tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59883307396439957272011-09-25T08:39:41.833-07:00"The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore." (Psalm 121:8)Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.comBlogger3011100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-65350727774839892912011-09-25T08:39:00.000-07:002011-09-25T08:39:41.846-07:00

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Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-61911505521510089012011-09-05T15:13:00.000-07:002011-09-05T15:19:20.266-07:00

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Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-24218736213700337282011-08-09T04:10:00.000-07:002011-08-09T04:10:52.026-07:00

Since moving to west-central Georgia four months ago, I've had the privilege of attending a men's fellowship group known as the Front Porch Gang. Every Thursday morning, anywhere from 15 to 30 guys gather at the home of a lawyer-turned-musician named Allen Levi. Allen's house sits on a hill, with the view from said front porch sweeping across a pretty little valley. That view alone is worth the

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-81813258115173398892011-04-06T13:21:00.000-07:002011-04-10T09:10:16.551-07:00

The Christian faith is worthless if it does not spur its adherent to action. James, brother of Jesus, said as much: “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-2142404786694587352011-04-06T13:18:00.000-07:002011-04-06T13:19:22.045-07:00

Last month I posted that I was starting a new job on Hilton Head Island. In ending that post I said, “Where God leads, I will follow.” Now, less than two months later, He has lead me to pack up and move again. Starting April 18, I’ll begin work as a copywriter in the marketing department at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. I’m really excited about the job and the location. Life has

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-58904696029967350412011-03-02T11:08:00.000-08:002011-03-02T11:11:08.503-08:00

In a world where so many entertainers are self-centered and seemingly detached from reality, here's a refreshing performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWTPUALK4Zs

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-2346491097309255012011-02-28T11:01:00.000-08:002011-02-28T11:01:21.186-08:00

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Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-26806358465139686642011-02-04T06:56:00.001-08:002011-03-17T11:11:57.899-07:00

Of the countless ways to bare one’s soul on Facebook, a feature that gained widespread use a while back was the “bucket list.” The idea was to send your friends a list of cool things you’ve done, then they could send it back and show you all the cool things they had done. At the bottom of one such list I received – which was full of all sorts of impressive globe-trotting adventures – the sender

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-13424579884123993442011-01-25T09:12:00.000-08:002011-01-25T09:12:35.874-08:00

The following is a letter to Living Hope's American ministry partners from Chairman John Thomas: I trust you all have had a wonderful Christmas and that 2011 will be a year of God’s grace to you and that you will know Him pouring out His Spirit over you in amazing ways. Thank-you for your ongoing love and support. You have no idea how much you mean to us. We don’t share our gratefulness to you

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-28847389293231728802011-01-18T07:17:00.000-08:002011-01-18T07:17:05.584-08:00

Many people have asked me what I missed the most about life in America while I lived in South Africa. Here are a few of those things, in no particular order, along with a few more I miss about there now that I’m here. Besides the obvious ones, like family and friends, the things I missed most about the U.S. were: -          American football. Rugby just ain’t the same.-          Dr. Pepper-

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-58122169481974535542011-01-18T06:57:00.000-08:002011-01-18T06:57:18.499-08:00

Now that I’ve been back from Africa for a few weeks and taken some time to process the past 18 months, here are a few observations I’ve reached: -     Spiritual warfare is real. I knew this going in, but there on the frontlines of poverty and sickness, I realized it more than ever. Christians are striving to bring the love and healing power of Christ, and Satan is actively working to oppose it. -

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-86937305129903534842010-12-23T08:44:00.000-08:002010-12-23T08:44:06.405-08:00

Before my time here was finished, I wanted to experience a bit of the “real Africa.” I love Cape Town, but it’s a teeming metropolis and has more of a European flair than anything. Not so Namibia. This week I enjoyed a short holiday in Etosha National Park, located in the northern part of the country. It’s a hot and harsh environment, and is said to be one of southern Africa’s best locales for

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-38091598192787763612010-12-23T08:35:00.000-08:002010-12-23T08:36:30.258-08:00

Last Saturday I attended one of my favorite events in Cape Town all year. Carols at Kirstenbosch draws thousands to the national botanical gardens, where the amphitheatre is set against the spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain. It’s not promoted as a Christian event, but story of the Messiah is clearly proclaimed from Isaiah through John, and traditional Christmas songs are sung by candlelight.

