeking refuge.
I was wondering on Wednesday if we were going to have Bible study that night. Wondering if anyone would come. On Wednesday morning, I got a call from an elder in the church telling me that I should cancel youth on Friday - he had heard that there was a planned 'purge' on Friday night. A 'purge'? He said it was basically when the Zulus gather and go to the streets and 'purge' anyone who doesn't belong. The specific target being a factory near the church because a lot of people from Mozambique work there. Another leader from the church wondered if it was a good idea to cancel - that perhaps the youth would want a time together - in the church - a place to gather together in peace. I figured the best thing for me to do was to call Cheryl (she was in Capetown). She had heard about the plan for Friday too, and also recommended that I cancel. We didn't want to take a chance on any of the youth getting mistaken for foreigners as they walked home. Also, thought it would be better for me to stay out of Troyeville after dark.
Of course, the darkness was one of the reasons I was wondering about Wed. night. Turns out Wednesday was a blessing. Amber, Russell and I prayed together like we usually do on Wednesday afternoons. [the IMB team didn't come - their leader decided that it might be too dangerous) Psalm 91 was our focus. Then we had the worship team meeting. It was neat during the meeting how we came together on the songs - I would think of one that someone else thought of too. Two of the songs picked had lyrics specifically speaking fo difficult times for a nation. After the meeting we had practice - from 5 - 6. One of my guys who has been playing the drums for us came - it was surprising because he is from the Congo and he came from Berea - I was so glad he made it without incident. Then after practice we had our regular prayer meeting - but it was anything but regular.
Some of the youth were there - ones who had never come before - the ones staying at the church were there - the chairs around the table were all full. Congolese, Zulu, Xhosa, Americans, Brits, white South Africans - all gathered together to pray for peace - to pray for those who were hurting - to pray for those who were attacking - all gathered together because we believed in our Almighty God - that God was bigger than the stuff going on in the streets - big enough to bring peace. Prayers were lifted in different languages - how sweet to know that God hears and understands them all.
Then we had Bible study - again - the youth came - most of the ones who come each week were there - about 12-15 of them - all around the table studying God's word together. I LOVED it! There is one young lady who has just become a follower of Jesus - she sits there drinking in God's Word - eager to learn - I love teaching her and the rest about Jesus - helping them to understand what the words mean - its wonderful! Its thrilling to see that the youth are the majority that come each week - not for fun and games, but to study God's word together.
We left the church after Bible study - Cheryl had told us not to go home our usual way towards town, but to go on the highway, so we did. The streets were quiet - much quieter than usual - not many were out and about. Not sure if it was the cold or the fear that kept them inside.
So here I am on Thursday night - actually Friday morning now. We heard today that there were no incidents on Wednesday night. Praise God! The gov't has called in the army to help the police make sure things stay quiet. We're hoping that the attacks are over. The youth weren't happy with Friday night being canceled - they were frustrated that the actions of a few were interfering with their lives. They felt that people were taking advantage of the situation and using it as an excuse to steal.
The news says that there have been about 42 deaths and 15,000 people who have been left homeless because of the attacks - shacks destroyed or burned because they were lived in by foreigners. Several police stations are places of refuge. One of them is near Troyeville, where about 3000 are staying. The cool thing is that God's people are responding - they are feeding the foreigners who have been displaced. Door of Hope and Troyeville are sending blankets, nappies, and clothes to help. We're able to share God's love with the ones who are hurting. Blessings in the midst of pain.
The attacks have been limited to certain areas. Out where we live has been quiet - normal - our prayer is that the weekend will be quiet and that the violence will stop. I'd love to look back on this weekend and think, "turns out we could have had youth on Friday - nothing happened." Wouldn't that be sweet.
Please pray for the folks who are hurting - who don't know where to go now - pray for a return to peace between people of different tribes and nations. Pray for the children who have seen violence and death first hand - that the images would fade. Pray that through this, people would see and feel the love of God through the love of God's people.
Its been an interesting week. It actually started last week - we saw on the news that there were attacks on foreigners in Alexandria - a settlement just outside of Joburg - South Africans attacking those from Zimbabwe or Mozambique or any number of other African countries - beating them, killing some, stealing their possessions and burning their homes (shacks). Hundreds of foreigners fleeing the settlement and taking refuge at police stations - spending the night outside in a field near the station - men, women, and children. It was just a news story then.
