Stephanie has relinquished her blogging duties this week so I can share about my recent adventures in South Africa. My work sent me there to write about what God is doing in this part of the world. In many areas of South Africa, it is very westernized with stores and restaurants that look similar to what we have in the U.S. In other areas, the poverty is overwhelming. I met one African man who is unable to walk and lives in a one-room shack in the hills outside Grahamstown and rarely leaves his bed. One morning he sat eating what looked like a very bland mix of corn meal and powered milk.
His roof was covered in cardboard that was held together with bottle caps and nails and newspaper and magazine pages posted to the walls. No matter how many times I travel, it is always difficult to see people living in these types of conditions. The good news is that I was able to write about an effort designed to help those like this man -- and it had to do with ostriches. Yes, ostriches. I met Martin, originally from Zimbabwe, who started his own ostrich farm in order to help provide jobs for the poor, as well as share the Gospel. Martin is big hulk of a guy who is working with a missionary to train locals how to start their own ostrich farms and start Bible studies and churches throughout the area. During the trip, I was able to get up close with the ugliest birds on the plane
t ... and probably the dumbest. They have to be watched closely -- especially when they are babies -- because they are fragile birds that need near-perfect conditions to survive to adulthood. When they're wet, they look like soggy mops. Anyway, I met some farmers who are turning their lives around -- both economically and spiritually. I look forward to seeing how this story inspires other to find creative ways to share about Jesus -- even if it does involve ostriches.
Stephanie has relinquished her blogging duties this week so I can share about my recent adventures in South Africa. My work sent me there to write about what God is doing in this part of the world. In many areas of South Africa, it is very westernized with stores and restaurants that look similar to what we have in the U.S. In other areas, the poverty is overwhelming. I met one African man who is unable to walk and lives in a one-room shack in the hills outside Grahamstown and rarely leaves his bed. One morning he sat eating what looked like a very bland mix of corn meal and powered milk. 
His roof was covered in cardboard that was held together with bottle caps and nails and newspaper and magazine pages posted to the walls. No matter how many times I travel, it is always difficult to see people living in these types of conditions. The good news is that I was able to write about an effort designed to help those like this man -- and it had to do with ostriches. Yes, ostriches. I met Martin, originally from Zimbabwe, who started his own ostrich farm in order to help provide jobs for the poor, as well as share the Gospel. Martin is big hulk of a guy who is working with a missionary to train locals how to start their own ostrich farms and start Bible studies and churches throughout the area. During the trip, I was able to get up close with the ugliest birds on the plane
t ... and probably the dumbest. They have to be watched closely -- especially when they are babies -- because they are fragile birds that need near-perfect conditions to survive to adulthood. When they're wet, they look like soggy mops. Anyway, I met some farmers who are turning their lives around -- both economically and spiritually. I look forward to seeing how this story inspires other to find creative ways to share about Jesus -- even if it does involve ostriches.
1 comment:
Hey Shawn its Resa. Found your blog through Bill Bangham's blog. Anyway, would love to see the story you wrote. My husband is from Zimbabwe. We are currently in Missouri but are planning on returning at some point back to Southern Africa to minister. I am always interested in learning about new projects. Especially those that are associated with Zimbabweans. Have you heard of Angus Buchan - Faith Like Potatoes? He was another farmer that is really having an impact in the region.
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