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 sowell. 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
