Home Visits

Yesterday, nine fifth year theology students from North-West University (Potchefstroom, aka Potch) arrived at Cruma. This is the third year that they have come to us for their Urban Ministry internship. They will spend two weeks with us learning about life and ministry in the city.

Since Cruma isn't three years old, how can this be the third year? Well, this was actually one of the first things that Cruma did even before it existed. Three years ago, my involvement was a brief presentation on the Biblical foundations of Christian community development and some practical things that I've learned. Then, we went to visit the centres at MCDC and did some home visits.

Last year, I was more involved. I gave an expanded presentation on the Biblical foundation of Christian community development and even more on some practical things. This year will be similar to last year but, hopefully, a deeper look at some of the practical aspects. More on that later, I hope.

However, today we visited KwaMhlanga and Mukhanyo Community Development Centre. Actually, the students are spending the night in KwaMhlanga and will be visiting Mukhanyo Theological College in the morning but Nancy and I had to come back to Pretoria tonight.

After an introduction and overview of MCDC, the students were introduced to the Family Development Program (FDP) by Randy Finkbeiner, the coordinator of the FDP. From there, the students went out in pairs with the FDP workers. The purpose of this excursion was twofold: to see the people that MCDC works with as well as their communities; and to spend time with some local workers to understand their heart for the ministry, the role that Christ plays in their daily ministry, and to see Christ in the way that they do their ministry.

These FDP workers spend all day, every day, walking the communities they are assigned to, talking with people, and visiting those who are sick or vulnerable. They are able to bring some simple medical care to some; some words of encouragement to all; and to pray and share with all (even as part of the encouragement).

Today my group went out with Celia to visit four families in the Phumula area. Each of these families have at least one member that is seriously ill. One man is actually in rather good spirits but he is facing surgery this week for cancer. For the longest time, he assumed that he had a different problem but it was finally determined that he has cancer (in addition to other health issues). He ministered to us by showing us again a very deep understanding of the sovereignty of God. I rejoice that we were able to spend time with someone who, by worldly standards, would be considered uneducated, but, in reality, knows all about theology from a living standpoint.

Our next visit was to a woman who Celia had just started working with. Yesterday, this woman was taken to the hospital but there was nothing that could be done for her. Celia went home with the family and spent much time helping them learn how to care for this seriously ill woman. We rejoiced with Celia that today our new friend was responsive and alert. She has no recollection of yesterday's trip to the hospital but she was awake and aware today.

The remaining two visits were similar to the above but remarkable nonetheless. I'm writing this post, though, to highlight a couple of things I was reminded of during the day:
1. The people we work with have a very deep understanding of who God is and what he has done in Christ. We ought never to assume that because someone is in a tough situation that they are overwhelmed by it all. We saw many things today that would defeat the average, "non-suffering" believer. Yet we were encouraged and even ministered to by the attitudes of those we visited.
2. One of the students that was with me commented on Celia's standard of care. In particular, the student said, "I was amazed at how much Celia touched the sick. She held hands with them. She stroked their hair. She stroked their arms." Celia modeled Christ's care by touch. The family of some of these patients don't like to touch them. Celia's touch showed her love for them. What a blessing!

The students will be with Cruma until 6 February. Please pray for them as they learn more about ministry with the poor and hurting. Pray also for Celia and her fellow FDP workers. I know that each of them struggles with the fact that they can't do everything they would like. Pray for wisdom for them to do what needs to be done and then rest in the fact that God is in charge. And pray for us that we never get insensitive to those we see hurting and in need.

Blessings,
Bert

Happy Birthday, Gregory

Today is Gregory's birthday. He is now 20. We rejoice that last week, Thursday, we were able to celebrate with him here in Pretoria. Then, on Saturday at around 5:30 pm, here, he started his trip back to Beaver Falls and Geneva College. He arrived at the Pittsburgh airport just before midnight on Sunday. He traveled for about 38 hours to get back. We are glad that he is so young. On Sunday, he was still a teenager. Now he is 20. Soon he will start feeling the effects of such long travel. Now, he started classes on Monday morning.

Of course, he wasn't as young as the photo above. One of the problems with being on the field is you don't have all the photos you want. I'd love to put a baby picture up but unfortunately we don't have any with us. I had a couple of old photos in my wallet, though. Believe it or not, he still looks like this, more or less. The more is the beard, of course.

One of my favorite stories of his birth was my encounter with Eric when I arrived home from the hospital. Nancy and Gregory were still at Hopkins. Emily was at the Cheeks house. It was kind of late. Eric lived on our street and had a substance abuse problem. At the time, it was mainly alcohol. When I got home, Eric was standing on the street corner. I shouted across the street to him that Gregory was born. He was happy along with me and crossed over to my side to offer me a drink from his brown paper bag. I politely declined but was touched he wanted to share with me.

Anyway, Happy Birthday, Gregory!
Love, Mom and Dad