For the past couple of months, our church has been getting very involved in doing ministry in a part of PE called Central. Central is known as being rougher and higher crime than most places in PE.

After church on Sunday nights, a team goes out to ministry on and around Parliament Street. Parliament Street doesn't have the best reputation and is filled with homeless, drunks, and drug lords. The team that ministers walks up and down the street praying for people and businesses as well as handing out food and blankets. I have gone to Sunday night street ministry a couple of times and we have really been able to bless a lot of people. The more that the team goes, the less people are on the streets. The prayers of God's people are heard by Him! One group has seen a guy go from being a drug dealer to a car guard, which isn't the greatest job, but at least it is honourable, and he has begun preaching and ministering to others!

Also, on Sunday afternoons, I have the awesome privilege of taking young people into Central to spend time with a family that I met randomly through a friend of a friend. This family is Pastor Prosper and his wife (I forget her name) and their 13 children! The parents are refugees from the DRC (Congo) and the kids are also refugees from both the Congo and Zambia. The kids range from ages 5 to about 21 or 22. This family of 15 lives in a two-bedroom apartment. There are mattresses everywhere for them to sleep on. Some kids sleep in closets, and others share a twin mattress. The parents are the only ones of the 15 that have an actual bed. Because they are refugees, it is virtually impossible to get employed by anyone, thus, they have no income. Their rent is R3300 a month (about $450), which is actually pretty expensive for that area and for being such a run-down place. I have no idea how they pay their rent or put food on the table. I'm sure that they often don't make their rent. When I asked Pastor Prosper where his money comes from, he said "from God." The kids all take taxis to school, and if there is no money for the taxi, the kids cannot go to school that day.

We have had such a good time getting to know this family. They are so incredible in their faith and they are teaching their children to grow up in the knowledge that everything comes from their Heavenly Father. So, on Sunday afternoons, the group of us, generally about 5 or so, take some of the younger kids out to the park to play on the swings, play cards, and run around. I feel so full of joy when I am with them. The kids literally wait around for us on a Sunday afternoon and get so excited when our cars pull up. Pastor said that this is the highlight of their week every single week. My friend Philippa and I have begun going during the week as well. We are going Tuesday and Thursday afternoons to help some of the kids with their homework. They are very eager to learn, which is great. But unfortunately, they all go to less than par schools, which means the actually teaching and learning is minimal.

Last week, my grandfather passed away. Grandpa went to Heaven on March 2, exactly a month to the day after Grandma, who went to be with Jesus February 2.

It's been a long and hard road for the both of them, and especially those who walked close with them in their final days. Thanks to all of the Rush family who has been there every step of the way during this time. I can't help but feel a bit guilty not being at home in California to support my family, especially my dad.

My grandparents were some of the most loving and generous people I ever knew. They have been nothing but supportive to each of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They loved to travel. They have been around the world and to countless countries. Some of my favourite memories are the cruises that we took with them. I can remember just how fun it was to be so "grown up" hanging out with my older cousins who chartered me around as if I was the most important person to them. I can still remember seeing my Grandparents walking hand and hand on the decks of the cruise ships.

In my 24 years, I have only missed a handful of Christmas's at the "Pa's". Christmas was such a tradition in our family that we would very rarely miss. And to anyone who argues that Christmas Eve isn't really Christmas, they are sincerely mistaken. Christmas Eve at the Grandparents house IS Christmas. We always had a nice big Christmas dinner, complete with carols, and opening packages. The tree never changed in all my years, and I'm sure it was the same tree even before I was born. Many of us would sleep over and awaken to our "Santa gifts," which were normally a very random array of things, but nonetheless, this was tradition. My family would generally stay until just after Christmas brunch, and then head home.

Grandma and Grandpa came to Africa in 1983(?) I believe. They traveled through Kenya as well as South Africa and possibly other countries. This would have been two years before I was born, and they could still remember every detail. This is no surprise, though. Anyone who knew them would tell you that they would never forget anyone they met or a place they had been. I remember speaking about Africa with them, and it was one of the last conversations face to face with G&G just before I left to come back to South Africa.

I know I'm leaving out so much. They lived such full lives; there would be no way to capture all of the memories and how much they meant to me. Grandma went quite suddenly, but Grandpa was a fighter and, as my dad mentioned, kept a smile on his face until the very end. They both would have turned 90 this year. Incredible. They were soul mates on earth, and they are together again to worship the King forever.

