Wednesday, February 20, 2008

SA -- Finishing strong

Our time is winding down here in Durban.

Yesterday afternoon we had a really interesting experience...you'll have to ask us to get all the details, but we went to an Indian neighborhood called Eastbury and did some house visitation with two ladies (one American and one South African Indian) who work at the Eastbury Baptist Church.We got to meet some Hindus and some Muslims and talk to them about what they believe.

Today we visited the Victoria Street Market, which is in the center of the Indian business district here (India Indian, not American Indian!). So much to take in: spice shops with sacks full of chili powders and curry blends, craft shops galore, shops selling beautiful fabrics for saris, and the "Sangoma's market" (shaman's market) filled with both legitimate herbal remedies and bits and pieces of all kinds of things used in traditional African ancestor worship. We saw Muslim men and women in traditional garb (some women head to toe in black), heard the call to prayer from the mosque down the street while we ate our lunch at "Chicken Cottage" on busy Grey Street. We shopped for souvenirs at several shops and prayer-walked past a Muslim shrine, through the crowded central train station, and the open market.

In the afternoon we headed to our last service project at Lambert Road Baptist Church. The church has a new pastor and an even newer youth group. They've only met four times! We were with them on Friday night for fellowship and today (after school got out) a bunch of the youth came to church and we all worked together on the old educational wing of the church, sanding, varnishing and painting some Sunday school rooms and offices. Someone else showed up to cheer us on....MONKEYS!!!! Right here in town! Several moms and little ones entertained us by jumping around in the big tree by the fellowship hall. Topher got some great photos! After work we had supper, took a bus down to the beach and got ice cream....all in all a great time together with the Lambert Road youth.

Wow...tonight's our last sleep at "The Royal Palms" and tomorrow we finish packing up our stuff and fly out just after lunch our time. Thanks for praying for us as we journey home again. Pray the weather allows us to arrive on time. Watch for our personal blogs coming soon. Lots of love to all of you!!!!"

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see your Monkey pictures, Topher! Enjoy your last night
Love, Mum

Anonymous said...

Melissa and Ben,

Well Bobby and Chelsea have just left to go to youth group so it's my turn on the computer... :) Praying for safe travels home for you and your team, and can't wait to see both of you and hear about your trip.

Tanya

Anonymous said...

Ken and the DR team,

We love reading all the updates on how God is working with you and in you. Cant wait to hear more when you all get home. Praying for a STRONG finish and safe travels home. God is Good....

Ken-I'm having Caleb withdrawls... :)

Tanya

Anonymous said...

Dear Susan and the SA Team
God bless you for all your hard work. We are praying for your safe return.
Dad (Samy)

Anonymous said...

Ken, Ben, and Melissa -

we are at youth group right now and we miss you guys. Hope you're having fun and have a safe trip back!

Anna, Kersten, and Elaina.

Rachel said...

I pray this week has been an amazing experience for all of you! You've had the opportunity to see God at work outside of Crosswalk and YEC, your own churches, and your youth groups.
He's the same God yesterday, today, and forever. The same God in every corner of the earth. I'm sure He's spoken loudly to each of you, whether you've accepted it or not.
Whatever it may be, I encourage you not to keep it a secret.

In my quiet time today, I read a couple verses in 1 Chronicles that said, "Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods."
I've prayed often that the South African people would witness the astounding love and mercy of Christ Jesus! You've been the servants of an extraordinary master; one who possesses a saving power! As you close out the week, just a comment of encouragement:

Revelation 7:9 "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb."
I cannot wait for that day! Keep in mind, by answering His call and through God's overwhelming love you have sealed 5, that I know of, within that multitude. All for Jesus!

Enjoy the remainder of your trip, I'll be praying for a safe return. Many blessings; my heart goes out to all of you.

-Rachel.

Anonymous said...

Heyy, Melissa and team!
Can't wait till you guys come back! I can't wait to hear all your stories!
Always in my Prayers
Love Lynn

Anonymous said...

Hi, Kevin I am so looking foward to see you and hear all the stories you have for us about how God used you and your SA team, and I want to see picture Lots of them, I hope you took pictures!!!, well I will be paraying for a safe trip back, there is talk in the news of possible snow, But God will keep you all safe.
love Mom.

Queen - Ababa said...

HEY SA team!!! I am praying that Lord truly moved within your hearts! May you come back changed and ready to begin a wild fire within your school campuses, homes, and churches! God bless you all! Have safe travels

Anonymous said...

I want to take a minute a thank all the wounderful people for taking care of my girl those who are tere in SA AND THE ONES WHO TRAVELED, thank you for going and giving her this unforgetable experience. God Bless you all CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU GUYS and hear all the wounderful things God taugh/showed you .
love you mom
can't wait to see my nanis xxxooo