South Africa Movie Night!

It's that time again....South Africa Ministry monthly gathering is taking place on Thursday, June 9th in the "Living Room" (a.k.a. the High School room) at the 3080 Airway Building. Join us at 7pm as we gather to watch the movie "Skin". We're really excited to be able to watch this film together, learn more about the country of South Africa, and just fellowship. Please feel free to invite anyone (the film is rated PG-13 so keep that in mind when inviting younger guests). Hope to see you there!
Here is a synopsis of the film...
SKIN is one of the most moving stories to emerge from apartheid South Africa: Sandra Laing is a black child born in the 1950s to white Afrikaners, unaware of their black ancestry. Her parents are rural shopkeepers serving the local black community, who lovingly bring her up as their ‘white’ little girl. But at the age of ten, Sandra is driven out of white society. The film follows Sandra’s thirty-year journey from rejection to acceptance, betrayal to reconciliation, as she struggles to define her place in a changing world - and triumphs against all odds.

Training # 3

Meghan here!

The August 2011 South Africa team is in the midst of training and unifying together!
We just had an awesome 3rd training where we learned and gained a lot of information about so many different aspects of our trip.

Andrew Richards came in and spoke to us about RH Globals mission statement and really helped us as a team discuss more about why we are going on this trip and remind us to be open to God's movement.

We also were able to discuss and learn about different aspects of South Africa's history in order to slowly grasp more of what the country is about and the foundation of it.

Our next training is in Watts serving alongside Pastor Todd's team! Please keep us in prayer on June 5th as we serve together as a team.

Three ways you can continue to pray for us:
*That each team members finances would slowly come into place
*That individually each team member leans on God through this process
*That we continue to grow and unify as a team

James 4:7-10 [the message]
So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.

It's that time again!

Time to introduce a new team! Here is the first photo of our August 2011 Team. Be praying for the new team as they prepare for the journey that lies ahead.

Letters to South Africa

• It's time once again for our monthly gathering...come and join us on Thursday, April 6th at 7:00pm! We'll be meeting in "the Library" at the 3080 Airway building.


• Come prepared to write letters of encouragement to the students and staff at Bridges Academy in South Africa.


• We will also be spending some time in prayer for the ministry as well.


• Anyone & everyone is welcome to join us!


• Bring your own letter writing supplies or share some of ours. :)


• Find us on facebook at "RH in South Africa"

South Africa 2011 Video

This is the video that played at ROCKHarbor this past weekend.

South Africa from ROCKHARBOR on Vimeo.

RH South Africa Storytellers

What is our ministry’s story?

Come and hear from some our most recent teams about their time serving and connecting with individuals in South Africa. Join us on Monday evening, March 14th at 7:00 pm in the Box at 345 Fischer. This evening will be dedicated to sharing stories about experiences in South Africa and working with our ministry partner Bridges of Hope. Who knows…you might be the one to be sharing the stories next time!

Andrew and Joen

All the way back in September when i was first thinking about going to South Africa with Rock Harbor, i wasn't sure if God was calling me there.  My work wasn't real comfortable with me being gone for 2 weeks and i was uneasy of being in such a different culture and environment.  But God, in His unique and amazing way, made it crystal clear that i was supposed to go on this South Africa trip.  

Things with work cleared up in a matter of hours and my uneasiness turned into excitement. Excitement to see what was going on across the world, excited to visit a country so far away, excited to see what God would do through me. 

I came back humbled that God would use me in such amazing ways, from bonding with 11 and 12 year old kids that knew no English to using my passion in working with high school aged kids in a athletic environment.   I came back amazed at the strength of the people of South Africa and how inspiring they have become to me in so many ways.  A day doesn't go by without me thinking about one of the kids from the academy, ovc or sweet home and the joy that they brought me and the rest of the team.  

So many times, we hear of stories of people going on a missions trip expecting to change those they interact with only to be changed themselves, and this trip was no different for me.  God has forever changed me and sparked a Love for the people of South Africa that will never be extinguished.

Heather and Thandazwa

It’s been a month since we have been back from South Africa…what a whirlwind it has been! I thought after the hours of preparation and time physically spent in South Africa that the weeks following would be a chance to unwind and decompress…I was VERY wrong! Praise the Lord! Although times of rest have been few and far between, a new energy and lightness drive me forward.

God is clearly the reason for the change…it is just AMAZING to me the journey He chose to do it. You are acutely aware that though the intention and established purpose of going on a trip like this is to serve others for God’s glory, you will inevitably be affected and transformed as well. However, I could have never foreseen the transformation that has taken place.

