Since getting back into the states back on Aug 10th I’ve been pretty busy. Travelled a bit. Attended a few meetings. Caught up with family and friends. Took a little roadtrip to St. Louis. And continue to work on things for Nsoko.
Many have asked me, “what’s next?”, I’m currently helping work on creating a structure to help sustain the ministry down in Nsoko. I’ve been able to work along some amazing leaders in Scott Borg (AIM) and Bob Mudd (CHC). I’m excited to see what’s in store for what’s going on in Swaziland. I will be flying back over on September 14th to train some people that are moving over. It’ll be good to get back, see all of the children and my friends there, and help with this crucial transition.
I’m currently sorting through some pictures from this summer and hope to have some up on the blog here within the next week. In the meantime I’d encourage you to take a look at what Children’s Hopechest is doing as we will soon be expanding the operation in Swazi to include more carepoint in and around Nsoko.
“How was your summer/trip/last few months? What all did you do?”
This always seems like such a simple question to those who ask it, but as I return from another trip to Swazi I find it is still a daunting question. How does one recap 3 months? How do you share countless stories and explain all the people you built relationships with, from Sphey, Gogo Lele, to Mac the Afrikaans shop owner? How do you recount all the stories of joy and life to those of sorrow and death.
As I looked back through a jam-packed summer with so many highs and lows, I’m content when I think about all of the teams that came through and what we did. Especially as I read Matthew 25, when Jesus explains what we did for the least of these we did unto him.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,”
- So much of my time, as well as the teams, was focused on the care-points. In Nsoko, we have 9 care-points which collectively feed hundreds of orphans and vulnerable children.
- I was able to bring bags of food to the Myeni family and see their faces light up with joy and gratitude. As they’ve faced so much loss over the last year with losing a couple of the few remaining men left on the homestead, the children and women there were in desperate need.
- We continued to take food, water and a few other supplies to the four orphaned boys living across the road with one of the gogos in the area.
- We helped provide Baca who is 14 or 15 years old with food to look after her sisters.
- We gave Clive (14yrs) our friend at the center that isn’t going to school and lives on his own, some food.
- And there are countless other stories.
“I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,”
- Installing 200+ meters of piping to run water to from the pump to a water tap in the community.
- Taking jugs of water to the sick and elderly in the community.
“I was a stranger and you invited me in,”
- We build numerous relationships with those in the area:
- Veli: a guy on the soccer team that wanted to work as a translator, joined our team and became a great friend.
- Themaswati: a good friend of Nombali’s who helped with teams towards the second half of the summer and was an excellent role model to girls in the community.
- Bongiwe: a girl finishing up school that joined the George Fox team and became a dear sister to so many girls on the team.
The list goes on and on….
“I needed clothes and you clothed me,”
-Thanks to amazing people like Becca and her organization “Threads for Kids”, as well as Zech’s and Morgan’s team, and all the clothes that myself and other brought we were able to clothe so many children in the community.
“I was sick and you looked after me,”
- Sadly sickness (HIV/AIDS, TB, etc) is terribly prevalent in Swaziland. So we spent a lot of time visiting those who were ill. Brining food and spending time with Topsile. Or taking food and clothes to Nonhlahal and just listening to her share her story.
- Also, Morgan’s team helped create Legacy Books which are an amazing way to come alongside those sick and dying of AIDs and tell their stories. Far too often the children in Swaziland lose their parents at such a young age they have few memories and rarely any pictures to hang on to. The Legacy Book is a book that is comprised of pictures (taken and printed by the team) as well as stories that help pass on the life and love of those that are dying to their children.
“I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
- While we didn’t much time in the prisons, I was able to build a solid friendship with a couple of guys that used to be in prison. One of them even got arrested while I was there and fortunately everything worked out that he wasn’t charged.
So while my mind always races with answer on how to explain what all ‘we did’ this summer, I think I’m going to just answer, “We tried to bring some light to an often very dark place. We tried to look after orphans and widows. We tried to treat the least of these as if they we Christ himself.”
Here’s a link to Morgan’s blog. It give s a great glimpse into their last week here. Its been great having their team down in Nsoko and seeing the impact they have through Legacy Books and Kidz Games.
Sorry its been so long. I’ve had multiple teams here this last week. However, I did want to spend maybe two more blogs on Peter.
