Journey of Purpose : Melanie Dill: Update from South Africa

Capricorn Community Church - Vision

Capricorn Community Church - Mission

Quick update ...

- Our Junior Youth class has been my favorite ministry to work with recently. We went to Camp (a weekend retreat) in Cape Town a few weeks ago. It was a fabulous time of relational ministry. I loved how appreciative these kids were. Camp was an up-grade to many who don't have showers, hot water or 3 meals a day regularly. Such a treat!

- Our Junior Youth also just completed a 7-week series in Sunday School entitled "Belief and Being the Church." This series covered topics like Prayer, The Bible, The Holy Spirit, and what it means to be part of a local church. Upon completion of the curriculum, we held a Parent Celebration. All those that completed even a portion of the lessons were invited to bring their parents to a special breakfast before Worship. The students led the parents in a few worship songs, opened in prayer, and put together a presentation of all 7 lessons they completed - reading verses or relaying an illustration the teacher taught for each subject. I was so proud of their progress and the foundations that were built. In order to get the parents to stay for Worship (most do not go to our church), we gave out Belief and Being the Church certificates to the Junior Youth during church. What a fabulous way to worship - celebrating the study of God's Word!

- Patience. I'm learning that patience is my friend, not foe. While I've been working in this little church-plant for over three and a half years, I still get very impatient with the overall progress. The youth and children are flying; we can't give them enough to do - they wear us out. But, it seems other areas of the church are crawling. Pray that the Holy Spirit would ignite a passion for His work and Word in the lives of Believers in Capricorn. I want our church to grow and move and be productive in Capricorn. But, that starts with personal passion for things of the Lord.

- Pray for our Pastor and his family as they have a lots of things to do and decisions to make by the end of the year. Their ministry to our church is crucial, but oh so difficult in many ways. Use the Spirit to guide you in prayer for this family!

- Pray for me as I'm making decisions about ministry in 2014. There's lots of opportunity in Capricorn for the Lord's work, but I'm just one person. Pray for wisdom and strength to make Spirit-led decisions.

- I have six fabulous friends coming to Cape Town in November! This is not an "official" ministry team, but I'm sure working them like they are. These are friends from my home-church in Birmingham, Alabama; they're coming to encourage and spend time with Pastor Severo's family, Meagan and myself. They knew we needed some extra love after a hard year, so here they come! Stay tuned for how to pray for the week they're here.

As always, thank you for your prayers and support. I'm honored to be serving in South Africa and can't wait to see what God has ahead!