Reflecting back on this experience I could rave about the team and the servant’s hearts each member displayed in their willingness to step up to whatever need was presented (as well as the relationships we have sustained while back home)…or tell the stories of the MANY laughs we had (thank you Andrew and Sinethemba)…or remember the moment I shared with one of the most reserved and guarded Academy students that I had received her prayer card and had been praying for her for the past year – her face lit up as she gave me the biggest hug…or share the many stories of the Academy students and OVC kids…because each one of those memories is something I will treasure and carry with me! But at this moment, what is predominantly on my heart is God’s Truth that prayer and service (two of the Spiritual Disciplines’ lessons that I prepared for the trip – hehe J go figure) sustain and transform us for God’s glory and for His purpose. Prayer is what bound our team together and sustained us each day! It is what made the experience what it was…an opportunity to pour out love and reflect Christ in the capacity He chose to use us in! Service in His name sets you free!

There has been a lingering cloud over me for years…going through the motions of life, but simply choosing to stop living. ”Survival mode” - keep breathing and press forward with the necessary everyday tasks. Grief puts you in survival mode, but there comes a point where you have a choice to remain there or start living again. I chose to remain there. God has walked patiently with me, poking holes, transforming my heart and mind to view life and loss through His eyes…but never finding the lasting joy in the suffering…never comprehending that that joy could be present in the midst of the suffering, rather than the lessoned learned on the other side. I have not experienced joy in the midst of suffering for myself (I am the lesson learner on the other side), but I can now say that I have witnessed it! A house full of ladies, and one gentleman, in Sweet Home showed me what this means. Through their suffering of TB, HIV, and various other ailments - organs shutting down, tumors, etc. – light shown in their eyes. An unmistakable hope and peace was present there. We were there to pray over them and to love on them…yet their light as they faced such physical, mental and emotional suffering ministered to us! How fitting that the ladies of the Sewing Business chose the name “Ilitha le Sweet Home – Light of Sweet Home.”

A servant’s heart is ALL about others...setting aside your wants, desires, sometimes even needs, to elevate another to the glory of God. We are called to serve and should out of obedience, but we should strive for more. Obedience is how we show our love to the Lord, but the action of the service is how we show His love to those being served. And isn’t that the point…to show His love that they might be saved according to His purpose? It is SO NOT about us! And yet, the blessing God chooses to allow us, that part He lets us play in His story, fills us with His hope and His peace! He provides the understanding and unveils our eyes that we may see a glimpse of His intention! Wow He is SO AMAZING!!

-- Heather

August 2011 Trip dates announced

August 2011 Team Training Dates
Sunday, April 17th
Sunday, May 1st
Friday, May 13th (Team Social)
Sunday, May 22nd
Sunday, June 5th (Serve day-8:30-4:30pm)
Sunday, June 26th
Friday, July 8th (Team Social)
Sunday, July 17th
Sunday, July 31st (Packing party)
Sunday, August 28th (Team debrief)
Sept. 1st/Oct. 6th (South Africa community gatherings)

*All training sessions are mandatory and will take place from 11:00am to 2:00pm unless otherwise noted. Team socials are strongly encouraged. Please take a look at every date and note that this is a very big time commitment, in and out of trainings.

If you would like to apply, you can download an application from https://core.rockharbor.org/ministries/viewTeam/129/344.

Applications are due March 20, 2011.

We're half an hour away from leaving for the airport.

Pray for safe travels and broken hearts. The kids are sad we are leaving and we are sad to be going even though we know it is time. Help us leave them with a feeling of peace. This trip has been such an amazing experience in so many ways and we will never forget.

When your voice is not so clear
When I'm walking down a different path
When my heart hurts in need of you
When I'm seeking but can not find you

Take me back to Africa

When everyday becomes a struggle
When my foundation begins to crumble
When the enemy's shouts are all I hear
When lies and anger are all I have left

Take me back to Africa

Your presence is so strong here
Your touch is upon my heart

I can taste a little of the heavenly reward
I can see the purpose in our lives here

When I've wandered off and I am lost
When the darkness is overwhelming me
When I ache for you Lord in the empty hours
When I cry out for you Lord in desperation

Take me back to Africa

Lord, take me back to Africa

In memory, in person, in though, in word. We'll never forget.

Love you all and see you tomorrow,

Siobahnne

The hours are flying by and I want to grab onto every one and never let it go. Time begins to seem so precious when it's running out.

We had an amazing afternoon with the Academy kids today. We spent some time swimming with them and just catching up on their school weeks. We then finished the night off with a movie and ice cream in the conference room of the retreat center. It was awesome to get some more quality time with these kids. All of us received some amazing letters from the kids and I know it made our night. They feel like we came here to bless them but we know that truthfully it was them that blessed us. These kids have taught us so much and our experiences here are things we will never forget.

