The Sunday Report

We greet you in the name of Jesus Christ!!

It began to rain yesterday keeping us in the house and away from Richard’s Bay after church, however we were granted some much needed rest and relaxation, as of the members of the team have come down with a couple of bugs. Nothing serious but we could use prayer for healing to get us through the week The rain continued on and off through the night and in to this morning, although some of us prayed for the rain to cease we can not be too upset that it did not; as we were informed last week we are in the midst of the worst drought for this region in 60 years.

The great need for medical attention among the Zulu people was revealed today, despite the pouring rain, soaking wet Zulu men, women and children were waiting in line for the clinic to open early this morning. Adjustments were made – quick wake up calls and breakfast, tee-shirts and skirts turned into sweatshirts, pants, hats and blankets, the patient waiting room moved inside, coffee and tea provided, and layout adjustments were made to the clinic. There was not one complaint made about the rain (you may be thinking but they don’t know Zulu…you’re right we don’t but you could tell by their faces, excitement and gratitude were shown). Every once in a while we would look up and our eyes caught what it was like outside…pouring rain, a lot of mud and no cars but people continued to come. The people visiting the clinic all walked but who knows how far. Our team went right to work with muc h joy and excitement to serve the neighborhood. Things ran smoothly - patients were seen, meds were given, eye exams completed, and prayer was provided. The prayer team got the chance to pray with many of the clinic visitors, to get to know their desires, large and small. Many simply asked for better health and blessing upon their family, others are in need of jobs, are mourning the loss of their loved ones and yet they are peaceful, gracious and smile with joy beyond our understanding.

Medications that we think of as “staples” – Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Cold and Cough syrup, Multi-Vitamins, and candy - these patients have never had before. There are clinics in the townships for the ill but they are not guaranteed the standard of care in which we are accustom to or would expect in the US . The professional clinics are too expensive for patients to attend so they go to the free clinics where they have a better chance of being diagnosed but there is not greater opportunity to obtain medications. The government has provided buildings for clinics in rural areas but the launch of the facilities are hindered secondary to political issues amongst the government and the traditional people. It is a crazy cycle. Fortunately God’s ways are higher then ours and He continues to send missionaries (Us) into areas like Gubethuka.

Last evening, the team had the unexpected privilege to attend church with and later welcome into the Mafu’s home the Zulu Induna and family (one rank below the tribal chief) he continues to give us his welcoming and blessings to serve the people later this week and for future mission trips. So for us the political strife has enhanced the heart felt desire to serve the people with the utmost respect, care, and love and provide the most excellent medications. Last night Rev. Rob taught that we (as individuals or a team) are apart of something bigger. It’s bigger than just 21 of us, (roll the credits…
Brian, Jamie, Allie, Prasanth, Brooke, Cathy, Amita, Katie, Danette, Kate, Kristie, Susan, Sharon, Sarah, Hilda, Norberta, Jill, Andy, Rev Rob, Megan, Angela, and a special thanks to the Mafus and our ACM staff translators); it is helping Grace Evangelical Church, ACM (Africa Christian Ministries), the local community, the country of South Africa, and the World. Most of all; it is a part of God’s plan to show love and to draw people nearer to Him. We are fulfilling a purpose.

The team together rocked Grace Evangelical Church refreshed by the Michigan like weather (awe a taste of home). We miss you all and are praying for you.

Luggage Buddies,
Angela and Megan.