Melissa is really good about taking and posting pics of our family. She created a companion site to this one on shutterfly. I recommend you check it out and subscribe to receive updates when she does updates there.
http://stewartdot5.shutterfly.com
Category: Updates
January 11, 2012
December 28, 2011
year-end update (and check out the new website theme!)
As we close out 2011, we are thankful for so many things. After relocating to Cape Town the previous June, this year was about settling in. School relationships, houses, ministry opportunities – submerging into the spaces God had opened up. We thank God for being so present during this transition. We thank God for His consistent and sometimes surprising provision. We thank God for introducing us to so many “people of peace” (Luke 10:5-6) here in Cape Town – those who have welcomed us, been open to the Gospel, and connected us to ways and relationships where God is at work. We thank God for allowing us time with our families who have visited and enabling us to stay well connected to several family members currently battling with significant illness. Finally, we are thankful that God continues to love and grow us as a family and each of us individually as we live seek Him.
I have also been reflecting a bit over these past weeks on the nature of our work. So much of it is helping others discover and live out whom God has created them to be – salvation, freedom, discipleship. As such, the tangible results we see are not “ours” to claim as they come to fruition in others. Yet we know God has used us to play a crucial role. And there is something so healthy about this – not being able to call the work of God as our own. God sees this work and says, “well done.” AND this year we have been blessed by so many others who have seen our lives and ministry and joined us with Amen!
In this update, I want to point to a few milestones from the year that I think you will be excited to hear as a friend who has been interested in our lives and ministry. These are some of the things we’ve been involved with that may not have appeared in other newsletters or updates, but are significant and indicative of the ministry we are involved with here. So, family updates and things we’ve been learning will appear elsewhere…
Get-togethers with Jesus friends
I’ve written quite a bit in other places (esp. at http://differentchurch.wordpress.com) about the need for different types of churches to reach people here in Cape Town. What I haven’t written a lot about is the church we have been planting this year. It really came about as God’s burden on our hearts for something to help people experience God in life-giving ways intersected with several people who desired the same. A few key people wanted refreshment in their own walks with Jesus and were not part of local churches for various reasons. There are also others who have little or bad experience with formal church, but still have a spiritual hunger for something. We’ve prayerfully got things going this year – meeting every-other-Sunday in homes. We’ve spent a lot of time this year on stories – sharing our own stories, wrestling with Bible stories, listening for God in action stories. Pretty simple really! A significant part of this group is children and it’s been quite a joy to incorporate each of them into experiencing God. Just recently, one of the moms wrote about how refreshing it was to sit outside and talk about God together in the midst of the creation with children coming in and out of the conversation, playing, and experiencing God’s people gathered in such a normal and beautiful way. As we move into 2012, we feel God calling us to now increase the intentionality and give more opportunities to help one another’s discipleship. I promise to write more about this church plant in upcoming months.
The Incubator at The Warehouse
I’ve done a lot of work with The Warehouse (http://warehouse.org.za) this year – a local ministry helping churches address issues of poverty and injustice. I sent a communication a few months ago with quite a bit of how I am helping The Warehouse. Something that has been developing more recently is my work with the Incubator. The Incubator is a Warehouse strategy to help churches identify responses to specific needs in their community – part “research and development” and part “birthing room” – we help churches get their own projects and ministries up and running. This can be through training, helping churches connect with other churches or resources, or assisting in the systemic/logistical needs of these ministries. Churches here often lack the experience or resources to do all this themselves, so we are able to come alongside them as they serve. My role is primarily to help with training, discerning next steps with these ministries in their growth, and finding the ways the Warehouse can bless them most. Currently, we are helping nurture church-based ministries for orphans and vulnerable children, those who have experienced trauma, high-risk youth, an informal settlement, and teen mentoring. You can read more about these here: http://www.warehouse.org.za/index.php/site/overview/C3
Fusion
Fusion is one of the ministries in The Warehouse Incubator. Fusion is a ministry to high risk youth in one of Cape Town’s largest townships called Mannenberg. Drug abuse, cyclical poverty, and gangs are a normal part of life for those who grow up in Mannenberg. The Fusion team are working in the community to find new possibilities for young people with Jesus (http://www.warehouse.org.za/index.php/site/articles/C16). During the past several months, I have had the privilege of working with The Fusion team to better understand what church can look like for the teenagers they are reaching. What are churches to do with gangsters and drug addicts? How can they as a team live as a different kind of community that is attractive and healthy for those they are working with? How can they model and call others to a way of following Jesus that is a beautiful alternative to the life many of these high-risk youth have experienced? This team is living and working in a very hard environment and I have loved talking, praying, and walking with them. They are living out Jesus’ mission here I trust they are doing so a little more effectively and healthily as a result of my training with their leadership.
