Brett in Joburg

My cousin Brett is such a blessing to me! I'm so appreciative of the money and time he spent in coming to see me in South Africa!! I am so thankful for my friends and family who love and care for me. I couldn't be here without their support.

Brett enjoyed going to Soweto and getting to see first hand the ministry that is taking place there. He was able to meet many of my friends and just spend quality time with them. He came to Bible study one day and was able to take part in Bible storying.

Brett quickly became friends with Philani... they encouraged each other in the faith!

Zach and Philani have been able to start soccer back up at the schools even though the strike still lingers. Currently, the strike is postponed but teachers are willing to strike till the end of the year if demands are not met within 21 days. Please pray that the teachers and government would come to a compromise for the sake of the children who are the ones suffering.

Brett took part in soccer practice and enjoyed warming up with the children and getting to be a part of this ministry.

After awhile, Brett found some kids who were just standing around the field and asked if they wanted to play some basketball. Basketball is not a popular sport here in South Africa so they played with a soccer ball on a netball court (no backboard). But the kids loved playing with him which is what is most important!

Brett was able to experience another aspect of South African culture by going to a cricket match. I'm beginning to understand and appreciate this sport a little more even though soccer will always be my favorite!

I wanted Brett to be able to enjoy the African landscape so we decided to go on a canopy tour at the Magaliesberg Mountains. We enjoyed the thrill of ziplines in the beautiful African bush.

No comparison to the gorge swing at Victoria Falls though...

I also wanted Brett to experience the life of locals in Soweto which included using different modes of transportation. We took a taxi to downtown Johannesburg to get a feel for the city life.

Top of Africa. We went to the Carlton Centre to get a view of Jozi from 50 floors up. It is the tallest building in Africa but only about half the height of the Sears Tower in Chicago.

Brett made quick friends with Sibongile's son who enjoyed being thrown around and carried on his tall shoulders through downtown.

I had never ridden in a train before so why not add to my firsts in Africa! It was quite an experience... You don't find too many white people in taxis or trains so we were a spectacle to say the least. But I enjoy breaking stereotypes... I strive to put the Gospel on display to all peoples!!

I long for the day when we are in Heaven and people from every nation, from all tribes and languages will be standing before the throne and before the Lamb worshipping together!! Revelation 7:9

Victoria Falls

I had the awesome privilege of going to 1 of the 7 wonders of the world... Victoria Falls! This is the largest waterfall in the world and is named Mosi-oa-Tunya which means the "Smoke that Thunders" in the Lozi language of Zambia. The spray from the falls can be seen nearly 50 km away.

Three good friends and I took a road trip through South Africa, Botswana and finally ended up in Zimbabwe to see the falls. It was a long car ride but worth it with fun company and getting to see elephants, baboons, warthogs, and a giraffe in the wild.

I love baobab trees!

To help break up the 16 hour drive... we stayed the night in Botswana on the way there and back with a wonderful family. We enjoyed a nice meal and fellowship! Can't really explain what is going on here except that Stacie thought it would be fun to get our hair did 80s style.

We walked through the Victoria Falls National Park to see the falls which were absolutely stunning! Just amazing to see how big God is and how small we are.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in.

To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift your eyes and look to the heavens...

Isaiah 40:21-22, 26

Had to represent the TOMS.

We took a sunset cruise one night on the Zambezi river and enjoyed seeing elephants, hippos and a crocodile.

After much encouragement, I decided to participate in a Half Day Adrenaline excursion. This consisted of 3 different jumps off the gorge... (1) flying fox which was running off a platform and flying like superman (2) zipline out over the water (3) gorge swing. They were all intense and I'm not afraid to admit I was scared for my life at times. This is a picture of the gorge where we did all these jumps. You can see the cables to the left of the picture where the zipline and gorge swing were.

This is the gorge swing which is a 70 meter (230 feet) free fall and then swing out over the gorge. The free fall is only 3 seconds but it felt like a lifetime! It was intense but I think I would do it again :)

Here is the video of my gorge swing... Sorry mom!

Vic Fall Gorge Swing from Rachel Jensen on Vimeo.

