"Give thanks to the Lord, and proclaim his greatness, and let the whole world know what he has done" (Psalm 105:1)
As I look back over 2009, I am impressed by what God has done for me and in me, and through me and in the lives of others around me. I was given an opportunity to do the Church Planting Experience (CPx) with All Nations in Cape Town this year – a six month, community-based outreach program which teaches people how to make disciples and plant Jesus. Being with them has afforded me the opportunity to learn how to BE the Church, and dwell amongst the poor and the sick, the way Jesus did. It’s very different from just attending church and offering up prayers for the poor or giving them handouts. I am grateful for this opportunity because I would never have sought after poor people in the way I have done this year. It’s been one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done before – living in community for six months (25 people in one house), sharing food and space, dying to my own needs and wants for the sake of others, reaching out to the poor, carrying their burdens...the list could go on.
I ministered to the poor in a way that I don’t think I would ever have sought to do because it is so contrary to the normal way of living. Poverty is not only about a lack of money, there’s a whole mindset that needs to be challenged – a mindset that holds onto a victim mentality; a mindset that allows abuse to continue because of a lack of self worth; a mindset that does not support saving for the future or taking pride in one’s household or children; a mindset that embraces futility – believing that there is no way out. Challenging this poverty mentality involves more than handing out money. It involves dwelling amongst the poor, becoming their friends, offering them love and understanding, teaching them how to think differently, live differently, introducing them to Jesus, teaching them how to hear His voice, walking with them through their horrific experiences, taking calls in the middle of the night, for some – moving into the neighbourhood.
But the fruit from this experience is unprecedented. Fruit in my own life, and fruit in the lives of those around me. A new spiritual growth has been harvested in me. If I’m honest, I know that I would have preferred to remain in my safe Christian bubble, reaching out to those in need from a distance, and never getting fully involved in their lives. But I have met some amazing people in a poor community called Ocean View. I have experienced walking the way Jesus walked, and (to some extent) living the way He did, and hanging out with the kinds of people he hung out with. To mention just one example, we have befriended Claudine who was addicted to drugs, could not take care of her three children, and who had no hope for her future. She came to know Jesus who transformed her life, gave her the strength to stop using drugs, filled her with so much hope for the future that she is bursting to share this with her friends who are stuck in the rut that she was in. We baptised her a few weeks back, and her close friend who witnessed this, wants the same for her own life. Claudine received a scholarship this year to participate in our ten day mission program (Ten Days For Jesus) and her maturity is soaring through the roof (please read her testimony below). What a privilege it’s been to see Claudine working out her salvation. She is but one of many stories here in All Nations, Cape Town.
I would also love to share with all of you what’s been going on in my heart concerning the future. During the course of this year, I’ve become more and more aware of a deep desire to study medicine. I have prayed and fasted about it, and talked it over with my leaders at All Nations, and I believe that this may be something God is calling me to do. It’s an impossible dream if I look at it in the natural, for many reasons (money, academic experience, my age, etc.) but it was something that resonated so strongly in my heart, and indeed it’s a dream that I had as a child for many years, that I could not ignore it. So, I have taken a step of faith and applied to two universities and I am trusting God for the impossible (because nothing is impossible with God). Not only is this something I want to pursue for excellence, but it is also a way into any community, and a much needed vocation especially amongst the poor.
While I wait for the outcome of these applications, I will remain with All Nations, ministering to the poor and discipling those that God puts on my heart. I am still also involved with Justice Acts which is anti-trafficking organisation wanting to educate those most at risk of being trafficked, and seeking justice on their behalf in a country where no laws protect them at present.
I would also like to be transparent about my needs. Raising support for myself has been quite a challenge ever since I left my old church in England and not having been back in South Africa long enough to establish a basis for financial support as a full time missionary, before joining All Nations. God has moved mightily in the hearts of many of you, and I am thankful for your generosity over the last few months. However, I am still not in receipt of any regular support and I humbly lay my needs before you and ask you to act however the Lord leads. I am hoping and trusting for people who will commit to supporting me on a monthly basis (no matter how small – or large – the amount).
A brief summary of my (monthly) basic needs: R1600 for rent and electricity, R2000 for food, R2000 for toiletries, petrol – I am using a friend’s car for a few months, cleaning products for my flat etc.
I will continue sending monthly updates about my ministry in Ocean View and with All Nations and Justice Acts, as I’ve done this past year, but if you would like to receive weekly updates about my progress with medical school, and also my financial situation, please email me to let me know. I will gladly be as transparent as I can about my finances, my needs, my blessings and how my plans are advancing, and also give very specific prayer points.
I cannot thank you enough for your partnership, love and prayers. May the Lord bless you mightily as you serve Him.