Yesterday, we went to a orphanage in the township (similar to a squatter’s camp) of KwaDabeka–the same village where I have been attending church the past couple of weeks. The name of the orphanage, as evident from the title of the post, is Zkahle: A Place of Safety. We split our team into two groups and the other group scouted out a site on which we are going to help establish a hospice shelter for patients with HIV/AIDS. For the whole of the team, yesterday was the most trying. It was the first time that we have all been really exposed to the extreme poverty of the people here in South Africa. The children at Zkahle are mostly under the age of four. Zkahle serves as a short-term refuge for children until they are restored to their families, adopted, or placed into foster care. As we played with the children, it was evident that theirs’ was a story of despair and hopelessness. The sadness in their eyes, even in the midst of frequently laughter and smiles, depicted the brokenness of the lives which they had experienced. My prayer as we played and held these children was that maybe, if only for a little while, the Lord would be able to reveal His face of incomprehensible Love and Hope to them through us. The reality is that the Lord’s promise He has made to us through the Gospel and the person of Jesus Christ could possible serve as the only means of hope that these children ever experience. I write this certainly not to offend anyone; rather, I write it as being an overflow of what I really believe to be true. Tim Keller once said:
“The Gospel is not only the only was to have eternal life, but it is also the only way to solve every problem, the only way to face every challenge, and the only way to grow into maturity in Christ.”
The various thoughts and emotions that riddled my mind yesterday certainly deserved a time of reflection and contemplation last night. I wrestled with feelings of sadness and despair at a desire for a better life for each of these children, as well as the millions of disadvantaged children in the US and around the world. In that, the Lord pointed me to a scripture that I have read many times. However, in light of the realization that there is nothing that I can do to provide for each of them, this verse took on an even greater meaning.
” ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ “ -Jeremiah 29:11
God does have a greater plan. His desire is one of hope, love, and prosperity for me, for you, and for all of His children. Please be in prayer for our team as we go into these townships, the breeding ground of much of the poverty and despair which faces this country today. You e-mails, comments, prayers, and encouragement have served to spur me on in doing the great things that the Lord has in store for me here in Durban. My gratitude cannot be expressed in any colorful arrangement of words. Quite simply, I am extremely thankful for each of you.
Hi honey. I’m really blessed by all your writings. It’s great to know how God is working. When I was 18 I went to the Holy Lands with a church group but no family members just other teens. It was very eye opening to be in a country that has constant unrest and see tanks on the streets and young men my age walking around with machine guns slung over their shoulders. It was a Dorothy’s not in Kansas anymore experience. But it was a blessing to be where Jesus walked and I came home with a renewed appreciation for my freedom and country. Continue to write and call when you can. I’m going to Special Olympics in Atlanta with Jessica till Sunday but dad will be around. I like this passage and it may be of encouragement to you too…Isaiah 41:13 I am the Lord your God,who holds your right hand, and I tell you, “Don’t be afraid. I will help you.” love you always and forever, mama
Barrett,
We remain uplifted by word of your life-changing experience there in South Africa. I cannot imagine the scope of the poverty and suffering you are witnessing firsthand. As you said, sharing the message of Our Lord Jesus Christ may offer a greater message of hope than these have ever felt. Let The Lord continue to use all of you in witnessing His Presence and Hope to those who are so desperately in need. We love you. Dad
Barrett,
I’ve been praying for you since I saw you were to be heading to South Africa. When Heathman went to South Africa several years ago, I prayed daily that God would use him and those who went with him to show His glory and grace to those they ministered to. I’m so glad you have this opportunity to carry God’s word and to do God’s work. My prayers are with you.
Mama Heathman, HOBY hugs!