Girl Sive brought her book of poetry with her tonight and just the honor of reading it was enough to make me tear up. Most of the notes we got from her contained a poem as well. Aphiwe said he's going to college (especially because I may have told him I'm more stubborn that he is and will be praying every day for him). These notes from the kids are something we'll cherish forever.

The first few days may have been rough, but I lost my heart to these kids on that first day and I wouldn't change it for the world.

Prayer requests:

... Pray for our last day with the kids tomorrow. We start off the morning with a Pear Picking Party because a local packing plant agreed to buy them from the students so they can use the money to repair the school bicycles. We'll be helping them with that tomorrow morning.

... Keep those anti-spider/anti-bug prayers coming. Bug bites have been down to a minimum which we are very thankful for. Apparently a giant crab sized spider wandered into the conference room last night and Sinethemba took care of it. All while I was already in bed, which I am thankful for!

... Pray for our hearts tomorrow. We're a bit home sick and yet a part of us doesn't want to leave here either. Give us strength to go with a piece of our hearts missing. Pray for a continued relationship with the kids here and the strength to be praying for them always.

... Pray for a quick trip through Customs tomorrow (and that we don't lose Jared this time) and safe flights home.

I'll try to have up one more post before we leave tomorrow, but if not, we love you all and we'll see you Sunday.

Siobahnne here.

What a day today was. It was both overpoweringly peaceful and hard.

It was our second day in Sweethome and 4 of us were scheduled to work with the Informal School while the rest of our team watched and played with the kids from the Creche. This was a huge joy for us. We walked into the Creche and the children were practicing how to count to ten using their fingers and how to pronounce the vowels. Those kids are amazing and so incredibly fun to spend time with. Edward, Joel and Sive were there again to hang out and play with us (and hug us!).

Working with the informal school was also a huge blessing. Those women have such amazing hearts. We were a little unaware of what we were in for, but it was almost immediately obvious that these women truly want to learn. They took everything we could give them and immediately began looking into where it's applicable. One woman even plans to use the lesson plan format we brought for her Aids support group. We went over Child Development, the importance of scheduling and routine, Classroom Rules and Consequences, Lesson Plans and activities with them. They were already on the right path and the "tools" we brought them will hopefully continue to help them manage the kids and teach them what they need to know. It was awesome to see how much they were willing to learn to offer more to the kids in that community.

After the Informal School training with the CHEs, we did a home visit to one of the homes near the Creche. This was heartbreaking. The women in that home (including a first and second wife of a man who was not there) are so sick. Most of them are HIV+, have tuberculosis and other ailments. It was so hard for me to see because poverty, lack of education, oppression... these are things we can fight. HIV is essentially a death sentence. Yet these women were incredible. Not only were they so happy to have us there, but they invited some of their neighbors who were also sick to come and be prayed over. There was no sense of desperation or hopelessness in these women, only light and hope.

We've been learning that South Africa has so much to teach us. Humility, self control, value, patience, love... these are things God has been showing us in so many ways. We've seen so much God here.

We got back to the Academy and got to spend some time with the girls and are really looking forward to spending time with them over the next two days before we leave. Nicole actually stayed behind to help at the Academy today (and had an amazing time!), and the rest of us are yearning for more quality time with them too!

Heartbreak is a blessing because it reminds us that our God heals. He is good.

Prayer requests:

...Wood sliced his arm at St. Pauls. He's okay and doesn't need stitches, but we are praying for a fast and easy healing with no complications.

...As always, please keep the anti-spider/anti-bug prayers coming.

...Prayer for healing. Sunburns all over and some allergy and sinus issues going on.

...Pray for the people of Sweethome, for those sick at heart and sick in spirit. For those sick in body. Pray for supernatural healing and for God to be working with the community to eradicate the oppression and complacency, and to bring more Jesus into that neighborhood. Pray for the kids to stay healthy and stay in school. We had an awesome Praise report from Sisanda today. We didn't see as many kids at the Creche today because apparently after our camp, more than ever signed up for school (many who have never gone before). Thank God!

...Pray for our time with the Academy kids. May we pour love and Godly wisdom into these kids. We love them all so much already.

...Get a head start on those safe travel prayers. We'll be home Sunday.

Love you all!

Jared here:

What a different week this was. For me, this week made last week feel like a breeze. This week was the start of the OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) camp. Middle school is already a difficult age for me but throw in a language barrier and I'm like a fish out of water.

