CHE Retreat

Hey family! Chalane here. Someone apparently made a mistake because with the weather we're having there's no way it's winter here! God blessed us with another beautiful and warm day to start the CHE retreat. Late last night the CHE's arrived, army of kids and all. The team split up to speak to the academy students and the CHE's while others took turns attempting to occupy the CHE's children. Though the kids were a handful - the language barrier didn't help - they are so cute (pictures to come!). There were moments when all the kids were crying for their mamas but we wanted to offer the CHE's a chance to relax and feel taken care of. I'm not sure how we would have survived without Ellyn's magic way with kids and all Jeff's experience. The first block of the CHE retreat was awesome! Russell's lesson in encouragement came with a feet washing for the CHE's from him, Rachel, Sarah, Jared, Danielle and Karissa. The women were so overwhelmed that they decided to then return the act of washing feet. Rachel mentioned it was a highlight moment of the trip so far: to see the body of Christ serving one another. Jeff and I spoke at the second session of the retreat: I spoke on identity in Christ and Jeff on spiritual gifts. At one point we gave the women a discussion and share time which led to an interesting debate about animal sacrifice. Just FYI many Christians in South Africa struggle giving up ancestral worship and traditions, including animal sacrifice. Since the topic is clearly important but also very sensitive, it was awesome we could open the door to addressing rituals. And even though I was leading the session at the time, I was so grateful that Taylor, Jeff and Kate were there to help answer questions and offer scripture to back up our claim that animal sacrifices are no longer necessary. It was clear the Holy Spirit was with us helping us because things were a little tense and intimidating but I'm so glad we pressed into it together. You can be praying for the CHE's (and the students) to find a balance between culture and following Christ!

While the CHE retreat was going, Abby shared her testimony with the academy students and talked with them about trusting God with your body. This is a really big topic for the students so Abby's openness in sharing was really impactful. Jan did a great job speaking later with them about trusting God and how each of us as Christians are leaders (the kids adore Jan). After hanging out with the kids later at the bon fire (we even had s'mores!) they unanimously expressed how much they enjoyed the speakers and their stories they shared. We pray all the devotions and lessons we do with the students really gets their wheels turning. And we want to continue to pray that the students can learn to trust each other and the staff enough to share personal things so they can receive prayer and guidance.  Plus there's healing in talking and many of the kids don't feel they have anyone they can really share big stuff with. But we're gettin' there! 

We ended the night in a really neat way by getting to pray for Sisanda, who recruits and trains CHE leaders and runs after-school programs and support groups for orphans in four different townships. In other words, she does A LOT to serve God and is still incredibly joyful and kind despite her enormous work load! AND she's a mother. She just looks at you with the love of Jesus. It's truly been a blessing meeting her. Please pray for her! Pray that God would continue to be her strength and would bless her abundantly for all the good work she does. Being the saint she is, Sisanda expressed how much this retreat meant to the women and even said they feel like "princesses." Pause for tear. What a day of blessing and being blessed!

Thanks for all your prayers and support! And please do comment - we all love to hear from you :) The encouragement means so much!

Love you all,

Chalane.