October Newsletter

Herewith the latest experiences from a training base in Pretoria, where community is grown, and disciples are made...

Container Confessions

Missions Mobilising Training. MMT. Welcome to a week of simulations, country visits, and interesting meals. We were divided into tables representing different countries. Had a few competitions. A few presentations.

My country? Cuba. We dressed in cultural clothes and researched the country's state following Covid.

I learnt so much during this week. About presenting to a church, running a simulation, and performing a skit to convey a message. One of the biggest moments came when we were locked in a storage container for 30 minutes. We were told that Christians in Eritrea faced similar situations. I lasted for about 20 minutes before claustrophobia kicked in. Stepping out of that container, my body caked in sweat, I was overwhelmed with tears. Imagine that being your reality for months, or even years. Being let out of your 'cheap prison' for a few minutes a day. Believing that others are paying for your freedom as much as you are.

I was very humbled that day. To consider my circumstances. To think of others. To see God's presence in both situations.

House of Kids

Travelling to North West, we spent a few days partnering with local churches. Imagine:

25+ REACH participants.

7 Girls per room.

The guys all sleeping in the hall.

No showers.

At least the few days of water cut-offs back home had prepared me for the famous basin baths. And I could educate the internationals. We spent some time with the children in North West, playing games and singing songs.

It was like a Holiday Club squished into a 4-hour program. From Father Abraham, to the Prodigal Son, we loved seeing the kids engage with the games, stories and songs. There were even a few cards tricks performed by our very own magician.

Social Justice League

Prostitution. Pornography. Human trafficking. These were topics we thought we had an understanding of when signing up for this elective. What we were not prepared for, was the onslaught of data telling us about the harsh realities we grew up sheltered from. It shook our understanding of the underground networks regarding sex slavery and child trafficking.

I probably cried more these last two weeks than I ever have at a single time. It motivated me to investigate where my heart for people lies. God has also shown me how He had been preparing me for social justice even before I came to REACH. I am excited to see how God will use this passion in the mission field in Spain.

Buddhist Temple Trek

We also had an opportunity to visit a Buddhist temple this month. Walking along the colourfully-decorated walls and shrines, I was reminded of the Israelites who tried to find fulfillment in the Golden Calf. No matter how intricate, how beautiful you make a statue, that is all it will ever be. It was difficult to think that people could find a sense of hope in this sort of religion.

Where is the personal relationship that fills that missing piece in your soul? How do you find your purpose if you do not believe in a Creator? See the creativity. See the source. See the fingerprints of God in all He has made.

I look forward to learning more about different religions. After all, how can we approach people of a certain religion without understanding their worldviews, which are influenced by their religions? We know the Good News, but how do we relate it to a person who has been raised in a world that has taught them the opposite?