South Africa: Wednesday - Feb 17th - Container Ministries Conference

We were blessed to be invited to attend the Container Ministries Conference in Durban. Durban is the largest port in all of Africa and the container ships are constantly coming in here to unload freight which is shipped throughout the continent. Donated goods and food are also shipped here which is the basis of the container ministries sponsored by Grace Family Church. The conference is to acknowledge and thank all of the people involved in providing the shipments, finding funding for the shipping and getting goods to Africa through the stories of different ministries that receive and distribute it. The start of the conference was some awesome worship by GFC church's worship team. The worship was both in english and zulu which was beautiful and powerful. We each made several new friends and contacts that God may use for his purposes. We heard about people just like us that had a great compassion for the plight of the poor and sick around them and did something. It made us all introspective of our own blinders to those around us that simply need a helping hand and confirmed our purpose for coming to Africa, to love God's people. We heard from International Justice Mission who investigate cases of child abuse and inslavement around the world. We were shocked at the number of people who have no freedom and and are forced to work and/or have sex for those that are inslaving them. It was heartbreaking. We heard from those that run food distribution or feeding centers for those that wouldn't have anything to eat but for those programs. We heard from those caring for HIV infected people and what is happening in the country to supply antiviral drugs needede to combat the disease. We heard how teenager girls are giving their bodies just to get a ride into town or to put more minutes on their cell phones. We heard of families in which both the father and the mother have died and one child is raising the others. All heart breaking stories that will stay with us. On top of the blessing of being able to attend the conference  we were blessed to be able to stay in a house right on the beach which was made available by a family who are members of Grace Family Church. What hospitality we have experienced here. Africa is a beautiful place with wonderful people. I'm sure every one of us feels a tug in our hearts for it's people. Keep praying for us. We feel you. God's love and your prayers sustain us.