Welcome to Nicholas'

Disclaimer: There is a graphic picture of a cow head so if you are faint of heart... don't scroll down to the last picture.

Nicholas goes to Faith Baptist Church in Snake Park, Soweto. He has had trouble finding a job with such a high unemployment rate in SA. He has worked from time to time as a car guard. Car guards work at malls or sporting events hoping people will give them small change such as 2 Rand which is equivalent to 0.27 cents. Now Nicholas has a restaurant which is located on the side of the road at a major intersection.

His restaurant sells pap, which is mealie a type of corn, and cow head. The food is cooked in two pots over an open wood fire. The cost of a plate of pap and meat is R30 which is about $4.

This is the kitchen which includes dishes for people eating in and plastic bags for take away.

This man came and got take away.

This video is to show you where the water supply comes from. They retrieve water from a broken and leaking water pipe that has created standing water with rubbish floating around in it. They use the water for cooking, drinking, washing hands and dishes.

Cooking 101 from Rachel Jensen on Vimeo.

Nicholas was nice enough to give us a small taste. Sibongile, Thembane and I shared a plate of pap and cow head. The meat was tough but tasted just like steak. I thought it was pretty good and would eat it again which is saying a lot!

Afterwards, Nicholas asked if I would take him to the butchery so that he could buy another cow head. Of course I love to help because otherwise he would have to take a taxi to retrieve it. Thankfully, he had some plastic to put in the boot (trunk) of my car to keep blood from getting all over the place.

As I was talking to him about the cow head.. he explained that this shows how poor they really are... that this is what is available. Africans truly make use of every part of the animal... including intestines, tongues, eyes, hooves, brains and every other part you can imagine.

My friends enjoy having me try everything and I'm always happy and willing to... at least once. So far since being in Africa I have had caterpillars, kapenta (tiny fish eaten whole), dove, snoek fish, chicken feet, chicken neck, intestines, liver and cow head. What will be next?

I'm so thankful to God for all that I have. But my heart breaks to know that there are many starving people living in Soweto! Please remember to lift them up... that God would provide for their needs as He promises to those who are His children.

Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?"... your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:31-33

Isonto. Sunday.

You can not walk down the street in Soweto without seeing children everywhere which I love! I have enjoyed playing with kids and showing them love through a simple South African hand shake or a hug. Side note: when I go to hug a child many times they don't know what to do and just stand there. It is heart breaking to know that many of them don't know what to do because no one is giving them hugs.

At Faith Baptist Church, almost half of the attendance is made up of children and youth. I truly believe the Scripture that says to train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). I was a child who grew up in the church which had such a positive impact in my life and my current commitment to Christ. There was a time when I was older that I walked away from the Lord but I know that what I had been taught by my parents and in Sunday School played a part in me coming back to the Lord and the truths I had been taught. Therefore, I value teaching the next generation about the Lord... we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. Psalm 78:4

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Deuteronomy 6:7

Now, this Scripture is talking about parents teaching their children but that is not always possible. There are many children at Faith Baptist whose parents do not come which is why it is so important for these children to be taught about God in Sunday School. Sibongile has a love for children and teaching them. Please pray for her to continue to value teaching the next generation about the Lord.

Winter is coming to an end so people are more willing to walk to church which led to a good attendance. Sibongile was the MC (master of ceremony) which means that she directs the service which includes praise and worship, introduction of guests, testimonies, offering, and calling up the Umfundisi (pastor).

We had an awesome time worshipping the Lord in at least 4 different languages! There were many people who shared testimonies of God's goodness. Thembane shared Jeremiah 29:11 that she had memorized from discipleship and encouraged the church that God has plans for them. It was such a blessing to hear people give the glory to God! And Umfundisi spoke from Acts 2:42-47 about the importance of the church gathering together for fellowship. Please pray that the church would build relationships with one another and fellowship outside of church (2:42, 46). Pray that they would take of each other when someone is in need (2:44) so that others may see the love of God and desire to know Him (2:47).

Quality Time

Let me just say that my two girls, Sibongile and Thembane are amazing! I'm so blessed to see the Lord working in their lives. I'm so excited for the opportunity to spend time with them and encourage them in their faith.