I've been back from Refilwe in Johannesburg for a week and a half already and wow did I love it.

I left for Jo'burg expectant of what I might experience as far as the ministry at Refilwe goes. Refilwe is such a great organization that effectively reaches out to the surrounding communities.  As I mentioned in my previous blog, one of their biggest ministries is God-parent (or foster family) homes. There are multiple homes of between 4-6 children living in each. Refilwe does such an excellent job of empowering people in the informal settlements (townships) to be self sustainable. They teach crafts and trades that these people might be able to then support themselves. While I was there, I went with one of the staff to check the status of a few of their up and coming entrepreneurs. The on-site primary school at Refilwe is significantly smaller than other schools, which provides a more one-on-one environment for the children.  There will be many opportunities for me at Refilwe that I am so excited about. There is a youth program that is still growing, which I will be involved in, especially the girl's ministry side. I'll also be doing a lot of admin (much needed!), and will hopefully get to spend a significant amount of time in the community.

My time at Refilwe was so nice because I got to spend quality time with Piet. We haven't been in the same place for longer than a few days until this trip. Having a long distance relationship is not easy. Most of the time it's a struggle, but the one thing that keeps me going is knowing we don't have to be apart for too much longer. While I was there, he took me to a game park, we went ice skating, had a couple braais, some fancy dinners, and I spent a lot of time with his family (whom I absolutely love!).  Oh yeah, he even put me to work! Haha... It's fine; he's lucky I enjoy doing admin.

I've decided to move up to Johannesburg a little sooner than anticipated. Because I'll be going back to the US for the month of May, I've decided it makes a lot more sense to move just before I leave so that when I return, I can jump straight into my new ministry. So, I am already starting now to say my goodbyes and beginning to close up my time in Port Elizabeth. I only have 8 more weeks of ministry. It doesn't seem like that long.

I can't wait to be a part of Refilwe. I feel that I fit so well. It is such an encouraging place that has rescued so many, and they are continuing to grow. Though I've been establishing my roots in SA for the last year and a half, I'll finally be settling in a place that I don't plan on leaving anytime soon.

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If you are interested in supporting me financially, checks can be sent to Discovery Church, 5860 Las Positas Road, Livermore, Ca 94551. Checks can be made payable to "Discovery Church" with "South Africa" in the memo line.  Checks can also be made out to "The Stirring" with "South Africa" in the memo line, and sent to 1348 Market St. #201, Redding, Ca 96001

I often say that I don't want to live an ordinary life. I want to be extraordinary. This has nothing to do with me, but everything to do with Jesus.

Someone who I feel exemplifies out-of-the-box Christian living is Shane Claiborne. A few years back he wrote an incredible book called The Irresistible Revolution and I am currently finishing up his latest book called Jesus for President.

The essence of this book is that the politics of Jesus are so much higher than ours. Imagine if Jesus were sitting in the White House, or on the "throne" over the Kingdom of Swaziland. Perhaps things would look a little different.

The last section of this book displays radical Christians who are revolutionizing the world. This is my dream, my hope, my desire! Another longing of mine is that we wouldn't have to label "radical" Christians vs. "normal" Christians. We should all be living outrageously every single day. Listen to a few of these stories:

Shane speaks about a robotics engineer who used to make robots for himself and to impress people, but began thinking about how he could use his skills to make a difference in God's Kingdom. He now designs robots to dismantle land mines in countries like Afghanistan so children can play freely.

How about massage therapy? One lady kindly and gently washes and massages the feet of women involved in sex trafficking who walk the red-light district all night long.  

And how about practicing being green? One community has a washing machine that is powered by a stationary bicycle. They are not only saving precious energy that we often take for granted, but are also being good to themselves.

This last story may be my favourite. A prison chaplain was suddenly overwhelmed by the hopelessness of the lives of the prisoners he saw regularly. So, he decided to turn the prison into a monastery where men would become like a family of monks. They would attend retreats, confess sins, and when they were back in their "monastic cell" they would spend time with God at their own personal altar.

There are a myriad of other stories of people refusing to pay war taxes, making their own clothes, growing their own food, taking in elderly widows, and even an Amish community who actively making peace with those who have wronged them.

I hope this small bit is inspiring, because it has definitely fanned the flame of my heart to do something great for God and His Kingdom. Let's put hands and feet to our faith and do something, anything – as long as it's not ordinary.

