Thank you and Happy New Year

A Heart full of thanks
This blog is about my life and work in South Africa and the last blog note described an unforgettable moment in the life of the ministry there. I am currently in the US for Christmas and have had a most enjoyable time with my family. There were 20 of us at the dinner table and we had happy chaos at my sisters home. What I enjoyed so much was the time we spent with each other to create a Christmas 2009 filled with memories. As I look back over the year, I am thankful for many things, but most of all, for the chance to be in South Africa to serve there and for the love and support of family, church and friends. As this year now winds down to a close, I wish for each of you a New Year filled with the blessing of love, service and commitment.
As a Christian, I wish for each person a life filled with the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ to lead you in every way and at every turn of your life. There are huge challenges ahead but I am ready to tackle them, not in my own strength but in the strength of the Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit. So here's to 2010 and to you who take the time to read this blog.

Restoring Hope

Hope Restored

That is what this Evangeline Ministries

2009 graduation was all about. Never have I seen the women look lovelier. The design of the clothes which they made in order to complete their assignments, was more intricate than ever. Rev. John Thomas, founder of the Living Hope work with which Evangeline is associated said this. "You are a restorer of hope." We celebrated hope for women, all of whom would never have had this opportunity without us. They worked hard and well. Class attendance was almost 95 per cent. They deserved their sewing machines, bibles and all the other things, aprons, blankets, track suits they made and you could see the pride and joy in their faces.

I was impressed that this class had made some of the most decorative dresses I had seen to date.

Avril Thomas, who directs the work of the support groups from which several of the women came, encouraged them to use their gifts well and, while, like the one man in the Bible parable who hid his coin, she could understand their fear at perhaps starting their own business, God would help them overcome that fear. My friend Dr. Peter Kjeseth lifted their hearts when he told them in their own language, "you give me great joy. You have suffered, but you are making something out of your suffering."

This was the second graduation for the year and the 6th since EM began its ministry here in Cape Town. We have given away 65 sewing machines to deserving students.Some of them have found jobs, others work making bags and one has even started her own restaurant. Yes, we have given hope as the women testify. It was so good to see former graduates attend as well.

At this Christmas time when we celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ, it is right that we together work to be restorers of hope, wherever and whoever we are. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who, according to His great mercy,has caused us to be born again to a living Hope through the resurrection of Christ from the dead." (1 Peter:3)

Almost There

Today was the last day of sewing andcomputer classes for 2009.
The big celebration day is Saturday and it was exciting for me to
watch the excitement of the women in the class. We had a dress
rehearsal and I was as happy as they were as they tried on the skirts, tops and shawls and head scarves to make sure all fitted correctly. To my amazement they also brought the beaded collars and other traditional jewellery they intend to use on Saturday.
Not only will it be a milestone of accomplishment in their lives, it will also be a most colorful affair. This is our fourth year of classes and I think this is the best work I have seen so far. This is as it should be and next year, we hope to aim even higher. The ladies are so full of praise for this opportunity and I will share more of that with you after Saturday. Here in the photo they have fun taking pictures of each other.
They had a party to conclude as I reminded them of the full life that is theirs as they put their trust in Jesus Christ. What a year it has been.

World Aids Day

World Aids Day 2009
This picture was taken at a World Aids Day event in 2007 where I went as part of Living Hope's team to join the False Bay College program. Today for World AIDS Day I was busy preparing for our Evangeline graduation on Saturday. I did wear a red jacket however. Cape Town itself had other things on its mind., like the 2010 World Cup. On Friday is the World Cup Draw festival. Yes things are heating up. For all that, HIV and AIDS was not at all shortchanged, and especially by the government. Two years ago, there was, among people who work with HIV and AIDS, such an air of gloom and doom, partly because of the mind-numbing statistics in a country that has one of the highest rates of HIV, but also because of the response of the then government which promoted home remedies and so on that denied the treatment with anti-retro viral drugs. What a difference two years and a change of government has made. An unlikely hero, President Jacob Zuma, who in those last two years described the aids cleansing shower he took, announced some major changes that can have an unprecedented impact in the country he leads. Here are two of them: First, all HIV positive babies will be treated and people with a CD count of 350 will get treatment. Before you had to have a count of 200 or less, or, yo had to be really sick to qualify for treatment. And the President said he too would take another HIV test as an example to South Africans. And that was not all. I listened to a doctor urge people to consider abstinence at times. Even if you are an atheist that is good for you at times, he said. People who called in to the radio talked about being faithful and careful. One man warned against the three punch of alcohol, sex and AIDS. The Brother 4Life campaign leaders also were featured as their nationwide call for men to be responsible has rightly gotten a lot of attention. And last but not least, I listened as Avril Thomas described the many ways Living Hope staff involved themselves in the Day with drama and at a courthouse, among others. There were more requests than Living Hope could honor today. This was a good day's celebration and I sense, a change-making day that will bring life and hope to thousands of people who live with HIV and AIDS here.

Violence Against Women

16 Days Of Activism

Here in South Africa, we are currently in the middle of an annual campaign that addresses violence against women and children. One just has to read the daily newspaper to see what a huge challenge this is for this still so new democratically ruled country. To my way of thinking, the treatment of women and children is at the heart of this nation's challenges. In fact I recall a special New York Times Magazine , "Why Women's Rights Are the Cause of Our Time." The editors, Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn wrote then. "In many parts of the world, women are routinely beaten, raped or sold into prostitution. They are denied medical care, education and economic and political power. Changing that could change everything." Writing in the local paper on November 26, Lungiswa Memela shared these facts; one in four South African women has experienced abuse from their partners and more than 40 per cent of men have been guilty of this. South Africa has one of the highest incidences of rape but few are reported to the police. Most shocking of all, after HIV and AIDS, violence is now the second largest cause of death here. Memela says that:"sexual and domestic violence is so widespread in South Africa that they are perceived to be a normal part of the relationship. and a normal part of community life." Sadly, may women think beating is a sign of love. "Violence against women will go on until we change the way we think," Memela says. One of my other concerns is the rate of pregnancy among women here. One lady told me this. "We have no education about this and just do things that do not know the consequences." In the light of this, our work with women becomes so important as we seek to give them a skill and lift their self esteem from God's Word. I have never asked in my class although I have known of some instances of abuse, but more and more I see women who are more self aware, and, I pray, women who understand how much God loves and values their lives. This is our work here.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving
Today in South Africa, it is a gorgeous summer day.
There is not a hint of Thanksgiving but Christmas in everywhere.
But for me, as for most Americans, before Christmas, is this uniquely American day and there are so many reasons that fill my
grateful heart today. How can I ever express my thanks to God for his love that fills my life and gives me purpose. So to you Lord is my first thank you for life, a great career in Christian service and, now, this chance to help others and learn how to trust God more. I am so thankful for all of the students whose lives have touched mine here in our sewing and computer classes.I am thankful for my family whose love encircles me here, so many miles away, for their support and encouragement. I am so thankful for my church communities, The Falls Church, Muizenberg Community Church and King of Kings Baptist Center that help me to serve God with strength and joy. I am so thankful for the friends I have at home and for new ones here in South Africa. I will enjoy a Saturday Thanksgiving with them. I am so thankful for all of you who support Evangeline Ministries, your ind words, advice and visits and help in so many ways. Today I am thankful,with a grateful heart for all of the above and more.

