This past month, Iāve had the opportunity to experience the beauty of South Africa! South Africans are very proud of their country, and it has been so awesome to be a part of it. Weāve tried countless dishes with curry, and they do barbecues so well. The culture is incredibly diverse, and Durban has the second-largest Indian population, second only to India itself. This month has been filled with so much joy, rest, and getting out of my comfort zone.
We stayed at a place called Transhaven for one week, which was a venue right on the beach! That week provided much-needed rest after our long travels. We celebrated Christmas there, which was so much fun! We went to church and were invited to a Christmas lunch at a family’s house, and it was so sweet! This Christmas was different because it stripped away all the materialistic aspects. No snow, no big Christmas tree, no presents, and no family around. It placed all the focus on Jesus, and there was nothing distracting from that, which was so good. Not that the extra fluff around Christmas is bad, but it’s important to focus on the true reason for the season.
After that, we spent a week at an orphanage called LIV Village! We led a holiday program, which was essentially VBS. We did songs, shared a small message, and played lots and lots of games! The whole week, we focused on the Christmas story, and on the last day, we held a birthday party for Jesus with water games all day! It was so sweet! These kids are filled with so much joy, and it was a blessing to work with them and see how the Lord is moving there. I loved the campusāit was beautiful and surrounded by hills!
We welcomed in the new year with capture the flag, sparklers, and the most fireworks Iāve ever seen! After the village, we stayed in Cloof for three weeks. Here, we worked in retirement homes, evangelized in malls, preached in schools, and prayed and encouraged people in apartments. We were blessed to stay in a house with a pool! Ministry here has taught me how to incorporate ministry into everyday life. We began sharing the gospel in every Uber ride we took, and it has been so fruitful. I had the opportunity to pray for and encourage a lady while I was simply checking out at the storeājust because I was obedient. The gospel is the good news, so why wouldnāt we share it? Through our time being here there has been 44 salvations! This is huge!
My favorite part of the ministry was working at the retirement homes. We exchanged testimonies, learned more about their lives, and it was the sweetest thing ever. I was filled with so much joy working with them! They sang songs with us, played games, and even had us sing the national anthem for them, which was so funny to me. This past month, I have been able to enjoy the little things and realize the beauty it is when you truly take in every moment. I am incredibly blessed to be in South Africa and to be part of all that God is doing here!
āGod presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his bloodāto be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished. He did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.ā
Romans 3:25-26
Prayer Requests:
- Safe travels to Eswatini- Iāll be here from Jan26-into March!
- Restoration in families
- Hearts to be softened to hear the gospel, and boldness in people to share
Email me with any prayer requests
