Why & Where

"Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoner and those who are mistreated as if you yourself were suffering." Hebrews 13:3

What if your "prison" was a shanty town in South Africa (known as townships) with no educational facilities, sparse health care availability, no government assistance, no running water or electricity, over 70% unemployment, and worst of all a place where children are not guaranteed protection, in fact many become the prey of gangs or sexual predators. What if you were "mistreated" because of a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, your social circumstances or the color of your skin? Now... what if you were someone who is blessed beyond measure and has the time and resources to go and, God-willing, make at least a small impact in the lives of the "prisoners" and those who are "mistreated" in a small corner of the world in South Africa? That is the question I began to ask myself when I realized my current job was coming to an end. So I threw it out there to some friends (Dennis & Susan Wadley) who run Bridges of Hope and along with their staff they came up with a list of ways I could help the efforts of their organization.

On April 20th I will set out for South Africa (as well as a couple other African destinations) for about 2 months. Most of my time will be spent working at the Bridges of Hope Academy, a boarding school for Orphans and Vulnerable Children from the townships outside of Cape Town. I will be leading bible studies, teaching basic business and life skill classes, providing leadership training for the staff and coaching basketball - to name a few of my duties. When I am not working with the Academy I will be helping to develop a retreat center on the property and working with the CHE (Community Health Evangelism) program in the townships.

I've never blogged before, but I will try to keep this updated so those who are interested can follow my journey. I will also make a short trip to Namibia to connect with some friends from my first missionary trip to Africa and then Tanzania as well, where I will meet up with a Young Life group that will be serving in the town of Arusha (more to come on those fronts). Until then, please join me in praying through this journey:

• Safe and uneventful travel
• The children at Bridges of Hope Academy (faith, wisdom, joy, protection, hope, and that they will know they are cherished by a God that loves them)
• The Staff at Bridges of Hope (unity, joy, wisdom, blessing, provision)
• Me... that God would use me to encourage and strengthen the children and staff and a greater understanding of my purpose for God's glory.

In Christ,

Heather