...in Africa

A Time to Honor

2012-02-12T07:54:00.001-05:00

Our First Show!

About a month ago, as the summer holiday ended and the allthe band members came back to South Africa, we decided to put together a showto homor out family and friends. We knowhow much our family and friends have played an integral role in each member ofthe bands journey to get to this point.

So we found a venue and booked it. MARCH 2 Family & Friends Show!!! We’ve also hired a lighting and sound team. One we are blessed with, cause they usuallydo large and popular artists that come through South Africa. We’re also blessed to have our friends inmedia that will be filming the night. With that, we’re going to stream the concert online (more info to come),so that our family and friends back in different time zones can be a part ofthis.

We’re working day and night with so many aspects of theshow. I love you all and thank you foryour love and support in this journey. Moreupdates will be coming!

Why Maximize Missions?

2011-12-22T07:49:00.000-05:00

In the fast-paced, end of the year, I realized that I hadn't explained, how Maximize Missions became an idea turned to reality.

Transitioning out of Ten Thousand Homes, one piece I knew I would take with me was the Orphan Crisis; that no matter where I am in the world, I would be involved, intentionally, with fighting the Orphan Crisis.
At first the possibilities seemed endless. Grace and I, in preparation to our wedding and also after we came back from our honeymoon bliss, were meeting individuals and groups of people that were somehow involved with orphans and the empowerment of the vulnerable and disenfranchised. Most to which included orphan work. Scores of people would walk up to us and say that they needed to have a meeting.
Among the divine appointments, I would be asking myself the our Father, "Do you want me to join these people, this cause?" All to which there was a "no".
Finally after months of processing with Grace, mentors and the Father, it dawned on us. Actually through my wife (She's got a a larger spiritual antenna than I do).
Creating an advocacy group, to not help just one of these noble causes/NGO's, but creating opportunities to aid those in need, opportunities to aid those serving by creating opportunities to aid those wanting to serve.

Nearing the End of 2011

2011-12-21T15:44:00.000-05:00

Wow, another year almost gone by. It's true when they say life can move faster and faster, with age. In my 37, soon to be 38, years of wisdom, I think it's cause the older we get, the more we are tempted to define life and it's enjoyment by "the doing".

Now I'm not knocking "the doing". If it wasn't for "the doing" I would've never walked through the journey of 3 wedding ceremonies in 3 different countries, that eventually brought the result of my marriage to my wonderful wife.

What I'm trying to explain is that in "the doing", "the being" is what defines "the doing".

(gotten off the 48hours.com site)

When I get this mixed-up, and I do often, "the doing" informs more of my insecurities as where "the being" enables me to sing my song, my life...the major, the minor...no having to apologize for me, well, sometimes, when the minor goes really minor ;).

It's year's end and it's so important to take stock of the year, letting the dust settle and replaying, in slow-mo, this years events, small or big, and listen...pause...and assess the failures and the victories.

Grace and I like to take time off throughout the year, but especially during the Christmas holiday, where the end and the beginning stand face to face.

There's been so much this year I can't wait to help highlight to you, these wonderful treasures in the remaining month of this year. Thank you for your patience, support, prayers and friendship.

Well, that's all for now, but more to come, very soon.

Band Update

2011-12-19T07:47:00.000-05:00

After 3 months of practicing. Monday through Friday, we’vestopped to celebrate the Christmas Summer holiday, here in South Africa.

In this time we’ve been practicing and fine tuning some ofmy old songs and also creating and fine tuning new ones. We’ve begun to hit a creative stride that we’reall excited about. We currently have sixsongs, under our belt.

We’re planning to hit the clubs here in Cape Town and therest of South Africa in the beginning of next year. I’ll update you more on that

We’ve begun to go see music acts and venues in CapeTown. We’re trying to understand theclub scene, here in CTown and also gauge the spiritual atmosphere, constantlykeeping out “eyes”open so that we can learn as much as we can.

We’ve also figured out the name of the band. We’re called STATIC RUN. After months of compiling ideas from talking,researching, praying, it ultimately came down to a process of voting, where weeliminated one name at a time. Now,there are 4 of us in the band so the possibility of a dead-lock was verypossible so we decided if we get to a dead-lock, we’d have to resort tophysical challenges to get a one name. Luckily we didn’t get to that. Sothere you are, we are STATIC RUN. Forall those that participated in this process you have our thanks and gratitude.