Missional Cape Town
Cape Town needs a movement of churches – passionate followers of Jesus, seeking God’s Kingdom and living and sharing the Gospel. In a city this diverse, that will take lots of churches, especially those willing to go out, to minister with, to be among – rather than sit and wait for others to show up on Sunday morning! I am fortunate to know a number of people who have heard God’s call and want to start new expressions across the city. We have begun to meet monthly for training, connecting, and supporting one another. It’s actually been so much fun to get together with like-minded missional leaders and we are asking God has we can do more this upcoming year. There hasn’t been a network like this up until now, so I believe it’s significant though only in early days. One of the guys is blogging his journey with church here: http://www.unlearning.co.za I am also working more intensely with St. Peter’s Church in Mowbray (http://www.stpetersmowbray.org.za) – a very old church with a new vision for reaching it’s neighbourhood. I LOVE helping a church that wants to be renewed and have been meeting with the church leaders to figure out what that looks like for them. Melissa has also recently become involved in helping those working with children. St. Peter’s also provides us local accountability, prayer, and backs our missionary work here in Cape Town.
Grip Birkman
While we were working with NieuCommunities, we started using a tool called the Grip Birkman Blueprint to help people understand their spiritual gifts, interests, styles of working, and needs. It’s a really helpful way of self-understanding AND allows individuals to know how they fit and work well with others (whether it’s their church or workplace). A few years ago, Melissa and I went through the training to asses and coach others in the process. In October, we introduced this at The Warehouse. Melissa walked each staff person through their report, asking questions and drawing out their own understandings. I then took the staff through several team-building teachings and exercises together. It has been fun to see light bulbs come on – as individual staff come to see different facets of how God has made them and desiring to better serve in their teams and the organization as a whole. It has also been helpful, as we’ve begun to give no work assignments to staff, giving new opportunities combinations of people based on what they love and are well suited to do.
Thank you for partnering with us this year. Your support and prayer have helped enable us to serve God here in Cape Town. It has been an amazing year and we are looking forward to what God has in store for 2012. We are glad to have you seeking the Kingdom right here with us. Thank you so much!
Arthur for the Stewart5
July 11, 2011
Five
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
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
- 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
February 22, 2011
learning Love, sharing Love, being Loved
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
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 21, 2010
The update you’ve been waiting for…what we are doing (please read all the way to the end of this post)
The past few months have been quite the adventure for us… coming back to South Africa and relocating to Cape Town, getting kids into a new school, finding a new house to rent and bringing our things from Pretoria (most of them made it…), and exploring possibilities for life and ministry. So much transition, and we thank God for being close and opening doors for us. We also thank YOU for your prayers and encouragement along the way. We are now able to tell you a little more about what we will be doing!
I (Arthur) will be working for a South African ministry called The Warehouse. You probably know how passionate I am about the Church, wanting to see Jesus’ people become more of who we are meant to be both collectively and individually. I also believe that the Gospel really is meant to be good news to the poor they are often missed or overlooked. The Warehouse is actively responding to local needs in holistic ways and helping churches better address issues of justice and poverty. These are BIG problems in South Africa. You’ll have to go to the website to see much more on HOW we are doing that because there is lots. We’re still working out my exact role at the Warehouse, but I will be helping the Warehouse to:
- Find more and better ways to partner with local churches
- Change its structure to take on better take on the new opportunities God is bringing
- Mentor and encourage its staff to be more energized and healthy as they lead various ministry projects
- Create a more thorough approach for spiritual formation within the community
This is a ministry I love and believe in and am so thankful for the opportunity to use my skills, gifts, and experiences here. I will also be able to learn from and partner with others around the country who are doing similar things.
