A Graduation Story

Last Saturday December 4 was another graduation Day for Evangeline Ministries. Eleven students, nine women and two men received their completion certificates for computer work and their sewing course. One of these was Matolwandile Ntwana, easily the best student of the class. This was the first time we had a male student who completed the requirement of sewing the graduation garment. He was impeccable in the trousers and vest he made and his rich baritone soared as we sang the Christmas carols and traditional songs. He had every reason to celebrate. When he arrived in Masiphumelele a year ago, he planned to get a job so he could support himself and his siblings but he could not find work. Worse, because of his HIV health status he was in out of the local hospital here. He writes: I was roaming about the streets of Masiphumelele when I met this God-sent man, Mr. Mkapi." Mr Mkapi is a Living Hope Support group leader who steers many of his students to train with us and who himself is currently one of our computer students. Matolwandile says, "I had so physical and moral support from him," and especially as he spent six months at the Living Hope Health Center as he built up his health.
he became part of the group that tended a vegetable garden at Living Way which he said "supported me so much," and then he came to Evangeline's classes. He told me, "I was struggling so much until now, " and was the last one to buy his material for his graduation clothes. His work was amazing especially as he had never sewn before the class. "I am so happy, I am so blessed, " he kept saying and fittingly he received his sewing machine on Saturday from Mr. Mkapi . "There is always a light at the end of the tunnel," he said, "God is always there when you need Him. And he sent a million thanks to each one who brought him to this point in what I believe will be a most successful rest of his journey here. Thank you Matolwandile for giving Evangeline Ministries a reason for doing what we do.

Well Done Christina

So proud of Christina
Today is World Aids Day and the airwaves are full of all kinds of good and bad statistics but instead of a statistic I had a delicious ham and cheese sandwich lunch prepared by Christina one of our Evangeline 2008 graduates. I cannot begin to tell you what a pleasure it was to see her thriving in her new business that includes a restaurant Siqalo Sethus(Our Start) and sewing orders to repair and create beautiful clothes for her local community in the informal settlement of Sweet Home Farms. Like so many others, Christina moved to the Eastern Cape to find work but there was none for her She soon became involved with an HIV support group led by people from the Warehouse, an Anglican ministry to the poor which is how I met her. Evangeline sponsored her and two others from the group and Christina has excelled in what she does. She has put her learning to good use. "I never thought I could do sewing and computer before," she said. As I sat in the room with its freshly painted pink walls, yes, painted by Christina and the lace curtains sewed by her she told me that the income she gets from the restaurant,serving about 80 people from her community and beyond and from the sewing orders helps her take care of six people as the only breadwinner. "I am feeling well and the business is doing well," she said. She was working on curtains for a nearby church and getting ready to do her take out orders for the day In an interview she did for a magazine, Christina said ,"I want to show people around me that poverty is not something that you have to stay in. I remember when my children went to school hungry,but not anymore."
What I love about her too is that she cares for her community. "I plan to teach others to sew,' she told me. Yes we have lost some to HIV and AIDS but not Christina.

SheHelps the Mother Who Deserted Her

She Helps the Mother Who Deserted Her
Ntombi Ngevu (akaNophelo) joined our sewing class in 2008. She stood out immediately as a warm, caring lady with a sweet smile that totally disguised the pain she endured. She had no prior knowledge of sewing but applied herself diligently and showed the same work ethic in computer class. Ntombi has now mastered even the technical aspects of the sewing machines. "I have moved from the basics and now I can sew as well as use a computer," she proudly declared recently. She is now able to earn a decent wage making traditional dresses for weddings and special occasions and soon with be part of a team that makes products for a major trading company in the Cape. Nophelo and her husband support both sides of their family and this support includes Nophelo's mother who abandoned her family after they arrived in Cape Town. With her husband's encouragement and her pastor's help she was able to forgive her Mom and now helps out financially with her half siblings. Her wish for Evangeline is: "I pray that you will receive even more than you give. The Bible says the one who gives is more blessed than the one who receives."

An entire family depends on her

An Entire Family Depends on Her
Noncedo Lutshetu came to Evangeline after hearing through the village grapevine about the sewing and computer program that we teach to the women. She completed the program in December 2009 and was given a sewing machine that is given to all graduates of the class. As a result she is able to support a family of nine-her parents, siblings and some extended family members, none of whom have jobs-on a small government grant and what she earns from making bags and various items that she can sell. With a ninth grade education and a HIV positive diagnosis, she felt coming to Evangeline and learning a trade was a chance to help herself and her family. She relishes reading the Bible we gave her and now attends church every Sunday. "You are the most wonderful thing that has happened to poor people in Masiphumelele. your help and support is a blessing," were here words when she graduated our class

Congratulation Mellon graduates

The morning was filled with such emotion when seven women from the Mellon Housing class received their completion certificates after three month of hard work. Weeping Nowethu Megali hugged Paul Blake, social director for the Irish philanthropic developer who builds hundreds of low cost income houses for people such as these ladies. "This sewing was my dream, but I had nothing, " she said. I had no money. Now this is my own skill and I am sewing. Thank you, thank you she sobbed." I was so happy that Evangeline Ministries could join with Living Way and the Mellon community to make Nowethu's dream come true. I had the privilege of addressing them and I congratulated them on a job well done. I encouraged them to work, not only for themselves and their families but also to help others in their community.

