Well, we’ve been in Jeffrey’s Bay for just over a week. It’s great to finally be in the land that I have anticipated and dreamed of for so long. After almost two full days travel we finally made it! Jeffrey’s Bay is beautiful, we’re staying at Ucsa, a Christan Camp that is located literally a block away from town. The minute we step out of the walls of of our compound we can see the ocean, which is a mere two minute walk away. While in town you can hardly tell that you’re in Africa. Storefronts complete with internet cafe’s, coffee houses, resturantes, billabong, clothing stores and even a putt-putt course. This being not quite the Africa I had invisioned… but the farther right you walk the more you can see the distinct line between rich an poor. Only about a ten minute walk away is the township, the place my heart is beginning to beat for.
Most in the town do not tread on the unpaved grounds of the “community” (township), most don’t even talk about it. Considering the close proximity of the township I would think that life in the township would not be as invisible as it appears, but still people walk by the immense need and do nothing. Even the streets are inhabited by young boys who are homeless and without family. How can we blind ourselves to such brokenness? I myself am guilty of too often walking by and doing nothing. Even in writing this I cannot help but be convicted. Too often I walk by brokenness and do nothing.
Over the past year God has been dealing with my heart on the issue of brokenness and poverty. I stuggled with it at home with my homeless friends, and now it’s hard to see it here and to not know what to do. Every day we pass by the street boys- the only thing I know to do is pray and get to know them. It’s ahrd to see such obvious brokness in their eyes and to be able to do nothing. Some of these boys are only 8 years old but their eyes are aged beyond their years. The townships are full of children who come from broken and abusive homes, these kids need so much love. I am stuggling with how to love them. I know it’s not right to just pass by- the passage in Matthew 25 continuasly rings in my mind, “Whatever you have not done for one of the least of these, you have not done for me.” I cannot, I will not simply pass by.
“You can do no great things, only small things with great love.” Please pray that my team and I may have great love for every person that we meet. Pray that we would make the most of every opportunity. Pray that we would not simply pass by but that we would put our love into action.
May our eyes never be closed to suffering, may we do small things with great love.
Sydney! It was such a blessing being able to hear of your heart at training camp, and now seeing the fulfillment of that beating is beautiful! I am pryaing for you sister!
Barton Girdwood
Admissions Department
I’m so glad that you made it to Africa safely!
I will be praying for you and your team that you don’t let an opportunity slip by that the Lord puts in your path.
love you,
Erin
Lord Jesus, I thank You for helping Sydney and her team get to Africa safely and I thank You for growing Sydney’s heart for the broken and hurting. I pray that You’d help to shine your light through the streets of Africa. I pray in Jesus name that Your name would resound and be proclaimed everywhere they go and that they are kept safe from the evil one. And that wherever their hands or feet touch that Your love would abound there and the darkness would flee. Jesus, may You touch the little children of Africa and show them that they are loved and cared for. May we always praise Your name with all we do. In Jesus name amen.
Sydney,
It is amazing how real Jesus must feel to you right now. You are certainly in the right place at the right time; right where God wants you. We love reading your blogs and hearing your heart. Be a light where there is no light!
Jeanne Butler
I’m thankful you had a safe trip. Praying for you and excited about how God is working in your heart and through your hands of service.
Grace and Peace to you from the Father
Jennie
Sydney,
I am so thankful that you and your team made it safely to the dangerous center of God’s will for your life at this time. We are praying for you, and will pray specifically that you have opportunities to reach out to those street boys.
You are not only affecting the people that you can touch in Africa, but also the hearts of us who read your updates and are challenged and convicted by the Holy Spirit for all that we choose not to see right here in Little Rock.
Go boldly in the Name of Jesus!
Tracy
It’s great to hear of God’s faithfulness to speak to your heart and to see your obedient response to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. We’re excited for you! Our prayers continue for you.
Know that you are in my thoughts. I think of you often of your strenght and courage. You inspire me. Thank you for you compassion to these people. I pray that one day I might follow somewhat in your footsteps. Love you!