Here's a picture of the band from left to right

Kiffie: Afrikaaner (S.Africa)

David: Korean, American

Arun: Indian (India)

Wade: American

Here are 3 pictures of the studio (the soundproofing all finished).

Maximize Missions Newsletter Christmas Issue

2011-12-16T15:18:00.001-05:00

2011-10-06T05:58:00.001-04:00

MAXIMIZE MISSIONS is finally here.Unfortunately, I'm having some difficulties getting the correct image size on the post. Please come back again and also check your email for the info@maximizemissions.com , you've been sent a personal newsletter, so ENJOY!

New York, New York

2011-09-08T10:40:00.003-04:00

North-East Visit (Part 1)So there a few parts to this but in the first 2 weeks of our time in the US.Our hosts, the Kims, were amazing as usual. Friends for many years, they opened their home to Grace and me. We had an amazing time. One of the highlights was the 2011Pillow Fight World Championship. Team Kim (Abby&Becca) took the title.

Grace and I got to minister to my New Church family.

One of our surprises was while we were having dinner at Chris Kim's home, Grace was given a hanbok. I can't believe it fit and looks so beautiful on my wife!

Our Wedding Brooklyn Braai (Bbq) was so much fun. It was another great time for Grace to meet so many important people in my life.

Another amazing time I was greatly anticipating was Grace getting to meet my sibling's (Peter and Jane) families for the first time. The kids were so great with Grace.

Before we left for Switzerland, another great friend, Herbert Lee, took us to Time Square Church and then out to dinner to the Mandarin Oriental on Columbus Circle, where we were spoiled with great food, great service, great company and a great view.

As I've been looking back on our trip, the amazing that occurred to me is that there are so many more important people that Grace has not met or did but due to time, we didn't get to spend much time with. We wait in anticipation for more...more surprises. Everyone, your support was so overwhelming and God continues to spur us on through your love and support. More is coming.

Our Trip Overview

2011-08-22T09:19:00.016-04:00

So many of you know that our recent trip was one of faith and trust, down to the 11th hour. Trips are always like that, involving steps taken to which the outcome is not clear, but for Grace and I there were two things different this time. One, we were doing this together, as a married couple and two, that this was the most challenging faith lesson we had, in regards to travel. Some tests, the answer arrives in one felt sweep. Some tests, the answers don't seem to come at all (I'm still waiting for some). This test, the answers came bit by bit.
Through it all, the Father showed himself faithful and loving as always. Here's just a bit of an over view of His faithfulness by highlighting all the cities we traveled to. Over half of these cities were a surprise. He is the God of Surprises!

Brooklyn, USA

@ the Kim's, our Brooklyn
hosts

Boston, USA

@ dinner with Grace and the
Younger Leaders Team for the
Lausanne Movement

Burtigny, Switzerland

@ the YWAM Burtigny base
having the awesome Raclette
Cheese dinner with the
Slingshot staff

Geneva, Switzerland

@ the United Nations
HQ Building

Lyon, France

@the Terreaux Fountain with
friends from Slingshot

Lausanne, Switzerland

@the Youth with a
Mission Lausanne Base

Montreux, Switzerland

@the world-famous Montreux
Jazz Festival

Bern, Switzerland

@ the city of "the Bear"
with our good friend
Susan

Winterthur, Switzerland

Our favorite family
in Switzerland, the
Handschins

Zurich, Switzerland

@ Lake Zurich double
date day

New Jersey, USA

@ dinner with our NJ hosts,
the Yoos

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

@ the Mediterranean Tent at
the Festival Mall

More Surprises

2011-08-04T08:50:00.006-04:00

When Grace and I arrived back to the US from our time at the YWAM Leadership event, Slingshot, in Switzerland, I went to go see my father two days after we landed. On that visit, after talking about his health and the news of this second opinion for therapy to be the course of his recovery, he asked me if he could see Grace.

So on this past Monday, Grace and I met my dad for lunch. It had been a moment we have been praying for. Many of you have been praying for, thank you. It was a sweet moment of father meeting his new daughter. It definitely brought healing to our hearts. Here are a couple photos.

US Update

2011-06-22T11:55:00.004-04:00

So...

