Alan's Insights

Among other things, God has given me a deeper understanding that poverty is mostly a breakdown or a lack of communication. I had heard this statement before and it sounded correct but now I really get it. Certainly, lack of money or knowledge is not the problem. As Christians and heirs of Gods kingdom we have all the wealth and knowledge and wisdom available to us through the Holy Spirit.

Furthermore, we are told that as Gods children we have the authority to work and make requests on Gods behalf and, as Aaron so eloquently preached, to be expectant of results as long as our prayers are in line with Gods good and perfect and just will. After all working with those who are viewed as impoverished is not a "nice thing to do" nor is it a request. In fact we are commanded to be agents of justice to the poor and oppressed. Surely God would not withhold any use of His resources in pursuit of social justice.

Therefore, lack of material resources are not the cause of the living conditions in Sweet Home and other townships. Nor is it the cause of the AIDS pandemic. Rather its lack of communication. Communication between religious denominations, between ministries, between Christians and between humans.

I really was encouraged by the wisdom of the CHE's in Sweet Home and Philippi. A great sense of hope came over me when we were able to facilitate honest and truthful discussions between the CHE's. I was reminded that it was not our burden to "make things happen" for Sweet Home. God and the community will take care of that.

However, my responsibility is to be available to use my gifts. In this case, to orchestrate ways to break down barriers of communication between God and His people (my brothers and sisters) and hopefully to disciple them in ways that will lead them into personal relationships with our father in heaven... and so on.

Finally, this revelation has caused me to consider how often God must be "frustrated" (I don't really think God gets frustrated) with me for my willingness to settle for so much less than He is willing to offer. He sees so clearly what I can not see, or refuse to see, because of my self will. To see the light go on in someones eyes when they realize this truth is a blessing that God gave me while working with CHE's in Sweet Home. I believe its all about communication.

Anyway ill stop rambling on. I hope this is what you were looking for Wood. It certainly helped me to write it out.

Peace out,
Alan

Gavin's Story

We received this letter from Dennis with Bridges Of Hope. The new academy building was making great progress while where were there and I know that the funds are not yet available to complete it. If you would like to help a great cause and about 40 orphans from the Cape Flats townships where we were working please use the link below. The new building will house proper school rooms and free up the other buildings for more housing. Gavin's parents are members of ROCKHarbor church.

Dear Friends,I received an amazing story of a 5 year old boy from Southern California who is using his creative abilities to help the children at Bridges Academy Orphan Boarding School. I asked his permission to share it with you, as I thought it might encourage your faith as it has mine!

Gavin's Gift

Five year old Gavin woke up the other day and said that he decided to use his scrap wood pile to make something to give away for donations, in order to raise money to help African kids.

He and his mother, Laurel, went into their garage that morning and began tinkering, eventually Gavin began chiseling small scraps of wood into crosses (check out the picture of him hard at work above). He decided to focus on pocket crosses. His mother taught him how to sand the rough edges off and eventually, he was making each one all by himself! Laurel said, "It was quite an achievement." He gave some of the crosses away and by the end of the day, he had received $50.00 in donations! Gavin is sending crosses to the students at Bridges Academy as well!

I was so inspired by Gavin's heart and creativity that I thought I'd pass the story along. I asked him what he thought of challenging others to match his $50 so that his generosity could be multiplied. He agreed. This is reminiscent of the little boy offering his loaves and fishes to Jesus and the way they were multiplied to feed thousands.

Let's share this challenge with our friends and family members and see if we can't bring in everything we need to complete the Academy building project (see construction photo above right) and multiply the number of children whose lives will be transformed at Bridges Academy (see Bridges Academy students above left).

To give securely online, visit this webpage and click on the "click here" link:http://www.bridgesworldwide.org/page.php/27

100% of your gift will go toward the Building Fund at Bridges Academy, Orphan Boarding School and will make a difference in the lives of orphans now and for generations to come!

