God opened an awesome door to bless the community of Mavhuza last Sunday. Over the year I have been developing a friendship with a man named Andries. Andries is a talented young general manager of the local grocery store we buy food at called SPAR. A little over a week ago while shopping I saw him and we began to talk. During our converation he asked me what I was doing anything Sunday and if I wasn't busy if I would like to help him take inventory. Since I enjoy being Andries friend I accepted only to have him offer to pay 20 villagers from the church to help as well. Immediately I recognized a perfect way for the small (and pour) church of Mavhuza to fundraise for some needs. So, Lifter, Life and I organized for 20 members of the chuch to come count the stock. Most of the 20 were the young people that we've been working with throughout the year and each of them had a wonderful time working in the SPAR. Andries payed us R2000 (rands) which is about $300. One of the guys on our counting team plays for the village soccer team so we bought a couple of soccer balls for him to give to the team and the rest went to the church who is going to buy instruments for worship. The community was so blessed and so were the employees from SPAR who confessed that it was the fastest inventory they had ever been apart of. Hopefully since everyone did such a good job and Andries was pleased he will ask us back next time. Who knows maybe he'll even give a couple of the guys a job in the future?
The whole experience ended up being so perfect when it comes to blessing the people in providing needs for the community. Unfortunetly i've had to learn that just giving isn't always the best for those who are in need. Earlier this year we bought 10 soccer balls for the soccer team and for ministry only to have them disappear in a few months. No value or ownership was put on those soccer balls. Instead just an expectation that more soccer balls would be provided. For the young people who counted with us within the church it was great for them to come give their time and energy for the benefit of the whole church. They got to serve and since our JAM mission statement is to "raise up young servent leaders," I am so thankful that God organized this event. Many wealthy westerners are enabling churches in Africa by dumping money on them. What happens is dependancy and it's unhealthy. I'm starting to see how important it is to teach people how to fish instead of just feeding them. I have a burning desire to provide employment through business for the people of the village and bring home the men so they can be with their families.
This principal is also applied spiritually. I'm humbled to report that Lifter is pouring into some guys in the village and has begun to make disciples himself. I hear Vincent using his phrases like "Jesus needs to take the first step (as we walk next to Him)." Vincent is bringing friends to our bible studies as well while he is growing. It's slowly happening right before our eyes. Followers of Christ leading the people God has put in their life to follow Him also through the power of the Holy Spirit.
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves." 2 Cor 4:7
Thank you for praying for Mavhuza and for our team. May the peace, joy, and love of Jesus Christ bless you this day.