It was a win win for everyone. The women learned their new skills and Evangeline's teachers got the chance to expand their influence in the community as well as earn extra income. When the Mellon group began looking for a sewing program, Evangeline Ministries fitted nicely into their plans. We were in place with the teachers and equipment on the nearby Living Way campus to work with them. "For Mellon Housing this is an exciting day, " Blake said. "You all look beautiful and you have empowered yourself, you have taken a step forward.' One thing more is needed however. These women patterned their class after the Evangeline class with one big exception, they did not receive a sewing machine as will the December 4 Evangeline graduates. We could give each one a new sewing machine for $150 each. I pray you might find it in your heart to help us do that.

S

Lausanne 2010

For eight unforgettable days I joined more than 6000 people from 198 countries of the world, as part of the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization held here in Cape Town, South Africa. South Africa has had its share of world events this year, most notably World Cup Soccer, but this Congress for Christians was every bit as exciting as the Soccer tournament. My world has taken me around the world and I have participated in many international meetings but I was almost overwhelmed by the global force that gathered together in Cape Town. The meeting has been described as "the most globally representative of evangelicals in history." I thought I had seen African dress but here I saw varieties of African wear that showed me countries I have never touched, and the same was true for people from Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.

The world I realize is filled with so many different kinds of people and the biggest impact on me was the scope and reach of the Gospel into all the world. The Bible teaching on the book of Ephesians was outstanding but it was the testimonies from North Korea, and Afghanistan and Latin America, China and places where to be a Christian is to suffer such earthly loss, that touched my life in new ways. This gospel of Jesus Christ is precious to those who believe. The purpose of Lausanne is to remind Christian believers of the need to preach the gospel of Jesus that reconciles us to God, each other and creation and while the program covered a multiplicity of subjects, they all pointed in one direction, the evangelization of the world. I worked long hours in the Congress press room and met there some giants of Christian press that I could only admire before. And, as the photos shows, i worked with such lovely people like Gail from the United States and Karobo from South Africa. To assist me was Korean American David Song and even when we were so tired and sometimes frustrated in getting speakers for interviews, we had a glorious time together. It is my prayer that the effects of this magnificent meeting will be felt in every corner of the world, to the glory of God, who was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself. I encourage you to check out the Lausanne Congress for more information and helps in your ministry for Christ.

Women in Business

'You will always have work" is what Carol told ten women who met at our classroom to hear about her business enterprise. I met Carol at church the first year I began this ministry and back then she told me she wanted to help the women who graduated from our classes make some products for her. I wanted her to sell our bags so nothing came of it then until NOW, the absolute right time.
Carol runs a trading company that sells the most beautiful native African cloths from which she makes a variety of products, shirts, skirts, dresses, bags, and so on. Now her business has expanded and she needs women to sew for her to fulfill her quotas for the more than 70 stores who buy from her. Her need matches our need and the women are thrilled. Nophelo, seen here with Carol, and a 2009 graduate thanked her on behalf of the women. "God has sent you to bless us and we are so happy and thank you," she said. Rachel our lead teacher will guide these women as they strive for excellence in their work. I told them, "I am so proud of you, you have worked hard and now you have this wonderful chance to show and use your skills."
And this I know, is just the beginning of things to come.

The Banners are hung

It was a day we will always treasure. A few weeks ago I attended a spiritual retreat at one of Cape town;s loveliest spots near Victoria Bay and came home refreshed from long times of prayer, reflection and great fellowship. The retreat was led by Anglican minister Eric Pike and his wife Joyce. While he does the spiritual teaching part, Joyce does the spiritual creative part and to my delight they presented two banners they made to me for our Evangeline Class. I invited them to come, hang the banners and bless them and join our class for lunch. The weather cooperated as our spring going into summer is so cold but we were able to sit outside and enjoy our meal.
Eric who comes from the Eastern Cape speaks fluent Xhosa from his time as a missionary there and as he spoke on John 10, the class just responded in a way I can only envy. His and their passion matched perfectly. We then hung the banner, Hosanna and Alleluia in on our previously bare concrete walls. Now we have another touch of beauty, to add to the beautiful garments made by the students and a visible reminder of the presence of Christ with us in our work. Thank you Eric and Joyce and our teachers who had our classroom sparkling for the event. Evangeline Ministries has so many friends here who support our work. I am now working with two other women who want to make big investments in the working lives of our graduates and teachers and for this, and all other blessings I am so grateful.
Our photo shows wendy, Joyce Pike, Rachel, Namgamso, Eric Pike and Paul

Mandy is Happy

When our first 2010 class ended, I met with our helper teachers to plan ways to improve our computer and sewing classes. It was quite an eye opener for me. One of the biggest changes came from Mandisa who told me she preferred to teach all twelve students at once and that would be possible if we had a projector and more computers. That change led to another. Instead of tea, we now provide lunch for the class since they are with us for an entire day. With God's and your help we were able to place four second hand new computers in our class for a total of eleven now. And, just last week, Mandy received her new projector. She danced with joy. "I love it," she said. "It makes all the difference in the world. Now they can see and listen."

That moment with Mandy was worth everything it costs me to be here in South Africa.

We have an outstanding class of students and I look forward to your meeting them over time.

An incredible gift

Last week I did something I have not done for many years, I went on a spiritual retreat to pray and reflect on all God has done and ask for guidance for the future. Together with about 40 other people we stayed at Carmel in George in the Eastern Cape. The retreat focused on the fervent spiritual Christian life of the Celtics and focused on the fact that life, for the Christian is a pilgrimage, lived in passionate relationship to Jesus Christ and the Scriptures, and filled with creativity and joy! in spite of hardship. The setting was perfect as we walked the stoned pathway, past the English style gardens to various places to pray in silence and watched glorious views of Victoria Bay. On the final morning we shared communion in the chapel, facing the sun as it rose. It was an unforgettable moment and yes, week. Some of my best memories will be making crafts, something at which I am hopeless, but with patient help from others, I did my part. The more gifted worked at magnificent banners, and after a prayer, Evangeline Ministries name came out of the hat and we are the happy owners of these banners. After a service of blessing they will hang in our, as yet, unadorned classroom. I am so grateful for the week, the sense that God is at all times in control of my life, and for the gifts kindness and encouragement of the people , most of whom I met for the first time.