I can hardly believe that today is the 1^st of February. South Africans tell me I speak more like them everyday. My heart really has become a part of this place; I can't even imagine a life back in the US. I have been in South Africa for a grand total of a year and a half! I've been living in PE for a year now! One of my first blogs about living in PE was Fear Factor night at FIREhouse. And we just had Fear Factor again this past Saturday. It's strange to think that was a year ago already!

I have yet to mention my future plans here in South Africa. I've been tossing around a few ideas for a while, but mainly I've been waiting on the Lord to confirm that my will is aligned with his. I think most people that know me always knew I'd stay here forever.

There is a new opportunity for me in Johannesburg, which is about a 12 hour drive from Port Elizabeth. The organization is called Refilwe (see Refilwe.org for more details) and it is located just outside the Lanseria airport. This community project provides many opportunities to young children to realize dreams and "break the cycle of poverty" as their motto states. Some of their projects include God Parent foster families, an on-sight school, day care, youth program, and reaching out to the surrounding communities in varies ways. The more I learn about the NGO, the more I see myself a part of it. At the moment, the program is very 1-dimensional to me because I am only reading or hearing from others. But this will soon change as I am going to visit the centre in a week's time. You can be praying for me that the Lord speaks loud and clear while I'm there.

As much as I love being in Port Elizabeth, I still feel like something is missing. I've been feeling like this for a few months now. My heart is so content in the ministries I am involved in, but there is a definite lack of interaction with the poor. This is where my heart comes alive. I have had many prophesies spoken over me that I was created to work with people in the community and with the poor. I believe this is the perfect opportunity that God is providing for me. At the moment, I am planning on making the big move to Joburg in the beginning of July.

Another big change in my life that I haven't yet mentioned is my new relationship. It was through him that I learned about Refilwe. I met Piet in Jeffreys Bay back in September, and we hit it off right away. He is a South African with a beautiful heart after God, which beats for Africa and the poor. He is very strong and challenges me to be more like Jesus.

I am so excited about what God has in store for me. He is taking me on the adventure of a lifetime.

The story of Abraham has many comparative aspects to my life at the moment. I keep referring back to it.

Genesis 12:1-3 The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you."

Abram, whose name later became Abraham, left everything behind to follow the Lord. He had no idea where he was going. All he had was the promise of the Lord; so he clung to it. Instead of giving Abram the big picture, God directed his steps along the way. This has been so characteristic to my life. God rarely, if ever, gives me the big picture. He places a dream upon my heart, but doesn't let me know how I will get there. He reveals each step when the time is perfect. I, like Abraham, will live as a foreigner for most of my life.

A big struggle in my life is trying to play God in my life. I admit that I can be manipulative of my future, my relationships, and my life. I want things to work out in my favor that I end up trying to take control and doing everything myself, my way.

We see two significant times in scripture when Abraham tries to do things his way, rather than waiting on the promises that God has granted him. Firstly, Abraham lies to Pharaoh saying that his wife Sarai (Sarah) is actually his sister. He fears death and steps out from under God's protection in order to protect his own life. Secondly, we see Abraham doubting God's promise. God promised that Abraham would be the father of all nations, and that the nations would be blessed through him. But Abraham and his wife were very old, and he doubted that they would have children. So, he did what he thought he had to. Sarai presented her maidservant to Abraham to sleep with in order that she would bear children for them. They tried to force God's hand once again and did things their way rather than waiting on the promise that God gave them. God never breaks a promise, nor can He lie. His Word cannot come back void.

There is one more very well-known story about Abraham that I want to compare my journey with. When Abraham finally received the son he had been promised, his faith was harshly tested. God asked Abraham to bring his promised son, whom through which the nations would be blessed, to the top of the mountain to be sacrificed as an offering. God is teaching me that He is always faithful unto his promises, but he will test my faith. He gives us good things, but we have to be willing to let them go. We have to trust God so strongly that we are willing to give up to the point of death, that which we cling to.

Abraham was a righteous man, very full of faith. Though he made a few blunders here and there it is said of him, the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith, Genesis 15:6. I want this to be said of me! May I never doubt God's promises that He has clearly spoken over my life. May he find me upright and walking in truth and faith!

I would guess that many of my readers know nothing or very little about the affects of the Apartheid. Sure, we hear about it and maybe we can compare it to the civil rights movement in the US, but the history of this country is still very young, and everyone has something to say about how the Apartheid personally affected them.

