What follows is my email-journal from my trip to South Africa the past summer. Above is a picture of Bishop Jeremiah Zulu (left) and Pastor April Sebastian (right)--godly men doing God's great work. Enjoy!
Nate
Beloved,
I hope this message makes sense 'cause I've only had 3 hours of sleep since midnight Sunday (US time). I've finally in the US!! Praise the Lord!.
Saturday we finished with a dinner at a Brazilian barbeque. I ate crocodile, kudu, wilda beast, impala, wart hog & mauva pudding! I didn't have room for the ostrich, chicken, wart hog, & chicken livers (go figure on that last one).
It took me 3 days to digest!
I had a bit of a fever Sunday (like most of us), but it broke Monday morning.
Our group had a awesome time of sharing our experiences and observations with each other. We got some group photos & headed to the airport. Our plane left
2 1/2 hours late from J-burg, so I missed my connecting flight in DC.
Fortunately, I had some options & after 45-minutes of bouncing between counters, I got a ride on another airline. I'm now at the USO at Charlotte awaiting my final flight to Little Rock (Halleluia!). It's good to be home, even if you can't think because of the jet lag :-).
Susan will start home from CO on Thursday. I plan on meeting her in Tulsa & will do the last day home with her & the kids. I can hardly wait. In the mean time, I've got 2 days worth of work to do to clean the house, do my laundry, pick-up materials for our bathroom rennovation project, and clean up a little at work.
Once I get my brain back, I'll do one final summary for those who've been brave enough to stick with me. Until then...
May God richly bless you!
Nate
Subject: South Africa - Last Day
Beloved,
This is the end of our last full day in South Africa. Yesterday we visited the Apartheid museum. It was a stunning and moving display of the history behind the cruelty of racial classification and forced discrimination. The economic implications that drove the segregation blinded the Afrikaners and British to the pure hatred and immorality of their actions. It's surprising that Apartheid come to it's strongest power as the desegregation in the US was taking root. Fortunately, the reconciliation has truly made great progress over the short 13 years since free elections.
We then did some shopping at a local market & spent the evening at the mall again. I got some good shopping in and was able to pickup some authentic trinkets.
Today we went to 2 services (WOW). I had a fever last night, so I didn't get a lot of rest. I hope to retire here soon and start the trip home rested. We'll have breakfast, a sharing time, then head to the airport tomorrow. It'll be over 24 hours of traveling, but hopefully I'll be able to rest on the way.
All my best, see you soon!
GBY,
Nate
Quoting natensusan@centurytel.net:
> Update day 10, I think! How long have I been here? The days are
> blending together & I have to frequently look at my watch to remember what day it is.
>
> Anyway, the mark for today was in-home hospice care visits. The first
> highlight was meeting Jumong (I think). Last year he was severely
> sick at the hospice center run by Faith and Charity Mission Church
> (our hosts). Now he has recovered, has a lot more stamina & can now
> live at home. He has received a disability grant to make ends meet
> and hopes to return to work soon. The hospice workers are making a
> difference.
>
> The saddest moment was meeting Rebecca and her family. She has a son
> (Lawrence)
> who is severly mentally disabled, incontinent, and blind in one eye.
> He currently has no hopes of returning to a productive lifestyle.
> Rebecca is mostly blind due to cataracts and survives on a meager
> pension. She must care for Lawrence, which would be a load for a
> healthy & able bodied person. The hospice workers are diligent to
> provide care, help clean up after Lawrence and provide food so that
> they can survive. It's a heartwrenching situation. The best I could
> do was give Rebecca a back massage (she loved it), and pray with her
> for strength to carry on. Only by God's mercy will they continue.
>
> This evening we had several hours at the mall to shop & eat. I found
> a few things, but I'm still looking for authentic African momentos
> that don't say "made in China" on them. Worst case I'll empty my
> remaining Rand at the airport on goodies for the kids (and a few for me & Susan).
>
> Tomorrow we'll get a chance to see the Apartheid museum. I'm sure it
> will be a moving testimony to the cruelty of that regime and the
> strength of the human spirit to move toward freedom & self
> determination.
