MUSIK 4 LIFE CAMP - WITH MANDATE TEAM

After staff prayer dedicating this day to the Lord, I tie red ribbons around 42 first-grade wrists. This is my team for the week of Musik 4 Life (Intentionally renamed to avoid problems) camp (part of African Children’s Choir) in Schoemansdal, Nkomazi, South Africa. I begin to rethink my request to work with the younger-aged children, as I realize they know next to no English… With heavy reliance on smiles and touch, we are still able to communicate. In fact, so many hands clamor to stake a claim on these American arms that I am in danger of falling over! A minor fist fight breaks out between two sweet little girls vying for the place of honor beside me. Language proves no barrier to these children who simply want to BE with me.

In the days to come, the Red Team and I enjoy many activities together—sports, dance class, games, music, and crafts. Sixty percent of these children are orphaned, and this camp during school holidays fills some empty hours for them. Eyes open when the parachute play begins. There is a bit of chaos—they simply cannot contain their delight, let go of the edge and run hither and yon under the floating fabric, laughing all the way.

The American group I am here with, in addition to leading teams of children, presents a dramatized Bible story every day after lunch. By week’s end we are both exhausted and enriched. The happy hordes that waited impatiently at the gate every morning now turn homeward. We pray fervently that God’s truth will transcend language and culture, that these 300 new friends will know they are precious in His sight.