Evangeline News & Notes

December 2011 Graduation Celebration

2011-12-10T09:03:00.001-08:00

It was a grand celebration-

The second Evangeline 2011 Graduation. Eleven students, two men and nine women received their Sewing, English and Computer certificates along with their brand new sewing machines. On Saturday December 3. We were so pleased to welcome Laura McDaniel, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Virginia Womans Missionary Union of the Baptist General Conference and her mother Ginger. For the past five years, the VA-WMU has been a major sponsor of the work of Evangeline Ministries and Laura came to celebrate the partnership and deliver the main graduation address. We were also pleased to welcome Brejgie Piper of the WHEAT Foundation whose sewing machine support has enabled work for EM graduates. And then we formally unveiled our partnership with the Masiphumelele Corporation and Trust and welcomed Chief Executive Officer Andrew Smith who descibed the plans for 2012 to double the current skill development work of EM. This not only means twice as many students but a full employment for the teachers and an expansion of the business arm of this ministry. Yes, there were so many reasons to rejoice. And yet we did so with heavy hearts at the sudden loss of Rachel Twasile our lead sewing teacher who succumbed to cancer on Thursday December 1, two days before graduation. Rachel came to us and made a significant difference to our program. The quality of our work improved and we were able to take sewing orders with confidence to boost our reputation and help the teachers earn extra income. Why she shouuld leave us at this critical time in our EM life we leave to God's hands but are so thankful for her warmth, excellence and deep Christian faith. We knew her family well and will continue to love and see how we can be of help to them.

As we celebrate this Christmas season we thank God for the birth of a Savior who cane to love and serve the poor and opressed and disadvantaged. We thank God also for you, each one who readws this blog and pray for a blessed and joyful Christmas season for you.

Our class and Chapman's Peak

2011-11-18T06:25:00.001-08:00

Our class at Chapman's Peak
Last year our Evangeline Board agreed we should add an event to class life to broaden the world view of our students, all of whom come from the confines of shack life. Today, in what was a first experience for most of the eleven students, we drove over Chapmans Peak, a magnificent sweep of ocean and mountain in a drive named one of ten most scenic drives in the world, and a must see when one visits Cape Town. I was touched that some of them were terrified of heights but they enjoyed the drive and even ventured out of the taxi to take pictures. Others soaked it all up and made their phone cameras work overtime. After a fish and chips lunch in Hout Bay, we went over to see the work done by men and women who also live in a township and who, under the supervision of Jill Heyes, does the most amazing art work on tea-bags. They were encouraged to see what they could do with imagination, hard work and God's help. Soon, December 3, they will graduate and they are working extremely hard to make the deadline. It will be a well earned time of celebration when they get done.

A Model We Love

2011-09-11T13:16:00.001-07:00

Nosiphiwo was one of eleven Evangeline students who graduated last July 9. It was such a lovely occasion and, normally quiet in class, she sang and danced with such joy as she received her sewing machine, Bible and three certificates for English, computer and sewing work well done.

Married and the mother of three children, she has faced huge hurdles in her life . Thankfully she works for a friend of mine who values Nosipiwo's potential. Janet asked me to include her in the class and I came to love Nosiphiwo's work ethic and sense of humour. She was so afraid to get into the small ferry boat at the Cape Town harbor when we had the class visit, but she told us she asked God to help her. She hugged the Nelson Mandela statue at the Waterfront as she recognized the man who had won her freedom in South Africa. Janet is not letting her rest now. She has invested in Nosiphiwo and how excited I was when they visited me with the most beautiful of place mats and cushions that Nosiphiwo made. Janet,her mentor, has made a financial investment in her and these superbly made items are ready for sale at one of the nicest stores in town. Nosiphiwo is also sewing traditional clothes for others- all this from a new graduate. Janet has plans too for Nosiphiwo 's computer skills in her business. I am so encouraged by this model and how we need more local business or interested people like Janet to help our graduates with a hand up and not a hand out. There is much promise in this area and we are looking ahead to more opportunities for Evaneline gradutes as the year moves ahead.

Bread for Life

2011-09-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

Bread for Life

After a break it is so good to be`back sharing this beautiful ministry through this blog. As I write, winter- an unusually mild one-is giving way to spring and the whales are strutting their stuff, playing with their babies and leaping with delight to our delight in the bay. Our class is a month

old and the learners are making good progress with their sewing. They have so much to learn to be ready for the December 3 graduation. Evangeline's program in Cape Town includes computer, sewing and English classes. This is part of the skill development we give to the students, most of whom live with HIV and AIDS. We also include a healthy lunch in the days's schedule. Once we learned how hungry the students who came to us were, we realized we needed to offer them something to eat. Along with the physical food we show them God's love and care for them and for the world as we study the Bible, the bread of life. It is always interesting for me to see the change in attitude from the time we start to the conclusion of our study time. It takes some time to cross the language barrier. Almost all speak Xhosa and the Bibles Evangeline gives are Xhosa Bibles but the study is done in English. So far they are involved in the study and

readily answer the questions asked of them. We have a varied class and this is a good challenge.

