Thanksvember 14 - South Africa

Today I am thankful for the time I have been privileged to spend in South Africa. And to think that I passed up an opportunity a few years back - I can't imagine who I'd be now if I'd never gone.

There is something about Africa that steals your heart. The people and culture of South Africa is vibrant and magnificent. The landscape is epic - just think Lion King and multiply by 10. I love the food, the languages, and the traditions.

I have been privileged to serve in Bloemfontein twice and intend to be there again this fall. Each time they teach me something new and I always try to bring a piece of South Africa home with me. The first year I was there I was blown away by the worship of the people - sometimes church services were four or five hours long! I know to some of us westerners that sounds like an infringement on our lunch time, but while you are in the midst of the presence of the Lord in one of their services you barely notice the time. The songs they sing are tremendous and indescribably beautiful. And when they worship, they dance. (That was something I brought back with me.) They dance to glorify the Lord and it is wonderful.

One thing I particularly enjoy when we are in church there is that when the Pastor says to pray, everyone prays out loud at the same time. If I had to guess what Heaven will sound like, I have a feeling it might come close to what I heard in Africa. Many different tongues proclaiming the sovereignty and glory and majesty of the Lord Jesus Christ all at once. The first time I was a little surprised since I am used to so much structure in prayer. The second time, however I just listened. I listened to the heart of a people hungry for Him and His Presence. The third time and from then on, I joined them in their prayers and wept at the honor to join them at the throne. I imagine it was an aroma pleasing to the Lord.

There aren't enough words for me to adequately describe to you my experiences in South Africa, and the pictures barely capture the stories. I would encourage you to come with me next time, or come on one of Praying Pelican's several trips to South Africa. I promise you'll never be the same - and you will be glad for it.

Praying Pelican Missions

I told you - like the Lion King times 10.

One of my favorite things to do when in SA- love on the children.

One day, I'm going to ride a giraffe. Just wait and see.