Spring Hill Baptist Church: South Africa Mission Trip 2008

Trip Report: Amber Myers - July 18, 2008

South Africa Team Returns!

Defying jet-lag, "hypothermic showers", and chilly nights, our team of eight had an incredible time of ministry in Johannesburg, South Africa. We led VBS at Troyeville Baptist Church and had over 130 children attend! Many children asked us to send a team back next year! Other projects we participated in: volunteering one afternoon at the Door of Hope Baby House (an orphanage for abandoned babies), sorting donated clothing and household goods for distribution to needy people in Johannesburg and outlying villages, and spending time with the Troyeville Baptist youth group.

Thanks, Spring Hill, for your prayers and support!

Amber Myers

Trip Update: Email Dated July 5, 2008,

Hi Liz,

the team is doing great - had a wonderful week of VBS - over 100 kids the last 3 days! They also did an awesome job sorting through our donations - our storage room has never looked better. I wasn't there, but I also heard a great report about Youth last night. Today some are enjoying a day at our local amusement park, Gold Reef City, and others the Apartheid Museum. Tonight we'll have dinner with Cheryl Allen. They will attend the Troyeville service tomorrow where the kids will present songs from VBS and then we'll have a going away lunch before taking them to the airport.

I have really enjoyed having them here! They have been a wonderful blessing to Troyeville.

Blessings,
Carol

A team of 8 will head to Troyeville, South Africa on June 26. They will worship in two community African churches, lead a VBS for 100+ children, interact with the youth group activities, and volunteer at a Door of Hope baby house.

Xenophobia has led to a heightened violence in Johannesburg, so please pray for the safety of our team, the children and missionaries.

Supplies Needed: 8 large suitcases, crayons, markers, chalk-not made in China (white and yellow), white powdered tempera paint, colored construction paper, brown paper (lunch) bags, colored tissue paper, assorted stickers, glue sticks, liquid craft glue, scissors, staples, staplers, hole-punches, scotch tape, string/yarn, glitter, assorted sequins, pipe cleaners, colored ribbon, dry-erase markers, craft sticks, googly eyes, paper plates, dry beans, wicky sticks, foam balls (recreational), blank CDs, magazine pictures of people or sports, large cotton balls, clothes pins (ones with the clamp), and aluminum foil. Please bring items by Sunday, June 22.

Today is our last day in Troyeville. We went to Troyeville Baptist Church this morning to give out clothes. As the children were dropped off for school the mothers came in to get clothes. It was so moving to see these women so appreciative of clothes. We might as well have been handing out money. There was one woman who walked in with a bath robe on. These wonderful people have nothing and are so appreciative of anything you can do for them. As we were moved by this experience, Jen and I began to take off our clothes while remaining decent so they could be warm. Socks are like food. They are desperate to keep warm. This week 9 children died because of the weather.

Although it is obvious that we have helped them, it is more obvious to us that they have helped us. It has been so uplifting to see them every morning with smiling and loving faces when we know that they have nothing. Some are sleeping 8 in a room the size of a bathroom with no water, no electricity, and no toilet.

As we left the church this morning we wept with gratitude of what they have given us and not for what we have done for them.

Continue to pray for us, our safe journey home, and the lives of the people of Troyeville.

It has been a wonderful week of VBS here in South Africa. We have had 70-100 children each day. When we finish VBS at noon, we have been sorting donations for their clothes closet (they call it the boutique). We will be distributing the clothes this weekend- not a moment too soon since we just had a cold spell- and snow! It has not snowed here since 1981!!!

Today we visited the Door of Hope baby house. There were almost 30 babies and toddlers there. We were all very impressed by the loving and caring staff. They have about 30 staff members and lots of volunteers- all of which is run by donations.

We have heard many amazing stories of how God is working through Cheryl Allen, The Touch Life Center and Troyeville Baptist Church- we can't wait to share them with everyone when we return.

Please pray for our continued health so that we can complete our mission.
Also, for the Troyeville community as we distribute clothes this weekend- may those in need seek the church.

We had a wonderful day today visiting Berea Baptist Church and worhshipping South African Style! Berea is the church where the first baby house was opened. We had the pleasure of witnessing 4 baby house children being dedicated today- it was very emotional for us all to be a part of that. The worship service was hopping- lots of clapping, singing and dancing- lots of fun.

We are ready to begin our VBS tomorrow at Troyeville Baptist.
Please keep those children in your prayers tomorrow.

Thanks,
Jen, Jennifer, Sharon, Greg, Jesse and Garnette

June 23, 2007

Hey Everyone-

We arrived here in South Africa safely and on time. It is absolutley beautiful weather here- about 63 degrees during the day! We met Cheryl Allen and Carol Seeley last night- Carol is from Virginia and will be here for a year. We took our first outdoor shower this morning!!! Today we will be going to a flea market and a mall to see some of the area. We are looking forward to church tomorrow.

South Africa Missions Trip 2008

Missions Update: South Africa Team