This warrants a much longer response than I can write here, but it is such a good question that I want to say a bit…

I think short-term missions can be really good. They are good for the people who are served. Whether that is by physical help (building a well, a school, a house) or spiritual encouragement (discipleship, VBS, etc.), God’s love is being shared. Short-term missions are also good for the people who go. For many, they are exposed to more of the world. Ideally, they see God at work in other places and have the opportunity to join in what God is doing. It works against the general ignorance we have of people different from us. I know so many people whose lives were changed by being involved in trips like this – myself included: eyes opened, new opportunities explored, gifts and passions discovered, a greater sense of God’s work around the world. Who knows what God may grow in us because we have made ourselves available. And here I am now, a long-term overseas missionary!

Can short-term trips be exploitative? Yes.
Can they be largely unproductive (or even counterproductive)? Yes.
Can they be designed in a way that the “haves” need to go somewhere else to share with the “have nots” – reinforcing our own sense of superiority? Yes.
Can they give us the false sense of security and warmth because we’ve done a good deed? Yes.
BUT, none of these have to be true. Good leadership and working with people on the ground can help facilitate wonderful experiences.

When we go somewhere to JOIN in what God is doing there, I think everyone wins. We all learn. We all grow. We are all blessed and bless one another. God’s Spirit in me joins with God’s Spirit in you and amazing things can take place. We become neighbours like Jesus talks about – loving one another rather than simply offering charity.  So, if we are to go, I recommend to work with those who are there already. You are correct that they know the people, the place, the needs – far more than any well-intentioned people who hop off the plane.

As far as sharing resources… investing in Kingdom work is a good investment. I think it’s a both/and – investing in someone who is working overseas is hugely helpful to them and those they are working with. Investing in someone who is going on a trip is hugely helpful to them and those they are working with. I can’t quantify which is MORE helpful per se, although it is my opinion (and experience) that someone from a western country going on a short-term trip can often raise money more easily than a long-term person working overseas. I am also slightly biased as a long-term, under-funded overseas missionary who thinks they are a good investment

In the end, we want people to experience the Good News of God’s salvation. I suppose one has to consider and pray about which to help, how much, etc. For most of us, we support some of each, just as we give to our church as well as special needs. I also have to trust that if we are asking God and letting God touch our heart with what is on His, we respond as He leads.

When we arrived, we had the sense that this was where God wanted us.
We had pictures God had put on our heart, invitations, and questions.
We knew that being here would mean changes – city, kids’ schools, employer.
We also knew that God would say yes to all of our hearts and those of others if this was what He wanted.

So, fresh off 10-months of sabbatical and back in South Africa, we dove in….
staying at a few different houses until we found the one God had for us in Woodstock,
getting our kids enrolled in school, uniforms bought, up and ready each morning as the sun was coming up,
re-establishing insurances, phone lines, services,
seeing friends and beginning to make new ones,
getting settled,
exploring possibilities of ministry and service with people and churches and organizations,
establishing “normal life” again in a whole new place,
working at building on the things God had been growing in us,
chasing dreams,
talking with people who know God, know us, know this place,
learning,
praying,
talking,
praying.

On our one-year anniversary in Cape Town,
our family told stories, looked at pictures, and marveled at what God has done.
We have made so many friends and so many memories in this year.
We have much to celebrate and thank God for.
And we shared what has been hard, and where God has been in all that too.
Then asked God for pictures of what’s on His heart for us in the time ahead-
Growth, Stability, Unburdened, Free.

So, as far as announcements go, we are saying that
After a year, we are happy to call Cape Town home!
This is where we will be for at least the next 5 years.

It’s time to put down some roots…
We are looking for a house to rent for the long-term
Arthur Paul starts high school in January
We are solidifying commitments to ministry and church (more details forthcoming)
We will renew our volunteer’s visa next month then look at residence options
We need to strengthen our donor base
And we need your prayers for all of the above.

You can read back through previous updates for specifics of this past year.
I know this doesn’t say a lot about ministry and work,
but is more about our family and life, in slightly poetic form.
(which I hope you find is ok).

We are thankful for so many that love and support us
in South Africa and around the world.
We are honored that you are with us,
and please stay with us,
because we are only getting started

Amen.

