What is going on?

I can’t believe I have been in Port Elizabeth for 3 weeks already. Things are really coming together for the team.  We have been blessed so much by the community here. The first week we were here we had the team play a game called bigger and better. What you do is start out with a paper clip to see if someone can give you something bigger or better than a paper clip. So we split everyone into 3 teams. We thought this would be a good way for the team to get to know the neighbors. Two hours later they walked into the house and we were shocked with what they came back with.  We got a book, a nice framed picture, a skateboard, and a plug in kettle, a lamp, a microwave and a refrigerator!!! We could not believe al that had gotten. They went around and met the neighbors and told them they were missionaries and people just started asking what we needed. Our neighbors have been so wonderful to us!

When we moved into our house and literally only had beds for everyone. Our new church family has given us a full set of living room furniture, tables, and a really nice TV and DVD player. Anything we need they make sure we get it. They have been such a blessing to our team!

This week the team officially has started into ministries.  Let me just give you a brief description of what we will be doing during the next 3 and a half months.

Children’s Haven: This is a home in the township run for children with no parents, or children who are from families of neglect. We will be assisting with homework, and other life skills.  We will be helping Doreen, the “Mom” of the house by helping around the house, building relationships with the kids and pour the love of Christ into their broken lives.

Eastern Province Children’s Home: A home for 104 children from the eastern province.  Helping to provide guidance in school, teach skills such as swimming and soccer.  Showing the kids what it is like to be a normal child in their broken world.

Siyakatala Homeless Shelter: Helping with the street children who live at the shelter for a few months at a time.  Assist in teaching them skills they should learn at school.  Teaching music or athletic skills.  Spending time pouring into a child who has no home and no family.

Firehouse: Working in the youth group at Lighthouse Family Church.  Helping out in small groups, leading worship on Saturday and Sunday nights.

House Visits: Spend time getting to know the families of the Walmer Township.  Pour into the lives of the broken and bring lives to the Lord.

Algoa Frail Care: This is a home for around 150 children who have cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol syndrome, down’s syndrome, and other disabilities. Sharing the love of Christ with children who are largely forgotten and ignored. Participating in activities with them such as taking them outside, color pictures, sing songs, make necklaces, etc. Also spend time loving on the nurses who work 12-hour shifts.

Ubomi Obutshu Centre: On average there are 500-600 orphaned or vulnerable children from the surrounding community.  There are many programs that meet the needs of these children. There are also weekly programs for the parents and caregivers of these children to assist them in dealing with the challenges they face each day and to help them provide the kind of environment and outlook on life their children need to develop constructively.

We may also be doing a Prison Ministry and working at a Women’s Shelter. We should be finding out about those ministries this week. Please be in prayer for our team this week!

The Lord has been supplying for our needs. I still need around $4,000 for this trip. If you would like to give a donation click on the “support me” tab on the left. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support!

Dee Dee