We’ve talked about Peter’s strengths, but he definitely had his flaws. In Mark 14, right after the last supper, Jesus says, “You will all fall away, by the way.” For it is written I will strike the Shepard and the sheep will be scattered. But after I have risen I will go ahead of you into Galilee. Peter immediately, “EVEN IF all fall away, I will not.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today, yes tonight even, before the rooster crows twice, you yourself will disown me three times.” Now look at Peter’s response. He insists, “Even if I have to die with you I will never disown you.”
I read that and think, “wow, what devotion.” Then I look at the story. Jesus is arrested by the soldiers. A few disciples follow at a safe distance, making it to the courtyard. As they stand around the fire, Peter’s loyalty quickly fades. A girl. Yes, a teenaged girl is what causes Peter’s sudden turn around. There is certainly a disconnect between Peter’s words and the reality of where he is with Jesus.
So here is Peter, ridden with failure and shame. Staring in the face the difference of what he thought he was capable of and the reality of what he was truly capable of. We see Peter not as a solid rock, but shifting sand. One who is far more confident in his own ability then in Jesus’ ability to do in him what needed to be done.
With all of this in mind, take a look at John chapter 21. Right after Peter has seen Jesus on the shore and he jumps out to swim to him, He find Jesus waiting. Waiting with fish and bread. After eating we pick up verse 15 thru 19….
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?”
He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hand, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
What a great passage. Look at how Jesus interacts, its almost too harsh, isn’t it? He’s going after Peter. Peter realizes it. John even tells us that Peter is hurt by this. You imagine Peter nearly in tears, as he whispers his third response…
“Lord you know that I do, you know all things.”
So you see all of Peter’s failures, all of his sin. For that matter all of your sin, and my sin, it was all confronted and defeated on the cross.
Peter has been forgiven. I have been forgiven. You have been forgiven.
However, we get wrapped up in the memories of our failures. Much like Peter’s case the effects of sin linger on much longer in our minds after they’ve been forgiven. Even though his sin has been forgiven, he is being haunted by his old failings and the distance between the picture he had of himself, in regards to his devotion to Christ, and the truth of what happened when questioned, when put under just a bit of stress.
When I started these posts on Peter, I talked about how he was stuck. Jesus knows the scope of his life and all that he will do in it, but Peter is stuck. He’s still trapped in the results of his failure and his shame. Before Peter can move on to where Jesus is going, before he can be the rock on which Jesus builds his church, his shame and his failure must be addressed. You have to probe into the depths of the pain.
Friends,
I know that news have started making the rounds about family leaving Nsoko following our sabbatical. Yes they are true.
We believe this is the will of God. I understand that to some of you that will be hard to understand but in time you will understand what I mean. Serving in Nsoko, taking it from a barren hopeless place it was to the lively energetic place it is now, was all but the grace of God.
Tribute
May I take this time to pay tribute to a family. They are affectionatly known as the Black Tribe. Gary Black and his family are the real reason God chose to establish Nsoko. They trusted God and moved to Swaziland as a family and listened to the Spirit leading. They also with integrity wanted to see God using local a local person making a difference. They empowered Philile and I, Nsoko was born and the rest is history. Thank you Gary and Lisa for your lifetime friendship and unconditional love.
Others
Thank you to Seth and Karen, Scott and Marcia, and never forgetting Andrew Shearman who ordained me as the first Africa G42 pastor. Thank you guys for the roles you have played in our lives.
Mission Teams
To all the teams that have come to Nsoko: World Racers- you guys made Nsoko what it is today. Real Life Teams, you guys brought a different dimension that has led to having somebody like Matt Slawson holding the reigns as we leave. Young Adults led by Morgan- what can I say? Morgan, you were the first to lead a team to Nsoko and you kept coming back.
It is impossible to say thank you to you all. Vision Trips 2007, 2008 and 2009. You are amazing people all of you. Adult team led by Scott Borg…thank you to you all.
What Next?
God is leading us somewhere else and we are sure that we have laid the foundation in Nsoko and it is time to go to another community. To know more email me giftmistries@yahoo.com.
We love you all.
Gift a.k.a PG or Pastor Gift
Here’s a blog from Kati who’s here with 4 other girls who are nursing students.
Sometimes I wonder if someone came to Nsoko without any prior knowledge of the HIV/AIDs epidemic, how long would it take him or her to wonder what was going on? Would they wonder why so many of the children are missing one or both of their parents? Would they wonder why those who are frail and deathly ill are in their beds? Would they wonder when they saw a whole section of the hospital especially for ARV Treatment or heard the woman there say that 42% of the mothers admitted there are positive? Or maybe they would really wonder why one of the questions at youth group with the girls was “where did HIV come from and how can we preventing it?”
