Picking up where I left off...

Here are some details from the last days of my journey to South Africa:

Wednesday, June 10 (pm)-
John and Avril Thomas came to dinner at the Team House. By dinner, I was out of bed (from my Migraine) and able to socialize a little bit. I was so pleased to be able to sit at a table with Avril and some of the Faith Promise ladies (a team that was at the Team House with us). The Thomas' told us the story of how they met and got married... quite unusual and a great picture of the Lord's faithfulness!
John told us a story that brought tears to all of our eyes. In an effort to help our team understand the dispair, stigma and pain that this community deals with daily, John told us about a 15 year old girl that he encountered not too long ago:
This 15 year old girl that John knew ended up pregnant. John obviously had a good relationship with this girl, asked her how this pregnancy happened, and this was her answer...
She'd figured out that she was destined for a life of pain- no education, maybe could be a house-maid making $30 a week, her family and surroundings told her she wasn't worth living and had no hope. She'd been told that sex was good, it was fun, and it can be dangerous- you can contract AIDS. With the lack of hope in her life... she decided that contracting AIDS would be her goal. She saw this as the only way to get out of a life of hopelessness and pain. The lifestyle she'd chosen would allow her a death-sentence, and she was pleased with that. When she finished her story, she told John, "I've succeeded. I've contracted HIV and I'm on track with my goal."
These teenagers (and many even younger) can't see past their township, have no hope that they can ever get out of this poverty, and when they dont' think clearly, they find HIV/AIDS as a way out. This twisted thought and mindset is tragic. This is why Living Hope and it's programs are so important. Living Hope is teaching Prevention and also treating those with HIV/AIDS with medicine to help prolong their life and limit their suffering while simultaneously tell them about the love of God and His hope! This combination is crucial!


Thursday, June 11 -
Went door-to-door with Marsha and Maggie (natives of Capricorn). We visited homes on Maggie's street; went to homes Maggie knew needed prayer.
One salvation happened this day! Maggie led us to a home of a mom whose daughter was a drugie. We came to pray for the daughter via the mom, and much to our surprise, while in the early part of our visit, the daughter walked through the door. We got to talk to her (Natalie), the conversation led to the question, "Do you know the Jesus we know? Do you have a relationship with Him?" She said she knew OF Him but didn't have that relationship. Kevin was prodominantly talking to her, he asked her 4 or 5 times if she was serious about wanting a relatinoship with Jesus- telling her that she'd have to leave the lifestyle she was in. She kept saying she understood. We left that home with the Holy Spirit lingering there! It was amazing!

That afternoon, we got to do Kids Clubs for the last time in Capricorn. I got to spend good time with my friends (Life Skill Educators that lead the clubs) Natalie, Stacey, Ilana and Shagmie (pronounced Shock-me).
Shagmie rode with our group to the Mountain View community where we were helping with a Community Outreach and Dinner that the Faith Promise team was putting on. Our group jumped right in- played and danced with the kids, worshiped with the community, passed out dinner plates and soda, and tore down the chairs. There were about 250-300 people under a big circus tent worshiping God that night! It was great to be in a different community seeing God work just as powerfully through another team as what we'd experienced in Capricorn!

Friday, June 12 -
Living Way
Went to the Living Way campus- where Living Hope helps people in need learn a 'job skill' from an educated, experienced teacher and helps them begin their own businesses from scratch.
All of the team (except me) did yard work- picking weeds, cutting grass, spreading chicken-maneure, etc. It was hot. They worked so hard! Living Way was so proud and honored to have them working and maintaining their campus!
I was asked to help with a special project. I made a database of their new 'Sponsor a Child' program for their day-care program. Parents that are working during the day, are looking for a job (and can prove this staus) are allowed to enroll their children (preschool age) into the Living Way campus' childcare program. There are about 50 children enrolled right now. Once the children get older, they're funneled into a local school; however, the local school has enrollment fees that these parents usually can't pay. So, Living Way is looking to find sponsors for these children to go to school. A sponsor's money would go to uniforms, school supplies and general schooling needs. One child can go to school for $25-30 per month.
So, I had to match pictures of children with their profiles (I worked with two of the teachers on this part), made a spreadsheet and a system of tracking each child and their sponsor, and organized this new program. It was so much fun! I even got to meet most of the children that needed sponsors. One look at their sweet faces and one warm hug from their tiny bodies made me melt.

