Christmas Party!

Check out this Vulnerable Children Christmas party video thanks to one of my best friends Matt Kenutis!

November Update!

Hello friends!  It is with great JOY I am able to recap a few highlights for you as another month has seemed to fly by.  This update will be a little different as I give a few shorter snap shots of some inspiring, troubling, and hopeful times that have enabled me to rethink what it means to be thankful.

First I must admit something - I am a little embarrassed it takes a Holiday every year to remind me countless ways in which I am thankful.  Even then, the degree to which I am thankful some years can be shallow.  Although this year I was able to approach Thanksgiving a little bit differently.  I wasn’t around my family or friends, I didn’t get to enjoy my Grandma’s acorn squash or pumpkin pie, and I am living in a culture that doesn’t even celebrate Thanksgiving; Yet this Thanksgiving was special.  God has taught me this throughout November - Thankfulness is a whole lot more than an emotional statement, it’s a lifestyle.  When we give thanks unconditionally, without dependency on our circumstances, we receive JOY.  Thankfulness is directly correlated with JOY.  Simply put -  Thankfulness/JOY is a pure, beautiful exchange and a gift bringing a glimpse of heaven to earth.   Thankfulness opens our eyes to our Fathers hand intervening in our lives, giving us a better perspective of eternity that develops hope in this broken world.

One of my favorite story quotes goes along the line of this.  Jeff one day was struggling to believe God’s goodness amongst such a broken and hurting world.  He was left questioning, “Why does God allow disease, murder, poverty, and injustice?”  Jeff then mocked his friend Alex saying “Since your God is so good and powerful, why don’t you ask him to do something about all of the injustice in the world.”  Alex responded “Because I’m afraid God will ask me to do the same.”

I was reminded of this story during our Thanksgiving celebration.  The reality of this story is many of  us aren’t willing to really to give up time and energy for the kingdom, we stop at or before prayer and empathy.  One of the ministries out of All Nations that goes beyond prayer and empathy is called Baby Safe.  Baby Safe advocates for mothers who are pregnant and are considering abortion.  Baby Safe also has two baby “safe,” which gives mothers an alternative decision in abandoning their baby. My friends Dan and Meehan Shannon work with baby safe and their phone rang right before we started our Thanksgiving meal.  It was the police calling them to inform them they found a newborn lying in a bush.  Dan and Meehan rushed out to pick up the baby to bring it back to our Thanksgiving dinner.  They loved and cared for this baby for three days before getting it into a proper orphanage.   They poured their time, energy, and a few sleepless nights enabling this baby to have a chance at life.  Baby Safe is doing something about injustice in this world.  Meehan chose the name of this baby – Naomi.  Namoi is covered in prayer by many at All Nations and would love your prayers as well – I am thankful for Baby Safe.

The corner boys -  God is giving the “naughty boys” a new identity as he is transforming their lives. Lumkile and Papi are acknowledging their struggles and want to change.  Xholisa, Yanga, Buelela, and other corner boys say they want freedom from drugs and a changed life, but Lumkile and Papi are seeking tangible steps of transformation.   They want new life and are meeting with Matt, Dan and I twice a week to seek new life.  Last week Papi spent an hour in worship and prayer with Sbu, Sive and I – I am thankful for answered prayers, God’s promises, and the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.

Finishing up breakfast with Papi and Sive!

   

Matt and I were walking through Masi on a Wednesday afternoon when we ran into one of the corner boys named Speech.  Speech had a gash in the side of his face that was about an inch wide, a cm wide, and looked really deep.  We later found out from a few of the other corner boys he was stabbed in a fight a few days prior.   As I was celebrating Christmas with Zitobile before he left for the Eastern Cape I was encouraged by two things.  First being he wants to lead our bible study when he gets back.  He feels God’s calling him to be a leader and to reach others to tell them about God!  Secondly, when I asked about more about the story of Speech getting into a fight his response was “Yo!  You hang with those boys?  Aren’t you afraid.  They are so dangerous!”  This brought me to reality. Psalm 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.  He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him – I am thankful that God cares abundantly more for his children than I ever can and He alone is my refuge and shield.

