Canada Comes to Cape Town!!!

The last two weeks of October have been an absolute highlight in my diary this year. We hosted a team from Hamilton, Ontario and they spent their time in Ocean View.

What an amazing time we all had! They arrived with enthusiasm and with attitudes of humility and servitude. It was incredible! Here are some of the highlights:

They came with a desire to bless the community with their labour skills and so two professional men offered their time, energy and skill to put a roof on Arli’s place. The entire community noticed what was going on, and would frequently approach the team and thank them for what they were doing for the community (delightful that they recognise a blessing on Arli’s family as a blessing for the whole community). What was so amazing about this story (apart from the obvious fact that Arli’s family can soon move out of their shack and into a real home) is how the roof actually made its way on. There were so many challenges with the construction itself; the walls were uneven and some additional height needed to be added before the roof go on. Not to mention the crazy weather – October was a month of gale force winds in the Western Cape. But, Tim’s testimony is that every time he needed supernatural intervention about how to apply his natural gifts, God gave him a dream about how to proceed with his work. And (no kidding), he would turn up and put that dream into action, and it would work. This happened more than once! So, all glory to God for Arli’s roof, and a big thank you to Tim and Lionel for their hard work, giving hearts and obedience. (Before and after pictures below)

The team also arrived with an enthusiasm to perform some dance and drama in the community. They say that “white men can’t dance” but oh my gosh! did this team bust some moves. But, more amazing than their dance skills, was the response from the Ocean View locals. The children absolutely loved it. The Canadian team made a big deal out of entertaining the children with balloons and clown antics, music and a lot of fun. This gave them a platform to preach the gospel, not only to the children but to the adults who gathered as a result of the crowd. There were some awesome connections and really great conversations that took place. For instance, we met a mother whose daughter is 14 years old, and who is hooked on drugs. She is at the end of her tether about what to do and who to seek for help. The daughter often runs away from home, and spends nights out on the street. She has dropped out of school and is in a real sticky situation. The team was able to encourage the mother, to make follow up visits with her, and they also managed to meet and speak to her daughter. We are really trusting God for awesome breakthroughs in this situation, and those of us who are left behind in Cape Town will follow up with this family. (Pictures of the crowd gathering and some dance moves!)

 

Another story: the team met a guy called Franklin whose living conditions are probably the worst I’ve ever seen in Ocean View. His dwelling makes a shack look glamorous. He was really aggressive towards the Canadian and told them straight out that nothing prevented him from stabbing them or robbing them; he was very vocal about his disapproval of people who don’t really know what real poverty is all about, and simply hang out in poor communities for the thrill of it. While he was ranting at Nicki (an All Nations male leader) the ladies in the Canadian team were praying fervently. Within a few minutes Franklin’s demeanour changed completely. There were a few follow ups since this initial meeting, and now Franklin is really keen to continue meeting with Nicki to do bible study. We hope and trust that through the gospel, his whole life will be transformed – spiritually and physically too.

They strengthened the faith of the believers that All Nations is already spending time with. Just one example: Nathan and his family were so encouraged to meet them. His mother, Baby, recommitted her life to the Lord as a result of the encouragement that the Canadian team brought. The long termers here have had the privilege of following up on this, and we have invited her to attend a weekly bible study for women that some Ocean View locals are part of. Let’s trust for amazing things for her future...(Pictures below: Nanny and Baby with Sheila, and Nathan spending time at the dance/drama gathering)

 

Another aspect that I enjoyed witnessing was the boldness with which they explored Ocean View. They went on prayer walks throughout the community almost every day and some groups made it a point to venture into some of the ‘untouched’ areas. They came back with very encouraging reports about conversation they had had with Rastafarian and Muslim locals. Amazing!

There are other things that I could mention too - too many for this blog. In short, the Canadian team touched the hearts and lives of many people in Ocean View, and the communication between them and the locals still continues. What a privilege it was to host this team, to spend time with them in the community, to hang out and get to know them personally, to see how God opened their hearts to South Africa and Ocean View, to watch them minister – the list can go on! My plan is to gather personal testimonies from a few of them and include that in the next blog so that people can get a feel of what it was like for them to be here and serve.

 

Being back in Ocean View this week, and hearing the locals reminisce about what took place a few weeks back has been something special. I have yet to make my way around ALL the locals who connected with them, but I look forward to doing so, and seeing what the future holds. God was real good indeed!

Now to Him who can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Ephesians 3:20