We traveled about 40 minutes outside of Sunnyside today to a town called Soshanguve to distribute eyeglasses and sunglasses with volunteers from Hope Baptist Church (HBC). About 250 people came through the eyeglass clinic - all were prayed with and several heard the gospel, some for the first time.
Soshanguve is where HBC recently planted a new church, which first began services this past April. This town is still considered within Pretoria, but it is not as developed as Sunnyside. Many people live in "stands," which are basically about 12'x14' with tin walls. The need is very great.
Devona spoke and prayed with a woman who was diagnosed with HIV yesterday. I spoke with a woman in the restroom who is sick with cancer. Fred spoke with a woman who fears for her children that are using drugs. Even though we hadn't planned to arrive until 9 a.m., we were told people began lining up outside the community center at 5 a.m. to make sure they were there to receive a used pair of glasses. What a humbling experience for us.
Thankful to God that HBC has moved into this community and is beginning to connect with the people to share the hope we have in Jesus with them.
We're still gathering the right numbers, but we know several people trusted Christ as their Savior today for the first time. So thankful and excited!! What a privilege to share the life-changing hope of Jesus with these people.
We'll head back to the same place tomorrow to do another round of the clinic. We did have a few issues today with the efficiency of our system which caused a pretty major back up of people waiting to see the eye doctor.
Pray that we'll be able to work out those kinks tomorrow in order to accommodate as many people as possible. Also pray for meaningful conversations and for us to be warm yet bold in our sharing.
Thank you for this opportunity church family!
This sweet woman trusted in Christ as her Savior
today with Mona!
today with Mona!
Thankful for another great day.
On a side note, how many men does it take to figure out how to pay for a parking garage ticket...?
On a side note, how many men does it take to figure out how to pay for a parking garage ticket...?
Jamie! I am LOVING your posts and PRAISING GOD with you for all He is doing in Pretoria! Thank you for serving Jesus. Standing shoulder to shoulder with you all for His glory. Keep on keeping on with your eyes on Him:-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading, Nicki! We're SO grateful for you and Kim and your dedication to keeping everyone updated who's praying for us. Thank you for praying so faithfully!
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ReplyDeleteMy favorite former pastor shared this in a sermon, "Blessed are the meek. Blessed are the available. Blessed are the conduits, the tunnels, the tools. Deliriously joyful are the ones who believe that if God has used sticks, rocks, donkeys, and spit mixed with mud to do His will, then He can use us."
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty amazing what God can do with sunglasses and willing hearts! Jocelyn