Seronga

I have been to Botswana a few times now, the first time being about fourteen years ago, at a fairly early stage when I was starting to understanding missions and the God of missions. I thought I knew Botswana or fairly knew it until I heard Mama Sue talk about a place called Seronga in the Delta region. The place never seemed to leave her lips, even when they came to visit us at Beth-El en route from Malawi back to Botswana, her heart was still very much in Seronga although she had mixed emotions about it as the place had great odds about it. The place she was explaining seemed very far fetched especially that it is in a country like Botswana, a very strong economy and very stable politically. This place sounded like one of those places found in the middle of nowhere in Africa only movie makers seem to be able to trace. It was so until the Lord said to me "go to Seronga".

When Mama Sue was in Pretoria with Pastor Lesang and sister Idah last year, it seemed apparent that I need to start preparing myself for a journey to Seronga, that was still at the time Mama Sue was still battling with "saying yes" to the still voice that kept troubling her within. As per custom I shared the idea with a few people and interestingly many people were interested, our preparations begun as we kept in contact with Mama Sue, in the meantime she also responded to the deep urge to go there.

19 - 14 October, were dates set for us to be in Seronga. It turned out to be one of the most beautiful places we have seen. Untouched by the woes that oft come with development and civilization. Perched in the middle of a gigantic Okavango river and Caprivi strip lies this seemingly peaceful area where there is no tar road, lacking many basic things one takes for granted in the city and still very much untouched by the Gospel. Searching for information about this place in the internet is like searching for a needle in the sand in the dark of the night. Very little information is there, no clear map, some describe these people as the "forgotten people of Botswana". Taking a ride in the well kept gravel, one is often greeted by elephants as they routinely move to the river to get their water to quench the thirst. For these elephants this is their natural habitat, they live freely with the people there. It is not a surprise that people travel from far and wide to come and spend time here, paying exorbitant amounts of money to catch a glimpse of this place and to take a ride in mokoro "locally made boat" and to sleep in one of the islands in the Okavango delta. Despite the wealth foreigners make out of the virginity of this land, the local people remain desperately poor.

After a great revival we had there for two days, as we started in Maun, where we were hosted so well and fed like kings and queens. We left Seronga with peaceful heart and a great burden in our souls. Seronga left with us as we drove back, we have a burden to be there for Mama Sue as she spreads the Gospel that side of the world which everyone chooses to forget except for a visit and to take holiday pictures. For us it was not just about a holiday, it was about God who knows each and everyone of us by name, knowing the number of the hairs on our heads, the same way He does with each and every person in Seronga. It is such a joyful and peaceful mission, to journey with the Lord, wherever His heart is.

Pontoon in Okavango river

Okavango river

Revival at chief's place in Maun

Me and Joel in a pontoon in Okavango river

Enjoying a boat ride in Seronga - Okavango Delta

Myself and Mary, dipping our shoes to
disinfect them from foot and mouth disease,
a regular procedure along the way

All smiles afloat Okavango river, heading back home,
a journey of  about 19 hours, we took the Ghanzi route on way back

Pastor Lesang - Host Pastor in Maun

Church in Maun

Beautiful Seronga

Myself and Mama Sue (Host Pastor in Seronga)
On the right, one of the villagers who received the Lord
shortly after this, holding meat he had
just bought from the nearby butchery

Pastor Shabangu praying for
a new convert in Maun

Sister Idah and Brother Olebogeng at Mohenbo border.
This was just for pics, we did not cross into Namibia

With our Hosts in Maun. In the middle in
black and white is sister Taboka, who did
most of the logistics. Behind her is striped t-shirt
is her husband who came to collect us in town when we
arrived, ntate GaaMangwe

With our hosts from left to right: Pastor Shabangu,
Pastor Lesang (host pastor), ntate Gaamangwe, ous Taboka Gaamangwe, brother Olebogeng Bogosi, sister Idah (we
first met her last her while doing her missions training with
Capro Missions in Molepolole. She, together with Pastor Lesang came with Mama Sue last to visit us on way from Malawi)

Finally, at the entrance of Seronga. Quite a hot place

Very sandy

The old lady walking away is the one
is staying with Mama Sue in her home. A beautiful
and homely house. She gave us ground nuts and beans.
Typical Setswana food, high in proteins.