>
> God bless,
> Nate
>
> Quoting natensusan@centurytel.net:
>
>> Beloved,
>>
>> Remember that comment on God giving us strength? We are all in need
>> of that now. The last 2 days have been full of back-breaking
>> physical work. At the church in Bronkhorstpruit, we sorted & moved
>> about 1000 pounds of bricks & rubble. After a break & lunch, we
>> traveled to a haven for street children near the town of Witbank.
>>
>> The haven was on a farm with plenty of chickens, dogs, geese, & dust.
>> The first
>> day we had enough light to paint most of the roof & dig several
>> fence-post holes for a new fence to surround the compound. Theft &
>> scavanging are prevalent in South Africa, so anything of value must
>> be enclosed & locked. That night we had a lovely prayer service &
>> the Pastor Zulu, introduced us to many of his "boys." In a moving
>> ceremony, Pastor Zulu annointed Robert Brown, our leader, with a new
>> name: "Ba-ba" which means "father." It was extraordinary to see the
>> power of the moment. We danced and sang and had a good evening.
>>
>> Yesterday we continued our work. My primary task was to rewire the
>> power into a guest house and wire an outlet and cord for a new stove.
>> While waiting for some others to get me parts, I helped the others
>> dig the foundation trenches for some new cabins. It took me most of
>> the day to do the wiring once the parts arrived, but I got done with
>> about 45-minutes to spare before our ride arrived.
>> In the 2
>> days they received hot water (another wired the heater aka "geezer"),
>> a new stove, newly painted roof, power to their guest house, and a
>> great start on their fence and foundation for new cabins. The haven
>> is already serving 26 children-abandoned & orphaned kids--with the
>> vision to serving as many as they can. Pastor Zulu has a great heart
>> for these lost kids and a true drive to make an impact in their
>> lives.
>>
>> We all left with heads full of dust & hearts full of hope for what we
>> did in Bronkhorstpruit & Witbank. This morning we visited a
>> high-school for an assembly. It was a short visit, but the kids seemed to enjoy our presence.
>> Next stop is visits to orphanages and in-home hospice care. The last
>> group who went visited a house the day after the father died from
>> AIDS, so it's sure to be a powerful experience. We plan on tourism
>> stuff tomorrow & Sunday will be church & final fairwells.
>>
>> The combination of the dust (did I mention it was dusty) and hard
>> work has left us physically flat. However, are spirits are strong &
>> souls are light with all the great work we've done & hope of more to
>> come.
>>
>> God bless,
>>
>> Nate
>>
>> Quoting natensusan@centurytel.net:
>>
>>> 7/25/07
>>> Beloved,
>>> We are about to begin day 10 in South Africa. Yesterday we worked
>>> at a small church near Bronkhorstspruit. It was tough manual labor
>>> of painting steel beams, sorting & moving bricks & moving dirt. I
>>> was bushed when finished, but have great peace for the work we are
>>> doing. In the evening, we had a prayer service with the
>>> congregation and a lovely meal, too. We stayed in the pastor's home
>>> on foutons--I slept by the fire. Although I only got about 8 hours
>>> of sleep after being shorted several over the last week, I awoke
>>> refreshed and ready for more work. I guess when you do the Lord's
>>> work, he gives you the strength you need.
>>>
>>> Today we'll do more work at the church, then move on to another
>>> congregation this afternoon. Everyday is a new adventure & we never
>>> know what is around the corner. The singular constant has been the
>>> welcoming spirit of the people we meet and their genuine affection
>>> for us just being her. In a country still suffering from the after
>>> affects of Apartheid, just our presence sends a great signal to
>>> those around us: we care enough to be here. They aren't seeking our
>>> money or our solutions. What they really want is our friendship and
>>> a commitment to work together. As our relationships grow, I'm
>>> certain we will continue to see even greater things manifest.
>>>
>>> I was able to call Susan & wish Ashley a happy birthday yesterday
>>> (again). She is doing well & has been enjoying her trip, too.