Then I think the flip side of this question—how long would it take to forget? Would they forget in all the huge smiles of the children? Or the beautiful singing at church? Or maybe in the intensely fun games of netball or soccer? I’m not sure how the person who had no prior knowledge would take all this, but I know how I do. I forget so often. I get caught up in the love, joy, and laughter and seem to get my heart broken, and re-broken each time something hard comes up…which is on about a tri-daily basis. I haven’t gotten used to it, and I hope I never will. I hope it never becomes the status quo in my heart to see the pain and suffering caused by this horrible disease.
…. On a more non-organized or well-written note, here is a rundown of week one:
So much can change in a year!! That was apparent as soon as we entered the center aka our home. We now have SHOWERS in the center, with hot water sometimes!! What?! We don’t just get 5 small bits of chicken once a week, but instead, have a standard portion of meat in our meals three times a week. We now have a table and chairs, an extra toilet, a fan, and a new ride! The Kombi that looked like a 1970’s hippie van (which I personally loved) is out, and the Toyota Noah (like a mini-mini-van) is in! I feel like I’m at the Nsoko Hilton!! Oh, well…minus the fact that we have also developed a new extreme cockroach problem, ha. They are EVERYWHERE, but it doesn’t really bother me? Ha.
Another thing that has changed are the children! My gosh they have all grown so much! I feel like my mom saying it, but really my babies are getting so big! However, I will say, waiting a year to reunite with people you love, makes that reunion very dramatically awesome! Thandie and I ran 20ft each and met in a giant hug, and as some of the kids said “Kati!” we embraced with that same enthusiasm. Ahhh, so awesome. Especially to think, they had no clue I was returning, so it was just like…Surprise! Ha J
On a more ministry related note—we have had such a great week with a good bit of variety. We have done many carepoint visits, which is always awesome. We taught lessons, fetched water (it took 45 minutes and was like Be Hope to Her in real life), held the kids, and played games. We also did some house visits—one was with a very sick man who was delighted that we came to give him food and pray with him, and the other was with a gogo (grandma) of one of our translators or ministry partners, Mxolisi. This was such a great visit that I will elaborate on more one day. We have had women’s time, youth time, church, sorted medical supplies, visited the hospital and of course an epic netball game (usa vs. swazi). Overall, I am more than thrilled to be back to my second home here and even more thrilled to share it with some of my very best friends J That’s all for now!
So last time I talked about Peter and how he was ’stuck’. Unable to move forward, but yet can’t go back. I want to take a better look at who Peter was.
Peter, seemed to me, to be one the disciples very close to Jesus (along with James and John). They where there for all the key events during Jesus’ ministry. So what made Peter one of the few?
I don’t think it’s what Peter “did”…. I mean we know he didn’t always say or do the right things. But I think its about Peter’s heart. We often miss it. Its not even always about ‘what we are doing’, but more about where are heart is at. I mean, I think God is pretty unimpressed with our appearance, intellect, and money. Or those that have it all together, clearly Peter didn’t. God’s values aren’t our values.
The Old Testament talks about David, and how he was a man after God’s own heart. If you think about that for a minute its amazing, when you consider how notorius a sinner David was. See, its not our ability to be “sin-free” that commends us towards God. Granted, I’m not saying we should go crazy and sin like David. But we embrace sin because we have hearts that are searching for something more. Its apparent in David’s life. The more he hungers for God, the more willing he is to cling to something less than God. Even though David isn’t always willing to do what it takes to get all the way there, God doesn’t disqualify him. Underneath all of David’s sin God sees a man who is trying to be obedient and that loves Him. I think Peter has a very similar heart. They both are willing just to abandon themselves and seek after God.
If you look back at Peter, early in Mark’s gospel, you see Peter’s brother Andrew arrange a meeting between Jesus and Peter. Jesus says, “You are Simon, follow me, I will make you a fisher of men.” I’ll be honest, doesn’t seem like much, certainly not enough for Peter to give up his livelihood. Regardless of what Jesus said, it was enough and Peter was hooked.
In John’s account Jesus says “You are Simon, you will now be called Cephas (meaing Rock).” So Christ looks at Peter, sees his heart, his potential, and claims…you were this, now you’ll be this. I’ll be honest I think that really is what captured Peter. God sees in him what others haven’t. “Anytime people speak into our lives and see the core of who we are and then have the courage to invite us to be a better version of ourselves than we might otherwise be, then its always a good thing to follow after.”