In sports, there's many different kinds of defensive schemes. On the first day it felt like we were playing defense against a bunch of 6-12 year olds on Red Bull that couldn't understand us. I was tasked with playing man-on-man with Edward. Covering Eddie is like trying to cover Michael Vick. He would literally sprint across the soccer field (me chasing him) only to sit in the goal and then sprint back. He jumped on, under, and around the trampoline. Once, he literally slapped me across the face. Admittedly, the first day was tough and I was thinking, "I just have to get through a couple days of this."

I shared this with the team and my struggle to connect with the kids and really feel a compassion and love for them. That night our Bridges Graduate/11th team member/BMOC, Sinethemba shared about his experience in the OVC program and how it changed his life. Hearing his stories about how that camp changed him after losing his mother and looking at the incredible guy he'd become really changed my heart. I realized that these kids weren't looking for anything more than to be loved. Eddie ran because he wanted attention.

The next day, after Eddie slapped me across the face, I put him on a "time in" and just held him next to me. Time in is supposed to be 5 minutes but I decided I'd just keep him there as long as I could (too much running). He just sat there so content, quiet and peaceful for over 30 minutes. This was definitely one of the highlights of the whole trip for me and really showed me how important it was that we just showed God's love.

Eddie and I got on the same page and he was definitely one of my favorites, despite the physical abuse he handed me. I had an incredible time with these kids and really grew to love them. The most touching moment of our time with them is actually a story Wood shared. Wood went to pray with the boys before going to bed and one of the kids prayed something along the lines of, "Thank you, God for the best day ever. A day I've never had and a day I'll never forget." I just felt so grateful to God that he used us to love on these kids.

Another highlight was this cute little girl, Akhona, who was a tiny bundle of joy. I sprained my foot and she saw me icing it a few times and while we were all sitting she came over and kissed my foot! I tried to stop her, but she grabbed my leg and kissed it. So sweet. I paid the penalty for letting her kiss my foot when she grabbed me and kissed me goodbye later.

Okay on to today... sorry this is so long. We had a very productive day in Sweet Home meeting with the CHE women of the sewing business. I think our team that was tasked with working with them had pretty low expectations for the day and felt a little defeated before even starting but God still used us anyways. We came up with a list of things that needed to be done and the ladies assigned themselves the tasks with deadlines. They decided that they were going to focus on making bags and that the name of their brand would be "Ilitha le-Sweet Home", which means "Light of Sweet Home". The cool thing about it was this was the first name they thought of (within 10 seconds) and they chose it because they want the business to bring hope to their community and help the people around them. It was so encouraging to see their bold vision for their business and the excitement to get started.

What an amazing trip this has been so far. I haven't felt so close to God in a long time. So grateful that God has let me play a part here.

*~*~*

Jennifer:

The last few days have been incredible as well as exhausting. We had 2 and 1/2 days of camp with the OVC kids. At first is was difficult because these kids are use to doing what ever they want and we had to real them in. The first day and 1/2 I made a couple of enemies with the discipline I handed down. One little girl name Soso, was so mad at me she glared at me for hours, but by the end of the couple days she was in my lap and hugging on me. Another boy by the name of Sive was none to happy with me either. He did not like the time outs he got from me, but today we went to Sweet Home and Sive came running after us and gave me the longest hug, it brought tears to my eyes. I am so thankful to God for these kids, but also his little gifts to me, letting me know what I am doing is not in vain.

Today we met with the women from the sewing business. We had done some brain storming before, but weren't really sure what we were walking into. It was so great to see the women excited, and already thinking on the same wave length as we were. I love the name they came up with and am excited to see where God takes it.

We as a team have grown close and learned to lean on each other and all around enjoy each other. This is an amazing group of people, with incredible hearts for God and I am blessed to be serving with them.

Off topic, but of concern, I pray that my kids made it back safely from Idaho. If there is anyway someone could let me know, it would help put my mind at ease. Also Kam and Harley don't forget me Sunday.

*~*~*

Siobahnne here.

We had our first real experience in Sweethome today though this was actually our second time there. Most of us weren't sure what to expect, and there were varying degrees of panic and peace about the whole situation.

We picked up Sisanda and headed to Sweethome. We first met with the women for the sewing business, and then the team working with them stayed there while the rest of us headed over to the Creche. The Creche is essentially a preschool. The minute we walked over we were enveloped by tiny arms demanding hugs and smiles. So many little children just wanted attention and love. We hit a point where most of us sat down because standing up we could only hold one or two at most, but sitting down the kids could just pile one us and cuddle close. It was both a day of heartbreak and hope.

A highlight from Sweethome was definitely seeing some of the kids from our OVC camp so soon after they went home. We saw Soso, Sive, Joel and Eddie and I think it really made our day today.

