Anyways, here's what's been going on the past few days!
Monday was our "site seeing" day and we got a chance to hit the beach and meet up with one of our pastor friends that we met last year for a bit, do some shopping and then we went to Tala to see some fun animals! We did get to see the white rhino's close up like last year as well :o) We then had a FANTASTIC evening last night eating at the Pilay's home! They cooked us up a feast of great Indian food and our fellowship was so sweet with them! Their generosity, hospitality and warmth made it feel like we were all at home.
Tuesday (today) was just amazing (and it's not over yet!) Today we visited the Hillcrest Aids Trust and were BLOWN away by what God is doing there through His willing servants. In the province we are staying in, the infection rate is around 40%, so it is a great need to have a place to assist HIV/AIDS patients. But these folks not only assist them, they give them a reason to live again!
It is a 26 bed facility that also is helping the victims with income generation through extremely creative ways...farming, working with materials to make BEAUTIFUL projects, clothes, a craft shop, etc...they have found that income generation brings healing to the patients and helps them stop thinking about today and to start living for tomorrow.
They have found that so many people who come looking like they are about to die, with good medical care and the ability to provide for themselves enables many of them to walk out with their HIV/AIDS under control.
Of course, it's also extremely sad to know that in one month recently, they lost 27 patients, 5 in the course of 12 hours. We saw today that what they are doing matters so much, this place had a sense of LIFE and HOPE that you rarely see.
This afternoon and evening we are working with the community outreach that Westfield Baptist is doing through a program (with an awesome young woman named Lauren) they have started that does food parcels, homework help, HIV testing and care, and street ministry to name a few things! We helped out at a school with homework help and had a blast!!! Most of these kids are refugee's from families from all over, including the Congo and some of them don't know how to hold a pencil. So, we helped and played and did the ABC's...it was awesome! But also sobering to know that these kids go with out food and some in desperate situations.
Tonight, in about 30 minutes, we will be working with teenage boys who are on the edge of becoming street kids, sharing testimonies about making the right choices and just hanging out with them from 7-8. Then, we will be visiting shelters and talking with folks...hearing their stories and praying with them. Some are homeless, some are prostitutes, and some are street kids. Lots more to say, but got to run...thanks for your posts and prayers! We love you guys and have had a few amazing days :o)
Love to you Oaks (people) from SA!
19 comments:
Keep up the good work! I'm so glad you are all having positive experiences! I'm so thankful that God has provided you all with this wonderful opportunity to serve Him and His people and to learn so much. Praying for you. Hugs, Denise Vermeulen PS to Elaina...sending you big hugs and love.
Michael!!
I knew I'd never hear the end of it if I didn't leave you at least ONE comment, so here it is..
We got more snow today, thank you very much! I really could have used that snowsuit you promised me.. way to drop the ball on that one. ALSO! You left that crazy clown as your facebook profile picture - it greatly frustrates me. haha
Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the team. It seems you're all having a blast! Lots of love buddy. =)
Here's a shout out to my favorite asian! ELAINA! I have been praying for your teams safety! I hope that God has been opening your eyes and hearts to see and do wonders for the people in South Africa! I want to hear all about the the places you've seen, lessons you've learned, and people you witnessed when you get back! I miss you girly!
Kelsea Q10
Joe!! It's so great to hear what you guys are doing over there!! I've been praying for you a lot and I'm sure God has been working through you and IN you! I can't wait to hear about everything when you come back. Just a little update, Paris has been great but COLD! Also, I went to London this past weekend which was FUN but also freeeeezing but it was good cuz i got to hang out with Amy the whole time and saw SO much of the city! Anyway, I will share more when you return! Miss you lots!!
Reneeeeeeeeeee :)
ps-praying for you too Elaina :) and the rest of the team of course!!
Joe!
soo good to hear how God is using you and the rest of the SA team to bring glory to his name. god bless all of you stay in constant prayer and keep rejoicing. everyone her is praying for all of you guys, may the lord bless you and keep you. btw a snow blizzard is outside, im sure youd be glad to know u misssed shoveling 8 inches of now which ill go out to do in a few hours. i cant wait to hear more from you when you come back, mama and baba say hi =)
-Fady
Joe and Mike!!! Praying for you guys! :) hope your having an incredible week and that yall are truly experiencing the God of the universe in South Africa. Its so encouraging to hear what yall are doing over there. Continue to do his work and keep your eyes, heart, and ears open for him! God bless you guys.