North Carolina guests

Our lovely North Carolina guests
(L-R) Estella Haywood and Carrie Amankwah visited us recently from
lovely North Carolina. They came with the team from the church to which to which Estella belongs, the Low Country Community Church in North Carolina. Carrie shared her gifts in helping people
with self awareness and self esteem and she plans to return
next year to be a longer term volunteer with Living Hope and a friend to the work of Evangeline here. Estella and I shared in the
joy of helping to send Urica back to her home to try and restart
her life with God's help. I hope to see her when I get out to North Carolina to see my sister. We see so many visitors here who are interested in what God is doing and how they can help and when they stop by and visit with me I love it and thank God for them, and yes for these sisters in Christ.

The power of Reconciliation

Reconciling Power.
Yesterday I did something I needed to do for a while. I made a brave effort to reconcile with someone. If it bothers you then you need to act and this relationship bothered me a lot. Turned out we had a lovely conversation, once I was assured all was OK and then we listened to each other's stories. I felt a whole lot better afterwards. Today in the local paper I read about a huge act of reconciliation besides which mine pales and which fills my heart with hope and joy at what is happening inspite of the recent disheartening news and discourse on race relations here. The wounds of apartheid are far from healed and from my vantage point, the racial divisions are sharper than ever, at least in Cape Town. The work of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee led by Bishop Desmond Tutu did vital work but that was just the beginning. Hamilton Wende, a Johannesburg based commentator who is doing research for a documentary and looking at how reconciliation has progressed in the last 15 years, shared this story. On December 24, 1996 bombings in Worcester killed four people and injured 67. One of those injured was Olga Macingwane. She had just finished her grocery shopping when she remembered, she was "ovewhelmed by a huge wave of sound and darkness." She was able to crawl out the back of the shop when she heard an explosion and her next memory is waking up in the hospital. Since then her life has been one of pain and pills. She ahs received little help and to this point, no compensation. one of the men responsible for the act is Steefans Coetzee now in prison for the crime. Long since repentant he desired to meet his victims and apologize to them for his actions. While the social workers at the prison were willing to set up such a meeting, most of the still very angry victims had no interest in such a meeting. Olga and a few others agreed to do so. The Cape Times article described it this way. "Our cameras were off but in that tiny room in the summer's heat an extraordinary South African experience took place. Olga asked to begin with a prayer. She knelt on the floor and prayed aloud in Xhosa while the rest of us bowed our heads." The report noted she said little as each one introduced themselves. She wanted to hear what Coetzee had to say. He was brutally honest. He was a racist, nurtured in this by his family, but had since learned the error of his terrible ways. "I do feel remorse. I am asking forgiveness because I want to move on with my life. I want to do something else with my life and not be remembered only as a murderer."
Again the report described life-changing moments in that room. "Now that I have heard your story, I can forgive you," one man said. When it was Olga's turn to speak here again is the report from the article. "We waited as she gathered her thin, pain-wracked body in her chair. " I want to thank you," she said to Coetzee in Xhosa. "Because I have heard your story, something has left me. I feel healed." Then she and Coetzee stood up and hugged each other. There were tears in both of their eyes." Wende wrote: "The enormity of the deed and the power of Olga's forgiveness give no easy answers, no glib benedictions. There was something immensely powerful in the restraint and the silent depth with which forgiveness was granted by Olga and accepted by Coetzee, something uniquely South African." And I dare to add, something uniquely Christlike.

Partners in Ministry

Partners Together in Christ
As I wrote some time before, one of the delights of doing mission working here in Cape Town is the chance I get to meet like-minded people whose ministry is such an encouragement to what I do. One such ministry is African Renewal led by Bruce Retief. I first met Bruce at the church I attend, the Muizenberg Community Church where he leads the music superbly. then I learned he is a composer and arranger whose work is heard in commercials, ads, movies and on records. That was impressive enough. What to me is as impressive is that God has called him to work, not only to carve out an international musical career but to help African refugees who stream into Cape Town by the thousands, looking for economic relief from countries battered by war and other man-made disasters. At church Bruce works with the refugees to help them find shelter, food and access necessary social services but God called him to do more. Now in a new office down town fish Hoek, which also has an electrical key board, Bruce offers them a chance to develop their skills in English proficiency, computer and graphics classes. They also get food parcels with goods given by nearby stores. "A year ago, I would never have believed I wold be doing this or this was possible," Bruce told me as I marvelled at the bank pf new computers just installed. I can understand how he feels. As a journalist I run sewing classes. God does not care what the qualification is. He just wants us to follow His lead.

African Renewal is about Living Christ, something Bruce is passionate about. The gospel of Jesus Christ colors all this ministry does. He is equally passionate about Giving Christ in this practical form of Christian love. We share both those commitments and are looking at ways we can even work together.

Leaving on a train

My agenda for today was full but but God kept interrupting. An appointment to look at possible work for some of the women was suddenly moved up two hours ahead of time. I had to close down my computer, get dressed and be there in a half hour. As I discussed the project I suddenly knew I was talking to a fellow believer. Sure enough she was and then I was so moved at the way in which God works. This was the first time I met her. How did she know about the work with the women I asked. It was someone at the Muslim fabric shop who told her. Dear God how is it possible that you put things together in this way I prayed as I thanked God that He does works in incredible ways, beyond our understanding. What I do know is that at that shop there is a world of goodwill and love for what I do and the women who are helped. As I left there and moved to the next place, I had no idea of the bigger interruption that was waiting for me. There to discuss another work project with homeless women before I hurried off to yet another appointment, I met Eurika, a young woman I knew. Last Sunday she showed up in church, weeping and bent over. Homeless and tortured by drugs she was stabbed and had just come from the hospital. I just want to go home she said repeatedly. Not knowing what else to do, I turned her over to one of our leaders who works with refugees and helps people like her and I went home.Here she was now at Living Grace weeping with Stella, a visiting volunteer. With all the love of a grandmother,Stella had prayed with her, shared with her how to know Christ, but above all listened to her story and encouraged her to change her life. She needs to go home Stella told me. People in my church had promised to help but that was on Sunday and Monday and today, Tuesday, they were not available. I tried to leave but just could not. When I promised her I would take care of it tomorrow, the tears came in torrents. I want to go home today she said. Something about the way she said it so moved me that I agreed she needed to go home today and with some donations and prayer from our visiting volunteers I took her to the train. First though, she needed to clear her locker. But Eurika had already done that. Clean for two days, she had already thrown everything away. She was ready to leave this terrible life behind. All she had was a gift packet of toiletries from Stella,my card and the money I gave her. I took her to the train, bought her a first class ticket to town and gave her the money for the ticket to take her home to her mother, about two hours away. As the train came to the platform she ran to the doors, paused long enough to wave to me and was gone. A huge smile filled my heart. Talk about new beginnings, well I am not so sure, but I won't bet against Eurika making it, with God's help. And then I reflected on how many people had touched her life with compassion over this past weekened and before that, the hours of love and help given by Living Grace. God had put all of these resources at the disposal of one young woman, just like that lost sheep, just like our Lord.

