Extension 23

I've shared a bit in previous posts about Extension 23, a local township located about 30 minutes from the farm where I stay. The church in Vereeniging that I am involved in, Acts Family Church, has planted a church in Extension 23, a sister church of sorts. J-Life has also planted a team of three young leaders to work alongside that church in Extension 23. Throughout my time here in South Africa, I have been able to invest a considerable amount of time and energy into Ext. 23. In June, Adrienne and I spent a week there, living at the church and joining in ministry with them.

During our time in Ext. 23, we found our way to an orphanage near the church on a few occasions. The orphanage is run by an old lady who is affectionately referred to as Gogo Emily.* Out of her tiny house, she lives with and takes care of 15 other children. It really is quite remarkable what she is doing to care for and nurture these kids with essentially nothing. One of the children is inflicted with AIDS, her mother dropping the dying child off at Gogo Emily's doorstep, promising to come back for her, but never to be seen again. As heartbreaking as each story like that can be, it was such a blessing to see Gogo Emily's love for "the least of these"--the unwanted children, as well as the sick, defenseless, dying child.

Seeing the incredible need, Acts Family Church has also partnered with Gogo Emily, and they are currently constructing a dorm building on her small property to help house these children. Here are a couple pictures of me hanging with the kids at the orphanage. You can also read about Adrienne's experience in Ext. 23 here.



*"Gogo" is a Zulu word that is most easily translated as "grandma."