We would love to spend time with you and get to know you.
Thrive Africa, S. Africa 2008
Dear family, friends and colleagues,
What a blessing it was to be able to serve as a volunteer with Thrive Africa. Over the course of a weeks time, I make books of the course work they teach in the South African schools, handed those books out to students in the schools, worked in the schools with instructors, attended training sessions for the classroom coaches, assisted with a pastors conference, prayed demons out of children and made new friendships and relationships that I hope will last the rest of my life.
I also have returned from Africa with a Basotho name. After much thought and insight, two of the Basotho locals gave me the name of "Kabela" (Kah-bay-la) which means "inheritance".
It was also a blessing to also share that week with young interns who have signed up for a years worth of service with this ministry. The youngest was 16 and the oldest, I believe, was 22. They live on mission base from January to December and are the heart and soul of the ministry there. These are the young future ministry leaders here in the U.S. People who have a deep heart for service and love of Jesus. To see the depth of their conviction, their drive for sharing the Gospel and the love of Jesus with the lost was simply amazing.
Thrive Africa’s goal is to train pastors, teach discipleship classes, promote AIDS prevention through abstinence, and inspire young people through youth camps. With 90% of church leaders having no formal training, the Church in Africa is often referred to as being a mile wide but only an inch deep. Only a strategic transformation in leadership will turn this trend around. It will take a revolution of God-inspired leaders to reverse the challenges of poverty, HIV/AIDS, and crime that grip this nation.
Thrive Africa’s ministry work is focused on the Basotho (pronounced “ba-soo-too”) tribe living throughout Intabazwe and Qwa Qwa, rural township areas surrounding the town of Harrismith. Home to over 1 million people, this region has been declared the poorest area of the country: 88% are unemployed and 75% experience chronic hunger.
My time with Thrive Africa will not have one specific purpose, but will take on many roles and responsibilities as needed by the ministry during my time there. It could involve teaching adults or children, arts/crafts, construction or even working with AIDS patients.
I hope and pray that God will see fit to have me return to South Africa in 2009.
If you feel led to be a part of my future missions work either here in the U.S. within the motorcycle community or in assistance with my foreign mission work, your tax deductible donation would be greatly appreciated. You can make a donation through this website by clicking the Donation Link.
If you would like to learn more about the work of Thrive Africa, click the following link.