Signs of Hope

Here are the first photos of the class, Rachel's class of women who have received houses through the Mellon Housing initiative, an international and local coalition. Funded by this group they use Evangeline's equipment and teachers. It is a win win for everyone but I am especially pleased for the teachers who now double their earning income. All three were jobless when they came or were led to me and I see the changes but especially the confidence they have gained in their work. I am so proud of them. And to make this day even more special, and yes, what really made my day was a report from Manuel, husband of Nophela, a graduate of two years ago when he told me how much she sews and now has so many orders for skirts and pillowcases and other items. He boasted of a beautiful duvet cover and pillows she sewed for him and with the gift of another sewing machine they received from an elderly lady, he planned to sew so "we can work together as a team." And there is more. Together, they plan to teach many others to sew. That is our goal, 'teach one to teach many". And while we in the fabric shop in came Stella, the only Zimbabwean student we have had. She looked radiant and yes, more prosperous that I had last seen her. What a difference our class had made to her. She has a full time job and is well able to care for her family. They love the Lord and serve him and are the signs of hope I need as we go on. We are, you are, making a world of difference.

We're off and running

Our New Class
We have a first, three men in our second 2010 Evangeline
Sewing class. But first let me explain the long delay in blogs. This blog is exclusively about the work here in Cape Town and when I am away on other matters I do not blog that. So it is good to be back to keep you up to date about our computer and sewing program. There are twelve new students and I was moved by the
intensity of their desire to learn. One woman's eyes welled up with tears as she described her hunger to learn to sew. She now uses a hand powered machine she took from her mother. " I sew things to sell, cushions and fix hems and even this skirt," she said but she had never had a lesson in sewing. As always I felt their passion to learn, to try and fight out of the difficult circumstances so many face. I thanked them for coming and, having had to turn away others, explained just how much of a chance this is for them. Our class begins in what is being celebrated here as "women's week," both to celebrate the part women played in bringing down the apartheid system , but also to call for greater inclusion of women in the power and decision making in this magnificent country and in their own lives. On Wednesday, another class began-funded by a housing developer and taught by Evangeline's teachers. I can see the sense of pride in Namgamso, Rachel, Paul and Mandisa-future leaders in their communities.

What a day

Here is Nobubabalo, one of the ten beautiful ladies who received their sewing certificates from D. Alberta Mayberry, United States Consul General at our Saturday July 17 completion ceremony. The women looked stunning in the dresses they had designed and made and cries of joy and laughter filled the room as they received their certificates, bibles and yes, after six months of hard work, their sewing machines. Alberta was brilliant as she shared though poor, her mother made her feel like a princess at the prom with a dress she had sewn all through midnight. Later from her experience of sewing a dress for her mother's birthday, she also learned that what you sew you rip until you get it right. She urged them to excellence in what they do.
Social worker Buyiswa Oobo described her life from an attempted suicide when she was younger because of a mother that had abandoned her, to her life now, a university graduate with a Masters in Social work and a Social worker for World Vision. With God's help your dreams can come true she encouraged them. We all joined Rev.John Thomas as we prayed for their hopes for a better life and for some, a successful business to come true. It was a day to remember in this year, yes, one of the happiest of my life for Evangeline Ministries

My Life and HIV and AIDS

This photo was taken four years ago with a volunteer at an HIV and AIDS Day organized by the False Bay Hospital. It brings back special memories of my early days in Cape Town filled with the promise of a wonderful ministry among people who live with HIV and AIDS. Much has happened since then, ups and downs of course, but I still get so pumped up at the opportunities and the moments of such meaning for my life and those of the ladies. In my last blog I wrote about new projects for the women. Today another splendid one came their way again. Today I also met with women who are interested in working with us to train women from another settlement. But the moment for me was on Sunday at church when I met, for the first time a young woman from Cameroon. When I told her that what I did, she sat down with me and told me the story of one of her family members, diagnosed in January and dead three months later. It happened so quickly she said, tears filling her eyes. maybe if she were there her aunt would not have died. Why did she refuse the anti-retro viral drugs? And so on we chatted about this disease which I never expected would give me a chance to do something meaningful with my life. I am so grateful and as we prepare send of another ten women in two weeks, there is much to celebrate.

New Opportunities

Wider Opportunities

The World Cup is not the only exciting thing happening here in Cape Town. I am thrilled to share the news that an international housing developer who works with low income houses, is in the process of building houses in Masiphumelele and determined to do more, will offer the beneficiaries of those houses choices in several skills, among them sewing. And, yes, you guessed it, Evangeline Sewing Program fits the bill nicely. Starting in July, one week after our graduation, our sewing teachers will start another program for those women, entirely funded by this group. We were and are in the right place at the right time. This means that Namgamso, seen here and the other teachers get much needed extra income, and even more, a higher profile as leaders in their community. It means that more women will have skills to use for income, and the developer realizes this is to his and their benefit. My sister told me when I first set out for Cape Town that i had no idea what God would do . She was right. I continue to be amazed and delighted at the scope of our work here and who knows what is next. I am sustained by your love and support and the words of promise from Psalms 138 that God will fulfill His plans for my life and this ministry.

