So, I made it to South Africa although I can't say the same about all of my luggage. Despite that, I'm having an amazing time. It's been exciting from Day 1. It was snowing in Johannesburg for the first time in 26 years. My first day in South Africa I spent with high school age students who were training for the Olympics in a variety of sports. We traveled to a local AIDS Clinic where we helped serve lunch and talked with many of them as well. I spoke mainly with a father whose daughter was recieving treatment. He shared a wonderful testimony about trusting in God for everything. He himself as cancer among a few other health problems and lost his eldest daughter to AIDS already, but he still had such a strong faith in God which has helped carry him through.
I arrived last night at the clinic I was arranged to work at, so today was my first day. ACTS stands for AIDS Caring, Training, and Support. I'll be able to describe it more in detail the longer I've been here, however, they have a website, www.actsclinic.com, where you can read about most of the things they deal with. We started off the day with the staff meeting. There a brief message was shared about putting your trust in the Lord. Afterwards, several hymns were sung in Zulu. They were beautiful, but I didn't understand a word. My day was mostly spent taking vital signs of the incoming patients and getting to know the facilities.
Well, I would like to ask for prayer for the first clinic I was at, Oasis, a developing ministry in Pretoria. It has only been there for a couple years and is looking to expand its building, staff, and services. South Africa as a nation could use prayer for the turmoil that it has been going through. For the past 28 days, there was a strike at all the hospitals. With little health care available, people have been suffering and have had no places to turn to. Thankfully, it will end on Monday. Please just pray for my safety and for me to be a witness through service since I can't communicate with most of the people I'm working with.
I would really like to thank all of those who have been and are continuing to pray for me. It's very comforting to know that I have support at home through this. Well, my time is limited on the computer so I have to go. I love you all and God Bless.
~Tiffany
Tif,
ReplyDeleteSo excited to have this. Hope you get your luggage soon! Look forward to hear the different ways God reveals himself to you during this trip! He AMAZES me! So proud of all you have and are going to do!
Betsy
Tiff,
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear from you! God truly is amazing in that He is at work everywhere! It is my prayer that you continue to grow in new ways as you trust Him along the way. Thanks for being obedient to His call!
Pastor Lance
Tiff,
ReplyDeleteIt's great to hear from you! God truly is amazing in that He is at work everywhere! Thanks for being obedient to His call. I can't wait to hear some more stories from you and want you to know that I am praying for you.
Lance
Tiffany
ReplyDeleteGlad your luggage finally arrived. We are proud of you and have been telling everyone about your trip. Take care and remember you are in our thoughts and prayers. Can't wait to hear about your experiences.
Love
Pam and Steve