Cape Town - Dubai: 8 hours
Dubai Layover: 7 hours
Dubai - JFK: 12 hours
Eugene picks us up at the airport.
Shower and some Brooklyn Pizza before we continue (the Kim's rock!)
2 train - 4 train

4 train - Grand Central
Grand Central - Croton Harmon Metro North Station
Picked up car from Chae An (also an amazing blessing!)
Croton Harmon - Gordon Conwell College (Biennial Lausanne Movement Leadership Meeting): 5 hours
- we got there late and had to wait til 7am to get Grace into her room.
Gordon Conwell - Brooklyn: 8 hours (morning traffic)

Travel time: too much!

Change

2011-05-08T06:53:00.004-04:00

For those of you on Facebook (which I imagine all of you), you might've noticed my status on Saturday saying "this is a painting kind of Saturday". I was painting some furniture that Grace and I had bought for our new home. The first item was a Dressing Table and a Coffee Table. Both are in good shape but with some sanding and painting they could look amazing, so they became my project this past weekend and the outcome is amazing. The coffee table looks absolutely new.

So that was my project this weekend. For Grace, she's been working on a different project all together. She's been in Nigeria, this past week, shooting a film. Grace and her older sister (second oldest) Anne, have started an organization called MeCAHT. MeCAHT stands for Media Campaign Against Human Trafficking.

They had this dream, years ago, to help educate fellow Nigerians, especially from the rural areas, because 80% percent of the African prostitutes you see in the West are from rural villages in Nigeria. Apparently these girls are sold for a "brighter future", a lie used globally. Meeting scores of Nigerian woman walking the winter streets of Copenhagen and you find yourself thinking, this is not normal.
So they wrote a movie that would be a feature film with an educative bent towards it and they would target Nigeria and especially the rural villages, so as to expose light onto the lies to spur on more action.
After much rejection from potential partners and a shelving of the project, years later, the project was resurrected. Partners from Denmark were confirmed, seed money given and now the project is taking off. With this international support, project partners that once rejected them are happily wanting to get on board.
Shooting began on this past Monday and it will continue for some time. I'm so proud of Grace.
I can't imagine what impact this is having, and will have on those involved and them the nation of Nigeria. Looking at the coffee table and with some work and time, it's become completely transformed. Imagine hundreds, thousands of lives, being changed with some work and time.

A Band, A Place to Play

2011-05-06T03:26:00.008-04:00

So many of you know my passion for music. You also know that before I left for Africa, I had it in mind to get a band together and impact the world with our music and that it started. Well, it's all back!
After doing some preliminary recordings for a concert in Nigeria, last year, I've picked up a bass player and a recording producer. This past month, we've picked up a drummer and also a practice space. We've been practicing the last three weeks and it's been so great, creating together. We're working on songs, planning a CD recording my the end of the year and also wanting to hit the club circuit, impacting lives. Here are some shots of the studio, where we get to practice anytime we want.

2011-05-04T08:38:00.004-04:00

(Taken from the Ten Thousand Homes Blog)
Changing routine for worship

Ten Thousand Homes
Everyday
Worship

Mbuso Tsela is a 26-year old from Mbonisweni who has decided to live for God beyond what his culture expects and do more than go to church on Sunday. Mbuso was an important part of constructing Ten Thousand Homes’ latest house: Uvikelekile. He opened his heart one day at the Uvikelekile construction site and shared how his story gave him a passion for volunteering. Mbuso struggled in school until he went to a school to help his learning disabilities. He tried to reenter school in Mbonisweni in grade 9, but couldn’t keep up. His self-esteem was shattered, and he left school. Mbuso started getting involved with his church and community in 2007 so he wouldn’t feel so lonely during his empty days. “I loved putting the roof on this house because it’s something I can do well. I’ve done it before at my own house, and it feels good to do something I’m good at. And to do it for God.”

Creative Action
Mbuso said he thought before that volunteers were crazy for working without making money, but now his heart is in it. He is honored to be doing something for God. Pray for Mbuso as he continues worshiping God in his every day life, using what he is good at instead of being discouraged by what he is not. Pray also for the every day tasks in the work that Ten Thousand Homes is doing to bring glory to God. This week, take note of the tasks that can seem mundane and pray for God to show you a way you can serve Him in your daily life. Whether it be a meeting, a class, or a drive, pick one part of your daily routine and give it to God in prayer before beginning. Expect for God to surprise you with his love in the most routine tasks like He did for Mbuso.