Off to a cold but excellent start

2011-07-28T05:08:00.001-07:00

It is a rainy, cold day here in Cape Town but we are not complaining. we need the water and we did not get the snow that confused others in parts of the Cape. At Evangeline Ministries we are delighted as today marks the start of our second 2011 Skills Development Class. This class of twelve is at once the same and yet quite different from the class that graduated three weeks ago. In it we have students from two HIV and AIDS support groups from Living Hope and there are two men. They are ready to go with the graduation date set for Saturday December 3.

They willhave computer, english and sewing classes.

When I asked them if any had had computer instruction, not a single person raised the hand. When I asked why they said because they had never had the opportunity and they are too poor.

I told them God sent them to us and us to them.

I explained that Evangeline is there in the name and under the Lordship
of Jesus Christ who has come to give them "life to the full." I cooked the meal of stew and served with an apple and some cookies and said goodbye to them for a month as I head off to the US.

Each class is a special thrill to my heart. I delight to do this work here and will write more about the many opportunities coming our way and the partnerships we have. This is the day the Lord has made, and we are so thankful. And we are thankful for you friends, supporters, prayer partners and all who read this blog.

Congratulations and Celebrations

2011-07-10T11:51:00.001-07:00

Congratulations and Celebrations

These go to the Leesburg Baptist Community Church Evangeline Ministries class of July 2011. Eleven women received their sewing machines, Bibles and certificates in what was the best class since Evangeline Ministries began this skills ministry in 2006. The sewing machines for this class were donated by the Leesburg Baptist Community Church in Virginia. Almost all of these ladies excelled in the English, Computer and Sewing classes they did for the past six months. They danced and sang and could not stop showing just how happy they were when they received their awards. They twirled and posed in their stunning outfits and I was impressed that one woman made a three piece suit rather than a traditional dress. I noted too that for the first time some of the husbands attended and this is a breakthrough since, in the past, it was rare to find one who had come to support his wife . Our speaker for the packed out graduation ceremony was Bishop Eric Pike, born in the Eastern Cape, former home of all of these ladies. He urged them to remember at all times and in all circumstances that they are "made in the image of God." This too is my prayer because everything around these women tell them the opposite and believing this will make all the difference in their ability to succeed.

The next step now is for them to find work , either generated by EM or themselves. Already one friend of mine has contracted with one of the women to have her do the computer work for her business and sew things to sell . We need so many more like her. I am also encouraged that people are calling constantly asking about EM's graduates for work, and however small the start, we are so thankful for this business for these ladies. We move on now to the next class that will graduate in December and we will build on all the things we have learned in this class to do even better in the days ahead.

July 4 in South Africa

2011-07-06T02:32:00.000-07:00

Freedom Celebration in Cape Town

It was such fun to be part of more than 200 Americans in Cape Town who met at the residence of the US consular Officer, Dr. Alberta Mayberry for our July 4 celebration. Yes there were more than 22 applep pies in the bake off. In that yellow tin are my otameal cookies that went in a flash.

What I loved most about the event was meeting fellow Americans, almost all of whom are helping South Africans in need, in one capacity or another. Aomg us were a group of students from Coldorado Springs who were at the event with the students from the University of the Western Cape with whom they are working on entreprenurial issues. True to American hospitality, Dr. Mayberry invited children from three groups to attend: the children and staff of the South African Children's HOme in Cape Town, those from the Siyaphambili Orphan Village from Langa and those from Priscilla's Helping Hand from Wellington. Those kids ran around with their painted faces and jumped for joy in the jumping castle on the lovely grounds, framed on one side by Table Mountain and the other, the sweeping Victoria and Albert Waterfront. I will especially remember thebrief chat I had with a student f rom the Cameroon who wanted some advice on how to sell her paintings, based on what we had done to sell Evangeline Bags. I left stuffed with good food, apple pie and the joy of meeting other pilgrims on the philanthropic way.

Thank you to the US Consulate and the American Society for South Africa. And to all, let us always celebrate and teasure our freedom.

It takes time

2011-06-23T06:10:00.001-07:00

It takes time.