I (Arthur) will lecture part time at the Cornerstone Institute. This is a great fit with my desire to develop young Christian leaders. Training is so needed here in Africa, and I believe these students can be the new types of leaders needed to make a difference here and around the world. It is a privilege to be part of this college (be sure to read about its amazing history) and I am enjoying teaching these diverse and motivated students.
We will help start a new faith community. Yes, still church planting, but it looks different every time. You might be surprised at how many people can’t find a spiritual home in a country that is supposedly “Christianized.” Well, we know how important churches are, so we are going to help get one started so people can experience God together. Let me be clear that this isn’t a solo-job. It’s working with others here to gather around Jesus and help one another know and follow him. Sure, we have some thoughts and experience on discipleship and structure, but we want others to help give shape and contextualize for our neighbourhood, city, and the cultures here. We are very early on in this process but momentum is building rapidly.
Another opportunity that has us really excited but is a little down the road is creating or participating in a movement of new and different churches in Cape Town (and beyond?). We are excited about networks of like-hearted people all seeking Jesus. We also know that as we are trying new things we need to help, encourage, learn from, and partner with one another. This is about God’s glory, not ours. We want to encourage relationships that will allow all of us to best fulfil God’s calling on our lives. What could a unified Church do in a city, a country, the world?
A little less “job-ish” but no less important, we will seek for God’s Kingdom in Woodstock (our neighbourhood). Woodstock is economically and racially diverse, often overlooked and maligned, yet has an amazing history and potential… just the place we want to be. Thank you God for an amazing home and neighbours for us to know and love. Here come prayer walks, Bible studies, events in the park, get-togethers, acts of service, and who knows what else.
We are so excited! We get to be part of some wonderful things as we live out who God has made us to be and where He has us right now. We are asking that those of you who believe in what we are doing and want to invest in these ministries to contribute what you can – especially helpful if you can do that on a monthly basis. We are grateful for those who have invested in us these past years and need others to join in as we move into this new season of life and ministry. There are several ways to contribute financially that I will explain in another communication in the next day or two.
For now, that’s the WHAT WE ARE DOING.
Amen!
September 24, 2010
what we know, what we don’t
OK, I am pausing long enough to write out a bit of an update. There is a much longer (and clever, if I say so myself) document sitting on my desktop that I just couldn’t manage to finish off. Fortunately, a good night’s sleep and key conversation or two helped me go back to the drawing board on what I wanted to say and how. My hope is that you find this more succinct and informative. I must also say thank you to the many people who have prodded me to share the latest on our exploration here. Disclaimer – this update is on ministry opportunities and I have not included any family stories or pics this time.
The recap:
1. We came back to South Africa in June and relocated to Cape Town, believing this is where God wants us and asking God to confirm this. This was our first question and we believe God has said yes. God has smoothed our path, opened doors, and cared for our hearts in the process. It’s been a true adventure and bonding experience for our family.
2. Our second question was: what does God have for us as we uniquely live out our calling? We know who we are – our gifts, our experiences, our weaknesses, our needs, our passions. There are also several pictures God has put on my heart that we are asking God to bring into focus
living in a diverse community, loving our neighbours, being good news
organising and encouraging discipleship/worship/prayer, especially for those often missed by the Church
mentoring leaders to fuel a movement of change, especially through vibrant new faith communities
helping local ministries, NGO’s and churches – strengthening the body of Christ
working with a network of Kingdom practitioners
3. A third question, which we believe is only answered in light of the two questions above, is “how does this happen?” More specifically, WHO will we work with/for and how will this be funded?
