Of the Pen & the Pad

2009-10-12T12:37:00.005-04:00

African Leadership - South Africa Mission Trip '09 from steve citerin on Vimeo.

CLICK HERE to see some photos. These trips were offered through African Leadership.

Prologue - Sunday, September 20, 2009

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Sequels. Typically they disappoint. Perhaps because the first experience is so rich and overwhelming that all other attempts to recapture it are doomed to fail. Yet, this doesn’t stop us from trying. Sequels exist because of a desire for more…and that’s what this trip is to me.

Headed back to South Africa - sixteen months after my first trip - and frankly, I didn’t think I’d be back. I wrote last time that I’d hoped that a bit of myself was left in Africa, and that hopefully it was deposited in me. A naïve hope at the time, but seeing as how a 17 hour flight awaits, maybe it came true.

Over a year has passed, yet Africa remains on my mind. I remember glorious skies, vast plains, and mountainous peaks….physical exhaustion and mental refreshment….curious looks, helpful hands and infectious smiles. It’s a culture unlike mine, and therein lies its appeal. A big smile comes over me as I walk onto the plane. It is the joy of putting aside the norm and embracing chance. This is it, my sequel has begun.

The dilemma of the post-mission trip experience is keeping it alive. I’m not sure how I’ve fared in this. I settled back into my routines as another year passed. I did share my experience with people…who I met, what I did, why the need exists and how to get involved. I tried to inspire. Not sure if it stuck with others, but here’s what I know…I discovered God’s work being done by loving people with humble hearts in challenging circumstances. The more you experience this, the more changed you become.

So despite my skepticism that I would return, here I go. Fire away.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

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Day one in Cape Town. We hit the floor running and in many ways it’s like I never left. Up early for breakfast & devotions, then we drive to a grade school in Khayelitsha to teach a few classes. Oh yeah, I’m the chauffer…driving on the opposite side of the road on the opposite side of the car. Thankfully, it’s not stick!

What joy, about forty 5th graders packed into a classroom, fixed on what we have to say! Introductions are made, Linda, Sujan, Marg, Kyung, and I give our “molo” welcomes as Pastor Mfunso translates. Then some hokey pokey, a Gospel message q&a, the story of Joseph and his brothers, then a q&a about America. Such questions: do we know Beyonce, did we go to Michael Jackson’s funeral, what food do you eat, do you know kung fu (for my new Korean friends), is it safe there, will I get harmed in America, are you all rich? Some trivial, some cut to the core of us. To these kids our main export is movies, music and gang-related imagery, coupled with the belief that we are haves, they are have nots. How do you argue with this? Impossible, we are guilty. We attempt to turn this into a teachable moment about it’s not about what you have, but what you do with it that is a truer sign of richness and character (Mark 12:41-44).

Afternoon. We go to a preschool, begin some renovation work (replacing dry wall, framing walls, painting, roofing, etc.), then it’s time to round up kids for children’s church. Local guides Zolani and Zyanda traverse us through the township letting all know it’s time. We meet with the other team at the preschool where 15 kids have grown into 100+ in a matter of minutes. More songs, more lessons, more q&a…this is a restless crowd. Some paying attention, some not. We conclude with a prayer and hand out oranges to eager hands. Sabonana - see you soon!

Its feels good to be back, eerily familiar, like I’m more than my true sophomore status. Pastor Ohm gives me more credit than I deserve, assuming I know the where’s and when’s of our itinerary as I’m supposed to manage the team. But I’m somewhat in the dark, doing what I can. My new team is great! Wonderful people who welcomed me in the moment I met them. I’m grateful for such giving people, so generous with their hearts, time, and resources. I knew they’d be cool because anyone willing to put aside their own pursuits at home in order to submit to God’s will for their life in the mission field of Africa (regardless of how long) are my kind of people! Lord, you bless me in my acquaintances yet again. I can’t wait to see who I meet tomorrow.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

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Busy, busy day. We spent the morning at a preschool newly painted by a recent Mocha Club team. Entering the door, thirty kids have found their new playmates, or jungle gyms is more like it. Climbing all over us, the tickle monster appears to their delight and we play games and sing. The kids enjoy coloring the paper with taped crosses we gave them.

Lunch at the new mechanics school (a great Malawian chicken & rice meal), then off to the Mat Factory school for a full afternoon of rehab. Kids’ church and Kyung and I do Jonah & the Whale (over-acted with a blue blanket for the sea and a sleeping bag as the whale). The kids are enthralled. We hand out paper whales for them to color, give each a candy treat and day 2 is concluded. We’re beat, a lethal dose of entertaining dozens of pre-schoolers for hours plus construction has some of us sleeping on the drive home. Tomorrow is an early rise to climb Table Mountain at 6:30AM, what a sight to behold…but again, that seems to be the norm here with African Leadership.

