A Piece of Humble Pie

Once again, it takes an experience outside of my own comfort zone to bring life into a clear perspective again! Once again, a contrast exists that is as great as and bigger than black and white. Wonderful to see how a picture full of contrast is a beautiful image that speaks louder than words.

The image is against the backdrop of a village in Limpopo province called Mmamethlake, a village that exists in a hostile environment, stark, dry red ground, and a dusty haze in the air defines this sun beaten place. Shade comes at a premium and every inch is taken up by a life trying to maintain some small amount of comfort.

It is an image of 18 teenagers and young adults residing in upper class suburbs of Pretoria East emersing themselves for four days in this harsh climate and foreign environment. The objective foremost in their minds is to share their firsthand experience, knowledge and expertise in running and participating in a Holiday Club with five local churches in the Mmamethlake region. My objective possibly a little broader, not only to benefit those to whom we are taking our experience but to enrich the lives of these 18 young people who are with me, through service for Jesus Christ to those less fortunate than themselves (in many respects but not all). Limited running water, camping in dusty tents and no flushing toilets hardly brings the word "enrich" to one's mind but these obstacles will become the images of "hardship" which will forge the understanding and gratitude of privilages not everyone gets to experience for a long time to come. The experience is an image that will allow them to see the value in relationships and community, slowing down and waiting, savoring every little gift God provides and not taking our material blessings for granted.

Living and working alongside each other is a contrast that I believe changes perceptions, and the hearts and minds of both sides and it is a beautiful image that can only exist in acceptance and love for one another. It is an image painted by the hand of Christ himself and it is an image that few will forget. To God be the Glory for these things He has done!

Kids = Energy!!

Last week I had the privilege of once again, for possibly the 17th time in my life, participating in the Waterkloof Baptist Holiday Club. My name for the week... Capt. Jack Sparrow, original I know, but the kids caught on quickly and I was a good pirate at that!
There is too much to relate in terms of what a learning and growth experience it was again, even after all these years. One thing for sure though, kids energise us. They are not what sap our energy but they are the source of our energy. I felt more alive after dancing around a stage, jumping up and down like a hooligan, and generally acting like a twelve year old again than I have felt in a long time, and as most of you know, that is very much alive!! There should be a time in all of our lives where we find the child in ourselves again, no matter how professional the profile you hold in "the real world", no matter how adult you feel, no matter what responsibility you carry, no matter how brittle your bones, there is a child in each of us and re-discovering it is the most liberating experience of all!
Something else I learnt is that service is not something we choose, it is not optional, that is if you're living the life Christ created you to live. We were beings created in his image, created to serve! Unless we are serving others in this life, we are not going to be fulfilled. So, if you're feeling empty, low or purposeless, serve, serve, serve!! It'll change your life!! Christ said, "I did not come to be served but to serve", too many of us say "I am here to be served...” What can I say to that?? Your loss! Remember, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me." Matt 25:40
God Bless you all as you find the inner child within you and are energized by it, and as you continue to serve wherever you see opportunity!