Karin (a wonderful lady from Germany who works with Vulnerable Children) and I visited Asanda in the Wetlands two weeks ago.  Asanda is a 15 year old orphan who lost his mother two years ago, and his father shortly before that.   Asanda sleeps in an extremely small crooked bed while his sister sleeps with their younger brother and her son in the other bed.  Asanda was studying for his exams while Karin and I stopped by to give him a Coke and a few snacks to help him study.  His eyes lit up and didn’t stop saying THANK YOU – I am thankful for the Vulnerable Children team that advocates and gives hope for those in vulnerable situations by providing food monthly, blankets, school uniforms and God’s love.

The last highlight was going to my first traditional African wedding.  We drove 24 hours from Cape Town to Limpopo!  The wedding lasted two days and it was a real African experience to say the least :)  As I am still processing all of the worship, preaching, and dancing I will have to later write another update just on that!

A couple girls in the wedding choir ask me for a picture!

God's Faithfulness

Sorry for any lag.  I had to lower the quality of the video in order for the internet to load it.

Whitney and I during Kids Club 

Matt and I after Kids Club 

HIStory

First I just want to say I hope you all are doing well!  I want to thank you for your support and taking time to read this post.  This is my longest update so far but without question, the most important post yet.

 This post today has come with much prayer and thought as to whether or not to write it.  After talking about it with some other people within All Nations and really processing it, there is no other way to go about this than to share because I need as much prayer as possible.

Wednesday afternoon I was heading into Masihpumelele to meet with a friend named Siba.  Siba has been someone who has helped us out with translating for kids club and just been great to have around some of the younger kids.  After I was done spending time with Siba I walked past one of the shops some of my Somalian friends own.  I spent some time speaking with them about a number of things.  I left there place around 5:30. 

To help you better understand Masi, there is about 35,000 people who live in one square mile - which is a crazy amount considering  I can only think of one place that is above two stories.  There is one entrance and one exit to Masi so the main road is always busy.  There always a lot of people walking around Masi, people selling fruit off blankets on the sidewalk, and children always running around, not to mention the dogs and chickens everywhere!   About a quarter mile into Masi there is a place where a number of boys gather from about 14 to younger 20’s.   These guys have been called the naughty boys by some of the locals, and All Nations uses it regularly.  As I was walking out of Masi and past the naughty boys corner on the opposite side of the road I could see one of the naughty boys get up and run out in front of me a little ways with another boy who got up slowly and started walking behind me.  By the Holy Spirit I knew the situation wasn’t right.  I switched sides of the road to only soon watch the other boy cross to my side again.  We did this a few times until we got all the way out to the main road.  I began to turn right out of Masi but saw that he was following me closely and there wasn’t many people in that direction so I quickly changed directions once again to the normal direction I normally walk out of Masi Towards where I park my scooter in the Foodzone parking lot.  Still this guy followed me closely behind until I finally turned around and said firmly Can I help you?  He pretended like he couldn’t here me and walked closer.  At that point I was grabbed from behind from his friend and the other guy sprinted towards me.  Both guys put a hand in each of my pockets, one grabbing my phone and the other grabbing a hold of my wallet (which only contained 50 rand – less than 7 dollars.)  As they were trying to pull there closed fists with my belongings in there hands, I hit the guy from behind with my scooter helmet and tried pushing their hands away from my pockets.  As I was screaming out for help two cars came from behind me and started honking there horns without cease.  As we continued to wrestle nearly to the ground they some reason stopped and ran away back into Masi.  By God’s grace I was unharmed and my possessions were safe.   Around 50 people witnessed this from the street, the bus stop twenty feet from me, and the people walking on the side walk, yet these guys still attempted to rob me.  But the Lord was faithful with his protection!

After I shared this story with my parents, my mom asked what time this happened and my initial thought was isn’t that kind of irrelevant?  But when I told her what time it happened she told me she felt sick and worried for me around 9:30am central time.  That was just close to the exact minute of when I stepped foot into Masi.

Also, I received this from one of my most faithful and encouraging supporters this morning in an email.  “before we went to bed that night, we prayed together for YOU...and the specific words were...may your angels give Jay protection at all times!  When I heard the story from your mom yesterday...and how you felt there were angels protecting you...I just knew that God had answered our prayers.

I share this story with you for two reasons – First to say those who have been praying so faithfully, thank you.  Your prayers are felt here and tangibly experience like Thursday.

Secondly – Please pray for these naughty boys.