On Sunday morning, Cheryl was told that there was more violence against foreigners - we had a special time of prayer during the service for those who were hurt, for those who were displaced, for those who were attacking, for peace.
When I returned to the church after taking the youth on a hike, a woman had come to the church seeking help - her home had been broken into - she was scared - and she wasn't a foreigner. The word we heard was that the Zulu's in the area were attacking anyone that wasn't Zulu. We saw these guys walking down the street with Zulu war sticks - sticks that have been carved so that one end is pointed and the other is like a ball - used for fighting. As I drove away from the church to take the IMB team home, it felt different - like it was volatile - like there was an air of unrest - hadn't felt that before. Seemed like everyone walking down the street was on mission - no one was just hanging out like usual.
On Monday (19th), Amber sent me a text saying that several people from the church had come there asking to stay there overnight - they were from the Congo mostly. They were scared of being attacked - of having their home's broken into and their things stolen. I understand that several children were kept home that day from school and from the preschool - parents afraid to let their children go out. Since then, there have been about 6 adults and 10 children staying in the basement at the church - seeking refuge.
I was wondering on Wednesday if we were going to have Bible study that night. Wondering if anyone would come. On Wednesday morning, I got a call from an elder in the church telling me that I should cancel youth on Friday - he had heard that there was a planned 'purge' on Friday night. A 'purge'? He said it was basically when the Zulus gather and go to the streets and 'purge' anyone who doesn't belong. The specific target being a factory near the church because a lot of people from Mozambique work there. Another leader from the church wondered if it was a good idea to cancel - that perhaps the youth would want a time together - in the church - a place to gather together in peace. I figured the best thing for me to do was to call Cheryl (she was in Capetown). She had heard about the plan for Friday too, and also recommended that I cancel. We didn't want to take a chance on any of the youth getting mistaken for foreigners as they walked home. Also, thought it would be better for me to stay out of Troyeville after dark.
Of course, the darkness was one of the reasons I was wondering about Wed. night. Turns out Wednesday was a blessing. Amber, Russell and I prayed together like we usually do on Wednesday afternoons. [the IMB team didn't come - their leader decided that it might be too dangerous) Psalm 91 was our focus. Then we had the worship team meeting. It was neat during the meeting how we came together on the songs - I would think of one that someone else thought of too. Two of the songs picked had lyrics specifically speaking fo difficult times for a nation. After the meeting we had practice - from 5 - 6. One of my guys who has been playing the drums for us came - it was surprising because he is from the Congo and he came from Berea - I was so glad he made it without incident. Then after practice we had our regular prayer meeting - but it was anything but regular.
Some of the youth were there - ones who had never come before - the ones staying at the church were there - the chairs around the table were all full. Congolese, Zulu, Xhosa, Americans, Brits, white South Africans - all gathered together to pray for peace - to pray for those who were hurting - to pray for those who were attacking - all gathered together because we believed in our Almighty God - that God was bigger than the stuff going on in the streets - big enough to bring peace. Prayers were lifted in different languages - how sweet to know that God hears and understands them all.
Then we had Bible study - again - the youth came - most of the ones who come each week were there - about 12-15 of them - all around the table studying God's word together. I LOVED it! There is one young lady who has just become a follower of Jesus - she sits there drinking in God's Word - eager to learn - I love teaching her and the rest about Jesus - helping them to understand what the words mean - its wonderful! Its thrilling to see that the youth are the majority that come each week - not for fun and games, but to study God's word together.
We left the church after Bible study - Cheryl had told us not to go home our usual way towards town, but to go on the highway, so we did. The streets were quiet - much quieter than usual - not many were out and about. Not sure if it was the cold or the fear that kept them inside.
So here I am on Thursday night - actually Friday morning now. We heard today that there were no incidents on Wednesday night. Praise God! The gov't has called in the army to help the police make sure things stay quiet. We're hoping that the attacks are over. The youth weren't happy with Friday night being canceled - they were frustrated that the actions of a few were interfering with their lives. They felt that people were taking advantage of the situation and using it as an excuse to steal.