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-19177934487561585082010-12-23T08:29:00.001-08:002010-12-23T08:30:59.576-08:00

Sometimes a teacher wonders: Do these kids listen to anything we say? I found out last week that one of our Red Hill teenagers, a 15-year-old, is pregnant. Just five months ago she attended our annual Wait4Me concert and pledged to abstain from sex before marriage. Sadly, young girls in the townships often seek their identity and purpose from men rather than God. An older teenage boy, or maybe a

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-3937610370983046782010-12-16T12:34:00.000-08:002010-12-16T12:34:56.392-08:00

In just over a week, my South Africa adventure will come to a close and I will return to the U.S. The past 17 months have produced some of the most memorable times of my life. People ask how I feel about leaving. I find the answer is easy, but the emotions are not: My heart is split 50/50 – I’m excited to return home to family, friends and whatever God has planned in terms of a place to work and

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-41324135195980846912010-12-14T09:46:00.000-08:002010-12-14T09:46:53.092-08:00

Table Mountain has a summer “sunset special” in which you can ride the cable car to the top (and return) for half-price. What you save in cash you pay for in chill bumps – it’s frigid at 3,500 feet elevation when the sun goes down. But it’s well worth it for the views. A shout-out to my friend Natasha Hoffman for the spectacular images below.

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-63099663984071571082010-12-11T03:00:00.000-08:002010-12-11T03:03:15.859-08:00

Below are images from our Red Hill Christmas party on Tuesday. As the old saying goes, a good time was had by all – including the crazy dog Fox, who spent much of the afternoon determined to destroy every balloon on the property

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-64957622891788272402010-12-05T09:31:00.000-08:002010-12-05T09:40:11.893-08:00

A teenage mother who named her child “No Hope” – then changed it to “Jesus Is Our Hope.” A young man who began a job as a gardener and turned it into a career in health care. Twin sisters who are taking a stand for Christ in a blighted community where He is desperately needed. Through the ministries of Living Hope, God has broken despair and transformed the lives of these people and many more

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-20642505439422610152010-12-05T09:28:00.000-08:002010-12-05T09:28:29.408-08:00

Neziswa Mlahlwa has a vivid memory of her 2005 arrival in Cape Town. “I was hopeless,” she recalls. Unemployed and recently diagnosed with HIV, she faced a bleak future indeed.      Then God intervened. Neziswa visited the health clinic in Masiphumelele and joined a Living Hope support group for HIV patients. She went to work for African Hope Crafts, a shop that employs people with the illness.

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-67720216667786710972010-11-30T01:45:00.000-08:002010-11-30T01:48:29.113-08:00

Think of camels and Cape Town isn’t the first place that comes to mind. It’s not exactly the Sahara Desert. But in the South Peninsula, where I live, there’s a little shopping and dining complex called Imhoff Farm Village that’s home to three camels. For months I’ve passed by them nearly every day and always thought it would be fun to ride one. A few weeks ago I finally did so. My mount’s name

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-5825477829031053152010-11-26T09:42:00.000-08:002010-11-26T09:49:51.823-08:00

Yesterday was a Thanksgiving I’ll never forget. First, my American friends and I celebrated the feast with our South African colleagues at Living Hope. Since they are unfamiliar with the tradition, we began the festivities with a play telling the story of the pilgrims’ first harvest celebration. Then we enjoyed the Thanksgiving staples of turkey and dressing, along with some uniquely South

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-71335422054987649592010-11-21T03:53:00.000-08:002010-11-21T03:54:29.791-08:00

In Cape Town, a prevailing southeast wind blows in spring and early summer. It originates way down in the Southern ocean and arrives at the Cape Peninsula at gale force strength. It’s known locally as the Cape Doctor because of its ability to purge the area of smog and otherwise foul air. That’s the good part. The down side is it’s extremely disruptive to everyday life. Walking becomes a struggle

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-6361278869421942992010-11-18T09:46:00.000-08:002010-11-18T09:47:48.628-08:00

Last year I wrote about Totsi, a dog that hangs around during our afternoon kids programs at Red Hill. He’s a sweet dog. Fox, on the other hand, is possibly one of the most obnoxious canines to ever live. “Foxy,” as the kids call her, lives next door to the Living Hope shelter and is naturally drawn to the excitement of children running around, laughing and playing. Some of the younger ones are

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-58681214436948413902010-11-14T06:23:00.000-08:002010-11-21T03:57:45.743-08:00

A handful of venomous snake species are common to the Western Cape of South Africa. When I lived here in 2008 I saw one of them, an ornery sort called the puff adder. (Click here to read that account.) I had really wanted to add a Cape cobra to my list of wildlife sightings. Last Wednesday I got my wish. Like most people, I find snakes creepy, but I’m also sort of fascinated by them. The Cape

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-1410151139833993862010-11-11T02:52:00.000-08:002010-11-11T02:52:10.701-08:00

It’s never a bad idea to remind kids of the importance of personal hygiene. On Wednesday we gave a short presentation on proper dental care and bathing. The day ended with some one-on-one time washing the kids’ faces.