Long live the vuvuzela

As I write this blog, the sounds of the vuvuzela, the plastic horn in the picture, fills my ear as I listen to the football match at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. It is not a pleasant, more like the droning of a million bees. Someone who hates it calls it "the worst sound you will ever hear." Unique to South Africa however,, it has now been embraced by soccer, football fans from every nation who try to blow away the opposing team. South Africa is in the throes of a world wide celebration with the 2010 World Cup here and what a joyful time it is. I have often written about the lack of unity in this post-apartheid country but I marvel at the way this sporting event has brought people together. One of the first things I noticed on my return from the airport ( so huge I could not find my way) was the flags on cars and I was happily surprised to see these flags on cars of white, colored and black people. Our small town of Fish Hoek has been transformed as is the mall which displays these giant vuvuzelas. Even the home for senior citizens across the street from me is flying a flag and yes, I have one on my car too. This nation is keen to show its pride and unity and now it seems everyone and everything is "proudly South African." None of this was in place when I left a few short weeks ago but as one of the ladies in our sewing class told me, "now I am feeling it." How long will it last? Well there are many editorials on this topic and how much financial benefit will it bring, and especially to impoverished South Africans. We must wait and see but for now, this coming together is a beautiful sight to behold, in truth, far better than the noisy vuvuzela. And I have reflected on the way the church views South Africa, still as a mission field as opposed to the World which has trusted this nation with the world's biggest sporting display and how it has embraced its many cultures. I think maybe there is a lesson here for those of us who come as missionaries.

Reaping joys

It's Happening
Five years worth of investing in the lives of women, most of whom live with HIV and AIDS is beginning to reap wonderful results.
The aim of Evangeline Ministries was to bring to these ladies a sense of how much God loves them, give them skills tools and a market so they can earn a living since they live below the poverty line in South Africa. Another goal was to build leadership potential among them. Together, teachers and students, all of who come from Masiphumelele have provided us with a model for a self sustainable project which we hope to replicate in other places. What is most exciting is that one of the arms of the business we began was animal print tote bags which have sold very well but mostly to an overseas market. Even more exciting now is that the women are working for local entrepreneurs who use their sewing skills to market products to big stores. Here you see Namgamso with one of these. All three of our teachers are involved in one such project which has the potential for good income for them. This is one of four different ventures in which they are now involved. Soon we will relaunch the bags business with added products. This year marks five years of praying and planting, sometimes with tears but always with confident hope in God's purposes. Now as the results have begun to come in, I am overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness.

Congratulations Douglas

A Proud and Grateful Aunt
Last Saturday, I joined the rest of my family at the graduation of my oldest nephew Douglas Johnathan Sharma from Carneige-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Here seen with my sister and his mother Aurora, and his dad, Verne, Douglas is one of the loves of my life. He joins my other four nephews and two nieces whose in whose lives I have been so intimately involved since their birth. Leaving them to travel to South Africa was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made but I am here with their love and their full support. Douglas is an hugely talented young man. He is a gifted artist, whose work hangs in all of our homes, but he also loves to cook and plans to open his own food business some day. He has travelled around the world and I love to listen to him talk about global issues. What I value most however is his love for his family and his younger cousins who were there to celebrate his achievement and see in him a model for their lives. Douglas' parents have taught him well and shown him the way to a life of excellence in whatever he does, and service to others. Their support is crucial to my ministry here and the work I do in South Africa is theirs too.I thank God for my family, their love for me and for the people I serve in South Africa.

Full Circle

Muizenberg Revisited
This morning I sat in a meeting at Living Grace, Muizenberg the ministry to homeless men and women that is another part of Living Hope's work in Cape Town. Led by manager Peter Lovick a small but dynamic group of people gathered to chart a future course of development to help our addicted clients learn skills, receive treatment and earn income, all through the love and power of Jesus Christ. As I sat with these committed Christians, my mind went back to the first time I came to this building. It was a Sunday afternoon in April 2005 and it was here, as I saw the craft work done by homeless people and felt their presence, that I felt the move of the Holy Spirit in my heart which led me back to Cape Town. For more than three years I did not connect with this ministry but last year began to worship on Tuesday mornings with these men and women who come off the street. I have come to love this experience and last year I wrote in this blog that I felt called by God to take the sewing program to the women there. Now the time has come for Evangeline Ministries to join with Peter and Joan DeJager to give those who desire it , a new chance at life. Peter who came to Living Grace from the Salvation Army has much experience in dealing with substance abuse and it has long been his desire to do more than feed those who come daily. I marvel again at how God knits people and purposes together and at his perfect timing. Five years before I came here and God turned my life around. Five years later He will use me and others to turn around the lives of the people we serve here. I have come full circle. (photo -l-right, Barbara, Jack, Karl, Peter and Peter Lovick)

Be careful what you do

Someone is watching









This week along with teacher Rachel we completed the series of follow up sewing classes for the ladies out at Sweet Home Farms. This time, instead of sandwiches we were treated to one of Christina's delicious meals, chicken, white cornmeal and a mixture of spiced peas, corn and carrots She supervised this as she worked in the class. The week before I noticed Christina had fruit and she said how she noted I always served fruit to them. With this meal we had serviettes and again she she said she learned this from our class. Then she asked me about a cake I made and the fruit sauce I served them. "I always remember that sauce," she said. I realized that although we did not have much conversation when she was with us, she watched all I did and that the learning is exactly as God impressed on my heart early on. It is who I am that is the biggest part of this ministry here. A sobering thought but I love being here.

