Overdue Photo Day
It's been way too long since I posted some photos from our time in Keiskammahoek.
Today we sit filled with joy of the work that is beginning to take shape. There is some form beginning to take shape, in ways that we never expected, but none the less, it is taking shape. I just got off the phone with a guy who is leading a Discovery Group in his village called Lower Gxulu. He said God was really opening his eyes and his family's eyes through God's Word. Their family all made obedience statements that they would begin to look at people differently. To forgive them whenever they fail or mess up and not be so hard on people when they do mess up. They're learning that God created each and every one of us and that we are all inherently human and don't have the power on our own to be clean. That we can extend grace because God did create the people around us. It's amazing the power that God's Word has on the lives of people. Each person from this group has been sharing with their neighbors and work-mates and we're hoping for an explosion of the Gospel throughout this valley! It has really been beautiful to see the journey that each of them have been on.
Now for some pictures!
Photog
Here are some pics from our last week of action. 
Hair Salon
Our new home part 1
Our new home part 2
Now this is some big spinach!
puffy clouds
wrestling through
I sat down to play 'Draft,' or what we would call Checkers in the States with a fellow named Al (name changed for confidentiality) today. The rain was pouring down which was a beautiful thing since Keiskammahoek hadn't had rain in such a long time. In fact, the whole of the Eastern Cape is in a water crisis due to the lack of rain. Everything has been bone dry for a long time.
Before I sat down to play the game with him, I was praying for God to lead me to the right person. The person who would be a light in their village. When I got to the group of guys who were crowded around it was awkward as always. No one really paid much attention to me, so I tried to strike up some conversation. That didn't go so well since most of them didn't speak English very well. So I just stood there. A cold day with rain in SA is really bad because it is hard to escape the cold. I can't imagine what it must feel like to actually live a life like the people of Keiskammahoek live.
After I stood there for what seemed like 2 hours (really more like 15 minutes) in the awkwardness of no one paying much attention to me, the group of guys asked me if I knew how to play. I explained that I did know how to play and I don't think they believed me one hundred percent.
So, I sat down with Al to play Draft. Move after move it was silent...unless I made a good move then he would exclaim, "yuh!" After I won the first two games we began talking. I began asking him where he was from and he began telling me the heart breaking story of his life. He is 39 years old with three kids. He lives with his grandmother because he hasn't had work in a long time and this is the first month he has been employed at Siyakholwa, so the pay cycle hasn't paid him yet. He went on to tell me that his wife died 3 years ago in a car crash and that he was living with HIV. Today he didn't have any food for lunch. He explained how hard his life was...and I didn't question that! He explained that in the Xhosa culture, parents don't take care of their children. They take care of themselves. Or at least that's what his parents did. They didn't pay for him to go to high school, so he had to quit school after 8th grade. He lives with his grandmother who also has 4 other kids she's taking care of. Nine people in one home or hut. All living off of the grandmother's pension....a mere 1080 Rand per month. That is equal to about $120 per month.
Al beat me on the last 2 games of Draft that we played. I didn't mind too much...even though I'm pretty competitive. I left the conversation with no words. I had just sat there with my jaw on the floor and tried to sympathize with him. I didn't even know how to end it. What was I supposed to say? "Accept Christ into your life and everything will be better..." I didn't think that would work. I don't even think that's what Jesus would want me to say.
At the end of the interaction, he invited me to come back and to play Draft again with him next week. I will do that. I will go and play Draft and listen to him talk. I will pray for God to work a real miracle in his life. This sounds harsh, but Westerners have messed things up for a long time in Africa. We've come and created dependence. We've come....we've gave....we leave...whatever we've given goes with us. That's what I'm told, and that's what I've seen and experienced in my time living here. But in that moment, I wanted to give him everything I own. Any of the food in my cupboards he could have!
The problem is it starts with a little food today, maybe a little food again next week, and then the dependency seed has been sewn instead of another type of seed. The type of seed that could turn his whole world...his whole community upside down. But then there is the side of me that says, "What about giving him some real bread?" Some bread that would fill his stomach and then he would see how much I care about him.
