I guess change is good

Sadly our time at Refilwe is coming to an end. We have had so many great memories here and the people have literally become family.

A few weeks ago, Piet and I met with the leaders of a ministry called Africa Ablaze. Piet grew up under this ministry when he was a lot younger. He attended the youth group and became a believer under the care of Africa Ablaze. This ministry runs weekend and weeklong camps for youth during the school holidays. They also go into schools and minister during morning assembly, plant churches in the rural farm areas, as well as host a career and life skills camp for youth who are a bit older.

I was taken a bit off guard when the Pastors offered us a position right on the spot. Our area of expertise would be working with youth who have just finished high school and need leadership skills, spiritual and job training. Africa Ablaze has partnerships with a few big companies that will pay for this gap year program and allow the students to do job shadowing. At the end of the year, the students will be able to come on staff at these businesses.

Piet and I went away from the meeting feeling different. We couldn’t imagine walking away from a program that we’ve worked so hard at building up. We’ve built strong relationships with these youth and how can we just leave with no one to follow behind? But, also, inside we felt a sense of peace. This program had such similarities, it was almost exactly what we were trying to achieve: to make the youth of this generation sustainable both spiritually and physically.

After praying about it long and hard, we decided that it was where God was definitely leading us for this point in our walk with him. After we made the decision, we learned that we would also be acquiring something from the ministry: free housing and electricity, food support from a local grocery store, a small cell phone and fuel stipend, as well as a small cash stipend. God is really taking care of us as we move forward in His perfect will.

This past weekend we moved into our new cottage (which is personally my 4^th house in a year!!) and made it our own. We are excited about this new chapter in life. Please pray for us in our journey and email us direct if you want to hear more!

Jesus, lead on, we will follow.

The Bakers