Bambisana

Well, I have been in the country of South Africa for just over three weeks. I can hardly believe it! I have already had so many new experiences that have been great along with many new challenges as well.

The first week in South Africa I spent time in the area of Transkei in a village called Bambisana. Its about eight hours northeast of Jeffreys Bay. I was visiting some friends that are running a ministry there called Potters House Ministry. I stayed with a family in the village that I met for the first time when I arrived there. I for sure was a little nervous as I thought about staying in the village which I never had done before and also, with people I didn't know, but I knew I was in for a new experience.

From the moment I met the family I feel in love with them. I have never in my life been so welcomed somewhere. I was introduced to the TaTa (father) of the house, his daughters, and then the small children. They prepared a wonderful African meal for me and we sat around visiting and getting to know each other. Then the Father asked if I would share the Word/ encouragement. I was so surprised, but felt so honored that they wanted me to share with them. After sharing with them the Father stood up and wanted to share something with me. He didn't speak a lot of English so as someone translated for him, he shared how the LORD has given him six daughters, but today the LORD has blessed him with his seventh daughter. He continued to share with me how I am part of their family and how I should make myself at home, because I am now part of their family.
I was so overwhelmed and humbled as this man of God welcomed me into his home and truly took me in as his own daughter, though he had just met me. I realized yet again that as we are part of the body of Christ no matter where we go, we will have family, because we are one body. Also, I was reminded again of one of the reasons I love Africa so much. The hospitality is like nothing I have experienced before.

My time in Transkei was wonderful. I stayed in the village for five days and experienced what life is truly like there. They fetch the water at the river, boil water for bathing in a basin, use long- drops for toilets( similar to outhouses) and live life with such simplicity, but yet such contentment and joy. Along with the joys also came the challenges, as the area of Transkei is predominately black, I was very out of place. In the village of Bambisana, I was the only white person, and though every eye seemed to take a second glance at me, I knew that I could use this to my advantage for the kingdom. I could respond negatively and be frustrated or I could use the attention I was getting and use it to show the love of God. My prayer as I was there breaking the cultural norm, was that somehow the Holy Spirit would work in the people of Bambisana the deep love our Father has for ALL people. That these beautiful people would know that rather Xhosa or American we are dearly loved by Jesus Christ.
My time in Bambisana grew my love for the Xhosa people and their genuine, open hearts and their joy for life. The scripture that God has put on my heart so much the past weeks and during my time in Bambisana was-

1 Corinthians 9:19-23(ESV)

"For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."

My hearts desire is for everyone to know the love of Jesus. Anything for one more soul. No matter the cost. No matter how uncomfortable and unfamiliar. Anything for one more precious soul to know the abounding grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.


*Though this is only about my first week in South Africa, I will be writing and updating you all next week about my time so far serving with LXP in Jeffreys Bay.
More to come soon!*