This story of Peter’s is far from over, but I need to run. Until next time.
So out of the 20 states that have people who read this blog…I found it pretty interesting to see the top 5.
1. Missouri (hometown)
2. Alabama
3. Georgia
4. Illinois
5. Tie: Indiana & Oregon
As I’ve been reading the gospel of John lately, I find Peter to be a pretty interesting character. I’ve been trying to put myself in Peter’s shoes. Through out the book of John Jesus makes some pretty extraordinary statements, that I think His disciples fail to grasp. If you have time give John a read, and this will probably make a lot more sense.
“I tell you a time is coming when you will do these very same things you’ve seen me doing, in fact you will do even greater things then you have seen me do. It is for this reason that I must go.” - Jesus in John 14
Think about that for a second, from their perspective. You’ve been journeying along, seeing all of these things, miraculous things and then you’re told that you will do even greater things. But wait…what’s this about “I must go”. I mean that’s a lot for them to digest right then…not only taking on such tremendous responsibility but that their rabbi will be leaving.
Again in chapter 16 He says, “It is better for you that I go.” I’m trying to picture myself standing there next to Christ, and thinking…”You know, I was thinking the exact same thing. Its about time to get out of dodge.” But yet that’s what He’s saying…It is better for you that I go, not because you’ve grown tired of me, but because the scope of God’s ministry is so expansive it can’t be contained in one person any longer. The reason I have to go is so I can send an advocate, a spirit to now take up residence in you. You will now be vessels of the Holy Spirit.
It almost feels as if they are being betrayed by Jesus’ presence. They can’t even imagine more, because of what their eyes are seeing. Knowing and seeing Jesus do these things is not enough. They had to be broken and shed open to receive something new. It was in Jesus going, in His death that they were broken. It completely ruined their expectations of what they though God was up to.
The disciples are supposed to be ambassadors reconciling and restoring the world through hope and love. But in John 20 and 21 (after the crucifixion) all we see is a bunch of really confused people. Despite all their time spent with Him they are unprepared and uncertain of how to proceed.
In this time Jesus only appears a few times, almost haphazardly. As you look at chapter 21 you notice Peter getting a little fed up. Its funny, because like any of us, in his frustration Peter goes back to what he knows. He goes fishing.
We’re told that they fish the whole night and don’t catch a thing. He can’t go back. No matter what, you can’t go back after Jesus has showed up. You can’t hold on to what it was before. I can’t even fathom the frustration Peter’s got to be feeling. I mean he has got to be pretty pissed at this point.
Then he hears someone call out from the shore…”Haven’t you caught any fish? Try throwing your nets on the other side of the boat?” What happens…the nets are now bursting with fish. I can imagine John whispering to Peter, almost out of fear and excitement, “It is the Lord.” So naturally Peter hops out of the boat and heads towards the shore.
To be continued….
A blog from one of the interns (Mary Grace) here…
This week I have been continuing to work on the profiles for kids at 2 carepoints. These children are such a blessing. Updating the profiles gives a chance to ask all sorts of questions that I probably would not normally jump to. I ask the kids about their family and who takes care of them. Some have both parents; many have just one and a few do not have either. These kids live with a grandmother, aunt or older sister. We talk about their parents jobs, some work some cannot find work. Many work in the sugar cane or citrus fields or are Soldiers while many others are unemployed. I do love to hear about their families, which is usually a conversation between myself, Nombali (my ministry partner) and one of the Gogo’s at the carepoint. I also love it when I get to ask the children about themselves. “What is your favorite color?” “What is your favorite food?” “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Last I ask them my new favorite question “If you had 1 wish what would it be?” I never know what I am going to get with this question. Sometimes the Gogo will get impatient and throw out suggestions for the kids but many times I just get a pure desire. A few days ago after a 4-year-old boy told me his favorite food was rice, when asked what his one wish would be he immediately said “yogurt”! Many girls wish for dolls but one 5-year-old girl wished to one day have kids. The most common response has to do with either wishing to go to school or finish school. The one response that caught me off guard the most was from a 5-year-old boy who told me he wished to grow up. How do you even begin to respond to that? I praise the Lord because he knows every desire of these children. I feel so blessed to be able to get a glimpse of what God sees in them. They are truly precious. I pray innocents, protection and blessings over these children.
I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed the one who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121
