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May 26, 2013

Category: South Africa

October 24, 2012

Mid-trip update

by arthurstewart — Categories: South Africa, Updates, usa — Leave a comment

A few reflections upon the mid-way point of my trip around the USA, following Jesus and seeing what God just may do at any particular moment (in no particular order):

1. Being away from home has given me the time, space, and distance to see the things I love the most about life and ministry in Cape Town… moves of God, passionate Jesus-followers, a complex city in need of ongoing transformation, amazing friends. I suppose stepping back, and in many cases speaking of such wonders, gives words to things I have only taken notice of in my heart.

2. I live where I am. This was, in fact, a reason to leave Cape Town for a while – to remind me that there are also amazing friends and moves of God happening across this planet. While I am home in Cape Town, that’s my focus. You know this because if you live in Cape Town you get my attention & if you don’t, you only hear wisps on the wind of what I’m up to because I lack the discipline to stop and share the stories to my broader audience. And so, while in USA now, the same is true. I am here. I haven’t done well at telling who I am with, where I am, etc. Please forgive   – the days have been so full, full of God and amazing moments, seemingly without rest to process and share. In a way, its a testimony to just how amazing God is – changing lives, living in shared moments, filling laughter and tears alike. But admittedly I need to say more so you can see these things too!

3. Wherever two or more are gathered in Jesus’ name, he is there. I’ve had coffee with a pastor, lunch with a friend of a friend, spent hours in conversations, answered questions about the nature of God, shared dinner with another fellow traveler, met with a man about to embark on a missionary journey of his own, walked neighbourhoods, prayed life and hope with saints, reconnected with old friends, made new friends, have been reminded of parts of my past I had forgotten, discovered mutual friends, seen family, shared about South Africa with college students, sat with friends in distress, and have thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it (remember, I am slightly introverted)! But this is not wearing, it is life-giving – shared moments of the Kingdom of God, definitely changing me, and likely others along this Way. Jesus continues to fill my days.

4. I love what God has allowed us to be part of in Cape Town. That is as much true of ministry as just plain life. I am happy my kids are happy. I am settled knowing my wife feels more settled. We are in a good place. I’m reminded of that in every story I tell here, recounting how we moved and have spent the past 2+ years making a new home. Its not perfect and isn’t always easy. But it is good! We have been blessed with friends who have welcomed us into their lives, and they are amazing lives. And I continue to be amazed at how many of you pray for us, follow along with our pictures and stories, are indeed in this with us. I am greatly encouraged.

5. Things are definitely stirring – opportunities, connections, possibilities for the next few years. In some ways I can see seeds being planted, but I’m not sure what they will grow into, or when. I find myself smiling and wondering a lot. What is God up to here, with this person, with that idea? I don’t know, but live in anticipation of the day when life bursts forth from the ground. Perhaps some of these are closer to appearing than I might expect. All very mysterious, I know, but all I can see right now is movement, so I hesitate to give name to anything… yet.

6. Traveling around the country by myself and meeting with lots of people has been pretty easy (see #3 above). Not having my family with me to share in the experience and talk about what God has done in the day is difficult. It is also strange to be back in California without Melissa and the kids. I just miss them.

7. I have lived an amazing life so far! I suppose this jumps out because I have been with so many people from different parts of my past on this trip. O, if you could see the threads I am seeing, you would undoubtedly share in my awe at the hand of God over the years. It has been so good, and so healing, to look back over the years with friends. Even today I was reminded of some things I have not thought of in years. I feel like God is helping me reclaim promises, memories, and even unrecognized hurts from the past. Powerful stuff.

8. Although I don’t feel like any specific thing has become more clear (yet), I do feel so much more focused on God. I’m ok with that. I came into this trip believing I needed to go where God led and connect with the people God had for me. So far, this has been nothing short of amazing. I think God loves me enough to organize this trip only for my own sake, knowing its been exactly what I needed to grow my trust and put myself in a place of listening and depending on Him. I also think this trip is about a lot more than me, and hope I am leaving a trail of encouraged hearts behind me…

thank you friends for praying for me
thank you Jesus for loving me more every day

let’s see where the second half of this trip takes us!

August 17, 2011

My thoughts on Short-term missions

by arthurstewart — Categories: Arthur, Culture, Mission, South Africa — Tags: , , , — 1 Comment

Blog posts on short-term missions seem to be quite popular these days. I have been reading quite a bit (no links as my battery is about to run out and I don’t have time to hunt them down now), but have pretty much kept from the conversations and debates. However, a friend on facebook asked me today what I think of short-term missions, and here is what I wrote. It’s admittedly short (it was a fb comment, after all) and isn’t comprehensive, but I would love your thoughts or responses.