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-57784376250722053922010-11-11T02:51:00.000-08:002010-11-11T02:51:14.259-08:00

The LCC ladies again had a great time of ministry in Red Hill this week. After focusing on discipleship and leadership last week, they began a three-day workshop on Monday to help the local women with sewing and jewelry making skills. One project was to make children’s dresses out of pillowcases. Lumka Malima, a Red Hill resident and Living Hope life skills educator, said afterward, “I never

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-81893232227195190092010-11-09T00:17:00.000-08:002010-11-09T00:17:07.577-08:00

God again used the LCC team in just the right time and place today. We went to Living Grace, the ministry arm of Living Hope that serves the homeless and destitute. Cheryl shared her testimony about how God delivered her from alcohol abuse, a story that clearly resonated with a number of people in the room. Then she, Maggie and Tracy – along with Lauren and Tammy, two long-term volunteers –

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-73159315930954513222010-11-08T12:02:00.000-08:002010-11-08T12:02:48.619-08:00

This plaque is posted at the top of Table Mountain, near the cableway station where visitors arrive and depart. It’s an appropriate expression of awe that one feels on this mountain. It’s also refreshing to see God’s Word unashamedly displayed on a national park site. I have no idea if there’s anything similar in an American national park. I have a feeling if there is, we would know about it,

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-38232459480372066652010-11-05T06:08:00.000-07:002010-11-05T06:08:03.398-07:00

Peter, one of Living Hope’s support group clients in Red Hill, suffers from tuberculosis. His condition is not helped by the fact that he’s been living in a house that was about to fall down on top of him. Thanks to funding from Rolling Hills Community Church and LowCountry Community Church, Peter now has a stable home in which he can stay warm and dry. The job was done in one day using local

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-10017215400285263812010-11-05T06:03:00.000-07:002010-11-05T06:05:20.492-07:00

Typically when a team visits a community in which Living Hope works, a community-wide outreach event is held, with the hope of connecting residents with each other and with God. Last year when LCC was in Red Hill, we were hindered by rain and had to move the outreach event indoors, into a church building. Unfortunately when that happened, a number of men walked away, apparently not comfortable

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-63927033852648381352010-11-05T05:57:00.000-07:002010-11-05T05:57:24.821-07:00

It’s exciting to see how God works in raising up certain people for certain tasks. This week with the LCC team, Susie Van Aswegan led a three-day course for lay leaders in Red Hill, focusing on techniques for leading Bible studies and discipleship groups. Having grown up in Indonesia, where her parents did similar work with local leaders there, Susie has a passion for this sort of thing. Clearly

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-34932232977556079802010-11-02T11:56:00.000-07:002010-11-02T12:05:56.319-07:00

The LCC mission team is doing some tremendous work in Red Hill. Here are a few scenes from today: Tracy, Tristan and Susie helped paint the Living Hope shelter. A few local helpers joined in as well. Tracy and Cheryl did some babysitting at daycare. Susie did a great job teaching a leadership course. And Tristan had no problems making new South African friends.

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-72266343579248938882010-10-31T07:43:00.000-07:002010-10-31T07:43:45.007-07:00

It’s always good to have family in town. Last night, a team of seven from LowCountry Community Church, my home church, arrived for a week-and-a-half of ministry with Living Hope. This morning we worshipped at two churches, King of Kings Baptist and Masiphumelele Baptist. It just so happened that the annual “Noordhoek Family Fair” was today, so we had lunch there, then the team went home to catch

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-4346685619239297392010-10-28T13:01:00.000-07:002010-10-28T13:01:46.428-07:00

 

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-65858807983913508132010-10-24T03:55:00.002-07:002010-10-24T03:55:59.274-07:00

We’ve been teaching the 10 Commandments to the Red Hill kids over the past few months. On Wednesday I saw how it has impacted at least one precious child. Four-year-old Emihle was sitting next to me when a minor scuffle broke out between two other kids. I broke it up and said to them, “No hitting! Do you understand? We do not hit.” Emihle had my back. With a firm tone of authority she exclaimed,

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-66396104449720604882010-10-24T03:55:00.000-07:002010-10-24T03:55:19.730-07:00

The annual Kite Festival came to Cape Town this weekend. I wonder what Charlie Brown would think?

