Ons werk in spanne
Mission-work is (almost) impossible to do on your own! Together, as believers, we are the Body of Christ. We need each other. My Home Church in Holland, Thousand Hills - Hilversum, sent me out. They have been an amazing support for me during my period of preparation for Africa. They support me faithful with prayer and finances. It is great to have the opportunity to speak things through with them over e-mail. They believe in me. And I believe in them. I am thankful for church life.
I don't have an 'own' ministry in Cape Town, I am part of different teams.
I was in the past 'a ministry leader' for a few months, but that position was and is not suiting me in this stage of my life.
I like to work directly with the people! I like to learn from leaders who are inspiring me!
Maybe one day... Sometimes I feel the Lord is busy preparing me for something. But at this stage I am happy with the responsibilities I get. I can see what I do has value: It impacts peoples lives and that makes me thankful.
On the end: it is not about position, but about the mission. It is Gods ministry anyway, right?
I love working in different teams! Often I see my co-workers one or two days a week. So we always have something to chat about. I really have great co-workers and we have a good understanding, mutual respect and we share the same passion.
* At Straatwerk I have the privilege to work in a growing and inspiring team.
For a few years I work now with Madri. She is around 20 years in the ministry and I learn a lot from her in the conversations we have - as well as from the rest of the team. I am thankful for our weekly meetings, where we can make decisions together. By Straatwerk we all have our roles in the process of restoration of ladies who are coming out of the lifestyle of prostitution in the weekly gatherings we have.
My role is counseling (as well in a group as well individual) of ladies who left the lifestyle of prostitution, where my co-workers addressing growth guidance, finances, health and biblical foundation.
I am very thankful I can be part of Straatwerk! It is a great organization. I get lots of opportunities to help those who are needing it. And for me... it is a safe place to grow, to develop, to get challenged and to learn.
* I am part of Two Outreach-Teams to ladies in prostitution.
In Paarl and in Bellville. (There are 10 Outreach Teams in the Western Cape, in the different areas. These teams are independent, but receive training and coaching from Straatwerk.
The Bellville Team (Name: 4exchange) is close to home. I love being part of the team, all the team members are lovely faithful people. Recently one of the ladies came of the streets and she is doing well! I am very proud of her.
In Paarl (Name: Rahab Ministry) I work often together with ministry leader Madelein. It is a special story how the Lord brought us together.
We reach out and we do follow ups with ladies who are somewhere in the process of coming off of the streets (So we do crafts, we are eating together, we playing games, we help practical, we do counseling etc.) Madelein is doing the Touching Hearts Course with them as well.
We are entering a different season in these ministries. No longer a lot of programs and big gatherings. (This was a good season: a lot of seeds are planted). We still do outreaches, but relationships flowing out of it, develop more spontaneous. At the moment we are helping women who are busy changing, by deeper, more personal contact. By 'just being' together. What a joy to invite one of them sometimes over in my home, to let them experience warmth and love, even when it is only for one night. This creates memories and hope. Even when it is still a long process of healing and lasting change.
Friends and family in Cape Town are also involved in the ministry. I get all kind of donations (clothes, shoes, creative materials, books, presents for ladies etc.)
On the picture on the left you see a lady with a blanket over her shoulders. Lovingly made by my mother in law!
* I am part of Hope Prison Ministry.
Every week Pastor Freddie and me go into prison where we take turns in leading the Bible Study and building up relationships with the guys. I am always looking forward to see the bigger team as well on trainings and meetings and braais!
All great people!
Next year I plan to join the Restorative Justice Program. A program of a week, where we work intensely with the guys, teaching them about grace, but also about the consequences of their crime. A program about taking responsibility.
I am looking forward to join in!