The news says that there have been about 42 deaths and 15,000 people who have been left homeless because of the attacks - shacks destroyed or burned because they were lived in by foreigners. Several police stations are places of refuge. One of them is near Troyeville, where about 3000 are staying. The cool thing is that God's people are responding - they are feeding the foreigners who have been displaced. Door of Hope and Troyeville are sending blankets, nappies, and clothes to help. We're able to share God's love with the ones who are hurting. Blessings in the midst of pain.
The attacks have been limited to certain areas. Out where we live has been quiet - normal - our prayer is that the weekend will be quiet and that the violence will stop. I'd love to look back on this weekend and think, "turns out we could have had youth on Friday - nothing happened." Wouldn't that be sweet.
Please pray for the folks who are hurting - who don't know where to go now - pray for a return to peace between people of different tribes and nations. Pray for the children who have seen violence and death first hand - that the images would fade. Pray that through this, people would see and feel the love of God through the love of God's people.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Things I'm Thankful for
I was just thinking today about things I'm thankful for. I am thankful for a plethora of things (like to use that word) and these things are not a complete list, but just some thoughts ...
I'm thankful for:
> Youth Specialities and their products to help with Youth Ministry - especially the Spontaneous Melodramas - used one last night at Youth and it was fun
> Skype - so I can call my mom and dad for only 2 cents a minute or free when its Skype to Skype - can also do video so I can see them and Talli too!
> McDonalds - not very often, but its nice to get a taste from home every now and then
> Flannel sheets - because it makes getting into bed when its chilly a lot easier! (Although it also makes getting out of bed more difficult!)
> The Bruechners for my little Mazda!
> Lindiwe for helping me learn Zulu
> SMS or Texting to keep in touch with youth and other friends
> The internet so I can keep up with news back home - even LPGA tournaments :)
> Hugs
> Dove chocolate
> A Capo so I can change keys rather than trying to contort my hands to do unusual chords
> Audio books to make working out less boring
> Cameras to capture memories and photos from home
> Non stick pans (thanks to Susan!)
> Peanut butter
> Friends who sent grape jelly
> sunglasses
> MP3 players
> our laptop
> amazing sunsets
> email
> remotes
> puppies
> chapstick
Thats enough for now. I'm trying to be thankful - to look at the glass as half full - to see the good first - to remember the 3 C's I learned in Dale Carnegie class - Never Criticize, condemn, or complain.
Thank You Lord for it ALL
I'm thankful for:
> Youth Specialities and their products to help with Youth Ministry - especially the Spontaneous Melodramas - used one last night at Youth and it was fun
> Skype - so I can call my mom and dad for only 2 cents a minute or free when its Skype to Skype - can also do video so I can see them and Talli too!
> McDonalds - not very often, but its nice to get a taste from home every now and then
> Flannel sheets - because it makes getting into bed when its chilly a lot easier! (Although it also makes getting out of bed more difficult!)
> The Bruechners for my little Mazda!
> Lindiwe for helping me learn Zulu
> SMS or Texting to keep in touch with youth and other friends
> The internet so I can keep up with news back home - even LPGA tournaments :)
> Hugs
> Dove chocolate
> A Capo so I can change keys rather than trying to contort my hands to do unusual chords
> Audio books to make working out less boring
> Cameras to capture memories and photos from home
> Non stick pans (thanks to Susan!)
> Peanut butter
> Friends who sent grape jelly
> sunglasses
> MP3 players
> our laptop
> amazing sunsets
> remotes
> puppies
> chapstick
Thats enough for now. I'm trying to be thankful - to look at the glass as half full - to see the good first - to remember the 3 C's I learned in Dale Carnegie class - Never Criticize, condemn, or complain.
Thank You Lord for it ALL
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Can it Really Be May Already???
May - wow - if I were going home this year, I'd be leaving in less than 2 months - I guess that's why I'm staying longer than a year - can't imagine leaving so soon. I'm really beginning to build solid relationships with some of the youth. I really enjoy being with them - there are some that I'm sure are going to make a difference here in South Africa - if only because they are chosing to work hard and to be people of integrity. The more of those we have, the better the community.
This morning in church, Ian spoke about the Kingdom of God and how in the Lord's Prayer, Jesus prays that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. He talked about how for God's will to be done on earth, then we must reveal the kingdom by how we live - loving God first and loving each other. It was very afirming because I have tried to convey to the youth that being a Christian is not about rules and regulations, its about 2 things - loving God first and loving others. My prayer is that this message sinks in with the youth - only 2 things to remember.
