South Africa & HIV/AIDS

This is certainly a step in the right direction!

Random Thoughts: Afterthoughts

1. Youth all nighter went well. Gospel was presented at exactly 3:30 and when the kids turned in their note cards (w/ name written on them & star if they wanted to talk to someone or know more), their were twelve cards w/ stars. I have learned that I am still completely terrible at miniature golf. I play the game, so that others can win!

2. Before we left for the all nighter, Jamie, our group leader in South Africa, tells me that Pastor Thaboe called him on Sunday looking for me. I asked Jamie what he wanted, and he said that he thought he just wanted to check on me. I need to get in touch with him. It will make me want to go back ASAP. I know it will.

3. Where do we draw the line on "acceptable" music? A song was skipped last night on the jukebox (rightfully so), but it was just as bad (lyrically) as some of the other songs that played.

4. I don't want to leave my house until I'm sure I can be gone for awhile, because today is Switzer Covered Bridge Day. There are people everywhere who do not know how to walk on the sides, and not in the middle, of a country road. Apparently, it is not as dangerous as a city road.

5. A small thing God took care of yesterday: I joked w/ a work friend that I would have to use the same ten boxes to move my stuff, as that was as many as I had. At 3:30 in the afternoon (what is it w/ 3:30?!), the janitor came to tell me that there were tons of boxes left over from conference material prep. I went home w/ a car full of boxes and there are more locked in my office to take home on Monday. It was something I didn't think to pray about, but that God provided.

Death in South Africa

Our last day in Bohklokong township was a Friday. As we drove along, we noticed many white tents that were being erected along the sides of the road. I was surprised to learn that funerals are only held one day a week and that they last an entire day and well into the night. A great deal of money is spent on food as everyone comes together for the funeral. I thought this was interesting because in America, you can have a funeral pretty much any day of the week, plus a visitation. And that many folks will come to the visitation, but not everyone will come (again) to the funeral.

I bring up this topic of death, because I found out (through Facebook, ironic, isn't it?) that one of the church members of Open Bible, Dibuseng, has passed away. Dibuseng was only twenty eight and left behind a four month old child. I do not know what caused her death. I did not get the opportunity to meet her. My heart is heavy for her family and friends, and especially her child. It is difficult to be hopelessly sad, however, because I will see my sister in Christ, Dibuseng, in heaven.

So. I have never been to a South African funeral. But I do recall how we were sent on our way on the last tent revival service. And I am sure that Dibuseng's arrival in heaven was full of more joy and love and celebration; and that she is no longer sick or hurting; but is with Jesus. And no matter what I am doing tomorrow, my South African brothers and sisters will not be far from my heart or mind.

South Africa: First Post of Many

I found yummy (expensive) 100% orange + mango juice and I am enjoying a big ol' glass of it. I know you're thinking, what does juice have to do with South Africa?

South Africa has a juice brand called Pure Joy and it is the perfect brand name for 100% juice. They have some wonderful juice blends that, in my opinion, put Dole and Tropicana to shame. Now when I see juice I think of Pure Joy. When I think of Pure Joy, I think of Rosaline. And rocks.

Yep. Rocks. And the most awesome thing I've been privileged to be a part of in my life. The rocks aren't much to look at. The only thing that separates them from everyday rocks is that they are from Africa. They are special because they were used to bring a woman, Rosaline, to Christ. You see, while I am new in my salvation, I am no stranger to Christianity. I know the "right" answers. But this trip focused exclusively on evangelizing. You know; out of my comfort zone. Our group of eight split into teams with two (or more) translators. The first day I was paired with our group leader. I was too intimidated to say anything, but I watched as he used rocks to tell the Creation story. The ladies at the four houses we visited listened, but were content in their church membership. I couldn't help but wonder about how it could be discussed so that they might realize how important it was to their lives.

The next day, I was paired with my friend, Rachel. I asked her if I might watch her witness at our first house of the day, a man and woman. The woman was very interested, but the man just looked away or stared at the ground. I listened as Rachel told her testimony and used Scripture to point to them to Christ. Something in me clicked, and I used the rocks combined with my testimony, and some Scripture, to witness. That was a Tuesday. We watched as two of those we witnessed to gave their lives to Christ, and some more on Wednesday as well.

But something kept bugging both Rachel and myself. It was difficult to tell if their conversions were real, or if they just said what they thought we wanted to hear. Fast forward to Thursday, and our third house of the day. This part of the township seemed rougher than other areas. Most ladies were doing their laundry (no washing machines, just tubs of water, detergent and their hands) or other housework, several turned us away because of their work. And then we came to a metal shack with several tubs of laundry in the yard. Elizabeth, our translator, knocked at the door and soon an older woman came out and began scrubbing her arms. She had been cleaning her stove, and her hands and arms (to the elbows) were solid black. This lady also brought her chairs to the yard, and in addition to that, wiped each seat down with a clean rag. We took a seat, and Elizabeth chatted with her for a few minutes. She told me that the lady's name was Rosaline, and that she attended the apostolic church (more on that one later).

I struggled with how to begin. As I knew, just going to church wasn't enough but I also didn't want to insult her. Previously, I just started talking but this time I was prompted (the only word I have for it) to ask a very simple question: "Ask her, please, what she knows about Jesus."

"Nothing."

I don't remember the specifics of what I said, or even thinking that I was saying exactly what God wanted me to. I do remember looking up into Rosaline's eyes (at some point I was on my knees illustrating with the rocks) to find her focused intently on my face, looking into my eyes, even though her understanding of what I was saying came from Elizabeth. When I stopped, Elizabeth began talking to her some more, using the rocks. Rosaline seemed to have some questions. After a bit, Elizabeth turned to me and said, "She said she understands, and she wants to accept Jesus as her Savior."

I looked at Rachel, and I think we had the same thought. That talking to Rosaline was different, but that we both wanted to know for sure. Rachel asked Rosaline (through Elizabeth) if she felt that her heart were heavy; that something was tugging at it. It was, and she did. Rachel told Elizabeth that Rosaline should pray to accept Christ on her own, and then we would pray for her after.

I couldn't understand the words of her prayer, but Rosaline prayed with such joy and thanksgiving that I will never forget it. I have seen firsthand what it means to receive the Word with joy!! I prayed after Rosaline, through tears for the joy of it all. I could see it reflected on all of our faces. As we left, Rosaline continue to say "danke, ma'am, danke", which is basically "thank you".

So I challenge you (and me). What everyday items/instances/events could you use to introduce someone to Christ? Witnessing in America is definitely different (more difficult) than witnessing in a foreign country. But, oh, when God moves to soften hearts...how beautiful. And humbling.