What to visit in South Africa?

Twice this year the apprentices have a week off to go wherever we want to go. So, for our local readers of this blog, what destinations within southern Africa would you recommend as places which would be great to visit? They don’t have to be large or touristy either – things which are close and slightly unusual are also good ideas.

Responding to Listening by Submerging…

What does it mean to submerge? Who do we submerge with? What happens when/if we submerge? How did Jesus Submerge? These are some of the questions we have been mulling over as we enter the Submerging posture. One of the main things we concluded is that submerging is an intentional behavior…whether you submerge where you are at or somewhere else. It won’t just happen on its own and you have to be willing to put yourself out there. But, the benefits are life giving…for you and those you reach out to.

One submerging experience we had recently was in Soshanguve, the township not far from Pretoria North. We each got to live with a family there for about 3 days. We did what they did, ate what they ate, lived where they lived, and were accepted wholeheartedly! I think it’s safe to say it was an interesting and wonderful experience for all of us. We learned many things…about them and ourselves…and came back with many questions to think through. We will continue to process this experience throughout the submerging posture.

Some of the ways we are submerging are working in AIDS advocacy, doing massage therapy for AIDS patients, helping out at the Lerato House (a home for girls at risk or living on the streets), and working with Zimbabwe refugees…to name a few. It’s an exciting time for our community. We have all been anxious to get started after listening to God and feeling called to dive into specific ministries. So…we are on our way!

Please pray for us as we journey on. Some of the things we are working through and praying about are:

• Making time to have solitude with God…for we know and believe that mission can only come after communing with God.
• Making this a heart investment
• Understanding and knowing the needs of those we are involved with
• Knowing the people instead of just looking at a “cause”
• Striving for South Africa to be home and its people our people
• Seeing and being with humanity…not just the issues
• Allowing God to work as He will. What does He want to do here/has he already done here?

Thank you in advance for you prayers and for continuing to journey with us! –the Georgia Girl

Blogging in 2008

There is some debate around blogging at Pangani. Some (like me) see it almost a spiritual discipline: a way to keep in touch with others and allow them space to journey together with us. Others wonder if blogging is a waste of time – sitting in front of a laptop getting lost in a virtual world, neglecting real-world relationships.

What both of these perspectives share is an emphasis on relationship: if you’re blogging, you’re doing it to build relationships with others; if you’re not blogging, then you’re doing what needs to be done so you can be open to your community. As long as both practices share a common goal of engaging with others, then we’re doing something to make us better human beings.

So on that note: several members of NieuCommunities have our own blogs, and you may want to check them out to follow what is going on with us. Our intention is to have one or two posts a week on the Pangani blog – if you feel starved for information then feel free to visit, in alphabetical order:

• Amanda Beam
• Arthur and Melissa Stewart
• Barbara Hillaker
• Bryan, Daleen, Kyle and Zoe Ward
• Chris Seitz
• Kellie Laurson
• Laura Wardrip
• Sarah Wooley
• The Reeds
• Roger Saner

There are other ways to connect with us that don’t involve the internet! Every Friday evening at 6 we have a meal together and then “Rhythm”: a time to connect with God through prayer and worship (in a variety of ways). This week the boys from Soshanguve are going to be leading our time together.

You could also join in our book discussions every Friday morning from 8 – 10. We’re currently reading Shane Clairborne’s “Irresistable Revolution” about ordinary people living radical lives.

Otherwise stop by any time (more or less! A phone call is also helpful sometimes: (012) 546 8438. We’re at 106 Emily Hobhouse Street, Pretoria North). We try to be welcoming and hospitable and to that end make excellent coffee. And stock micro-brewery beer. And cook good food. And tell (mostly) good jokes. And love visitors! So come on, make our day