Left My Heart in South Africa

Just back from a 10 day trip to South Africa. I left half of my heart in South Africa! My heart home is Heaven, but my love for Christ and His people is in Cape Town. I'm sure I'll be processing more from this life-changing trip in the days to come, but I wanted to recap the week with the emails I was able to send while on mission.

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From: Melanie Dill
Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2008 1:06 AM
Subject: First full day in Africa... it looks like rain

We're here and very cold! It's a blustery Sunday morning in Cape Town. I've never seen wind and rain like this. James Spann might say it looks like hurricane weather, but really, it's just the Africa wind mixed with sea-rain.

We're headed to church very shortly, but I wanted to give you some things to be praying for:
. That the weather clears up so we can do ministry!
. That my luggage shows up. Out of the 25+ bags that we sent to South Africa, my 'ministry bag' was the only one that didn't arrive. Selfishly, I really want that bag! I worked really hard to hand draw crafts for each day, make 150 copies of each craft, cut them out... you get the picture. But, if the Lord is trying to tell us that He's got other plans, then maybe it was His plan that this bag get lost.
. We're going to 2 church services today. Danny's preaching one at John Thomas' church, and then we're going to a traditional African worship service. I really want to hear from the Lord this morning!

An update:
I DIDN'T GET SICK ON THE PLANE. The Lord allowed me to sleep LOTS yesterday. The 30 hour travel was a piece of cake for me. I actually enjoyed the time to sit, sleep, relax and read. What a blessing that was and a wonderful way to start my trip!

Thank you so much for your prayers. I covet them and really appreciate your love and support. I'll try to write again very soon. We've got a computer and internet at our Team House!

Melanie Dill

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From: Melanie Dill
Sent: Monday, September 01, 2008 12:41 AM
Subject: Monday morning in Africa

Prayer Partners,
We're in great need of your prayers this morning. The weather is terrible. The South African news is reporting that this is the worst storm (rain and cold) that South Africa has seen in 7 years. Wind gusts of 60mph and flooding everywhere. We're headed out to do ministry anyway. Please pray that the rain stops, the weather gets warmer (as I didn't bring too many warm things) and that ministry is still fruitful.
The bell has rung that we're leaving for the day, so I must go. I"ll get you a ministry update tonight if at all possible.
I"m doing well, sleeping well, and learning SO much. God is good and very faithful!

Melanie Dill

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From: Melanie Dill
Sent: Monday, September 01, 2008 1:50 PM
Subject: Monday night in Africa

Today was a very fruitful day! The weather cleared up (no rain, but still very cold). I was able to purchase a scarf (green of course) that kept me warmer today!
I got to go to a 'Kinkos' type place and recreate the Day One Kids Club crafts. Thank good ness I had the curriculum on my email, was able to print out one copy and took it to the local mall to get 300 copies printed and cut for our afternoon activities! Jakes (our missions partner this week) was so kind to cart me and Sarah around to get this stuff done! We also stopped by a bakery to pick up some muffins for our 'testing site' this morning. We served these muffins, hot tea and instant coffee to those who came to our 'portable testing site.' The nurses tested blood pressure, blood sugar, HIV, and TB. 46 people came to the site today! While they were waiting to get tested, many of us struck up conversations with them...in the intent of sharing our testimonies or encouraging them. I heard MANY stories that would break your heart, but the greatest came when I got to go door-to-door.
Maggie (a local Capricornian) accepted Christ a few years ago. She knew the area well and lives there herself. She took Susie and I around the neighborhood. The purpose was to make a 'contact' with the family, tell them about the free testing in their area this week, and to pray with them. These conversations led to emotional prayers that cried out to the Lord for help! Susie and I were asked to speak to a lady that seemed very timid. Come to find out, she had come to her neighbor's house to give them her grandchildren's emergency numbers and a few pairs of clothes. She planned to walk to the train tracks (just minutes away) and kill herself. But, her neighbors were wise enough to catch on to her plans and talked her out of it. This is about when Susie and I came to the house. The ladies of the house asked us to talk with Rebekah (the suicidal lady). She never looked us in the face when telling us her problems. However, I KNEW I was sent there to speak truth into her life. So, I took her hand, told her to look me in the eyes, and told her who she was in Christ. I told her she had purpose (she'd already told us she was a believer, but had given up hope). I hate to simplify this story so much, but that's the gist. We took her name, address, and told her we'd send a local pastor (who we're working with) to check in on her. After lunch, I found the pastor and told him the story. He took my hand and asked Susie and I to go back with him; so we did. When we went back, she told the pastor (in many words) that she felt the Holy Spirit change her this morning; that the visit and message was life-changing. CHRIST IS LIFE CHANGING! The church will continue to follow up and minister to her! It was such an encouragement!
That is just ONE story that reached into my heart today. I wanted to encourage you that this team is active and all over South Africa for the Lord! We're fired up and eager to tackle another day!