Pastor Ohm talks to us tonight about the kingdom perspective on how it’s not your position in life that is of God, but your function…and how because of society’s unprecedented interconnectivity, we now can truly change the world (one person at a time). He also shares with me his plans of expanding African Leadership throughout southern Africa…Mozambique, Madagascar (where he says he wants me to visit next) in addition to bringing the children’s church model to Johannesburg (the epicenter of influence in South Africa). Ambitious, yet achievable plans.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

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It’s 6:30AM and the team is scaling Table Mountain, the signature mountain hovering over the city. It’s a damp, foggy morning as we ascend the massive rock. Marg races ahead, followed by Priscilla, Tobi, Lisa, Glory and myself (with the others even further behind). We wait at the top, but unable to enjoy the view because of the fog. The climb is challenging, but not impossible. Maybe 1.5 hours to do so, not sure…who checks their watch at moments like this?

At the top we settle into the café for coffee and hot chocolate as we are all freezing. A cable car takes us down, then off to downtown Cape Town for breakfast and some shopping at the market. “Sir, I give you special price,” “my first customer of the day,” “you want a mask, right?” “See the craftsmanship,” “we negotiate, yes?”…it all surrounds us as the merchants spot the tourists. Some fun haggling and we leave with our goods.

Afternoon back at the pre-school. More drywall, border creation and up to the roof for Lucky, Zolani, Pastor Ohm and I for some roof repair. Exhausting, but the gathering throng of 80+ kids waiting for children’s church energizes us all. Marg does the Joseph story, some coloring of multi-colored coat handout, and refereeing the mad swap of crayons among the kids. They all leave with the obvious pride of their creations plus the knowledge of God’s protection and forgiveness. Lord, may the hopeful seeds within these Old Testament stories stay within them as they age and go through trials I can only imagine.

Friday, September 25, 2009

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Today is our last day at the school. I spend the morning up on the roof with Lucky and Zolani repairing some fire damage, a zinc panel and covering nail holes that are causing leaks. Below, Tobi and Kyung finish up the walls and frames as the women perfect their “simple” artwork on the walls. It’s wonderful! So colorful with designs of plants, deserts, sunshine, animals and more in reminder of the stories we taught throughout the week (Jonah & the whale, David & Goliath, David & his brothers, Gladys Knight & the Pips. Ok, one of these we didn’t teach). We conclude our last children’s church and say our goodbyes as the kids who know our names shout them out. Does it get any better than this?

We head off the watch a bit of the soccer ministry. Locals Wonga and Larry (from my last trip) play and we meet Chris who heads up the ministry. Team SAM gives him a travel notebook as a gift and his overwhelming excitement and gratitude uplifts us all.

Back at the mission house, Pastor Ohm talks about the perspective of having eternal life. This assurance should align our life’s priorities regarding what’s important vs. petty and how in the light of everlasting life, relationships take on added weight and longevity.

Lights out. I reflect on the construction work we completed. Refurbishing something existing has a different feel than the fresh construction of my last trip. It’s a sense of renewal instead of creation. You don’t walk away from it visually recognizing that something now stands where it once did not. Instead, it is like you’ve given life to something weathered and worn. It’s reborn. The parallels to the our faith are obvious…whether it be saving the lost or encouraging the faithful -- both have purpose, both have reward.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

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Off to Africa Theological College. Our group of “experts” are to teach a 3 hour session with local pre-school leaders. About ten of these leaders, ages 14-18, have voluntarily given up part of their Saturday to hear from us…wow.

What to say? Hmm. I offer a short sermon of encouragement for these leaders among children - so young, yet so admired for their commitment. I conclude with I Timothy 4:12 to encourage them to do great things for God despite the youths they are. They are polite and attentive…hopefully taking it to heart.

We then move onto how to choose and teach Bible stories that engage children. We demonstrate a boring Jonah & the whale and another animated version. The group is broken up and they get to pick and act out their own stories. We bestow upon them the Hokey Pokey and Duck, Duck, Goose as activities the kids have enjoyed. Pastor Charlton wraps it up by sharing about living in and through faith. I get a chance to talk to Chicken, the young man leading this group. He’s so engaging and likeable with a humble spirit as he thanks us profusely for sharing.

It rains heavily in the afternoon, so our activities are cancelled. We prepare for an early morning tomorrow as we’ll drive for 12 hours to Transkei, South Africa. Anticipation builds as the prospect of seeing a new part of this beautiful country, evangelizing hut to hut, and briefly living a rustic experience in this remote and historic Xhosa region.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

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What’s to say, really? 12 hours in a van. Ouch. Please proceed to the next blog entry.

Monday, September 28, 2009

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Read all about Transkei’s fascinating history here. Nelson Mandela grew up there. It’s beautiful country. A rural existence moving toward advancement. The area we will be ministering is called Qabeni (I think?) and is about a twenty minute bumpy mud road ride to reach off the paved road.

We’ll be staying with Mama Silvia (she reveals to us that she walks two hours to church and prays for God’s protection as she does so!). The women in one hut, the guys in another. Sleeping bags on mats on the floor are a nice in between for us pampered Americans and completely roughing it. Many huts have simple electricity. Water comes from centralized spouts and needs to be carried into the home.

Our general schedule for our three day stay her is 8AM breakfast & devotion, 9:30 - 1:30 evangelism, 1:30 - 3 lunch, 3-4 children’s church, 4-5 teen church, 5-10 dinner, recap, testimonies, personal time, 10PM bed. It’s grueling and simultaneously invigorating.