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-34625661424920955822010-10-20T12:51:00.000-07:002010-10-20T12:51:10.471-07:00

I have a number of favorite spots in Cape Town, but No. 1 is Kirstenbosch, the national botanical garden. Here are five reasons why: Wide open spaces Dazzling flora Interesting wildlife Access to great hiking trails ... ... leading to views like this

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-59963067365795877982010-10-15T07:23:00.000-07:002010-10-15T07:23:29.796-07:00

I really like these lyrics from the band FFH: I may never be a millionaire / Funny I don't think I care / May never see the mountain view/ I guess I don't need to I may never drive a fancy car / Or be a movie star/ But I'll be, I'll be, the light of the world If we just do as Jesus asks, to represent Him to the world around us, there will be reward enough. We don’t even need to be “superstar”

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-36505439647073488592010-10-15T07:19:00.000-07:002010-10-15T07:19:00.769-07:00

Living Hope recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. It all began in November 1999, when Pastor John Thomas of Fish Hoek (now King of Kings) Baptist Church received what he describes as a “wakeup call” at a local minister’s fraternal meeting. There it was reported that 44 percent of residents in nearby Masiphumelele Township were HIV-positive. The statistic was incorrect – it turned out to be 17

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-27961636085234758752010-10-09T07:24:00.000-07:002010-10-09T07:27:40.614-07:00

I’ve seen plenty of Cape Town’s impoverished side. Today I got a look at its rich yuppy side. The Old Biscuit Mill is a Saturday market where the city’s beautiful people go to see and be seen. I felt like I was at the Heritage golf tournament on Hilton Head, with women all dolled up in their best sundresses and guys trying to look cool while trying not to look like they were trying to look cool.

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-88857350479028098262010-10-09T06:48:00.001-07:002010-10-09T06:49:23.294-07:00

A few months ago I took a Sunday-afternoon hike in the mountains near where I live. It was a perfect sunny day and I really enjoyed myself. But on my way back, I missed a turn and walked far out of the way – so far that I ultimately had to hike down to the highway below and call a friend to come pick me up, as dusk was coming on. The problem was, I had not paid close enough attention to my map.

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-44830013270519440062010-10-03T09:20:00.000-07:002010-10-03T09:23:25.068-07:00

Pastor Jeff Cranston of LowCountry Community Church, on a recent trip to England, made some interesting observations on his blog about different terms Brits and Americans use for the same things. The same holds true in South Africa, where there is much British influence. But South Africans also have their own uniquely South African terms and phrases. Here are a few definitions: Bakkie (

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-38194112519974434252010-09-30T11:51:00.000-07:002010-09-30T12:00:58.095-07:00

As I mentioned earlier, Living Hope is hosting Holiday Club, aka Vacation Bible School, in the various communities where we work. At Red Hill, we’ve been working with the younger group (ages 10 and under) in the mornings and the older ones in the afternoon. Both groups are using a cowboy-themed curriculum, “Saddleridge Ranch.” After trying to manage 100 or so kids everyday, I feel like I’ve been

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-54001903778359259602010-09-26T07:08:00.000-07:002010-09-26T07:09:29.909-07:00

Ubuntu Sports Outreach is a ministry that seeks to reach underprivileged Cape Town kids through soccer. It was started by an American, Casey Prince, who with his wife, Sarah, moved here from Raleigh, North Carolina a year ago. Yesterday was Ubuntu’s first large-scale event, the One Valley Festival, a family-friendly event designed to bring together people from the Fish Hoek Valley’s black, white

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-40286872094475474952010-09-26T07:01:00.000-07:002010-09-26T07:01:05.683-07:00

It’s Spring Break for South African schools, which means it’s again time for Holiday Club, Living Hope’s version of Vacation Bible School. As it does every September, Nashville’s Brentwood Baptist Church has sent a team and a VBS curriculum to help us stage the event at each of our children’s clubs. This year’s theme is “Saddleridge Ranch,” where we’ll be “roundin’ up questions and drivin’ home

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-90668564794462253172010-09-22T23:05:00.001-07:002010-09-22T23:06:47.465-07:00

Water is a funny thing. It’s the primary ingredient in our physical makeup. We need it on a daily basis to stay alive. Yet it can just as easily bring destruction, illness and death (e.g., hurricanes, floods, contamination). A few years ago I was hiking in the Georgia mountains when I got caught in a thunderstorm. As I huddled under a rhododendron bush, I had absolutely no need for water. Yet

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-57311692608957392472010-09-19T03:46:00.000-07:002010-09-19T03:46:42.821-07:00

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-30597848983290947612010-09-19T03:44:00.000-07:002010-09-19T03:49:00.606-07:00

It’s been said that God never wastes a hurt. If we let Him, He’ll use the trials of our own lives to minister to others facing similar circumstances. That’s certainly been the case with one of my Living Hope colleagues, Shagmie Levendall. Growing up in the township of Ocean View, Shagmie (pronounced Shock-me) faced long odds. He was surrounded by drugs and gangs. All he knew of spiritual matters

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-30454970411881394772010-09-14T10:24:00.000-07:002010-09-14T10:28:24.963-07:00

When I see scenes of nature’s raw power, I’m often reminded of the chorus to Rebecca St. James’ Song of Love: “The heavens declare You are God … The mountains rejoice … The oceans cry Alleluia … This is our song of love.” The image above was taken in Hermanus, located about two hours to the east of Cape Town.

