International Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving. The time of year when it's getting cooler, pumpkin flavored everything is on the store shelves, football is in the air ... Here in Cape Town, it's HOT. Summer is approaching, there's no pumpkin anything here. I miss American Fall.

The best we could do is gather all the Americans (and their friends) and have a make-shift Thanksgiving. It was fun being together and seeing people I haven't seen in such a long time - all international volunteers doing ministry in areas of Cape Town. So, here's a recap of my Thanksgiving dinner:

About 30 people gathered together.

The buffet.

The feast!

Mel and Lesli (Living Hope Volunteers)

International guests- at my table alone, 5 countries represented: America, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Netherlands, South Africa!

Verbal and Visual Spiritual Learners

A picture of Capricorn

. Average education level of adults = 9th grade

. Most adults in Capricorn speak Afrikaans as their first language. Jobs often require good English speaking skills. Most newspapers and books are in English because that's the 'common' language. There are variations of Afrikaans spoken - slurred/slang versions are most common in Capricorn.

. Many adults can't read or write proficiently, resulting in lack of confidence, inability to get an upper-level job, etc.

These are just a few factors that have been blatantly obvious to me as to why this is a relational culture. The adults are verbal and visual learners because education isn't a priority (and the standard of education is bleeding over to children/teens). I'm watching this play out spiritually. If you can't read, and especially if you can't read in the language your Bible is written in, then you're really dependent upon what you hear others say about Christ, the words that are preached on a Sunday morning, the examples that are lived out in front of you ... those are the things that communicate the loudest message to the people I work with. We have teens in Afternoon Teen Club that can't write their names or addresses, we have adults that will NOT read aloud in meetings because they either can't or are too embarrassed to mess up. This culture is not internet driven yet. This culture is not reading CNN.com or up to date on the latest technology for faster information into their hands.

I'm realizing how significant it is to live a life worthy of Christ. I'm realizing that the way I interact with someone communicates. This culture looks around them for truth, and Truth isn't always around them. If someone is too lazy to come to church on a Sunday, then they don't get the podcast or sermon notes. If a youth misses a Friday Night Youth Gathering, then they missed their weekly message and missed time to be with like-minded people. Yes, these examples are also true for other countries that are technology-based, but I'm realizing how crucial every interaction can be. We are a walking-Gospel. We must be the hands, feet and mouths of Jesus. Patience, grace and consistency must be in me each day.

I'm praying you live with this sort of urgency in your life too. I don't want to waste one moment to speak life and live out the example of Christlikeness.

Leadership Development in Schools

For the past 3 months, Living Hope has been privileged to lead an after school program for 20 students in teaching them leadership skills and concepts. The school chose 20 of their top students in grade 7 classes (called The Prefects) and allowed them to meet with us and strengthen their relational and leadership skills.

We taught the basics of Group Dynamics and how to work as a team, Problem Solving Skills and Methods, led discussions about leaving a legacy, and built leadership confidence. It was one of my favorite ministry opportunities thus far.

Today was our last day with this group because school ends soon and exams and year-end prep begins. I'm looking forward to more opportunities like this in 2012!

5k: Diabetes Awareness Walk ... a catalyst for deep ministry

Living Hope Support Groups held a Diabetes Awareness 5k Walk this weekend. I rallied our youth, arranged transportation and got us all movin' together! These youth need unifying outings, they need to hangout with adults that are walking the Faith, and these outings serve as great ways of finding out about their lives and connecting on a deeper level with them.

As I walked with two of our older girls (one in 12th grade, one in 11th grade), I heard them talking about relationships and difficulties going on in the community. I asked them, "Do you want to get married?" They emphatically said, "No!" I inquired as to why they held such strong, negative opinions about marriage, and they began to speak about how they see their families disfunction and they don't want those struggles in their lives. Both of these girls have 'daddy-issues.' They have hard backgrounds, and I understand why they feel so strongly about not getting married. We discussed the fact that Paul says in the New Testament that it's better to stay single if you can so that you won't have distractions and can focus on God. I countered that thought and reminded them that marriage was created by God and it's a picture of the church - how we are to serve each other and minister together for God's glory. I was amazed at how these two young girls have such wounds and hurt from their life-experience, and they're using those wounds to be firm in thought about how they want to live their own lives. I'm seeing how this youth-generation wants change. They want to be respected and I believe they will change the hurt through their dependance upon Christ. Imagine if all the youth of your city rose up for what's right and changed generational patterns so that they live family-life the way God designed. That would be amazing!

Conversations like I had today are shedding light on the hurt and reminding me that one changed-life or changed-perception is success! Just imagine those theological, life-altering conversations going on through winded breath as we walked in 90 degree sun-scorching heat. The 5k was great!

Cupcake Queen

For those of you who have generously sent American Cake-mix to my abode in South Africa, THANK YOU! Here's a picture of one of the successful baked-goods being shared. This baking occasion was for a colleagues' Bridal Shower. As you can see, there are lots of store-bought things on the table. Not many people bake around here. Cake mixes are rare in South Africa. There are some for purchase, but they're expensive and not nearly as good as good ole' American cake. 

So to all who have blessed South Africa with American cake, thank you! I think I have a baking-ministry now. 

Called?

Called what?

Called for what?

What is a calling?

Do you really know 'your calling?'

Do you use the phrase 'your calling' as an excuse?

