This will be short (wink, wink)

We’re learning how hard this is. We’re getting the vibe that ministry in the townships is less than predictable and anything but gated. There’s a since in which you feel ineffective and it makes me think about how the day to day trudge taken by the Laughren family must, at times, take it’s toll. Tonight was a rough go. It was simply laborious just to settle the room, much less guide them through any sort of project or lesson. True to form, more kids showed up tonight than did last night. To be exact, 321 children framed out the room, with more coming tomorrow night, no doubt. But the room was vigorous and almost forceful in nature. Kids were booting craft items left and right, taking more than they needed, leaving many children with nothing. And it’s hard to blame them – they don’t have anything to begin with. Running a lesson through two different translators is a very tricky thing; the rhythm of communication is lost and you have to reboot every time you start to speak. And tonight was tough because the translators spent much of their stage time trying the chill the room and quiet down the kids. As I glance back, I know that my words are insufficient in helping to paint the picture for you (it might be because it’s terribly late here) but, in our debriefing earlier this evening, it was apparent, even from missionaries Pete and Fran that tonight was tough. It’s like, I know I’ve had those conversations about significance in ministry many times over, however, it was weird and somewhat comforting to hear Fran wonder aloud if things were working. There’s resonation in that conversation for me, and the others here, because we’re all involved. But those feelings only come from a caring heart and a burdened soul. There’s no discontent in a jaded life, but those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, they are haunted by the idea of people not being helped or the thought of injustice never crossing paths with Jesus and his saving message.

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it written, ‘how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.’” –Romans 10:14-15

Team Update
Despite the night’s difficulties, the team worked very hard. Joy and Brittni did an amazing job at telling the story of Jonah (and the big fish) to the children. Terri was super-good and leading the kids in singing tonight. Scott and Lindy are now involved in the bus runs with the children. (Scott’s doing pretty well at driving on the “wrong” side of the road!) Eric is taking some amazing pictures of the children, our team and the scenery. Stefanie is running crafts like a pro. And I, of course, am teaching teenage boys how to play my guitar! But all of us are busy with the ministry here and also very tired. Thanks for your prayers and your comments – we’re reading them over and over. We miss you all.

PS – Tomorrow is Denzil’s 12th birthday! He’s the son of Pete and Fran. If you get an extra second, send him a birthday comment on the blog.