In the end, I know in my heart of hearts that if he had a relationship with Christ he would have hope. He would have eternal hope in a hopeless situation. I know he could be the one who could invoke change in his community. The beautiful part of the whole thing is that he does have a job. The beautiful part of Siyakholwa is that they provide jobs for guys like Al. That's why they are here and that is their calling. We are here to do something different. To help him and others like him make the difference in their community that they want to see. Once these leaders are in place, then the humanitarian aid can flow through them as African leaders.
Tonight, I'm praying for my next interaction with Al. I'm praying that God will go before me and create an openness within his heart. Siyakholwa is here to help him eat, feed his family, and create jobs for guys like him. I am here to help him help his community.
another day for photos
Here are some of the photos from our week in Keiskammahoek! We have felt a real peace about being here so far. For some reason we feel more settled now than we have in our whole time in Africa. We thank you for the prayers! We can definitely feel God in this place and we're excited for what He is about to do here!
TIA or Beverly Hillbillies?
The rats have become our furry friends
The outside of one of the 3 little shops we have to choose from
Our idea of closet space has been radically altered for the time being
Meeting time with Nosipiwe and Stone
A cresh for kids where a Discovery Group is being started
Stone mentors a mama
A beautiful sky over the valley today
A guy on the beach practicing for a fishing competition for stingray...wow!
not always clear…in fact, mostly cloudy
Today I'm driving down the 1.5 km strip of main road in Keiskammahoek and I see a very common sight to see in rural areas of South Africa on the first Monday of the month. Pension Day!!!
This is the day when everyone gets paid their pension. Everyone stands in a line at an ATM that has at least 100 people in it waiting to collect their Rands for the month. I can't remember the exact amount but it is somewhere around R1500 (approx $200) that most live off of for one month. Most times, this money is used for everyone in the home. It can be anywhere from 4-15 people living off of this amount.
It made me so thankful for development projects like Siyakholwa (Brian and Jeri's development project we're partnering with.) Brian and Jeri moved to this valley 12-13 years ago and started this project out of the need for food, work, and development in the Keiskammahoek area.
I was on my way to take some ladies to a field far out and let them cut the rose geranium plant for Siyakholwa to make their essential oil. While they were cutting, I decided that I wasn't going to just sit and wait for them; I was going to go try to strike up a conversation with them and connect with them.
I prayed as I was walking across the field, "Lord, I don't know what to say...please say something through me. Please help me to not be awkward." (Somehow when you pray things like this, you don't realize how selfish the prayer is until you see it written.)
As it goes, they didn't have much interest in me. In fact, the lady I tried to talk to barely even murmured a word to me. The other lady could tell it was getting really awkward for me so she said a couple words and I eventually had nothing to say so I turned around and walked back to the truck.
Sometimes I feel like "Lord, why did you bring me all the way to Keiskammahoek? Hopefully it wasn't just so I could stand in a field and feel awkward." I know that sounds dramatic, but I've had many moments like this in our time in SA.
Later on in the day, we met with a girl we've been mentoring, Nosipiwe. She works for Siyakholwa. It was amazing to find out from her what she had been up to. She had been working with a school in the area mentoring one of the teachers. The teacher wants to start some Discovery Groups with the students and Nosipiwe has been meeting with her. They've also began to plan a fundraiser in the area to help with the students needs. It was incredible to hear Nosipiwe start to come to some of her own conclusions about what is going on and say "we need to start meeting as leaders of these groups."
The main goal of Shea and I living in Keiskammahoek for the next few months is to establish a leadership team in the area that meets regularly. We want them to be able to discuss best practices and encourage one another. Nosipiwe understands the importance of that and it was amazing to hear her come to that conclusion on her own!
Sometimes I wonder "Lord, why did you bring me all the way to South Africa?" Days like today I know why...to let me know that he wants to use me if I'll let him. He doesn't need me. But, He will use me if I'm willing to get out of my own way. To enter the awkward moments and wonder why.
Faith enough to cast into the sea
We've made the move to Keiskammahoek (aka QoboQobo) and I'm left understanding why we are here. Knowing what we came to do and expectant for God to move in huge ways. Ways that I can't even begin to imagine. Ways that would probably blow my mind if I knew right now what He was about to do.
