This past Friday, the first World Cup game of the year was played on South African soil. As a ministry we used this event to kick-off our new "Oasis Community Center". It was our grand opening of a Center that will host the viewing of futbol games and other media events. It is a joint effort between three different people groups. Back2Back, SSE and the village itself. All three have different focus's but all three want what is best for the Rukuba people. The day was filled with food, fun, fellowship and a lively band that kept the kids hips moving.
These pictures show different aspects of the day unraveling. The ariel shot is Gus climbing the boulders that surround this plot of land and snapping a photo before it began. We had a food station, a face painting station (Sarah and my mom manned this booth), a music station, and of course a jumpy castle station. We are grateful as it did not rain and people came from all different walks of life to see what was going on. Jason shared parts of his own testimony as Daniel and Ibro shared the vision and mission of this center. As much as we had "planned" and hoped the details would find themselves taken care of, it is still somewhat of a risk to plan things in the village.
These pictures show different aspects of the day unraveling. The ariel shot is Gus climbing the boulders that surround this plot of land and snapping a photo before it began. We had a food station, a face painting station (Sarah and my mom manned this booth), a music station, and of course a jumpy castle station. We are grateful as it did not rain and people came from all different walks of life to see what was going on. Jason shared parts of his own testimony as Daniel and Ibro shared the vision and mission of this center. As much as we had "planned" and hoped the details would find themselves taken care of, it is still somewhat of a risk to plan things in the village.
There are so many unpredictables that come with an event focused on a group of people that do not limit themselves to the boundaries of four walls. This wasn't focused on a children's home. It was focused on orphans who are living in a village with or without people who care for them.
It might seem strange to host an "Oasis Community Center" kick-off when our focus is on the Fatherless. But, with much prayer and cultural guidance we are desiring to better the whole community and where they are with their strengths and weaknesses. By doing that we are seeing that the orphan within those relationships are better cared for and defended in a way that is a little new to our understanding.
I was glad that the day took place, even though the first game ended in a tie and Nigeria lost their first game. Our hope is these people will come to understand and realize that there is a safe place to gather together and to meet. I also believe that as the community itself begins to recognize their own God-given potential, positive change will begin to show itself.
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as we see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25
It might seem strange to host an "Oasis Community Center" kick-off when our focus is on the Fatherless. But, with much prayer and cultural guidance we are desiring to better the whole community and where they are with their strengths and weaknesses. By doing that we are seeing that the orphan within those relationships are better cared for and defended in a way that is a little new to our understanding.
I was glad that the day took place, even though the first game ended in a tie and Nigeria lost their first game. Our hope is these people will come to understand and realize that there is a safe place to gather together and to meet. I also believe that as the community itself begins to recognize their own God-given potential, positive change will begin to show itself.
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as we see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25I pray as you find yourself meeting with your own fellowship surroundings this morning that you will pray for this community center as well.
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