Our first week in South Africa has been a little hectic. Johannesburg or “Joburg” the “City of Gold” has over eight million people and presents a plethora of new challenges for Paige and I.
Skyline (Johannesburg, South Africa)
For those of you who don’t know, we are an American couple pastoring an African congregation for a season. Our mission is to build up and strengthen the local church, to increase its influence and calling in this vast metropolis, and to make sure it represents the community we strive to implement everywhere we go: the Kingdom community.
Church leaders ushering us in to our new roles...
Leader in the church wanted a "selfie" with us.
Let me start by saying this, the JAMS are real in Joburg! No, I’m not talking about the fantastic music, or some kind of fruit jelly you spread on crackers and cheese (which are all great here btw)—I’m referring to TRAFFIC JAMS. You may already be aware that in Africa they drive on the left side of the road, and even though I have experience in this area from my Zimbabwe travels over the years, the Joburg streets are a different beast. In the process, I may have unintentionally tempted a few angry commuters to give in to their road rage at my expense... But all I can do is smile, and sort of wave, and sometimes say “sorry” with an “oopsie” look on my face. That usually calms everyone down. But despite all the other little problems and issues I wont' get into now, Johannesburg is a beautiful city and it’s people are very loving, friendly and diverse. It’s a whole new world for us here, and at times can be quite the challenge. But hey, no one said adjusting this “melting pot” the size of New York City or Hong Kong (but much larger in land mass) would be easy... It could take a few weeks, or months...or years.
ABOVE everything else, Paige and I are still enjoying the one thing that always sustains us: perfect peace. Changes, fear, uncertainty, discouragement, chaos and pure turmoil can surround and entrench us at any given time, but we know God’s peace is closer and more powerful than anything else the world can throw at us. His peace carries us (and it can carry you) through anything.
Over the last few months, many people have asked us "Are y'all excited?" (to take on this new mission). But to be honest, I haven’t been exactly sure how to answer that question directly... If you’re wondering if we are happy to be leaving our home, our comforts, and our family in the United States to go help equip and empower part of our spiritual family in Southern Africa, there’s a mixed barrel of feelings there. There’s absolutely an element of excitement, but there’s also an element of uncertainty, and if we didn’t have FULL TRUST in the Lord it would be impossible to do. It’s important to understand, when you’re walking with Christ, you cannot see everything in front of you all the time. There will always be a certain amount of mystery when you’re led by faith, but it is also important not to let that uncertainty fill you with fear. Always hold on to your faith; take heart; and TRUST IN GOD no matter what.
This much is true, there is an open door here in South Africa, and we have peace and understanding into God’s plan for it. I also know that wherever God opens doors, adversaries follow (I Corinthians 16:9)...and anytime you attempt to take territory for the Kingdom of God, there is always going to be opposition! But remember this, greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world (I John 4:4)!
By the time you read this, Paige and I would have already ministered our very first service in Johannesburg. It’s on the power of unity, “One Plus One Equals Ten Thousand!” I’ll cover more on this in my next journal entry…
I’d like to thank everyone who is supporting this mission. Your friendship, prayers and partnerships have provided blessings and rich encouragement to this calling and ministry! We love you all and couldn’t do any of this without you! Thank you!
There’s much God has planned for Africa, and I’m humbled and honored we all get to be part of something much greater than ourselves.
May God richly bless you!
Pastor David
ps. If you've made it this far, check out the video below of how colorful the people of Joburg really are. Great stuff!