Later this night we also surprised the Academy with a visit before bedtime! It was so great to see the Academy kids! We haven't had as much time as we wish we could (aka: most of the day, every day, forever...), so it was awesome to see them and hug them and ask how school was going so far. There is so much love at the Academy... so much God in that place. It's incredible. We are all looking forward to getting to spend more time with them over the next three days.

Tomorrow we have our last day at Sweethome and then two more days to visit with the Academy kids before we leave on Saturday. These weeks has gone by far too quickly.

Prayer Requests:

...Jared's ankle could still use some prayer (Though praise report! Steph's is A LOT better and she thanks you for the prayer). Also, I messed up my finger a bit on my left hand somehow and it was a problem today working with the kids. It's beginning to feel better but pray tomorrow it isn't of any hindrance. It broke my heart to stop picking up kids today to hold them because it hurt too much.

...Keep those anti-spider/anti-bug prayers coming!

...Pray for healing... some of us are just a tad bit sunburned. Some of us who are especially pale may have fried more than others. We're spending so much time out in this hot African sun that even the sunblock can't always save us. Also, pray for health. Allergies and colds have been trying to fight there way into us.

...Pray for a good day tomorrow in Sweethome working with the Informal School and the kiddos. Also pray for good quality time with the Academy kids.

Thanks again for all your love and prayers!

Hey everyone!

Here is a video of Wood that was posted on the Duncan's blog. The Duncan's are on the board for Bridges and are currently living at Bridges right now. Thanks so much for taping this!

For more from the Duncan's, follow their blog at http://www.olsonduncan.com/bridgesofhope/

A Special treat from South Africa =)

Hey Rock Harbor Church, this is Sinethemba!!! I'm so glad that I've got the privilege to send you a message. I've been hanging out with the RH team 2011 for the past and current week. I just want to say on behalf of the Bridges graduates it is an honor coming back to serve and growing spiritually at the same time being with the team. I've learned a lot from the team, meaning a sense of working in one unit and uplifting each other at the same time spiritually. Your church is just amazing in how much work you put in preparing teams before they come out here. I just want to say hello to everyone at RH church and know that Bridges kids (OVC & the Academy kids)think of you all the time and you're also in their prayers.

P.S the girls (fellow graduates) could not make it to be a part of camp as most of them had started with college. But they miss you and LOVE you.

Your Brother in Christ, Sinethemba
"ENKOSI" (Thanks)

Nicole signing in...today was our last day with the OVC kids here at camp and it broke my heart to see them drive away! Its amazing how attached you become to these vulnerable children in less than 3 days. They all have so much love for life and endless amounts of energy! My heart pours out for them as they just cling to you with so much love and joy! Although there is a language barrier they are drawn to the love and attention we are able to give them. It makes my day to see their faces light up just from a simple smile. I caught myself asking Why..Why do these innocent children have to suffer from neglect. I can not even imagine what they have gone through, more than what I have ever gone through or might never see in my life time. God has sent us here for a reason to give them love, hope and faith.

I have had numerous highlights with the OVC kids within the last few days but that means I will be at this computer for the next 3 hours so here are a few for now! =) We started the day off with Story telling on Gods Big Story and at the end we wrapped up with a few questions to the kids. One of the questions was "How do you feel that God sent his one and only son to die on the cross for our sins?" One of the boys, Masixole's response brought me to tears of joy as he replied "thankful, he wants to give himself to God and to live for him. He is anxious and at ease that God will come again to save us!" The chills ran through my body as I could feel the presence of the lord with us in that moment.

Another blessing today was during a moment of prayer. To hear the children pray in Xhosa their tribal language is incredible. Once again our little 6 year old diva, Akhona lead the group in prayer in Xhosa. Although the team and I have no idea what they are praying for, you can feel the passion and love through their voices. After one of the prayers a translator approached us and informed us that the kids always end their prayers with thanking God for sending us teachers to them and pray for our protection. These children are used to having nothing and are so appreciative of just the comfort and love we can give! It breaks my heart but God has a plan.

Thanks again for all your continued thoughts and prayers. We miss you all!
Love Always, Nicole

*~*~*

Another beautiful day in South Africa...today was the first day of school for the Academy students and what an awesome answer to prayer the first day turned out to be! Transition from summer break in the townships to life at the Academy can be a challenge for many of the students and it was one of my hopes that by having the Leadership Camp for the Academy students a week before the school year started that the transition to life back at the Academy would be less stressful for the teachers and staff. Meeting with one of the Academy teachers this afternoon confirmed that our hard work during the Leadership Camp paid off! The teachers couldn't have asked for a better first day! What a praise!