My friend Sbu is a local and has lived in Masi for some time now.  He has built relationship with some of these boys and even done a little ministry with them.  One of them even prayed to accept Christ at one point, but they have fallen back into their ways again.  So yesterday Sbu and I walked up to the boys together and he made small talk just to show I as with him.  I recognized the boy who mugged me just 20 hours ago.  He wouldn’t make eye contact with me as he grinned and look at his friends.  You could tell in his mind he was thinking what in the world was going on?  As Sbu and I walked away we walked a ways and turned around.  When we walked back they were scattered.  Sbu and I talked for a while and see this as an incredible opportunity to minister to these men!  One of my favorite quotes is by Jackie Pullinger – If you want revival, start in the gutters.  If we truly want a revival to sweep across Masi and not just a few people, these are the men to do it.  If transformation occurs within them, the sky is their limit as there level of influence is huge.

As I came back later into Masi to have a bible study with Sipho and some other boys our paths crossed again.  His friends saw me coming sooner and they scattered, while he didn’t’ see me till I walked right past him, within feet.   I believe this is chapter 1 of many with these boys.  I don’t know what “ministry” looks like with these boys but God does. I just need to trust what God wants to write in the next chapter of this! Who am I to doubt what our God can do?

There are two types of people in this world – those who read about history, and those who write it.  Please join me actively in humble and expectant prayer as God has blessed me with an opportunity to help write HIS-story

Blessings friends thank you for your support.

Update - Month 1!

After being in Africa for over a month now - here are some highlights through pictures!

The Africa House!  This is currently where I live and is the
 main office and meeting location for All Nations

  

Picnic in Kirstenbosch!  Said to be the most beautiful garden
Africa!  Located on the backside of Table Mountain.

Masiphumelele!

Getting mobbed by children after Kids Club!

At Asanda's house after we ate KFC
 "The best meal ever!" - Asanda

One of my favorite short hikes in Kommetjie!

Taking my scooter for a prayer walk and ride on
the famous Chapman's Peak Drive!

Playing in the Wetlands!

Prayer request - Two guys named Sipho and Zitobile both acknowledged they feel God knocking on their hearts, but aren't ready to accept him yet.  Pray for strongholds to be broken and God's presence to be revealed in undeniable ways!

A house may be opening up in Masiphumelele for me live!  Pray things work out! 

What's Your Bid?

I am reading through Red Moon Rising currently and came across this fascinating poem.  As I wrestle through it - I would love to know your thoughts!

What am I bid?

Suddenly I find myself in a giant hall. Surrounding me are thousands of young people, battered, bruised and broken. Then a voice says: “What am I bid?”

A young girl stands out before the crowd of leering, sneering men. “What am I bid for this piece of flesh?”
The men start to cheer and shout figures: “Ten…Twenty…Fifty…One hundred.”
What can I do, God?
I start to bid. I have to save her. The cost becomes huge and I begin to waiver. Can I afford this? What price will I pay? The dream stops. I’m alone again. But the faces are real enough: Sharon being sold into prostitution; Sipho with a revolver in his mouth; Monique covered in cuts and bruises; Jan falling into crime; Sarah alone and desperate; Monwabisi, heroin needle bulging into his vein.

“What am I bid?” The voice shatters the silence. The auction is on again. The bidding has begun. It continues day and night until the end. Most of the bidders desire only use and abuse. Satan drives them on.
And so I find myself in the auction. Will I watch or will I bid? The price of a single life is huge. The currency is prayer. The cost is massive but the prize is glorious. A life for a life. “What am I bid?”

Treasure

On Tuesdays we are able to have a kids club in Lucy's home!  We have all of the kids in our Vulnerable Children program meeting on Fridays, but our goal is to empower Kids also to lead there own! Our normal start to kids club is singing songs in Xhosa and a song or two in English.  After the songs usually we prepare a brief lesson and something simple for the kids to tangibly apply to their life!  This week we decided to take Lucy and Luvuyo to a movie because they help us with the Tuesday Kids Club! Unfortunately the Theater closes Friday so no more movies for under $2.

Even with the theater closing down, the kids still know how to have fun after Kids Club!  Check out one of the MANY dances and songs the children know.

TIA moment's for this week:Shark bites off legs of swimmer who ignored shark warning

This happened on the beach where we baptized Okuhkle - just a few miles from where I live! 

Power went down in ALL of Cape Town for nearly two hours yesterday.


Tangible Takeaway - Although my comfort level is being stretched daily, I miss my family and friends, I don't have the convenience to watch the Hawks games or Sportscenter daily like I would at home - I am truly full of peace and Africa feels like home. I think being in the most beautiful place in the world helps a little :), but I believe there is no worldly explanation a place so far from home could truly feel like home. The only explanation I have found for this peace is Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will be also.  God has given me new desires and strength daily, allowing me focus on THIS season of life and nothing else.


