When we set out on our trip to Coffee Bay on the Wild Coast we had little idea of what to expect, so we prepared as best we could and took along all the ministry ideas and equipment that we might need.  We did know that we were going to build a “Veggie Tent” for the “Khaya Lethu” (= our place) orphanage which we as a church sponsored.  We also took along boxes of clothing (mostly for children), blankets, maize, samp and beans.

We left Plett at 03h00 in the morning knowing that when we arrived at the other side we would still have to set up camp for the night.  The trip in our Quantum bus towing a HUGE trailer and Aubrey’s bakkie was very comfortable and we arrived in good time.  We set up camp in the camping grounds which were closed due to neglect and what looked like a half-hearted clean up. Christine & Gerrie, our hosts, had got special permission for us to camp and had arranged for an area to be cleared for us to set up our base.  They also arranged for two of the local men to be our 24 hour camp security due to the high crime rate in the area. The girls in the group were very grateful that we took along the porta loo and bush shower because the ablution facilities looked as if they were last used about 10 years ago and were, to put it mildly, disgusting.  Once we had set up camp were very comfortable with kitchen, food store (trailer), bush toilet, hot water bush shower and electricity (to charge our cell phones …. Jokes).

The next day, Sunday, it was raining but we had our own mini church service and Paul and Elna joined us.  After that we took a  drive up to Khaya Lethu to meet the children and staff that we would be working with.  The Orphanage is set on the hills, about 5km from the Coffee bay camp site but the scenery was amazing as we made our way over the hills and through the valleys with small huts and farms scattered everywhere.  There are 18 children at Khaya Lethu ranging from 3 to 12 years.  Gerrie and Christine together with the staff at Khaya Lethu, Lulama (house mom), Squash and Nandi are doing a fantastic job in caring for these children.  Most days we spent some time playing with the children from Khaya Lethu as well as a lot of other children from the neighbourhood who just came to join in the fun. We could clearly see that the children of Khaya Lethu are healthy, well fed, neatly dressed and in general just stood out among their peers.

On the Monday we started clearing the ground, which I might add was as hard as rock, for the building of the “Veggie Tent”.  We praise God that Gerrie was obedient and hired an orger to drill the holes for the poles otherwise I think we would still be busy digging.  The “Veggie Tent” was constructed of treated poles, stay wires, pegs and shade cloth.  It took us all of 4 days to complete the structure and everyone worked very hard to make this a job well done.  Khaya Lehu will be using the structure to plant veggies, herbs, etc. What they don’t use for their own consumption will be sold to help support the everyday expenses of the orphanage.

While the guys were working on the “Veggie Tent” the girls painted the name and a beautiful mural that Stephany Reith had sketched for us.  We also had plenty of time to do fun activities with the children and even went back one evening to show them a short movie and sing with them.  On the evening that we used the projector to project the mural on the wall we took “Blink”, the clown along to entertain the children. They loved this however there were some that were very afraid.

While Paul and Elna were still with us we initiated all the new team member into the Wild Coast Outreach.  We had a ceremony down at the Umtata river mouth during which the initiates had to climb hands and feet into a bath of sloshy, wet cow dung.  Paul of course came of second best.

After getting permission from the local headman we also had the opportunity to go from house to house to pray for people and give out the blankets, maize and beans that we had taken along.  People there live very simple lives and often seem so happy.

There are a few traditional churches in the area but no Spirit filled church.  The people are very religious and many know God but very few truly KNOW Him in relationship.  This is very sad and there is also nothing for young people to do, so if a young person decides to serve Christ they are very quickly sucked back into the taverns, etc. as there is no discipling happening there.  Please pray that God will raise up a young couple to plant a church there to help meet the Spiritual needs in the area.

On our day off we took a ride to Hole in the wall and spent the day there, swimming and walking around.  There was also plenty of time in the late afternoons for us to go to the beach adjacent to the camp site and Josh got in his fair share of surfing.  The water was nice and warm and the weather very favourable.

We had a party for the children on the last day that we were there and it was sad to have to say goodbye.  They were such a blessing to us.

On the last day that we were there we packed up camp and then moved to the guest lodge owned by Gerrie & Christine where we spent the last night.  We also went for a braai at Gerrie and Christine’s home where we had a great time getting to know them even better.

At last our time there came to an end and we were up early to head for home leaving the rolling hill and valleys behind.  This truly was an awesome trip with a team that just bonded and worked so well together.  We have all come back challenged to make a difference wherever we are and we know that we have left a huge footprint in Coffee Bay bearing testimony to our King.

Blessings

Andre

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