A full Friday - Westoak Woods Baptist Church in South Africa - June 17, 2015

Update from Westoak Woods Baptist Church

by Christopher Fry | June 19, 2015 2:53 PM

It was an early morning! We left the hotel at 6:45 am to go to a nearby school. We were so blessed to hear and see the all-school morning assembly/devotion! The children sang to us and welcomed us with huge smiles and big hearts. They were incredibly polite and respectful and truly touched our hearts. The team presented a wonderful improv, which was loved by the children. Shelby and Joe shared their testimonies, and Terry shared a meaningful message that encouraged the children to ask Jesus into their heart. The team then split into small groups and visited each classroom. The children asked questions about America, and the team members shared with they love Jesus. Mid morning we returned to the church for ministry planning and orphanage prep. Christopher took Chad to get paint supplies for the painting ministry that Chad will be sharing on Sunday as Terry preaches. We enjoyed another wonderful lunch provided by the women of the church, and then we left for the orphanage. The orphanage is home to about 20 kids. The team guided them through crafts, each child had their photo taken with a member of the team, and the team then printed the photos to be placed into the crafted photo frames each child had made. The children LOVED playing games with the team, using the jump ropes and other toys donated by the team, and opening the amazing gift bags (containing a Bible, a toothbrush, and a Beanie Baby). We ate dinner at the church as we listened to the band prepare for Sunday's worship service. And then....the electricity went out. This was a result of the South African government program referred to as "load shedding". (Because the country does not have enough power plants to supply the growing population, the power is cut off in 2 to 4 hour shifts around the communities. Our hotel has a generator, but the church does not.) So the music stopped, and the sun was setting quickly. As it got darker and darker, it was chilly in the church buildings....but candlelight and fellowship brought warmth. Following dinner, the team had a very unique opportunity to support the people of this church. Pastor Josiah had advised us when we arrived that a young woman in the church had passed away; her husband had passed away a month ago, and their 3 children are now without parents. In South Africa, the process of burying those who have passed involves the entire church family. It typically takes a week or more for the family of the deceased to gather the money to pay for the coffin and burial. Throughout that week or more, the leaders of the church spend time with the family every day to pray with them and for them. Church leaders also encourage members of the congregation to contribute what they can so that together they can allow the family to say goodbye to their loved one with dignity. On the night before the funeral, church leadership goes to the home of the deceased and provides words of encouragement to the family. In this case, the funeral is on Saturday morning, so the words of encouragement was to take place tonight (Friday ). Pastor Josiah spoke with the family in advance, and he conveyed to the team that the family would be very honored and grateful to have the team join the gathering for the words of encouragement. Special thanks to Rich, Christy, and Terry for sharing this evening. Tomorrow the team will go to the Apartheid Museum, provide a medical clinic to community members, and lead men's and women's Bible studies.

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