Our Class at the Beach

A Day at the Beach

Saturday April 17, I had one of the happiest and most memorable days of my time here in Cape Town. Our class spent a day at the beach and what a life-changing day it turned out to be. Our sewing computer ladies and instructors met for fellowship, fun and a chance to listen to God in the splendor of His creation. The weather cooperated and we had a perfect day, cool enough with surprisingly, warm, silk soft sand on which to sit. After breakfast at the bistro, a first for almost all of the students , we strolled along the mile long beach and I loved hearing the their laughter and that of their children. The beach was their idea for a special day suggested by my sister Aurora and they were pumped. We played games and I probably laughed the hardest at their responses. The best part though, was how open they were to spiritual truths. Our speaker Connie spoke to them about Tamar, a woman whose integrity was violated but whose name is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. As Connie spoke some of the ladies began to weep. They identified with Tamar in her troubles and they asked if they could share how they felt. "When I found out that I was HIV positive, I thought my life had come to an end," one lady sobbed. "Today I learned how much God loves me and how my life is special to him." Another shared how, a former successful businesswoman, a divorce had sent her life spiralling out of control and how the message had just showed her how God still loves her.

It was so moving to me and I also learned so much more about them. To conclude I asked them to write down their dreams on a card, place the card in an envelope and before they gave them to me, pray for each other and believe that God would help them, HIV positive women, with broken marriages and homes, with babies they care for as single mothers,yes, that God would help them to fulfill those dreams. I have the cards with me and I will pray for them every day, and at graduation, hand them back, in the sure knowledge that God will hear and answer their prayers. We then headed back for lunch and we stayed there until we were good and ready to leave.

On Monday, Rachel told me she asked each woman how she felt about the day and every one was just overjoyed and happy they attended. In a post- apartheid Cape Town, it is surprising and yet so normal that poor African women have no money and little access to even a simple restaurant at the beach. How proud I was that Evangeline Ministries could provide that experience. It broadened their world and reminded them how valued they are in spite of the stigma they must endure. This was a first for them and for me, but certainly not the last.

Teacher's wisdom

Teacher's Wisdom




Yesterday , with help from Tom Killian of Living Way, we moved computer classrooms from the back of the Living Way campus to a smaller and more congenial room in the front. It is a more intimate room and we enjoy the use of the comfortable reception chairs, normally reserved for visitors to the campus. Thank you Richard Lundie!! We love it. And I loved this quote that Mandisa had on the board."Lord grant that I shall never waste my pain..fail without learning..fall without getting up...sin without overcoming..hurt without forgiving.....or crushed without becoming more caring." Not only does Mandisa teach but she loves to motivate her students and that motivates me as well. There were extra blessings as well. Vusi, our candle maker and wire works wizard returned to work from a life threatening illness and how happy we are to have him back. God has also opened a way for me to replace and add computers at little cost and for these and all the blessings of this ministry, I am so grateful.

Not Easy to live with AIDS

A Struggle

"It is not easy to live with HIV and AIDS' says Christina, seen here with me in this photo. In the background is Brenda Carter, a volunteer from England who works with the Warehouse ministry that connected me with Christina. How grateful I was to be able to train Christina and two other women in our sewing program and then award them sewing machines. Yesterday I could hardly wait to see Christina again as we headed off to Sweet Home Farms, the informal settlement where she lives. I was delighted to hear that she uses her sewing skills to teach others and make items for sale. With help from Brenda, she also started a community restaurant that serves 30 take out sandwiches a day and seats 16 people. She is a hard worker and leader for her HIV Support group, but as she tearfully said to me, "living with HIV and AIDS is not easy." It is hard for her as the sole support of four children and now an added grandson. "I do my best but sometimes I cannot give them all they need,' she said. But beyond the financial battles I sensed a deeper concern. Living with HIV and AIDS is a death sentence and while she knows the medicine helps, it does not give her the hope she needs. In her body is a virus that will kill her. It did not help when I told her that her teacher Khumi had died. My heart too was broken as I listened to her. I shared with her the only answer I have. I reminded her how much Jesus loves her and he can give her the inner strength to live. I told her that people with HIV live many years if they take care of themselves and stay on their medication. I also encouraged her in the skills she had learned from us. She is so thankful for her sewing machine which she says, "helps me make money for my family." Soon I will help her upgrade her sewing skills and will take one of our teachers to Sweet Home Farms for two days of a sewing master class. The ladies in the support group beamed when we shared this news. What ever we can do, we will to bring hope to chase away the despair that comes with living with HIV and AIDS in Christ's name.

Nothing to Lose

Nothing to Lose

My goodness, I recently wrote a blog with this same title about the attitudes of young people and HIV and AIDS. This time, it is the theme of a play is about a tormented train driver who killed a woman and her baby when the woman threw herself in front of his train. The drama is based on a true event in Cape Town. The play, "The Train Driver" is written by world famous South Africa playwright Athol Fugard and it was my privilege to sit next to him when I went to see this show. Already I had seen two of his plays including the Tony Award winning, Sizwe Banzi that dramatized the pain and sometimes the dilemmas caused because of the apartheid pass laws. Because he is genius talent, Fugard tells the story from the point of view of the white train driver. He says he abandoned the effort to get inside the head and heart of the woman after much effort and focused on the train driver. His train driver is haunted by the eyes of the dead woman he killed and unable to ignore his pain at what she had done to his life, he set off to find her and the play revolves around the conversation he has with the grave digger in the cemetery for people like the dead woman who are "the nameless ones." I sat enthralled at the inner dialogue he has, with the grave digger as the backdrop. Eventually he moves from cursing the woman who had so changed his life, to understanding why she did what she did. He says to her in the cemetery, "I don't know what it is like to live without hope, because you did, didn't you, that is why you did what you did, because you didn't believe anymore good things was going to happen to you and your baby." The world of the train driver is so different to those of the people whose shacks his train alternately transports and then rushes by every day. I often tell people that there are many South Africas. While that is true to some extent in other parts of the world, here, to me, it is even more pronounced and there are communities that live completely outside the world of the other, to the detriment of all. I so appreciate the arts and culture here that tackle the

chasm that exists culturally and economically between those who have and the poorest of the poor and am so thankful to work alongside ministries that are about hope. Our work here in South Africa is about hope-to women who live with HIV and AIDS, and I have known of some who were close to taking their lives. Now we are , for Christians, in the season of all seasons that bring hope, Easter! I love this time of the year and what it means to me and those without hope.

