SOUTH AFRICA

With a team of 20 devoted people that came from not only Florida, but all across Michigan, we all met in Durban with a united goal in our hearts, to serve the children in the squatter villages of South Africa with Key of Hope Ministry.  We took to camp the children that needed it the most, and this year saw the greatest transformation in the children that attended.

Coming in a day earlier this year, we were able to be a part of Key of Hope's Friday night youth service. This was an incredible experience as we witnessed hundreds of teenagers worship God with an intensity we will not soon forget.

We participated in Saturday Kids Club,  where Key of Hope buses in hundreds of children by taxi to be involved, discipled, taught and loved.  This is a safe place for them and they love coming.

Then it was off to camp, where our team took two bus loads of children to camp.  Most of them did not even know what "going to camp" actually meant, but many had seen pictures of previous years and were excited to go.  Once we were at camp, each morning began with  Jonathan leading a group of us into worship of our Lord; a beautiful way to start our days.

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After worship we had our morning exercise routine, led by the teenagers.  These kids practiced for hours before camp and were a blessing.

At camp, we enjoy our meals in a family setting.  Some of these children do not get three meals a day.  In fact most of them do not even have tables to sit at, let alone adults to listen to them as they enjoy the meal prepared for them.  Some of them are the caretakers in their homes.  So this week was a wonderful retreat for many of them.

Climbing the mountain each year is always a wonderful experience.  To watch children accomplish something they think is impossible is such a blessing.  This year the teen age boys took turns carrying a girl bound to a wheel chair up the mountain so she could participate.  She was elated.

Having fun is a big part of camp.  We participated in many fun filled activities where  much ministry and teaching takes place.

Children's lives transformed before our eyes.  The first day we could not get one volunteer to pray for the meal or volunteer to help in the night ministry.  But the last night the entire crowd was eagerly volunteering.  What a glorious sight.  We ended camp with prayers filled with tears by both the children and our team as we prayed over their lives and the future God holds for them.