Iain’s baptism

Iain was baptised on March 12! He invited quite a few friends to join us for this special time and it was a true celebration of God in his life. Iain did a great job sharing about his commitment to following Jesus and says he is glad that each person in our family helped with scriptures and blessings for the day. Thank you to everyone who has prayed (and continues to pray) for our children with us – God is doing such amazing things in their lives.

Grandpa Lee’s visit

Melissa’s dad – Lee Liddle – visited us for the first two weeks of April. We had a lot of fun introducing him to our new city, neighbourhood, the kids’ school, and friends. It was hard to see him go, but we are thankful for the time together. I think the kids are already talking about the next time Grandpa comes to visit.

Melissa’s latest

When I was younger I always pictured myself having both a career and a family, but was naïve about HOW I would do it all!  During our last year and a half with NieuCommunities in Pretoria I realised that I had been operating beyond my relational capacity for quite some time.  So, I have been seeking a new vision about how to live as a Jesus follower who is a wife, mother, friend and neighbour.  Since returning to South Africa I have been hesitant to take on significant ministry commitments outside of our home and the kids’ school community.  Thankfully, God understands me fully.  He has surrounded me with caring, welcoming, like-hearted people who are beginning to become wonderful friends and mentors.

I have joined a weekly prayer group currently consisting of women who previously worked for The Warehouse, but have stepped back from those roles in order to be present with their children.  A couple of moms from the kids’ school and I have begun walking for exercise one morning a week in a nearby park.  I even enjoy most of my regular household duties while the kids are away at school, primarily because I get the house all to myself and no one is saying, “mommy?”  I am also able to get to the gym for a class or two each week (I can flex my triceps now;)

Tomorrow I begin volunteering two hours a week at my kids’ school with a non-profit organization called help2read (http://www.help2read.org).  Currently there are about 500 volunteers in over 125 schools in the greater Cape Town area.  I have been assigned two students who I will see one-on-one for 30 minutes twice a week.  As an early childhood educator I resonate with help2read’s child-centered philosophy and am thrilled to have an opportunity to help children learn to love books and become confident readers.

Leading worship & blessing leaders

The last few months have been very fulfilling for me (Arthur) as I’ve had the opportunity to lead or coordinate the morning prayer and worship times at the Warehouse (http://warehouse.org.za/). Each morning, we gather for an hour with God together – absolutely necessary for those working in the difficult realities of poverty and injustice. We believe that our direct encounter with God is THE thing that connects our hearts with God, shaping us more into the image of Jesus and giving us God’s heart for those all around us. It’s just one of the ways I get to pour into the lives of these amazing leaders. In the upcoming months, I will turn more of my attention to working with local church leaders. There is such a huge need here to care for, encourage, and listen to pastors. These men and women are given the responsibility of guiding God’s people, yet who looks after their hearts? Because the Warehouse’s mission is to serve the church in its response to poverty and injustice, one way we can help them is by ministering to their leaders. Please pray for me as I move into this important (and exciting) role.

A great way to keep up to date on what God is doing through the Warehouse is to sign up for the newsletter mailing list: http://warehouse.org.za/newslettersignupform

Mairin is turning 7 on April 28^th!

“We are going to have my birthday party at a park. My friends and I are going to play and have a cake with butterflies. I am very excited to be seven ”

Arthur Paul high school update

“I’ve sent in all of the applications and am waiting for a reply from either. It’s pretty boring just waiting for news :/” – AP.  Just a note to say thank you to everyone for praying with us through the high school visiting and application process. We have applied for two schools and will hear back in the next month or two on acceptance.

We are missionaries

God has asked us to live in Cape Town, South Africa, and we have said yes to this and all that He asks of us. We are sent and supported by churches and individuals who believe in us and are investing in the Kingdom work we do while partnering with and working for local ministries. We need prayer, encouragement, and financial help to do this. I point this out because while many are encouraged (inspired?) by what God is doing with our lives, they don’t know that we raise our own support to do this. Maybe God wants you to be part of this with us. If you are feeling a nudge, email me.

Two links for you to check out

• Andrew Breitenberg – friend and neighbour who is sharing good news through street art here in Cape Town http://breitenberg.wordpress.com/
• Different church – a blog I have begun to share some thoughts on faith community possibilities (please subscribe!) http://differentchurch.wordpress.com/

May this season bring good things in your life!