Our Evangeline Class is nearing graduation date,Saturday July 9 and we are all excited, anxious, happy and sometimes short tempered and that includes me. I am anxious that they complete all they need to do and anxious that they understand what I am trying to say to them. Sounds just like me. One of my biggest challenges is to get the ladies to respond and especially to the Bible teaching they read. Some days they do so eagerly. Yesterday for example we read Psalm 23 and they knew that Psalm. In fact when Pumeza offered to read it, I later realized she recited it from memory since she had to learn it in school. We all laughed when they asked her to slow down and read with the full stops and commas. Today, one woman was left out in the lunch count and I was not pleased and when it came to the Scripture as you can imagine, getting them to respond was like pulling teeth. And yes I deserved it, so feeling a bit discouraged, mostly with myself, I shared my concern about the Bible with Mandisa, the computer teacher. After we chatted for a bit, she said, you know Wendy, it takes time. They do understand what you are saying. Mandisa backed it up with this example. One student came to her and said for the first time in her life, as she studied the Bible, she realized she has to care for the other person and that means the people in her class. When she saw another student was not yet here and had already missed Tuesday she phoned her to ask what was the matter. She learned the student was having some trouble with her feet but was on her way to class. She did something she had just learned, acted in a caring way, and that meant so much to her. My heart warmed to this story. Yes it takes time for them and for me to learn to do what Jesus asks us to do. Caring for your neighbor is not what you do in Masiphumelele where poverty makes you do whatever to survive. There are too many stories about greed and corruption after the recent massive fire when people from the surrounding communities and government poured in supplies and help. But that is not only true of the township. With rising petrol and food prices and scarce jobs, I think all of us have to remember what Jesus taught us, to love our neighbor as ourselves. So thank you Evangeline student for your example to me too.

New Cutting Board

2011-06-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

Thank You to our newest partners Masicorp who gave Evangeline Ministries a much needed gift, a properly sized cutting board. The most special part of this gift is that it was made for us by Claire, a journalist who is an excellent carpenter. The women in our class and so do I watch with amazement and great love and gratitude. This board comes just in time as the women work on their garments for graduation on Saturday July 9 and from what I can see they are creating some beautiful outfits. It is winter now but we are blessed with lots of sunshine in between the cold and rain and for us at Evangeline, with gifts like this.

A Trip to the Waterfront

2011-06-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

A Trip to the City

The Virginia and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town is a must see for any tourist who comes here. fFramed by the square jawed Table Mountain, this sprawling waterfront is a shoppers delight, a gourmet;s drean and the place to hop on the ferry to visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was jailed for too many years. It is also a place where local crafters aim to get a spot to showcase their goods to the thousands of people who pass through the Waterfront. Our class trip there was such fun but I noted their excitement when they came to Nobel Square and saw the bust of Nelson Mandela, one of four Nobel Peace Prizer laureates from South Africa.

At the class stalls this July graduating class had he chance to see beautiful goods and ask the vendors about them.

An unexpected bonus was a five minute ferry ride from one side of the Waterfront to the other because the floating bridge was not available because of extensive repairs being done to the complex. Evangeline Ministries wants each class to have memorable experiences and the students, most of whom had never visited to the Waterfront before enjoyed it all.

Learn to Earn

2011-06-07T06:13:00.001-07:00

A fabulous partnership

When I first arrived in Cape Town, I met the Chief Executive Office of Learn to Earn Roche Van Wyck . So impressed was I with his compassion and vision for the poor in South Africa that I later wrote an article about him. Learn to Earn is known throughout South Africa and the world as a model of Christian economic empowerment that gives opportunities to thousands of people in the massive township of Khayaleitsha and now beyond. Their motto is " a hand up not a hand out" and among the many skills they offer are sewing which we also do. More than that Learn to Earn is supported in South Africa by businesses that use the talents of their students and workers. How pleased I am that Learn to Earn reached out to us and included our women in one of their latest projects. It has taken quite a while to lay a foundation for these kinds of opportunities but all the work and wait is worth and now we have begun to see the fruit from the learning skills we planted. Here you see the three women, Sylvia, Rachel and Mandisa who went with me to the training and then our work team at Evangeline's Sewing Class. The first batch of work is in and provided it is done excellently, there is much more of it to come for the ladies. And we are so thankful.

Sublime Confectionary

2011-05-30T03:37:00.000-07:00

Evangeline Ministries was at the famous Cape Town Food and Wine Festival thanks to Sublime Confectionery staff Melanie who contracted with Mandisa, shown here and Sylvia, one of our first graduates to make aprons and bags for their booth. I was so excited and yes, very proud of their work. Here I am at the booth with that hot pink apron.

Along with their own label, Sublime Confectionery added an extra Evangeline label so people can learn about our work and employ our graduates. We are now beginning to see a steady stream of work come in for the women, great fruit after years of planting hope and skills into their lives. We hope soon to be able to offer some of these products to people elsewhere. It is your support that makes all of this possible so we say thank you.

