Pastor Dallas and Jody,

Well, it is Friday morning and I think my head has finally cleared up from the jet lag.  I thought I would take some time to just let you know how much Oradee and I enjoyed our visit and the opportunity to server GMSA and the people of Storehouse Church.  It was truly and awesome experience for both of us.  I also want to thank you and your family for the tremendous hospitality you showed both of us.

It had been over two years since our last visit and the growth and maturity level in the church was very visible.  God has truly brought you a people that are hungry for all that He has to offer.  This was very evident to me as we participated in the prayer groups with your leadership/core group, praying for the upcoming services.  Their hunger humbled and challenged me.  The truly want all that God has for them, the church, and for their nation.

Before our trip, when I mentioned to friends at church that Oradee and I were going to South Africa, I would get the question; “Are you going to preach?”  My answer was that I was not a preached but I knew that if God wanted me to I was open.  I would then tell them that I believe the Lord is sending me to teach computer and audio classes.  They would look at me kind of funny.  I believe that too many people believe that to go on a mission’s trip, you have to preach.  They have a struggle thinking that God would send you half way around the world to teach market place classes or to build friendships with local people, praying and strengthening them in their walk with God and in the practical things of day-to-day life.

James 2:15-16  Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? (NIV)

When you minister in the market place arena and build personal relationships with people, you also get the opportunity to share with people what God has done in your life and minister into their lives out of relationship.

This is really what happened to me on this trip.  As I taught computer classes I met people and was able to start building personal relationships with the ones the Lord brought to me.  As I worked on a lawn tractor with Ashwell, we built a friendship that enabled me to get close to him one-on-one.  As I went into the community with Police Captain Joseph, getting invited into his home and enjoying his company, we were able to share with each other what God is doing in our lives and the dreams He has placed in our heart.  This strengthened both of us.  Going into the music store in Humansdorp with Leon or going to Port Elizabeth with Marshall gave us opportunities to reestablish and strengthen our friendship from two years ago.  In 1Cor 12:30 we are asked a question:

1 Cor 12:30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? (NIV)

I believe that the answer to this question is yes we can work in all the gifts but that there are specific gifts that we are called to.  I am not called to be a preacher but I am called to share what God has placed within me with those He brings into my life.  So I “Preach” in the kitchen, in the car, under a tractor, working with the sound technicians, etc.

James 2:17-18  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.  But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. (NIV)

I believe that God has called me to walk out my faith by what I do in serving His people by imparting what He has placed in me and passing it on to those He brings into my life, father to son’s and daughters.  This is what happened on this trip to South Africa.

I don’t want people to think that we did not have church because we did.  The three Sunday serves we attended were awesome with great praise and warship and a strong ministry of the word.  Also, praying with the sick at the Hope and Healing meeting was very impacting.  When you are confronted with the fact that 2 out of 3 people have been directly or indirectly affected by HIV/AIDS or TB, it is very sobering but their faith for healing is also very encouraging as they know that Jesus is the answer.  There was also a call for salvation at the last meeting with at least 2 people giving their life to the Lord.  God is good.

God is moving in Africa and He is definitely moving at Storehouse Church and in the GMSA ministry.  It was a privilege to serve the people and get refreshed by the spirit of faith that God has placed in the African people.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve God alongside you and the people of South Africa.

My prayer is that God will continue to prosper the work He has placed your hands to and the people he has brought to you.

I am looking forward to or next trip and I am already wondering what He will ask us to do next.

Love you guys and God bless you.

Paul