The Feather

I found a feather whilst hiking through the botanical gardens one afternoon. The contrast of the colours, white on black, made me stop and stare and I picked the feather up and examined it. I noticed how perfectly the white spots were formed against the black backdrop. It was almost as if the creator had taken his finger, dipped them in white paint and had carefully placed them, one finger next to the other, on the black background.

The lines on the feather bear an uncanny likeness to fingerprints.

This feather filled me such solace and hope. It reminded me of the Father who creates with such intricate precision. The Father who chooses to be so involved in our lives. It echoed the truth of a Father who will never leave me nor forsake me; One who has planned my life right down to the number of hairs on my head, every single detail of my life accounted for. I need not fear anything, not even the unknown.

I’m at a stage in my life where I do not know what my immediate future holds. But I do know the One who holds my future. I can trust Him. He has shown Himself worthy and honourable in the ways He has lead me in life up until now. I have never been without. This feather has reiterated that the Father cares about the minor details...

Amazing what a single feather can reveal.

Romans 1:20 “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”

Ten Days For Jesus 2008

In December 2008, I spent ten days serving the community of Masiphumele in Cape Town, with All Nations.
The mission was called Ten Days For Jesus – the idea that we celebrate the birthday of Jesus by giving Him the greatest gift of all – ourselves!
Over the ten days we ministered to people by spending time in the community every day, praying for the locals, giving practical help where possible, sharing our faith with them and spreading the good news about Christ.
Maisphumele has experienced devastating fires over the last few years – always occurring on December 16th. Fires which have completely destroyed many homes. (Last year the Ten Days Team spent some time helping to rebuild these homes). This year, we spent many hours in prayer, asking that God would spare the humble living quarters of the poor, and we rejoiced when there was no fire this year. We told the locals about this, and many of them were overjoyed.
We also spent the early part of our days helping at the local children’s holiday club, where we would sing and dance with the young ones, and help feed them a simple lunch meal every day. On the last day, we helped wash their hair and feet – living in a dusty, informal settlement without running water in your home can take its toll. The little ones loved it, and they were so pleased to have been given a very simple wash.
In the afternoons, we walked from door to door, and so many of the people there were happy to have us come into their homes and talk to them, and pray with them. Some people even opened up to us about their hardships, and we were able to share our testimonies about the grace and love of God that we had received. It was wonderful.
We had the opportunity to help one of the locals rebuild her house which was in a terrible condition. We managed to increase the size of her living quarters and she was so grateful for the help we gave. On our last day there, we shared a simple meal with her, and heard about her struggles. We prayed with her, and asked God to continue the work He had started there. What a good day!
Living in community with other believers was a great experience. I saw the power and love of God in ways I had long since forgotten. What a privilege to have been part of this group, and to have served alongside others in this way. I look forward to my onward journey of joining All Nations in Cape Town full time in 2009. Watch this space!!