I am thankful for the time spent with the kids from Sweet Home. The transformation we witnessed through the love poured out on these kids could only come from God. These kids pushed the limits of our patience on the first day of camp but we decided, as a team, that we would discipline their acting out by a "time-in", instead of a "time-out". Time-in consisted of taking the child out of the activity and holding them for 3-5 minutes. It is amazing just how powerful a hug can be and each team member experienced this first-hand. So thankful for the opportunity to love on these children and hopeful for their future knowing that God has them in the palm of His hands!!!

Thanks for all the comments and prayers! Team is healthy, encouraged and unified!

Blessings and Love, Claire :)


*~*~*

Siobahnne here.

As you can see it's been an eventful couple of days with the OVC kids. I apologize for no post last night, but just as we were beginning to talk about Blog updates the power went out and there went our plans!

The hills were literally on fire last night! There was a heavy wildfire close to (but not that close) the academy. Luckily, it never made its way over here, even with the heavy winds.

Please pray:

...For those affected by the fires and the people involved with putting it out.

...For the OVC kids. We will see them again tomorrow when we begin our Sweethome visits, but we are praying now for a safe and happy return home and for love for these amazing kids. Pray the Holy Spirit is with them and protecting them, as well as guiding them. May God send others to be his hands and feet when we are no longer here to hold them.

...Pray for the team! This week is flying by and I know we're all praying time will slow down a little. We could use prayer for rest. Also, keep those anti-bug/anti-spider prayers coming!

...Pray for the Academy kids! So far so good! We are truly thankful for the beginnings of a smooth transition and that the kids returned safely. We got to see them today and it was incredible! Pray for a good school year, that the handle the changes well, and that God works in their hearts to help them grow into the amazing adults we know they can be!

Thank you all so much for praying and supporting us!

Moments with the OVC Kids!

Claire and our little diva Akhona at glow stick night!
What a good looking Army! Mykl, Jared, Andrew and the boys showing off their armor during God Fights for us activity!
Siobahnne and Esona during God Fights for his People activity!

Tanya and Eddie "our ball of energy" playing around!

Mykl and Eddie goofing around on the soccer field!
Heather, Jennifer, a CHE Leader and the kiddos discussing Gods Story!

The OVC Kids proud of their hand crafted picture frames!

Wood and Edie praying in a moment of prayer.
Nicole and her "little angels", Liletha and Esona.

SINATHEMBA aka "Stud on Campus"! = )

Andrew Here,

Today was the beginning of our 2nd week in South Africa, a week in which we will be working with Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) and the sweet-home township. Today began a 3 day camp with the OVC's and many of us saw first hand the hardship these children face and the desire they have for love and attention. For me, it was pretty cool to see the kids light up when you would smile at them or enjoy playing soccer or basketball for an entire afternoon. But was really struck me was how simple things can make one of these kids be happy. I was hanging out in the shed where many of them were playing when I took out a basketball pump to pump up a few of the flat soccer and basketballs. The kids were in such awe of the pump that they began bringing me any flat sports ball they could find. I started allowing the kids to pump up the balls themselves and they just loved it. Who knew a simple basic thing as a basketball pump would bring such fun and joy to their lives.

One thing that has be so evident to me on this trip is the power of prayer. From praying before classes in hope that they will run smoothly to prayers of peace and sleep, God is working in mighty ways in South Africa and I am truly blessed to be a part of His work through this amazing team.

P.S.... GO JETS!!!!!

*~*~*

Thank you all for your continued prayers! I can't express what a HUGE difference they've made! My time here has changed so dramatically since my last post! The next day took a huge upswing which has not wavered since! I'll be happy to fill in all the details of the last few days later, but for now just a quick update on today. The arrival of the OVC kids today was eventful to say the least. One of my new favorite memories of the trip will now be the continuous replay of Edward (I believe a few of you know him) running full speed across the conference room and headbutting an unsuspecting Siobahnne in the behind! Claire and I lost it...classic! We let the kids have a free play time and they loved it! I'm excited to see what the next few days will bring!

...oh and a little shout out for Nicole...something about Seahawks :)

Night Everyone!
Heather

*~*~*

Siobahnne here.

I'm not sure whether or not to be happy that a lasting memory for most of my teammate will be little Edward, running full speed, head-butting me straight on my tail bone. I was literally in shock as the pain hit, and it hurt to sit afterward!

Let's just chalk that up to taking one for the team, because I'll admit I laughed so hard my stomach hurt.