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-71091357218631277292010-09-12T04:31:00.000-07:002010-09-14T10:27:00.502-07:00

It’s a rainy night in Red Hill. A bare light bulb hangs from the ceiling of the aluminum shack. A carpet covers the floor, the dirt foundation peeking from underneath its frayed edges. One by one, the men file in through a creaky door and take a seat wherever they can find one in the cramped room. These humble surroundings have become home to a weekly Bible study over the past three months.

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-67107203655525632222010-09-09T00:54:00.000-07:002010-09-09T00:54:00.131-07:00

Often I wonder if the kids Living Hope ministers to are “getting it.” That is, are they really experiencing the kind of life change that can only be brought about by Christ? But even on their worst days, I think of what they would be missing if Living Hope were not working in their communities. Day after day, week after week, they are receiving sound Biblical teaching and moral values to build

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-86694861384173363282010-09-06T03:38:00.000-07:002010-09-06T03:38:35.107-07:00

Living Hope’s D.A.D. (Dollar a Day) donor initiative specifically supports the Life Skills Education program by giving individuals the opportunity to contribute financially and symbolically serve as a father to the children served by LSE staff. The LSE program reaches more than 7,500 students each year through after-school children’s and teenagers’ clubs, and classes in local crèches, schools and

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-1610587950995178682010-08-31T01:18:00.000-07:002010-09-06T03:36:29.346-07:00

The book project I’ve been working on all year has been an exercise in faith. Progress has been steady, but several questions remain unanswered. Namely, who’s going to publish it and who’s going to pay for it? No one at Living Hope assigned this to me, and even if they had, there’s no money in their budget for such an undertaking. My belief has always been this was something God gave me a vision

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-16139648265737562142010-08-29T11:54:00.000-07:002010-08-29T11:54:27.222-07:00

This Wednesday, September 1, marks the official first day of spring in South Africa. But even in winter, the country’s Western Cape region is a place of breathtaking beauty. This image was taken a few weeks ago near Stellenbosch, an area world-renowned for its wine-producing farms and estates.

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-48911934747467176352010-08-29T11:49:00.000-07:002010-08-29T11:52:23.807-07:00

Being a former magazine editor, I was intrigued and amused to read about “The Great Typo Hunt,” a project by two guys, Jeff Deck and Benjamin D. Herson, determined to rid America of erroneous public signage. According to a story by Reuters Life!, the pair – calling themselves the Typo Eradication Advancement League – drove across the country in the spring of 2008 “armed with sharpies, pens and

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-82135091244102047442010-08-26T01:20:00.000-07:002010-08-26T01:20:37.199-07:00

In her book Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert seeks healing from a divorce by going on a yearlong journey with three main stops: Rome, for pleasure; Mumbai, for spiritual searching; and Bali, for “balancing.” Now Gilbert’s story is being portrayed on the big screen, with Julia Roberts in the lead role. So monumental is this new release that TIME magazine chose to review it in this week’s issue.

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-74843852728652415142010-08-23T02:07:00.000-07:002010-08-23T02:07:16.212-07:00

Each month I get a statement from Shepherd’s Staff, the mission organization that receives and administers financial contributions to my work here in Cape Town. Every time I open it, I’m humbled by the generosity of people who have felt led to give. Some gifts are from people I know well; some are from out of the blue; all are part of God’s sovereign and faithful hand in providing for me. In 

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-67776297384420228482010-08-18T11:41:00.000-07:002010-08-18T11:44:03.162-07:00

I’m excited for my good friend Mzo Bayeni. In November he’s going to be making his first trip to the U.S., thanks to an invitation from Nashville’s Rolling Hills Community Church. RHCC is one of two American church partners in the Red Hill community where Mzo and I work; the other is my home church, LowCountry Community in Bluffton, South Carolina. Mzo will be visiting both congregations during

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-42724757403551933842010-08-15T12:20:00.000-07:002010-08-15T12:20:57.550-07:00

We showed The Passion of the Christ at our Teens Movie Night at Red Hill on Friday. With its graphic portrayal of Jesus’ trials and punishment, it’s a powerful and difficult film to watch. Clearly it got the teenagers’ attention. We started this monthly event back in May and this was the first time I didn’t need to hit the pause button halfway through and remind them to be quiet. When it ended I

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-64558236686136012462010-08-11T11:15:00.001-07:002010-08-11T11:17:17.544-07:00

I want to give a big shout-out here to Pastor Vinnie Emery and the Promiseland children’s ministry at LowCountry Community Church. When I came to Cape Town last year, I brought along a set of portable speakers and a half-dozen CDs of children’s worship songs, all donated by Vinnie and LCC. The impact of that music on the lives of Red Hill children has been immeasurable. It would be an