Teaching English to French Refugees

There is nothing I enjoy more than helping with other like-minded ministries and I have written about my respect for the work a local organization, African Renewal does with refugees. When asked to help I agreed to teach basic writing to a French speaking group of students. They are fairly well educated and have great ambition for their lives in South Africa. Working with them is delightful! My high school and college French comes back in bits and pieces and their English is about as good as my French but we together have so much fun. I enlisted my French speaking friend Brigitte to help me when I could not explain in clear enough English the difference between "to rent" and "to let." I am so focused on teaching them principles and structure but they have more interest in what expressions mean. When you say "I come from the Democratic Republic of the Congo," can you also say I come from Retreat or is it better, as I told them to say, "I live in Retreat." Of course here, when people ask where I live I have readily adopted the local expression and I say, "I stay in Fish Hoek." So today, without any real learning on this matter, (and how I envy those of you who have taught English as a second language, " we first talked about building a house and the way we arrange the rooms before we moved ahead to the order we must have when we write. By the end of the lesson they understoood something of what I had to say. We cheered each other on and come graduation time we will see how well I did.

Blankets of love

Blankets of love
This morning our sewing teacher Rachel delivered forty blankets for newborns that she had made with Evangeline graduate Doreen Bulelwa, to the treasurer, Dr. Sandy Haegert and the secretary Kathleen Beukes of the False Bay Hospital Association. this is the first order of what we hope will be many more to come. There are so many stories in this one. We begin last November when Penny Day from the Next Chapter Church in Kentucky came as a one week volunteer to Living Hope and asked if she could help with the sewing. Penny came with an armful of some of the most beautiful baby blankets I have ever seen and, in a few hours, taught the women how to make them. they loved it. I saw as well a business opportunity for sometime but when I spoke about the blankets in the Tuesday afternoon prayer meeting I attend, Sandy immediately said she was interested to purchase the blankets from the women rather than the stores. Sandy, not coincidentally is the woman whose wooden buttons so excited me, they are now a trademark feature of the animal print tote bags we sell. Soon after that I was walking downtown Fish Hoek when I heard my name called. It was Doreen and she wanted to be sure I knew she was interested in sewing blankets so I gave her name to Rachel. And this all brought us to today with a new enterprise started with the women from Evangeline Ministries. We at Em give a skill and a tool and then we open a door. God sends people like Penny and it all comes together for the good of the women here. These blankets are part of a free package of baby goods and foods given to mothers of newborns here who are so poor and have nothing with which to care for their babies. In that package the False Bay team also want to include baby jump suits and our teachers and graduates will also make those.Each packet costs about US25 and we at EM will see just how we can help even more. Penny told the women the blankets showed how much they are wrapped in God's love which is exactly what we want those mothers to know and what these women in EM know because of our work here.

The stadium gets a test!

Monday March 22
This was a public holiday to mark Human Rights Day here in South Africa. It was also the day the new Green Point Football (soccer) stadium got a blessed test as more than 50,000 people almost filled the arena to pray for the city. I smiled from the time I got there to my departure about four three hours later when I finally located my car. With my friend I sat in row number four, a forty dollar seat that will probably sell for ten times as much since we had a close up view of the grass field. The facility is huge and unadorned, but has a comfy feel to it. Today it was perfect as I looked up at the soft blue sky that circled the impressive retractable clear roof designed for use if the Cape Town weather proves contrary during one of the World Cup games. Since this was another readiness test, we were overrun with police and security and all manner of officials but there was nothing heavy handed about it at all . Unfairly perhaps I compared it to last years inauguration of our President and the stifling security we happily endured. Every one was at their friendliest. We had about six enquiries to help us find our place and when at the end, I was lost because I exited at the wrong entrance, the police, who did not seem familiar with the place, walked with my friend, and we chatted all the way until at last we came to the car. It was a great place to see friends in person and on the giant screens, to pray for the city and South Africa and to be inspired by featured speaker, Angus Buchanan who told us that "this is a time of opportunity for South Africa." It was refreshing to hear him shout his love for his country. "Jesus is smiling on South Africa." he said as he urged all of us to "start speaking life and not death to South Africa."

What else Am I doing!