Take a Risk

What a Risk
There I am at the Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa-the world's highest bridge at 216 meters or approximately 707 feet. (This is about half the height of the Sears (Willis Tower). You would never know this as you drive over but the height of the bridge is extremely important if you are a bungy jumper, yes, that is , if you want to bungy jump. Well I thought about it and actually wished I had the courage to do just that, allow myself to be pushed into space in a swing and dangle there between heaven and earth. What I found so impressive was that almost all of the workers there who come from impoverished black and colored South Africa told me they had jumped And they loved it Why not, this was a huge adventure to give them the thrill they could never get as they fight the struggles they face. I was so proud of them and envied them They tried to encourage me by telling me a 90 year old man had jumped. Well I would have to see that to believe it. What a risk I met someone who had actually jumped and he said he was really scared but he was alive to describe it to me. Well before you can attempt to jump in that oh so small harness, there is a list of tests you must pass. It looks like the same tests for those heart-stopping amusement rides but as I checked it out, and believe I passed each one, heart, lungs, bones etc, there was one missing-FEAR Sure enough when I went to the store there were those tee-shirts, "Confront your fear" I have thought about this a lot and realize that at some point, we all have to take risks to grow, and as believers in Christ, to obey what sometimes is a great call and redirection for our lives. So here I am in Cape Town, South Africa and to me, it was a huge risk to leave all and trust others to support me and come here. Four years later I am still here, trusting God every step of the way. When you bungy jump you have to trust that harness! Thank God I have something even stronger and surer. It is my faith in the Christ who called me here and who has promised to keep me until all is accomplished! Maybe there is something you want to do or feel called to do but are afraid. Go ahead, take that risk. Trust a God who will not let you fall

Blankets with Penny

A Blanket of love

Our sewing class is still talking about the very special day they had with Penny Day who was part of a team that visited the Living Hope ministries from the Next Chapter Church in Kentucky, USA. From the emails we exchanged I could sense her heart of love and a passion to do something useful during her short stay with us. When she spoke about her blankets, I realized this was a perfect way to get to the heart of the women, most of whom are mothers.One of the ladies brings her son to class in wrapped in a blanket or towel around her back. Once I met Penny I was taken by her energy and focus to get it right for these wonderful women. Penny's blankets are adorable and beautiful, and, can be if pursued by these ladies, a hot selling item here and elsewhere. On Tuesday we shopped for all the material Penny needed and then on the Wednesday we held this extra special class. With just a few hours at hand, Penny, went to work and by the end of the afternoon, the women were well on the way to completing their blankets. Penny provided them with a treat,lunch, and yes, I baked cookies but i was delighted to see the attention they gave to the project. Why a blanket? Penny explained that a blanket is an expression of the love God has for us, the love she has experienced. We are "Wrapped Up in God's love." This is her testimony and she believes, must be shared at the earliest time of a child's life, as a baby, who must be wrapped in something as warm and comforting as a blanket. This visual expression underlines our purpose for being here, to show women who are poor and disadvantaged that God loves them dearly. They too are precious in His sight. The women plan to complete their blankets by December 5, Graduation day and for this, we all send huge thanks and love to you Penny!

Graduation Excitement builds!

What graduation means

Bulelwa Mlahlwa and the other women are busy working on the traditional skirts they are making to wear when they celebrate the end of their six month sewing and computer courses. I am excited too because I understand what these courses mean to the ladies. The sewing machines they will receive and the basic computer work they have done has the potential to unlock skills that other wise would not be seen. Our goal in Evangeline is to give the women hope and confidence that they are loved and can build better lives for themselves but this is not easy for so many of them. They all live in Masiphumelele which according to recent demographics,has more people in its postage size area than in all the area of spacious Sun Valley around it. In fact the title of a recent article says that the heart of the city is not in the Central Business District, the way it is in many cities around the world, but in the crowded south east where the informal settlements are. In Khayelitsha with more than a million people, "the average density is 100 people to a hectare,(less than one acre) five times higher than the southern and northern suburbs which average 20 people to a hectare." Why is this? The answer lies in the headlines from another article. "The West seems best when the East has less."It is jobs that force people to leave their homes in the Eastern Cape and crowd into these unstable places where, for many there is no running water or electricity and from which they often travel long roads to get jobs that pay subsistence wages. One man said simply, "there are no jobs in the Eastern Cape."Currently there is a lot of unrest in many of these places where people want houses and the basic amenities we enjoy. Not only is housing affected but so is medical care and the school system and the grants on which many young women, and especially those with HIV and AIDS depend. Where is hope? The answers are so hard to come by, but for a few hours a week the ladies in our classes get the chance to do something that gives them hope. With their new skills they want to make life better for themselves and their children.They never miss a class except for illness or pregnancy and they are a delight to be with. We all have cause to celebrate!

Chapman's Peak is Open Again!!

Chapman's Peak is Open again!


Today I drove over Chapmans's Peak, one of the big five
attractions here in the Western Cape. It is a must see for the millions of visitors who come here every year and since June 2008 it has been closed. It is also the shortest route from Fish Hoek where I live to Hout Bay which I enjoy. Why is this important. For one, it is a marvel of nature's beauty and human engineering. Named after the mountain of that name, the winding road slowly snakes along the base of vertical mountains that rise gradually and then to heights that give you panoramic views of the Western side of the Atlantic Ocean. Man however is no match for nature and rock falls,about which you are warned at every bend in the road, caused the closure at first, and then struggles with the government and the firm chosen to repair it delayed it even more. Today as I drove along, I could see men rappelling up the sheer mountain side as they continued to work to secure this wonder of the Cape. I was amazed to see how much of the mountain side was now encased by steel curtains and hanging steel hammocks to catch stones. For me, this mutes the brilliant beauty, but then again, I don't want a rock on my car either. I was also shocked at the cost to travel one way and this led me to take the longer and less scenic route home. But the opening of this road has more significance than just its breath-stopping beauty. Many small businesses depend on the road to bring tourists to their shops and some of these shops sell the bags the women make. One shop even closed down, both because of the recession and the closing of Chapman's Peak. With the mega football -soccer-games less than seven months away, it was time to get the road going again and I pray the shops going again. So as I stopped to take these photos and refresh my memory of the sights and sounds of the peak, I thanked God for what it will mean to the women who need the income this spectacular road helps to bring in.

Whale watching Helps!