Even living here I don't know a whole lot about it, but I have learned a lot along the way. I've heard stories straight from many people whether white, black, or coloured.

District Six is an area in Cape Town where a big majority of coloured people used to live. They had their comfortable little community right in the heart of Cape Town. They were well located because they could easily walk or take taxis to work and to the shops. They lived in nice houses, and many of them had significantly large homes. During the Apartheid, the whites came in and took over their land and forced them out of their homes because of something called the Group Areas Act. Each race had to have their own communities in designated areas of town. The whites wouldn't give them any eviction notice, but simply threw them out and seized everything. They even arrested people in their own homes. The coloured people were displaced and forced to live in small government houses way out of town. They lost most of their things because their new accommodation could not hold all of their belongings. The whites then built up the land in places like District Six. While in Cape Town, I visited Mitchell's Plain where a large number of coloureds live today. The houses are nice, but very small and very close together. If they want to add on to their homes, they are forced to build upwards. While driving through, it was interesting to see what they had done to these homes. I could see that many of the homes had been remodeled.

Mitchell's Plain is quite a far distance out of town, 40 minutes maybe. So, during the Apartheid, and even now, they have to travel quite a far distance to get to work. The reason that they haven't moved back into town now that the Apartheid is over is because of two things. They are comfortable now in their communities, though they are far away, and because of money. They now have to spend money on traveling in and out of town.

These people were degraded and dehumanized. Something I find interesting is that coloured people always find themselves stuck in the middle. The white people often see themselves as the superiors of the country, and the blacks are often seen as inferior. Coloureds are somewhere in between. And even now, the government is trying to make up for the way the blacks have been ill treated. They are almost getting special treatment now. This means that, again, the coloureds are still "second best."

I spent the whole time in Cape Town as the only white person among coloured people and I loved it. They are so hospitable and very friendly. I feel as though I've made new family. It's such a blessing to me that people don't even know me, yet they accept me as I am and treat me as someone very important.

I love South Africa with all my heart. You won't ever be able to take it out of me.

Flew to Cape Town.

Cute rental car.

Met lots of Jody's extended family.

Not much sleep.

Green Market Square.

District Six museum – displacement of Coloured peoples in Cape Town, very sad.

Visited Mitchell's Plain – where Coloureds currently live.

Ate a Gatsby.

V & A Waterfront.

Not much sleep.

Beach.

Ethiopian restaurant – yum! Ate with my hands.

Experienced lots of Coloured culture.

Drive to Paarl.

Met more of Jody's family.

Wine Tasting.

Ate lunch in prison served by prisoners.

Afrikaans monument.

Mall.

Indoor Ice Skating.

Barely any sleep.

Wake up at 4 am, leave Cape Town at 5 am.

Drive 10 hours.

Randomly saw Chelsea in Knysna, ran down the street after her car.

   

Even though I'm not in the land of twinkling Christmas lights, black Friday, and holiday decorations on every corner, I can still feel that the Holiday season has begun. I have been to multiple end of year parties, kids are finally finished with exams and out of school, and our holiday program is in full swing.

Two Fridays ago was the Young Adult end of year party. It was a Thanksgiving dinner and dance party. Because this was my third Thanksgiving away from my family, it was very refreshing to be with people that I care about and that want to experience a new tradition.

The dinner was not too different than the Thanksgiving that I am used to. We had turkey (I made my very first turkey all by myself!), mash potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, salad, vegetables, and dessert. I really missed cranberries with my sweet potatoes. Unfortunately they are only native to North America. Also, I was really looking forward to pumpkin pie, but the pumpkins are a bit different here. The evening was a definite success. Thanksgiving is not Thanksgiving without handmade turkeys made from our traced hands.

Ithemba, the school for disabled children, had their Christmas play on Tuesday. They performed only for themselves, but they got all dressed up in white sheets and played the parts of Mary and Joseph, the inn keepers, sheep, goats, and angels.

The Firehouse end of the year party was a real hit. We had a Mexican evening where we ate nachos and dressed like senors and senoritas! A few of the kids ate habenero peppers and their tongues turned black!

I had lots more holiday events that I didn't even mention such as our youth cell group traveling supper, young adult cell group end of year supper, and our Children's Church holiday Christmas pageant.

From here until mid January are social events and holiday clubs. So, this will be a nice time to take things easy for a bit.