When we moved to SA, I didn't think we'd be 'going' anywhere. I thought I knew what He had in store for us before we got here, only to find out that He had bigger and better plans for us than I could've imagined.
The other day I was reading in Matthew 17 where Jesus heals a demon possessed boy. He has to do this, because the disciples couldn't. They didn't have the faith to do this. Jesus tells them that if they even had faith the size of a mustard seed then they could've done what he did. In fact, if they even had that type of faith then they could move mountains.
Right after this in the chapter, Peter was asked by a tax collector if Jesus paid his taxes. He says, of course Jesus pays his taxes. When the two of them get away inside a house, Jesus goes on like this:
"Simon, what do you think? When a king levies taxes, who pays--his children or his subjects?" He answered, "His subjects." Jesus said, "Then the children get off free, right? But so we don't upset them needlessly, go down to the lake, cast a hook, and pull in the first fish that bites. Open its mouth and you'll find a coin. Take it and give it to the tax men. It will be enough for both of us."
I was left wondering what Simon's face must have looked like at the thought of doing this. What was going on in his head? Did he think Jesus was a crazy man? Did he wonder "why would I do that?" Or, did he just do it? Did he hesitate?
This is the same way I felt when we felt the need to move to Keiskammahoek. I felt like I was looking at Jesus wondering if he was a crazy man. Thinking, "I don't have what it takes." Thinking that I'm the last person that should be doing this. Thinking that He has to be huge and know what He is doing.
I've had faith enough to cast into the sea. I've had the faith to keep going even when all has felt lost. He has always shown up the whole time we've been here. That's what I'm left asking for again. Just for Him to show up.
Photo Day
Here are a few quick shots from our last few months and life in South Africa. During our time in Keiskammahoek, I am going to try to do this once a week so you can see all we see in short bursts. Enjoy!
And that is it for now. Next week I hope to post some cool photos of the work that's happening in the Keiskammahoek area.
runnin runnin run runnin runnin
It has really been a long time since I've written on this thing...actually it's been just over 3 months...wow I didn't realize how long it really had been.
A lot has happened since I last updated. So much in our life has changed and we've learned even more.
All of you know by now that we have been doing so much traveling as we have changed the vehicle for making leaders to going to where the people live instead of having them come to us at a central location. We've seen some amazing things begin to happen since we've made the switch!
I've started jogging here lately, and for those of you who know me you know this is like me to get hooked on a new hobby for awhile and then quickly put it down. Running has been different for me though...so far. I've learned that it helps me refocus, get out extra energy, and get rid of my man-boobs. Just kidding I don't have man-boobs that would make me a disgrace. I just turned 26 and that means I am on the downhill slide to 30. I don't want to get to 30 and look back and wish I had jogged because I look in the mirror and now see my disgraceful man-boobs.
Anyways, when I first started jogging, I was using an old pair of Nike's that I brought over with us. They were a bit small and weren't a comfortable ride. When I would finish my run for the day, I would have blisters and my feet would be sore. I finally broke down and bought a new pair of New Balance running shoes. I hated doing this because it meant I would have to spend my birthday money. In the end, now when I run I don't get blisters and my feet feel perfect. The shoe that I now wear helps me to be most effective.
This is basically in a nut shell what has happened since we've gotten here. Since we have started to go and to make disciples, we have felt like the shoe fits perfectly. We have seen what it looks like for people to read God's word and obey what he is saying to them. We have seen what it looks like for someone to be infected by the Gospel and want to change the community that they live in. We have seen the power of putting the word in the hands of ordinary people just like you and me.
It hasn't been an easy journey since we've arrived. Things that we thought we'd be doing are now an afterthought. The main thing we came to do, raise leaders, hasn't changed though. The only thing that's changed is the shoe. This shoe allows our impact in our time here to be deeper and wider than we ever dreamed.
One reason that I believe I need to start blogging again #1 is so you can join us in our journey and #2 so that you can be praying for us and the people we work with. This is the biggest key to developing a movement of people actively seeking Him and His ways.