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.

 

July 11, 2011

Five

by arthurstewart — Categories: Arthur, cape town, God, Mission, South Africa, the warehouse, Updates — Tags: , , , , — 2 Comments

On June 20, we celebrated one year in Cape Town.

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.

April 19, 2011

Seasons – an update from the Stewarts

by arthurstewart — Categories: Arthur, cape town, Favorite Blogs, Kids, leadership, Melissa, Mission, South Africa, the warehouse, Updates — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Leave a comment

The seasons are turning. As things are warming up for those of you in the northern hemisphere, we are moving toward winter here in Cape Town. For our family, this isn’t a time for hibernation at all. In fact, there are a number of new things to tell you about…

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 28th!

“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

May this season bring good things in your life!

Arthur for the Stewart5

February 22, 2011

learning Love, sharing Love, being Loved

by arthurstewart — Categories: Arthur, cape town, Embracing Grace, God, heart journey, Kids, leadership, South Africa, the warehouse, Updates — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — 1 Comment

Today marks 8 months in Cape Town for our family. God has been very good to us and we are thankful for the ways we have been loved and supported during our transition into this new home.  Resisting the need to tell you EVERYTHING that is happening in one communication, here are a few recent highlights…

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/ (more…)

December 29, 2010

What I am doing at The Warehouse

by arthurstewart — Categories: Arthur, cape town, God, Mission, South Africa, Updates — 1 Comment

A friend was recently asking what I am doing with The Warehouse and I thought my response might be good to share with all of you as well. Always nice to blab on long enough to be able to use as an “update.”

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/

October 18, 2010

My prayer for the Church today

by arthurstewart — Categories: Arthur, Church Next, God, Kingdom of God, South Africa — 3 Comments

Jesus, I know so many people who want to serve you, to love you, to help others know and experience you.  But they butt their heads against restrictive structures that seem to actually prevent this.  Or they want to do things in ways that are just different enough that those in control (and with the finances) don’t quite get it and aren’t willing to support them.  Give wisdom to your servants who are trying to follow you and need you to give some specific guidance on how.

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.

October 6, 2010

Partnerships

by arthurstewart — Categories: leadership, Mission, South Africa — Tags: , , , , — 5 Comments

As we move toward making commitments to specific ministry opportunities here in Cape Town and seeing how that fits under a broader organization, I have been thinking a lot about partnerships.  I have to tell you, I have a love/hate relationship with partnering in its many forms.  But I am convinced that it is actually critical to my next ministry steps to do this in very specific partnerships.

Being in partnership reminds me that I don’t know everything and can’t do everything myself.  Sometimes I forget that.  I need other people who are strong where I am not.  I need other people to teach me.  I need other people to say, “let’s go” or “slow down” as appropriate.  I also believe in partnering because we are in a new city in a country that is not our own.  God is at work here in LOTS of amazing people.  Partnership says, “we aren’t the only ones trying to do something good.”  Honestly, I don’t see partnership enough.  So, part of being in partnership is living out what I say I believe and hoping that it serves as a model to others that we need less one-man-shows (especially in the Church/ministry business I am in)!  And finally, Jesus seemed to send people out in groups and pairs quite often.  Must be something to that…

I have been pretty fortunate over the years to learn a lot about myself – personality assessments, gifts tests, team styles, work styles, etc.  So, I know what I bring to a team or work relationship.  I say “let’s go.”  I see the big picture and how things all connect together.  I like to see other people do what is on their heart and can often help them move into that.  I can analyze.  I gather people for a cause.  I am a thinker.  I train and inspire.  I ALSO know that I desperately need others who can keep my ego in check.  I need people who can share other perspectives.  I need people who see how everyone is feeling.  I need people who keep it light and fun.  I need people who move quickly to action.  I need people who remind me to serve more.  I need people to remind me that’s not all about me.

Where do I see partnership opportunities developing right now?

  • helping start a new faith community with some friends here
  • helping with people already living and working in our new neighborhood (Woodstock)
  • meeting up and strategizing with others also praying/working toward a church planting movement
  • working with people who are also serious about discipleship and exploring different ways to do that
  • helping a few local ministries do what they do better
  • coaching and encouraging local leaders to follow their hearts and respond to God’s call

I can and will do none of these alone.

I do not consider this a sign of weakness or lack of vision.  Rather, I am intentionally saying, “I am here to help.  How can we do this together.”  By my reckoning, that’s the strongest kind of leadership there is.  This hasn’t always been the way I’ve operated.  But it’s how I want to be, how I believe Jesus wants me to be, and I give you permission to hold me to it.