Enjoying our ground nuts with freshly baked buns
by Mama Sue. You can only dream of fast  foods in the
Delta region, a good place for weight watchers

Pastor Shabangu and Olebogeng
at our last service in Seronga.
The first service was at kgotleng,
where the community meets for community
meetings, the same way we did in Maun.
The next day service was in a classroom where they
often meet. Second day in the morning was a day of teachings
of the basics of faith for new converts

Olebogeng leading the man from the butchery
to the Lord. He decided to take the Lord as his
personal Lord and Saviour after the lady
sitting down invited us to her
house for prayer.
Her daughter is part of the church,
she requested prayers so that she can
be delivered from alcoholism

Taking a break with fresh buns and ground nuts:
Idah, Kgaotsang and Joel

Before Sunset

It is 16 (sixteen) years since I got my first poem published in Tribute magazine. I somehow felt like I outgrew writing, I had found other channels to express myself, preaching is one of them. But since 2012 Surprise Segaloe has been encouraging me to write and publish, he has already published his second collection. This year Thabang by starting his letter-poetry Facebook page which I contributed to (poem: in the shade) re-ignited that desire to publish in me. This came after I felt a deep urge that I need to publish soon before my parents are taken from our site, they are both in their 80's. Starting today I am working on this collection which is inevitably dedicated to them. They gave me life, they gave me hope, they gave me direction, they did all they could to make the best out of me. Some things I may never understand, some I may ask myself, but I am truly grateful they have been this type of parents to me. I grew up with my maternal grand parents and I cherish their memories very dearly. Each day when I got from primary school, I found my grandma waiting for me under the mulberry tree which became synonymous with our home in Seshego, zone 2. She was the first person I saw when I started to understand anything about my surroundings, since she left, life was never the same, it seemed like the glitter was taken out of life, it seemed like there was an eclipse on life. The day Mama told us she is no more, is the last time I remember Mpho in his right mind, being his energetic self, since then nothing was the same again. Papa had come to fetch the three of us, Pakie being the third from our schools, only to find that Koko left a vacuum that was never to be replaced. She never left us empty, we were told her last words were, "le botxe bana Modimo a be le bona" that is enough to keep us going. She believed in prayer, I was too young to understand some of the things about her, all I knew, she gave us all her time and love, what else can one ask for in this busy world. I could have dedicated precious book to her, or to Oupa, who left when I was seven years, but I learnt that the very decision that we be there was taken by my parents believing it is for our good. For every decision they took, for every effort they made, said and unsaid, I wish to honour both my parents, it is very humbling that God graced them with long life. Long life to see this published. I am very grateful.

It is never in vain

For some reason, I find it difficult to be appreciated or to receive a "thank you", guess that is what happens when giving becomes part of you but in reality, each one of us needs to be appreciated at some point, we need to acknowledged and recognized, it is human to feel good that you make a difference although that should be handled cautiously lest pride sets in.

Since the beginning of this year, January 2014, I offered to assist one of my sons, Thabo Radzuma, at the Crossroads boys' shelter. This is the shelter that played a big role in his life, to learn more about him, please read his autobiography, "the broken egg and the big dream". This is the shelter where you find boys from all over the country and continent that will make you wonder what happened to humanity, the Cushites in particular, that we can do these to our own. As mentioned, I had been going there religiously every Monday, except on days where I could not because of other activities, mainly church related but I tried as much as I could to be there.

