- Beth, Cody, Kathryn, and Griff were almost stampeded by a herd of cows as the leading bull came charging at them. (Maybe it's because Beth wore a red shirt... but thankfully... no people or animals were hurt during this close encounter. Everyone survived!)
- Bonita's bed broke in the middle of the night, but thankfully the ARC staff fixed it for her today.
- Beth's electric heater started throwing sparks. (Again, no people or animals were hurt... phew...)
- Steve gave a pep talk to Piet Retief Highschool's Under 14 rugby team who will be playing in the Mpumalanga regional finals on Saturday, and then the team prayed over each of the players.
On a more serious note, the team was exposed to the devastating needs that this country faces when we split into groups and went into the local township with the Uzwelo Youth Community Enpowerment.
- First the team prayed for and ministered to the UYCE workers, and then went out into different areas.
- Beth, Cody, Kathryn, and Griff walked several miles (4miles total!) to go into the house of a lady who's baby just recently passed away, and they were able to pray for her. They were all very touched by the ladies' loss, so Beth tried to tell her "Unkulunkulu Ikubusise" ("God Bless You" in Zulu), but Beth says the way it came out actually made the lady laugh. So at least they provided some form of joy in the midst of her sadness. Then they prayed for a boy at another home who had a cancerous tumor the size of a soccer ball growing on the side of his head. Sadly, it is not uncommon to see people with very large tumors like this because they're aren't able to receive any form of treatment.
- Steve, Robin, and McKenzie went into a home where a 17 year old girl named Lucia lived. She hadn't been able to go to school at all because she doesn't have an identity document, and she cannot get her ID because her mom, who has her birth certificate, left home several months ago and has since never returned. They asked her if she would be willing to ask Jesus for help, and after and good conversation and some time of prayer, Lucia gave her life to the Lord! They then asked if they can take photo with her, but Lucia said she first needed to go change her outfit before she can get her photo taken! (Guess some things are universal... typical 17 year old teenager!)
- Bonita, Craig, and Cora visited a clinic in the township, and they were very impressed with the cleanliness and efficiency of the clinic.
- Lasandra visited the township school and she got to meet and interact with several students and teachers.
- Beverly, Stephen, and Ryan also prayed with some people who were sick, or who can't work or go to school because they don't have their identity documents.
During our evening devotion time everyone shared what they experienced today, and we discissed the question of what ministry could look like in the face of such overwhelming need as we witnessed today. We realized that the hope for all these people truly can only be found in Jesus, and that Jesus is represented through the local church, so the hope for these people is found in the local church. That's why we are grateful forbthebopprtunity to add fuel to Wellspring Ministries' lamp, because as a local church, they are doing everything they can to meet these needs in various ways.
We were reminded of the Matthew West song Do Something, that basically says that often times we see the overwhelming need around us and we ask the question, "God, why don't You do something?" And His answer is: "I did... I created you!" So wherever you are, let your light shine!
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:14
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