Visit: www.tenthousandhomes.org

Mo Money Part 2

2011-04-21T05:12:00.000-04:00

Was re-reading the Irresistible Revolution recently and was re-gripped by Shane Claiborne's thoughts on how a follower of Jesus must always think, pray and act on the responsibilities of the Kingdom "here on earth".
When he talks about our responsibility/duty to help the beggars on the road to Jericho. As we do, this engagement begins to naturally spur us to re-think this road that produces these beggars, outcasts, the down and out.

I'm remembering the lush Tea-Fields in Malawi. Malawi is in the top 5 Poorest Nations in Africa and yet Malawi yields 75% of the worlds green tea. All across the tea fields are sprinkled with laborers, some of the poorest in Africa. This is Malawi's road to Jericho.

My friend Anthony posted this clip from the John Daily Show. Some thought provoking insight and facts to the banking system in the US, our current Economic Landscape and the American road to Jericho; Take a look.

The Daily Show
Tags: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

Mo Money

2011-04-18T09:56:00.002-04:00

Money is such a big part of our world. Having too much and having too little highlight so much of our world's problems. The daunting task of our wedding and its cost was a journey of listening and faith of our Father. They joy of seeing the Father come through on His word and the blessings given to all that witness was amazing.

Connections, in the aftermath of our wedding, in the midst of all the blessings strategized and organized by our Father, through a wedding connection, we were invited to a networking meeting for Christians to impact South Africa. One of the featured organizations was Cause Transformation (cause.co.za). It's leader, Nicolette Booyens, spoke about Cause and it's goals. They're vision is to erradicate extreme povety in South Africa by using a 'non-Colonial' business model that trains to generate income in the poor communities/townships in South Africa and also to re-invest this income right back into these communities/townships. Much of the retail stores in South Africa employ members from these poor communities. They spend about 40% of their income on transport to and from their work place and the majority of the 60% of their income is spent on products from these retailers. In essence, very little portion of their income is invested into their communities, hence the Colonial Business Model.

Cause Transformation aims to create business initiatives by providing start up cash and training members of the communities to start businesses that are based in their communities. Cash flows into the communities, benefitting it's community members more and more.

I chatted with Nicolette about the possibility of Cause Transformation doing some initiatives with the Ten Thousand Homes projects, such as Kabokweni, working with our partners like Elizabeth. The possibilities are endless. So pray with me and Ten Thousand Homes as I have continue to meet with Cause Transformtaion.

Lets help erradicate stupid poverty.

Visit Ten Thousand Homes: www.tenthousandhomes.org
Visit Cause Transformation: www.cause.co.za

The Wedding Day

2011-04-12T17:52:00.006-04:00

Grace and I had the wonderful privilege to have so many Spiritual Fathers and Mothers speak into our lives about the wedding day. We also had good friends share their experiences with us, so we felt as prepares as one can be. A friend of mine, a much older gentleman, shared his wedding day experience by saying, it is only by God's grace that we can say yes to the vows for our spouse. That he also had no clue, and barely still does today, on the depth of commitment to his wife. I liken it to the first time I made a vow to my Heavenly Father to lay down my life and follow Him...barely had a clue at that moment and still learning what that means, today.

When I stood before Grace and spoke my vows to her, something happened. As we're on our 48th day of marriage, I've been trying to describe, into words, what happened to me as I spoke those vows, promising to love my wife as Christ loves the church.
It was a physical experience. It shot through my body over and over again, like electricity. It was a bit tingly like electricity. I felt like my physical orientation in the chapel had changed somehow. Not out-of-body, but something that overtook me in a way I will never forget. All these sensations leading to this point...that this commitment was deep, very deep.

Here's the lyrics to the song I sang her...also are the lyrics I forgot and the last verse, to which the vase cut short.

(Video Version)

Is You...

There was a time, when i saw you across a crowded room
I did not know your love to laugh
I did not know your love to dance
but today, i do

There was a time, when I sat across from you
We shared out first meal, my heart was pounding
and like a fool I could barely speak
but today, i sing to you

All I want is
All I want is
you, my love
All I need is
All I need is
you, my love
climb the highest mountain
swim the deepest sea
I give you my life
so completely

There was a time, when i dared to ask you out
You wrestled with our Father in Heaven,
you sought Him out
you said "yes" and it made me shout!