We break off into small teams led by local translators. Lisa and I are lead by Malibomgwe. He’s the likely pastoral successor to Great Commission Church here and he is also active in soccer ministry with the teens. He enjoys calling us his brothers/sisters from another mother - it’s funny for a bit, but I suspect it’s because he can’t remember our names.

Door-to-door evangelism is new to me. We stop by a number of huts and people are open to having us share and pray with them. Some huts have more than others; beds, shelves, dishes, table sets, hot plates, even TVs. A consistent thread throughout our visits, usually a Mama (what the matriarch is called) with children or grandchildren. Everyone is warm and welcoming. Children run to grab us chairs. Tea is offered. Chickens, lambs or dogs come and go as they please. Some are Christians, some are not. The children are adorable. The mamas are strong. Prayer requests tend to be for wayward family members, for protection, for strength, for weary & aging bodies, for loved ones living in the city to find jobs, for alcoholism relief, and for family to be blessed. At no time is a materialistic item a request. It’s humbling.

It could be argued that their way of life is backwards in this technologically advanced world, yet giving our prosperity to them is not the answer, nor is it the request from their lips. It could also be argued that our way of life is backwards too.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

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Up a bit earlier today to slaughter a sheep. You read that correctly. Tobi even filmed it, should you be so bold to want to see it. Kyung is given the honor of killing it. He does an admirable job of breaking wool and giving it razor burn. Lucky steps in to get the job done. Hey, I’m no better, purposefully standing 10 feet away looking the other direction. It’s fascinating to watch the meat be extracted, as I later help Kyung hold the meat for cutting.

A bit about children’s church: it’s much like the ones we ran in Khayelitsha, fun songs, some dancing, overuse of the hokey pokey, and animated lesson and craft. The attendance grew over the 3 days we were there as word of our presence spread throughout Qabeni. Kids are kids and the reactions from them are the same: priceless. So much joy, harmonious voices, rhythm, some shy, some outgoing…all engaged.

About the youth/teen church, on the first day 18 showed up and all responded to an altar call. I preached a bit, talked about how the issues facing them and facing teens in America are universal and how as youth, the chance to transform Transkei with the gospel lay before them. Lucky did the altar call, I led them in prayer (all interpreted and recited in Xhosa…wow!). The number of teens attending the final day service grew to about 60! There’s a thirst here for far more than water.

The day ends with more of Mama Silvia’s amazing cooking (very rice & bread-based with meat, potatoes and tremendous sauces heavy on salt & sugar). We have some of the sheep from earlier in the day in a stew. Mmm good.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

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Our last day in Transkei. We stop back at the huts that we have visited to say goodbye. We hope to lay some groundwork for Mama Silvia and other from Great Commission Church to follow-up on.

Last children’s church…they color Joseph’s multi-colored coat, and skip out of there back home. Last youth service, Zyanda gives her testimony as does Marg. I wrap it up in my best “you are the future/stay strong/grow in faith/become leaders/spread the Word” rallying speech (part Obama, part Friday Night Lights, part random dude from Ohio just trying not to get in God’s way). We say our goodbyes as the teens linger a bit, and we pray for the church and for Malibomgwe.

It’s 5:30PM and getting dark. The mountains beckon us, we have no choice but to respond. Lucky leads us up a steep path to quickly get as high as we can before darkness falls. A half hour later, the team is spread out into bunches along the path. We decide it’s too dark to press on, so Marg, Lucky and I stand about two thirds up the mountain and take in Qabeni. Gorgeous. We pray over the community and head back, soon hearing the orders of Pastor Ohm to get down. Ok, it was a bit dumb of me to encourage the team to climb so late, in the dark, in a remote area. But a sense of finality hung in the air. Our team of Americans, Germans and Africans had finished our service in Transkei and we needed a celebratory release. That vibe continued over dinner as a wacky photo session ensued. We were one…in purpose, in faith and in friendship. We broke bread together and savored every minute.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

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My, my, my…the drive back. Pastor Ohm wanted to show off Africa to us on the return voyage. He did that, but we got more than we bargained for.

• Elephants walking in front of our van
• Thorny tires
• Plettenburg Bay & its exotic beaches
• Spitting off a high bridge into a river far below
• Failing transmission
• “Steers” again?!
• Honeymoon vacation reservations
• Broken axel
• Midnight relationship advice at a gas station diner
• Aching backs, sore knees, crooked necks
• Oranges, Fiber One bars & fistfuls of bread
• Cold & flu season
• 24 hours in a van!!!

‘Nuff said. If you want the dots connected, buy me a meal.

Friday, October 2, 2009

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Last day for the Seattle team. Pastor Ohm has arranged a day of celebration. Downtown to the market to barter for African souvenirs. Back again to Table Mountain on this perfectly sunny day for photos. Down to the beach. A great hibachi lunch then a group dinner where all the coordinators join. Lisa, Tobi, Lucky, Beauty, Chicken, Kosta, Jung & his family, Glory and others come to see show love to this team and send us off, family style.

This team was such a blessing to me, to African Leadership, and to Africa. Pastor Charlton’s brotherly wisdom and counsel. Kyung’s openness and servanthood. Linda’s passionate heart. Lisa, sweetness personified. Marg’s spunk and grace. Sujan’s humor and leadership. Tobi, the gentle giant. It’s been an honor. When people ask me where I have family, I can now add Seattle to my reply.