Please feel free to forward this email to everyone you know and use the power of the internet for something really good!

Dennis Wadley
Bridges of Hope International

Returned Home

It was an amazing trip with a great team. We will be posting stories over the coming weeks as we each process the events that were so special to each and every one of us. Please continue to check back here periodically to hear all about the trip. The team will be meeting again on Sunday August 24th to come together and discuss the difficulties and triumphs of returning to Orange County.

If you know someone on the trip, please consider asking them a few of these questions if you are not sure where to start. You will find the question "How was your trip?" very difficult to answer as there is just so much to tell and the feelings run very very deep. Africa is a very special place.

• Share with me about one experience you had in South Africa that touched your heart.
• Tell me about one person who affected your understanding of love, ministry, joy in suffering, etc.
• Are there any symbols that represent the trip in your mind?
• How did God reveal Himself to you during this trip?
• How are you different as a result of this experience?

Day 7

It's been a few days but we've got some updates from those that have taught at the Academy and those Team Members who have been over to Sweet Home.

TOWNSHIP VISITS

Today Monica, Carla, Matt, Nicole and Alan went to Sweet Home to discuss with the Community Health Evangelists (CHEs) about Alcohol and Drug Abuse. We discussed the 12 Steps To Recovery followed by Scripture and biblical references. The CHE's could relate to the problems that arise from addictions and helped talk through the cultural differences to make the program relevant for this community. During the afternoon alcohol awareness classes were taught. The CHE's were shown graphic pictures of the effects of alcoholism on your body.This information will then be passed on to the Sweet Home Community. The CHE's were inspired by the classes and the discussions that ensued and were ready to learn more about how to start an Alcohol Awareness Program.

Wood, Aaron and Harrison went into the neighboring community of Philippi to update and repair computers at St. Paul's Church. They were also able to attend a After School Program (ASP) graduation for junior high students. They were all amazed by the joy expressed by the students during the ceremony.

BRIDGES OF HOPE ACADEMY

Those Team members who were not in the Townships spent the day leading classes for the students. Classes were taught on Prayer journal writing, music appreciation, creating and solving mysteries, minerals and rocks of South Africa, math and English. The students have enjoyed a break from their regular classes and learning some cool stuff!

After school we held a Carnival for the students. We set up a face painting station along with several games with prizes and the students had a blast!


The Team has been working really hard with classes and other smaller projects at the Academy but do feel overwhelmed by the needs of those within Sweet Home. We all know that God is doing great things there but feel helpless at times.

With many blessings and love,

Claire and Team South Africa :)

Greetings from South Africa

Greetings from South Africa!!!

After about 30 hours of travel (and one missed flight!) we made it!! We actually go to the Academy at around midnight on Saturday, August 2. Everyone was in great spirits eventhough we were all pretty tired.

After a good night's sleep, Sunday started off by having breakfast with the Academy students and then off to church. The worship inspired everyone as the Academy students were very enthusiastic in their praises. After church we met with Jenny and Ted (staff members at Bridges) and then had some time to hang out with the Academy students. Harrison joined in on a pickup basketball game, Jon G played pool while Keira, Claire and Rachel played some foosball. It was a great way to get to know the students before getting in the classroom with them.

The highlight of the day was the brais (barbeque in Afrikaans) and the cultural show the students put on for us. The brais consisted of some chicken feet, ostrich and lamb stew, and African salad. The challenge for most of the team was eating a chicken foot, the Academy students LOVED them, not so much for the Team but it is ALL part of the experience.
Tomorrow (Monday) the Team along with some staff members from the Academy and Sweet Home will be heading over to Cape Town and out to Robben Island. Robben Island held many prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, during the years of apartheid. It will be a great opportunity for further Team bonding!!

Everyone's health is well but do ask that you continue praying for good health. As our schedule becomes busier over the next few days you won't be hearing from us but as soon as time allows we will send out an update!

With much love and many blessings!!!--Claire