Yes the Whales are there!
But you would need more than a microscope to see them in this photo , a mother and calf slowly making their way past the cliffs in Hermanus, the place for whale watching in October and the whale picture I really wished I had was the one that happened when I did not have my camera, but you might say, so what? OK, let me get on with this story. On Sunday, feeling stressed by the lack of summer weather here-it has been as stormy as I have ever seen it in my four years here- and other things, I went for a ride around my part of the Western Cape. There is nothing like the unending sweep of the Atlantic with those whitecaps, so common to this part of the Cape of Good Hope, that puts everything in perspective for me. It's not about my small concerns, but the greatness of a God who made this swirling majestic mass of ocean that surrounds our small Cape land mass. The drive is about 45 minutes and by the time I drive it , with one eye on the narrow mountain road and the other on the ocean, and pray, I calm down and remember whose I am and how much I love the work I do on Cape Town. Then as I neared the end of my drive I could not believe my eyes. A whale breached, I mean right out of the water, not once but three times. I stopped my car on the sliver of dirt road that separated me from the downside of the cliff and just enjoyed the show. This year, whales have been scarce in False Bay, the reason for the Hermanus trip, but this was the first time I had ever seen a whale completely out of the water. I was too far away to hear the sound of his body hitting the water when he landed but I could see the wall of water that shot up in the air at the impact. It was such a treat and mood enhancer! I checked on the Internet to see why whales breach and while there are several theories,mating, getting rid of hangers on or even attack or defense, no one really knows why. Maybe they are just putting on a show, and if so, I was glad this whale decided to put on a show for me. It reminded me of the wonders of nature and the sea world and of the majesty and power of the Creator at the time I needed it most. Today I shared this experience with the homeless men and women at devotions, and with my sewing and computer class. I urged them to live their lives in praise to God, just as the great sea creatures do. Yes,perhaps that whale was praising God! With a renewed mind and heart my eyes were opened to new opportunities today;to learn more about the homeless women so I can possibly start a sewing program with them, to encourage women who want to learn to sew so they can teach others and to strengthen our existing class with another teacher. Thank you Lord for whales!

Seeds that bear fruit

Wonderful News!
Last night I attended the annual meeting of the Warehouse, a church-based and church-focused ministry of justice to the poor. It is one of the ministries whose work I love. It is bathed in prayer, and locally resourced both financially and with an army of volunteers. The connection with Evangeline Ministries comes especially with the ministry to women with HIV and AIDS in another informal settlement Sweet Home Farms. Three of the women from that group graduated in July. They were led by Christina, seen here with her new sewing machine and this was the first time EM had done something like this. We loved the girls and they loved us back and when I heard that they are already passing on their skills to others in the community, that gave me the impetus for a new priority for EM here. Now I learned something else. Christina has also started a restaurant right there in the shacks and on Monday hosted a group led by the consul general in Cape Town, Dr. Alberta Mayberry. I was amazed and further, Christina and the girls are making beautiful aprons which they sell along with some other small items. Talk about seeds growing wonderful fruit. So, I will head for Christina's restaurant and will enjoy the food and buy some aprons which I will bring back home to share with you. Soon EM will participate in a Christmas fair at the US consulate and I was more than impressed when I learned that Secretary of State Hilary Clinton also has one of our bags. God has done such marvellous things for us!

It's Time!

It's Time!
This past weekend was Missions Week at King of Kings Baptist Center, the church behind the many ministries of Living Hope to which I am connected. I was particularly challenged by the words of the key speaker, Willie Crew, founder and director of the Pretoria based World Missions Center with a worldwide reach. In a time when we are all trying to find our footing in the financial quicksand of the current recession Crews says God is saying it is time to shift to a higher gear of ministry and allow God to provide the resources in His amazing way. He reminded us that "love is the currency of God's kingdom." He also said, based on missions around the world, that God will use the "lepers' of the world, people with HIV and AIDS, homeless, ex-prisoners and so on to be his messengers of good news. I identify with what he said. Last week as I spoke to the men and women in the homeless ministry Living Grace, I asked two of the women with me in the photo, what their plans for the day were. they had none and the Holy Spirit prompted me that I must join with others to do something more. This week I will meet with the manager Peter, seen with the Bible in the photo, there to see what Evangeline Ministries can to to provide skills for those women. It is the next step and I do not have any answers as yet, but sense God is leading here. Among these homeless women are those who live with HIV and AIDS, and many battle alcoholism and drug abuse but they faithfully come to worship and yes for bread and tea. We tell them about the love of Jesus but we realize that we must now show them that love in a practical way by helping them develop their skills, earn income and build new lives. Pray with me about this and I'll keep you posted.

Who is a South African?

Who is South African?
For many of us foreigners who live in Cape Town this is a question we face daily and one which affects everything we do. It is interesting to me that here, even with more than a trace of my West Indian accent left, everyone thinks of me as American. In America, I am American too but of course I can be called , African-American or Caribbean-American or and ethnic but still be regarded as American. No doubt an apartheid era legacy, here in the Cape and yes, throughout South Africa there are so many classifications. From my experience, there are many South Africa's that do not as yet make a whole. This is the source of much continuing disharmony and, separate communities rarely join together to celebrate anything together. There are some minor exceptions such as the Argus race where in the photo, people from many ethnic backgrounds in Fish Hoek joined to cheer on the global cyclists. Today as I read the local paper, my attention was caught by an article written by Ryland Fisher, a former editor of the Cape Times. Fisher described the confusion of identity between white, Indian, black, Chinese, colored , colored black, colored Indian and even black Chinese, and further, between Xhosas, Zulus, Tshwanas, Pedis, Vendas and Sotos, and their South African identity.
Is it not enough to be born here or does your ancestry qualify your identity? He suggests that this "should be urgently reviewed by the government or whoever does these things." He believes that all people born on the African continent can legitimately call themselves African, "no matter what their color or complexion." He writes further: "if we create an environment in which we acknowledge each other as South Africans we might be able to unite our nation in an unprecedented manner and develop a sense of patriotism that is sorely lacking throughout society." I agree with him and as a Christian worker believe the Church in South Africa must lead the way to break down the barriers that yet exist. Sadly, just as in America, these racial groupings are mirrored in the churches here but in some churches change is slowly happening. In one of the churches I regularly attend here, the pastor is Africa Soto and our church is racially mixed. In another I see a growing mix as people from other cultures begin to feel more welcome.
For sure it is not easy as there are linguistic and cultural differences that matter, but they can never be more important as the unity of this great nation.

Welcome the Williams family!

A special family visit!

This was indeed a week for visits from home and I love that. How pleased I was to welcome Dr. Anastasia Williams (photo) and her husband Stanford and daughter Nia to our part of Cape Town. Dr. Anastasia is a leading pediatrician in Northern Virginia but more she takes the best care of my dear nephews Elliott and Jordan, both of whom have also been to Cape Town. Jordan was amazed when I told him his doctor was here and Elliott said, "You mean she also went to Cape Point" they will have much to talk about when next they see her.

Anastasia had come to participate in a global medical conference. Cape Town is such a hot spot for world meetings and we see many people here because of that. Next year we are all looking forward to the Lausanne meetings when global mission leaders will convene here.