Friday night! Capricorn Kids Club.
Hunter and Allie led some games.
Chelsea R. led music.
Kevin spoke.
It was so special getting to pour into Clinton, his youth and the Capricorn church!

Saturday, June 13 -
Day off. Toured a bit.
Green Market Square- bought some African cloth and jewelry.
Mandela Museum.
Saw a cheeta reserve.
Went to Mama Africa for dinner. Had CROCODILE kabobs. So good!

Sunday, June 14 -
Capricorn Church. The youth led the service. Clinton spoke! Chelsea R. was asked to lead music. It was so great watching the kids (that we'd built relationships with) lead us in worship!

Went to Bolder Beach to see the Penguins. Ate our sack lunch on the beach. Headed to Cape Point- the (so-called) Southern tip of Africa. Saw ostritches and baboons... oh my!

Attended Hillsong's night service. It was their one year birthday. The worship leader from Hillsong-London helped lead a service of music worship! The pastor of Hillsong London led us in a short devotion and celebration of God's work in Cape Town this past year.

Monday, June 15 -
Living Hope Health Care Center
Got to sit with patients, the girls painted the women's nails, a few of the girls sang songs around each bed, the guys were in the male ward, the girls in the woman's ward.
I got to see Khume (who makes bags and has a buisness that spawned out of Living Hope/Living Way). She recognized me, told me how she was feeling and how her family was dealing with her illness again. She was in a lot of pain, so we didn't stay too long, but I soaked up every minute with her! A small group of girls prayed with and for her. It was an honor and a blessing to visit with Khume!

Tuesday, June 16 -
Capricorn Kids Hygiene Day
At 9am, our team helped wash feet, cut toenails, wash hands and arms, cut fingernails, put lotion on their clean feet and hands, and teach about how to brush your teeth properly. The kids were fed a homemade snack, given some goodies to take home (some chips, a tooth brush, toothpaste, and some hygiene handouts). It was so much fun watching their faces as they got pampered.
This was our chance to say goodbye to the LSEs and the kids of Capricorn. It was sad, but I have great hopes that I will be back to see them in the future.

We headed back to the Team House, took quick showers, ate a hot lunch of soup that Nadine made, and went to the airport.
Gordon wasn't working that day, but he drove to the airport to say goodbye. What a guy! Clynton was probably glad our crazy-full-of-life team was on their way, but he put up a good front in telling us we'd be missed.

The two weeks went by so fast.
I praise the Lord for all He did for Capricorn, in us, and in those that prayed for us! THANK YOU!

Live [videos] from South Africa

Got home at 10:30 am Wednesday.
Went to work today (Thursday).
Fighting jet-lag.
Trying to process all that God taught me in South Africa.
Take a look at some of the videos I took... www.youtube.com/melaniemdill
This is just a small taste of the fun that was had!

Also- take a look at the University Ministries Blog: http://www.umin.wordpress.com/
Some of our team posted on this blog while we were in South Africa.

More thoughts about the journey to come!

