A Place of Safety
(Written by Lorie)

One of the places we have been able to spend time at has been in a township called Soshanguve outside of Pretoria. For those of you who may not be familiar with South African history, a township is a place where all the black people were forced to live together during the years of apartheid (the legal separation of blacks and whites). It has been 12 years since the apartheid ended, but the townships still exist. Most of them have very limited resources with poor and unsafe conditions, many cases of HIV/AIDs, and like so many of us, broken spirits.

It has been there in Soshanguve that God seems to keep drawing us back to a children’s home called House of Joy. It was started by a loving woman named Thobile whose heart was filled with so much compassion to help children whose parents had died from AIDs and had no other place to go. She is an enormous inspiration to me. It is truly a place of safety for these twelve or so kids. All of the staff volunteer their time to help feed, care for, and love these kids. Thobile has been able to drum up some funds from local businesses to help pay for food and other necessities.

We’ve begun to know the staff and kids and have found that we have a place to serve there. Mike is using his technical skills to set the home up with a “computer center” so that the children can begin to learn computer skills. A company donated six computers (they are old, but they work!). It’s neat to see how God has gifted Mike and that he can easily and enjoyably step in and make something happen for them that would otherwise be put aside. It is a great gift that he is giving to these children as they step into the 21st century of technology!

Reed, Lacey, and Darcy enjoy seeing their new friends there, though they would like to spend more time with them outside. It is uncommon to have white people in a township, so for safety reasons, we stay inside most of the time. Reed runs around with the boys and is teaching them how to play “War” with playing cards. Of course, he wouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to help dad set up that computer system either and he is quite capable!

Darcy will make a new friend with anyone so it has been fun to watch her hold hands, giggle, or try to communicate with a couple of the kids who only speak a tribal language. The girls love to have their nails painted and make-up applied, so I bring all that girly stuff and it seems to make room for good conversations, especially with the two older high school girls. Recently, Pretty (one of the girls) shared with me about her mom dying of AIDs. There is not only sadness on her face but shame as well. So much of me just wants to wrap my arms around her and tell her that she is loved, valued, and worthy. As our relationship develops, I hope to be able to meaningfully share that truth with her.

Of everyone in our family, it seems that Lacey has made the greatest impact so far. Back in February, she pleaded with Mike and I to help her set up a lemonade and cookie stand so that she could earn money to help the poor. She made a sign, drummed up business, and walked away with $111.00! This week, we rounded up Thobile, the kids, and the staff and Lacey got to explain what she did and presented them with 700 Rand! (Rand is the local currency in South Africa.) Thobile told her that great things come in little packages. As I watched her hand over that money and saw the expressions on all their faces (with tears in my eyes!), I was reminded of how God can use anyone and in any situation to serve His people for His purpose.

House of Joy is a place of safety for these children, and I do see the joy on their faces. Thobile has committed her life to serving God there and through that has brought happiness to an otherwise destitute group of kids.

Sometimes God calls us to provide a place of safety for others who cannot provide for themselves. Sometimes we need a place of safety from things that keep us far from peace, joy, and grace in our own lives.

Psalm 71:1-3
O Lord, you are my refuge; never let me be disgraced. Rescue me. Save me from my enemies, for you are just. Turn you ear to listen and set me free. Be to me a protecting rock of safety, where I am always welcome. Give the order to save me, for you are my rock and fortress.

Is there anyone in your life right now for whom you can provide a “place of safety”? Can you identify some areas of your life that keep you restless, stressful, or guarded? Find peace and safety in Jesus who will bend down and listen to you.

Thanks for all your friendship and love!