As many of you are aware, there was a record-setting fire in Masi yesterday. Masi is the township in which we work. The shacks that people live in are very small, poorly assembled, and packed very tightly next to one an other making fires in the community ultra destructive. It is difficult to put into words the gravity of the destruction that resulted in the Monday mornings fire. Our hearts are heavy. Several of our friends have lost their homes and all of their earthly possessions.
Ernest, one of the guys from my Sunday morning DBS lost everything. Ernest is the one in the picture with a black hat. Just wrote about him in our newsletter we just released.
This fire took place on the first full day of our outreach and it will have direct impact on how we spend this outreach. The need is great. And we will be doing all that we can to meet as many of the needs as we can. Maybe you feel that you can help. If so, please let us know.
But, here is the most amazing thing we have seen so far....the fire was massive, no doubt. But, the spirit of the people impacted is even bigger. In my opinion, Africans have an astounding gift for overcoming tragedy, handling pain and responding to brokenness. It just seems to be a part of the way God has gifted this culture. It is inspiring and convicting. I tell you the truth, people are smiling. They are thankful. They are rebuilding without thinking twice. They are resilient. And they have so much to teach you and I. I look forward to seeing how the Lord uses this tragedy to bring Kingdom fruit.
Thank you for walking with us and thank you for praying for our new friends here in South Africa. If you wish to pray for some people impacted (lost it all) in this fire by name, pray for:
- Ernest
- Vusy
- Shawn & family
- Adelina
- Joseph & family
- Mama Irene & family
- Ayanda
- Jomguzi
- Goodwill
- Doc
- Lawrence & family
- Many more...
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