A very special day with Bishop Pike

2011-05-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

Bishop Eric Pike and Evangeline Class

Last yearI was invited by a friend to attend a retreat on Celtic spirituality. Since I needed a break and it was being held in a beautiful country side retreat, I went and it was there I met Eric Pike, who retired as the Anglican bishop of Port Elizabeth in 2001 and who now lives with his wife Joyce about three minutes from me. What attracted me at first to Eric and still does was his love of Jesus and the sense of Christ's presence you feel when you meet him. Added to that was the fact that he grew in in the Eastern Cape, home of our students, and was an evangelist to the iXhosa people there. To find someone like him who not only love the Xhosa people but speaks their language was such a treasure to me that I immediately asked him if he would speak to my class then. As it happened Joyce who excels at craft, was instrumental in getting the retreat ladies to agree to give us two beautiful praise tapestries for our rather bare classroom. We made it a grand occasion for them to come and hang and bless the banners and as Eric spoke then I could see how much that October class loved it. And so I prevailed on him to come to this class and he did today. Prior to this I attended his book launch as as I read the riveting account of his life what happy insights I saw. His book about Jesus describes how God led him through high school to teaching and through the loss of his first wife to cancer. And then in one of the surprising turns of his life, God called him to ministry and more improbably, to be an evangelist in the townships around him. In all of this, go gave him the courage to protest against the apartheid system and stand up with people like Desmond Tutu when priests were beaten and jailed. This cost him a relationship with his father, which eventually was repaired. I was so moved by the way in which the Holy Spirit touched his life and amazed that he and Joyce walked the Camino de Santiago at the same time my dear friends Ian and Betty Bain did. So today Eric came and conducted a service for the class and he spoke, they sang and he then prayed for each person individually with a blessing. It was a time of celebration and though I could not understand all he told them, I could see the powerful effect and their tears and his. It was a time of pure love, God's love for His precious children, so beat up by township life and its hardships who today felt His gentle but so pwerful presence of love.

What a very special day, and thank you Eric` and Joyce and you dear Lord Jesus!

A day in Evangeline Class

2011-05-19T00:21:00.000-07:00

A Day in the life of Evangeline Class.

On Tuesday May 17 as I sat in the sewing classroom I was so moved at evidences of God's love for our class and the love of our neighbors both here in Cape Town and around the world who make this class possible.

We are looking ahead to some special days; first a spiritual emphasis day with a former evangelist to the Eastern Cape, Bishop Eric Pike and his wife Joyce. Next on June 9, we will go down to the Virginia and Alfred Waterfront, the shopping and design mecca of Cape Town. None of the students or teachers have been there and they are so excited. I am keen for them to see the craft shops with goods made by people in villages across South Africa. On Saturday July 9 is Graduation Day, the day for them to receive their sewing machine, Bibles and computer and sewing certificates.

We have one sewing room and our Bibles are part of our class. Just seeing them gives me such joy. Hearing the students read and discuss what the Lord is saying to them is one of the most satisfying parts of this ministry here.Already the women have made some lovely items such as the seat cushions you see here. They use them to make their chairs more comfortable. Then it was a special moment when I handed out blankets to Pumeza (l) and Ntombekhaya. Both of these ladies lost their homes in the recent fire and these beautiful quilt blankets were a surprise gift from Mrs. Joyce Pike. To see the delight on their faces was truly a precious gift.

A New Friendship

2011-05-11T07:44:00.002-07:00

Masiphumelele Corporation

Today was my first day as a volunteer with the Masiphumelele Corporation. I joined Milli Firth at the library, seen in the picture as part of the Adult Literacy Class attended by one of my current students.When I am more settled and the students know me better I will take a photo of the group. For a long time I have wanted to volunteer in another ministry since I believe working for others is so important as we build ministry relationships. What was significant about this class today was that there were people who had been affected by the massive fire that rendered more than 5000 people homeless last week. I am impressed with the magnitude of the response from individuals, groups, churches and organizations. I am equally moved at students from my class and others today who continue with their lives after losing all they had in the fire. Today at the Library I came across Tamara doing some Early Childhood Education training and the Library, built and run by MasiCorp is the educational hub for the community. This relationship with Evangeline and MasiCorp is something we will develop in the future so EM can be a stronger presence in the community and connect with others who are helping in Masi. Today I was thrilled to be part of the group as they learn English to help them cope in the larger society outside the township. I will help with Reading skills and I so look forward to that.

A New Friendship

2011-05-11T07:44:00.001-07:00

Masiphumelele Corporation

A New Friendship

2011-05-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

Masiphumelele Corporation

A New Friendship

2011-05-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

Masiphumelele Corporation

Only five zincs

2011-05-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

Pumeza seen here in this photo wrote on the board during an English lesson, "I am poor, I live in a terrible house." Two nights ago that house burned to the ground and Pumeza is one of 5000 homeless people in the township of Masiphumelele where I work. Today I went to see the after effects of the fire and to search for Pumeza and Ntombekhaya,my bright English student who also lost everything. As I walked among the crowds, lined up to receive their supplies, I ran into Tamara. Last December she lost her shack home to a fire and had only just restarted when her new place was burned again on Sunday morning. Thankfully we had not as yet replaced her sewing machine which was lost in the December fire. Already government officials ringed by hundreds of police, were handing out materials for people to rebuild these flimsy shacks. Pumeza lamented, "only five zincs each", a zinc is a sheet of galvanize and five could barely cover the shack. It seems to me an endless cycle of impoverished people living in places not meant for homes with hardly any room to breathe between them. This makes it difficult for the fire fighters to get to the blaze and there is much damage before they can begin to put the fires out. The fire started in an area called the Wetlands and this past year has seen more fires than ever before. Careless or more often inebriated people come home late at night, knock over paraffin lamps and a disaster is born. As I reflected on what I saw I first realized that neither Pumeza or Tamara seemed bitter, just resigned to do it all over again. The stores and neighbors, church groups and non-profits are again helping and I am so thankful to be here giving women like Pumeza and Tamara skills , sowing seeds that I pray will produce wonderful fruit in their lives-to include a better house.

