South Africa Mission Devotionals

These devotionals were written by friends and family members of the Mission Team and shared with them for their journey.

Reflections… 

It has been months since we landed back here in the USA. I still find myself struggling with some day-to-day situations. I have felt a change in my outlook on things, even from being there for just a short stay. We all live in a wonderful and abundant country here in the USA. With the freedom and prosperous lifestyle that we enjoy daily, it is easy for us to take for granted all that we have. I find that our vision is often clouded to the struggles of others, here and in other nations.

In reflecting back I find myself longing to return to the simplicity of South Africa. I truly miss the people, the land, exotic animals and especially the children. Even with all the poverty, violence and the AIDS problems, the people there have a unique quality to them that is hard to explain.

The people all over South Africa showed us a pure and honest generosity that is hard to find these days. An outpouring of generosity from a people that have nothing. When I remember back to all that they gave us, I have to question the true definition of abundance. Somehow through our American vision of abundance, we have lost something very valuable.
As I think back and struggle to move forward, I pray for Africa and for all of us. My prayer is to share from our abundance. Share from our wealth, from our wisdom, from our talents, from our freedom and from our spirituality and give to all the people in need in all corners of the world. Through this outpouring of generosity, we, in turn will be the ones who will gain the most.

Thank you Chris, Kelly, James, Laura and of course Richard, for giving of yourself to service and for answering HIS call. God Bless and protect you.

Dan Rybaski

Taken from A GOLDEN TREASURY OF SALESIAN CLASSICS by Frances Ridley Havergal

Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak
Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou hast sought, so let me seek
Thy erring children lost and lone.

O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things Thou dost impart;
And wing my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.

O fill me with Thy fullness, Lord,
Until my very heart o'erflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.

O use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as Thou wilt, and when and where;
Until Thy blessed face I see,
Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.

God be with you.
Love,
Mary Henry

FOREVER
Forever in our vision, forever in our hearts, forever in the Spirit…

My Devotional is more of a meditation practice which I brought back from Africa.

Ever since our path led us to South Africa, God has revealed my own personal vision of a burning bush. Every time I feel the burdens of my life and world, I close my eyes and images from Africa flash like a slide show. All the snapshots of God's presence have been burned into my memory banks. Whether it is of smiling faces sing songs, or grown men weeping, or even the swirling of the smoke on the horizon over a cup of coffee, I was brought closer to God and felt the presence of the Holy Spirit around me at all times. It is so peaceful to know that when I close my eyes and ears and look inward and listen, I am 'baptized' internally with a fountain of peace and grace. No matter what lies in my path I am refreshed and able to overcome. I am so invigorated every time I talk about my journey and the path through South Africa. God truly blessed South Africa and anyone who experiences it. It is such a joy and blessing to see the Hope and Love and Faith in all the people. I witness links to Africa in every occurrences through the day. For it all comes back to God's call and blessing.
 
May He bless you and enlighten your path on your journey.

Always in His Grace,
Robert Sherwood

Faith-filled, Grace-filled

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.... And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.— Hebrews 11: 1, 6

Faith is ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Certainly you have been called to do extraordinary things:

• Faith to respond to His Call.
• Faith to travel far from the familiarity and comforts of home.
• Faith to do something or be someone that you could not do or be without the help of our supernatural God.
• Faith to share what you know as God’s love with all you meet.
• Faith to smile into the eyes and hearts of children.
• Faith to teach the love and gift of salvation through Christ our savior.
• Faith to praise and give thanks to our Mighty Creator for the blessings bestowed.
• Faith to know it is only God who can truly heal.
• Faith to accept and allow that healing to occur in us as His children.

 
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.—Proverbs 16:24

May your words and actions be seen as overflowing with the fullness of grace and mercy extended as the hands and feet of Christ. May souls be sweetened and may healing occur deeply into the bodies, hearts and minds of God’s precious children. May you be ever surrounded by the power of the Holy Spirit as you minister to those around you and one another.

Your sister-in Christ,
Mary Lieffort

Listening …

It’s hard to believe that you woke up this morning in a completely different part of the world isn’t it? Did the friendly rooster give you his cheery wakeup call? Are you listening and absorbing your new surroundings? New sounds, new voices, new everything…

God speaks in unique ways.
 
My child, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding Proverbs 5:1

There are precious children eagerly awaiting your arrival each morning with great anticipation. I’m sure the look on their faces says it all each day. I’m sure they’re in awe of the most excellent VBS materials that you brought to them. You are making an everlasting impact on each of their lives. Thank you.

This is the day that the Lord has made … rejoice!

Judy Bowman

God’s Blessings Be Upon You

May you lift your gaze to the heavens
And hunger for the Lord your God.
May your help come from Him,
The Maker of all creation.

May He not let your feet slip
Outside of His Holy ways,
May He keep you safe day and night,
For He never rests.

May He encompass you
As you go out and come in.
May the Lord be your shade by day
So the sun will not harm you.

May He be your shelter
When the moon shimmers by night.
May He protect you with His mighty hand
And watch over you-now and forevermore.
Amen

Sharing in God’s love,
Diane Grady