>>>
>>> Alas, our ride is about here & I need to find some breakfast.
>>>
>>> God's many blessings to you!
>>>
>>> Nate
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Quoting natensusan@centurytel.net:
>>>
>>>> Beloved,
>>>>
>>>> Yesterday we spent most of the day painting in the orphanage and
>>>> church sanctuary. Work is progressing on the orphanage, so we hope
>>>> it will be completed soon & ready to host up to 18 children in 2
>>>> family units. Last night we had some free time to contemplate all
>>>> that has occurred, play cards and get a chance to shower.
>>>>
>>>> This morning we went to a primary school to watch them sing & dance
>>>> at assembly, then we shared some with them and briefly visited some
>>>> class rooms.
>>>> Today we'll
>>>> travel to Brunkhorstpruit (that's almost as tough as
>>>> Allerheiligen) to visit
>>>> another congregation there. We'll be there 2 nights & return on
>>>> Thursday. We also will visit a 3rd township on Friday, with a
>>>> possible safari/animal park excursion on Saturday. Sunday we will
>>>> be in worship most of the day. Monday is set aside for shopping,
>>>> packing, and plenty of time at the airport.
>>>>
>>>> This was an early morning & I'm still suffering a bit from jet lag.
>>>> We have had one boy catch a 36-hour bug, but everyone else has been
>>>> fine. We have even been drinking some of the water (from select
>>>> sources) and all seems to OK.
>>>> I suspect
>>>> I'll be offline for at least 3 days, so until then...
>>>>
>>>> God bless you,
>>>>
>>>> Nate
>>>>
>>>> Quoting natensusan@centurytel.net:
>>>>
>>>>> My friends & family,
>>>>>
>>>>> We returned from Soweto (South-west Townships) last night. We
>>>>> stayed in Orlando East, the oldest of the townships south-west of
>>>>> Johannesburg (Joburg for short).
>>>>> Soweto has 5 million people in what we would call a ghetto.
>>>>> Most of the homes are 3 or 4 rooms; most with out-door bathrooms,
>>>>> some of them plumbed. There are shanty towns around, but more of
>>>>> the homes are brick & adobe.
>>>>> We had the
>>>>> privilege of staying in the homes of the locals. What an amazing
>>>>> experience. I would liken it to summer camp: bathing in a wash
>>>>> tub, going outside to use the potty, sinks outside and very few
>>>>> appliances inside.
>>>>>
>>>>> The thing that strikes me most is the love of Christ in the hearts
>>>>> of the people we met. In the midst of poverty, strife, immorality
>>>>> and death, they live day in and day out with great hope and joy
>>>>> that can only come with a passionate relationship with Jesus. My
>>>>> heart was overflowing with joy after 3 days surrounded by
>>>>> overwhelming love and joy. I was exhausted, but my heart is
>>>>> content. I have met brothers that will remain friends forever.
>>>>> Our commonalities, especially our love for Christ, far exceeded
>>>>> our differences. I could serve with these men and women anywhere,
>>>>> anytime, in any condition.
>>>>>
>>>>> Also striking was seeing the extent of the dying. Many of the
>>>>> people we met were HIV positive. I know we are all doomed to die
>>>>> one day, but there is a somberness that comes when you know what
>>>>> will be your killer. We went to a cemetery that was a solid
>>>>> square mile of graves. The graves had 1-2 feet between them, and
>>>>> many were being stacked 2 or 3 deep in order to accomodate all the
>>>>> funerals that had to take place. Many pastors have lost their
>>>>> hobbies because Saturdays are now funeral days. Virtually every
>>>>> family has been impacted by the AIDS pandemic--going to funerals
>>>>> every few weeks for a family member or friend who has passed due
>>>>> to AIDS.
>>>>>
>>>>> How can people in such a world of devestation continue live with
>>>>> joy and hope?
>>>>> Only by the promises of comfort, healing, protection and
>>>>> eventually a resurrection to glory with Jesus can bring them out
>>>>> of the daily pain. They worship for 3 hours with a LOT of singing
>>>>> and dancing. They greet you with genuine love, affection and
>>>>> smiles that warm your heart all the way through.
