Tuesday, March 8, 2011

African Hospitality

"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." – 1 Peter 4:9

I have never been in a culture where people practice such great hospitality like they do here in Soweto. Every Friday, we have the opportunity to disciple a young girl, named Andile, and spend time with her amazing family. Andile is the oldest of five children who all live in a very small, government-owned house with their mother and stepfather.
As soon as we arrive, they invite us into their home or bring out chairs so we can sit and spend time with each other. Even though they have very little food, Andile’s mom insists on cooking for us every time we come to visit. She piles our plates with so much food, and we try to eat as much as we can but also try to leave some for the kids. The whole family serves us. I think it would be very difficult to serve someone a huge plate of food and watch them eat in front of you, knowing that you are starving; yet, they give cheerfully and never even complain.
After we finished our Bible study with Andile this past Friday, we enjoyed an awesome time of fellowship with the whole family. We listened to them sing, watched them dance, “tried” to learn how to dance, and played some games. Pray that Andile will be a light to her family as she is the only one who professes to have a relationship with Christ.
Andile has been very sick. We spent 9 hours with her two weeks ago in a clinic and hospital but still do not have any answers. Pray for Andile as she goes back to the doctor on 14 March, that the doctors will know what is wrong and how to help her. Pray that she will not be discouraged but will continue to put her trust in God who is our ultimate Healer. 

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