Arthur for the Stewart5

Learning to Love God

My friend Myra Perrine wrote an amazing book called “What’s Your God Language?” that we have found really helpful over the past few years. The basic idea is that each of us is created somewhat uniquely in the way we love God most naturally. In discovering our “God Language,” we can grow in the intimacy of our relationship with God as well as appreciate and help one another as we engage God together. This is powerful stuff when we bring our hearts before God this way.

Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of walking through this with the staff of The Warehouse. For many, it was a new way to think about their love relationship with God and how to live out this love best.  For others, it was an opportunity to take time to evaluate the current state of their relationship. For everyone, it was a special time to see the amazing diversity God has brought together in this team and I believe it will only make us stronger as we continue to seek to serve God here in Cape Town.

I love being able to teach in the context of a ministry community where we know one another and are able to practice what we are learning together. I am also thankful for the opportunity to help train Christian leaders here in South Africa in ways that are both life-giving for them and impactful in the local church. Leaders that know their own hearts and focus on their own relationship with God will be able to help others. Several people have mentioned wanting to use this with their church or home group. May God be glorified as His people know and love Him more.

If you are interested in learning about how you are created to love God or how to shape your life to best connect with God, I’m glad to tell you more, answer any questions, and highly recommend the book What’s Your God Language?

Church Renewal and new Churches

God continues to speak His call for us to help people plant churches here in Cape Town. An interesting part of this journey has been ongoing conversations with several friends about what it means to be the church and how we can faithfully respond to God’s call for life-changing community.  There is a growing momentum for a church plant among some really Jesus-loving people and some others who are seeking God but need something new. I am also excited about a particular local pastor who also has a vision for planting missional communities as a way to renew their own church and as part of a network of new churches in Cape Town. We are beginning to pray and dream together for church expressions that allow people to experience Jesus in life-changing ways – especially in ways that are needed here in South Africa. Please pray with us for new churches and growing disciples in Cape Town. I have just started a new blog to share some thoughts on the subject and would love for you to check it out and subscribe. http://differentchurch.wordpress.com/

Lecturing

I am taking a break from teaching courses at Cornerstone this current term. This is primarily due to the load I have taken on at The Warehouse and needing to put a lot of effort into what God is doing with me there (read about what I am doing on http://www.stewart5.net/2010/12/what-i-am-doing-at-the-warehouse ). However, I am scheduled to lecture the following courses in the upcoming in terms:

• Character of Christian Leader
• Constructive Conflict Resolution
• I am also considering teaching an intensive course with some coworkers on Reconciliation through Changed Relationships

These are all subjects that are dear to my heart and important here in South Africa. In each case, we have the opportunity to shape students from this country and across the continent to be leaders different than the norm – ones who model a passion for Christ and deep dependence on God that leads to serving and changing our world. In future updates I will tell you more about some of the individual students I am coming to know and love.

Iain is going to be baptized

Our middle child wants to be baptized J Praise God for Iain’s tender heart and desire to declare his faith and share his commitment to following Jesus with others.  Iain has made a list of people he wants to invite and we are making preparations and setting the date for the next few weeks. Pics to come…

AP going to high school next year!

Gulp.

In SA, there is no middle school.  Primary school ends in grade 7 and High school begins in grade 8. Arthur is currently in Grade 7 so we are busy looking at local high schools for January. This is a big decision! Unlike public school in America, you must apply to high schools here. Also different is that public school is not free. This is true for all grade levels, but the cost really goes up in high school.  We would appreciate your prayers as we ask God where He wants AP (and potentially Iain and Mairin down the line) to be in school the next several years. Please also pray for him as he writes essays and goes for interviews.