>>>>> They have HUGE dreams of a community without HIV/AIDS and are
>>>>> working tirelessly day-by-day to live lives of faith and hope so
>>>>> that others around them can learn how to leave destructive
>>>>> behaviors and live lives of purity in order to stamp out this
>>>>> deadly disease.
>>>>>
>>>>> There is hope. I've seen it in the eyes of the South African
>>>>> people and have seen it in action of these visionary champions who
>>>>> seek to do nothing greater than to transform their communities,
>>>>> their country, their continent & their world.
>>>>>
>>>>> I beseech all my brothers and sister in Christ, right now, to stop
>>>>> and pray for the workers who are giving their lives as a living
>>>>> sacrifice in order to bring hope and salvation to a dying
>>>>> continent. Pray for strength, pray for endurance, pray for
>>>>> support, and pray for more to capture the vision of community and
>>>>> international partnerships to unite against the pandemic of
>>>>> HIV/AIDS.
>>>>>
>>>>> Now about me: I am doing very well. I'm shaking with anticipation
>>>>> and excitement at the thought of what we have come to see and the
>>>>> vision of what is to come. Our accomodations here in Mamelodi are
>>>>> like a summer camp/retreat center. I'm still pretty jet-lagged,
>>>>> getting only 6 hours of sleep per night, but I have the energy I
>>>>> need to accomplish our mission. I will probably have to launder
>>>>> some socks in the sink because I didn't bring enough to last--but
>>>>> I think I can stretch the rest of my clothes OK. We hope to do
>>>>> some "tourist"
>>>>> things, but I'm content to work why I'm here--that is why I came.
>>>>>
>>>>> I still don't know if I have a heart for an extended missions
>>>>> journey in my future. However, if such a step of faith would mean
>>>>> having the pleasure of serving people such as my new friends, no
>>>>> brothers, Abel Maleka, Mthuthu Semptember, or Victor Khumalo, then
>>>>> it would certainly be one of the greatest phases of my life!
>>>>>
>>>>> I wish you peace, happiness, joy and most of all, the grace of
>>>>> Jesus Christ in your heart forever.
>>>>>
>>>>> GBY,
>>>>>
>>>>> Nate
>>>>>
>>>>> PS: I may have messed up some addresses--please pass on freely to
>>>>> those who would like to hear my reports.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Quoting natensusan@centurytel.net:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Greetings,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We are now starting day 2. We finished yesterday with a trip to
>>>>>> a 3-story mall
>>>>>> to check the other side of life in South Africa. The signage,
>>>>>> roads & styles
>>>>>> are very continental-European. I almost feel like I'm back in
>>>>>> Germany, until
>>>>>> you see all the Africans & dust!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Today we start our work projects. We are about to head over to paint an
>>>>>> orphanage. They hope to have 18 children with 2 sets of
>>>>>> "parents". Hopefully,
>>>>>> they'll be able to open in the next couple of weeks. The final
>>>>>> goal is to build
>>>>>> 4 more of these homes.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Tonight, word is that most of us will be headed to Soweto, one
>>>>>> of the first
>>>>>> townships established during aparteid. We'll be actually
>>>>>> staying in the homes
>>>>>> of some of the Africans & working in the township during the
>>>>>> day. This will
>>>>>> definitely be a fascinating experience. We'll worship with them
>>>>>> on Sunday &
>>>>>> then return to Mamelodi on Monday. A group from North Carolina
>>>>>> will join us on
>>>>>> Monday. The following weekend, we'll be staying with families
>>>>>> here in Mamelodi.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The African culture is extremely laid back--almost to the point
>>>>>> of indecision.
>>>>>> It requires a lot of patience and a supression of our
>>>>>> goal-oriented mindsets to
>>>>>> be able to be "semper Gumby" always flexible. I suspect we'll
>>>>>> all learn (both
>>>>>> sides of the world) a lot about each other through these visits.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Everyone remains healthy. The food is truly delightful & the
>>>>>> kids are fun to
>>>>>> hang around. All my best. Until next time...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> God bless,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Nate
Nate
Beloved,
I hope this message makes sense 'cause I've only had 3 hours of sleep since midnight Sunday (US time). I've finally in the US!! Praise the Lord!.