A couple weeks ago, we were at Thulani Secondary School and met a grade 8 named Sense. She came up to Umfundisi (Pastor Alan) and told him that she was having trouble sleeping and was afraid of evil spirits and witchcraft. I was able to go with Thembane once before and share the demon possessed story from Mark 5 to show Jesus' power of evil spirits. Also we shared that the only way to not be afraid of evil spirits is to have Jesus in your life. For if Jesus is in you, He is greater than satan and evil spirits who are in the world (1 John 4:4).

Sibongile came with the next time we visited Sense. I asked Sibongile if she would share a verse. I had challenged her and Thembane to memorize Jeremiah 29:11 in discipleship the week prior so she decided to share that verse with Sense. Sibongile then began sharing her testimony... how her life had been before and now how it is with Christ. I was so excited and blessed to see Sibongile sharing. Please pray that Sibongile would continue to be bold in her witness and pour into the lives of young girls around her.

I'm really discovering the need for deep relationships in Africa. I see the importance of having a relationship with people from church outside of church. I have really begun to live life with my friends and love every minute of it!! I was so encouraged recently when a friend told me that I was special and so different from others. They said they could tell that I love people and Soweto. They continued on to say that they were so thankful I was here and kept telling me that I couldn't leave next year.

I believe there is always a need to just have some fun... So we decided to wash my car together. There were a number of men who offered to wash the car for us as they wanted money. But the weather was nice and we had a good time working together. Sibongile and Thembane invited along two girls who used to come to church but have since stop coming. I'm so excited to see them reaching out to her neighbors! Pray that they would continue to be a light in their neighborhood.

I have discipleship once a week with Sibongile and Thembane. But this week, Thembane called to say that her 1 year old, Koketso was sick. Now, one thing you have to understand is how difficult it is to get places with a taxi. Sometimes it can take you hours to get somewhere that should only take you 30 minutes in a car. So, I felt impressed upon to help Thembane. I have been blessed with the use of a car and feel strongly about reaching out and helping those in need. I decided to invite Sibongile along so the three of us could enjoy some fellowship together.

This is Africa. This is a phrase that you will hear Americans say often when things don't seem to go as planned or as efficient as our culture demands. Today was one of those days as the whole process to take Koketso to the doctor took 4 hours! While being here I have learned that keeping time is not as important as building relationships. Over the past year, there have been many situations where I went into it having a schedule that was quickly thrown out the window. But through the experience I see that God had bigger plans and I was able to minister to those in need.

I was so encouraged afterwards when Thembane said thank you and that I was like Jesus because I helped her. Wow! I don't say that to lift myself up but it just made me realize that something small like taking someone to the doctor is one way to express Jesus' love.

Being in Africa, I have learned the importance of not just addressing spiritual needs but physical as well. There are so many people with almost nothing who are in such great need. Jesus taught people spiritual truths but at the same time he met their physical needs. Jesus healed the sick, demon possessed, disabled, and even fed people. God tells us to take care of the least of these... that is my passion!

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:35-36, 40

What have you done for the least of these? What have you done for Jesus?

Please pray that I would continue to see what some may call inconveniences as opportunities to share Christ love with those around me!

Please pray for Sibongile and Thembane, that they would continue in the faith stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel (Colossians 1:23).

Fellowship with Friends

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! ... A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12

I have been blessed with making many good friends here in South Africa. I am so thankful to God for the relationships he has given me over the past year. I cherish the time I get to spend with them! I don't even want to think about having to leave next year.

Zach and I decided to have some of our friends from Soweto over for food, fun and fellowship with one another.

We have started a tradition of having friends over and cooking a meal together. The women were responsible for making the gravy and pap (corn meal). And I enjoyed teaching them how to bake cupcakes which they loved.

The men were in charge of the braai which included chicken and borewors (sausage). Amazingly good!

Koketso

Kabelo and Letu

As we sat down to the table, Given said we were one big happy family which reminded me that these loved ones are my family... my brothers and sisters in Christ!