Pray with me for the government to find the will and resources to provide masses of low income homes for people who live in townships like Masiphumelele. They are there because they are desperate for employment and see living in what is the one of the leading tourist areas of the world as their best chance to earn a living, educate their children and help their families back in the Eastern Cape. Pray also for these precious women to keep hope alive.

Easter Greetings

2011-04-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

Easter Greetings to you from Cape Town

As I think about the meaning of Easter and the ministry in which I am involved here in Cape Town, a verse of Scripture from 2Corinthians 9 means so much to me. "For you know he grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor that you through His poverty might become rich."

This describes the message of hope I share here and it is a message I deeply believe. As I listen to the comments of the women: "I enjoyed lunch today," or during class, "I know the answer," and in Bible Study, "I can give my problems to Jesus," I thank God every day that I am here with such a message of Easter hope. Recently we spoke about death and the fear of death, something so close to all of us. How happy I was to show them from the Bible that we do not need to be afraid to die because Jesus died and rose again! Our ministry here is open to all and we work with all God sends our way, but at its heart is this Easter message. May all who read this blog know this Easter hope and joy.

God's Favor Through Friends

2011-04-07T09:05:00.001-07:00

This ministry in Cape Town is wonderfully supported by friends and family in the United States and here too in South Africa. Today, thanks to my friend Amelia seen in this picture, I took possession of a chest freezer which will make it easier for me to cook and store healthy food for my class. Amelia too is a missionary here in her home country. Called by God, she left her work as a banker to help feed the homeless and destitute in the communities around her. Thanks to her, Evangeline is included in the food donated by the local food stores and this has helped me hugely to make it here. When I first expressed a desire for a small freezer I was amazed when Amelia said she would try to raise the funds for it, but I should not have been at all surprised since I have seen her faith go to work many times to meet ministry needs here. So thank you so much Amelia we all say. And as if it were not enough, Evangeline also received a big gift of sewing materials and small equipment from a man who closed out his sewing store. I see all of this as God's favor, unmerited and undeserved blessing from the gracious hand of a Heavenly Father and I am humbled and enormously grateful.

Another look

2011-04-02T07:19:00.001-07:00

The highlight of this past week was a tour of Masiphumelele.Now this might seem strange to you since I work with people from Masiphumelele but this was a tour with a difference. I guess you could say I needed to hit the refresh button on my life here to see again the wonderful hope and the huge help needed in Masi, as we call it. A township that started with about 3000 people now houses ten times plus that size, about 38,000 people, a challenge to their community, the government and the surrounding communities. Anyway as I walked with someone who is making a huge difference there, I was delighted to be greeted by Evangeline graduates. There was Busie, looking radiant. "I am still sewing," she assured me with a huge smile. And yes, i will write all of these stories. On this tour I saw so many hopeful signs, new apartments and single homes, a beautiful square and a library anyone would be proud of. I had coffee at the colorful coffee shop in the library courtyard. I could not believe I was in Masi. I visited Nkululeko's shack and saw the care with which he had built it for himself and his family. There was a shiny new stainless sink even though he has no running water. As I photographed him, I was moved by his home, just like yours or mine with the family pictures and some fine china. But I also realized there was a huge difference between his and mine. With the cold and wet winter season coming, I marvelled as to how he would do in a cardboard lined shacked with newspaper stuffed in the seams to try and keep the family warm. My host told me something I had forgotten, that most people there, after they paid for their back shack, electricity, school fees, and transport had approximately twelve rand or two US dollars on which to live and eat. The income gap between those who have and those who do not is so big as to defy reason. Yes there is hope in what we and others like us do, but so much more needs to be done and for Evangeline, that means increasing our work here. Will you help me pray and think more about how we can best do this.

Our first English Test

2011-03-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

Our first test.

"You did terrible' I told Ntombekhaya.when I handed her her test results. Her face fell and then broke into a mega smile when she saw what I had written-Excellent-for her 99 percent grade. Truthfully, I had expected another student to do better but the results showed me who was understanding our English classes and how much work I and they need to do. It comes as no surprise to qualified teachers of English as a second language how hard it is to learn English and how the thought patters in the language are so different from other languages. This I believe is especially true of tribal languages and how I wish I had the discipline to learn the difficult Xhosa. Well we have a few months together and my hope is at the end that we all will have learned how to work with each other and better understand each other. My friend Johnni Johnson Scofield sent me an article about English in South Africa and how much it had come to dominate a culture that has at least eleven languages.

