Another full day - Cumberland Presbyterian Church in South Africa - March 19, 2016

Update from Cumberland Presbyterian Church

by Annie Schoessler | March 23, 2016 9:24 PM

This morning, the team got up and did devotions, a little weary after a later night at the church, but ready to get back to see the friends they've made there - church members, community members, and kids. They headed over to the church and got started right away setting up VBS, knowing that they had had about 120 kids the previous day, so anticipating somewhere close to 150. In reality, nearly 200 children showed up to VBS today! The team taught the kids about Jesus and helped them with a few crafts with crosses and the Holy Week story. The kids are having a wonderful time with the group and feeling the love of Christ in a big way. They are also teaching our youth about rugby, and beating them pretty soundly in games while they're at it! This afternoon, there were a few teenagers from the church that were hanging out there, so we spent some time doing some crafts with them and talking with them. The team has been so good at being intentional with relationship-building, really caring to ask questions to those they are meeting and find out what it's like to live in Belhar. It's a difficult life in that community, one where everyone needs to know the hope of Christ for them and for their surroundings. We came back to the church for dinner, a traditional South African dish generally called "Potjies." In essence, it's basically like a Crock Pot meal, but these had lamb and vegetables in one, and the other was pork with tomatoes and potatoes. They were delicious! We then shared the evening service with the church, in which Cole shared about how God has been working in his life in bringing him on this trip! It was awesome. There was a guest preacher tonight named Gareth who preached about the unconditional love of God and that "there are no hopeless cases - only cases of hope." We are so grateful for the ways God has been faithful to us on this journey. He is teaching us and challenging us in new ways and causing us to open our eyes to the way He sees the world. Thank you so much for your prayers - they mean the world to us!

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Frances Baggett

March 25, 2016 11:06 PM

Have really enjoyed the updates and pictures this week. I'm sure you made a difference in their lives this week. Praying for safe travels home. May God bless you.

Carolyn amacher

March 25, 2016 2:52 AM

wonderful to see you all being the hands and feet of Christ in this far away place. Stay safe and have a safe flight home. We miss you all. Prayers and blessings to all.

Melody Harrison

March 24, 2016 4:03 PM

Still praying for energy and health! 200 children wow!

Sandra Holmes

March 24, 2016 1:18 PM

I know you are impacting the lives of these precious children. Have fun and know that hundreds of prayers are going up daily.

Charlotte Bondurant

March 24, 2016 12:37 PM

Checking the posts every morning makes my heart happy. Love seeing the fun your having, the native food your eating, the good being done for the children and all the happy faces:)

Carla Burden

March 24, 2016 1:59 AM

Love to see you all having a wonderful time with your ministry. It's great the kids are being exposed to new foods.

Ann Heflin

March 24, 2016 1:26 AM

Hope you have a wonderful week and a safe trip home. God bless each one of you.

Vickie Mathis

March 24, 2016 1:17 AM

Praying all is going well! Looks like you are having a good time. Hope you have safe trip back home.

Rachel Mathis

March 23, 2016 4:24 PM

Praying that all is going well and you all are having a great time! *B.J. thought I would let you know the Starbucks card came in handy this morning LOVE YOU

Jill Russell

March 23, 2016 12:57 PM

These updates make me shed a few tears... Happy tears... Love hearing the stories. Prayers for each day and each of you. Be the light.

Patrick Wilkerson

March 23, 2016 12:32 PM

These updates are awesome. I wish I could have gone with you. I can hear BJ singing Lion King songs the whole time. I hope there are so many blessings for the community and for the mission team. Keep up the good work!!!

J. Carmack

March 23, 2016 4:38 AM

You are all in my prayers as you share the Love of Christ in a far away place.

Karen Zarecor

March 23, 2016 1:42 AM

It sure sounds like you are off to a great start! You have some great stories of Jesus to share with the children, and they're going to love getting to know you! May you see glimpses of God in their faces.

Fayna Amacher Edens

March 22, 2016 11:20 PM

Andrew all these years of wrestling with Trey, Max, and Ethan are paying off for these precious children! Continue being the hands and feet of Christ. I can't wait to hear about your experiences there.

Michael Clark

March 22, 2016 5:50 PM

Hi all, Blessings from Tennessee as you work there. Enjoy and have a great time and be safe! Miss you all and see you all soon. Prayers your way! Michael

Denise Turner

March 22, 2016 10:59 AM

So happy you made it safe and everyone is having a wonderful time. It's awesome to see our children making a positive difference in others lives. Hope everyone of you have a awesome Experience!!

Bob Zimmerman

March 22, 2016 3:44 AM

So glad you arrived safely and had a great first day there. And a trip to a mall even. Have a great week.

Emily

March 22, 2016 2:25 AM

Thanks for being His hands and feet this week to those children. Making memories. Carlie Gaby you rock.

Frances Baggett

March 21, 2016 9:33 PM

Glad you arrived safely. From the pictures you seem to be having fun. Prayers each day for God's blessings on your mission and safety.

Renee' Shores

March 21, 2016 8:51 PM

Looks like you are having a good time! Praying for all of you while you are there. p.s. Tell Anna to hurry home!!

Carla Burden

March 21, 2016 3:59 PM

So glad everyone arrived safely! We are looking forward to seeing God's blessing as you progress forward. ??

Melody Harrison

March 21, 2016 3:43 PM

Thanks for the update. The team looks amazing after such a long flight! Prayers for energy and clear minds!

Judy Mann

March 21, 2016 3:32 PM

Glad to see you made it safely there. Stay safe, do good things and have a little fun along the way.

CHARLOTTE BONDURANT

March 21, 2016 2:19 PM

Everyone looking good. So glad you are there safe and sound. My thoughts and prayers are with you on this mission. Keep the posts and pictures coming:)

Sherry Taylor

March 21, 2016 1:40 PM

So glad you made it safely. Praying for you all! I know you will be a blessing to those you meet. And you will receive a blessing by serving others.

Leslie Creasman

March 21, 2016 1:11 PM

Glad to hear that you made it safely! Prayers for all!

Fayna Amacher Edens

March 21, 2016 3:18 AM

So good to know your are there and safe! Rest well! Keeping you in my prayers.

Sherry Taylor

March 21, 2016 12:57 AM

So glad you made it safely. Praying for you all! I know you will be a blessing to those you meet. And you will receive a blessing by serving others.

Beth Mathis

March 21, 2016 12:46 AM

So thankful you made it! Praying for all of you!!! May you be blessed and be a blessing this week!

Susan loman

March 20, 2016 11:49 PM

So glad you made it safely. Let us know when you see Lacey??

Melody Harrison

March 20, 2016 11:26 PM

Thanks for the update. The team looks amazing after such a long flight! Prayers for energy and clear minds!

Brian Baggett

March 20, 2016 9:14 PM

Praying for your mission trip. Do good things!!!!

Michael Clark

March 20, 2016 1:03 PM

Hey all, Hope you made it safely to South Africa. Have a blessed time and do great things. Your church had you in their prayers. Michael

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