Day 3 - Mens Prayer and Monday Meeting

After a good nights sleep for everyone, the morning started at 7am with Mens Prayer. Many of the men from the Hands at Work Hub site met in the chapel on site. We began with each of us introducing ourselves to one another, including sharing how we were feeling and any prayer requests we had in mind. Audris (someone who works permanently with hands at work) then shared a Bible reflection on Ezekiel, speaking of the ‘dry bones’ of the Israelites and how he had reflected on the dry bones in his life, whether that be in his heart or mind. This led into a time where we could reflect on the dry bones in our life and ask God for refreshment for these areas to flourish in Christ. Audris later used the analogy of a tree by the river by the local church. This tree is flourishing with life due to its location and water source which reflects the source of life we seek in Christ. Our time in mens prayer ended with a time of Intercession rather different from what any of us was used to. Everyone was invited to pray aloud simultaneously which was both reassuring and wonderful to see and hear the true connection those we are sharing our experiences here have with God. 

Following mens prayer the whole team regrouped for a quick but enjoyable breakfast on the veranda. We then joined the whole Hands team here for the weekly Monday meeting was starting at 8am. My expectation of this was more of a formal meeting however it was far from it. I’d describe it as more like an informal, spirit led service. Just to give a little insight into how the people here have welcomed and included us, the empty seat I headed to for this meeting was apart from the rest of our team. Instantly after I had sat both those next to me welcomed me and we introduced ourselves, already getting to know one another and building friendships. After some notices, there was a time of powerful, exuberant singing led by Prag and Pinkie with song leading freely into another or times of praying aloud. This was for many of the team a truly empowering experience, giving strength and reassurance for what lies ahead in the coming days and weeks. Like many of our activities today, our time together finished in a time of prayer for the hands workers, another team and ours and the people we will all meet on our journey in South Africa. 

You’ll see more on the day and our time in the community of Mafambisa in the next blog post. 

Blogged by Harry