Where I live three are most used, iXhosa, Afrikaans and English. In other parts of the land it is Sotho or Zulu and others but is is true that English is used by Parliament and in all business dealings. If our students are to succeed in any entrepreneurial work or even work for others they must understand English so we try to help here. The skill level of our class is low and it is a challenge for them to think in ways they are not used to, but, in spite of some frustrating times for them and yes, me, for the most part, the greater part, we are having a lot of fun.

Another chance

2011-03-16T08:52:00.001-07:00

Another start

Sylvia was one of the first graduates of our Evangeline Program which started in 2006. She distinguished herself with her excellent skills and was also one of the original bag ladies as they were called. Back then she made quite a bit of money from those bags which sold like hot cakes.

During the time she attended our classes, she had her fair share of tragedy and I remember the time her son was murdered and I prayed with her in her shack in the wetlands. She was also one of the first women to benefit from a buisness class we had then. Once she finished her course she went out on her own and for a time sewed another bag for another client. I had not seen her for a while until she showed up at the Ikamva Labantu Seniors Club at our site. She cooks for the ladies, fourof whom are part of our current sewing class. When I asked her how she was doing, she told me that she had no work now and even worse, her sewing machine had been burned in the shack fire last December. I had no answer but soon one came my way. The fabric shop in town had given us yet another recommendation and soon a call came for sewing help for a new business venture. Already I had been thinking of expanding the current crop of sewers and Sylvia was now the right person so head up this new venture. Once it grows, as it will, because the products are stunning and upmarket as they say here, other EM graduates will join Sylvia in this new venture. Now I will have money to pay for my kids, one at university and the other at college, she told me. Looking ahead, I am so excited because there are possibilities for the women to once again start their own business, this time with excellent local help from organizations that will help them organize, fund their work and mentor them. I had prayed so much about the next step and now that next step has become so clear and I will continue to let you know how we proceed.

English Classes

2011-03-07T01:47:00.000-08:00

We are having so much fun in English classes. I wrote before that I always planned to do this but now the time seemed right to add it to the running of the class, cooking and buying supplies and all that is needed to make this program work. We have no books and I speak litle Xhosa and they broken English but we are on our way. We have begun with the basics, just like I learned so many years ago and instead of giving them handouts, I ask them to create their own learning documents and they enjoy the challenge of it.

This week I asked them to write theiw answers on the blackboard and they were so enthusiastic about it. Here is Susan, a fast learner, writing her sentence on the board. This is just another of the skills we give to help them make it here in their very challenging world.

We are One

2011-03-04T11:01:00.000-08:00

We are one Human family
If only we all believed that to be true. If only I always believe that the differences we have do not in any way negate the truth that we are one human family and, I believe, created in God's image. And this along with some other reasons took me to a lecture on Geno mics and Global Health, where one of the principal speakers was Dr. Francis S. Collins, head of the National Institutes of Health. I went because I have a family member who works at NIH, because Dr. Collins , known for his leadership of the Human Genome Project is involved in Diabetes research, something that is in my family . But I was there also because he and others were there to speak about diseases such as HIV and AIDS. I did not understand any of the medical or scientific terms but I did understand the reasons for the outstanding genetic work that is being done, as represented by Collins and others. The conference that brought him to Cape Town was on Heredity and Health in Africa and he reminded his audience that after all, we believe humankind originated in Africa. I was so pleased to hear him speak too about his work as a missionary volunteer in a hospital in Nigeria which he said transformed his life. While he is concerned about HIV and AIDS and malaria and other diseases for which Africa is so well known, he wants to broaden the base of research in on the continent that show non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart problems kill many more people. And so many more are killed because of war. More and better research will lead to better treatment and prevention and health care reform. But my focus is on the spiritual and human underpinnings of his work.Through the study of genomes or genes we we see the shared humanity we all have he said and all of Africa and the future are knitted together. He shared that Archbishop Desmond Tutu had submitted his genetic code for testing because Tutu said, he wants to provide a voice for the region, for medical research and because all of us belong to one global family.
I left the lecture and after a brief meeting with Dr. Collins encouraged that in Africa I am at the right place at the right time and so thankful for people like Dr. Collins. Itis clear that what he does comes from a heart touched by Christ.

A great partnership

2011-02-24T05:18:00.000-08:00

When I first arrived in Cape Town to work with women who live with HIV and AIDS, one of the first Christian business people I met were Ann and Bill Eames. They employed women who lived with the HIV virus, taught them jewellery making and put them to work to make fine but inexpensive, beautiful items that are sold all around the world. They were the first to accept the hand made bags of Evangeline students and have worked so well with me to give other women income. Now we are trying to rebuild the bags business but in the meantime Ann employed Noncedo about whom I wrote earlier to make the bags and even more, she has agreed to put the Evangeline tags on all the bags. I was so happy to see this and here is Veliswa who helps to manage the store holding up the bags with the Evangeline tag. As we work here to help women, what matters is not so much what we each do, although every part is important, but how we support each other and in Ann and Bill, I have that and I am so thankful.