The day flies by -- as it tends to do when something great is about to end. We laugh, reminisce, speculate, mourn, and hug. Facebook offers a weak consolation to the real thing. The two weeks that once seemed so long now seems too short. Goodbye Bhuti. Goodbye Sisi.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

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My last day. I go out in style to say the least. Jung, Pastor Ohm, Andrea and I spend the day together. (A brief word about Andrea: the world will be a better place because of her [projectrx.org].) We head to Mfuleni where my Mocha Club team built the preschool in May of 2008. It looks amazing! The teams that followed us painted it and put up a fence. As we walk around and reminisce, kids gather. We take some pics of them. I recognize only a couple of the faces. It’s fulfilling to see the complete circle of this creation. I’m here now, yet I know my other six teammates are here in spirit.

From here we drive to Stellenbosch. Wine country! Mountains with row after row of vineyards. We sample some and just sit back together taking in this nature and soaking in the joy of kingdom living. A steak lunch at another vineyard restaurant and it’s time to get to the airport.

To my surprise Glory and Lucky are there waiting. I’m prayed for as I enter the gate. Humbled again as I fight back tears as we say goodbye. Sabonana (see you soon).

Epilogue - Sunday, October 4, 2009

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The connecting flight takes off from Johannesburg. Through a tiny window I gaze at a grand landscape. Unlike last time, I sense that I will be back. I’m not sure when, where, or with who, but I will. I can’t help it. The people: their openness, warmth and generosity; their utter need and the perpetuating cycle of the most for the least and the least for the most. It all draws you back.

As I sit here on the plane going home, I have two thoughts. The first is that I went to Africa expecting to see God do amazing things. He didn’t. He continued doing the ordinary things that He does every day around the world. His routine is our amazing, and I become more aware to this fact the more I witness His works and allow myself to be placed where He wants me. The miraculous or the mundane...it is all a matter of perspective. Yet He does them both out of His love for us.

Second, looking back on my 2008 trip in light of this one, I again think about comfort zones. Returning home always has this affect on me. The desire to return home is fueled by the seduction of one’s comfort zone. I led a devotion in Africa about how Philippians 4:13 states “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. The word “all” always seemed too supernatural before, to the point that I read it as a heart-warming, wishful thought instead of a practical principle. At one time to me, the “all” in that verse was equal to leaping tall buildings or moving mountains…it is now more about getting out of my own way. If I can manage that, He’ll take it from there with a size of scale of His choosing that is “all”-encompassing.

I’m not sure God takes us from A directly to Z without first going through B. Three years ago I would never have been the person to lead a mission trip overseas. Step A for me was just going on one. B was leading one. Not sure what C holds, but I know that with each successive step, God offers us one more. The more steps we take in faith, the further we are taken from our comfort zones. Perhaps after all, I’m becoming more comfortable…um, I mean accepting of this.

PROLOGUE

2008-06-30T18:00:00.005-04:00

This blog reflects my journal entries from a short-term mission trip to Cape Town, South Africa in June, 2008. I went as part of a Mocha Club team to support the work of African Leadership – a Christian organization that trains Africans to become Christian leaders within the church and community in order to serve the spiritual and physical needs of fellow Africans.

Many people encouraged and supported me in this life-changing event and this blog is an attempt of making this experience not simply my own.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THIS TRIP.

This is dedicated to my teammates:
Amy (our heart); Geoffrey (our pastor); Katie (our refuge); Melissa (our passion); Nina (our wonderment); Susanna (our caregiver); Tami (our sweetness); and Tobi (our inspiration).

Team Mocha Club 2008 South Africa Mission Trip video from steve citerin on Vimeo.

DAY ONE – Friday June 6, 2008

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Late night. Quiet plane. Somewhere over the Atlantic. Why am I here? I’m on my way to London in order to get to Cape Town, South Africa. My heart has placed me here. The Lord has drawn me there.

I’m 34, comfortable in life but uncomfortable in my spirit. I have not done enough for the cause of Christ. My whole life I turned my back to the concept of overseas missions work. The church of my youth lifted missionaries onto such a pedestal that it made me feel that any non-missionary wasn’t a good Christian. I so disagreed with this notion that I failed recognize the needful truth behind this false positioning.

In recent years, my worldview has expanded. I’ve come to learn more about the true needs in other countries and how blessed I am as an American. But there’s such need in the states, why go elsewhere? I now recognize that the poor here aren’t so poor comparatively to those in other nations. There are resources here available to those who desire to get help (an oversimplification, I realize). And that the multiplier effect of our resources applied to foreign lands can stretch support much further (micro-loans, for example).

I’m also going because I want to see firsthand this need. See this poverty, look upon the faces of those within its grip. I desire for my heart to break for humanity, yet also discover moments of joy and hope. I desire to lend a hand, make a connection, develop friendships and offer a glimmer of hope. I want to be disturbed. Rocked and shaken from my comfort zone. Break down the walls I’ve built around myself to keep anxiety, unpleasantness, or uneasiness away. This is very much a Matrix moment. I’m choosing the red pill and I’ve asked to experience the true reality – one that will cause me to stir for the rest of my life trying to figure out how to institute change.

