Nelson Mandela’s birthday was July 18th. South Africa’s former president is celebrated as a hero for his part in peacefully ending apartheid and ushering in the New South Africa, which strives to be marked by reconciliation, forgiveness, and respect for human rights. Every year on Mandela’s birthday, citizens in South Africa celebrate by trying toContinue reading “Mandela Day”
Author Archives: Steph E
Offices!
Here is a picture of iThemba’s old offices. All of the iThemba staff was squished into one little prefabricated building. In the last year, God has really expanded iThemba’s ministry– and it was very difficult to fit all of the staff in this tiny space. So, people like YOU started praying for a new placeContinue reading “Offices!”
Gifts of Grace
It was very hot. And the sound system didn’t show up. But it didn’t really matter. This wasn’t about pretty dresses (which were very pretty) or dashing waistcoats and hats (although the hats were rather dashing)–this was about God’s grace. Two people receiving God’s gift of grace in the form of another person: “I takeContinue reading “Gifts of Grace”
Worldliness: Hemlines or Helping Outsiders?
Romans 12:1 “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world…” “Worldliness” brings to mind junior-high lectures about the proper length for skirts, throwing out CD’s with bad words, and saying no to smoking. I was pretty good at following all those rules, so I used to gloss over those verses thinking, “Check, GotContinue reading “Worldliness: Hemlines or Helping Outsiders?”
Sustainer in the Midst of Stomach Bugs and Scratched Cars
“For by him all things were created: things on heaven and things on earth…He is before all things, and in him all things hold together…for God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by makingContinue reading “Sustainer in the Midst of Stomach Bugs and Scratched Cars”
Changes (wonderful) Changes
I have never really liked change. I love having my schedule neatly laid out months in advance (color-coordinated, too). The past month, however, has just thrown all of my plans up in the air–and I am reminded once again that I can make plans, but God is the one who directs my steps! (Proverbs 16:9).Continue reading “Changes (wonderful) Changes”
Send a Child to Camp!
iThemba takes children from the Mpumuza community on a camp every year. Pray about sponsoring a child to go on camp this year! Visit http://www.ithembaprojects.org.za to donate. This video also describes some of the vision that iThemba has for the community, as well as shows you some real footage of the place where I willContinue reading “Send a Child to Camp!”
Flat
Here are some pictures of the flat I will be staying in when I get to South Africa in August. It is fully furnished, so the only thing I have to bring with me is my suitcase of clothes. Praise God!
Obedience, Not Sacrifice
I just read about Saul, who disobeyed God’s command regarding the destruction of all the plunder from the Amalekites. Saul keeps the best of the plunder and then says, “But it was all going to be for a sacrifice to Yahweh. That’s why I kept it!” Samuel responds by saying, “Does the LORD delight inContinue reading “Obedience, Not Sacrifice”
Loving Here
“The more I detest men individually the more ardent becomes my love for humanity.” – Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov I have been thinking about this quote a lot lately. It’s easy for me to love humanity. It’s easy to feel pity for starving children, or orphans, or those who are poor. It is especiallyContinue reading “Loving Here”
Stephanie Ebert 