So guys, this is the extended and final update before we head out on outreach... I hope you enjoy it below:
This last week has been very emotional for many of the girls.Wednesday was d-day for all finances to be in and I have to say not everyone has everything.The date has been graciously extended to Monday as we all really feel God wants everyone to go to India and Brazil. For me personally, I have been greatly humbled even in this. As I have been truly blessed by you all to not have this worry about this, I really want to thank you all for making this possible for me. It has released me to be able to pray and encourage others to stay in faith so thank you once again. Do please stand and pray for those still in need as many have had people promise to support them and then not come through for them – Nicolene, Moeniera, Caleb, Nana, Lumka, Shasha, Lauren and our staff.Again, if you wish to support them, please do get in contact or go on our new website: www.artsdts2010.org
It's very exciting as most of the guys worked really hard on creating it from scratch. Please do check it out and leave comments. We've started a blog for our outreach which a member of the team will be writing each week. I've written our first blog from our outreach last Sunday with the Vineyard church to the what is known as “The location” - deep in Township of Pellsrus. It truly was an amazing time where God really ministered to the people and one person even said” I really see God, when I look at you guys” - how awesome is it that we have been able to show this!!??!! Please check out the blog for more details on how we got on.
Again, many things have happened this week – from teaching on God's word which completely transformed my thinking and made me realise just how exciting the bible really is. We take it all for granted so much that we miss the really obvious things and life changing things. We learnt about studyng the word using the inductive method – some of you may have heard of it. Let's just say, I really used to think I had a pretty good understanding for the bible – having grown up with it my whole life. This week “Computer says no... “ in other words – I was so wrong!!! There is more than a lifetime of study in the Word. People, don't underestimate this innocent looking book!! It's more amazing than you can imagine. Get stuck in.
So we're preparing for outreach with evangelism lectures – which were inspirational and the local outreaches to the street kids, KidZone and the HIV/AIDS support. This week, we got another chance to work with the Samaritan's feet charity again and give out the shoes and was feet of the HIV/AIDS support group. It was so powerful and many of those who come were really honoured.
I must point out something here though. As I said earlier, there are many changes going on now as we prepare to leave on Monday - 20th September. We at first had the April DTS return from their outreach. It was lovely to meet them and celebrate their time ministering around South Africa – ask questions etc and see their graduation. It did bring some home truths as we were also moved into a big room with just mattresses as provision in preparation for the next September DTS too – so it really is a bit crazy here.
Having now finished lectures, we're all spending time doing various things. I got to go to Port Elizabeth, see some amazing african craft and experience my first african taxi. It was so fun despite the journey being two hors rather than 30 mins. Not allowing that 6th extra person really isn't how things are done round here ;-)
So now we're leaving, relationships with the community people has greatly improved. From a few street kids and community boys daily joining in with various games, they are now allowing us to speak into their lives and pray with them – Vusi found money his mother gave him and Denevan was healed from a headache without pills. It's really sad to be going as not everyone who is on the base has a strong relationship with them – please pray that someone on the base can continue what we started.
Despite this, Phumlane – Xhosa guy from community – has been growing and changing too. This week I challenged him to fast and he did. It was quite an achievement as he virtually came from the streets and basically believed if there is food it should be eaten and no one should stop this. He's become more and more decidedly humble and despite a few difficulties in living in a community in peace with people, he has really grown from strength to strength. I really can see God working in his life so am very excited about what he'll be like when we return. Roll on December!!!
So this is probably my last blog before we go on outreach. I'm not sure if I will be able to access the internet as much as I have here so, please do be patient with me. If you do want more updates – please do check out the website: www.artsdts2010.org.
Oh, I almost forgot... last friday we had our final fundraiser (YWAM Dance JAM) as a dance for the youth where our community boys and the girls from the local church got to perform. It was great fun and even people from Patensie (we'll be going there first for outreach) came. It was a great relationship builder and a real eyeopener re: the talents of many of the kids in the area. Many are gifted but have little or no hope of a future in this area. I really see a ministry opportunity here – so please pray for guidance and clarity in where the base should go with this. We must spread the good news and what better way than in the language of the kids?!?
Finally again, just a quick prayer list reminder:
Peace
Spiritual protection and wisdom
Unity for the teams
Increase in faith for God's provision of finances
Favour with both God and man.
Kids work – Street kids / Kidzone
Continous blessing and wisdom over the ministries and more.
Thank you again for all your support, love and prayers. I really appreciate all you have done and look forward to sharing the exciting things with you very soon.
God bless
Grace xx
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