As usual I would tell friends and those that Lord brought that time about what I do, so it came naturally to share with Thabang, a Missionary with Capro who had been serving in Cape Town now in Pretoria before he proceeds to Botswana. He shared with the boys last week and he was sharing again this Monday, he has been quite an inspiration in many ways, he has an extra ability to listen and is very compassionate. Incidentally Monday is the day that Mmamajoro came, a long time friend from student days, our journeys have re-converged in a miraculous way, only the Lord could be credited with this, we are eagerly watching the Lord unfold His plan for our lives. Thabang brought along Queen who is also a Missionary with Capro, preparing to be married later this year and relocate to Botswana. I have known Queen for almost a year now but for some reason, have not invited her to Crossroads as yet. She has always been a Blessing to have around, with her glowing face and smile each one always feels welcome around her. No pain or anxiety is too hard for her. They came in a bit later than expected due to miscommunication concerning time and I had to go fetch them with Mmamajoro in her car, I left mine at the garage en route to the shelter, that helped us to catch up with Mmamajoro, there always seems to be so much to catch up on. Oblivious of what Queen and Thabang were caring when we picked them up we picked my car on the way, then followed each other to the shelter. What a glorious evening we had, Thabo and the boys had prepared a bonfire, this time we met around the fire, Hlogie (known as Promise), as usual rendered a few beautiful songs. At Beth-El we were visited by Lucy, also from Capro, preparing to go for training in Botswana, there is a lot of activity in Botswana lately and we really thank God for that. She was such a blessing to have. We thought we would refresh her only to find that she was the one to refresh us, I took two days' leave just to be with her and it was worth every second. We (Joel known as Calabash and Tshepho known with many names, Thum-Thum and Hinozela among others) together with Lucy went to attend the funeral of Fabulous who has been helping taking care of the assets at church (AFM Westview Family Fellowship). Joel did not go to work due to strike and Tshepho took time off, he always seems to be able to get time off anytime anyhow. So that is how we managed to have time with Lucy, in two days we were so refreshed by her, we forever thank God for His servants that He from time to time send to our humble home, they always fill us with Joy, Peace and laughter. It is thus not surprising that He has mandated us to search for a bigger place because He is extending the courts. 

Back to the service at Crossroads. We had this wonderful time around the fire. Besides the boys, there was also David, who has been a caretaker there before. Queen sang after Lucy, that is after Hlogie had sang. Then Mmamajoro said some encouraging words, before David exhorted the boys to take every word spoken to them seriously. Then Thabang shared with the boys in a very encouraging manner, although like last week he did not open the Bible, he shared from the heart and we were all encouraged. Joel and Hlolo came along as well, Tshepho was working late we picked him on the way to Agape house in Villieria. Now the greatest surprise came when we were on the way to Agape house when Queen presented the gifts she successfully managed to conceal in Mmamajoro's car, the card and the flower. I did not know how to receive them, I was dumbfounded, I did not know how to say thank you. To seal it all up, Thabang sent many flowers through whatsapp. My heart was so full of thanksgiving, not only for the flowers or the gifts, but that finally one is making a difference somewhere. There are things that we do by Faith believing that is what God wants us to do, but somehow there is wandering whether it is necessary or is making any difference at all. Somehow this gesture gave me that confirmation, that it is never in vain. We should never do things in order to be seen or applauded by the world but rather do things that will change the world and make it a better place. One day at a time, one person at time, love that one person, talk to that one person, give  hope to that one, that is all it takes. Thanks Queenie, not sure you will ever get to read this, but from the bottom of my heart, thanks Capro Pretoria, the Lord is definitely at work, let us not loose hope. Thanks for being part of us. We love you dearly, may the Lord prosper you all.

Marie Miller's Prophecy and Prayer

Marie Miller's Prophecy and prayer over my life in Atteridgeville, Sunday after Mission Fest
PROPHECY
Because of the hunger,  because of the desire. Because you have declared it before God, something is going to change. He is gonna open the gates to you, and you will hear the words "PASS THROUGH", "PASS THROUGH" PREPARE THE WAY. When you walk  through the gates, bring the armies of the Lord with you, for He will establish you.  If you remain in Righteousness. In the name of Jesus.
PRAYER:
Father I pray Lord God, a loosening over cities and towns, through the hands of your servant. Not by might nor by power but by your Holy Spirit. In the Name of Jesus.

Beloved Congo, the land divided by rivers (Isaiah 18:7)

Today it is the 16th of January 2014, it is clear I am in the midday of my life, if not in the early afternoon. My birthday was two weeks back, there is no need for new resolutions each year as long as you know what you live for, each year is a building block on the bigger picture. We are all pieces locked together in this jig-saw puzzle of life, each misfit totally dislodges the whole picture.