Selfishly, I want an experience. I want to set foot on another continent, leave a bit of myself there and have it deposit something within me. I don’t want to be 40 or 50 years old and realize that I have lived solely for my own gain, security and comfort. I want it to sink in that this life isn’t about me. It isn’t about achieving, it’s about serving.

I have such high hopes for this trip, which I fear aren’t too lofty. I want to surrender my expectations and be completely receptive to whatever He has brought me to Africa to tell me. I desire clarity about the world and my role in it. I want to quit sitting on the fence…doing for self one moment, doing for God the next. Living in the in-between is dizzying and I want off. To borrow from author Donald Miller, I want to let go of the pen and allow God to write the story of my life.

I recognize the volume of the “I” statements in this entry. My desire is to decrease so that He might increase…in my thoughts and actions, plus in where I direct my energies and my resources. Lord, may Africa be a turning point in my life so that I may, in turn, point to you.

DAY THREE – Part 1 – Sunday, June 8, 2008 (morning)

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We’re about to land in Cape Town after an 11 hour flight. Longest of my life. Thankfully, I was able to sleep for a good portion of it, unlike the London flight.

Soon I will step onto a new continent…for the second time in two days. Excitement builds. No anxiety, but hope for what is to be seen and experienced here.

London. We sped through that city on the 8+ hour layover he had. We got onto the tube, “minded the gap” and hopped into and out of many famous historic sites: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, London Bridge, and London Tower. Wow. It’s a true historic city mixed with modern architecture in a fashion that works well together. Beautiful day too. We stumbled across a Christian band giving a performance at a festival in Piccadilly. Also we saw a practice run of a procession for the Queen’s birthday (next week) in front of the Palace. Onlookers said Prince Charles was there, but we never saw him. It was a great day, yet we’re all exhausted, especially Amy who received ridicule and kudos for hauling her soccer-ball-carrying “papoose” around the city all day long. The day was a bit of a tourist escape for a vacation that promises to be unlike any in the traditional sense.

We near landing in Cape Town. The orange sky announces sunrise over a mountainous terrain. I’m excited and prayerful for what lies ahead, trusting that the person who occupies my seat on the way back will be different.

Father, watch over us as we work to bring hope to these people. Allow us to represent you in a way befitting your grace. Keep us healthy. Keep us unified as a team and permit us to give freely of ourselves and advance the work of those permanently here in Cape Town.

DAY THREE – Part 2 -- Sunday, June 8, 2008 (evening)

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Obvious statement alert: Cape Town in beautiful!!! Flying into the city you could see farming land neatly manicured leading into factory campuses. Buildings comprise a metropolis nestled between the mountains and the ocean. Elegant homes and expansive shantytown areas. It is topography as diverse and complex as the lives of those residing upon it.

Today, we meet Pastor Young Ohm – the director of African Leadership here in South Africa. We also meet Glory, Angela, Dong Su, Paul, Joy, Tobi, Jeff & Julie – all exceedingly kind and hospitable to us.

Upon arriving at the mission house in the township of Breckenfell where we’ll stay, the team settled in, briefly unpacked then swept off to hike Lion’s Den mountain. Situated to the east of Table Mountain – the iconic, largest mountain here – Lion’s Den is a bit more accessible and scalable. It was a majestic climb that wound around the mountain. We planted ourselves at the top for a bit, taking in the majestic sights of the ocean and the separated by this vast city and its beaches. We then visited the beach – breathtaking! Too cold to swim (it’s wintertime here, 50-60 degrees on average), but a beachside meal made me appreciate why Cape Town has been ranked one of the most desirable places in the world to live. A brief look at the tourism side of this place before we get exposed to its poverty and need. The team kept showing each other the myriad of great photos we have taken thus far, but I know that the best shots are still yet to come.

Pastor Ohm spoke to us tonight. It was part orientation, part sermon, but all originating from the heart of a man who has grown to love this city and its people from his native Korea. Two main points he shared: view people, especially those we’ll be working with, through Christ’s eyes. It is a request that humbles your spirit and guides you in the proper way to serve and interact with others. Secondly, live life with an eternal perspective, it centers you and keeps you mindful of the long-term meaning to our works and relationships and how differences truly are petty. He’s a great man, and I’m looking forward to working for him and learning from him. But for right now, my heavy eyelids reveal that lesson time will have to wait.

The team is beat. The long flights (9 + 11 hours) and hectic days have us fading fast. It is 10PM here, I’m at an internet café briefly letting people know that I’m here safe. Surfing the web holds little interest to me as I hope for this trip to take me far from normalcy. I’ve unplugged from my life back home for this time…and I’m happy for it.

DAY FOUR – Monday, June 9, 2008

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A day like today is why I’m here. It started with a 7AM wake-up, a quick breakfast, then off to African Theological College in Khayelitsha – a township outside the city where the focus of our work will be done. I walk into the modest sanctuary where “He is exalted” (one of the few worship songs I can play confidently on guitar) is playing on CD – ironic, I don’t think so. (Random Khayelitsha fact: over 700,000 people live in its roughly 10x12km area. Churches serving this population are run mostly in homes by untrained leaders.)

