June - July Trip To Africa
“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” - Matthew 9:36
Quick trip to South Africa
Last week, I returned home from a two-week trip to visit South Africa. I had the opportunity to take one of the youth boys from our home church, Victor Jr. My prayer was that the Lord would use this trip in both of our lives.
International travel, especially over long distances, can be an interesting experience. Due to delays on our first flight, we missed our international flight. We found ourselves diverted and with an 18-hour layover in Germany. We had planned to arrive in Africa on Tuesday, but due to the delay, we arrived on Wednesday afternoon. We left the airport and headed straight to work! Junior helped Jeremy Hall with some painting at the newer church plant, Newton Park, while I helped set up some sound equipment I brought with me from the States.
Over the next several days, we were at Camp Rhino, where I had the opportunity to preach for their winter junior camp. It was wonderful to see Junior jump right in with some of the older teens working as counselors. I praise the Lord for the several young people saved during camp!
For the rest of the trip, we were able to visit several townships and visit some of the churches. I was able to preach in several of the churches on Sunday. I was excited to see these churches growing and see the omnipresence of our Lord. It is always amazing to hear people praise the Lord in a different language.
Bro. Jeremy Hall and his family hosted us during our stay. He and I spent a lot of time discussing life and the ministry there. I’m thankful to them for hosting, but also for pouring their time and over a decade of knowledge about service on the field into me.
I also had the opportunity to speak with several of the national pastors. We discussed different areas that have the greatest needs and no churches. I shared on Facebook: “I didn’t think it was possible, but my heart is even more stirred, broken, and burdened for South Africa. Yes, we will be the 6th or 7th family in this city, but we could be the 50th family here and never even scratch the surface of this one city alone. It’s heartbreaking to see the darkness and hopelessness.” How true that is. As Americans, we have easy access to church and the ability to move freely, whereas in South Africa, that is not the case. The need for more laborers is great in South Africa, but even greater is the need for the Gospel!
This trip was a great motivator to remain steadfast on deputation and the urgency to get the Gospel to more people! Please pray for Junior that the Lord will continue to use this trip in his life and open his eyes to the blessings he has and the need for the gospel around the world. Please continue to pray for our family as we strive to be faithful to the call the Lord has placed on us.
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Thank you again for your continued and faithful prayers!
The Hooper Family (Blaine, Holly, Raya, and Lincoln)
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