Another answer to prayer- the airport found my bag of ministry supplies and delivered it to the house tonight. We 'made do' today, but we're extra prepared for tomorrow with all our crafts and Kids Club supplies! Praise Him!

Thank you for your prayers. We need them, feel them and appreciate the opportunity to be used by God!

Melanie Dill

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From: Melanie Dill
Subject: Tuesday in Africa

This will be a short update as I'm VERY tired. We're completing day 5 here in Africa and I'm exhausted, but we're only half way done. 5 more days to go and big plans still in store.
Today the weather cleared up. I had on 3 layers and didn't even need a jacket over that. The wind was whipping again, but nature didn't stop us at all. We went door-to-door in the morning; I got to be with Maggie (my favorite Capricornian translator). Maggie was my biggest success today. She's a stout black woman with lots of sass and knowledge of these people. She was in an orphanage until age 18, homeless for 36 years and just 3 years ago gave her life to Christ. She now owns a small 'shack' in Capricorn and works with Living Hope. She, Susie, Jennifer and I walked around the township with her today. Maggie would occassionally grab my arm, pull me close and tell me very interesting stories about families we were passing. She's a still a bit 'rough' around the edges, but loves the Lord and is on mission for Him.
We also did Kids Club again today. It was wonderful. We saw many that came yesterday. We're building relationships with these precious kids and the staff!
Please continue to pray. Much love,

Melanie Dill

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From: Melanie Dill
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 12:06 AM
Subject: Wednesday morning from chilly South Africa

My family of prayer partners back home,
Got a good night's sleep (couldn't believe the alarm went off so quickly)! Ready to tackle the day.
I wanted to give you some encouragement this morning about South Africa and our SMBC church plant:
. the township is in GREAT need (physically and spiritually)
. the church plant is doing amazing work and the pastors and Living Hope staff that are working there have deep relationships with these people. One of the pastors, Clinton, got out of his car the other day and it seemed the whole neighborhood of children ran shouting "Uncle Clinton, Uncle Clinton" ... grabbing his clothes, hugging him like they hadn't seen him in years (but he's been there the day before), and Clinton knew each child's name, story and needs.
. These children are being taught by people who have been or are in their shoes... new believers, mature believers, people from the outside of this township and those in the township. God is raising up believers in and around this community to BE His love!
. Many of these people need jobs. It's not that they're not trying to find jobs- it's that they're not available or they don't have ways to get to the jobs. I'm personally praying the God brings jobs, education and purpose to these people!
. After talking to many of these families, I find that some want 'out' and some want to stay right where they are. I don't see these people as 'unfortunate souls' that don't have 'material things' because that's not how they see themselves. I see them as people who struggle with family, finances, drugs, alcohol, relationships, depressions... like any of us in America. That's one of the things I stress in my conversations with the Capricornians... I'm just like them. I have problems too; America isn't the source of happiness. Please pray with me that God brings these people HIS joy and happiness, that they learn HIS truth and love. Life on earth stinks most of the time; that's a lesson to be learned anywhere. God and HIS promises are the only thing we can cling to.

You should know that God is teaching me SO much about Himself, ministry and missions. I could live here and work with Avril Thomas for the rest of my life! However, God's also reminding me of the meaning and necessity of discipleship and the importance of investing in a place. I KNOW Shades Mountain is that place and Core Groups are where He's called me, but oh how much I love South Africa, Living Hope and all that they stand for!

Know that I'm praying for YOU today that God will bring you life and life abundantly RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE... wanting for nothing more than His love and His purpose! And if you call yourself a Christian today, know that YOU are called to speak His truth to others RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE!