For more Pictures

Melissa is our primary picture taker and online poster. I know most people really enjoy pictures, so make sure to visit our shutterfly site and subscribe to get updates. http://stewartdot5.shutterfly.com/

I think a tiny bit of history on The Warehouse might be good to begin. The Warehouse was started several years ago by local Christians who felt that their churches could do a better job addressing issues of injustice and poverty together than alone. Obviously South Africa has overwhelming problems with things like HIV/AIDS, race issues, unemployment, lack of education, etc. As Christians, we know that God cares about these and all the issues that keep people from living in the fullness of Christ. These aren’t just “social problems” – they have spiritual components and there is opportunity for a uniquely Christian response. It is important to note that the Warehouse is not just one among many NGO’s feeding the hungry and caring for orphans and important things like that. The mission of The Warehouse is to come alongside the local church as it lives out its calling, particularly related to these types of needs. This takes place in lots of ways – training church teams to care for their neighborhoods, equipping (and in a few cases sending) leaders, sponsoring events to bring Christian perspective on issues, fostering relationships across economic and racial lines, helping churches partner with one another to meet needs. Things have evolved over time as far as how it all gets expressed (and what area local churches need help with), but at present there are about 30 staff working in various neighborhoods and with about one hundred local churches.

My connection with the Warehouse came though a few different people I have come to know in our years here in SA. I really liked what I knew of their staff and their hearts and approach to Kingdom ministry but had never been able to spend time with the actual ministry itself. Before we came back to SA, it was one of the local organizations I thought would be good to connect with in Cape Town. When we arrived, I contacted friends there and began volunteering a couple days each week to get a better feel for how they work. After a while, I began mentoring a few of the staff and through this process God began to speak to both me and them about a long-term role for me.

I am now moving into the role of heading up the spiritual formation for the organization. Basically, that means I will be helping with caring for and training the staff – a combination of full and part-time people who are all working alongside local Churches in different ways. This includes areas of corporate and individual discipleship, mentoring, ministry training, retreats, Bible teaching, and prayer. I will also be planning/leading the daily prayer and worship times for the staff and volunteers. I am also involved in expanding the ways we serve local churches and pastors and am part of the leadership team. “Last,” I am helping plan a one-year internship for a few young local leaders. In many ways, I am doing a lot of the types of things I did with NieuCommunities, but primarily with local people and leaders through this wonderful community. I am able to use my gifts and many of the pictures God put on my heart before coming are found here. At present, I am considered 4/5 time at the Warehouse. I won’t go into the other things I am involved with here locally (lecturing, church planting, mentoring leaders) because this is already too long and this is specifically about the Warehouse (although it would be good to write about each in future updates). But I will say that the combination of ministry opportunities seem to fit well together and have enough cross-over that I am not being overwhelmed.

The Warehouse is a great place for me to work with amazing leaders who are doing significant things to shape the Church in South Africa. I am glad to be among humble and loving people that are committed to strengthening the Bride of Christ like I am. I believe they are one of the organizations God is using to raise up and strengthen His church in this country and continent. I hope this gives a better picture of what the Warehouse is about, how I am involved, and how it fits with our overall ministry calling.

http://warehouse.org.za/

When you hurt, it’s ok to cry. It’s what we’re meant to do! I think, “don’t cry” is one of the worst things to say to a child who has fallen and scraped her knee. Yes, cry! You are hurt, and I know you are hurt because you are crying. Now, we can do something about it together. May I never again hide or dismiss pain – mine or yours – physical, emotional, or spiritual. God doesn’t.

It’s ok to be strong. Yes, persist through difficulty. Run hard and fast and long. But it’s ok to rest when you need. And it’s ok to cry when you hurt. Jesus did. We can too.

You want to get in
You have tried to get in
Someone has even tried to help you
But you are still locked out.
Now what?

what if the bank wasn’t a bank, but a school?
what if it was a hospital?
what if it was a professional job?
what if it was a church?

and you remain ever on the outside looking in

written as part of a synchroblog on seeing through the eyes of the marginalized

Here’s a list of all the contributions for this month’s synchroblog:

Kathy Escobar – Sitting At The Rickety-Card-Table-In-The-Family-Room For Thanksgiving Dinner

