Comments for bran&juli

Comment on God’s heart for Masi by John

John — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:36:34 +0000

Good to know about your thinking, Juli. I heard about the couple by doing a quick Google search. Just needed an example of other missionaries working there. I’m glad to know you know them.

Just read Brandon’s short post about planning for 10 years. You guys are on the right track.

Comment on God’s heart for Masi by Julianna

Julianna — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:33:46 +0000

John, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this! I completely agree that what Africa does not need is more Western benevolence. Instead, I firmly believe that what will actually change Africa for the better is Africans. To that end, both Brandon and I feel led to come to Africa to serve Africans, empowering them in whatever way we can. Brandon and I see our vision here as something of a holistic redemption. We don’t just want the people we meet to “get saved.” There’s plenty of that going on; one-time experiences of Jesus that doesn’t lead to any lasting change in a person’s life. Instead, I believe the gospel is about holistic redemption– God wants to change every aspect of a person’s life for the better.
I also like your idea of getting the NGOs together to work in Masi. That is definitely a value that we have. In fact, the couple that you linked to have been working closely with All Nations (the organization we’re with) while they’ve been in Masi. The couple was part of a team only here for a few months, but before they left they introduced the people they had worked with to us and other All Nations staff members. How did you hear about them? It’s a small world! But there’s definitely more need for this kind of cooperation and unity here in the Cape Town townships.

Comment on God’s heart for Masi by John

John — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:39:32 +0000

Juli, thank you for being there and bringing your bright light to that part of the world. Rachel’s post was thoughtful and emotionally deep. You’re all doing great work.

Kevan and I encountered similar cultural anchors hung on women and girls in St. Kitts, a very male-dominated society. It was typical for girls to become sexualized early, for informal practices of moms “making the case,” whereby a male who raped a young girl can buy out of prosecution by paying the mother. Because of the few economic opportunities for women, the cultural biases against them and a subsequent low marriage rate, it was not uncommon to see women who had several boyfriends, and children by separate men, and these men are expected to provide money to them. They do, and the cycle continues.

It’s a sad brew of survival and economics. Girls are cast down as sex objects, men are held as the only ones worthy of higher social status and high-paying jobs. Given these basic prejudices against women, morality is almost a luxury in this environment. (To tell the whole story, though, this account is somewhat of a generalization. St. Kitts has a strong Christian (mostly Anglican)community. It regularly rails against the moral message sent to youths by MTV and America. At the same time, St. Kitts’ local soca bands often promote sexual freedom and/or licentiousness, the interpretation of which depends your life code.)

Fortunately, several NGOs recognized the plight of women there and were actively trying to change the situation. Similar groups operate all over Africa. While your mission is to bring people to Jesus, you’re already recognizing that there are more wide-scale problems that need to be addressed for lasting change.

What about trying to figure out how many organizations are working in Masi? How many missionary groups? Are you familiar with these Christian missionaries working there? http://lfsintroducing.wordpress.com/2010/03/03/lfs-introduces-liam-rachel-byrnes-in-masi-south-africa/
How many local Christan churches and Western NGOs are working there?

What do you think of the idea of bringing all these groups together to work on goals that each can agree to? Christian missionary work in Africa dates to the time of Tertullian in the second century. How’s that worked out? Although individual salvations are triumphs, transforming a society can have self-sustaining effects.

I want to emphasize that I’m not saying the people of Africa “need” benevolent Western, Christian influence. With predominantly Christian America’s record on slavery, Native American genocide, racism and a recent war against a country that was not a threat to us, I don’t think we’re a shining example of Jesus’ ideals.

Godspeed.

Comment on Same, but different by Karen Holdren

Karen Holdren — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:42:12 +0000

To update previous comment…I am Karen Holdren representing Operation Outcry…My husband and I plan to come to South Africa this summer…He is speaking from his book found on sermonaudio.com/theezekielproject. Please consider contacting us..as I think we have something that may benefit you and South Africa. My e-mail is: kholdren@rochester.k12.mi.us

Comment on Same, but different by Karen Holdren

Karen Holdren — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:33:41 +0000

Brandon and Julianna, You do not know me… but my name is Karen Holdren. I got your info from my Operation Outcry website for incoming prayer. The reason I am contacting you is because my husband and I will be coming to South Africa this summer. My husband has been asked to share from his recent book “The Marriage of Purity and Power” with a ministry of churches in South Africa. You can tap into his book free of charge by going to: sermonaudio.comtheezekielproject. I also have a ministry and have been speaking for the sanctity of LIFE through Operation Outcry and was wondering if you or anyone in South Africa could use my services while I am traveling with my husband this summer? You can hear an audio of my testimony on my husband’s site through sermonaudio if you would like to. It would also be beneficial to know what to expect when we come to South Africa. You may even know some of the churches my husband will be ministering to? If so we would appreciate any insight you have. Hope to hear back from you… I can share more details as to when and where regarding our South Africa trip, just let me know… IN THE WORK FOR CHRIST Karen Holdren kholdren@rochester.k12.mi.us 248-670-1819

Comment on Same, but different by Lucy Jones

Lucy Jones — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:16:41 +0000

Thanks so much for sharing all this! So many things we take for granted or get frustrated with here in the States that we should be appreciating! Please continue to let us peek at what life is for you in South Africa – so many things we wouldn’t think to ask about!! (And all the new things to pray about!)

Comment on Same, but different by Linds

Linds — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:24:23 +0000

Great post, Julianna! I have many friends from the UK who are South Africa expats and they all say the same thing: The violence is too extreme for them. However, they also all say it’s incredibly beautiful and the culture is wonderful. Driving on the left is the best!!! And don’t you just love the South African accent?!

Comment on We bought a car (and more pictures) by Kimberly

Kimberly — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:52:09 +0000

You’ll get the hang of it. Personally I think everyone should have to drive a standard before driving an automatic, just so they have the knowledge in an emergency.

Comment on It’s been a whole year by Kimberly

Kimberly — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:40:28 +0000

Happy anniversary! God bless you both and your ministry.

Comment on Snake Attack, part duex by Julianna

Julianna — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:01:12 +0000

Thanks so much for your prayers, Kimberly!

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