Wednesday

We spent Wednesday at the Bonteheuwel Nursery School visiting with the children and then did some varnishing around the building. The children sang a few songs for us - one of which was "I May Never March in the Infantry" - motions and all! We then enjoyed a little ribbon dance performance by the baby class. I think only 2 of them were actually doing the dance, but it was enjoyable just the same! We were also welcomed into the Home League meeting being held at the Corps that day and had a great time of fellowship and singing with the ladies.

In the afternoon we split the group. The men visited several homes in the Bonteheuwel area and prayed for the people in their homes. The rest of us went to Crossroads. We were introduced to a group of women who are being taught how to sew and make garments and jewelry so that they will be able to support themselves and teach other women in the community to do the same. Following the sewing group we were privileged to participate in the "Kids Club", an after-school type program that teachesthe children of the area about issues relevant to their community. That day the subject was Human Trafficking. This is already a major concern in the country and a growing concern with the 2010 FIFA Games being held in Capetown. I believe it is undoubtedly Gods' providence that the Officers at Crossroads are ready and willing to talk with children about an issue such as this.

In the evening we joined a Addiction Support group at the Athlone Corps. It really was an incredible experience to hear the stories of the men and women there who had been addicted to drugs and alcohol and how God is changing their lives. One young man named Grant had a very moving testimony about his experience with "Tick", which is a drug similar to meth. I don't have time right now to write out his whole story, but I will tell you that it is a story about absolutely hitting rock bottom and finding the wonderful grace of God in that place. This man is now a "Jesus Freak", as he put it - and praise God for that!