Tuesday and Wednesday in South Africa

Tuesday, June 9

First blessing of the day: We arrived back in Capricorn around 8:30am. We waited around for the Support Group Leaders to arrive and take us around the community door-to-door again. As we were waiting, I was standing near the door way talking to some of our team. Clinton (the Capricorn youth minister) that I got to know and love last visit to South Africa came walking up to the door. I turned around and tears began; he gave me the biggest hug and said, "Melanie, the kids told me last night that you were looking for me yesterday. I knew I'd have to find you today! I looked up and there you were in the doorway!" It truly was a divine appointment. Clinton hopped on with our crew that day, Chad invited him to have lunch with us, and Clinton was able to tell our whole team his testimony- how he used to be a South African taxi driver, was into drugs, alcohol, cheated on his wife numerous times, hurt many people, etc. One of his gangster friends found the Lord, invited him to church, Clinton was moved as soon as he walked in the door of the church, surrendered his life to Christ, was so repentant that he immediately changed his ways and followed Christ with all his being. He got a job at the Containers in Capricorn- his only job was to build relationships- Living Hope was at infant stages in Capricorn and he was the one assigned to minister to that community. He didn't know how to meet people or minister to them, so he just decided to sit in the container and waste the time until he could go home. He did this for days; the Lord brought people to him! Clinton began seeing people come to the Container asking for prayers for their sick children, for counseling, for more information about Living Hope. When Clinton was at a loss on how to minister, the Lord brought people to him! That's the short version of Clinton's testimony; he's now working full time as the youth minster at Capricorn Church.

Clinton has turned over the Friday youth service to our team! Kevin will be brining the Word, Chelsea R will be doing Worship and others will give their testimonies! It's going to be a great night.

I was thrilled to reunite with Clinton- to pick up where we left off. He remembered specific conversations we'd had last year, asked me pointed questions about discipleship, my opinions on youth ministry and other things we did in the states, and the specific needs he has for his church and its youth.

Living Hope is missing the YOUTH piece. Once they're out of the Kids Clubs, Living Hope doesn't have a way- resources or people- to reach the ages of 15-19. This is where the local church must pick-up and help, but often the local churches here don't or don't know how. This is a huge prayer need! Clinton wants to take his youth to a camp, he needs transportation to get them places, he needs simple things like sheets of paper and pens to do the weekly things. The needs and possibilities collide.

Great things happened in our door-to-door again on Tuesday:

2 people were led to Christ!

We went into the home of a lady named Vanessa. When we told her about why we were here, the love of Christ that is in us, and asked her if we could pray for her about anything... she broken into whaling tears. After minutes of silence and trying to comfort her, we finally found out that she's in the middle of a divorce, has 5 children, needs food and help for her kids. She is desperate for hope! I prayed for her- lifting up the words of knowing that our God is perfect in power, knows what her tomorrow holds, has the hope that any of us need, will bring peace and joy in His time, is the one who is perfect love. We prayed that God would fill her home with His Truth and His love and His power to overcome anything that comes her way! She is a Christian, she told us that our Jesus was her Savior, she was just waiting for someone to encourage her. Our team was blessed by her desperation and hope for Him!

We also met a few Christians on our walk. When asked, "What do you know about the Jesus we've told you we love?" they would then give us the Gospel presentation and we would tell them that we believe the same thing! We would always remind them that our team from America will only be around a few more days in Capricorn, and it was their responsibility to minister to their community. With that challenge, we continue to pray that the Christians in Capricorn will rise up and minister to their township.

One of my favorite stops on this door-to-door trip was at a car repair shop... and I say "shop" loosely. We met two guys from Ghana that are in Cape Town studying. They were open to us talking to them and even found it interesting that Kevin was here in Capricorn as a photographer and videographer. One of the guys said, "Don't be taking pictures of these kids walking around in bare feet starving and take that back to America as the picture of Africa." We asked him to expound and he said, "Americans come here, find pitiful things to take photos of and tell the rest of America that Africa is all about the poor, starving people. That's not what my Africa is about." Kevin then explained to him that he was telling stories about people's true lives, how they've been transformed by the saving Grace of God, how they were once in sin, in a life in contrast to God, and now He has made them new. The guy changed his tone and said, "Now that's good stuff. That's what you need to take back!" These guys that we met there (Tony and Kenny) say they know Jesus, but admittedly don't follow. We shared our beliefs, our Jesus, our hope in Him. We even got into debate about some of the 'other books' that are out there about other religions asking, "But don't you get curious about what else is out there that the Bible doesn't talk about?" I clearly told them, "God has told me everything I need to know in His Bible. I don't need to look anywhere else for an answer. I have faith that God will tell me in His time what I need to know." Tony appreciated that answer and understood that it was my faith in God that sustained me.

