Lydia’s Circle meets in a place where very few would choose to go for more 5 minutes. Visitors to this place are greeted by swarms of flies, temperatures over 100 degrees, cows searching for their next treat and a very strong stench of rotting trash.  But through it all Christ is present.

Christ’s life and time on earth ended on top of a garbage dump, but Lydia’s Circle ladies lives are just beginning.  They have met Christ in the dump and He is changing their lives.

Physical change came for some of the women through receiving reading glasses for the first time, giving them back the gift of sight.  They were so excited to be able to open their bibles and see enough to read! The smiles, laughter and tears said it all.  No translator was needed in that moment.

They are also seeing change in sustainability.  One of the missions I felt that the Lord has called me here for is to come along side locals to meet them where they are, to share Christ with them and do life
together.  I am especially called to serve people who the local community has pushed aside or looks down upon.  The ministry focus is to help meet the women’s holistic needs in a way that does not create a relationship of dependency, but sustainability. In taking steps in that direction we have started meeting twice a week, once for bible study (Wednesday’s) and once for teaching the women how to make jump ropes out of plastic bags (Tuesday’s).  We will sell these to the local community and mission teams that come to serve.  The women are beyond excited for another opportunities to earn income since collecting recycling pays VERY little, less than one US dollar a week.  It also provides them something to do while they wait for vehicles to arrive with plastic, glass, cardboard and tin.  The long-term goal for this project is a form of micro business and self-sustainability.  Along the way I hope to teach money management, business practices and using the technique of making the jump rope in order to make different products.

The bigger change I am seeing is spiritual.  These women amaze me every week.  They have a hunger for the Lord and a genuine desire to grow their relationship with God.  This past couple weeks we have talked about the women at the well, from John 4 and the adulterous women, from John 8.  In both stories we learned about forgiveness, grace and repenting.  Our Wednesday’s have been powerful, to say the least, from worshipping together, to sharing about our lives and prayer time. I’ve said it many times, but the women of Lydia’s Circle have stolen my heart and have shown me my true passion here in South Africa. And it all came out of God using my request to show me His greater plan. Everything I do is a part of a bigger story!  Please join me in praying for these women.

Additional prayer requests that I would greatly appreciate:

– Funding to be provided for multiple projects on our farm for the next major phase (need is roughly $150,000.00). Our God is able!

-Funding for Lydia Circle and the hand crafts

– For the hearts of the Lydia Circle women along with the jump rope project to sell in the community

– For my personal health both spiritual and physical

– For my parents as they are coming in March to Africa for the first time

– For unity for our team

– For God to continue to move in mighty ways for His kingdom!

If you wish to support the ministry that is happening here in South Africa it is a huge blessing.  Please go to my website www.servinginafrica.org and click on the Donate button.  If you wish to donate to a specific area of my ministry such as “farm” or “Lydia Circle” please list that in the memo line of your donation. All honor and the glory belongs to Him!