After dinner, we enjoyed a game of spoons... you gotta love a little competition! We have played this game at every get together since the first time we played at my birthday party. Too much fun.

Zakhele was not interested in playing cards but was happy to watch a movie. We all joined him after our card game and enjoyed some hot chocolate since it is still cold here. We had a lovely night just spending time together and encouraging one another. Love all of them so much!

Back to School

Finally, school has started back after a month long holiday during the World Cup. I'm excited to get back to Girls Club!

There have been some big changes with the Soweto Team. We have had to say goodbye to the Siedschlag family and to Nick who were both serving alongside of us. Sad times. Also, Amber is no longer working in Soweto but is working with another team.

Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will ear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

God has been teaching me a lot lately about relying on Him. Being overseas and working in Soweto has stretched me beyond measure. I have done things I never thought I could do and it is has only been through Christ's strength that it has been possible. I am a very shy person and tend to let others take the lead. But that is not possible anymore as I will be working by myself. Please pray for me to be bold. I'm trusting the Lord right now to provide me with what I need to do this task by myself. I am a weak vessel who is willing to be used by Him for His glory in Soweto!

Right now, I'm praying and trying to see what schools to work with. Please pray that God would open the doors to the schools He wants me to work in.

I went to Obed Messiane Primary School to find a teacher to speak with about coming back this term to have Girls Club. I have found out that one of the two teachers that we work with passed away during the holiday. The second teacher we work with had left early that day because she found out her brother had passed away. I have seen a lot of death being here and it never gets easier to handle. This school has been difficult because many times I have had to organize the girls myself. But the girls want me to be there... One day, a girl asked if I had something to teach them about God and told everyone to go to the classroom. They have many questions and are searching for answers.

While I couldn't speak to anyone about Girls Club while there I did get to hang out with some of Nick's soccer boys. Nick was working with Zach but decided to coach boys who were standing on the sidelines wishing they could play. Nick did such a great job pouring into them and teaching them about God.

I have been here for just over a year now... And one thing I love is that I can walk the streets and know people. Really makes me realize how important it is just to be in Soweto, spending time with people and building relationships in order to share the love of Christ.

This sweet girl used to attend church at Faith Baptist but has recently moved and is not able to come anymore. Always good to spend time with her. And the little boy is just plain cute.

Here in South Africa they have something called a gap year which means taking a year off after high school to work, travel or do missions before going to university. I had the opportunity to go to Thulani Secondary School with a gap year group as they shared with the high school students. I was excited as I got to see over 15 girls from Girls Club last year from all 4 of the schools we worked at. It was such a blessing to see their smiling faces!

Some of my girls asked me to come to Thulani to have Girls Club! I have been praying about what schools to go to and I may try to go speak with the principal to see if I can come to this school. I have already developed close relationships with these girls and feel it would be beneficial to continue getting to know them better.

Thembane who I meet with for discipleship came out to help at Thulani. She is so sweet and such a pleasure to be around. She was able to meet all of my girls from Girls Club. Afterwards, she told me that she could help me sometimes with Girls Club now that I am by myself. What an answer to prayer! I have been praying that Thembane and Sibongile would help me. I believe it is so important for the girls to have someone who has been in their shoes and can relate to their struggles. As much as I love these girls... I can only sympathize with them, love them and try to help them but I will never understand the life they have lived. But my prayer is that they would "grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ" (Ephesians 3:18).

Please pray for the following schools... Obed Messiane, Hector Pieterson, Lehae and Thulani. Pray that God would show me which 3 schools to work in.

I Need Thee Every Hour

Living overseas and doing mission work is amazing but difficult at times. Nothing stays the same for very long. There are many changes going on right now with my ministry, team and just life. Feeling a little overwhelmed, I decided to get out of the city for a couple nights. So, I headed an hour outside of Joburg to the Hartbeespoort Dam to spend time with the Lord.

One thing I love about South Africa is the number of Bed & Breakfasts. I love the personal care and service that you get. The couple that ran the Bed & Breakfast was so sweet and accommodating. They cooked me breakfast which included fruit, yogurt, museli (granola), eggs, bacon, toast, juice and coffee. Talk about 5 star service. I enjoyed speaking with them and learning about South Africa. It is so fun to meet new people and learn about their lives.

