Partner with Noks at Themba Trust, South Africa
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Themba Trust is the place where my own life was transformed by the gospel. This is the place I first learned about Jesus. A place that received and sheltered me when my father disowned me for becoming a believer. I remember when I became a believer and without a place to call home. This is where God’s goodness and mercy came alive for me. The comfort and help that I received here during that time steered me to want to share this life saving Gospel with my family and the world. This is where my heart and passion for missions was honed.
As a high schooler who lost her mom at 6, this is where I met many others from the same walk of life. Some from alcohol abuse backgrounds. Some from child headed families, some from neglected backgrounds. The majority of my schoolmates were broken and in need of a real delivering hope and many found Jesus who is hope, the way, the truth and the life.
Each year when I am back in South Africa, I always visit Themba for an opportunity to share the good news of the suffering, ever-present Savior. Thus, when I was asked to volunteer as a residential director this year, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands without a moment of doubt.
I have been serving here for 6 months. Six months of laboring in love. This place has many a times left me burned out and revived to go on at the same time. In the 6 months of my time I have seen about 20 learners getting saved. I have been asked to pray for parents and introduce them to Christ. I have also seen how the devil works hard to demolish anything that has been established in the name of Jesus. I have seen how some learners from broken families and are in need of love and attention have turned into drugs and alcohol for comfort. Out of 80 learners I have about 25 who are addicted to cigarettes and marijuana.
One specific boy whom I have grown to love and intentionally mentor as a younger brother started drinking and smoking when he was in third grade. He was the first child when his parents had a second born, they shipped him to his grandparents and only visited him once a year. He felt like he was not wanted and he didn’t matter. He has since found a Christ who sees him worthy of dying for. I wish I could say he has stopped substance abuse completely but the comfort of the Gospel has encouraged him to smoke less and work towards managing his cravings. We now run together with about 12 more who committed themselves to try and quit. Each time we are on the run, someone breaks down and the walls of barrier fall, and I get an opportunity to invite the Holy Spirit to help me minister to the brokenness. This makes me persevere.
There is also one girl who is a senior who was atheist and wanted nothing to do with the Gospel, the Lord crafted a way for me to work closely with her. This presented a chance for us to talk more about our beliefs. After 3 months of intense conversations that left her angry and wanting nothing to do with me or let alone Christ, she was saved. She is now one of the learners who openly and confidently share the Gospel with others.
There many stories of God’s power at work here, stories of the Holy Spirit delivering people and transforming lives. This gets me out of bed at 5am daily to ring the wake-up bell with so much encouragement.
There are also those who don’t care. Those who were brought to boarding school because of their behavior. They have no desire for anything but whatever pleases them. They are intentionally disrespect and have shown no care and appreciate for all that I do. They have no sense of responsibility, no adherence to the rules, no remorse, no repentant hearts! These are the ones who break my heart because I can’t get through to them. They reject all the love, attention and support I give them. These are the forgotten ones. Their parents hardly check in on them and for school breaks, they are the last to leave. How did they get here? How can the parents dump them and leave them to be our responsibility? But then again, Jesus died for them too and he wants them all in his kingdom. These are the challenges that made me want to quit. I didn’t get paid for this suffering, I am here because I am passionate about ministry and opportunities to serve, but boy this group makes it hard.
For over six months I have had no income. I have been living on gifts and support from many believers. I am raising $1000 to help support my work here, to support my family and also support some learners whom I have met here.
To break it down: $300 will go to student support, $300 will go towards helping my family and $400 will go towards my monthly bills and essential needs.
A few weeks ago, I collapsed because of a burnout. For 2 weeks, I was in bed so overwhelmed, exhausted and discouraged. But these 2 weeks reminded me that this is God’s work and I am not the savior. A third reminder in my ministry work but ever so needed. A reminder that I am not alone, and I can share my struggles with you all. A reminder that the Lord wills to provide through others too and it is okay to ask for help.
