Getting Things Done
Published on Aug 27, 2010 - In: Africa Jam|God is Good
Girls’ Study
Published on Aug 24, 2010 - In: Africa Jam
(Leigh Writes:) This past weekend we had 20 girls, leaders, and one baby crowded in our little flat, singing so loudly we had to call and apologize to our landlords who live below us. We were so excited to be able to begin helping with the Khayelitsha girls Bible study. I had known of the need for the Bible study to be picked up and given some direction, however with it being difficult for me with Norah to get out to the township regularly, I was afraid I would not be able to do as much as I would have liked. However, the girls all talked and got the word to me that they would love to have transport arranged and come do a study at my house. I expected maybe 6 or 8 girls to come, and then the night before found out 16 had signed up! Though 45 minutes late due to a van driver who got a bit lost, the girls – ages 14-23 – and one of their little cousins who was probably 6, all filed into our small apartment. We welcomed them, had coffee and tea, and suggested we sing. A suggestion was all they needed, and soon our home was filled with beautiful, worshipful voices. We then talked for about an hour and a half – reading and studying the Word and encouraging and sharing with each other.
Culture 101
Published on Aug 12, 2010 - In: Africa Jam|Xhosa culture
(Leigh Writes) always comes a point in our spiritual journey when our faith in Jesus and our culture reach a disconnect. A point where we have to choose who we are going to follow.For many of the kids we work with in Africa Jam, there is a cultural disconnect that is a huge challenge for them to reconcile with their faith. Here in Cape Town, the majority of Black South Africans are from the Xhosa (pronounced KOH – with a click! – ZA) tribe. They are a beautiful, lively, musical, group-oriented people. Connection, group identity, and community are a vital part of their culture. Xhosas who become Christians must step out from their cultural traditions in a few very noticeable areas. The tradition of ancestor worship is still very strong, and unfortunately many Christian Xhosa churches are mixing ancestor worship with Christianity. As we are learning this through working with some of the Christian youth, we are being made aware of the urgent need to disciple the youth in the truth of the Bible so they are made strong in that truth alone. But the strongest cultural hurdle the young Christian men are facing is that of handling the Xhosa custom of male-initiation.Learning Curves: Nappies, Riding Bikes, and God’s Blessings
Published on Aug 3, 2010 - In: Family|God is Good|Life in South Africa|Prayer
(Andy Writes) Everything has a learning curve. Sometimes it is a quick and easy thing to learn. Like when you move to a new country and you say you are ready for a nap and people look at you strangely because “nappie” is actually what “americans” call a “diaper.” Once someone tells you the people making strange faces are perhaps thinking you’re going to put on some adult “depends” to take care of your “going” problem, you are all set. Easy fix. Don’t say, “nap” in that context anymore. Got it. Problem solved.
Sick
Published on Jul 28, 2010 - In: Africa Jam|Family
(Leigh Writes:) If you have Facebook, you know that our family – actually our whole team – has been quite sick over the past several days. We caught some type of African flu and it had us down hard! (Remember it is winter here, so many people are getting sick). It started with our brother-in-law, spread to me and Andy, finally my pregnant sister and even to to their 14 month old daughter. Thankfully Norah has not fallen sick. The past couple days especially, we have focused hard on just recovering. Andy, Norah, and I have stayed at home for the most part, just resting, eating bland foods 
and working hard to recover. And actually, it’s been quite nice! Since we arrived in South Africa our schedules have been pretty non-stop. I think God allows us physical limitations to force us to slow down, take a breath, and rest. In the process, we have also been able to just spend time together as a family. So it’s been quiet around here the past few days, but good, because strengthening our family is fundamental to our ministry.
We’re not in (Kansas) anymore…
Published on Jul 21, 2010 - In: Family|Life in South Africa
(Leigh Writes) Tonight I was thinking about some of the things that are different about our daily lives here in South Africa that might be interesting to share with you, so you can have a little clearer idea of what life is like for us now. A lot of the little necessities of life are just a bit more challenging. They are things that seem trivial, but they remind us not to take for granted the small comforts we enjoyed in the States. Here are some “big” hurdles we have to overcome day to day:
Pictures of Khayelitsha
Published on Jul 20, 2010 - In: Africa Jam|Friends and Photos
We would like you all to come and experience South Africa because we know it is the only way for you to truly understand the ministry here. Since that may not be possible for everyone, we want to share with you as much as we can. So we have added some pictures to give you just a small taste of what it is like to share, learn, and minster with us. Here is Khayelitsha!
Our House
Published on Jul 20, 2010 - In: Family|Friends and Photos
We wanted to give you all the chance to get an idea of what living here is like and thought it would be great to show you a few photos of our house. Our house is situated in a small sea side community called Muizenberg, about 15 minutes from downtown Cape Town. We live in the centre of Muizenberg Village next to all sorts of restaurants and shops. We live at the bottom of a beautiful mountain and are a few minute walk to the ocean. Our neighborhood is so friendly and we have gotten to know most of the people that live in this area. It is truly a blessing to be here!