Three Words I Never Expected to Say

Here are three words I never expected to say. I miss exercising. Because I've been sick an in solitary confinement, I haven't been able to exercise for about a week and I miss it. I also have missed Carmel Frappucinos and American Ice Cream this week. Funny how being sick makes you miss your usual comfort foods.

My Frustration

I talked to my brother for awhile today on Skype. No that's not my frustration. :) (Yea for being able to talk for free! Even cooler was the fact that they have a web cam which means I got to see my nieces. Even cooler then that is the fact that they will be here in June!) Anyway, we were joking that since I am home sick I should use the the time to write about my deepest feelings and emotions in a blog. So this blog is for you Josh.

My frustration is this. I have been in many meetings over the last couple of weeks- talking with people about the health care crisis our country is facing. Just in the townships near us we have thousands of children dying from AIDs monthly. Children, who if they had access to the right drugs, would be alive right now. Every week we go to the township with the hope of helping to identify children who are HIV positive and are falling through the cracks. The problem is when we find them and send them to the government clinic to get put on ARV's they often are sent home without help. The drugs are there available to people but they can't get on them.

My frustration is this: frankly, many just don't care that children are dying. And the people who seem to not care that they are dying are the ones who can do something about it. Nobody seems to want to acknowledge the fact that there is a problem much less do anything about fixing it.

Prayer Request

Please be praying for a guy from our church, Garth. His grandmother was raped and killed last week. Please pray that God would encourage and comfort him at this time and that he would stand strong. Pray also for his family- not all of them are believers. Pray that Garth would have opportunities to share the gospel with them. Thanks!

Movie Recommendation

I don't recommend movies very often (if ever) but I saw one the other day that I think is worth watching. Its called Catch a Fire. Its the story of a black man who accused a crime he didn't commit during apartheid. Its a very powerful story. Most of us have a hard time picturing what life was like in South Africa during this time period and I think that while it is a little biased in favor of the ANC , it gives you a picture of what life was like for many. It is very eye opening. (Brief disclaimer: It did have a fair amount of violence but they were violent times.) It was out in theaters while I was home in October so it should be available in your local video store.

Quarantine

Yes, I am in quarantine. I discovered this morning that I have German Measles. It is one of the side benefits of working with children. (We had a recent outbreak of them in one of the houses.) I am suppose to stay away from people for at least 5 days. Can you say stir crazy??????

Pictures from Katelhong

Meise giving out a food parcel



A picture of one of the homes we helped to build. Believe me, it is in upgrade!


Their cooking facilities

 

Updated Prayer Requests

Here are some updated prayer requests:

1. Please continue to pray for Rose. She has experienced some persecution because of the stand for Christ she has made. Pray that she remains firm in her commitment to Christ and that our times together will be profitable.

2. I spend every Thursday morning in Katlehong with a doctor (Vivi). She is not a believer. Please pray that I would have opportunities to share the gospel with her and be a faithful witness.

3. Katlehong (like most townships in South Africa) is in desperate need of a solid biblical church. Please pray that God would raise one up that we could minister along side.

4. Please pray for the two small groups I am leading at church. Pray that these women would be equipped to minister to other women in our church.

5. Please continue to pray for my safety. I currently in the township once a week and will be going more frequently in the coming weeks. The township is not a particularly safe place.

6. I am in the process of applying for permanent residency. Please pray that God grants me favor in the eyes of those making the decisions.

Question of the day

Yesterday someone asked me, "So if I pray in my heart and not out loud can God hear me?" It would have been a cute question if one of the children had asked me that but it actually was one of the staff workers. It kind of gives you a perspective on how little the women I work with know about spiritual things.