Stick a Fork in Me

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 music, and Bible-based devotions. None of Red Hill’s soccer teams (including the under-13s, “coached” by Yours Truly) won their age groups, but I was pleased to see two of our netball teams (under-13s and under-17s) emerge as tournament champions.

Below are images from the day’s proceedings. But first, a brief list of highlights from the past four weeks:

• Working with our Teens Club has been a struggle, but God’s blessings came even in the midst of this. I’ve found the biggest challenge is conveying the idea of putting others first and “loving your neighbor as yourself.” One day in particular, the kids spent a lot of time arguing and fighting amongst themselves, and moaning and complaining to me and my colleague Kendra. But the next day they came back, sat quietly throughout the lesson and behaved like angels. It’s in times like these when I know the Holy Spirit is real, present and working in people’s hearts.

• Best quote, from Tonia, a precious 6-year-old (she’s the one pictured with the coloring sheet in the post below). One morning last week she pointed out a friend of hers doing a handstand. “That’s great,” I said. “Can you do that too?” “Yes, I can do that,” she answered enthusiastically. “Will you show me?” I asked. Without hesitating, she replied, “No, I’m too lazy.” But at least she’s honest.

• Another memorable exchange: Yesterday one of the netball players asked me if they would get anything for winning their age group. “Don’t we get a prize?” she said. “No,” I answered, “but you get the satisfaction of having won a championship.” “What does that mean?” she asked with a puzzled look. Oh well, maybe she’ll figure it out as he gets older.

• There’s a young boy named Siyema, about 3 or 4 years old, who’s a handful. He refuses to behave or listen, often running away when an adult tries to restrain him. One day he wandered over from the church, where his age group was meeting, to the metal shipping container where Kendra and I were leading Teens Club. He boldy walked right in and blew a vuvuzela at us. All I could do was shake my head in bewilderment as Kendra escorted him back to the church.

• Throughout all of this, God has been so faithful and so able to lead us through the work He prepared for us. As Christ said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). All glory and praise be to Him.