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-11099740806865018842010-08-07T05:36:00.001-07:002010-08-07T05:37:18.254-07:00

In researching a book about Living Hope, I continue to be amazed by God’s power to heal and restore. In addition to telling the history of this nearly 11-year-old ministry, the book will feature about two-dozen “people stories,” every one of them testifying to the loving touch of the Creator. One of my favorites so far involves Tarryn and Thorina, 15-year-old twin sisters who live in the

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-11197090528034783312010-08-02T01:48:00.000-07:002010-08-02T01:49:48.264-07:00

Living Hope’s Wait 4 Me program encourages teenagers to take a stand and commit to sexual abstinence until marriage. On Saturday more than 500 kids assembled at King of Kings Baptist Church to celebrate that commitment in a wedding-themed event that featured high-energy music, drama and a powerful message about God’s love. The guest speaker, Pastor Jeremy Kories of Ocean View Baptist Church,

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-62439858585652810452010-08-02T01:44:00.000-07:002010-08-02T01:44:36.320-07:00

This is the Silvermine Nature Reserve, one of my favorite spots in Cape Town. The reservoir is bordered by picnic areas and is suitable for swimming, and the area is full of hiking and mountain bike trails. It’s one of many reasons why Cape Town is surely one of the greatest cities in the world for outdoor enthusiasts.

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-51516972683393034942010-07-29T05:42:00.000-07:002010-07-29T05:42:17.922-07:00

On Saturday Living Hope will hold its annual Wait 4 Me event, which promotes sexual abstinence to teenagers. To attend the gathering, students must first attend a presentation and sign a card pledging to remain abstinent until marriage. From an American’s perspective, the amazing thing is that not only are these presentations made in our afternoon Teens Clubs, but also in public schools around

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-19416576928797132912010-07-26T04:37:00.000-07:002010-07-26T04:46:40.461-07:00

For all the good one can do in helping the poor, the down side is creating a sense of dependency. I see it all the time in Red Hill, where unemployment is estimated at about 80 percent yet many seem quite content as long as there are enough handouts to keep them fed and clothed. Whenever Living Hope is involved in giving something away – whether it’s food for the kids, shoes, clothing, Christmas

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-61568136272904298052010-07-23T10:11:00.000-07:002010-07-23T10:15:36.613-07:00

Last year I wrote about an incident in which I was partially responsible for a homeless woman being ejected from the shelter where I serve as a part-time volunteer. (Click here to read that account.) This week, it sort of happened again, although this time she left on her own accord. On Wednesday afternoon Annie decided to join us (for the first time) for our weekly Bible study at Living Grace.

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-42293444887620016542010-07-21T12:15:00.000-07:002010-07-21T12:29:05.938-07:00

With so many opportunities to find trouble on weekends – e.g., alcohol, drugs, sex – Red Hill teenagers need some healthier options for spending their time. To that end, we’ve begun hosting a monthly “Movie Night.” The event has been well-attended, with 30-plus kids attending each time since it was launched in May. In June we showed Indescribable, a Bible-based talk by Louie Giglio that draws

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-41584848327923054952010-07-19T00:37:00.000-07:002010-07-19T00:37:43.924-07:00

“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, or with the breadth of His hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?” (Isaiah 40:12)

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-48456662823165019382010-07-17T07:01:00.001-07:002010-07-17T07:01:26.084-07:00

A lot of international missionaries are required to learn the language of the country they’re ministering in. Fortunately for me, that’s not the case, as most of the people I work with speak and understand English fairly well. For those who don’t, I have my Xhosa-speaking friend Mzo to back me up. I’m particularly thankful for this on Thursday nights when Mzo and I meet for Bible study with a

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-73720748519228314072010-07-14T12:03:00.000-07:002010-07-14T12:03:32.976-07:00

Cape Town’s Table Mountain is so massive it generates its own cloud formations. The “Tablecloth” is the name given to the frequent layer of cloud that covers the mountain’s flat top while leaving its lower reaches bathed in sunshine. The Tablecloth was out on Monday and, as pictured here, spilled over into Platteklip Gorge, a popular hiking route up the mountain. A small window in the cloud at

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-39527046914555729952010-07-10T08:29:00.000-07:002010-07-10T08:30:49.986-07:00

The photo at right expresses the way I feel this weekend. After four weeks straight of “Holiday Club” ministry, I am worn out. But in a good way. Yesterday we concluded our month-long program with the “Two Oceans Cup,” which brought together hundreds of children from across Cape Town’s South Peninsula for soccer and netball competitions, ultimate Frisbee, arts and crafts, praise and worship

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-891577384331329612010-07-10T08:25:00.000-07:002010-07-10T08:25:52.233-07:00