George at the Love Revolution – The Hierarchy of Dirt

Sonnie Swenston – Seeing through the Eyes of the Marginalized

Wendy McCaig – An Empty Chair at the Debate

Ellen Haroutunian – Reading the Bible from the Margins

Christine Sine – Seeing through the Eyes of the Marginalized

Alan Knox – Naming the Marginalized

Margaret Boehlman – Just Out of Sight

Liz Dyer – Step Away from the Keyhole

John O’Keefe – Viewing the World in Different Ways

Steve Hayes – Ministry to Refugees–Synchroblog on Marginalised People

Andries Louw – The South African Squatter Problem

Drew Tatusko - Invisible Margins of a White Male Body

Cobus Van Wyngaard – Addressing the Normalized Person

Tom Smith – Seeing Through the Eyes of the Marginalized

Alan Knox – Naming the Marginalized

And I know your people are tired a lot of the time, and they just want a place to rest when they come together.  But I’m pretty sure you want more, you’ve designed us to be more, you’ve called us to be more.  I am so hopeful and excited about what can be.  And I am glad that there are many – many – who want to be who you want us to be.  Help them be obedient to your call.  Help me be obedient to your call.

Jesus, you are the head of the Church, your body.  Lead us – we submit to you.  We are also your bride.  Grow our love for you.  And thank you for loving us!  May your love and guidance bring us new life.  Restore health. Bring us back from the dead.  Birth new churches.  They may not look like us, but may the look like you

So that you may be glorified.
Amen.

Groote Schuur Primary School – the kids have all worked back into the regular rhythm of school life here.  We have moved back in the middle of the SA school year, so AP, Iain, and Mairin have jumped ahead half a year to the middle of 6th, 3rd, and 1st grades.  Academically they are all dong fine, so most of our attention is on making friends, learning new subjects (the Xhosa language, for example), and extracurricular activities like ballet, cricket, and water polo.

House – After much prayer and house-hunting, God has given us the house we have been looking for!  We will move into 2 Devonshire Rd. in Woodstock on 1 September… pics to come then.  We are thankful to have a place in the neighborhood God has put on our hearts, space to have people over, and a place to call home again.

And last – but certainly not least – Arthur Paul turned 12 on 1 August.  He is getting old, and so are we   We love and are so proud of Arthur.  Can’t wait to see what this year has in store for him.

exploring:

As you may remember, we returned to South Africa with several pictures on our hearts, all of which are part of the bigger dream to see an amazing movement of God here in South Africa: living/sharing God’s love in our neighborhood, helping people know and experience God in creative ways (esp. those who are often overlooked), mentoring young leaders to be the people God has created them to be, helping local ministries and NGO’s, and being part of a network of local and global Kingdom practitioners.  And of course, we always want to leave room for whatever else God has in mind!  Quite soon after returning, we felt God confirmed that He (and we) desire us to be here in Cape Town.  Now, we are exploring what that looks like.

Securing a house is key to a neighborhood presence.  We look forward to settling in, getting to know the people around us, and seeing what God is up to in Woodstock.

I have been asked to lecture part time at the Cornerstone Institute – a small Christian college here in Cape Town.  I will teach one class starting in September and it looks like there is opportunity for more in the next year.  This should be an excellent opportunity to help shape young local leaders through teaching and mentoring.  I am especially glad to work with many who come from less advantaged backgrounds who often aren’t able to get quality education and training.

I am also spending time at the Warehouse.  I have come to know this ministry and several of their staff over the past several years in South Africa.  They are a great bunch of people seeking to help the local church address issues of poverty and justice.  Right now, I’m just helping out where I can and asking God if this might be a place for me/us to connect with more deeply.

And finally, I’ve been busy meeting up with all sorts of fantastic people here who are serious about seeking God’s Kingdom.  I think there is a need for more intentional relational connection so that all these faithful servants can share, encourage, and pray for one another as part of the bigger picture.  Wherever two or more are gathered…

who/how?

As you can see, we are busy exploring possibilities and seeing how the pictures on our hearts come into focus or adjust.  Like I said in our last update, staying in Cape Town means leaving CRM.  So, another part of the equation is: who will we be part of as we pursue God’s calling here in Cape Town?  This is important for several reasons – two of which are especially worth mentioning here.  First, we don’t want to do this alone.  We want to work with/for others who have similar heart/values as us.  Also, we want the people who support us (financially and otherwise) to know that we are being cared for and operating as part of a legit organization!

Over the next several months, we will be talking with local and international organizations to find the best fit (and yes, we are open to your suggestions here).  We will end our commitment to CRM on 31 October and need to have something in place before then.  We will let you know as things progress.

