As you probably know, I took a job and moved from Boise, Idaho to San Francisco about 6 months ago. It was new, exciting, and in many ways difficult. One of the toughest things for me was my seeming inability to find a church in which I felt I could grow. About 3 months ago, though, I found Wellspring - a church focused on the gospel. The first Sunday I was there, I was blessed to hear a message from George Snyman, founder of Hands at Work. George talked about how civil war and AIDS have torn Africa apart, about the extreme suffering of individuals and families, about the rampant disease and lack of basic necessities like food or clean water, and about the staggering number of orphans fending for themselves. But despite the heartbreak and near hopelessness of the situation, George also talked about the hope that is found only in Jesus. He shared numerous stories of people who were helped not solely by medicine, food, or shelter in an orphanage, but by the love of Christ, shared with them through those at Hands at Work.
As I listened to what George had to say, I realized a few things. First, I realized that the only unfaltering source of help and hope is the gospel. Health and wealth come and go, but eternal joy cannot be stolen. Second, I am so overwhelmingly blessed. I have so many good things - physical provisions, a family that loves me, a supportive community, a job, and most importantly, a relationship with the Creator of all of those things - God has been so good to me. Third, I knew God was working in my heart to give me the desire to be a part of the ministry about which George spoke. I wasn't sure what my role would be or how it would all play out, but I had a desire to be able to show Jesus and his love to those who are some of the most needy.
Fast forward three months and we now have a team of 8 people on its way to South Africa and Mozambique to support the Hands at Work ministry. Our current plan is to leave September 9 and fly for a little over 22 hours (not including layovers!), ending up in South Africa, where we'll spend about a week at the Hands at Work headquarters. From there, MAF will fly us to Mozambique, where we'll be for about a week and a half, supporting the kids and workers at a Hands at Work orphanage. We'll have lots of opportunities to interact with the kids, encourage the local volunteers and caregivers, share our testimonies, do home visitations, and even do a bit of construction on a multiple care center and additional orphan home.
Additionally, there is quite a bit of preparation to do beforehand. Our team is trying to learn some elementary Portuguese, think of ways to encourage workers, consider how we'll love-on and interact with the kids, and then prepare for all of those things. Additionally, we've been really trying to focus on being spiritually prepared for this time - to trust God and grow closer to Him. And then, of course, there's the cost for each team member of about $3,300.
I must say, these tasks, particularly given the coming environment, are daunting! I am excited, but also very much aware of my neediness and weakness. God will certainly have to provide, but I'm writing to ask for your help in that process.
Thank you so much for your support - it is truly needed and appreciated.
If you would like more information on the trip, the team, or our timeline, please ask or check out our little website at http://wellspringsg.org/missions/moz08/. May God richly bless you and keep you!
Love,
nate