| Friday |
 |
 |
 |
|
Molo,
That's "hello" in Khosa. This morning, God gave us a break in the rain to go door to door in the informal settlement community of Barcelona. The homes in Barcelona are basically recycled structures with dirt paths linking them ... and it often seems like a maze. I was amazed how clean the ladies could get their laundry when all of it was done by hand in two wash tubs and then hung on a line to dry. It is very humbling to think that most of us have camped in more luxury than these people live on a daily basis. As we walked door to door, we tried to find ways to help them with their chores....laundry, carrying water, etc. Very few would accept our help, but all but a few allowed us to pray for them. Most of the time, they requested that we pray for them to find a job. We were surprised how many didn't seem to know about Jesus...even a little bit. For the first time in my life, I encountered someone who couldn't recognize themself as a sinner....much less a sinner in need of The Savior. Even though we won't be here to continue sharing with these people, it is our prayer that they will form a relationship with Pastor Julius and come to a more complete understanding of who Jesus is.....and not that He would change their living conditions or take away their many problems, but that He would be WITH them. After lunch, we witnessed a "graduation" of sorts at Zanokhanyo. We heard many individuals give their testimony of how they had found or recommitted their lives to Christ in this Christ-centered job preparation course. So many of these people desire to work and support their families...but jobs are so hard to find. As these students were sharing their talent, we were blessed by the beautiful songs of their culture that poured from their hearts. Zanokhanyo plans to disciple these students on an on-going basis and help them assimilate into a Bible-believing church. How can you pray? Tomorrow morning (Saturday), we will be having a kids club at Barcelona. In many ways, "Saturday Kids Club" is much like VBS where students not only hear the Scriptures, but are engaged through games, music, drama, and crafts. We are hoping that their parents come as well to meet Pastor Julius and hear about Jesus. At 5:30 pm, we head to the airport for the first leg of our journey home. Please pray that we will board the plane without any trouble, for our safety, and that we might get some rest on our flights. Many of us have been battling a cold....I guess that's what happens when you get to experience a little bit of winter winds. :-) I think two questions burn in all of our hearts.... 1) What can we do to make a real difference when there is so much need? 2) How can we open ourselves to help others at home? It's so easy to do nothing because the need is overwhelming....I know the key is prayer. We all need God's wisdom how to best use our time, talents, and resources to meet these needs. In addition, we cannot meet spiritual needs....without meeting physical needs. But it is not enough to simply meet physical needs...we need to be faithful to plant the spiritual needs and let God provide the increase. To Him Be All Glory! Looking forward to seeing y'all and having a big glass of iced tea! Love, Kelly |
The Team
Sierra Duncan
Alan, Eda, and Lydia Hartless
Pastor Joe, Kelly and Emily Schwenk
Lucas Tomazinis
Prayer Points
Discernment: Philippians 1:9-11 
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God
Spiritual Warfare: Eph 6:10-12
Finally, be strong in the Lord and mighty in His power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rules, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Boldness: Eph 6:19
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel
Protection: Psalm 91:9-10
Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place – the Most High who is my refuge – no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.
Strength: Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faith.
Restoration: Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness the prisoners.