Today we started off our morning with a beautiful church service at Elim, a small church near an informal settlement outside of Centurion (near Johannesburg) where many families live in difficult conditions. Being greeted with the brightest of smiles and most welcoming of hearts is such an amazing start to the day. The service was full of beautiful African music, percussion and dancing–an honor to God like few of us have seen. The service also featured readings from scripture, in both a native language and in English. The scriptures were from Isaiah 1 and Romans 8, with a powerful message on conquering based solely of God’s provision (Romans 8: 31-32 — What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?) The African church people are a powerful testimony of dependence and love for God as their provider. After service, we met with some of the kids who we would get to teach tomorrow. For lunch, we experienced Africa’s famous pop and spicy sausage, which we even ate with our hands as the locals do! After some afternoon preparation for our week ahead, we walked across the street to Westview Methodist Church for an evening contemporary service. Here too, we heard wonderful music and listened to a meaningful sermon on righteousness. We’re excited for day 3 and working with the kids!