When I was in the USA in October, I heard a lot of people use the phrase, "I'm called to ____" or "What I feel called to do is ______" or "God's is calling me to ______" or "That's not my calling." I was curious as to why this phrase is being thrown around like the latest slang-word. Throw in the word, 'will' and you've even got a greater emphatic statement. "God's will" is the adjacent phrase that we're all trying to discover for ourselves yet each of us are coming up blank. Maybe we're blank because we're trying to fit our current lives, our current addictions, our current time consumptions into the life we WANT God to call us to.

I firmly believe that if you're walking in a deep, devoted, results-shown walk with the Lord, then He will direct your every step. You will be convicted by each decision you make. You will make the choice that directs others and yourself to Christ and not to the world. You will find yourself in the Will of God when your EVERY DAY is planned and executed for Him.

I don't speak out of expertise. I speak out of great-failure-experience. I speak out of the knowledge that my life here in South Africa is DEPENDENT upon my hearing from the Lord and being willing to say 'no' to things of this world that used to be part of my life: TV, friends, routinely going out to eat, the latest technology, celebrity gossip, going to concerts, hosting parties, browsing online ... all the things American-culture is wrapped around. But truly finding 'Your Calling' is a difficult thing; it will set you apart from everyone else. God's purpose for your life is unlike anyone else's. He wants to use each person different; He has made each of us differently.

It might be painful. It might strip you from all your comforts. But finding what God wants for YOUR life is the most beautiful gift. I encourage you to rethink how you voice 'Your Calling' and ask God for His purpose for your life.

Found these articles that were thought provoking... about Your Calling:

http://www.drangelabisignano.com/blog/3-steps-to-better-understand-your-calling/

http://christianity.about.com/od/topicalbiblestudies/a/godcalling.htm

http://christianity.about.com/od/newchristians/qt/decisionmaking.htm

Oct Recap: Around the world in 24 days

The Official October Update:

Thank you to all who have been part of this recent 'Journey to the USA!' Meagan and I were truly blessed, busy, lived the "American pace," spoke to many ministry partners, gave updates, and were filled to the brim with love and food! Time was too short; there were many people we didn't get to connect with - and for that I apologize, but I hope everyone knows that it wasn't a lack of interest or lack of love on my part, it was a time-issue. I really appreciate everyone's interest in this mission. I feel the love and covet your prayers.

Here are a few points of update and a photo-recap of October:

1. Funding: I'm 90% funded for 2012! I'm absolutely shocked and honored that fundraising has gone so well thus far. It's been nothing of my own doing, God has gathered His team to partner; I'm grateful that God would burden the hearts of His children to give to ministry in South Africa. THANK YOU!

[If you're still interested in giving to this mission, see the HOW TO HELP portion of my blog on the right column. Every gift, great and small, is appreciated.]

2. I am overflowing: God used my American friends and family to fill me up (spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally). I'm now back on the ground pouring out and realizing that these South African people take a lot of energy from me. This first week back on the ground has been exhausting and draining, but it's been your prayers and investment in me that is sustaining me. God is using others to remind me of His plans and purposes. THANK YOU!

3. Living Hope Life Skills Department (Afternoon Clubs, School Ministry, Parenting Courses, Preschool Ministry, Leadership Development) is going through evaluations. We're looking at the last few years of ministry and looking forward. What will 2012 hold? Changes, we know that! Pray with us that we will listen to the Lord and be guided by His plans for Living Hope Life Skills! I'm excited about some of the strategic changes and plans being discussed. Pray for how to implement God's Big-Vision!

Recap of the USA visit and 'fill-up' in photos:

Shades Mountain Baptist Church. My home-sending church! Spent 2 weeks with these amazing people: taught Sunday School Classes (adult and youth), spoke to Wednesday Night Worship Services for youth, university, and preschool students, met with many partners for meals and got to join the church staff for devotion during their weekly meeting together! I'm truly blessed by this body of Believers!

Meagan enjoying American, luxury coffee. It helped us both to keep going!

Bama game. Overwhelming!

Blairsville, Georgia - experiencing the beauty of the South in the Fall!

Brasstown Bald - trip to visit grandparents.

Overlake Christian Church, Seattle, Washington: A Living Hope partner. Also met with North Shore Church in Seattle - new Living Hope partners, coming to visit South Africa in May 2012!

Overlake's Mission: Serve the World. We found it funny that South Africa is the only piece of Africa represented in this piece of artwork. Ironic, maybe. Poignant, yes!

Stone Mountain, Georgia. Visiting family and met with Graystone Church in Grayson, Georgia.

On top of Stone Mountain!

Back at Shades Mountain for one last teaching-time ... with the Preschool! They studied South Africa and Living Hope the weeks prior to our visit. We were blessed to receive their offerings and beautiful thank-you cards. I LOVE Shades Mountain and their vision for missions at every age!

Meagan's visit to the Fire Station!

We got to stay in many homes and with beautiful families while we were in the US. Thank you to all who hosted (and offered to host). THANK YOU ALL!

[Note: this is only a small recap. This doesn't offer even a glimpse into the people, places, conversations that were great blessings. I am blessed by my American friends and ministry partners!]

Birmingham's ABC33/40 news

http://www.abc3340.com/story/15902965/matters-of-faith10-30-11-living-hope

Praising the Lord for all the opportunities He placed in our path during our US visit. Thanks to all who made this trip possible and for allowing us to share our hearts!