Samaritan’s Feet (not to be confused with disaster relief organization Samaritan’s Purse) is a ministry founded by Nigeria native Manny Ohonme. Manny grew up dirt-poor and never had a pair of shoes until he was 9, when a visiting missionary gave him a pair. He also heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was introduced to basketball. He quickly discovered a talent for the game, which he ultimately

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-12366634972036896022010-07-07T09:37:00.000-07:002010-07-07T09:40:01.495-07:00

Down to our last week of the month-long school holiday, we’re focusing primarily on sports – soccer for boys, netball for girls, and pretty much anything that will keep preschool kids occupied. We’ve been fortunate to have a lot of volunteer help, both local and international. Included in the latter category is a team of Brazilians who are lending their soccer expertise this week. We also have a

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-60800919167996843562010-07-04T08:15:00.000-07:002010-07-04T08:15:27.043-07:00

For those who didn’t score tickets to any of the 10 World Cup venues, the Fifa Fan Fests are the next best thing. In Cape Town the Fan Fest occupies the Grand Parade, the downtown park where Nelson Mandela gave his first speech after being released from prison in 1990. With a massive high-def screen, food court, souvenir shops and capacity for 17,000 – many of them wielding the obnoxious vuvuzela

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-65567751245033828922010-07-02T07:02:00.000-07:002010-07-02T07:03:32.322-07:00

Last night I witnessed what is, unfortunately, a pretty common occurrence in South African townships and informal settlements. When too many aluminum shacks are tapped into too few electrical lines, fire is often the result. At Red Hill, a power surge crackled through a line and ended in a small one-room dwelling, engulfing it in flames and gutting the inside in about 15 minutes. Fortunately no

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-85331094122537315412010-06-30T10:42:00.000-07:002010-06-30T10:42:10.082-07:00

Despite my distaste for soccer (or football, as it’s apparently known to the world outside the U.S.), I’m well aware that the World Cup has opened some wonderful opportunities for the Church to reach out with the Good News of God’s love. One ministry that’s doing so is the International Missions Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. They have a great website, worldsoccerjourneys.com, that’s

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-15900781526295982692010-06-27T12:21:00.000-07:002010-06-27T12:21:08.883-07:00

Five random thoughts about the World Cup: 1) Sorry to see the U.S. eliminated after a hard-fought game against Ghana last night. I think my mild case of World Cup Fever is subsiding. 2) Still, I gotta root for Ghana now – for the only remaining African team to win would be a colossal upset and a fitting conclusion to the first World Cup on the continent. 3) The vuvuzelas you hear buzzing in

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-64569461821317400602010-06-27T12:18:00.000-07:002010-06-27T12:18:30.552-07:00

The more I work with children and teenagers, the more I see the depths of sin in the human heart – my own included. Sometimes I feel like I’m talking to a brick wall when teaching the teens of Red Hill. “Love your neighbor as yourself,” I’ll say. “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” Even as those words leave my mouth, one boy is hitting another, or calling names, or completely ignoring

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-69677559446474040202010-06-24T10:18:00.000-07:002010-06-24T10:22:28.793-07:00

Two weeks down, two to go – we’re halfway through our Winter Holiday Clubs, which coincide with the soccer World Cup, as children are out of school during this period. Following are a few images of the children, teenagers and even the ever-present dogs who have taken part in the festivities at Red Hill.

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-39692884485660222482010-06-21T05:25:00.000-07:002010-06-21T05:25:52.660-07:00

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Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-16098709776288322382010-06-17T11:38:00.000-07:002010-06-17T11:40:38.379-07:00

Living Hope is partnering with an Australian ministry called Fusion, which stages street festivals in impoverished communities. This afternoon the party came to Red Hill, where about 150 children and adults gathered for fun and games. We’ll be hosting the festival again in Red Hill tomorrow and Saturday, with the goal of continuing to build relationships and foster a stronger sense of community

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-19809342647003162222010-06-17T11:32:00.000-07:002010-06-17T11:32:40.221-07:00

At our Holiday Teens Club this morning, as I was waiting on one of my colleagues to gather some craft materials, I stalled for time by asking the kids what they thought of South Africa’s World Cup match last night. (The RSA, better known as “Bafana Bafana,” lost 3-0 to Uruguay.) We chatted about this for a few minutes, then one of the kids loudly proclaimed: “Al, we didn’t come here to talk about

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-60062404387164973502010-06-13T10:43:00.000-07:002010-06-13T10:43:14.108-07:00

Washington Kanyama and Bigstone Paifa are cousins from Zimbabwe. Due to political unrest and a wrecked economy in their home country, they now live in Cape Town and are members at the local church I attend, King of Kings Baptist. When I heard that these guys are expert snake handlers, I had to get a closer look. So recently we went to a local snake park, where they both work part-time, and they