My time frame at Themba is dependent on the pandemic. I am hoping to return to the States once international travel is open. For now, I have 2 weeks to go and then I will get my Christmas break to rest and recharge before we resume again in the New Year.
As a high schooler who lost her mom at 6, this is where I met many others from the same walk of life. Some from alcohol abuse backgrounds. Some from child headed families, some from neglected backgrounds. The majority of my schoolmates were broken and in need of a real delivering hope and many found Jesus who is hope, the way, the truth and the life.
Each year when I am back in South Africa, I always visit Themba for an opportunity to share the good news of the suffering, ever-present Savior. Thus, when I was asked to volunteer as a residential director this year, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands without a moment of doubt.
I have been serving here for 6 months. Six months of laboring in love. This place has many a times left me burned out and revived to go on at the same time. In the 6 months of my time I have seen about 20 learners getting saved. I have been asked to pray for parents and introduce them to Christ. I have also seen how the devil works hard to demolish anything that has been established in the name of Jesus. I have seen how some learners from broken families and are in need of love and attention have turned into drugs and alcohol for comfort. Out of 80 learners I have about 25 who are addicted to cigarettes and marijuana.
One specific boy whom I have grown to love and intentionally mentor as a younger brother started drinking and smoking when he was in third grade. He was the first child when his parents had a second born, they shipped him to his grandparents and only visited him once a year. He felt like he was not wanted and he didn’t matter. He has since found a Christ who sees him worthy of dying for. I wish I could say he has stopped substance abuse completely but the comfort of the Gospel has encouraged him to smoke less and work towards managing his cravings. We now run together with about 12 more who committed themselves to try and quit. Each time we are on the run, someone breaks down and the walls of barrier fall, and I get an opportunity to invite the Holy Spirit to help me minister to the brokenness. This makes me persevere.
There is also one girl who is a senior who was atheist and wanted nothing to do with the Gospel, the Lord crafted a way for me to work closely with her. This presented a chance for us to talk more about our beliefs. After 3 months of intense conversations that left her angry and wanting nothing to do with me or let alone Christ, she was saved. She is now one of the learners who openly and confidently share the Gospel with others.
There many stories of God’s power at work here, stories of the Holy Spirit delivering people and transforming lives. This gets me out of bed at 5am daily to ring the wake-up bell with so much encouragement.
There are also those who don’t care. Those who were brought to boarding school because of their behavior. They have no desire for anything but whatever pleases them. They are intentionally disrespect and have shown no care and appreciate for all that I do. They have no sense of responsibility, no adherence to the rules, no remorse, no repentant hearts! These are the ones who break my heart because I can’t get through to them. They reject all the love, attention and support I give them. These are the forgotten ones. Their parents hardly check in on them and for school breaks, they are the last to leave. How did they get here? How can the parents dump them and leave them to be our responsibility? But then again, Jesus died for them too and he wants them all in his kingdom. These are the challenges that made me want to quit. I didn’t get paid for this suffering, I am here because I am passionate about ministry and opportunities to serve, but boy this group makes it hard.
For over six months I have had no income. I have been living on gifts and support from many believers. I am raising $1000 to help support my work here, to support my family and also support some learners whom I have met here.
To break it down: $300 will go to student support, $300 will go towards helping my family and $400 will go towards my monthly bills and essential needs.
A few weeks ago, I collapsed because of a burnout. For 2 weeks, I was in bed so overwhelmed, exhausted and discouraged. But these 2 weeks reminded me that this is God’s work and I am not the savior. A third reminder in my ministry work but ever so needed. A reminder that I am not alone, and I can share my struggles with you all. A reminder that the Lord wills to provide through others too and it is okay to ask for help.
My time frame at Themba is dependent on the pandemic. I am hoping to return to the States once international travel is open. For now, I have 2 weeks to go and then I will get my Christmas break to rest and recharge before we resume again in the New Year.
Organizer
Noks Shabalala
Organizer
Irvine, CA