Update from first term (Jan -Apr)

Hello from breezy South Africa. Things here have been cooling off. Winter is quickly approaching. 

Here's an update on what's been happing here in South Africa. 

* I've officially begun my volunteer work at the local Primary School through their Art Department. 

This is a way that I can still work for the church yet be even deeper in the community and show God's love 

to a wider group! This work has been very challenging but super fulfilling! School Staff members have 

given me great feedback and want me there even more hours if I can give more time in the future! 

God is really giving me favor and open doors in this opportunity to serve the community.

* I'm still teaching Jr. Youth Sunday School and assisting with Youth at our small church 
in the community. Pray for this church! We're undergoing some deep challenges and need God's 
guidance as to how to continue to minister there. 
* After-school tutoring is going well. My student with the most learning difficulties is turning a corner 
and excelling in her school work! I'm praying about how to introduce these children to commitments to the 
Lord this year. Pray as I share the Gospel with them intentionally these next few months. 
* I've been exploring South Africa a bit more. One of my 2015 New Years resolutions was to take more 
road-trips and see my surroundings. I often get too bogged down with work and church that I don't take time 
to enjoy the beautiful country God has sent me to love. So, during the Christmas and Easter breaks, I've 
taken off with some local friends and seen God's creation. I'm amazed at how gorgeous South Africa is. 
It never gets old. 

Here are a few ways you can pray:
For the local church and renewed leadership
For me to continue to have favor with the community and have deep, fruitful relationships with locals
For children and youth to commit to the Lord and live Christian values in this community
That God would guide and open doors in renewing my Visa
For Meagan (my roommate) as she starts a new term in her 3rd year at Seminary
That God would continue to provide for all my ministry and living needs. 
Bless those who give so faithfully and sacrificially!

Youth Discipleship Group

Valentines Day Youth

Valentines Day Youth - cupcake decorating contest

Tulbagh, South Africa - beautiful mountains and hikes

Tulbagh, South Africa - top of waterfall

Good Friday Worship Service

Good Friday - Stations of the Cross Congregation Prayers

Good Friday - Stations of the Cross - red thumbprints 

Easter Sunday - Meagan preaching on a transformed life in Christ

Easter Sunday - Small Group Discussions and Lord's Supper

Road Trip to Stellenbosch and Paarl - Butterfly World, Chocolate Tasting, Cheese Farm

http://www.spiceroute.co.za/ - DeVillers Chocolate Tasting!

After-school Tutoring

After-school Art and Tutoring - playdough warm up

After-school Art in Life Boys - learning about the Value Scale

After-school Art in Life Boys -  Self Portraits Pop Art style

Art in Life Girls - Group bonding activity

Community Art Facilitators Course. Butterfly Art Project, Capricorn