We sing praises in both English and Xhosa (the “X” is pronounced with a click). It was poignant to realize that I’m in South Africa singing worship songs in many languages among people from all over the globe drawn together by this shared faith. This common belief is the only reason any of us would ever find ourselves in the same room together. Amazing how God works.

From there we go into orientation time where various leaders share about their ministries: pastoral college, children’s Sunday school, high school, sports (soccer & netball), women’s & auto mechanic ministries. I’m impressed by African Leadership’s diversity in its ministries, acting as a Christian United Way of sorts – developing and supporting the work of the church in this influential region in the future of Africa. They are not a church, but supply and feed them with resources and people so they can grow and meet community needs.

We drive into the heart of Mfuleni, one of the shanty town townships where we’ll build the pre-school. As we drive, we see modest homes put together with acquired materials (part zinc siding, wood, concrete – whatever is to be found). Every face we see greets us with a wave or thumbs up. So open and friendly with curiosity instead of suspicion (unlike what we’d be welcomed with in the states).

Entering a daycare center/pre-school for the first time, maybe 15+ kids greet us and ask to be picked up. I snap a picture of a couple on the camera. Then upon kneeling down to show the photo to them, I’m surrounded by all the kids laughing in wonderment at their own image. All the kids then jump up and form a line to perform a worship song to a cd track for us…the cuteness knows no limits. We later stop into two other centers greeted by similar warmth in each location. At one, we meet several lovely women sewing mats for sale (a sort of fair trade business supported by African Leadership). They laugh heartily as they try to teach us how to properly say “how are you” “my name is” “my last name is”, etc. in Xhosa.

We leave to visit the construction site in another area of the neighborhood. Greeted by a pile of sand waiting being moved and a roped off area with the beginnings of a ditch for the foundation. This will be a new daycare center/pre-school (or “kresh” in Xhosa) that will provide a safe place for kids to be left so parents may work and where they’ll learn about Christ.

We work a bit, and then it’s time to go on a prayer walk through the side alleys – introducing ourselves and informing the families about our 4PM kids service. I fail miserably at the limited Xhosa I have learned. Tobi, Melissa, Katie, Wanga and I trek into the depths of this neighborhood to be greeted with happy and intrigued faces. One guy asks which of these women is my wife, I reply “no wife” and receive a somewhat peculiar “ohh” response and look…tell me about it buddy. Another older teen named Solomon speaking good English walks up to me and asks where I’m from and why I’m here. He’s genuinely excited to hear America and gives me a big hug. We exchange about American cities he’s heard of and then he’s off to lift weights. I tell him we’ll be here all week and hope to see him again.

4PM, kids church. Duck, duck, goose is a big hit, two big circles of maybe 40+ kids each chasing each other around with moms looking on with laughter. Simon hutu (says), on the other hand, not so successful – lost in translation perhaps. They teach us a telephone type of game, and I’m immediately eliminated because of getting the words wrong. After some songs, we break into a skit about the Good Samaritan. I am double cast in the roles the thief and the rabbi (not to be confused). I later help summarize the moral of the story. Poignant moment #589 – sharing God’s love here with these kids at this time and place with the whole thing being translated into Xhosa, who would’ve thought I’d be here? We hand out treats to the kids and float back to the mission house on an indescribable high. Knowing tomorrow holds more of the same has never felt so invigorating.

DAY FIVE – Tuesday, June 10, 2008

2008-06-30T17:56:00.004-04:00

Today was a heavy construction day. We shoveled more of the foundation sand piles into the structure (with much of it blowing back at us). We prayed for some governmental bureaucracy snafus that might cease the construction to be eliminated. I get to chat with Greg, a guy from the government inspecting our site – the spitting image of Barack Obama. He’s a nice guy, surprised that Americans are here pitching in. He genuinely wants this work to go forward, but is restricted by policies. He’s a musician on the side and angles to get my email address should he ever get to the states (note: it’s interesting that everyone here wants your email address...perhaps looking to build up an international rolodex of couches to crash on should they happen to be in the neighborhood?). We receive permission to continue with the work…and the shoveling gives way to measuring, cutting and nailing frames for the structure.

Geoffrey and I had the chance to talk with Larry today (an older Xhosa teenager who helps African Leadership and is doing construction and translating for us). He was telling us about the Xhosa tradition of becoming a man, being sent away from family where circumcision begins a month-long process of near solitude in a remote region of the country. What actually happens in this time is forbidden to be talked about, but all Xhosa men must go through this process to become a man in the eyes of the community. There is no avoiding it unless you choose disgrace to follow you throughout life. Ceremonial dress is worn upon return to notify all of your successful conversion into becoming a man. Wanga (another teen translator serving with us) will similarly leave to start this in a week. Larry is nervous, but also excited for his approaching time. I can’t possibly imagine this, but concede to him that he is already a man in my eyes.

At kids church, we do a craft where we create string bracelets with different color beads (each representing a biblical principle) for the kids. The skit today is about the prodigal son – I’m the dad and I give Geoffrey (the son) a great big swinging bear hug upon his return – the kids crack up at this. Poignant moment #723 – having 30 Xhosa kids reciting Romans 8:16 back to you…especially how God (“Thixo” in Xhosa) has that click in it. Gotta love it.