Okay, so since I haven't posted in about a month, guess I should do an update on things...hummm since the baptismal service....well, I went home for 3 weeks - that was wonderful! It was so nice to be back with my folks and my family and my friends. I felt like I dropped back into my old life again - almost a twilight zone feeling - my room was the same, I slept in my bed - I had clothes there - my mess was there - I sat in the same chair downstairs with my Talli sharing the ottoman with me - just like home! Even more, the golf association I played with the past 2 years had started its season, so I got to play golf with my good friends Donna and Wanda and I went to Maryland and visited Becky, the Stuckers, and went to Heritage - just like always. Talli went with me to Maryland and played with Sam, I played golf with Gayle, Henry, and Bill - just like old times - was great! I also got to see cousin Amy on the way up and great friend Kathy and her family on the way back. I also had great times visiting with friends at the mission board and catching up on all the Virginia Baptist news.
Mom asked me what was the biggest most surprising change that had occurred while I've been gone for home. Actually, the biggest change was not really surprising. My nephew, Harry, has changed from a boy into a young man - he's taller than me now - his voice has changed - it was strange to see so many changes in him in just 9 months. Of course I wasn't surprised because Dad and Mom are good at keeping me updated on the goings on at home, but wow! Harry and Kendall are great people and I am thrilled to be their aunt - we went to Cici's to celebrate Harry's 15th birthday while I was home.
Another one of the highlights of my trip was going to Danville to see family. We had a big dinner at my aunt's house and lots of cousins and aunts and uncles were there - it was very special especially since I missed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter with them - something that I haven't missed before. My Aunt Nancy even let Talli come - I am grateful for that! Didn't want to board her while I was at home. I am very blessed to be a part of a family that enjoys being together and who all share the joy of faith in Jesus.
Since I've been back, well, I've gotten back into the old routine mostly. We did have a neat service on Monday, April 28th - a public holiday here in South Africa. Cheryl had been planning it since before the end of last year. She wanted to have a service of Thanksgiving to God for all the things God has done for the ministries of Troyeville, Berea, and Belleview Baptist churches, including Door of Hope and Touch Life Centre. Our church at Troyeville was packed - there was a lot of singing, reports of God's blessings, and praises to God for his great love for us. Russell organized a combined choir from all three churches - it was great to see the wide variety of folks there - from South Africa, Nigeria, the Congo, the US, the UK, Zimbabwe, etc. All God's children gathered to give praise. I have a video of the song items - wanted to capture examples of African worship - what wonderful memories!
Guess that's all for now. I've already started letting the youth know about camp in December - hoping they will start saving their money now. Of course, I know that most don't really have money to save, but wanted to get them thinking about it. If you're reading this - think about sponsoring the youth for camp in December - its a great time for them to get away from the city - have some fun - experience some great worship, and hear more about how much God loves them. It will probably cost about R600 -R700 per student which is a little less than $100 each. If you want to contribute, send it to the Virginia Baptist Mission Board marked as a donation for the Troyeville Baptist Youth Camp.
Its getting colder here - in the 50's today, rainy and windy. The church was cold! Don't know how I'm going to handle it when it gets down into the 30's. I think I've mentioned this several times before, but here it is again - there is no indoor heat here! Yesterday, Amber and I went shopping and bought space heaters for the flat. We've got a big radiator type in the lounge and right now, its actually quite comfortable - thanks God!
This morning in church, Ian spoke about the Kingdom of God and how in the Lord's Prayer, Jesus prays that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. He talked about how for God's will to be done on earth, then we must reveal the kingdom by how we live - loving God first and loving each other. It was very afirming because I have tried to convey to the youth that being a Christian is not about rules and regulations, its about 2 things - loving God first and loving others. My prayer is that this message sinks in with the youth - only 2 things to remember.
