Filling our Empty Cups in Foreign Lands IV
Marie Chiara and Shantell Robbins traveled to Richards Bay, Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa, for their internship. Working from their base, Emmanuel Temple, under the supervision of Pastors Timothy and Priscilla Harry, Marie and Shantell traveled to Mozambique and Swaziland for part of their internship where they immersed themselves in holistic mission work. They also had the opportunity to work with people infected with HIV/AIDS at the Senikitemba AIDS Clinic and AIDS hospices in Durban, giving public addresses to children in several schools in the province of Kwa Zulu Natal. In the local church in Richards Bay, Maria and Shantell conducted Bible studies, worked with the church’s youth group and exhorted at ladies’ meetings. They also conducted a successful vacation Bible school for children.
Reflecting on the internship Maria said, “‘Once safely on shore…the native people showed us unusual kindness’ (Acts 28:1-2). Like Paul, I have found this statement incredibly applicable to my internship this summer. It did not matter whether we were sharing a meal with friends in South Africa, singing with school children in Swaziland, or running down the winding clay streets of Mozambique at sunset; the friendship, hospitality and unity that our team was shown and invited into immediately upon arrival was astounding. Never before has the Kingdom of God exploded before my eyes in such a vast and creative array of interconnected colors and lives, as it did during my summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Yes, I went to be of service, but I also went as a learner—a learner with an empty cup ready to be filled to overflowing—and what I returned with was a truly palpable understanding of the undoubtedly interconnected nature of our world. God’s creative genius put Jesus on this earth to form relationships, and from country to country, continent to continent, I have been designed to do the same. I am realizing that what I passionately desire to do in this world cannot be done alone, and those whom I am zealously gripped to help and rescue have so very much to teach me about living a radical, transparent, and ardent life for the Lord.”
An entry reflected in Shantell’s journal on July 1, 2007, read thus: “I was blessed by one young girl, who always wore a big pink jacket. She sat with me at church today and showed me her finger that was cut and getting infected. It hurt me so much, and yet I could do nothing but give her a tissue and a piece of strawberry gum. I know I’m made for missions. Other people can go out there and give these people food or money, but…I can’t help but leave a piece of my heart and carry theirs with me forever.”
Edley Moodley, Ph.D.
This article is taken from Lee University’s School of Religion newsletter, Vol. XI, Issue 1, Fall 2007.
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