I felt the pride of being of use today. All the digging, the sawing, the hammering…it felt good to contribute to the team. Man secret time: we are empowered when we are of use. Let me retain this feeling.

DAY SIX – Wednesday, June 11, 2008

2008-06-30T17:55:00.001-04:00

Such unbelievable experiences here. The words cannot keep up with the thoughts.

Today it rained, so we were unable to continue on building the “kresh”. Instead we went to a primary school where we were given access to three different 7th grade classes. Under the heading of “life studies”, we were open to share about the character of God as displayed through the fruits of the Spirit.

We started by introducing ourselves in Xhosa. I was last and mispronounced “igama lam ngu, Steve” and the kids burst into laughter. It totally broke the ice and I loved my unintended moment of being a class clown. (Funny moment #324: Katie mistakenly makes a point to the classroom by using the Spanish translation of Jesu Cristo and gives the kids two big thumbs up…the reply was silent, blank stares.)

We broke the 50 children into 9 teams and each was given a character trait and assigned to draw it and act out a scenario (thankfully, the children understood/spoke English). My group had “faithfulness” and they chose a scenario of telling a secret of smoking and the friend being faithful not to gossip the secret. The funny part was the child saying “if my parents find out, they will FREAK OUT.” Really, freak out?! Not my words at all, but funny to see catch phrases going global. My second class group had “self control” and they did a skit about some party scenario that I never fully understood.

In the third class, my team was five guys and we had “kindness”. I really felt like I connected with them…we were fellas after all. I taught them my cool (to me) snap hand shake and they taught me theirs. I was able to drive the point of kindness home by relating it to being a kind teammate on the soccer field. The best player isn’t always the better teammate and showing unselfishness/kindness on the team is a great way to demonstrate godly characteristics. They seemed to really get it and I gave them homework to be a good teammate next time they play ball. It was an amazing exchange – all within a public school!

After lunch, we went off to a community center that was housing 200+ foreign African refugees (largely from Zimbabwe) due to the recent xenophobic violence against them. We were there to have a worship service and hopefully offer inspiration. At first it was a tough crowd. Individuals were very warm to us, but the crowd was pensive. A few songs in and they were clapping, singing and dancing with us. I was asked to share my testimony and talk about Christ…what could I possibly say to these people in their circumstances? Be truthful and God will provide the words…and He did. I shared my story of how living for self is ultimately unfulfilling. I mentioned that we are all refugees in one sense – all away from our hopeful home in heaven, living out this brief time on earth. Our current difficult circumstances are a mere blink in the expanse of eternity and knowing Him provides a long-term perspective in which hope and joy are the promise. It was well received and later we sang more and had an altar call. We prayed for those who came forward (for hope, protection, bravery, obedience, and a kingdom perspective). Afterward, several longer conversations took place. One with Willard, an organizer of these people, who loves God, has such faith, loves his homeland and wants to show it to me, and amazingly knows that the people who do these horrible deeds against them don’t understand mankind’s interconnectivity or Christ’s demonstration of love. This was a remarkable perspective that many here shared…I don’t know how they do it. I found it ironic that the day started by educating students about character and the fruits of the Spirit, and it ended by offering encouragement to refugees who had been shown just the opposite of this character by older generations of these same kids. Lord, let these seeds find fertile ground.

A truly surreal day – being used by God to teach South African children and offer comfort and hope to refugees. Not bad for my first time out of the country. I feel small in His plan, but important in His works. Later, Pastor Ohm would wisely share that we are beautiful in our differences.

DAY SEVEN – Thursday, June 12, 2008

2008-06-30T17:54:00.004-04:00

Today was an even earlier rise & shine. Out the door by 7AM to a local high school to pass out bookmarks we had made with encouraging Bible verses. The kids are entering exams now and we hoped to give hope along with sustenance with some candy bars. The kids were delighted as they entered the school grounds. Quickly we were outnumbered and running out of bars. It was crazy as kids grabbed for bars and engulfed us. We left frustrated by the potentially dangerous situation. But we circled up, prayed for the kids and for African Leadership to gain similar access to other high schools in the township.

From there we went back to the college to do a worship service and devotion time. I volunteered to share for the team. I talked about I Cor. 15:58 – why it’s my favorite verse and why it was the reason I was in Africa. I touched on the radical nature of the Christian faith. Though often promoted as safe and offering perpetual happiness, it truly is an 180 degree departure from the world’s ways. I shared how how the magnitude of the world’s needs can intimidate, but it should not stop us from realizing that God takes seemingly small instances of making a difference and combines them into a huge cumulative sum. It was a word to myself as much as it was for them. I marveled at the 30+ people in the room who just days ago were strangers and now they’re family members. Monday seems like a lifetime ago. Worship was amazing and I felt connected to God with renewed vigor.

We left then for more work on the pre-school. Building the side frames. Chris, a local guy who just wanted the help out did so, proved to be a great help. I managed to take a few good pictures of the kids who hang out with us throughout the day observing and interacting. There was a meaningful moment for me today…I looked up from driving in some nails and nearly finishing a frame. I paused for a second and it sunk in again where I was, what I was doing, and I felt very much like my dad’s son. I sensed that I was there representing him and knew that he was proud of me.

