Listen, Learn and Serve

For those who have followed along with us, through our first trip and now into our second, it can be difficult to understand what we mean when we say that we are in South Africa to listen, learn and serve. It's not the response that is generally satisfying to those who ask: "What are you going to do?"

While this second visit also includes the fourth component of help, the renovation of two rooms that will expand program space, the first three are still our main priorities. The question has been asked of our team: "Do you see any difference at Seed of Hope compared to your last visit in 2014?"  The answer has been, in short: "Absolutely!"

From what we can tell, so much of it is very positive. Over the course of the last year, the paid staff of Seed of Hope has been reduced from 26 people to 14 people - for a variety of reasons, all within the sovereignty of God. Navigating this new course has not been easy, but it is exciting and you can feel the enthusiasm from everyone on the team.

In return we also have asked of the staff: "What makes you excited about the future for Seed of Hope?"

As we've been listening, here's a paraphrase of a sentence that is written in my notes, from three different people, in three separate conversations: "Our vision and/or purpose remains the same, however our strategy and programs are changing."  Over the course of the last couple of years, in anticipation of some of the staffing changes, there has been a renewed effort to listen to community and the key stakeholders (the staff and volunteers). Much time in prayer and discussion has been invested. Additionally, the encouragement to dream about the future, about what could be possible is infusing hope. Out of this listening there has been a re-birth of programming that seeks to meet the needs of whole families, from the youngest to the oldest. Biblical principles are taught throughout each phase and program. Each program is being led through the giftedness and passion of individuals who come from this community, have a growing relationship with Jesus and care deeply about what happens in this community.

As we listen, we learn. As we listen and learn, we communicate value and worth to those we meet and we gain understanding as to how God is at work here. And if God is at work here, in this way, then perhaps, there are some things that we can learn to be applied at home in Canada. As a result of our listening and learning we are invited to serve alongside them, knowing that together we are being led by God into a sustainable future for this community: a future where, from young to old, they are being honoured, encouraged and equipped to make their lives even better.

Deve