I Just Want to say Thank You

2011-02-17T07:35:00.000-08:00

Last December Matolwandile seen here in the brown and white graduation clothes he made, finished as one of two men who graduated from our Evangeline class in 2010. He was an outstanding student and I was so moved when I heard his story which I have shared in a previous blog here. Today he came to class. He was on the computer when I saw him and then he moved on to Rachel to sign up for her advanced cutting class. We beamed at each other and then he asked if I received the thank you he sent me for Christmas. I did not and asked him to send it again. This is what he wrote. "To Wendy Ryan Have a wonderful happy and prosperous New Year. I am so proud of you. You've changed my life from misery to the most wonderful, happy bright future. From your proud computer and sewing student, Matolwandile.

Soon after I returned to South Africa, Tamara contacted me. She is a July 2010 graduate who received her certificate from Alberta Mayberry US Consul General here. Over the Christmas holiday a fire had raged through Masiphumelele. She woke from sleep to find the fire so near her bed and she escaped but everything was lost and that included her sewing machine.

She asked me for some shoes and I found some for her and then, a precious donor offered to replace her sewing machine. She wrote me: "You have healed some other wounds in my heart and the power you have is from Jesus. Please keep on praying. The blessings are gonna come straight to you. Thank you very much, Tamara. And I thank you Lord for the honor of being here with special people like Tamara and Matolwandile or Chris as I call him.

New Beginnings

2011-02-10T09:11:00.000-08:00

Here we are at the start of a new class and yes the women just love their brand new experiences with the computer. And yes, there I am, in what is for me, something new for the class. I now teach them basic English and writing and we are having a great time. I did not remember how many things you could say about the verb to be that teach proper grammar but also life's lessons. As I prepare for classes, I now fix lunch, teach Bible studies and English, a fukk load but I so enjoy it.

Speaking about Bible studies, I have also been asked to teach a women's Bible Study for homeless women and you will hear more about that when it begins. There is something about a still new year that encourages opportunities. Soon Rachel will begin a sewing class for women who do not qualify for ours but want to learn for a small fee. This will be called Rachel's class and they will use our sewing equipment so this too will be an extension of our reach in the community. Already Mandiswa, our computer teacher has her extra class of women. I have just been approached about another refugee who has a computer degree and he wants to teach others, even though he now works as a security guard until he can find better opportunities.
All of this excites me and I describe it as the Evangeline ripple effect and the empowering of local leaders in our community. I sense there is more to come and am praying about new economic opportunities for our graduates and above all, that they will know how wide and deep is God's love for them.

Here we go again

2011-02-01T10:16:00.000-08:00

The start of a new class is something I never get tired of and today, a glorious, hot and alternately windy day, was no exception. I am not sure who was happier,them or me, as I hope our picture shows. Each class is composed of a different set of people, and this one has some seniors who are rethinking their decision about computer lessons. They now want to try at least and I love that already they want to try new things, even at their age. I love the sense of hope the women bring to us. They need that hope. In the paper today there was a report that showed unemployment levels among young people unacceptably high. My eye caught the results of a study that show nearly14 million social grant beneficiaries in South Africa during the 2009/10 financial years. Of those ,nine million child support grant beneficiaries made up the biggest share. The old age grant was the second highest with more than two million getting help. Our class has some of both and the seniors wanted to learn to sew because many of them have to care for grandchildren who have either lost mothers or whose mothers have no work.
As I read this article I thought of the uphill climb our students face. With the rate of joblessness around them they have almost no market and need us to provide a market. I was so pleased to see another report in our town paper that the City of Cape Town will meet to discuss how to provide ways for people in Masiphumelele to learn new skills, and showcase some of the excellent things they do and also plan other improvements that will give the more than 30,000 residents new pride of place in their surroundings. I am so happy to be here, part of this.

Born out of Need

2011-01-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

I realize as never before how the work of Evangeline Ministries was born out of desperate need. We are about to start a new class and there was such excitement as the women came to tell us about themselves, their plans and more realistically dreams. I am not sure why but I was almost shocked when I realized that none of the ladies to came to us had had any work for a long time. They are desperate for something to do but there is so much more. I learned some things from them. Word about us is spread far and wide and each person came because of the recommendation of another woman. Others because they had seen the garments made by graduates. I am pleased to work together with a seniors club from Masiphumelele and four of their people will participate in the classes. Everyone committed to stay the course. None had even touched a computer before so that will be quite a challenge for the teacher. They all wanted to sew to start a business and none had any experience except for one lady who told me she was successful in selling tupperware! One woman perhaps summed it up best when she said she had done some sewing at school but never had a chance to learn properly. "I like sewing and this is my chance now," she said. And a word about the teachers, Namgamso, Paul, Mandisa and Rachel. I was so proud of them as they did the interviews, each one taking turns to ask the prospects the questions. We have a big responsibility to these students, something we gladly accept with God's help and yours.