Those plastic balls
Yes our creche at church has one of those turtle shaped plastic ball containers that you see at small family friendly stores and the toddlers love them. Once they come in the room they head straight for those toys and all we have to do is make sure they do not kill each other with them. Or at least that is what I thought until recently. So I signed up for toddler duty in what truthfully was a self righteous way. I did not want to be a foreign spectator at church. I wanted to help and yes I believed they needed my help and how impressed they wold all be that I would help. But what started out as just a mostly self-righteous gesture has become a lesson in love for me. From just showing up, I was now asked to attend training and on Saturday morning at that! I gave in and then I had to sign clearance papers to show I was fit to help. I bristled at that but could find no real reason not to comply with the requirements. Next came Sunday school training. Now we we asked to teach those unruly kids about Gods love for them. Even more we were required to clean our classroom and that included wiping down each one of these balls-maybe 200 or more- to clean them. I did not sign up for this but again I could find no real reason not to continue. Well the last Sunday I had worked we had one child and maybe I was not sure I wanted to see any more. But then our children's worker, not the best diplomat, told us we should come at 9 to pray and then she gave us a load of work to study and prepare to teach the children. We were asked to read and pray over the Bible verses and something changed in my heart. I realized I had not even ever prayed for the kids and did not much care about them beyond the 20 minutes or so we had them. But as I prayed for them my heart began to change. So yes, I went early enough to our classroom and as I cleaned those colored toys and the crib and so on,I prayed for them and for me. My goodness, eight kids showed up and they were as noisy and crazy as you ever could find. Some cried since this was their first time but we managed, and even had a small window to teach them that God made their hands and feet. When it was done I was exhausted but happy to have this incredible opportunity to touch the lives of children even for a short time. God has plans for them and they are starting to learn this and it is not to early for them and not too late for me!

A place for refugees

A chance to Teach and Make a Difference
I am now teaching English to a class of French refugees from across Africa. I love it. It helps to satisfy the frustrated sometime journalist I still am who is now helping women learn to sew and acquire basic computer skills. What I appreciate even more about this assignment is that it allows me to share in the work of another effective ministry here, African Renewal , which helps refugees get started on their new life in South Africa. The world has heard much about the treatment of refugees or, as they are described, foreigners, here in South Africa. I recently attended a lecture in which South Africa was described as a place with the most intolerance to outsiders in the world. That is probably debatable but truthfully there is a lot of tension around the issue here. Many foreigners have been killed and thousands more live in makeshift shelters, to afraid to return to the townships where the overwhelming majority live. African Renewal offers a very different picture of the way refugees are treated in the Western Cape. Yes it is a Christian organization of compassion and empowerment for refugees and I am pleased to play just a small part. The blessings are many and one delightful benefit is that I must now dig deep to remember whatever college French I learned so long ago!

Nothing to Lose

Why bother?
There are so many vexing questions as to why South Africa has the highest incidence of HIV.
During my time here, four years going on five, I have come to believe that some of the biggest reasons are traditional ways of behavior that allows men to dominate women, poverty and a lack of education and consequently a loss of hope. If there is no hope, why bother to change your behaviour. I have also come to believe that transformation among those most affected by the virus, poor, black Africans, must come from within their own communities. People like me bring hope, but lasting change must come from within. I read with great interest a recent newspaper article with the title, Safe sex rings hollow if you have nothing to lose. The writer argues that in South Africa, those with nothing to lose have no reason to change the risky behaviours that lead to HIV. He says that: "the incidence of HIV spikes sharply when young people leave school because they feel aimless and unsupported. Unless we can give them a real sense of imminent possibility they will keep taking the risk because the alternatives do not provide much opportunity either.' What is the answer? Those involved with HIV must address these economic and social problems and not leave them to the government or even the business sectors. In other words those of us in HIV work must have a holistic approach. And then he makes the other point with which I strongly agree. "We should nurture a new leadership of young people drawn from the most marginalized communities. There are thousands of young people who are local leaders who have chosen to avoid the risk of HIV infection. They are the torchbearers for a new generation of South Africans who have decided that the risk is just not worth it."

Red Hill Children

Red Hill Children
A week ago, the children from the informal settlement of Red Hill faced a school bus crisis. There were too many of them to fit into the available school transport. Because of their situation there is no local school so they have to be taken to school as many as ten or more miles away. They get up early and trek down the hillside and then walk about 15 Min's to get the bus. They did this one morning only to find there was no room on the bus. While the school district was working to solve the problem, the children swung into action. They held a concert to raise money to help pay for the taxis until the school board fixed the problem.On Friday night I joined a few other people and was charmed and thrilled by the singing and dancing of these. Red Hill is aptly described as a hill full of red dirt occupied by squatters who have come from other parts of the country looking for a better life. They have one of the most scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean appreciated by few because they need toilets and running water and every thing else. I recall my first visit there in 2005 with Sandy Haegert the Living Hope nurse. Since then I have written about the fires there and the homes rebuilt by All Nations. For years now Living Hope has run a thriving after school children's club and we have trained one woman in our sewing program and hope to add some more. As I looked at the kids who sang and danced as if their lives depended on it, I was encouraged to believe they will have a better future than their present circumstances now seem to deny and I thank God for all of the volunteers who bring hope and health and purpose to the lives of these youngsters.

A wodnerful Valentine's Weekend

Valentine's Weekend
This is one day that, frankly, I dread. Not because I feel unloved, far from it, but the truth is that no handsome or otherwise looking man sends flowers and chocolates to me, nor I to them. As a single woman, you learn to avoid some traps like Valentine's Day but this year was quite different. On Valentine's eve, I joined with these women, (l-r) Juliet, Dorothy, Jansi and Connie for a Valentine lunch for single women. It was a well planned event with special touches and this was all the more remarkable because it was held for women, most of whom are very poor. I was one of the speakers and I shared my guidelines for living a happily single life. I loved hearing the other women speakers, all four of whom are Bible College students preparing for ministry. Dorothy is from Malawi and her smiling face is a reflection of the joy she feels after being what she described herself as a 'bad girl" and finding the transforming love of Jesus Christ. I left there with chocolates and gifts, but even more, the joy of being with women who know how much we are loved by Christ. That luncheon was the start of my Valentine celebrations. On Sunday evening I attended a dinner at church and again celebrated with all who were there the love we have for each other in the Body of Christ and the greatest love of all from the One who gave His life for us. Yes I had a great Valentine's day and I hope you did too. And remember, every day is special because we are loved. And yes, I am still praying and looking for you know who!

