May 10, 2008

This was a great day as we went to Soweto, visited the Regina Mundi Catholic Church (which was a rallying point during the anti-Apartheid movement), went to a local consultant’s mother’s home and the Apartheid Museum.  While we went through the museum I learned more about the roots of racial segregation/discrimination that happened within this country’s history that even dated back before Apartheid and finally ended in 1994.  Not unlike in the US, unfortunately while the laws might have changed (it has only been 14 years since Apartheid ended), some of the effects of Apartheid and discrimination still remain.  I was reminded that we need to continue to pray for racial reconciliation among the African people.
 
In a small way, I think our venture is helping address this issue in South Africa.  I’ve been encouraged by my African brothers and sisters who are serving together with Rep to see God’s purpose and vision to transform society lived out in the lives of these people.  There is a genuine love between the different races and cities represented and a common bond in Christ where issues of the past have been forgiven and it is wonderful to see them loving each other and united to serve God.  I can’t help but think this is a little glimpse of heaven on earth with one Body, serving one God in unity together.  God is good ☺!

Kurt Nystrand

Today the Gauteng Rēp Venture clients and consultant came together for another structured day.  

Our day opened with Luke 10: 1-20 being cited.  This very important message was that if we choose to be a worker for God it is your responsibility to pray for the workers and pray for more workers to follow us and to pray for the work to be done and for the souls to be saved.

A consultant from the previous Gauteng Venture in October 2007, led the worship with his guitar. This was totally different from the normal worship and very special.  Every song came out of the worship leader’s heart with such pureness.

Another awesome event today was when all the clients and consultants had to write each other an affirmation. It was so special to hear what others spoke as unique characteristics in each other and to hear the laughs through the room as we read them to each other.  There were tears in some eyes because they felt so touched. For many it was the first time they had heard an affirmation in a long time.  This is like the washing of feet, if you have never done it you will never know what it feels like, and the vulnerability thereof!

I, Nesta Malan, want to tell you about an experience I encountered while praying with two of the intercessors today. We came into agreement and asked the Lord for my ulcer, that was giving me a lot of pain today, to be healed. After praying for me, one of the intercessors told me that while he was praying, he saw me getting a new pancreas.  This was wonderful for me because I have type 1 diabetes and that is the only way that I can be cured.  This is now just a mind-set; I know that I know that I HAD type 1 diabetes.

Here are some images representing common activities on an “Unstructured Day” like Thursday, May 8.

Consultants in their clients’ business settings:

Client and consultant enjoying a coffee break:

Here are some images representing common activities on a “Structured Day” like Wednesday, May 7.

Team discussion: 

Shirt Bestowal:

Consulting: 

Computer work:

Over the course of the venture, we alternate between “structured” and “unstructured” workday formats.  Monday was a structured day, involving teaching and collaboration in a workshop environment.  Tuesday 6 May was our first unstructured day, allowing us to visit with clients in their own business settings.  

Two consultants’ days were particularly intriguing.  One is working with a relatively new and growing media operation.  Her client had shown a great deal of vision and shared huge dreams for his business during the structured day, so this was a unique opportunity to see and understand the current state of the present-day business from a pragmatic perspective.  It was encouraging to see the extent to which God had provided for the operation, with many pieces of equipment having been donated or purchased on faith in God’s provision.  It was also remarkable to see how much of an impact the station was having throughout Africa—this was evidenced by the hundreds of text messages received from all different geographical areas during certain broadcasts.

Another consultant was able to meet the salesperson, customer service, and accountant for her client’s company.  A theme emerged as she learned about the workers’ backgrounds; most had been in dire straits, and the business provided an unprecedented employment opportunity for them. Each of them is thriving in their new work environment, making excellent contributions and helping build the business.

This was also a day of increasing personal connection, with one consultant happily surprised to enjoy lunch with his client at Mandela Square, and another consultant meeting representatives of an NGO that strives to address issues she cares deeply about.  Reconvening after this first unstructured day, we enjoyed sharing stories and being encouraged by what God continues to do in our midst.

Ed Barker