Saturday we finished with a dinner at a Brazilian barbeque. I ate crocodile, kudu, wilda beast, impala, wart hog & mauva pudding! I didn't have room for the ostrich, chicken, wart hog, & chicken livers (go figure on that last one).
It took me 3 days to digest!
I had a bit of a fever Sunday (like most of us), but it broke Monday morning.
Our group had a awesome time of sharing our experiences and observations with each other. We got some group photos & headed to the airport. Our plane left
2 1/2 hours late from J-burg, so I missed my connecting flight in DC.
Fortunately, I had some options & after 45-minutes of bouncing between counters, I got a ride on another airline. I'm now at the USO at Charlotte awaiting my final flight to Little Rock (Halleluia!). It's good to be home, even if you can't think because of the jet lag :-).
Susan will start home from CO on Thursday. I plan on meeting her in Tulsa & will do the last day home with her & the kids. I can hardly wait. In the mean time, I've got 2 days worth of work to do to clean the house, do my laundry, pick-up materials for our bathroom rennovation project, and clean up a little at work.
Once I get my brain back, I'll do one final summary for those who've been brave enough to stick with me. Until then...
May God richly bless you!
Nate
Subject: South Africa - Last Day
Beloved,
This is the end of our last full day in South Africa. Yesterday we visited the Apartheid museum. It was a stunning and moving display of the history behind the cruelty of racial classification and forced discrimination. The economic implications that drove the segregation blinded the Afrikaners and British to the pure hatred and immorality of their actions. It's surprising that Apartheid come to it's strongest power as the desegregation in the US was taking root. Fortunately, the reconciliation has truly made great progress over the short 13 years since free elections.
We then did some shopping at a local market & spent the evening at the mall again. I got some good shopping in and was able to pickup some authentic trinkets.
Today we went to 2 services (WOW). I had a fever last night, so I didn't get a lot of rest. I hope to retire here soon and start the trip home rested. We'll have breakfast, a sharing time, then head to the airport tomorrow. It'll be over 24 hours of traveling, but hopefully I'll be able to rest on the way.
All my best, see you soon!
GBY,
Nate
Quoting natensusan@centurytel.net:
> Update day 10, I think! How long have I been here? The days are
> blending together & I have to frequently look at my watch to remember what day it is.
>
> Anyway, the mark for today was in-home hospice care visits. The first
> highlight was meeting Jumong (I think). Last year he was severely
> sick at the hospice center run by Faith and Charity Mission Church
> (our hosts). Now he has recovered, has a lot more stamina & can now
> live at home. He has received a disability grant to make ends meet
> and hopes to return to work soon. The hospice workers are making a
> difference.
>
> The saddest moment was meeting Rebecca and her family. She has a son
> (Lawrence)
> who is severly mentally disabled, incontinent, and blind in one eye.
> He currently has no hopes of returning to a productive lifestyle.
> Rebecca is mostly blind due to cataracts and survives on a meager
> pension. She must care for Lawrence, which would be a load for a
> healthy & able bodied person. The hospice workers are diligent to
> provide care, help clean up after Lawrence and provide food so that
> they can survive. It's a heartwrenching situation. The best I could
> do was give Rebecca a back massage (she loved it), and pray with her
> for strength to carry on. Only by God's mercy will they continue.
>
> This evening we had several hours at the mall to shop & eat. I found
> a few things, but I'm still looking for authentic African momentos
> that don't say "made in China" on them. Worst case I'll empty my
> remaining Rand at the airport on goodies for the kids (and a few for me & Susan).
>
> Tomorrow we'll get a chance to see the Apartheid museum. I'm sure it
> will be a moving testimony to the cruelty of that regime and the
> strength of the human spirit to move toward freedom & self
> determination.
