A club in Vrededorp now a reality

We went 2 hours earlier than the 3:30 start of Jozi Kidz Mobile last tuesday to go and walk the streets and meet boys and girls. Not knowing what reception we would have in vrededorp, we were pleasantly surprised. The prayer had paid off and God was evidently with us. People were warm and it was like a hopeless community were eager for something to change. We handed out balloons and flyers. We even went to the house where we had seen the two little girls on an early Saturday run, that had brought us to the area. We felt that where light comes, darkness has to flee. It was awesome to be in a park again and to see the kids rolling up from all directions. We eventually signed up 24 kids and there were still others looking on from a distance. Joanne started with a game, Letty led praise songs, and then Jesse and I shared on getting foundations right. Then we had small groups to discuss and get to know the kids. All sorts, different ages and cultures. They were very happy to have something in their park. Now tomorrow we return after a week's break and hoping to continue to build with these precious kids.
The men who pray with me each Wednesday were so encouraged and they each have a different part to play in this subburb.

Updating da waffles

Waffling has been a bit slow of late, guess it is hard to know what to share. You know when people say what's news? Well there is always stuff, but do people want to hear me waffling about it? Face Book is at least quick bitesized chunks of me and what I am about. No secret that I am full on for Jesus and that He is the one that most excites me and fulfills me. Like today, was great waking up and spending time with Him, was great worshipping and ministering with Joanne at Hope Street to kids, and great talking about him over candle light when the power went off again. Know that He is leading us each day and praying that we will stay in His will for our lives. Right now in Jozi with kidz. Well now u know I am alive and kicking or waffling...later!

Getting and keeping volunteers

Yes we have nearly 100 volunteers but it take work! First you pray for God to send you people and then you pray for them when He does. You look for likely candidates from your parents and friends. You give them the vision and share the awesome things God is doing in your ministry. No one wants to join a miserable ministry. You appeal from the pulpit too and again share passionately. You let people see what you and your kids are doing! Then you have them complete an application form so you can get to know them and screen them. In your application form you make it clear what you expect so they know. Those who are lazy or not comitted will never bring the form back! Good, cos u don't need them pulling your momentum down. Then you meet personally with each candidate and if you are happy you put them in a team and roster them for duty. You give them the t shirt and say now let's do it!!
Start them with little things and as they prove themselves give them more, untill they become team leaders and hopefully take your job one day!
Look after them, people want to serve but also be served and to grow by being part of your ministry. We e mail them every week, pray and send sms prophetic words. We facilitate monthly a meeting where they can come and connect with you and others on the team. Some of these may be formal training, others just get together and hang out. Invite them to your home and if they can't make it then take them out during a lunch break for coffee or something nicer than coffee! Build a sense of family. This does take them being willing too, I have people on my team that seldomely make any meetings and so are fringe members and get far less of my pastoral input. Those who come and give, get more... that's just natural. Try to appreciate them. I have people whose only ministry is kids and so can give more, whilst some are in 2 or 3 other ministries and can give less.
If you want men, share vision and have strong men leaders speak and make appeals. Most men don't want to serve in a womens ministry so you have to challenge that mindset. Couples are the best, as it models family too. Raise up leaders from young. Have some form of development path from kids. By the time our kids go to youth at 13 they have had the chance to become leaders and some step into that role. They make awesome leaders cos u have discipled them.
So there... simple but not easy. We work on it all the time...