If you support us financially, please keep giving through CRM until we have notified you of new arrangements.

For now, a few of the things we are doing to make sure we are covered…

• We have an intercessory prayer team that receives regular email updates and is committed to covering us in prayer.  Thank you to everyone who is part of this team.  And, if you’d like to be part of this group, please email me.
• We are starting a CARE TEAM.  Beyond prayer, we need people who take the initiative to encourage us, communicate with us, and check on the state of our hearts.  If this is something you enjoy doing, would you consider being part of this ministry to us? Feel free to email me your interest, any questions, or suggestions!
• We are plugging into local relationships and communities.  A few are mentioned above and we’re busy discerning what we will be part of here in Cape Town.  We also have an older couple committed to helping us process our ongoing heart journeys.

you (yes, you)-

Please keep praying for us
Please keep supporting us
Please let us know if you are interested in being part of our prayer team or care team
You are loved by us if you are reading/receiving this!

The next 3 weeks

• We are having a goodbye party this Saturday (15th) in Fresno!  It’s on open house, come by whenever, stay as long as you’d like deal 12:00-5:00.  Here’s the event link on fb or contact me if you want details.
• We are speaking at Friends Community Church (Fresno) this Sunday morning, then having a birthday party for the boys in the afternoon (including Arthur Paul’s baptism)
• Next week will be our last week in Fresno
• We are heading down to SoCal May 22-30. We will be at Foothills Community Church (Pasadena) on May 23. We have some people to visit and a few fun things to do during the week, but if you would like to see us, let me know and we might be able to make it happen
• On June 1, we are getting on an airplane and flying back to South Africa

June and July

We will spend two months (June and July) discerning God’s call for our family to be in South Africa. This is what we have felt for some time, and now we need to listen together on the ground. Is Cape Town the right place for us now?  We also want to reconnect with lots of friends and colleagues. By the end of July, we will decide if we are staying in South Africa or if there is a better place for us. If we stay, we will be leaving our current missions agency to partner with local people and ministries.  If we are leaving, we will say goodbye to South Africa and join an existing Church Resource Ministries team outside SA.

That’s the pragmatics.  But what is this Cape Town thing all about?  Very simply, we want to see people – ourselves included -  live the lives we were created to live. We believe the God who created and loves us makes this possible as we follow Jesus and allow his Spirit to continually awaken our deepest hearts and freeing us to become the amazing, beautiful, different, yet TRUE US. We also believe that we need each other to help us be different and together make a difference in our neighborhoods and world. This can take place LOTS of ways, so here’s where praying and exploring and asking God: who God has made us to be + our experiences, skills, and desires + the realities and needs of our family + the people and place we think God is calling us to be with = WHAT?

We think it might look something like this for us:

Living in a diverse neighborhood, loving neighbors, bringing people together. We are feeling the Woodstock neighborhood in Cape Town could be the one because of friendships we have there, its urban/cosmopolitan needs and opportunities, and the way we can picture our family living and flourishing

Helping people (particularly those who are often overlooked or left out) connect with, experience, and grow in God – especially in new, different, and “outside the box” ways that help change lives… one-on-one, ongoing groups, events, etc.

Working with local non-profits, ministries, and churches through teaching, training, and lending a hand – we want to help others who are also making a difference

Encouraging and equipping local leaders to have a reaching and lasting impact on their communities, especially through new and different types of faith communities

Participating in a regular friendship with other local and global practitioners – finding ways to collaborate for greater impact and strengthen one another in our journeys of following and serving Jesus

Oh, I could write so much more here, but this will have to do for now.  This was, after all, supposed to be an update – not a presentation! This is what we are going to explore. We will be in the place. We will be with the people. We will see what what God does and says. We are trusting that the specifics and next steps will become clear in the process.

Here’s where you come in!

1. Pray for us – now as we wrap everything up here (craziness, I tell you) & and as we listen with God there.  We will be updating/reminding you throughout
2. Do it with us – stay in regular conversation, find ways to help, support our family in this ministry with some monthly money, love us.  I feel a little weird asking for these, but know we need them!

More to come, but figured this would give you a little to chew on for now.
with love,
Arthur for the Stewarts