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-36922278601006127162010-06-11T14:00:00.000-07:002010-06-11T14:01:09.095-07:00

The front page of Cape Town’s daily newspaper today contained only photos and a simple headline: “It’s Here.” The “It,” of course, is the 2010 World Cup of Soccer. After six years of planning, preparation and anticipation, the big party has begun at 10 venues across South Africa. The opening match, played at Soccer City outside Johannesburg, saw the host country’s Bafana Bafana – a considerable

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-56991379827723021382010-06-08T12:40:00.000-07:002010-06-08T12:41:37.337-07:00

I am shamelessly borrowing from my pastor’s blog (http://www.jeffcranston.com) here, because I really love this quote he recently posted. It’s from the late A.W. Tozer, pastor and author extraordinaire. Thanks, Jeff! “Jesus calls us to His rest, and meekness is His method. The meek man cares not at all who is greater than he, for he has long ago decided that the esteem of the world is not worth

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-83593775611480582652010-06-04T12:31:00.000-07:002010-06-04T12:35:03.543-07:00

Working with young people in an impoverished community can be awfully discouraging at times. There are days when I wonder, “Are we making any difference at all in these kids’ lives?” So on the occasions when I do see progress, it’s a real pick-me-up. Ayandiso, also known as Hennie, is one such youth who’s making some real progress. He’s one of those kids you wish you could clone, because he

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-11036819571400224432010-06-04T12:27:00.000-07:002010-06-04T12:38:16.195-07:00

Cape Town is a melting pot of cultures and thus is home to a delightful array of culinary options. There are local (Cape Malay, Xhosa) and pan-African (Ethopian, Morrocan, etc) flavors; there is much Asian influence, particularly Indian; there’s lots of fresh seafood; there’s exotic game (springbok, ostrich). Here, in no particular order, is my top 10 list of Cape Town dishes and eating

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-44732539604836308112010-05-31T02:05:00.001-07:002010-05-31T02:05:48.891-07:00

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Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-15907934169701784862010-05-28T13:15:00.000-07:002010-05-28T13:17:54.652-07:00

The Otter Trail is part of Tsitsikamma National Park, located about seven hours east of Cape Town along South Africa’s Indian Ocean coastline. The trail spans 42 kilometers and includes four camps along the way, with two huts at each site accommodating up to 12 hikers. Those are the basic facts. But facts alone can’t begin to describe the beauty of this pristine wilderness. For five days I

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-53259516088965702862010-05-28T13:02:00.000-07:002010-05-28T13:12:56.526-07:00

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Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-35050087334096895912010-05-26T12:39:00.000-07:002010-05-26T12:39:03.389-07:00

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Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-9271322605616322402010-05-20T01:24:00.000-07:002010-05-20T01:24:45.926-07:00

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Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-50195924944646604952010-05-17T03:18:00.003-07:002010-05-17T03:18:26.066-07:00

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Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-17329685628532585362010-05-11T07:17:00.000-07:002010-05-11T07:17:15.564-07:00

Emihle and Eletu are surely two of the most adorable girls ever. I’ve written about them on this blog before (see “Children of Faith,” January 20, 2010), but I just have to share this latest story. Because they are two of Red Hill’s most faithful students at the afternoon Children’s Club, I’m including them in a book I’m writing about Living Hope. Yesterday I wanted to get a comment from Eletu (

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-41892724780209499522010-05-07T06:06:00.001-07:002010-05-07T06:07:36.189-07:00

Last year when I was considering a return to South Africa, part of my vision was to help teach the Bible to men in Red Hill. The biggest obstacles to that have been identifying people to attend and figuring out a way around the language barrier (because the men are much stronger in their native Xhosa than English). Now, with my colleague Mzo living in Red Hill, both challenges have been met. Mzo

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-71993476789731368012010-05-07T05:58:00.001-07:002010-05-07T08:41:52.483-07:00

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Part of the teaching at our after-school children’s clubs this week is on the dangers of alcohol abuse. You might wonder why it’s necessary to share such information with kids as young as 4 and 5 years old. It’s because, sadly, the younger ones are just as vulnerable as the teenagers who are more typically tempted by drink. Beer and liquor is sold in the community bars (known as “shabeens”).

Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-5183783191577325542010-05-03T04:55:00.000-07:002010-05-03T04:55:24.610-07:00

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Allen Allnochhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966561850014136626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988330739643995727.post-69128674666971112502010-04-27T12:05:00.000-07:002010-04-27T12:05:53.041-07:00

As I type this, I can look across the room and count five pairs of shoes. And that’s just here in my temporary South African home. I have several more back in the U.S. A 2009 survey revealed that the average American owns 11 pairs of shoes. “Need” is such a relative term, isn’t it?

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