N E W S L E T T E R N R 3

H E h a s t a k e n o u r b r e a t h a w a y !

Answered Prayers

SO MUCH OF GOD AROUND!

orld famous Table Mountain looms in the distance as we write our last newsletter

from our lodge. How quick the last month passed by! Four weeks ago work began in Capetown with street kids and in the Sibongile care center in the township Khayelitsha, Capetown. Sibongile is a home for handicap children from ages 0-10. Many kids suffer from celebral palsy, brain damage often caused by trauma during birth or baby age. The past years our contact persons Marco and Justine Spalke have dedicated their efforts towards aiding Sibongile´s founder Nomasango.

Two weeks were spent feeding, cleaning, taking them out for walks, playing with them and singing songs. We are not trained physiotherapists, but we could give them tremendous physical attention. Saskia, Emilie, and Regine painted colorful pictures for the rooms, while Lars strummed his guitar.

Challenges A challenge in the second week to budget shortage for food due to differences in exchange rates. Simultaneously, we poked fun of the Muizenberg base food. Prayer and our contact person brought us to our senses. We were ungrateful of God´s providence shown to us through the

base’s hospitality. Budget shortage could certainly be a result of our unthankfulness. We apologized to our contact person and asked God for forgiveness. Miraculously, we then had enough money for our food till the last day.

Another challenge occurred in March when one team member went back to Norway. Leadership decided on what was best for her and the team.

Diversity Students prayerfully prepared the final week. They scheduled various activities: intercession, practical work for the YWAM Muizenberg base leader’s home, presentation and card design for our contact person’s ministry, street evangelism, and performances at a local cafe.

Evaluation at the guesthouse marks the end of outreach. Table Mountain is our final view of South Africa. In 2 months time, we saw 7 different locations and served God and people in 5 different ways. We are grateful to God, our family and friends whose love and support has made this trip possible. - Regine & Shane

God has been faithful all the way! He provided our finances, great lodging, guidance, strength and rest.

Our bodies are healed from back ache, colds and a broken toe. We had no serious physical issues not even during the building.

South Africa has a high crime rate, but we did not experience any. God protected us every-where we went.

We had amazing unity in the team despite team challenges.

We have seen people accept Jesus as their Lord and savior!

Above - Building relationships concretized in week 6, when we built a house for a family in the township Mfuleni through Habitat for Humanity. See www.vimeo.com/user800092 for videos of the building and more!

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Capetown filled the April month. We exchanged African savanna for townships, beach views and the city by night.

SOUTH AFRICASome of our thoughts and experiences..

Week 5

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From left to right: brick line, elephants in Addo Park Port Elisabeth, Shane cooks with chef Israel for the open mic night

usic blasts out of every cafe. Neon lights and security folk light up pathways. We wedge our way past muscled

guys and skimpy dressed girls in Longstreet. Sadly, behind the glamour there’s a glimpse of harsh reality for whoever chooses to see it.

Night time Capetown is a rough place to be. Street kids beg at corners and busy roads. Every corner could be someone’s living room. Here, violence, drugs, and abuse rule the streets. And the street children’s minds. Many have run away from home. They rather rob and be robbed here than face abuse at home. Protection is found in gang membership. Street kids are always on guard.

To meet the kids and to talk to them was an insightful experience. Despite the harshness of their lives, they are just the same as we are. They have their problems and we have ours. Like everyone else, life is dictated by family and circumstance and choice. And their choice is to live on the streets. If they wanted they could live in a shelter, have education and regular meals. But they don’t want to submit to society’s rules. Rather they embrace the freedom the streets offer and do as they wish.

To work with them is about relationships. If they trust you, you have a chance to get them off the streets. The kids don’t open up for deep conversations to strangers. So our time with them was not quite what I call ‘effective’. But the experience brought us to an important conclusion. There is a great need for long term commitment. The kids here need people willing to invest in them for years. My heart is already committed to another place, but that doesn’t stop me from praying here in the streets for more people to give their lives to these children. - Saskia-Eirene

On the most southern point of the Cape.

he boy on my lap wiggles happily as spoon after spoon, he swallows his pumpkin porridge. It’s 11 a.m. at

Sibongile, and the mamas and volunteers carefully feed the kids.

Would I be willing give my life to those such as this boy? If there’s no change for years, would I still care for him and let God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven?

Hanne with 5-year-old Lucky, Sibongile

Of course God does not ask us a! this kind of sacrifice. Identities and callings are different. And yet it seems painful for me in the light of His sacrifice to not give what He desires - my heart’s decisions. And God is a gentleman. Why would He ask you something you are unwilling to do?

Little Thando looks at me with his big bright eyes and smiles. He’s severely challenged but that doesn’t stop him from enjoying his meal. A familiar voice inside whispers. “Shane, haven’t you always wanted to cook and feed Me? Do you know you are doing that right now?” His presence is so intense I cannot prevent my eyes from the sudden tears. I return the boy’s smile and inside my heart gently says, “yes, Lord, I am willing.” - Shane

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