Heyyyy!!!! Ana Laura, we miss you! Your mom, dad, me, and felipe are sitting here reading about everything you guys are doing! Sounds amazing! We are so happy for you and proud of you and everyone else there! May God bless you all and keep you safe! May he open your hearts...We love you!
Felipe, Angela, mamae, papai, & lauren (she's at her friend's house, lol)
Wow I love reading your blog and seeing how God is using you there. May God richlybless your remaining days there and bless thoseyou come in contact with. Matt, I know you want to stay but we miss you so much. I cant wait to seeyou. Orlando was not fun without you. It rained and was sooo cold. May God bless you more and more. We loveyou....mom and dad
Hi Sam and team,
Thrilled to hear the exposure you are getting to such a wide and sobering spectrum of human need. Praying that God breaks you heats in ways that only he can mend. grace peace and love of Christ be yours as you abide.
Love,
martha. thank you to the leaders!!!
Hi SAM and EVERYBODY
That snowstorm seems so long ago--you're all making good use of your time. Take it all in, Sam--a little wider lens for the rest of your life. Thanks for serving those in need--Have you played much soccer?
Bet there's some fast feet down there. Joe was sick today--mom meets Hannah halfway to Oswego for birthday celebration. Bring home a rhino--be a great friend to Lilly--her biiiiigggg brother.
Love you,Sam,et.al.
Dad(denis Chevalier
Elaina, Blake and Ken,
Everything sounds like its going great!! I am so happy to hear that you are all having a great time! Keep up the good work =)
Elaina, I love you and I am seeing so many things in Hawaii that remind me of you... we were at a store the other day and my mom goes, "this sarong looks like something you should buy for Elaina!" haha
Blake, hope you had a great birthday! I texted you and then realized you wouldn't be getting it... so then I texted Ken but of course he didnt reply :)
Ken, hope you are enjoying yourself! We miss you! My mom says hi!
Lots of love,
Ellen
Hi Steph, Mike, and Katie!!!
I am so glad you guys got down there okay, and Steph, I hope you haven't gotten too intense during those soccer games ;-). Praying for you all and can't wait to here the amazing stories!!! You guys are missing some pretty great cold and snow - don't be sad :-)
Love, stacy
Hi to all the SA Questies, especially Ken, Elaina and Blake,
May God stretch grow, and bless you through your willing, open hearts and your obedience during this time. Remember to record these moments when they are as fresh as possible,so you will remember exactly how you felt in that instant when you look back years from now! Our constant prayers for protection and inspiration are with you and we are eager to hear about the people, places and angels you have encountered on your trip. See you Saturday.
Blessings to all,
Suzanne Faucher
Hey Mike!
Glad to hear that you guys are having a great time in SA. I am thinking of you and praying that God will use you, speak to you, and grow you, and I know he will. :) Can't wait to hear about your trip buddy!
Matt enjoy your last day there. I hope you got a big blessing as well as were a big blessing to others. I miss you but am so proud of you. I have a feeling we sent a boy away but will be getting a man back. Not sure if i am ready for that. I love you and can't wait to see you. mom
Joe And the Team of SA,
We are praying for you. Keep up the good work. God is so good To give you this opportunity to serve him in South Africa. Enjoy every minute. We can not wait to hear from you about every story in details. God bless you all.
Hana
SA team...so great to read of all the amazing experiences that you are having. We are praying for safe travels...Ken, I am with the boys today and they are ready to see Daddy! Jerry and I continue to pray for all of your during this trip in South Africa.
I am so glad to hear that everything is going so well.. I am still praying for all of you guys for a great rest of your time there and a safe trip home! Elaina I miss you SOO much, my vacation just isn't the same w/out you. Blake I miss you so much also :) & Ken I hope you are having an amazing time & I can't wait to see all of you when you get back!
Love,
Taylor
Joe & the team of SA:
Thanks to the Lord for your safe arrival. I can not wait to hear your stories. God bless you all.
Hana
Post a Comment