Our Final Day(s)
We gathered for our final breakfast this morning as we prepared to leave for the airport via some stops along the way. It gave us an opportunity to say goodbye to the hotel staff who has aided us so well; we also gave them a gratuity as a way of saying thanks. Just when we thought we could get going we hit a major snag – the man who could get into the safe that contained our passports was no where to be found. Finally they found him – asleep! – and we got our documents and got going.
We set out to visit the Victoria Street Market in downtown Durban. Near the market is a stark reminder of the need for the Church to be active in mission – the largest mosque in the whole southern hemisphere. It has beautiful architecture but behind the building lies a theology that does not promote the world’s only Savior, Jesus Christ.
We quickly found some parking spots at the market and all jumped out with money in hand to do some souvenir shopping. This is a fire marshal’s nightmare. Shop after shop is stuck in this market and each shop is overflowing with all manner of craftwork: wood carvings, stone carvings, beadwork, fabrics, spices, artwork, jewelry, all sorts of things, including illegal ivory (none of that will be coming!) and that is just scratching the surface.
We next went down to the beach area north of downtown Durban. This is a picturesque stretch of beach on the Indian Ocean. Again there were all sorts of crafts and souvenirs … and ice cream! After a little time there we finally put all our purchases in the vans and headed out for King Shaka Airport. We said our final goodbyes to Alf and Carl, our very capable guides, and began the long trip home.
Today some of the world waited with some nervousness concerning whether Jesus would come today. Apparently the prediction was off the mark. But we can honestly say He has been coming to us and through us this week. We have seen our Lord in the “least of these” (Matthew 25:40) and have served Him with joy. And we have been blessed to be the means of His coming to those whom we served and with whom we have served. But, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, you don’t have to come to Africa for this. There in your homes, at your workplace or school, wherever you are placed, serve the Lord with gladness and rejoice in His gifts to you. And know that He comes as you speak His Good News of salvation and life.
God bless South Africa and Ntshongweni! And God bless our ministry at Martin Luther Chapel and Christian School! Amen.
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