Another New Start!

2011-01-25T15:12:00.001-08:00

It is so good to be back in Cape Town to begin again a new program in a New Year! Today I met with our teachers and before we even began our planning, an unexpected donor had left a most needed gift for us, a huge box of cloth that we can use for our classes. I do not know who it is but they had heard about Evangeline Ministries and wanted to bless us. We are so thankful. And then I learned from Rachel that our December 2010 graduates are already at work making beautiful garments for sale and I can hardly wait to write that story. Our first class will include some of the ladies from a Seniors Club in Masiphumelele and you can see them in the picture. The Living Way campus is beautiful, at its best in the summer and it was great to be welcomed back as part of what is a life changing program. So yes, we are ready for another new start.

A Graduation Story

2010-12-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-01T06:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-17T07:58:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-17T07:14:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-11T08:22:00.001-08:00

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.

Lausanne 2010

2010-10-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

'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

2010-09-17T05:30:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-23T02:12:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-13T14:20:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-31T09:05:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-19T16:35:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-28T10:54:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-20T04:55:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-10T03:54:00.001-07:00

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

2010-03-30T04:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-24T07:52:00.001-07:00

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

2010-03-24T07:27:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-03-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-07T23:59:00.001-08:00

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

2010-03-05T08:31:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-22T04:05:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-15T08:05:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-15T07:43:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-11T10:27:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-10T06:49:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-02T12:13:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-01T09:46:00.001-08:00

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.

A New Season

2010-01-31T03:24:00.001-08:00

Time to Begin
After a break it is time to begin our sewing and computer classes
again and we are preparing for a big start. To begin we have added a new teacher. She has a good Biblical name, Rachel and she joins (l) Namgamso and (r) Paul who is our helper. Rachel is an excellent addition. She was the first sewing teacher at the False Bay College which premises we now use as part of the Living Hope, Living Way economic program. When Rachel first came to me, I did not know how I would use her, but with the death of Khumi, this opened a space. She brings so much more expertise to the program. As well she is a strong, praying Christian woman and this also fits in with our desire to work even more to help the women understand how much God loves them. Already we have eleven women who are eager to begin and so are we. Psalm 138 :8 says: "the Lord will fulfill His purposes for me." It is this promise that give me great joy as we begin.

Goodbye Khumi

2010-01-05T14:42:00.000-08:00

Goodbye to Khumi
Yesterday I heard the news that I both expected and dreaded
Khumi Morare had passed, another casualty of HIV and AIDS.
For most of 2009 she battled various illness that ravaged her body and eventually drained her spirit. The last time I saw her, I said
goodbye to a woman who looked like every other emaciated woman dying of AIDS. I gave her flowers, prayed with her and
knew there was the possibility I would never see her alive again.
It was a truth, that, selfishly, I did not want to face. So many of us had invested so much in this remarkable young woman that I just never thought that AIDS would win. I thought we would and with good reason. Khumi was one of the first students in our Evangeline sewing class. As she slowly recovered from her first bout with HIV and AIDS she was close to death when she was sent to Living Hope. As they nursed her back to life, she jumped at the chance to take sewing lessons. From the start I admired her feisty spirit, great work ethic and determination to succeed for herself and her children. She was clearly the one we needed to run our first business and she did it excellently. We talked about a car and she got her driving permit, and an apartment so she could move out of the shacks. She was every body's poster child and was featured on CNN. What went wrong? All of the other pressures she faced in her life were to much for her to cope with this chronic illness and all of its challenges. She gave up and her body gave in. I would not be honest if I did not say that her death has made me question many things, but now I take comfort in the four years we had together. We prayed, laughed, argued, planned and had fun together. She was one of the best students we had. I know how much she loved what we brought to her life. Just before she left the Health Care Center, I asked her if she was ready to die and she said yes. And that is where I now find my comfort. I will treasure her memory and our EM bag is a lasting legacy of her time with us.
Her life will spur me on to do all I can to help women with HIV and AIDS find hope and new life in Jesus Christ. So long Khumi, one day I and all your worldwide friends will see you again.

Thank you and Happy New Year

2009-12-30T16:58:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-06T08:26:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-03T07:39:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-01T10:54:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-30T08:26:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-26T07:17:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-25T12:43:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-20T11:45:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-18T06:45:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-17T11:05:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-16T05:45:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-11T07:39:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-02T11:51:00.000-08:00

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!!

2009-11-02T11:07:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-10-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-21T03:52:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-10-19T02:56:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-10-15T04:01:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-10-10T00:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-10T00:10:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-03T05:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-22T04:30:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-09-19T03:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-12T10:42:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-09T11:22:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

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.