Sent out to love and to serve on a foreign mission field, I am reminded that we—believers in the USA as well as believers in ZA—are members of one body of Christ. Our salvation, callings and ministries are from the same Holy Spirit. One is as significant as the other despite different circumstances. Those who are marginalized are often perceived as failing to measure up to a standard set by another. We focus so much on trying to make them like us we often overlook any intrinsic value in their ways and perspectives. The other is different but no less (or no more) worthy. For the church is a worldwide church, made up of one body and many diverse members.

Serving in various venues in ZA, I have ministered to young and old, rich and poor, urban and rural, educated and illiterate, nationals and expatriates from around the world. In a potentially great but complex country, teeming with unresolved conflicts and underlying tensions, I was afforded opportunities to use skills I didn’t know I had. What is amazing, however, is how my world has been impacted by so many in ZA. I have experienced the love of countless people who opened up their lives and included me at family births, burials and much in between. Yes, I have witnessed too many deaths, but I have met many more survivors during my years in the land.

Life’s challenges, it seems, are opportunities to grow and be stretched. As I look back, I realize I experienced the greatest spiritual growth during my most difficult days in South Africa:

I was hospitalized and had major surgery for the first time. I would then be led to visit chronically ill patients in public hospitals and prison wards. 

I was a victim of crime on more than one occasion. I became even more passionate about the discipleship ministry to convicted criminals.

At times I was disrespected and threatened when perceived to be West African in a so-called xenophobic climate. I continued working in the hotspots and remained a friend to refugees and immigrants.

I became affected by HIV&AIDS in my own family. What greater encouragement to become an activist in the church, community and boardroom.

I was often discouraged by what I witnessed among church leadership. This motivated me to accept my first pastorate and to teach at the Bible college.

Sometimes I felt ‘like a motherless child, a long way from home.’ Unexpectedly, the Lord led me to adopt a beautiful orphaned baby.

There were periods when my son and I were in great need of material resources and assistance. And the Lord used so many to repeatedly bless us with gifts and other expressions of love.

I have been moved out of many comfort zones in South Africa—a country that appears familiar but upon closer inspection is very unique. God has afforded me insight into how so many in the rest of the world are forced to live. Not only those halfway around the planet, but those across town, across the tracks and sometimes just across the street. Such experiences provide a glimpse of another world.

I am learning what it means to take up my cross daily to follow Christ. It is unlikely many of us will spend decades in prison, be characterized as terrorists, or suffer deprivation of human rights. But God does ask us, as believers, to give up our lives so that we might gain real life. He asks us to sometimes suffer—knowing we will ultimately experience His glory. In hindsight I can say, if it had not been for the trials, I might never have experienced such divine deliverance, provision and peace.

Let us encourage each other to continue to take up our crosses daily, for Christ’s yoke truly is easy and His burden is light. When we follow His lead, our steps will fall into place. I hope you journey with me as we, the church, keep reaching out, ministering to, and growing together in South Africa and around the world, so that many more might be free indeed. Please join our network of supports so that we may reach the financial goals and get back to the field.