Beauty For Ashes

Isaiah 61:1-3 was the signature scripture for the conference
61 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
It is amazing that we are 8000 miles away and an American Author, Angela Thomas, and Christian Singer/Songwriter, Nicole C. Mullen, come to the Women’s conference here in Cape Town. Now what is even better than that is we got to meet them and have our picture made with them. In the states, this doesn’t happen. We were ministered to and sung to and had or “tanks” filled up. Nicole had airport issues in Atlanta so she didn’t actually make it for the conference. However, she did a make-up concert for us and so the guys were allowed to come. Hence, Mike in the photo! I think he must have prayed really hard for some way to get to go and as a result she had to postpone until Monday night. We really enjoyed her singing. We have had a great week with a Team from Shades Mountain Baptist Church from Birmingham Ala. and had 1 man give his life to the Lord during the celebration. The team goes out door to door each morning for 4 days and prays with folks and invites them to a celebration on the last day. We have testing for HIV, blood pressure, diabetes, etc. and then have crafts for them while they wait. In the evening we have some worship music, people share testimonies and then provide a meal for them.
This past Friday evening the US Consulate General, Dr. Alberta Mayberry, invited many of the American Volunteers working here in South Africa to her home for a celebration. Yes it was 9/11 and we did have a remembrance, but it was also recognition of our duty to serve. Then on Sunday we got to go over to a couple’s house that we met earlier who works for the Consulate and watch “American” Football. It was live and everything. This is a blessing when you don’t get to see football but once or twice a year.
This week we have started our second phase of the entrepreneur class and will finish this on Thursday. We also have another team here from Knoxville Tn. doing the same thing that the team did last week. We are looking forward to the celebration on Thursday. Please pray for more seeds to be sown.