Anastasia and Stanford, seen in the photo below were a delight to have. They were just so interested in everything they saw but especially in the ministry. They are committed believers, part of the Manassas Assembly of God church in Virginia and are no strangers to mission trips. Anastasia encouraged the women to give their lives to the Lord and serve Him and follow His way and Stanford prayed for them. Ten year old Nia just hugged and loved them too.

Although the rain almost stopped us, I took them to Boulders Beach and the penguins all came out. This was something they especially wanted to see. On our way to Cape Point, the most Southern tip of the African continent, it seemed all of the resident baboons were on parade and they enjoyed that, something not as frightening as the elephant charge they had encountered in Krueger game park. As I reflect on the week, I think so much of Ephesians 2:21-22 and the description of the body of Christ. "..in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit." The guests belonged to different churches, but are one in their deep love for the Lord and His work wherever that it. I was encouraged in what God has called me to do here and will pursue the contacts ech suggested to help strengthen and grow this ministry.

Haymarket Baptist Church Welcomed

Haymarket Team Visit
Five members from Haymarket Baptist Church in Virginia visited the Evangeline ladies on Monday. They were led by Rev. Matthew Hensley, youth minister at the church. The team included Matt's wife Dawn and three other women, Christa, Jackie and Debbie. Matt planned a visit to Cape Town to see the community development work of his friends Revs. Dawn and Jon Barnes who serve as missionaries with the United Church of Christ and Disciples of Christ in East London in the Eastern Cape. When Matt looked to see what Baptist work there might be in Cape Town, he heard about me from some of the other women who had visited earlier. He checked out the EM website and contacted me. Haymarket is a special place to me. It is home when I am not in South Africa as I stay with my sister and her family and my mother there. I know it so well. But long before my sister moved to Haymarket I visited that historic white chapel in the center of that small town many times as a participant in the services for the Global Women's Day of Prayer. I represented the Baptist World Alliance. I was so pleased to speak once again at the Wednesday evening prayer meeting about the work I do here in the Cape. The team arrived, eager to see what was happening but still trying to adjust to that long haul flight and six hour time change. Each of the ladies greeted the class and Matt prayed for them. Visits like these encourage us so much and we thank you Haymarket team. Come back !

Class lessons

Lovely Moments with Mandiswa and Nomakhwezi!

I enjoy being with these ladies and love their enthusiasm for their classes. After every class we serve tea with cookies and fruit. This class has decided they want bread so they each give two rand, equivalent to 35 cents, to buy some loaves of bread which they eat as it is. At first this concerned me, but then I comforted myself that it is wheat bread and not the white bread they love. I also realize that it is more filling for them and love their decision to also do something on their own since we provide everything else. And there is Many who made her own bag with her statement that frames all she does as our computer instructor. When I saw the bag, I knew you would appreciate seeing it too. These women are future leaders in their communities.

Refugee Women Get Help

Help For Refugee Women

Ashley and Rosemarie Cloete are to very special people I have come to know here in Cape Town
They are missionaries with an organization Friends from Abroad and now work with All Nations. I am privileged to have helped edit Ashley's book on the prayer movement in Cape Town. Yesterday I spent the afternoon with Rosemarie to see how she ministers to refugee women who come here from other African countries. Most of those I met are from Burundi. Before we met them, together, with Ashley leading we prayed for them and for an
evangelistic outreach to another part of the Cape. Our prayer time started with an unusual praise. We thanked God that the Office of Home Affairs to which these women go for help, was moving. This is important because it will relocate to a place that is safer and hopefully, much more friendly to these needy women.All of them have had difficult lives and now live as refugees in a city and among people that are increasingly inhospitable to them.
If any group of women needed to know the love of Jesus, it is these and Rosemarie and her helpers that I met, Rochelle and Trisha delight in showing them that love. Rosemarie and Ashely help them with the bureaucratic steps they must go through to get help and are their advocates when they are treated poorly. They pray with them, counsel them and get them the medical help they so often need for themselves and their children. Without any income, Rosemarie helps them make jewellery (as seen in above photo)and pays them for their work. The women, dressed all their handsome traditional clothes hugged me and they had fun making earrings and things they thought I would like! And yes, I took some home! Because of the work of Rosemarie and Ashely these women can come to a place that is safe and comfortable for them, a chance to escape for a while the sad conditions in which they live. They also hear, and more powerfully, see God's love for them. I love what I do, and even more, a chance to meet other wonderful women in life-changing ministries and I thank God for Rosemarie. Join me in praying for this refugee ministry here in the heart of the city of Cape Town.

A Soft Heart

God's soft heart!
Today I spoke to a group of homeless men and women about the soft heart of God who is gracious and merciful and who raises up all who are bowed down.(Psalm 145) It is sometimes easy to work with people in need and have a hard heart. I have to always pray about this and especially after three years of ministry in Cape Town. I find that,because I do what I do, it is tempting to think I have done enough and often, the Holy Spirit nudges me to move beyond my good works to touching hearts and caring for individuals. I thank God today for my former student who greeted me beaming. "Every time I see you I feel so much better", she said. I was so moved and remembered that once, during her time with us, I helped with the children. A few days ago I took some flowers to Khumi. "I was so discouraged, I am so glad you came, " she said. I felt so led to bring them, I replied. Today I prayed for a young homeless woman that God would heal her knee. I held hands with a weeping homeless woman who said, "I just don't want to live this way." I have a date to take her to church on Sunday. I prayed with another weeping man, so concerned as we spoke about decisions and consequences. Like Jesus, I too want a soft heart of love, compassion and graciousness to everyone I meet. That of course is not at all easy and like you, I too often get very weary and irritated and many times, work from a hard heart. Earlier this year our students made some cloth bags for unfortunate children from Capricorn. One girl drew the word love on hers (photo). That is the message, God's love for each one and every one, no matter the circumstances. That is the message I need every day for myself and for others. God loves us . This makes change possible.

What makes a man?

We Need the Men!
Soon after I began my work with women who live with HIV and AIDS here in Cape Town I came to my own conclusion. We are not going to begin to make a dent in the rate of HIV and AIDS without the help of men. In my opinion they hold the keys to change and I have said this whenever I have been asked about HIV and AIDS. How delighted I was last week to hear some commercials on the radio station that I listen to most frequently. These ads are by an organization called "Brothers for Life" who are calling on men to live a responsible lifestyle. I love to hear them. Well, when I first came here, a woman whose work I admire so much, Elizabeth urged me to buy a magazine, called "The Big Issue." "If you really want to make a difference to the men you see on the street, buy this magazine" she said. This periodical helps "willing, unemployed and marginalized adults living in South Africa to take responsibility for their own lives through developmental programs."I listened and ever since buy this magazine from the vendor who sells it near the Longbeach Mall where I live. Often I have to explain to other vendors why I cannot buy from them. They do not always understand but my vendor is always smiling, clean cut and has a family. this week when I opened the Big Issue there was this article, "What makes a man" and it is all about this organization "which hopes to make men in their 30's more responsible for their health and their partners by seriously looking at issues such as multiple concurrent partnerships, low HIV testing rates and generally poor, health seeking behaviour from a man's perspective." According to statistics, the rate of HIV in South Africa is now about 11% but 24% in men aged 25-49. The campaign's organizers hope their "high-profile"campaign will penetrate what they say has been "a neglected population" in the country's fight against this pandemic. They are already encouraged by the excited response of the men involved in this focus. I like it that the adverts are not done by professional actors and actresses but with real partners. Brothers for Life aim "to create a movement of men around the real values that underpin South African men.""We're trying to create a new social norm," they say and to that I say a big and hearty, "Amen" These youngsters I met on a trip to Johannesburg have a bigger chance if Brothers for Life and other like-minded organizations succeed. Yes, we need the men!