Much love and still appreciative of your prayers,

Melanie Dill

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From: Melanie Dill
Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2008 2:29 PM
Subject: Thursday night in South Africa

Prayer Partners,
It's been a hard (but awesome) few days since I've written. God has burdened my heart GREATLY for these people in Capricorn and all of South Africa; with that burden has come some spiritual warfare, discouragement, and heart knowledge that there will be great hindrances/road-blocks ahead. I can't wait to come home and tell you more about what God is continuing to teach me!
Today was our last day of Kids Club. In the 10+ mission trips I've been on, this was the most difficult goodbye with the children and the workers that we built relationships with. At the end of the day, we were able to pray with the Living Hope staff, thanked them for being in the trenches of poverty, AIDS and crime each and every day. Their love for "the least of these" is amazing; we must pray that God keeps them from discouragment and tired spirits. God is moving in Africa! As I shed some tears while praying for the missionaries, one of the Life Skills Educators came up to me and wrapped his arms around my shoulders to comfort me. After the prayer, he looked at me, I appologized for being so emotional and told him that this was unlike me... he said, "I know why you're crying. You're standing on the doorstep of revival. God's hand is on Africa and He's moving!" I told him that I definitely knew that and I was honored to be chosen to experience that!
I'll end with just one prayer request and save more stories and wonderful updates about the Kingdom for when I get home. Please pray that God continues to speak clearly His plan for the burdens that are on my heart.

One more thing... tomorrow is a semi-relaxed day. We're going to see more of Living Hope, their facilities and see a bit of Cape Town (which because of the storm we weren't able to do earlier in the week). I (and one or two others) have asked to help with the Youth Bible Study tomorrow night. I've really been able to build relationships with the Youth Staff and they wanted me to attend for some feedback and future (potential) involvement of SMBC! Also pray that we'll be useful and can meet needs tomorrow!

Thanks again for allowing me to send these updates and get specific prayers from you guys. It's comforting to know that I've got a team back home that's behind me and our team!


Melanie Dill

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From: Melanie Dill
Sent: Friday, September 05, 2008
Subject: Friday night in South Africa

I LOVE SOUTH AFRICA!
Today has been fairly relaxing... we did some sight-seeing with some of our South African friends that have been working with us. They took us around, told us many interesting things about their city and showed us some of the most beautiful landscapes I've ever seen. I can't wait to show you photos!
The most exciting part of my day happened tonight at the Youth event we went to. Pam, Sarah, Gordon (our South African driver and co-worker in ministry) and I went back to the Capricorn township. Clinton greeted us at the Living Hope site; we were just in time for the beginning of the Bible Study. We played a few 'get to know you games,' heard some testimonies from some older youth that were helping (from another local church), and while the testimonies were going on, Clinton (the youth leader) came over to me, grabbed my Bible, put it in my hands and asked if I'd share a word. I quickly agreed, flipped through some New Testament chapters and hoped that the Lord would lead me. Clinton introduced me, asked me to come up, and then I began to speak to the 40 or so Capricornian youth that came. I was so energized and had so much fun speaking! I read portions of Romans 1- "do not be ashamed of the gospel..." reminding them that they are in a strong minority if they are Christians in Capricorn, but told them that it is their responsibility to share the knowledge and truth that the Lord has given them and placed in their lives. They're not to be ashamed that they come to worship Christ, they're not to be ashamed that God has called them to a life DIFFERENT from what their community lives, they're not to be ashamed to tell their families about what Christ has done to transform their lives. I then followed up with portions of Philippians - saying they are to be like-minded, supporting each other in faith and "considering others better than themselves." I enjoyed every second of tonight. I loved hearing my African friends yell my name when I entered the door. I loved playing games and acting silly with the youth. I loved watching my Living Hope friends conduct a youth service! I felt so honored that God would allow me to be there and be a witness to what He's doing in the youth of Capricorn.
I leave with such a burden for these sweet people! May God continue to burn that within me and make me love more like Christ loves and be more like Christ would be.
We have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow. Please pray that our return flight is as restful as the first and that I do not get sick! I know this sounds like such a small thing, but when you're traveling 30 hours, it's important!
I love you all and can't wait to be home with you! Please continue the prayers!

Melanie Dill