Follow Up

Yesterday, we spent the day working on figuring out how to best follow up on these students who are looking to get into small groups. Some of the kids indicated that they wanted to go to church this Sunday, so we called them yesterday, but with no luck. None of the kids picked up their phones, so we're back to the beginning there. We also found out that there is currently a Bible study program going on in the school and we're looking to get the kids hooked into that.

Youth United Event

Yesterday, we had a Youth United event at a place called J.E. Malepe Secondary School. It's located in a township called Tsakane. I would say that yesterday was the best event we've had yet. The principal introduced us and got the kids to quiet down and actually sit down before we started things. Also, in another change, I spoke first. Normally, we open with games like Name That Tune. But, we've found that music gets the kids all riled up, so we decided to try the message before the games. I think it was a combination of the principal's discipline and the message before the music, but whatever it was, the kids were very attentive. Of course, with over 1,000 kids jammed in a tiny courtyard there will be some who aren't interested, but the vast majority were listening and connecting with me as I spoke. It was so awesome to see people taking this seriously. After we finished, we had over 80 kids come and sign up to be a part of a small group. That blew me away. I'm so thrilled that God showed up in a major way yesterday!

Not Quite There Yet

I am feeling a ton better, but I'm still not quite back. I'm still just weak enough that I feel like doing too much would just be setting myself up to be back in bed for longer. So, for now, that's why you're not hearing much of anything from me - I'm not doing much of anything.

It's Bronchitis

I've been feeling bad since Monday morning. It started with what felt like a sinus infection and on Wednesday night, I was left with a hacking cough. Well, I finally got it checked out this morning after four days of hoping I could sleep it off. Turns out you can sleep off bronchitis.

Elevation

The team from Central's youth group arrived yesterday. The plan was scheduled to arrive at 4:30 PM, but arrived at 11:30 PM instead. We got them back to the Seminary and arrived home around 2:30. Today, we slept in a little and got started at 9. Needless to say, I'm thrilled they're here, but I'm also exhausted. Once I catch up on a little sleep, I'll do my best to post more info.

Car Trouble

This week, I learned what an alternator is...the hard way. On Friday night, I was stuck on the side of the road ten minutes of highway driving away from home with a dead battery on my cell phone. Somebody stopped and after unsuccessfully trying to give me a jump, decided he would just tow me home. By now it's close to 10:30 and South Africa isn't the safest place to be stopping to pick up hitchhikers. Despite this, Renier insists on towing me back to my house where he helped me push the car into the garage. From there, we got to talking and found out that we both work with youth. He's a youth leader at his church and he's looking to get the kids in the youth group involved in ministry. How awesome is that! We decided to part ways (it's now around 11:45pm) and call each other to set up a time to connect. Well, tonight, he's going to come pick me up and take me to his youth meeting to talk to the youth about what we're doing and to invite them to come and join us. The timing could not be any better because a team of students is arriving Friday from Central Wesleyan. We're looking to connect with these students while that team is here and do some ministry together. I'm continually blown away by how God works. (also, $40 later and one full day of work later, the car is back up and running)