Dagse! Hoe gaan dit u? (eng. version)

Hello, how are you? (… in afrikaans)

The second outreach, this time in Kimberly lies behind me. Again, it was an enriching time for me. Here is the full story:

We arrived on October 15th. We did not know exactly what awaited us. Suddenly our coach came to a standing. A look from the window pointed out quite clearly that Spartan days lay before us. On the right you can see our bathroom: it is quite an experience brushing your teeth above the sink. We have camped on a church ground. Yes, you see correctly, this is the church here; at the same time also our kitchen, communal room and washing corner.

The church was constructed by a married couple. It was so inspiring to see the work they are doing here. They have given up all luxury in order to give hope to the people in the Township. The couple lives in a caravan and has adopted 3 children.

Regularly around 200 people come to the tent. I can assure you: Praise looks quite different here. Sometimes I didn’t know whether I had landed in a children’s disco or in a church service. The whole local work is managed by this couple only. We have supported them for 2 weeks.

We have distributed flyers for clothes donations, invited people to church or simply prayed for many. For this we took a car of full children (the transport rules here are a little different from those in Germany) to parts of the Township where people live who do not come to the tent yet. There I got off with 10 children and we went to the people. Apart from the fact that I had zero orientation, I was busy keeping 10 children with me and avoiding drunk people. It was quite tough to see the housing conditions.

We have organised two days of evangelism. I did the presentation and run Bible classes with the teenage girls. In addition, there were different outdoor games for the children. Here the children are so motivated full of vigour. One does not have much rest. The children are quite special. They are optimistic and happy, in spite of their hard fate.

Besides the church work we have also done practical work: digging sinks and toilets, asphalting streets, tilling gardens and cleaning up garbage. The work was quite strenuous. It was up to 45° C, and no shade anywhere around.

After 4 days many from the team had Diarrhoeia. After to more 2 days almost the whole team had been infected, because the hygiene was so bad and we lived so close to each other. I was spared – it seems many of you have prayed for my health. Thank you!!
The ill ones among us really had a hard time. The tents were hot and one could hardly rest.

In the Township there are many drugs and alcohol problems. Many have been sexually abused by their parents or slipped into drug problems as teenagers. In order to fight these problems the couple has constructed the church. It is a place to learn values.

It is incredible how full the tent is during meetings. We have danced around with the children and really had fun. They really believe that Jesus wants only the best for them. Sometimes it seems to me that one must become poor first to become really rich. The children and the teenagers are happier than European ones, who have more material wealth.

Again, the outreach has helped me a lot. This couple is really a symbol for what it means to bring a sacrifice to God. They are a great blessing for the Township. So many people have found God, have gotten away from alcohol and found hope through their work. The couple gives all their passion and love to this Township.

It is really wrong to say, that pain in the world is a proof for the fact is that there is no God. The children here prove the opposite with their hope and confidence in God.

"Everything is okay, everything is alright, I've got Jesus in my life." If children with such a background can sing this and believe in it, then it must be right, isn’t it?

Thank you for your financial support and prayers. Without this, all my experiences here would not be possible.

Sincerely yours,

Pina


Prayer requests:

unity and love in the team

health and protection during journeys

That we can reach people in Botswana.


Thanks:

for health during the Outreach

for Health and protection during journeys

For the possibility to be here.


When you read this I will be already on my third outreach in Botswana. But I am always happy to receive emails and especially letters.

NB: In December it is better not to send anything because I won’t be here all the time and cannot pick it up from the Post Office. After 21 days parcels are sent back.

Micha thanks Uwe for translating this newsletter! German version below - pictures right side