While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. - Acts 13: 2-3
In 2021, the majority of teams from around the world were unable to come to Africa. Pray for teams that are hoping to come this year, that they will experience God’s peace in this season of uncertainty.
After several years with no teams in Zambia because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a team from North America was able to visit. It was a blessing to have the team come and be willing to serve with and learn from the Care Workers and Hands at Work volunteers. They walked with the Care Workers on Holy Home Visits, played with the children and gained a deeper understanding of the vulnerability faced by thousands across Africa. Their time in Africa also impacts their perspective when returning to their home countries. Here is a reflection from Melissa Jantz, one of the team members that came to Africa in 2021:
“Last June, Christ Church San Francisco was able to send a team of eight to Malawi to visit the Mcheneka and Mphunzi communities that we have supported for close to a decade. I had the privilege of joining, along with my 15-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter. As I reflect on our time in Africa last summer, the word resilience comes to mind. Resilience is the ability to withstand and recover from adversity. It is a gift that God has built into the fabric of His creation. The devastation, need, and brokenness that is commonplace to the people there is unfathomable as a way of life for those of us from western, affluent societies where "need" is used more figuratively than literally. But day after day, as we met with the Care Workers, children, and families on the Holy Home Visits, we were struck by how much they have weathered - physically, emotionally, and spiritually - in their harsh environment, and yet what capacity they had for joy and hopefulness. This was frequently the topic of conversation when we met as a team to debrief about the day after dinner. It reminds me that, though we would desire to be insulated from harm and difficulty, we are most often powerless to avoid it. Yet God in His grace gives us the strength to withstand and recover. And His offer is not just for survival, but for flourishing; a flourishing that stands in the face of adversity and attests to His great power to work in and through us through the hope we have in Christ." – Melissa Jantz, Team Member from the US
#40Days2022