God has been good!

___________

Today is Wednesday, June 10.

I woke up at 6:00 am to get ready for the day and was quickly thrown back in bed with a Migraine. I haven't had one this bad in years. I felt struck by the pain and couldn't move. I kept a trashcan by my bed due to nausea, and held my head all morning. Sweet Holly stayed the morning with me- we sent the team ahead to do the Testing today - and I finally got out of bed at 1:00 pm. Holly helped me get some cereal downstairs and I'm now feeling much better. My head is still sore, but I think the worst is over. I HATE that I missed a whole day of ministry (and made Holly miss the morning- I sent her on this afternoon after lunch), but it had to be done. I'm praying that God will heal my headache, help me eat tonight and be all better by tomorrow. I'd love your prayers too!

First day in Capricorn

It's Monday's end and I had an amazing day!

. Headed to the Capricorn Containers. Got our marching orders, met the natives we'd be walking around with, AND HUNGOUT WITH MAGGIE! Maggie was a Support Group Leader I just fell in love with last September when I was in Capricorn. I got to go to home visits with her and a few of our other team members.

. Went door-to-door telling about our Wednesday testing day, prayed with each house we went in, and got to encourage fellow Believers that were we met.

. Avril phoned me at the Containers. She said she and John were free for lunch, so they'd like to pick me up. I was honored and quickly said I'd love to! We went to Spur for lunch- talked about future ministry in Capricorn, how our church could best partner and just caught up. It was unbelievable to hear their heart, to have their ear and spend precious time with them!

. Kids Club- got to see the Life Skill Educators that I knew and loved, recognized (and got recognized) kids from my Sept visit, and got to hangout with some amazing kids!

Oh what a day! I've cried a lot about how blessed I feel and how amazing my days here have been!

Here are a few stories I just had to share:

- Follow up: I saw Tyron again! He was at church on Sunday with us! He saw me first- we chatted a bit and then I invited him to sit with our team. The entire service I prayed for him- that he'd be convicted and make a life-change for Christ! He's so close. I should see him another time before I leave. Please be in prayer that I can continue an honest conversation about our Lord.

- Met a woman named Joanie. She pulled our small group into her house and asked us to pray for her. This was unusual because our visit was initiated by her. She knew we were Christians and wanted prayer in her house. I took this opportunity to ask her pointed questions- I asked her what she wanted prayer about... she said the man she and her children lived with (boyfriend of 12 years) often came in drunk, abused her children, searched for knives to hurt them, and ruined her home. This man steals anything in the house he can get money for and makes this family's life miserable. I asked her if she went to a church locally. She openly admitted she went to church on Sundays but didn't live like a Christian during the week. When asked if she had a Bible, she said yes, but she said she didn't read it often. I asked her if she thought she should still be dating the man that she told us about; she didn't have a definite answer, but I told her she should pray about it. I continued in this conversation asking her if she had a personal relationship with our Jesus, asked her to step up and really decide if she wants to follow the Lord whole-heartedly. I stressed the importance of being in the Word, praying and cultivating that relationship with God.

I pray that conversation will echo in her head, that the Holy Spirit will move in her and help her step up and take her faith seriously.

Sunday in South Africa

6.7.09 A day of Worship

Today we experienced worship in 3 VERY different ways.

. Fish Hoek Baptist / King of Kings - John Thomas' church

. Masiphumelele- traditional South African worship in Xhosa (not English)

. Hillsong United (4:30 pm service)

It was unbelievable to worship in unique ways- to see God being praised in different languages and styles, to be immersed in South African culture all day long!

We also got to go to an amazing Botanical Gardens. We ate a picnic lunch there and all spread out to have some time along with God!