Teaching One to Teach Many

Mandiswa's dream
Today I sat down and visited for some time with Mandiswa Tshaphela. Mandi as we call her helps teach computer skills to the women who attend the sewing class and, as seen in the photo, some of the other young men and women who work at Living Way. When I needed to find a new helper, Mandi was recommended by a friend. At first I was not sure when we might continue the computer class but Mandi's persistence
moved me along to get the class going. As soon as I met her, I was impressed with her seriousness and even more when I read the recommendation from Jan, the woman who had invested her skills in Mandi. I also liked that Mandi saw this as a calling and not a job. Once she got started, I quickly learned not to interrupt her classes for any reason. I liked that. As we chatted today, I learned more about her family and like so many others, Mandi has to help support the family she left in the Eastern Cape. I also learned that she and her husband have started to build a home there,something quite common to Eastern Cape Xhosa people who have relocated to Cape Town to find jobs. Like all of her students, she too lives in a shack. With her skills and now her experience, Mandi can most certainly get a well paying job, instead she has now taken another job with Living Hope that helps fulfill her calling to care for other people. One of her Living Hope tasks is to visit the women who live in a nearby homeless shelter where she prays with them and helps them understand what HIV and AIDS is and other chronic diseases. Mandi told me: "I want to learn as much as I can about helping people and one day, return to the Eastern Cape to help my people. They know so little, especially about HIV and AIDS, some have never seen a computer and I want to help." My heart was filled with emotion as I realize that the investment I make in Mandi, helping her hone her skills as a teacher and helping her earn an income to help her family is all seed that will be replanted and , in time, bear so much more fruit. Through Mandy many others will get that opportunity to learn. We reach one, to teach many. I thank God for Mandi whose strong faith inspires me.

Saluting American Volunteers

A Big Thank You

Yesterday, September 11, I went with other volunteers in Cape Town to the home of the Consul General , Dr. Alberta Mayberry for what was one of the more memorable "thank yous" I have ever received. Together with volunteers from Living Hope, the South Africa ministry with which I am associated, and those from 20 or more groups, we joined with Americans in the United States and around the world to honor Interfaith (National) Service Day. On this day Americans commemorate the awful events of 9/11 by not only remembering the sadness, pain and heroism of those who lost their lives, but also by doing something positive in our communities to honor those who died. It was also a time to honor American volunteers who , at their own expense, serve in communities all over the world, working with nationals in so many areas of need. Dr. Mayberry welcomed us so warmly and, on behalf of the President, thanked us for our work. An eloquent speaker herself, Dr.Mayberry observed that what was a moment of tragedy has now turned into a life of service for many people. "I am proud of the young people especially and all who have chosen to serve," she said. "You receive so much more when you give back." I was so moved when she conveyed the words from Mr. Carlos Christopher Daniels in the South Africa government's rural Development Office. He not only thanked us but gave us a blessing. He said: "We as a nation are grateful for the thousands of volunteers who come to our shores every year. Words are inadequate to express our appreciation for their unselfish behavior, offering up their time away from family, friends, rsources and skills to better our communities.We really appreciate you and we hope we will never take your sacrificial service for granted. I pray that God will cause you to reap where you have not sown, that those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed and that God's blessings will continue to overtake them." We too observed a moment of silence to remember the more than three thousand men and women who died on that day and then we took Dr. Mayberry's advice to mingle and get to know other people. I enjoyed hearing about the work and ministries of others, both Americans and South Africans and it was an excellent place to network. But above all, it was so good to see that Dr. Mayberry herself volunteers her time and expertise and the people from the University of the Western Cape there were enthusiastic in their praise of her work with them. What an example!. We each received a certificate of appreciation and a volunteer kit, and , of course, we feasted on, among other things, succulent turkey. I love what I do and I am not at all starved for appreciation but it was a special experience to be part of that wonderful group of people and to hear those words. thank you. I gave Dr.Maybery one of the bags made by the women from our Evangeline classes and she too was very appreciative. Now I thank each of you who reads this blog, and every one who sends out love, support and prayer for Evangeline Ministries and for my work here. Thank You!

Back in Fish Hoek

Wednesday September 9, 2009
So what awaited my return to Fish Hoek. Yes the sand and hills are still there, by now so familiar and what a welcome sight. The freezing cold and rain are also here as our Spring comes in like a lion. As we all shiver in our unheated places we look ahead to the whales in the bay, the abundant spring flowers, already starting to bloom in my apartment, and oh please, warmer weather. What also awaited me were the classes, our teachers and students who never looked lovelier to my eyes. I missed them so much but they went on, and, with some volunteer help, Pam and Mike Talley, did just fine. And then the best news of all was also waiting for me. I went to the Living hope Health Care Center to see Khumi who is battling through a long illness. I did not know what to expect and, frankly, when I saw her, was not sure what to think. As I was leaving the center, holding my breath, the nurse came running after me. "Oh Wendy, " she said, "I wanted to tell you that the doctor and I think Khumi has finally turned a corner." I exhaled praise to God for His goodness, grace,healing touch through the love of the center and the doctor, nurses and workers who care. As I look ahead to the rest of the year and beyond, God has already shown me the focus of our work here. Already the three women who graduated in July are now teaching others. This is not something I planned but am delighted with this turn of events. "We teach one to teach many," was the way my brother-in-law Verne described it. A perfect fit for what we are called to do here. I will have more to say about this. Each of you who support in any way can be encouraged by the way in which our work reaches so many more people through the women we reach in Christ's name.

No Photo for this

Words and no photos!
Monday August 31, 2009
I have on my dresser in Cape Town, a photo of my mother flanked on each side by my nephew and the son of a close family friend. It was taken on Easter Sunday, right after church at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.Everyone in the picture is smiling. Today that young man, the son of our friends is gone. He took his own life in a most, to us, unexpected way. His parents are plunged into the kind of grief that, perhaps, only other parents who have faced this can understand. To the outside word it seems that this young man had everything, but to him, life was no longer bearable and therefore not worth living. This news came just about the same time as that of the death of Ted Kennedy. As I watched the litany of Kennedy's accomplishments and so on, I could not help but contrast the two deaths, one after a live fully lived and the other, so brief, " a passing vapor" as it were. My own nephews were deeply affected but one of them encouraged the family to remember the love they shared and the love so many people have for them. Both deaths remind us to love those whom God has placed in our circle and beyond. For the young man's parents and for the extended family and friends, there is the inevitable question, why? We have no answers but yesterday in church I heard again the only answer I believe ultimately helps. It is found in Psalm 18:2, "My God is my rock in whom I take refuge"
This is true for life and for death! I pray his family finds refuge and strength in this.