We then came back to the mission house for some well-needed rest & social time. Another outstanding meal was offered to us (we’ve been eating like royalty – tasty Korean, Brazilian, Xhosa, etc. meals). Testimonials were shared and I actually led worship for the group (poorly) on guitar. Yet another in a growing list of firsts for me on this trip.

It’s hard to imagine that we leave in one week from today and I’ve known my six (plus two) teammates for only one week – we have become a family unit. We bonded immediately, love one another, encourage each other, and openly appreciate our new relationships. This is not an unusual phenomenon for short term mission teams to experience, especially when you spend 24/7 with one another. Yet I’m told our team’s level of closeness is rare and I believe it.

I don’t want to think about one week from now, separating from my new brothers & sisters. I want instead to celebrate the beauty of relationships as one of God’s truly finest gifts to humanity.

Humorous Editorial Intermission; Funny Moment #432:
Here’s the scene, Geoffrey is trying to explain a game to the children (red light, green light perhaps). One energetic young boy who we’ve come to adore named Ludwa is on the receiving end of this priceless exchange. Let’s listen in…

Geoffrey: Do you speak English?
Ludwa: Yes
G: Do you understand me?
L: Yes
G: If I teach you a game, will you tell the other kids?
L: Yes
(Geoffrey offers five minutes of detailed game instruction, rules and strategic theory)
G: Do you understand the game?
L: Yes
G: Ok, go and tell the others.
L: Yes
G: No, you go now and tell the other kids how to play.
(Ludwa stands and gives an enthusiastic smile, revealing that “yes” is one of the only words he knows in English. Geoffrey scratches his head, wishing he had those five minutes back, wiser now for having learned a lesson in not asking yes/no questions.)

DAY EIGHT – Friday, July 13, 2008

2008-06-30T17:53:00.006-04:00

Another chilly morning greeted us as we rose to participate in a high school assembly before morning classes. 200 or so boys & girls in maroon sweaters, white button-down shirts and slacks/skits look upon us in formation in the school courtyard. After a song by them, we are invited to speak. Tami shares her testimony. I encourage them to excel in life but be sure to “lay up treasures in heaven”, and Susanna inspires them to “let no man despise thy youth”. So attentive and respectful they were. We sing a “I love you lord” for them and went into our attempt at “Singabahambayo” – a historic South African worship/freedom song that gained popularity in the anti-apartheid movement. (here’s a video of us in action – I did the steady camera work. Um, ok, this isn’t us.) They all smiled when we actually knew it and joined in. We were whisked off for a brief word to the teachers and then onward to the construction site.

We got the frame up today! It looks like a building now (albeit a naked one). We were climbing all over that thing…20 feet up in the air pounding in nails. I haven’t climbed around like this since childhood and my aching knee reminds me so.

It’s fun to have interactions with the community members. Throughout the day they stop by and chat with us – there’s a buzz in Mfuleni about what we are doing. I also recognize faces of some kids now. They run up to us and give big hugs. There’s such enthusiasm to be touched, held, paid attention to – such abundant life spirit despite their surroundings.

We then left – exhausted – and went to watch soccer matches at Nelson Mandela Park in Khayelitsha. African Leadership does sports ministry (soccer and netball) and we met the leader Chris and Advocate an assistant. They use soccer to build community, offer an alternative to drugs/booze/etc. for local teens. We watched Larry & Wanga play – amazingly quick they were. Chris teased us by saying had we gotten here earlier the guys could’ve gotten to play. All for the best as it would’ve been both amazing & embarrassing all at once.

I’m still awaiting word from God about life purpose. Funny though how I’ve given three talks here about this topic, and I realize that I’m preaching to myself as much as anyone else. I pray this simple message seeps deep within me. I do know that this missions thing isn’t so bad after all. It could be the amazing new family that my teammates have become. It could be that we’ve been going strong from sunrise to sunset since we landed. But I’m not missing my routine, my comforts, or my culture at the moment. I’ve had no appointments, no meetings, and no obligations other than to serve my team, African Leadership and the people of South Africa. I rest so peacefully at night. I celebrate the blessing of this assurance.

DAY NINE – Saturday, June 13, 2008

2008-06-30T17:53:00.005-04:00

Back at the site, we put the roof on. Pastor Ohm is jumping around this structure like a monkey, it’s hilarious. His cries of “push, push, push” and “stop, stop, stop” toward the girls passing long zinc panels up to us on the roof have me wondering if I’ve been transported to a hospital delivery room.

Poignant Moment # 932: After finishing up the roof, Geoffrey, Wanga and I plop down, legs dangling. We enjoy a beverage, the completed task and the miraculous view. We chat about women, life, sports…you know, guys stuff. The only thing missing was the scratching, belching, and perhaps a grill.

We return back to the mission house and I take Jeff & Julie’s dog Corey out to the park for some rough-housing. I shared my testimony with the group tonight (as we have been rotating each night). It also was my turn in the rotation for to receive expressions of encouragement from the group. Such amazing and humbling things they share. Philippians 2:5-8 comes to Tobi’s mind for me. In one word: wow.