How do you show your appreciation for a gift so simple as socks and shampoo? We learned today that in the Zulu culture, a person will clap 2 times before they receive a gift of which they are truly thankful. Such a simple gesture, that one would miss, if they were not looking for it.
Our morning involved a visit to the Dream Center- a center that provides intermediate and hospice care to people living with HIV/AIDS. The students split up to visited both the male and female patients, offering prayers for comfort & endurance though the pain. Our new friends were so gracious in their acceptance of our small gifts and we are looking forward to spending more time with them this coming Monday afternoon.
We left from the hospital and headed straight for Sydenham to help Zuki with her children's ministry. Topher shared a story with the children and we all enjoyed singing and dancing to our favorite Sunday school songs. During the play time, we had a good laugh watching the young kids run circles around Ben D. with the soccer ball!
After a quick lunch on the go, we went back to Burlington & met Michelle. With her we visited the families of the students being sponsored. What a sobering sight to see the conditions in which these families live. Most children in this community are living without 1 or both parents- most likely lost to AIDS. Homes the size of a small bedroom would house at a minimum 4 people (adults and children). We learned today that because this is an informal settlement (houses made of packed mud & tin sheets; hundreds & thousands on an empty spot of land), there is no school built in the area. For children to go to school, they would have to take transport that would take up to 2 hours each way- not to mention the cost of transport. So needless to say, most of these kids do not go to school because families can not afford to pay for food, much less transportation. Again, a sobering realization.
This evening was relaxed- Roger & Meg arranged for a great meal of "chicken a la king", with some of the members of their team here in Durban. Good conversations and some laughs were had by all.
We are heading into a great day of worship tomorrow at Missionary Baptist in the morning and Westville Baptist in the evening. We will also have our first chance to swim in the Indian Ocean!! Can't wait!! Did I mention that temps have been in th high 90's?!!
Thinking of all of you and hoping for the best at home!
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14 comments:
HI, everyone! We are praying for you all every day. It sounds like you're having some amazing opportunities to be Christ there. We miss you, Ben and love you!
Mom (Christina D.)
Ben
I am so proud of you and Melissa and all the team. It is so cool that you are getting to see God at work in and through you 1000's of miles from home.
And Ben, don't sweat the soccer, you should be use to it from earlier days!
Our prayers are with you.
Love Dad (Pastor Neal)
It is absolutely amazing to hear about the things you're doing!!
I'm filled with joy by the ways God is using each and every one of you; hearing the lessons you're all learning.
The Bible says in James 1:27"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.."
Entering into communities in which HIV/AIDS has effected so many can be rather eye-opening. Yet, in my quiet time today, I read a passage in Isaiah that said, "For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones."
He's among you this week, working in both your lives and the lives of those around you.
I praise God daily for the fact that He is a pursuing God. We have come into the arms of one who will not give up. The Bible says, "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.." How amazing is that?
Keep in mind the importance of the work that you're doing..
You are adhereing to God's instruction, and even possibly, adding to the list of names He's already written down. God bless you all as you serve faithfully.
You're all in my prayers.
-Rachel.
Melissa and Ben,
Melissa-My mom says shes glad you are having a great time and shes misses you.Shes thinking about you and she also loves you! love from your second mom!
To both of you, it sounds to me that you guys are having an amazing time! I cant wait to hear all the stories from both of you. I miss you both and have fun swimming in the Indian Ocean let me know how it was. Also the weather here is freezing so I'm kind of jealous that its hott over there because it is so cold here.
I am praying for you all!
Love Lynn and my mom
God bless all of you! Be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. I wish I were able to join you.
Praise God that he has already been able teach you many lessons in SA! I can not help but smile and be filled with excitement for each and everyone of you! I am praying for you all! God Bless and continue to what our Lord has asked of us! Praying for you all!
ben a,
i miss and love you ;-)
Hey, Melissa. We're praying for your strength and blessing too! Love you!
Christina D.
I am so glad to hear that your ministering is going so well. I pray for your continuted ministry and good will with others. I hope you all enjoy a good swim. God bless you all. John's Mom
ben d,
soccer was never your thing. thought u might want an update on the dunk contest. dwight howard won. he threw himself an alley-oop off the back of the backboard and jumped out in front and dunked the ball w/ his head still behind the backboard. it was unreal. hope everythings goin well.
Josh
Hi guys I'm so excited you are learning from a totaly other culture, what a blessing, take care
love mom nanis I'm missing you alot
ps. your brother bought you a valentines gift so sweet.
family says hi
Hi, Kevin we are missing you specialy Kami she keep asking everymorning to wake you up and I have to remind her you are not here. I am praying for you and all your SA team and DR, Keep up the wonderful work you all are doing and may God bless you and teach you many things during this treap, I love you. Lilia (Mom) Middletown Baptist Church (RI)
hey kevin! just wanted to let you know and everyone know that i am praying for you! miss you!
love Carmen
Good morning Susan and everyone! We are praying for all of you every day. I think you're having some amazing opportunities to till the people about Jesus Christ. God bless you all.
(Mom)Hana
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