Celebrating Mandela's Freedom

Celebrating Mandela's Walk to Freedom
Twenty years ago today,Nelson Mandela walked out of prison to freedom. When he marched out of the confinement which he suffered for 27 years, he carried on his shoulders the hopes for the millions of non-white South Africans, imprisoned in apartheid's grip, and those of white South Africans who lived behind prison walls of shame and separation. I well remember one year before Mr. Mandela was freed how a taxi driver in Johannesburg told me that "blood will flow before apartheid ends." I joined the millions of people in and out of this country who watched this great man as he emerged from this long imprisonment free not only from his chains, but from bitterness and with his legendary determination to see the freedom he now had, fully realized for all of South Africa. He said: "To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. A few short years later, when all South Africans had a free vote, he became the first President of a free country. Since then he went on to garner too many awards to mention including the Nobel Peace Prize.
The children in this photo are the ones who have reaped the benefit of Mandela's freedom. When I saw them two years ago at one of South Africa's most beautiful places called the Potholes, this was the first time they had seen these mountains and waterfalls and canyons as free children.
Today I was so pleased as the women shared what this day meant to them. Some of them were children and others old enough to join in the grand celebration and then cast their first vote. There has been much build up and historical and all other kinds of reflection to mark this day. Truthfully South Africa has made some progress but many argue not enough, but as i told the ladies, whatever their circumstance today, they are free. They are free to live anywhere they desire and be what they want to be. We also shared what it means to enjoy the freedom that Christ brings to our lives as we trust Him. So with the rest of the world, I celebrate this day of freedom and even more, the fact that I am in South Africa, since, 20 years ago, I never would have dreamed i would be here as a volunteer missionary.

The Ministry of Presence

Wednesday February 11

I am so happy to be away from the unrelenting snow that is making life one big challenge for my friends in the Eastern seaboard in the United States. Here I am, loving the way our new sewing class has started. Here is Rachel with one happy student and there is another, Nolubabalo, the first to finish the first assignment-making seat covers for cushions to make their hard chairs more comfortable.

All of this is so satisfying but this is just one big part of what God has called me to do here in South Africa. I spend much time helping others edit their work, and from time to time teach a basic Writing course. But there is something else that perhaps is most important. Some time ago I wrote about the ministry of presence. It is being here open to what God wants to help people He sends my way. This week I was so encouraged to meet two women from Zimbabwe who I helped months ago when they were at a point of such need. Now they were so happy as one had just started a very good job in the city which opened the way for her to help her family and the other was waiting on the results of her job interview. In another very different case a former student came to me in distress because of her personal situation and asked for help. this happens so often and I am so glad we have a Savior who helps us in these difficult moments. The personal needs are huge and constant and I and others here seen as people who can help. It is this ministry of presence every day that reminds me of my reason to be here-to help people in many different ways. Of course it is a burden which I do not always bear easily but the Holy Spirit gently reminds me that this is perhaps the greatest reason that I am here. I think that must be true of each of us wherever we are.

Off to a Good Start

Our first class for 2010

Today was the start of our first class for 2010. We welcomed a diverse but eager bunch of ladies and that included Andiswa and her new baby girl Imitha who already knows how to smile for the camera. As always it was a delight to hear from the ladies some of their reasons for wanting to spend the next six months learning how to sew. I was so moved when one young woman said: I want to learn a skill so I no longer have to be ashamed. Another wants to be a fashion designer."I thank God and you I have a chance to be here" she said.

I was especially pleased to introduce our new teacher Rachel who brings a wealth of experience that we have not had before. When I first met her, I just did not know how we could use her but then when Khumi died,this opened the door for Rachel to join us. I marvel and am so grateful at God's timing. Since we began this program in 2006, 65 students have completed courses with us. One of our biggest challenges here now is to organize businesses so they can put their skills to use. Please pray with me about this and for these women who have come to us for help.

Summertime here

No Snow Here
It is summertime in South Africa, with none of the snow that is now blanketing my home towns of Falls Church and Haymarket. Cape Town is hot by day and good, sleeping cool weather by night. It is the best time of the year to be here and even before the 2010 June-July World Cup, there are plenty of visitors and regulars here to enjoy this lovely weather. I live within walking distance of Fish Hoek beach and you can hardly find a spot these days as people stroll on the beach,many enjoying ice cream cones and watching the surfers and yachts and other enjoyments of the sea. I too love to walk on the beach when I can. But sometimes, all is not as perfect as it seems. Our famous beach is not only famous for its beauty but also for the great white sharks that swim in chest deep and even shallower water. A few weeks ago, a visitor enjoying a swim was devoured by one of those sharks. You know when you go in the water here, you do so at great risk. So with the joy comes sometimes great pain. I think that is the way life is. In the midst of this marvellous place, where thousands come every year, is the constant pain of poverty and violence. Those women with whom I work are affected by all of this and more and they take so little time to enjoy the beach or anything else. This morning as I read the Scripture in Philippians 2:4, as always looking out at the False Bay, I was reminded again by the Lord that I am not here for my own interests, but the interests of others, to bring them hope so that they too may one day have the time and some money to enjoy the grandeur of their surroundings and realize how blessed they are to be in this place. With this in mind I joined our teaching team and spent the day cleaning and scrubbing and getting ready for our big day tomorrow, the start of our 2010 classes.