Women's Rights

Women's Rights

The August 23 New York Times magazine on the rights of women is a keeper for me. "Why Women's rights Are the Cause of Our Time" is a document I will use and refer to it again and again. I am well aware as a Christian woman that the term "women's rights" causes some of my sisters in Christ problems but it should not. As much as I am for the rights of women to earn and achieve and be treated equally, I have never seen myself as a feminist, a term I find somewhat harsh. I celebrate the differences between men and women and the way we complement each other but as I travelled to many countries of the world, I took special notice of the way women were treated and concluded that women are the burden bearers of the world. I have seen more women carrying coal and wood and oversized bundles of who knows what on their heads. I have seen them pulling wheelbarrows filled with clothes and vegetables. I heard testimonies of women who served as beasts of burden and who despaired their lot in life. Yet, all of that was theory to me until I went to Cape Town to work with HIV and AIDS. Early in my time there I realized that women bear the brunt of the HIV and AIDS pandemic and for the most part, they do so because they have few rights of their own. It was and is their lack of skills and opportunity and the added stigma of a virus that invaded their lives, mostly uninvited, that moved me to start the sewing and computer program that I now run. I love the women God has placed into my life, such as Namgamso and Matseko seen above. I feel called, with others, to help them, serve them, build their self esteem and provide opportunities as God helps me. I also believe that if those women are treated equally and are respected more by men, we could see the HIV rate dramatically reduce in South Africa. The Times magazine says: "In many parts of the world, women are routinely beaten, raped or sold into prostitution. They are denied access to medical care, education and economic and political power. Changing that could change everything." I agree!

Thank you Youth For Christ

Youth For Christ!

Some of my most cherished memories are from the years I spent with Youth For Christ. I was in high school when this international Christian youth organization began its work in Trinidad. It immediately captured the hearts of many of us who were Christian teenagers who , until that time, believed serving Jesus was a bunch of rules and regulations we hated. It brought to us an excitement for our faith through Saturday night rallies filled with music, movies, Bible teaching, competition, international speakers and just fun. It both guided and challenged us to excellence. Led by Jamaican born Keith Rowe, we never would even think of missing a YFC meeting. I sang with my cousins and with Donald Ryan who has gone on to become famous for his music. Above all, we shared a fellowship, unrivalled by anything I have experienced since. During my recent visit to Trinidad it was such a joy to meet with (above photo)Herman Brown and his wife Ruth Ellen and (below photo) Keith Telesford and his wife Marilyn and Garth Thomas. We sat on my aunt's veranda and shared memory after memory. Tears filled my eyes when Garth said he prayed for me and others from YFC days twice a week. Now I will do the same. As I travelled around the world I often met other Christian leaders whose lives had also been changed through Youth For Christ. I recall sitting in the home of Dr. Billy Kim from South Korea as he talked about YFC and his leadership and we talked about different leaders we had known.Without a doubt YFC saved many of us for the cause of Christ and when we think of great leaders like Billy Graham and Leighton Ford and Billy Kim, Gerry Gallimore, we see the huge effect of this wonderful ministry. It is one for which I will always be grateful and I hope I have a chance to meet again to relish those memories with my YFC friends.

Holiday time

What a Time

Well you can tell that I have been somewhere since it has been some time since I have blogged. Yes I went with my mother (left) and sister (right) and my nephew Jordan to Trinidad, my birthplace. It had been five years since I visited and I seized at the chance to go. I enjoyed every minute of it and loved the sound and warmth of the rain which showered us day after day. It was a time for old friends, the subject of another blog, and familiar food. For all that was the same there was so much that was different. Port of Spain, the capital has changed with many improvements. There are so many new buildings and it has the feel now of a modern city. The biggest and loveliest change is the new waterfront, the centerpiece of which is the newly constructed Hyatt where the Latin American heads met in April this year. It reminds me of the magnificent waterfront we enjoy in Cape Town but in a more tranquil setting. I stayed in the home of my aunt in Woodbrook, a town that has been transformed from a bedroom community of Port of Spain to a place of businessess and restaurants. I went to a shopping mall near the last home owned by my parents to find it now is a most upscale place with merchandise seen in some of the finest shops here in the United States. I went for a ride on the water taxi that now makes the trip to the center of the island a forty minute ocean ride, instead of two hours in congested traffic. It was so good to dip in the warm Atlantic Ocean here than in the cold waters in fish Hoek where I live. Above all, it was a blessing to enjoy my mother and nephew and sister, all of whom I miss so much in Cape Town. I am so grateful for them and the blessings of my cousins and their children all of whom made it an unforgettable holiday.

Home on Mission

Home on Mission

It is wonderful to be home! I miss Cape Town and the class but love the time with my family. While the sun seems extra hot because I left cold weather, I love the green that surrounds me everywhere I go, so used am I to seeing the ocean with its many shades of blue, but seldom green. I also realize that few homes around me in Cape Town have the luxury of much land for trees and wide lawns and so on, and I enjoy seeing this again. With all that said, much of my home leave will focus on Evangeline Ministries. With no time wasted, it was wonderful to be reunited with Barbara Hoge(to the extreme left of the photo) and other ladies Alice, Velma, and Barbara who were part of a Virginia quilters team that came to Cape Town in February this year and Robin and Donna who were part of a dental hygiene mission team who had just returned from South Africa . Alberta also joined because of her special love for mission work. What made it all the more special was we met at the home of Joanne Hendricks, one of my former colleagues at the Baptist World Alliance, my last job before Cape Town. It is good to speak about mission work with anyone who is interested, but even better to do so with those who have visited. While it was great to talk about the work I do in Cape Town, it was even better to hear of their mission experiences in South Africa, in Port Elizabeth and Barcelona and see how much love they poured out to the women, children and young men whose lives they touched on their mission visits. I left, encouraged at the many way that God is at work in our world today and thank God for these beautiful women.

A New Start and Homeward Bound!

I so love new beginnings so here we are with one class safely graduated and another just begun. This is our second class for 2009 and they will finish, we trust all eleven by December. We have so many who want to come and am grateful for those we can help. Now I am on my way home for a break, to see family, friends and donors. I leave here with a heart of love for this work and so excited about the opportunities God is sending our way. Just this past week I spoke to another ministry that wants to use the women to sew tee shirts. Another wants women who used to live on the street to be able to take computer classes with us. What I am most thankful for is the networking that is possible here among great men and women whose hearts are to help those in need. Once home I will blog about perhaps, each of you that I meet and I also look forward to a trip to Trinidad, my birthplace. Perhaps you are now asking the question, how can she leave? this is the strength of our work here. Our teachers will continue and other volunteers, especially Mike and Pam Talley will help carry on. For all of these and for all of you, I praise God!