>
> God bless,
> Nate
>
> Quoting natensusan@centurytel.net:
>
>> Beloved,
>>
>> Remember that comment on God giving us strength? We are all in need
>> of that now. The last 2 days have been full of back-breaking
>> physical work. At the church in Bronkhorstpruit, we sorted & moved
>> about 1000 pounds of bricks & rubble. After a break & lunch, we
>> traveled to a haven for street children near the town of Witbank.
>>
>> The haven was on a farm with plenty of chickens, dogs, geese, & dust.
>> The first
>> day we had enough light to paint most of the roof & dig several
>> fence-post holes for a new fence to surround the compound. Theft &
>> scavanging are prevalent in South Africa, so anything of value must
>> be enclosed & locked. That night we had a lovely prayer service &
>> the Pastor Zulu, introduced us to many of his "boys." In a moving
>> ceremony, Pastor Zulu annointed Robert Brown, our leader, with a new
>> name: "Ba-ba" which means "father." It was extraordinary to see the
>> power of the moment. We danced and sang and had a good evening.
>>
>> Yesterday we continued our work. My primary task was to rewire the
>> power into a guest house and wire an outlet and cord for a new stove.
>> While waiting for some others to get me parts, I helped the others
>> dig the foundation trenches for some new cabins. It took me most of
>> the day to do the wiring once the parts arrived, but I got done with
>> about 45-minutes to spare before our ride arrived.
>> In the 2
>> days they received hot water (another wired the heater aka "geezer"),
>> a new stove, newly painted roof, power to their guest house, and a
>> great start on their fence and foundation for new cabins. The haven
>> is already serving 26 children-abandoned & orphaned kids--with the
>> vision to serving as many as they can. Pastor Zulu has a great heart
>> for these lost kids and a true drive to make an impact in their
>> lives.
>>
>> We all left with heads full of dust & hearts full of hope for what we
>> did in Bronkhorstpruit & Witbank. This morning we visited a
>> high-school for an assembly. It was a short visit, but the kids seemed to enjoy our presence.
>> Next stop is visits to orphanages and in-home hospice care. The last
>> group who went visited a house the day after the father died from
>> AIDS, so it's sure to be a powerful experience. We plan on tourism
>> stuff tomorrow & Sunday will be church & final fairwells.
>>
>> The combination of the dust (did I mention it was dusty) and hard
>> work has left us physically flat. However, are spirits are strong &
>> souls are light with all the great work we've done & hope of more to
>> come.
>>
>> God bless,
>>
>> Nate
>>
>> Quoting natensusan@centurytel.net:
>>
>>> 7/25/07
>>> Beloved,
>>> We are about to begin day 10 in South Africa. Yesterday we worked
>>> at a small church near Bronkhorstspruit. It was tough manual labor
>>> of painting steel beams, sorting & moving bricks & moving dirt. I
>>> was bushed when finished, but have great peace for the work we are
>>> doing. In the evening, we had a prayer service with the
>>> congregation and a lovely meal, too. We stayed in the pastor's home
>>> on foutons--I slept by the fire. Although I only got about 8 hours
>>> of sleep after being shorted several over the last week, I awoke
>>> refreshed and ready for more work. I guess when you do the Lord's
>>> work, he gives you the strength you need.
>>>
>>> Today we'll do more work at the church, then move on to another
>>> congregation this afternoon. Everyday is a new adventure & we never
>>> know what is around the corner. The singular constant has been the
>>> welcoming spirit of the people we meet and their genuine affection
>>> for us just being her. In a country still suffering from the after
>>> affects of Apartheid, just our presence sends a great signal to
>>> those around us: we care enough to be here. They aren't seeking our
>>> money or our solutions. What they really want is our friendship and
>>> a commitment to work together. As our relationships grow, I'm
>>> certain we will continue to see even greater things manifest.
>>>
>>> I was able to call Susan & wish Ashley a happy birthday yesterday
>>> (again). She is doing well & has been enjoying her trip, too.
>>>
>>> Alas, our ride is about here & I need to find some breakfast.
>>>
>>> God's many blessings to you!