Please pray for our time in Capricorn tomorrow (Monday). I get to see Maggie and the Capricorn LSE staff! We'll be walking around a lot, talking to natives and doing Kids Clubs.

Thank you to all of you who are lifting us up in prayer. We need it and greatly feel it!

[Note: I need to tell you about our Saturday, but don't have time now. I'll blog about it later. God did some amazing things while we toured; He placed neat conversations and interactions in our path. God is very faithful and has spoken to me in amazing ways. Praise Him!]

Pictures and Video from South Africa

Check out the University Ministries Blog for team photos and video I've shot during our days in Cape Town: www.umin.wordpress.com

Living Grace

6.5.09 First Full Day in South Africa

Today it's windy and very cold in South Africa. The dreary weather could easily get you down, but it did NOT stop our team or God from moving greatly in the lives of our team and of those that we met at Living Grace.

After entering the Feeding/Rehab Center (Living Grace) a bit after schedule, we entered and quickly sat in the back. Chad and I found out only minutes before entering that the managers of Living Grace expected our team to give a devotion before the feeding began. So, I turned to the book of Matthew then turned to Kevin and said, "Kevin, we need you to do a devotion on 'faith like a mustard seed'." He thought I was kidding, and then realized I was very serious. When called upon, Kevin got up and did an amazing devotion for the homeless sitting in front of him. God moved and spoke through Kevin!

After breakfast was served, the guests left and went back into the streets. Our team was given a tour of the facility and then put to work- cleaning windows, organizing a 'donated clothing room,' organized a pantry, mopped floors, worked in a 'work shop' and other odd jobs. Keaton, Mandy and I got to get in the kitchen and begin preparing the next meal! So, at 9:15 am, Joan (the woman who practically runs Living Grace) turns the kitchen over to the three of us and a native South African, Claudine. Joan would come check on us every now and again, but the hot lunch was up to us! You should have seen us making the largest pot of stew- throwing in anything and everything in the kitchen- with Joan coming in adding an ingredient or two when we weren't looking. She was hoot!

While the stew was simmering, I was able to go lend a hand in other areas, but mainly got to talk to some of the people that were hanging around. I could go on for days about who I met, what we talked about and their stories, but there's one story in particular that I want to share:

Tyron is a man I met at Living Grace. He worked there. He's in his 30s, looked like a young-professional, and seemed to know the ropes of Living Grace. I began asking him what he did there, where he was from, etc. I found out that he drives Joan and her husband around (to run errands, go to doctor's apts), lives in a spare room in Joan's house, and is looking for a job. He told me he had to move to the area and Joan took him and his twin brother in; I was very intrigued by his situation because Joan would NEVER house anyone from Living Grace; she's a 'hard' woman, stern and feared but loved by those at Living Grace. I told Tyron that he must have been super special to be loved so greatly by Mrs. Joan. I asked Joan about Tyron and she said, "I had Tyron and his brother come clean out my garage. They did a great job, I had a stern talk with them about the importance of getting a job and getting a steady job, they were not addicts- circumstances just brought them to homelessness."

In more conversation about Tyron, something tipped me off that he was not a Christian. I asked him straight up- "Are you a Christian?" He said, "No. I believe in Christ but I'm not ready to make that commitment." I was floored. He knew the Gospel, we walked through the process of salvation, I asked him what he believed about Jesus- he knew all the right answers. His hesitation was full-commitment and surrendering his life to something He didn't really understand. He said he didn't want to become a Christian until he could fully commit. I told him he was right - it's a big commitment- you surrender you life, your will, your old ways... BUT, I said, "Tyron- you of all people know that we're not promised tomorrow. What if you died today? You'd have to stand before our Lord and tell Him you knew all about him, but didn't want to call Him Lord." Tryon understood that, was fearful of that circumstance, but was still hesitant to become a Christian. It was a facinating conversation, an affirmation that the Lord is working on him. The conversation with Tryon was the highlight of my day. It was so honest, so natural, so real.
What a great beginning to this journey. One full day down and many more memories to go!