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 Zimba
bwe 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.
bwe 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.
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