South Africa

Wow! I can't believe it's actually over. Through the 20 something hour flights to ministering with the African people, time just flew by. First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to all of you who have prayed for this team. Going into this trip, we all had uncertainty of the unknown and ya'lls prayers were powerful in every way. God quickly plugged us in where we could be prosperous. So thank you again, I can't tell you enough!

I can't begin to tell you how heartbreaking it was to see the living conditions in which these people lived in! After our first day of training, Rich(the founder of Impact Africa) gave us the opportunity to hit the mission field to saturate the community with the love of Jeaus. Our initial goal was to simply lower the walls and soften the hearts of those fighting to survive in the squatter camps. We prayed for opportunities to share the Gospel and God willingly blessed us in our hut-to-hut ministry. This is what your typical hut visit would look like: every group had translators and you would approach the people to first show with our actions the love of Jesus by washing their clothes, sweeping, doing dishes etc. We would then present the Gospel and explain why we were here. God took over every conversation as he used our team as empty vessels.

We were sensitive in witnessing to these people due to the great deal of false doctrine they are under (ancestral worship, witch craft). Many people committed their lives to Christ and attended Church on the hill Tuesday morning. We had great African worship and our team shared testimonies to be followed with Heath's moving message. Throughout the week we continued discipling to the converts, furthering God's kingdom as we moved through these squatter camps.

Playing with the kids definitely humbled each one of us to say the least. Seeing the bloated stomachs of starving children broke our hearts in every way possible and we invested in them by playing soccer, teaching them songs, and simply giving them that tactical love and affection they lack daily. Our team put on kids clubs to help give the children a place of security and refuge from the corruption in the village. Working with these kids was incredible! There's so much neglected potential here.

God really moved and spoke through each and everyone of our team members these past 2 weeks. He gave us more of an understanding of our purpose on this trip as our prayers were for Him to conitue molding us into servants for Him. He definitely showed us how we could be the hands and feet of this place.

After our hut-to-hut ministry and taking part in the Impact Kids branch of this ministry, we were blessed with great experiences in enjoying the culture of South Africa. We went to the market to bargain, went on an amazing safari(legit), played with lion cubs, ate cultural food (ox tripe and mopani worms)...the lining of an ox's stomach and dried caterpillars. Let's just say I have a new appreciation for PB and J sandwiches. With devotionals every morning at 7 and camp fires at night, we worshiped and shared our highlights of the day and more moving testimonies; our bodies are physically/emotionally exhausted.

South Africa began to feel more and more like home as the weeks progressed and I will definitely continue to pray for God's provision as I yearn to answer the call to part-time or full-time missions. Thank you again for praying for us as we take absolutely no credit for what has happened these past 2 weeks. Surrendering to God's master plan and His ways have broken down every wall in our hearts, whether that be pride, materialistic habits etc. Thank you Lord for the patience and endurance. You are, without a doubt, moving and working in the lives of those in South Africa. God bless Rich and Michelle as they further Your work and answer Your callings. What authentic disciples they are. I hope to be a part of their team someday.

"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God." (2 Timothy 1:8)