"When the praises goes high, His blessings comes down"

This morning we returned to worship with our brothers and sisters at Service to Glory Ministries in Thembalethu, a black township in George. As with our visit there last week, we were astounded by their hospitality. As soon as we walked in, the music director began to translate for us, and we all learned some incredible new dance moves during worship. My favorite song had a beautiful chorus, which we sang in both English and Xhosa, and the English translation went, "When the praises goes high, His blessings comes down." God's blessings were definitely coming down upon us.

They then called upon their "sister pastor from America" to come and share a word. I felt humbled and blessed to be granted the opportunity to share some what God has been teaching me during my time here in South Africa from Romans 8:18-27 on patience and freedom. I prayed that the Holy Spirit would take control of my words and I've never felt the Spirit's presence so strongly while speaking. I can truthfully say that it was not me but He who lives in me--I cannot even remember what I said.

I find it hard to believe that we will be back stateside in 10 days. Our time here has been beautiful and rich, and it has flown by. The realization that we will be leaving soon is starting to sink in for many of us, and I ask you to pray for us as we relish our remaining time in South Africa and prepare to return home.

We've alo been blessed to have Chiraphone, APU's Office of World Missions director here with us for the past few days as she makes her way around to visit all of the APU teams currently in Africa. Please pray for her as she leaves us here in George today and continues around the continent.