August 3, 2010

The latest on our explorations

by arthurstewart — Categories: Arthur, Kids, South Africa, Updates — Tags: , , , — 2 Comments

A few family updates to start

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 :P   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!

July 13, 2010

One Step at a Time

by arthurstewart — Categories: God, South Africa, Updates — Tags: , , , , , — Leave a comment

An update from the Stewart family, intrepid travelers now returned to South Africa’s shores.  What has this past month brought about and revealed?

First, the pragmatics:

  • We arrived back to South Africa on 3 June
  • We spent a week and a half in Pretoria (where we had lived since 2003 before our recent sabbatical in California) visiting and reconnecting with friends there, saying goodbye to several who are headed different directions.
  • We spent a week and a half in Port Elizabeth with our friends Sean and Jean Daly.  This was the beginning of our exploration in South Africa of what “might be” as far as life and ministry on the ground.  We were also able to attend a world cup soccer match!
  • We drove to Cape Town on 24 June.  We have been exploring neighborhoods, meeting with people, and seeing if God confirms this as the place we are to settle for now.

When we left California, we went with a sense that Cape Town is where God wanted us to be.  Our picture of how this was going to look has changed significantly enough over the past year and a half that we wanted to put ourselves on the ground, ready to listen to God again.

We have three big questions we are asking in this discernment process:

  1. First, is this where we think we should BE – do we hear God’s call, do we feel at home, can we see ourselves flourishing here as a family?  Are we hearing God invite us
  2. Second, what is it that God has for us to DO  – what unique opportunities open up, fit well, excite us (especially in light of what we have experienced and learned about ourselves during our recent sabbatical)?  We’ve had lots of ideas and people in mind, and we want to see what changes or materializes once here.  In other words, God has given us pictures – now how will they become more clear?  What things in our hearts will God fan into flames?  So, we are beginning to get together with people and ministries to see what we might be part of, partner with, or start here!
  3. And the final question – how is that going to work pragmatically – who will we work with and for, how will we get paid, etc.?  We know that if this is where God wants us, it will mean something new as far as our organizational commitments.

We are stepping into a pretty big unknown for us.  But it’s our best attempt to respond to how we hear God’s Spirit’s leading.  We trust that God will guide, clarify, and provide as we continue to seek Him.  I would also point out that the above questions are in an important order.  They have kept us focused on asking questions of HOME first.  While staying at a wonderful but temporary (and small) house here in Cape Town, we have been spending lots of time looking at houses and neighborhoods.  Place is important as it will be our primary context of love, rest, and ministry.  God wants us to “be” here before we can “do” here.  Also, we have been paying a lot of attention to our family and being healthy and settled before committing to work-related tasks.  We’ve begun to see what life here will be like – places to play, school, and other daily life stuff.  I believe God is pleased with these being our priorities and has graciously allowed us to experience quite a bit in such a short amount of time.

As a result, I can tell you that we think the answer to Big Question #1 is YES, Cape Town is where we think God wants us to be for now. Within the next few weeks we will share more on what exactly that means, and our thoughts and explorations of Questions 2 & 3.  I can say that some great opportunities (both anticipated and unexpected) have already begun to surface and we are excited for what God will continue to invite us to.  In the meantime, we are starting our kids in local school and looking for a house to rent.  We haven’t got it all figured out yet, but we’re really excited!

Please pray for us:

  • that God would provide the right house in the right neighborhood and that we can move in by the end of July
  • for the process of moving our things from Pretoria, getting settled, meeting new neighbors
  • for the kids starting in a new school, new routines, new friends
  • that God would open our hearts to the people and things He has for us and discernment as we consider our new roles and how this is all going to work
  • for protection – spiritual and physical – as we live and share God’s love and ways here

Please be patient with us.  We’ll keep you in the loop as much as we can, but there are lots of questions that we are still asking – important questions.  With inconsistent internet and unsettled housing, it’s a little hit and miss as far as communication right now, but we’ll do our best to keep you updated as we go.

Please continue contacting, encouraging, supporting, and loving us – all crucially important as we begin something new.  We are thankful that YOU would take time to care for us and believe in what God is doing in and through us.
may we all be amazed with God at work,

Arthur for the Stewart5

Arthur & Arthur Paul at the Ivory Coast v. Portugal world cup match

Mairin and Melissa visited the orphanage where Mariah Breitenberg volunteers.  Mairin has also recently lost her two front teeth but we didn’t seem to have a great pic…next time :)

The boys attended a 1-week cricket camp.  Both did great and Iain won a special award for his “dedication to the game of cricket”

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