I have been to Lubumbashi and back in December, a journey that cannot be summarized in a few paragraphs. A 44 hour journey by bus with stops at border posts where you never know what to expect. The deep conviction that it is God who said we should do it, kept us going and the knowledge that He who said we should do it will make us fulfill it kept us strong. The company of Cedric and Kgaotsang made the journey very enjoyable and doable.

We were supposed to spend the night in Lusaka, but after our hosts advised us to proceed, we spent the second in the bus. The Joy of it turned the whole journey into an adventure. After the two days and two nights on the road we arrived there to find wonderful hosts waiting for us. It was like we knew each other for ages, although it was for the first time we met. Language barrier was overcome by common convictions and goals. Human beings are able to communicate in silence, where you feel at home just by feeling the warmth of the other. Pastor Sera and the congregation were such amazing hosts. We could not imagine better hosts, we thank God for leading us to them through Malemela although he could not remember him at all. Angelique and friend who assisted in preparing for us Congolese dishes, were also very wonderful despite the absolute language barrier. Within the two days we had started to mumble a few words in Swahili and French.

One striking feature after the vast differences in the countries we touched en route to Lubumbashi is the stark differences at the border posts. Some officials were very friendly, while others at other border posts were just arrogant displaying full anger that had been bottling up over the years. The one stop Chirundu border post at Zambia- Zimbabwe border should be emulated, it shows great co-operations between the two countries, and it makes it much easier for the travelers. At Kasumbalesa border it seems one can walk between countries with or without a passport. It was the only border where our passports were stamped in our absence. Not sure how it is done, we were just happy it was done. After travelling that long all you need to do is arrive where you are going although the mind keeps reminding you, you have to pass here again on way back home. That is when you appreciate the comfort and speed of airlines, if only money was always available. Flying also robs one all the experiences you get along the way, mingling with people and chatting with a few, getting the real feel of our motherland, continent of Africa, craddle of humankind, where humanity learn to be human. Kasumbalesa was quite an experience, you never know is the official and who is after your money. They would demand anything and everything. The yellow fever cards we were told to religiously carry at every border post as we would not be allowed entry, at this one we were told never to show it. Fatigue was taking a toll on us, we watched with amazement as different people discussed about us, not hearing a word of what they were saying.

It was very sad to see Zimbabwe after 18 years, such deterioration in such a short space of time. We had a WSCF Southern African sub-regional conference there in August 1995. The place was beautiful, clean and very peaceful. Very serene, a place everyone would wish to live. Crime was unheard of then. Whatever happened to this beautiful land, may there be restoration. The beauty of the Livingstone border remains intact, especially on the Zambia border as one enjoys the view of Victoria falls. What a beautiful, breath taking place. One of those places that gives you affirmation that indeed we serve a great and creative God. Beauty beyond measure and description. The apes keep us coming here, as if to say "you are almost there". The European tourists that we found there seemed to love these apes and they kept taking their pictures. This kept reminding us how rich our continent is with fauna.

In Zambia, the currency was very confusing. They use two currencies, one has 000 and the other does not have. Meaning if the other is K1 000, the other would be K1. The Kwacha and the new kwacha exchange rates from the rand seemed to change every minute. When you are that far from home you are just happy to get something to buy with, so you can get anything to eat. It did not matter how much they took from us at the black market as long as we could get something to buy water with. Thanks to the generous offerings of many who had been praying and encouraging us, where would we have been without them. We had under-estimated the costs of the journey by far, we only had one thing in mind, the one who said we should go, will see us through every step of the way and He surely did. Awesome God!

The services in Lubumbashi were just amazing. The church was just out of this world. If it was near we would definitely visit there often and make sure we learn the language. It came out very clear how much of a barrier language is, especially the ones imposed on us by the colonial masters that come with cultural baggage.

What a journey. A sense of contentment that we did it. We learnt that we need to be united and that the great commission remains the Great Commission, the only mandate our Lord Jesus Christ left us with.
Yoked!