Grace Church Team

This team has made such an impact on my life. As they made the 24 hour trip over from the States I was curious how it would be to have 7 Americans living and working with us. I liked the fact that I had a schedule I could hold on to. I knew we would go into community often and we were even going to do some touristy things like Kruger, waterfalls and Gods Window.

These people with their very American accents and big hearts were on a mission trip from the church Brenda and Craig belong to ‘back home’. All of them had been preparing for 6 months to walk with Jesus. Some of you might wonder… what is that? It might sound a little strange and foreign to you. Jesus was a man who loved unconditionally, he had eyes for the people in the farthest hidden away corners, for the sinners, for the brokenhearted. These 7 Americans came here to poor the love they believe receive from God (and thus Jesus), into the lives of Brenda and Craig and into the people in community. To make these people who are often forgotten, seen, heard and held.

Looking these people in their eyes, holding their hands and giving them a hug, even though it might seem like nothing much, makes a great impact. But the thing is, that is not only true here. In the South African communities, there are many people who feel left out and forgotten. And I am sure if you think about it, so do people in your surroundings, in your neighborhood, at work, at school. Maybe you have even felt that way. I know I have. Looking out for people, sometimes meaning just looking them in the eye when passing them on the street, can make a huge impact. Showing that you care by little things.

On Wednesday we listen to a man at church talking about discipleship, walking with Jesus with others. He said he tried to make an effort to learn every name of the people living in his building and when they would pass, he would have a short chat with them. One day, due to a holiday, the garbage bags weren’t picked up, so he send around a message saying if they text him the number he would do it that day. By doing this he made a connection with people and helped them (served them in a way). It is little things, like saying hello when you sit down next to someone on public transport, to simply acknowledge them. That can make an impact in someone’s live, however big or small.

These people showed me how to love in different ways. Because of them I realized again how great it is to meet new people and open up to them and having them open up to you. Having that kind of faith in each other is such a wonderful thing. Now I have said goodbye to them and a 17 hour flight awaits them, I hope they will take some time to take in what has happened over the last 10 days and that they feel prepared to share this change in them with the people back home.

They might have come here to make a difference in the lives of the people. I can say with full confidence that they did, and I am one of them.