What is your treasure and where is it found?

Videos!

Enjoy these two videos!  The first is from a Vulnerable Children Camp held in July. The video shows a few of the children I get to hang out with and a few of my friends I work with!



Here is a 360 degree view from the summit of Chapman's Peak.


Chapman's Peak from Jay Quick on Vimeo.

Pslam 53

Saturday afternoon I tangibly experienced  Psalm 53:1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”  My friends Nicki, Eric, and some boys from a local township called Ocean View summited Chapman’s Peak - I am still awestruck by our creator.  After experiencing the things I had, I can only ask how can there NOT be a God?

The trek started on the beach, and finished by diving into the bone chilling Atlantic. Just before we left I happened to read the trail guide: If bitten by a Cape Cobra or Puffader – seek immediate transport to the hospital.   So unfortunately I was a little distracted of God’s creation at the beginning. I was a little more focused on looking for movement among every bush I passed, but that fear thankfully faded J

The entire hike we could see the Atlantic Ocean.  It's beautiful right now because it is starting to get an amazing turquois color near the beach.  Once we were on the summit we were able to also see the Indian Ocean, the All Nations area, Masiphumelele and Cape Point which is the furthest southern point in Africa!  The 360 degree on top was amazing among the coolest things I have experienced, I have to say my favorite part of the hike was from just below the summit seeing a whale breach multiple times!  As you could see the enormous splash instantly it took nearly five seconds but we could hear the splash all the way near the summit.  More pics and a video will be posted soon on facebook!

Child Like Faith

Its hard to believe but I have been in Cape Town now over a week!  I feel as though I have done and seen so many things already.  So I have picked out 3 highlights so far that I want to share!

Sunday morning - in Masiphumelele we had a celebration for Okuhle's baptism.  A friend of mine named Nceba, lives in Masi and has has been discipling Okuhle the past couple months.  Just recently he has made the decisions to be baptized!  So after a house church gathering we took an overflowing carload of us went down to the Fish Hoek beach where Nceba and I baptized Okuhle in the ocean.  After we worshipped on the beach and prayed over him a blessing!  

Tuesday Morning – We were rained out last week, but God’s plan was revealed this week!  We needed a trailer to haul pallets last week, but we were rained out.  When we were about to pay to rent the trailer this week, a member from All Nations already rented one so we didn't have to pay to rent one ourselves!  We hauled in and then carried 20 wooden pallets for Masibeke's and Simbonise's house .  These boys are in our Vulnerable Children program and live in the Wetlands of Masi.  The Wetlands in short summary, is the poorest and most dangerous part of  Masi.  The best way to describe it would be a maze of tin shacks that all share walls or are extremely close. (One pallet at your side to wide at some parts)  The floor of their house needed to be raised because every time it rains their house floods.  Now with the pallets they are free from water damage every rain! 

Tuesday Afternoon – Kids club was amazing. Whitney and I were running a little behind but that didn’t stop kids club from starting!  As we walked in, the kids had already started  worshipping.  They were singing joyfully “There is no one like Jesus” in Xhosa! A moment in life l never forget – this exploded my world view of a child like faith and joy.  The laughter and singing was  The rest of kids club my ears, nose, face were tugged in every direction possible all while having two or more kids lying on me at all times.  The children were fascinated by touching me, being held, and me simply being present.   As I was holding the kids I couldn't help but think - shouldn’t we be the same with our Heavenly father?

Childlike faith sees the world as exciting and adventurous; worth pursuing our faith and seeking opportunities to honor God and override our complacent attitude as "adults" with experiences of been there, done that.

My Tangible Takeaway

My entire life I thought that having empathy was good.  Well, more or less you are a good person if you express your empathy within your comfort level. 

When the stakes are as high as they are – Eternity. Can we truly empathize without  advocating? Empathy sends a card or expresses feelings.  Advocating is a call action.  Concern is the evil of anguish when you have to opportunity to advocate.   Concern empathizes - Anguish acts. What anguishes you? Are you willing to advocate for it? 

1 John 3:17-18 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 

Prayer Needs

Health

Safety

Favor & Influence

This is Africa – TIA moment.

Going to a movie for 13.50 Rand. Less than two dollars.

Blessings brothers and sisters:)