The latest:
We are actively exploring (the “what”) and God has already opened up some amazing opportunities for us in the three months we’ve been here:
- First, we are renting a house in Woodstock. This is the neighbourhood we had been praying about – economically and racially diverse, a history of marginalization, many in need of help/freedom/hope, yet an interesting spirit of creativity. God has given us a house well-suited for our family and sharing love and hospitality with others that is near to other friends. We can’t wait to see what God has in store for this community and how we will be involved. I can tell you that where we live is not coincidental, and God must have some specific things for us to learn and do here. My heart tells me this will include some involvement in new faith communities – desperately needed here. I will write more about Woodstock soon.
- One of the organisations I was eager to connect with here in Cape Town is The Warehouse. I would really encourage you to check it out by following this link – http://warehouse.org.za. I have several friends (and we’ve now made more) who work with this ministry of helping the church address issues of justice and poverty. We consider these to be very important aspects of God’s Good News and we are glad to be part of the tangible and ongoing efforts of this local ministry. As I’ve been volunteering for the past few months, I continue to be impressed with the specific things the Warehouse does to seek God’s Kingdom AND the people who are the Warehouse. One opportunity I’ve really enjoyed has been helping one of their leaders evaluate/strategize her project and her role. It is truly a privilege to help and encourage others in living out God’s calling in their life. It seems that there will be growing opportunity to work with the Warehouse – more to come on that…
- I am lecturing part-time at The Cornerstone Institute – http://www.cornerstone.ac.za/ – a local Christian college. You probably know how important developing emerging leaders is to us, and have likely heard me talk about how crucial this is for Africa. I am finding Cornerstone to be full of amazing students (and staff!) from across the continent who are committed to preparing themselves for service. I am currently teaching a course on conflict resolution and look forward to further opportunities in the new year. Thank you God for organising this opportunity for me so quickly.
- Key relationships – God seems to be connecting us with a number of people here in Cape Town… refugees in Woodstock, “spiritual but not religious” people who are wanting to explore life-changing faith, a number of friends who just can’t seem to find church communities that they resonate with but want something, amazing people who are also moving into new adventures with God and are trying to figure out their own what/how, a whole bunch of people who are dreaming big about what could be, praying lots for God’s Spirit to move, and making a tangible difference locally – they kind of people we want to work with. What does God have in store for us in each of these relationships?
- Prayer. It all requires prayer. We play our part and call on God to do His – He changes hearts, He calls people to Himself, He breaks spiritual strongholds, He hears the cries of those in need. Pour out Spirit. Reveal yourself Lord Jesus.
And a few things you might be interested in that are currently in the works:
- I will be taking part in a new Cape Town cohort of the ongoing Amahoro movement, a group committed to discovering what the Church can be in our post-colonial reality.
- We are talking with the leaders of the Anabaptist Network in South Africa about getting a group going in Cape Town
- We may help a discipleship ministry here in SA that is in some organisational transition and reconsidering what it means to be a community
This is what exploration looks like for us and we are taking things as they come, seeking to listen and respond to God as best we can, one day at a time. There is no shortage of amazing opportunities here. Of course, that doesn’t mean we have to be part of all of them. Or, they don’t all have to be for us right now. And, of the ones God does have for us, what role does he want us to play? As you can see, there’s more here than we are meant to take on. We are limited people, after all!
As far as the “how”
Who will we be working for and how will we be funded… we don’t know yet. We know we will be done with CRM at the end of October. We know we need to have something in place by then – the sooner the better. If you are a donor, please continue giving as normal through October and we will let you know how and when to make a switch. We also know that who we are connected to is very important to us (and you!). I can tell you that we are in various stages of conversation with Christian Associates International, Forge, Missions Concepts, SIM, and The Warehouse. We trust that what God has for us and how that will work will come together in the right way at the right time, either with one of the organisations above or someone else. It does seem that whoever we work with, we will continue to need financial supporters to make that happen.
We ask for your prayers as we seek to faithfully respond to God’s call here. He may not give us the big picture anytime soon, but we marvel at the many pieces He is handing to us on a daily basis. As always, we welcome any wisdom, encouragement, or questions.
Arthur for the Stewart5
August 3, 2010
The latest on our explorations
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 
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
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:
- 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
- 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!
- 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”