As stated above, today was our first day of three with the OVC kids. I have to say, I think it's a blessing to have them here at Bridges for the three days rather than trying to run this out of Sweethome. They seem so happy here and so excited to be in a different environment. From the minute they got here it has been sweet chaos.

We started with lunch, then went straight into passing out t-shirts and bracelets, and then I got to start us out with the first episode of The Big God Story. Discussion time was a little interesting, but we're hoping the kids are starting to catch on. The cool part was that they all got to decorate a little draw string bag to take home and they decorated them with scenes from the story today. We saw bags covered in rainbows, creation and Adam and Eve. One of the older boys even recreated one of the pictures we showed on his bag. Such talented kids!

After that, it was just a fun free for all. We played soccer, volleyball, jumped on the trampoline, got dance lessons from a 6 year old (she has serious moves) and essentially just played with the kids doing whatever they wanted. These kids just really wanted our love and attention.

We got high-fives, big hugs, and huge smiles all day long. Everyone learned from my bruised tailbone how to avoid the Edward Head-butting experience, and Edward has actually really done well.

We had an amazing dinner and then watched The Incredibles before working with the CHEs to get the kids to bed. The other ladies and I all went to the girls rooms and got our good nights from the kids and even good night kisses from one particularly precocious little one named Akhona.

Prayer Requests:

...Keep those anti-spider/anti-bug prayers coming please!!!

...Pray for these kiddos. It's so easy to forget where they come from when we remove them from the Sweethome setting, but I had an amazing and long talk with Sisanda today about the conditions over there and why so many kids weren't here for the camp. These kids need God in their lives and people who can act as the body of Christ for them. For at least these few days we can be that body, but I also ask for prayer for others to step into that place after we are gone.

...Pray for these kid's futures. The good news about an OVC program being established in Sweethome is that soon Sweethome kids will be eligible to possibly attend Bridges! Some of the older boys are actually in a school already and we just pray that they stick with it.

...Pray for the team. Some members aren't used to kids this young, and the language and cultural barriers occasionally make things difficult. We pray for patience and love in all circumstances. As always, we could use more rest and prayers for continued health as well.

...***We also have a special prayer request from the church we attended this morning. A older woman, named Diana, from Diep River has been suffering from Cancer. She has more that 6 tumors on her spine alone and many others as well. Tomorrow she fly's to California for prayer before heading to some kind of Christian Cancer treatment center in Mexico to receive more medical treatment and prayer. Tomorrow they are asking folks to fast and prayer. It can be a part of the day or all day, just lift this woman high and pray for healing.

You have all been so wonderfully supportive and we very much appreciate all the prayer and love.

And just in case you're wondering, my tail bone stopped hurting enough that I can sit =p. Definitely feel bruised though. Totally worth it to see his continually smiling face though. Love these kids.

Wood Here.

Title: Learning why something happened a year and a half later and how God works in amazing ways. So, I broke my hand a year and a half ago. It seemed like such a strange way to break something. I was walking the dog (with my beautiful wife who I miss dearly) on the beach. We were going down some stairs and I had a tennis ball in my hand. I reached out for the hand rail for no other reason than to have a little more security. I caught my pinkie on the hand rail and broke my hand. It was a spiral fracture that required surgery, a plate and eight screws. Two nights ago, Andrew asked me to switch with him for the house parent duty. We have to have at least one person from our team sleeping in the rooms with the kids to insure order. I said it wasn't a problem. For the first night all week I got to bed at a decent hour. The bed I was in was right next to Aphiwe. He is an amazing boy who was attacked (here at the Academy) by two other students last September. They attacked him with scissors and cut him from the top of his head around the side just in front of his head and all the way down to his chin. The retreat center hosts who helped drive him to the hospital said it was a miracle he didn't die because he had lost so much blood by the time they got there. He has an amazing heart and forgave his attackers and asked that they not be kicked out of school. They were kicked out anyway, but it just shows his huge heart for God. So I was lying in the bed across from him and we were talking. He asked if I knew the story of how he got the scar. I said yes, Dennis had told me most of the story and that we had prayed for him when we learned of the attack. He always wears a hat pulled down sideways to help hide the scar which is hard not to miss. He is very afraid that he will be targeted as a gang member when he is home in Phillipi because they often have facial scars. He wants to be a diplomat when he gets through school and there is no doubt in my mind that he will make a very good one with such an infectious smile. He stopped in the middle of the conversation and asked if I knew anyone who had a scar that had disappeared over time. The lights were still on and I reached out my hand and said there is a 5cm (2 inch) scar on my hand, can you find it? He sat up quickly, took my hand and looked as closely as he could at my hand as he could as he also moved his thumb back and forth over the top of my hand. He was amazed that he couldn't see anything. Really, he said with a growing optimism. I finally pointed it out to him and when he looked close enough he could see it and he was still amazed and very encouraged. He asked me when it had happened. I realized that it was exactly one year before he had been attacked. I know he is still worried, but if that was the only reason that my hand was broken then I am lucky to be used by God in such an amazing way. We prayed together before we went to sleep and I could hear absolute terror in his voice when he asked God to protect him and Nathi (one of the other boys that was here for camp) this weekend when they are back home in Phillipi. Aphiwe lives alone in a shack behind a house was all he would tell me. I learned that the only family he has is a grand father that lives on the Eastern Cape a very long ways away. Someone let him setup a shack behind their "house". I was also told that he has been alone for a very long time and I think he is only about 14 or 15. I would ask/beg that you say a prayer specifically for Aphiwe and Nathi as they went back home to Phillipi yesterday and will be picked up again on Monday as the new semester starts. They are both amazing boys that greatly deserve all the opportunities they are being given by Bridges of Hope. We went to Robben Island with the CHEs from Sweet Home today. One of them brought their three month old baby boy and I can't begin to tell you how much I miss my baby boy who is six months old in only three more days. This has been an amazing trip so far with a great team, but I still miss my baby with all my heart.