The room was amazing but can I just add that it was the honeymoon suite! Yeah a little weird to be staying their by myself but I enjoyed it.

Especially since this was the view from my bed...

This was how I spent most of my time... enjoying the outdoors, reading the Word and praying. Sometimes when the stresses of life come at you, it's important to get away and commune with the Father. Tell Him what is on your heart as He cares for you.

casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

As I spent time with the Lord I was thinking about the saying people use, that God will not give us more than we can handle. To a point that is true but then I really began thinking about it... of course God will give us more than we can handle so that we learn to rely not on our own strength but on Him alone.

I looked at some people in the Bible to see that this is so true...

Paul said in 2 Corinthians 1:8, "For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself."

David expressed in Psalm 40:12, "For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see... my heart fails within me."

Again David cried out in Psalm 69:1, "Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck."

Jehoshaphat spoke in 2 Chronicles 20:12, "We don't know what to do but our eyes are on you."

All of these men of faith faced more than they could handle alone. But instead of living in a state of despair, they cried out to God and God delivered them.

Right now I feel like He is giving me more than I can handle. But I'm choosing to move forward asking Him to give me the strength needed to get through these difficult times. It is through my dependence on Him and my weaknesses that God can receive the glory He deserves.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10

My prayer is that you would take time to get away and spend quality time with the Lord. Don't wait for the troubles of life to overwhelm you before you realize that you need Him. We need Thee every hour... during the good times and the bad.

Siyaya

Siyaya means "We are going" in Zulu.

There has been a change in the transportation system here in Johannesburg especially because South Africa was the host country for the 2010 World Cup. A new bus system was created in hopes to provide less expensive and more safe transportation for people. The goal of Rea Vaya is to place more than 85% of Johannesburg's population within 500m of a bus network.

But there has been much protest to the new Bus Rapid Transit Project (BRT). There have been numerous attacks on Rea Vaya buses resulting in injuries and even death. Taxi drivers have protested violently including the burning of tires to obstruct roads in addition to firing shots at Rea Vaya buses. One Rea Vaya driver's house was petrol bombed because he had left his job as a taxi driver to work for BRT. Prior to the World Cup, taxi operators gathered in Pretoria to protest the BRT system and complained about plans to prevent them from carrying fans to stadiums for matches.

Taxis are known to weave through traffic with their aggressive driving compared to the BRT users who use dedicated lanes with a regular time table and designated stops. Taxis drivers are often seen as the bad guy but during apartheid they were known to carry people free of charge during the struggle. The taxi drivers have had a monopoly since apartheid as the only form of transportation for non-whites. But there is such a demand for transportation that many believe the two systems can co-exist.

When driving through Soweto, all you hear is hooting (horn honking) as taxi drivers try to get people's attention to see if they want a ride.

Taxi drivers can be very dangerous. If you are to cross one and take their route they have been known to kill. I was speaking with a friend of mine to learn more about how they work... He told me they do not own their buses. They are required to pay their boss R450 a day ($60) and they will usually only make R200 ($26) over that amount to keep for themselves. They are also required to pay their own petrol. They work long hours sometimes from 3am-11pm. The government does not like taxis because they do not pay taxes and see that their is money in it. It is not an easy life!

I have wanted to ride in a taxi ever since moving here. So, when Lori was here for a visit I had my friends Zakhele and Sibongile take us to downtown Joburg in a taxi. I truly have a new appreciation for how people in Soweto live. I thought it was fun to have this cultural experience of riding in a taxi.. but if that was my only form of transportation I know that it would get old quickly.

In order to get a taxi, you stand on the side of the road and hold up a hand signal depending on where you want to go. Taxis have their own sign language. It is not an easy task to catch one... sometimes they are full so you must wait. Other times they are empty so you have to sit on the side of the road for hours until the taxi is full before the driver will go.

I thank God for how blessed I am to have the use of a car while living here. But I'm also thankful for these experiences that allow me to walk in someone else's shoes, to understand their way of life.

The other most used form of transportation is walking. You can see people walking everywhere!