Okay, so since I haven't posted in about a month, guess I should do an update on things...hummm since the baptismal service....well, I went home for 3 weeks - that was wonderful! It was so nice to be back with my folks and my family and my friends. I felt like I dropped back into my old life again - almost a twilight zone feeling - my room was the same, I slept in my bed - I had clothes there - my mess was there - I sat in the same chair downstairs with my Talli sharing the ottoman with me - just like home! Even more, the golf association I played with the past 2 years had started its season, so I got to play golf with my good friends Donna and Wanda and I went to Maryland and visited Becky, the Stuckers, and went to Heritage - just like always. Talli went with me to Maryland and played with Sam, I played golf with Gayle, Henry, and Bill - just like old times - was great! I also got to see cousin Amy on the way up and great friend Kathy and her family on the way back. I also had great times visiting with friends at the mission board and catching up on all the Virginia Baptist news.
Mom asked me what was the biggest most surprising change that had occurred while I've been gone for home. Actually, the biggest change was not really surprising. My nephew, Harry, has changed from a boy into a young man - he's taller than me now - his voice has changed - it was strange to see so many changes in him in just 9 months. Of course I wasn't surprised because Dad and Mom are good at keeping me updated on the goings on at home, but wow! Harry and Kendall are great people and I am thrilled to be their aunt - we went to Cici's to celebrate Harry's 15th birthday while I was home.
Another one of the highlights of my trip was going to Danville to see family. We had a big dinner at my aunt's house and lots of cousins and aunts and uncles were there - it was very special especially since I missed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter with them - something that I haven't missed before. My Aunt Nancy even let Talli come - I am grateful for that! Didn't want to board her while I was at home. I am very blessed to be a part of a family that enjoys being together and who all share the joy of faith in Jesus.
Since I've been back, well, I've gotten back into the old routine mostly. We did have a neat service on Monday, April 28th - a public holiday here in South Africa. Cheryl had been planning it since before the end of last year. She wanted to have a service of Thanksgiving to God for all the things God has done for the ministries of Troyeville, Berea, and Belleview Baptist churches, including Door of Hope and Touch Life Centre. Our church at Troyeville was packed - there was a lot of singing, reports of God's blessings, and praises to God for his great love for us. Russell organized a combined choir from all three churches - it was great to see the wide variety of folks there - from South Africa, Nigeria, the Congo, the US, the UK, Zimbabwe, etc. All God's children gathered to give praise. I have a video of the song items - wanted to capture examples of African worship - what wonderful memories!
Guess that's all for now. I've already started letting the youth know about camp in December - hoping they will start saving their money now. Of course, I know that most don't really have money to save, but wanted to get them thinking about it. If you're reading this - think about sponsoring the youth for camp in December - its a great time for them to get away from the city - have some fun - experience some great worship, and hear more about how much God loves them. It will probably cost about R600 -R700 per student which is a little less than $100 each. If you want to contribute, send it to the Virginia Baptist Mission Board marked as a donation for the Troyeville Baptist Youth Camp.
Its getting colder here - in the 50's today, rainy and windy. The church was cold! Don't know how I'm going to handle it when it gets down into the 30's. I think I've mentioned this several times before, but here it is again - there is no indoor heat here! Yesterday, Amber and I went shopping and bought space heaters for the flat. We've got a big radiator type in the lounge and right now, its actually quite comfortable - thanks God!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter
Today is Easter Sunday - Resurrection Day! The most important day in the history of people! It was a good day - we had church this morning - sang familiar songs - "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" and "He Lives." I had forgotten how high 'He Lives' is - yikes! I was able to hit the high F, but it wasn't very fun - actually, I only tried on one verse, then I chickened out and went low - better for those listening!
One of the songs we did was "My Redeemer Lives" - that was a kind of new one for me - we sang it at camp - its a fun one, like that! There were a lot of people out today because of the long weekend and school break - many on the worship team had to work, so weren't there to sing unfortunately.
After church, I came home and rested - hoping for a nap, but never really got to sleep - but it was nice to close my eyes for awhile. We didn't have Sunday school today, so I got home about 11:30 or so. At 1:00 pm, we (my roommate Sara, Andrea (volunteer at DoH), Drew, Mercedes, and Kelsey (IMB Missionaries) went to the Allens for lunch - it was a very nice afternoon. After lunch we played Catch Phrase - it was fun.
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Cheryl's mom is not doing too well - she is having heart issues - an erratic heart beat that makes her light headed. She also told me that last Thursday she felt pain in her chest and nausea. She said she was feeling better today - just weak. She stayed in bed in her room all afternoon. The last time she had problems was right before Christmas - seems to come with the holidays. Hopefully, she'll regain her strength in the coming days. Cheryl seems quite worried about her.
