Finally got some pictures downloaded of the missions trip I went on. ( okay, my wife did it for me) Click on the link below and it should take you to the gallery. There was no way to put all of them on there, but here's a few.
-- Abram
Really awesome pics--they really tell a story. But, who is that goofy guy wearing the funny hat?I had no idea of the poverty there!!!! Is there any ongoing effort that I could maybe assist in?
Greg,
I'm sure there is a lot we could all do. Pastor "Hoppy" Pohlman is the one leading up all of the work for the Xhosa people. He is probably the hardest working man I have ever met. He truly is a man after Gods own heart. Hands down the most compassionate man I've ever met too. I'm sure we could help monetarily if thats what one felt led to do, it would further the cause for the kingdom without a doubt. If you really feel led to help other than supporting his work financially, I'll be going again next year and we can use all the help we can get!! It was an experience that really has changed my perspective on life and the things we take for granted.
If you would like to contact Hoppy, please do so. Maybe he could let you in on anything else that might be going on. One way I know we can ALL do to help is pray for him and his family. And pray for the people he has dedicated his life to helping. S. Africa desperately needs revival. The poverty, crime, sickness and disease is running rampant there. Not to mention the false religion that Satan has laid upon those people.
If you feel led to contribute, email Hoppy at Pohlmann@xsinet.co.za
__________________
"If I could just get Obama to hold my glendale for me..."
I really enjoyed the pictures. It seems that you had a real blessing and spiritual growth, plus a real good time there. I would'nt mind seeing and hearing more if you have to time to post more pics and elaborate more on your experiances there.
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Leaf-
I do have close to around 2000 pics of the trip. I've got discs from everyone that went. So there's plenty of pics, but every one of them have to be resized, one by one, then saved. It's quite a process. Slowly but surely I'll have more over time.
As far as the experience over there, it was awesome. The first church service I went to at one of the squatter camps, was unbelievable. The singing that I heard there just aren't words for. The church service was completely different from any I had ever been to. The first song they sang was beautiful, which I realized about halfway thru it, they were singing the Lords Prayer. Accents are thick over there and many of the natives don't speak english. So it took a little while, but I realized what it was. I had never heard it sung before, much less in that style. All I could do was cry. Tried to fight the tears, but it was pointless. That set the tone for every following service!! You could literally feel the Holy Spirit fill the room when they would worship. I have NEVER experienced worship so authentic.
I had the Lord work on me like never before. I love being among fellow believers, and participating in bible studies and the whole 9 yards, but don't expect me to be the one to lead in prayer or anything like that. Well, God broke me of that. EVERY service I went to, "brother Abraham" was going to close us in prayer! The first service I did this in I was nervous as could be. A few minutes of silent praying to myself, the Lord put me at ease and I would close the service. Every other time I was called to close in prayer it was to no surprise. That may not seem like a big deal to some, but it was a mountain for me.
One major aspect I noticed was even though these people were poverty stricken, you would never know it watching them worship. The joy and happiness flowed out of them. It was amazing. Here is a place where the unemployment rate is 80%! The average life span among these people is 35-37 years. 600 plus die EVERYDAy from AIDS. Many of them slept on dirt floors. You saw from the pics what the houses looked like. Most of them were made from ripped up pallets. These people had little or no food. Why would they be so happy?
You and I know why. They now have Jesus Christ and have hope. They were the kindest and most loving people. I literally miss them just talking about them.
I know from this experience the Lord has opened the door to missions in my life. It's something I pray about daily. I don't know if it's abroad or just right here in Augusta Ga, but I know it weighs on me. Being in this forum and reading posts from you guys makes me realize how much more I have to learn and challenges me to dig deeper. I appreciate that.
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"If I could just get Obama to hold my glendale for me..."
Chuck, Manuman, Leaf and everyone else
I had no idea of the poverty there!!!! Is there any ongoing effort that I could maybe assist in?
