Hume International Ministries

The energy of the team was fading fast. It was decided that Sunday would be a day of rest and relaxation. We started with an outdoor church service, followed that with a game drive and left the rest of the afternoon for hiking, sleeping or just plain ‘vegging’.

God is so good. The evidence of this has been overwhelming to me on our journey to South Africa. Sometimes we see his goodness in the way he rescues us from trouble. In our case, he has shown us in the way he has kept us from any trouble. I mean, this is my first trip abroad and, aside from the travel time, I just couldn’t imagine any better situation. I am constantly in awe of our beautiful surroundings, the perfect weather, and just the opportunity that we have to work hard to make a difference in a place that shares of His goodness and love with so many kids. God is making it so easy for us to be positive and to be filled with His joy. And we most definitely are!
- MARCO GONZALEZ

Today we are taking a break and enjoying a Sabbath day. We have been going non-stop since Tuesday morning, when we began our travels. Throughout this time, I have been learning patience. First, with the three flights that totalled 22 hours. Secondly, God is teaching me patience through the work that has been assigned to me. It seems that every job I’ve done has required slow movement and a lot of time to complete. Another thing God has shown me is that, even though I’m halfway around the world, I can find people who have the same relationship with God. He teaches them the same things that he teaches me. It’s absolutely amazing. I know that God is not going to leave us the same people that we were before this trip.
- SARA RUPE

Some team members opted for a trip to town to help with grocery shopping. Great insight into local culture is obtained by visiting the local butcher, baker (but alas, no candlestick maker).

The Leadership Centre is just one aspect of the family operations. Late Friday afternoon we took a break from our labors and headed to Moolmanshoek proper. The two “for profit” industries of the property are a 22 bed eco-tourism lodge and a breeding/training facility for 250+ horses.

There is no better cure for jetlag than a good day of hard work. We outlined our project goals: kitchen remodel, bamboo fence removal, covered storage fence adjacent to the kitchen, and structural repair of a gazebo. From there we divided the team and began our work.

We left our hotel for LAX Tues morning @ 4:45AM and arrived at the Centre @ 4:00AM on Thursday morning. Our total travel time was 38 hours. After catching a few hours of stationary sleep, we met for Brunch @ 10:00AM. That was followed by a short tour of the facilities and ministry.

The northern California portion of the team drove 5 1/2 hours to LA on Monday night. We spent the night at the Travelodge just down the street from LAX. After waking at 4:15AM we loaded our bags onto the airport shuttles and headed for check-in. I am amazed at how complicated that process always seems to be. In any event, we received a blessing – we only had to pay overage fees for three bags instead of four! Thanks, God.

 

We have finally made it to LAX. A little confusing at first as self check-in means that 18 of the 20 people checking in need assistance from 2 airline employees working the counter. But, patience paid off, literally. Northwest waived one of our overage fees and saved us $50.00. Thanks, God.

Our next challenge – 50 minutes to change planes for an international flight in Minneapolis.

We are just a few days from our next trip. We are headed to the central part of South Africa this time. Moolmanhoek Leadership Centre to be exact. Our focus is to invest in this ministry’s effectiveness by remodeling their camp kitchen. Much of their ministry is relational. Students are heavily involved in meal preparation, much like Wildwood. We hope to provide them with a facility that is conducive to discussion and a positive work environment.

Our second goal is to assist a small church as it seeks to evangelize and disciple the local township. We are planning an afternoon of Hume style rec for Junior High and High School students. We will also do a little balloon art for any of the young children who happen by. We aren’t quite sure what to expect in terms of attendance. it could be 12 or 1200. That’s why we walk by faith! We do hope to raise the visibility of that particular church within its community.

Our team is 14 members strong. We are a varied group. Our youngest being in their early 20′s and the oldest being in their late 50′s. We have college students, grandmas, grandpas, a firefighter and a retired police officer. Two left on Wednesday to do advance work for the rest of us. Mitch Diehl had a little passport problem in London. They weren’t going to let him on the plane to Johannesburg as his passport was due to expire within six months. Tim Burch (aka Pops) turned white at the prospect of having to continue on alone. After an appeal to a manager and a review of the regulations, it was determined that 30 days was indeed the expiration deadline, not six months.

Since landing in Johannesburg the two of them have been able to find just about everything we will need. The only exception being sandpaper which costs about double the US price. So we’ll be bringing that with us. They have had thunder and lightning storms but have been able to avoid getting wet so far. They head to Moolmanshoek tomorrow (tonight) and then to various locations to pick up necessary machinery.

Internet at the campsite cannot always handle the uploading of photos and such. We may have to take a few trips into town to keep you updated. We’ll do our best.

PK