We are moving to Keiskammahoek (QoboQobo) until the end of the year. We will be living in this area continuing some work that has been started there. Our partners David Broodryk, Greg Eland, and Raymond Murisa have done previous trainings and we have came alongside Raymond to assist with mentorship in the Keiskammahoek valley. We feel that it is key to be there to fan the flame that has begun to grow. We are more than excited to come alongside Brian and Jeri DuPlessis as their work in that valley has existed for the past 12 years. Please join us in prayer as we move into the valley. This will be an experience we will never forget as we will live more of a true African lifestyle! Along with that, we will experience things we have never experienced regarding witchcraft and the likes. Our twitter account (@DerekandSheaSA) will be used to update you more frequently so you know exactly how you can pray for us.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us this far and please join hands with us in prayer as we walk out in faith like never before!
a conversation
A conversation can show much more love and care than any amount of money.
Today shifted my world upside down when I started to realize the power of coming along side someone in need with weakness instead of strength. It was the difference of a hand out asking what will you give me to a hand to the plow asking how can I give.
We were a part of a support group today where Mama's come to receive basic care from our friend Vava. At the beginning of the group they wondered why we were there and bluntly asked "What are you here to give us?"
We told them that we were there to offer a relationship and encouragement. To help them find the one true giver of life. We asked them what their biggest need was. As a group they decided that their community needed a clinic. The community is literally seeing young women and men die of HIV/Aids. It is running rampant in the village. Also, a lot of the mamas have high blood pressure and need basic care.
We engaged in a conversation.
We cast vision and gave them hope of a true community where each give a little for the greater good. We pitched the idea that they all give something to achieve the goal of a clinic with basic medicine and care giver for their community. One mama offered a building at her pre-school for the clinic to be held. Others offered to help fund the medicine. Vava (the woman who led us to the community) is a licensed care giver and offered to mentor and assist someone in the community to become the care giver for the clinic.
It was amazing to watch this all take place before our eyes. To watch an idea they had grow into a conversation and hopefully one day grow into a reality for their community.
We hope it can even grow into a place where care groups can happen for the people of the village to come. There the care giver could give them the gospel through discovery Bible studies and give them help for their physical needs as well.
It was amazing to be a part of that conversation and it gives us great hope for the future.
Today's conversation makes me want to blow my vuvuzela (Even if I only have it as an iPhone app) that coming into a village in our weakness actually turns out to be a strength. To help them see a future that is brighter than the reality they live in today. They all have their heads down and can't see any way out. The amazing things a conversation can do! The crazy hope I have for this country and the people in it!
training wheels
World Cup Fever
Don't ask...I just have World Cup fever and thought a SA colored mullet wig would help the fever...wrong...
Earlier today I tweeted..."Just finished our first discovery group in Bukwini. Kinda feels like getting on a bike for the first time. Shaky but excited for the future."
This is so true! When I was a kid, I learned to ride my bike rather quickly. However, I remember there being a time where I was shaky even with the training wheels on. Riding downhill, even with the nerdy training wheels felt so scary. I felt insecure and unsure of how to make a turn going that fast or how I would stop if I was moving too quickly. Sooner or later it was no problem to turn and stop with the geek wheels on, so then it was time for me to be a big boy. To take off the little wheels next to me and go for it without them any longer. I decided my first try would be down the big hill in Judah park behind my house in Maryville, MO. My dad proudly took off the training wheels and puffed up his chest as I stood at the top of the hill for the first time ready to make my first move without the wheels. I was brave and went for about 5 feet and got scared and fell on my side. No damage done, just to my pride. I quickly got up and tried again. I sailed down the hill like it was nothing and never looked back. Later that week I think I even built my first ramp and started jumping my bike.
Our journey in South Africa can be tied to this example time and time again. Whether it be cultural experiences or spiritual ones. There is an obvious difference here on African soil, yet a glaring sameness. God is still God and he will get us through.
Today we launched our first Discovery Bible Study in Bukwini. We have a lot to learn, but we will stay faithful to where He has called us. We feel more confident now in the method than ever before. To make disciples just like Jesus did. To meet people where they are, just like Jesus did.
So we will continue, on our training wheels. Not knowing how to turn or stop. Not even knowing where to turn except to Him. We are confident that one day we will ride without the geek wheels down the hill and He will be guiding us as we go fast!
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