A few updates on HIV in South Africa

News About HIV and AIDS
Today there was some exciting news about HIV and AIDS here, unveiled at a global AIDS conference in Cape Town. The first African developed HIV vaccine, with work done at the University of Cape Town, began its clinical trials and with it, has come the hope that this vaccine could be the breakthrough needed to halt the rapid spread of this virus. When we remember that the world's first heart transplant took place here in a hospital, close to where I live, we should not be surprised that the continent that has been most affected by this disease, may indeed have the answer. Professor Anthony Mbewu of the South Africa research Council says "while safe sexual behavior is the key in the fight against HIV and AIDS, a vaccine was urgently needed to stop the spread of the disease." Recent statistics show there are an estimated 5.2 million people infected and hundreds more infected every day despite condom distribution and behavioral programs that educate people ," we know that a vaccine is what we need," Mbew said. In another focus, the Deputy President, Kgalema Motlanthe said South Africa has a goal to end mother-to-child Aids transmission. Soon , the Minister of Health is expected to announce an aggressive new program in this area. Ambitious goals have been set by the government which aims to halve the HIV incidence by 2011 " as well as provide, care, treatment and support to 80 percent of people living with HIV." At the same time, there is a justifiable uproar over in one of the states that , for the last four months have stopped giving out the antiretroviral drugs. There are reported shortages in other states, most of this due in part to the high costs of these drugs. The leading advocacy organization, Treatment Action Campaign says "this results in thousands of aids-related deaths each month." An even bigger concern, something I have seen , is getting HIV positive people to take their medication over the long haul. The irony of this is that, the younger the patient, the more likely she or he is to quit taking their medicines. I first learned this at the hospital as I visited one of our first students who was so ill. thankfully she recovered. When you add the hopelessness many feel at lack of jobs and a promising future and the stigma that still accompanies this virus, it all adds up to a potent mixture for despair. Why bother, is what we hear so often. I am grateful to be part of a program that says, there is hope and life for all in Jesus Christ. As we teach skills to the women, we work to push hard against the stigma and lack of information that is still so widespread in the communities most affected. Above all we seek to bring self esteem and joy into the lives of these women. It takes government, international and local agencies, non-profit organizations and religious groups all working together to make a difference.

Blessed Relationships

Wonderful Relationships

One of the benefits of my work here in Cape Town is meeting other like-minded people and ministries from whom I learn so much and am so encouraged in what God has called me to do here. I have written about the partnership with the Warehouse, an Anglican ministry that whose work I admire a lot. There are others. Soon after I arrived , I was introduced to Floyd McClung Jr. He heard about me, what I did, and that I was a journalist and was interested in it all. I had no idea who he was or what he had done. Just as well because it meant I came to the meeting with no preconceptions. It was all about first impressions. I am not sure what he thought then, but I was captivated by his love for God, his passion for African leaders and the way in which he immediately made me feel at ease. Later I found out about his work and that he is known all over the world for his incredible ministry with prostitutes in the streets of Amsterdam and runaways in Afghanistan. He graciously gave me his classic book "The Father Heart of God" Now he is in Cape Town as the international director of All Nations working to build up African servant leaders who will plant churches and disciple people and work to alleviate poverty through various enterprises. I resonate with that. I love it when I walk into the All Nations offices and see pictures of and quotes by Martin Luther King Jr. Nelson Mandela and others who are among our best role models of justice Most of all, I am moved and encouraged to see young people and adults from around the world, but mostly from Africa learn, pray, study, evangelize and have fun together , models of what a new Africa might be, and certainly the Biblical model of Galatians 3: 28. "neither Jew, nor Greek,slave or free, male or female." I add to that, black or white or red or yellow, shack dweller or palace queen, "all are on in Christ Jesus" This model is sorely needed in post-apartheid South Africa where the racial and economic divisions are still so wide. It is needed on a continent where power and position are prized above all else. Well that sounds to me like the rest of the world. It is my opinion that Africans and especially African males need to be encouraged in their skills and built up in their desire to serve their people with a new example. They need a Biblical model of Jesus who though he was rich became poor for our sakes. So often they see leaders who become rich and do little to ease the burdens of their people. African women need to be encouraged in their unique skills and gifts, not an easy goal as they face huge hurdles from some of their traditions. Those of us who come from outside the continent, especially Western missionaries need to model the same passionof early missionaries to the continent but with humility as we acknowledge that well meaning but some damaging mission policies precede our work in Africa.I find much to cheer my heart in all of these areas about the mission of All Nations here. No one group, and there are more than you can imagine, has all the answers to any of the problems in the church, in mission or otherwise here. While each has its own focus and strength, I think we all need to work with each other. That is my prayer for Evangeline Ministries. I thank God for the work of All Nations in South Africa.I have had the joy of interviewing some of the men and women who come for their leadership training and who are ready to risk all for Christ and help others in need. I have seen them rebuild burned out shacks in the squatter area of Red Hill and the informal township of Masiphumelele. I have sat in small groups they lead in these and other needy areas as they personally work with young men to teach them the Bible and have watched our Evangeline sewing leader Namgamso grow in her spiritual life because of one of the women's Bible studies and prayer groups they lead. So it was with great joy that I accepted Floyd's invitation to speak to the current Discipleship and Leadership students on Thursday morning. The best parts for me were the worship, oh the joy of African singing and dancing, and the chance to answer questions and discuss some of the wonderful ideas there are that could involve our sewing graduates. I hope I encouraged them as I shared my journey to Cape Town, one that was such a surprise, but one that has brought such fulfillment in the ministry here. Currently Evangeline works as part of Living Way, the economic arm of the Living Hope ministries. We will also join hands and hearts with other ministries, national and international, and work together for the changes we all want to see happen. An African proverb says, 'a bundle cannot be fastened with one hand. We need each other. That is true in every area of life, none more so than in Christian work in South Africa.

A glorious celebration

A Glorious Celebration
I am still basking in the afterglow of what was one of our happiest sewing celebrations ever. As I write today, it is pouring the rain that we expected yesterday when we held our first of two graduations for this year in lovely sunshine. This matched the mood of our class as more than 60 of us enjoyed barbecue, my July 4Th. Then we danced to songs sung by the class and especially our guests from Sweet Home Farms, another township whose three women finished their course work, thanks to a scholarship from Evangeline and in cooperation with The Warehouse ministry. The best moment for me was when Rev. Joy Klimbashe, pastor to the women in Sweet Home Farms explained how much the community would benefit from the three girls who completed their program and received new sewing machines. "It is not three women you have helped, but all of us," he said. Already Christina, one of the ladies had begun to teach others what she had learned and wants to invite teacher Namgamso to come over and help them even more. This is our goal, for each one to teach one or more and multiply the benefits, just like Jesus did with the loaves and fishes.
As we ended with hugs and tears we sang one final song, Siabongya, or thank you Lord.