>>>
>>> Nate
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Quoting natensusan@centurytel.net:
>>>
>>>> Beloved,
>>>>
>>>> Yesterday we spent most of the day painting in the orphanage and
>>>> church sanctuary. Work is progressing on the orphanage, so we hope
>>>> it will be completed soon & ready to host up to 18 children in 2
>>>> family units. Last night we had some free time to contemplate all
>>>> that has occurred, play cards and get a chance to shower.
>>>>
>>>> This morning we went to a primary school to watch them sing & dance
>>>> at assembly, then we shared some with them and briefly visited some
>>>> class rooms.
>>>> Today we'll
>>>> travel to Brunkhorstpruit (that's almost as tough as
>>>> Allerheiligen) to visit
>>>> another congregation there. We'll be there 2 nights & return on
>>>> Thursday. We also will visit a 3rd township on Friday, with a
>>>> possible safari/animal park excursion on Saturday. Sunday we will
>>>> be in worship most of the day. Monday is set aside for shopping,
>>>> packing, and plenty of time at the airport.
>>>>
>>>> This was an early morning & I'm still suffering a bit from jet lag.
>>>> We have had one boy catch a 36-hour bug, but everyone else has been
>>>> fine. We have even been drinking some of the water (from select
>>>> sources) and all seems to OK.
>>>> I suspect
>>>> I'll be offline for at least 3 days, so until then...
>>>>
>>>> God bless you,
>>>>
>>>> Nate
>>>>
>>>> Quoting natensusan@centurytel.net:
>>>>
>>>>> My friends & family,
>>>>>
>>>>> We returned from Soweto (South-west Townships) last night. We
>>>>> stayed in Orlando East, the oldest of the townships south-west of
>>>>> Johannesburg (Joburg for short).
>>>>> Soweto has 5 million people in what we would call a ghetto.
>>>>> Most of the homes are 3 or 4 rooms; most with out-door bathrooms,
>>>>> some of them plumbed. There are shanty towns around, but more of
>>>>> the homes are brick & adobe.
>>>>> We had the
>>>>> privilege of staying in the homes of the locals. What an amazing
>>>>> experience. I would liken it to summer camp: bathing in a wash
>>>>> tub, going outside to use the potty, sinks outside and very few
>>>>> appliances inside.
>>>>>
>>>>> The thing that strikes me most is the love of Christ in the hearts
>>>>> of the people we met. In the midst of poverty, strife, immorality
>>>>> and death, they live day in and day out with great hope and joy
>>>>> that can only come with a passionate relationship with Jesus. My
>>>>> heart was overflowing with joy after 3 days surrounded by
>>>>> overwhelming love and joy. I was exhausted, but my heart is
>>>>> content. I have met brothers that will remain friends forever.
>>>>> Our commonalities, especially our love for Christ, far exceeded
>>>>> our differences. I could serve with these men and women anywhere,
>>>>> anytime, in any condition.
>>>>>
>>>>> Also striking was seeing the extent of the dying. Many of the
>>>>> people we met were HIV positive. I know we are all doomed to die
>>>>> one day, but there is a somberness that comes when you know what
>>>>> will be your killer. We went to a cemetery that was a solid
>>>>> square mile of graves. The graves had 1-2 feet between them, and
>>>>> many were being stacked 2 or 3 deep in order to accomodate all the
>>>>> funerals that had to take place. Many pastors have lost their
>>>>> hobbies because Saturdays are now funeral days. Virtually every
>>>>> family has been impacted by the AIDS pandemic--going to funerals
>>>>> every few weeks for a family member or friend who has passed due
>>>>> to AIDS.
>>>>>
>>>>> How can people in such a world of devestation continue live with
>>>>> joy and hope?
>>>>> Only by the promises of comfort, healing, protection and
>>>>> eventually a resurrection to glory with Jesus can bring them out
>>>>> of the daily pain. They worship for 3 hours with a LOT of singing
>>>>> and dancing. They greet you with genuine love, affection and
>>>>> smiles that warm your heart all the way through.
