Christmas - from darkness to Life (Dec. 31, 2018)

Christmas is a time of loving others, slowing life down and remembering Christ in and through all things. Christmas season has been different this year while being away from family and the USA. However, it was and continues to be a wonderful time!

The initiation of the journey of Christmas came through ReCharge Camp. As we gathered, about 150-200 young adults from all five Africa South countries arrived in Johannesburg. During this gathering, we had no idea of how God would move! Speakers shared on topics ranging from finances, relationships, mental illness, hope, to God’s calling and transformation in our lives, not leaving us the same. We had challenging conversations, and young adults led times of skits, worship, mimes, spoken words, exercise, games, bonfires, and various other activities. It was evident that Holy Spirit was moving, especially when a few obstacles arose. Most participants were staying at the camp overnight for three days. One evening we lost all electricity. Rather than complaining, people began to worship. As the lights were out, a large circle gathered in worship and danced around the room. As they worshiped, I was thanking the Lord for the beautiful diversity of language and dance with heartfelt worship.If you have not had the honor of visiting South Africa, or Africa in general for that matter, I must share something. In South Africa, and the Congos as well, I have witnessed people worshipping from the heart. There are some who are more reserved, yet overall, many sing with everything they are and have from the depths of their soul. Such worship is beautiful to hear, see, and participate in. As the voices of these brothers and sisters arose that night, Holy Spirit began to prepare our hearts for a fantastic evening. As a South African, who is serving as a missionary in another African country shared, many gathered on the floor and sat close by to hear what he had to say. The evening was powerful; many people surrendered their entire lives and hearts to the Lord. After service times of fellowship, dancing, singing, and laughter were enjoyed for a few more hours. God was moving and breathing life within us. He was also showing us what it means to truly commune and journey together as the Body of Christ, the Church.

Each morning many gathered at 6:00 am for exercise, a wonderful time with the Lord to get soar and start our days off right and together :) Another morning we found out that the water was gone. Once the electricity was off it stayed off, so now we had no electricity and no water. Once again, people did not complain. Some went to a nearby creek to get some water and soon we found a location that sold small containers of water. Amidst these obstacles, God continued to work and shape us. By the time we left new friendships had been made and old reunions were underway. I can say all people who came wanting, ready, and willing to hear from God did! As camp ended, the journey of Christmas continued.

Eleven groups are being organized and started to create an African rooted discipleship community. I am excited for what the Lord is creating and to see the passions of the group hosts/coaches continue to grow. Please pray as these groups organize and we commit to journeying alongside one another for the next six months. The energy and readiness of the young adults from camp are contagious. I have already received three full ministry proposals and have heard many share dreams of what God can do in the next few months. 2019, is a year Africa will arise in new ways! It is an honor to be journeying with these brothers and sisters. We are excited to see where the Lord takes us as we follow without fear and step humbly bold and courageously into our areas of influence. God is equipping and readying us for wonderful small and great things!

As December continued, I kept hearing that Christmas is a holiday for children. I didn’t know what this meant. In trying to invite others along the events of advent, I continued to meet new people to share God’s love with every day! The journey of Christmas has been one of turning to God more deeply, learning of His love for me and others, and sharing His love and Hope with all possible.

Christmas morning, I joined a family as we attended church. It was a special gathering among a lovely small group of about 15-20 people. We enjoyed worshipping, hearing the word of God, and getting to know one another better after service. It was feeling more like Christmas to me as the day went on. A friend invited me to join her family for Christmas lunch. Upon arriving, there were many beautiful and happy children playing. A large family gathering outside under a large palm tree. Christmas was filled with laughter, excellent food, and fun family time. I was thankful for their hospitality and love; I returned ‘home’ to play games with other fellow missionaries. Laughter and new games were found through the night. The next morning continued Christmas for me, a wonderful group of young adults gathered. We went to a local orphanage and played with the children. Many of them were under the age of 3, so the workers will enjoy many of the cookies we brought.

The children were shy at first, but as time passed and we began to communicate better things changed. After trying to play football (soccer) with a few plastic bowls we found, someone showed us a room in the back with balls and toys! We had so much fun with a few older children while others were holding small babies and enjoying themselves. As I spent time with two young boys, they shared such love and joy. One may even be a future football star; he has a pretty good kick on both sides! Time was of no concern, as eight of us enjoyed time with all the kids. I walked across into the front room. Amazing stories were shared of how some have worked at the orphanage for ten or more years. We learned about some of the struggles of adoption as well as various stories of where the children came from. One story that broke my heart was of a small handsome boy laying in a crib.

I will not share his name to respect his privacy; however, his life indeed has a purpose, and he is a little fighter. This is the story of the 2-3-month-old baby boy I was holding that day.

"Born into the world, not sure how to survive. Life was hard, how could she lie. She wasn’t ready for this baby, he was unexpected, and she couldn’t take him home.

Without explanation, the unexpected happened.

Coming from a womb where the world was small and dark, he saw light for the first time.

Happy Birthday baby boy, welcome into this world…

Yet, no.. You’re not welcome... you don’t belong here…

Before he knew it, he was ripped from his mother’s side and left in a pile of trash. He had no words to ask why, yet he cried, and a small part of him began to die inside.

As the sunlight hit him, he had no way to hide his face from the heat.

His little heart was beating heavy when he heard the sounds of feet.

As these creatures approached him, they were starving.

Taking bites, they began to gather, the poor baby bleeding and crying in pain had no one who knew his name.

Rats larger than the size of your hand fully stretched out became his worst nightmare.

For three days, he lived in fear of the rats’ return.

No food

No water

How could this be

This wee little one was alone until…

Someone saw, someone heard, someone couldn’t walk by without saying a word

This baby was taken from this pile of torment, and rescued in love

A baby who was possibly forgotten or maybe not forgotten but abandoned to die

He found life slowly as he experienced love for the first time!

For this baby, Christmas was a testimony of Hope and Life."

Summary created by Audrey

True life had found this little one. As I held him, I did not yet know his story. His little knees had bite marks from the rats who had eaten off of him for three days. Though a story with a tragic beginning, it is also one of Hope. Born into one of the most dangerous areas of Johannesburg, this little boy now sleeps safely in the arms and care of loving people. This young boy is not limited by where he came from. From the pile of ash and trash, someone reached in and helped him breathe life and love. This baby boy is a miracle. He has survived and is doing well. We soon had to say goodbye, and he was sleeping so peacefully. The two older boys didn’t want us to go. We had such a fun time together. This is Christmas; sharing God’s love and hope with others and one another. Christmas continues as 2019 arrives.

May we be peace bearers and love ambassadors to one another and the world. Something as small as giving a genuine smile to a cashier, to holding a baby, or being the one who can’t merely walk by and not say something, not respond. May we love with the Love of Christ. Happy New Year. Know that God is bringing about his promises and His love is ever faithful.

You are known and called by name, and you are not abandoned in the dark. Just as our dear little brother has arose because of the love of another, may we give life to those around us.

Welcome, 2019!