Volunteer Reflections #7

Hey from the other side of the world! We hope you are doing well and hear that you are all much warmer than us. This has been an extremely cold week, and most of our ministry opportunities have been in the evening after the youth and children are out of school. We have definitely enjoyed the fire each night as well as the small heaters around the house. Monday, Mr. Wayne picked us up from the Allens, and we headed to Nhlangano. That night, we went to Thunzini for a weekly Bible Study that Mr. Wayne and Mrs. Barbara lead. We took a few people from Nhlangano with us and joined up with several adults and older youth at Thunzini. We loved meeting up with friends we have not seen in years. It was so exciting to see the Mkhontas as well as some of the youth we have not seen since the Youth Camp in 2005. We sang together, and then had a snack of chips and juice. The men stayed in the church, and the women walked to the Mkhonta’s homestead beside the church. Mrs. Barbara led the women with a study on 1 Corinthians, and afterwards, we enjoyed visiting with them and showing pictures. The Bible Studies were done by candlelight; so unfortunately, there are no pictures to share from Monday.
Tuesday evening, we went to Thunzini to lead a youth study for the Nhlangano youth and the Thunzini youth. We began by singing together, and then we played a few games which they loved. Hunter led a study on Romans 12:1-2 about commitment and transformation. After the lesson, they had a discussion time and prayed together. The youth responded very well to each other during the discussion, and it was really encouraging. Of course, lots of pictures were taken and we have included a couple for you. The first is a picture of us with the entire group and then one of us with 3 brothers that we have spent a lot of time with- Mphumelelo, Melusi, and Mpilo.
Yesterday, we ran a few errands with Mr. Wayne in the morning. He also drove us around the rural areas to see some new places. For lunch, one of the youth from Nhlangano stopped by. We enjoyed visiting with her, and she helped us with the names of several siSwati songs we had recorded at different churches or meetings. Last night, we went to Zikhoteni for a Bible Study. There were about 25 youth and children there. After opening the night with singing, we took everyone outside and taught them how to Limbo. They absolutely loved it. We have included a picture of Mr. Wayne teaching one of the youth “the proper techniques.” Brinkley taught a lesson titled “Nothing Is Impossible with God.” We enjoyed getting to know some of the youth afterwards. This is a newer church that Mphilo is pastoring now. Some of you may remember that Simanga used to be at this church before he left for his police training. They meet in the homestead that we were in last night. We have included a picture of Brinkley with a few of her new friends, as well as one of Hunter with most of the guys who were there.
This morning, we are going on a prayer drive and will spend the rest of the day preparing a few lessons. Tonight, we will be at Nhlangano Baptist Church for a Bible Study. We look forward to sharing more stories of the Lord’s faithfulness. I am sure it will be a good break from all of the Michael Jackson news.

Love, Hunter and Brinkley