>>>>> They have HUGE dreams of a community without HIV/AIDS and are
>>>>> working tirelessly day-by-day to live lives of faith and hope so
>>>>> that others around them can learn how to leave destructive
>>>>> behaviors and live lives of purity in order to stamp out this
>>>>> deadly disease.
>>>>>
>>>>> There is hope. I've seen it in the eyes of the South African
>>>>> people and have seen it in action of these visionary champions who
>>>>> seek to do nothing greater than to transform their communities,
>>>>> their country, their continent & their world.
>>>>>
>>>>> I beseech all my brothers and sister in Christ, right now, to stop
>>>>> and pray for the workers who are giving their lives as a living
>>>>> sacrifice in order to bring hope and salvation to a dying
>>>>> continent. Pray for strength, pray for endurance, pray for
>>>>> support, and pray for more to capture the vision of community and
>>>>> international partnerships to unite against the pandemic of
>>>>> HIV/AIDS.
>>>>>
>>>>> Now about me: I am doing very well. I'm shaking with anticipation
>>>>> and excitement at the thought of what we have come to see and the
>>>>> vision of what is to come. Our accomodations here in Mamelodi are
>>>>> like a summer camp/retreat center. I'm still pretty jet-lagged,
>>>>> getting only 6 hours of sleep per night, but I have the energy I
>>>>> need to accomplish our mission. I will probably have to launder
>>>>> some socks in the sink because I didn't bring enough to last--but
>>>>> I think I can stretch the rest of my clothes OK. We hope to do
>>>>> some "tourist"
>>>>> things, but I'm content to work why I'm here--that is why I came.
>>>>>
>>>>> I still don't know if I have a heart for an extended missions
>>>>> journey in my future. However, if such a step of faith would mean
>>>>> having the pleasure of serving people such as my new friends, no
>>>>> brothers, Abel Maleka, Mthuthu Semptember, or Victor Khumalo, then
>>>>> it would certainly be one of the greatest phases of my life!
>>>>>
>>>>> I wish you peace, happiness, joy and most of all, the grace of
>>>>> Jesus Christ in your heart forever.
>>>>>
>>>>> GBY,
>>>>>
>>>>> Nate
>>>>>
>>>>> PS: I may have messed up some addresses--please pass on freely to
>>>>> those who would like to hear my reports.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Quoting natensusan@centurytel.net:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Greetings,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> We are now starting day 2. We finished yesterday with a trip to
>>>>>> a 3-story mall
>>>>>> to check the other side of life in South Africa. The signage,
>>>>>> roads & styles
>>>>>> are very continental-European. I almost feel like I'm back in
>>>>>> Germany, until
>>>>>> you see all the Africans & dust!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Today we start our work projects. We are about to head over to paint an
>>>>>> orphanage. They hope to have 18 children with 2 sets of
>>>>>> "parents". Hopefully,
>>>>>> they'll be able to open in the next couple of weeks. The final
>>>>>> goal is to build
>>>>>> 4 more of these homes.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Tonight, word is that most of us will be headed to Soweto, one
>>>>>> of the first
>>>>>> townships established during aparteid. We'll be actually
>>>>>> staying in the homes
>>>>>> of some of the Africans & working in the township during the
>>>>>> day. This will
>>>>>> definitely be a fascinating experience. We'll worship with them
>>>>>> on Sunday &
>>>>>> then return to Mamelodi on Monday. A group from North Carolina
>>>>>> will join us on
>>>>>> Monday. The following weekend, we'll be staying with families
>>>>>> here in Mamelodi.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The African culture is extremely laid back--almost to the point
>>>>>> of indecision.
>>>>>> It requires a lot of patience and a supression of our
>>>>>> goal-oriented mindsets to
>>>>>> be able to be "semper Gumby" always flexible. I suspect we'll
>>>>>> all learn (both
>>>>>> sides of the world) a lot about each other through these visits.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Everyone remains healthy. The food is truly delightful & the
>>>>>> kids are fun to
>>>>>> hang around. All my best. Until next time...
>>>>>>
>>>>>> God bless,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Nate