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Tanya Here.

Today was a good bonding time for the team. We went to Robben Island and then walked around a shopping area. It was a peaceful day. Robben Island was the cause of many mixed emotions. It had such a rich and dark history but, more than that, was a place of hope and victory. It was awesome to see the pride and the happiness in the CHE's faces when they learned more about the island. Many of them have not had the opportunity to learn details of the anti-apartheid movement and were soaking up the information that was given to them. Our prison tour was given by an ex-political prisoner. It was very interesting to hear a first hand account of their treatment and struggles, but more importantly, their strength and bond. It was an incredibly beautiful island and for the prisoners to have stayed bonded and courageous only adds to that beauty. It's amazing to see such a place that satan tried to make ugly and evil be triumphed by joy, hope and beauty.

After that we had a great lunch with the CHE's. We were trying to get to know them, but there was a strong language barrier. In spite of that barrier, we were able to talk about God. It was incredible to know that in their limited english, God was such a priority that they learned many words to describe their love and commitment to Him. All in all, it was a great day and God continues to bless us through the little things. I ask that everyone reading this blog continue to pray for the Bridges Academy students that are home in their townships right now. Pray for their safety and for them to have the strength to make wise decisions in their time of temptation. Also pray for the OVC (orphans and vulnerable children) as they arrive today for camp :-) Thank you for all of your prayers, comments and support.

Siobahnne here.

There will be a post from Wood and Tanya in the morning, but for now we're all exhausted and ready to be asleep! We have an early morning tomorrow (as always) and a place to attend church before the OVC kids arrive.

As many of you know, today we spent the day in Cape Town. With the CHEs we went to Robben Island and learned some important historical facts pertaining to this amazing country we're visiting. It actually reminded me a lot of the story of Joseph. Robben Island is this beautiful island filled with so much pain. The prison there housed many men who unjustly served out long and cruel sentences. It amazes me that the men who walked away from that prison walked away with a heart seeking redemption, not revenge. The do not hide the fact that horrible things happened there, but they rose above in that place. My heart truly felt God's hand at work there.

We also had a big answered prayer today! We saw PENGUINS! A childhood dream came true for me today in seeing penguins in their natural habitat. It was incredible.

We had lunch with the CHE's (after which, I got to hold one of the women's adorable 3 month old son!) and then the team got to wander around Cape Town for a while.

Now for the truly exciting part:

Sinethemba lead us to UCT and we got a tour of parts of his University! The UCT campus is amazing (I may have to look into their Doctorate programs...) and it was awesome to see how far he has come in his life. He's been such a blessing to us here at Bridges, and as a graduate of the academy all of the students look up to him. We say it jokingly, but he really is a big deal here, and he handles that responsibility very well. He's been a huge inspiration to us all.

Some prayer requests:

...Giant white spider thing in the building tonight. I did not have to see it (Thank God!) and Wood and Tanya got rid of it. But please keep the anti-spider and anti-bug prayers going!!!

...Pray for rest and refreshment for the team. We're tired, but still kicking!

...Pray for the CHEs, translators, OVC kids and the team tomorrow as we begin this next part of our trip here. Pray for open hearts, open minds, clear communication and lots of love all around.

...Pray for Steph. Don't know if you guys have hear, but she may have torn her achilles. She's in an ankle brace and really hurting and could use the prayer.

Love and Blessings to you all!