I want to go back and let you know about our service on Thursday night. We started in the hall with a light supper and then communion. It was a nice time sitting around one large square together. There were about 60 people there including children. After the stuff in the hall, we gave people a lighted candle as they exited the hall to walk outside to the sanctuary. Inside the church, we had a cross at the front with 5 candles on it - at the hands, feet, head, and heart and no lights on, so as people came in and extinguished their candles, they only saw the lights on the cross up front. For the service, we did the Good Friday Service from "The Book of Uncommon Prayer" by Steve Case. It has readings from Psalms and also ones for Peter, Judas, and Pilate. As the readings are done, one of the candles from the cross is extinguished. There are also sound effects of the 30 pieces of silver and the hammering of the nails. I've done the service with the youth at Heritage and at Northminster - I think its a cool service - very contemplative. I hope that the folks at Troyeville liked it. I know I did. I was a bit disappointed that not many of the youth came, but I guess its hard for them to want to come to church during the week for a service.
On Friday night, Sara, Russell, Andrea and I went to see the Messiah being put on by the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra and Choir. Tony and Anne gave us their tickets since they were going out of town. It was a nice experience - I was a bit tired, so sometimes it was hard to keep my eyes open, but I did enjoy it. I especially enjoyed the selections that I had done as part of the choir at Centreville - it was neat to know I knew some of them.
Well, guess that's all for now. This week will probably drag by because I'm leaving for home a week from Monday - really really really looking forward to that!! I'm having a movie night for the youth on Friday and am opening the youth room for them to hang out on Tuesday. I like those days because its a great time to get to know them better.
One of the songs we did was "My Redeemer Lives" - that was a kind of new one for me - we sang it at camp - its a fun one, like that! There were a lot of people out today because of the long weekend and school break - many on the worship team had to work, so weren't there to sing unfortunately.
After church, I came home and rested - hoping for a nap, but never really got to sleep - but it was nice to close my eyes for awhile. We didn't have Sunday school today, so I got home about 11:30 or so. At 1:00 pm, we (my roommate Sara, Andrea (volunteer at DoH), Drew, Mercedes, and Kelsey (IMB Missionaries) went to the Allens for lunch - it was a very nice afternoon. After lunch we played Catch Phrase - it was fun.
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Cheryl's mom is not doing too well - she is having heart issues - an erratic heart beat that makes her light headed. She also told me that last Thursday she felt pain in her chest and nausea. She said she was feeling better today - just weak. She stayed in bed in her room all afternoon. The last time she had problems was right before Christmas - seems to come with the holidays. Hopefully, she'll regain her strength in the coming days. Cheryl seems quite worried about her.
I want to go back and let you know about our service on Thursday night. We started in the hall with a light supper and then communion. It was a nice time sitting around one large square together. There were about 60 people there including children. After the stuff in the hall, we gave people a lighted candle as they exited the hall to walk outside to the sanctuary. Inside the church, we had a cross at the front with 5 candles on it - at the hands, feet, head, and heart and no lights on, so as people came in and extinguished their candles, they only saw the lights on the cross up front. For the service, we did the Good Friday Service from "The Book of Uncommon Prayer" by Steve Case. It has readings from Psalms and also ones for Peter, Judas, and Pilate. As the readings are done, one of the candles from the cross is extinguished. There are also sound effects of the 30 pieces of silver and the hammering of the nails. I've done the service with the youth at Heritage and at Northminster - I think its a cool service - very contemplative. I hope that the folks at Troyeville liked it. I know I did. I was a bit disappointed that not many of the youth came, but I guess its hard for them to want to come to church during the week for a service.
On Friday night, Sara, Russell, Andrea and I went to see the Messiah being put on by the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra and Choir. Tony and Anne gave us their tickets since they were going out of town. It was a nice experience - I was a bit tired, so sometimes it was hard to keep my eyes open, but I did enjoy it. I especially enjoyed the selections that I had done as part of the choir at Centreville - it was neat to know I knew some of them.
Well, guess that's all for now. This week will probably drag by because I'm leaving for home a week from Monday - really really really looking forward to that!! I'm having a movie night for the youth on Friday and am opening the youth room for them to hang out on Tuesday. I like those days because its a great time to get to know them better.
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