There was a time, when my heart awoke
to the truth that all i wanted was you and only you
no other will do
not even close
so today I give my all to you

All I want is
All I want is
you, my love
All I need is
All I need is
You, my love
Climb the highest mountain
Swim the deepest sea
I give you my life
So completely

There was a time, as we sat next to the the moon and stars
Heaven came down, like kiss
Wipe away all our scars
All of Heaven, especially your mother
Sing a love song over us...
All of Heaven, especially your mother
sing a love song over us

2 Days Left

2011-02-22T05:50:00.002-05:00

As Grace and I have been preparing for the wedding, our married friends, have told us how crazy this final week will be. In the back of my mind, "I thought to myself, well it's not going to be this way for us." I was speaking out of arrogance and ignorance. Our final week has humbled me and as well, surprised me.
From airport runs, to car break downs, last minute flight bookings to picking up projectors and screens...Grace and I have been telling ourselves to slow down and take it all in. I can see how easy it is to let this leg of the preperations, go by so fast, cause it really is CRAZY! One of the surprises has been my brother Peter. He's been so amazing with Grace, her family and friends and of course, my friends and family, here in South Africa. He's been so engaging, especially getting off two days of travel, with everyone here. Rigth now we're waiting for my little sister to arrive at the airport. I can't wait for more surprises to come. Again, it's the Fatehr marking my relationship with Grace with surprises...He is a good God.

An Interruption

2011-02-10T07:40:00.000-05:00

As the planning of the wedding is intensifying, today, Grace and I have 15 days left until we're joined in a holy union, to each other, to the Father. Many of you can relate how the craziness of life becomes as you're planning a wedding. Just one word; craziness..and in this craziness Jesus walked among us.
I was at Cape Town International Airport, picking up my friend, mentor, white dad Rich Hodge so that we could speak together at a Discipleship Training School (DTS) at YWAM Worcester here in South Africa. That morning I had spent some time debriefing DTS students at YWAM Media Village, had coffee with an old friend and running errands for the wedding; which can seem like a mountain that continues to rise and rise with no visible end.
So after a vey busy week, a very busy morning, I had a few moments to myself as I waited at the Arrivals area for Rich.
Within a few minutes I saw a familiar face. It was a student at a DTS, here in South Africa, that Rich and I had spoken at just 6 months ago. My first reaction was to hide and turn away...thinking "I'm too tired at the moment and what possible inconvenience could arise from this meeting." So I looked away. As the voice inside started to grow louder, I said "hello".
Surrender, which was the subject I had taught on just a week ago, rang true in my soul in that moment being reminded that my life is not mine but it belongs to the Creator, the Father. Stepping into the Father's plan, which usually disrupts our plan, brought about so much life, the reason why we were created. To my friend at the airport, to me, this encounter brought about encouragement, more love and light, which always pushes back he darkness, the lies.
So in the words of Winkie Pratney "God is God and we are not" and His ways are so much higher than ours.

2011-01-31T10:49:00.002-05:00

You never know where obedience to the Father will take you. I've lived a good part of my adult life on this path. I'm not perfect by any means, nor was I meant to be, but growing in this, trust thing with God, has been and always will be amazing (Though I have my moments kicking and screaming).
When Grace and I started to really get serious about each other, we talked about what a "wedding" would look like, without and worries of money. Life lived for God should never be dictated by the size of your bank account. "God is not short on cash" as Bono tells us. So throughout our engagement and up till now, Grace and I have been asking God what to do, how much to do, etc. Our original budget for the wedding and looking back that was a "safe" figure has just about doubled. And please remember, this has been a conversation that we've been having with the Father since the beginning.
First hurdle, venue, venue, venue. Everything revolves around the venue; wedding date, invitations, decorations, pictures, budget. Again we did not want to be "safe" and try to tackle this on our own. Heck, Grace and I have been living much our adult life relying on God so why stop now. Through some friends and some clear God moments (I'm shortening the story so that this post won't be so long, but if you're curious, please ask, I'll be happy to tell you), we decided on a venue that equalled the cost of our original venue. We had some money saved, the deadline for the down payment was due. Out of no-where, we get sent a check that with your savings, can pay for the down-payment. Then our guide and wedding mentor, took a step of obedience and at the end of the day, the venue was given to us at half price. Basically the venue was paid for.
Let me just list what God has provided:

Wedding Venue Molenvliet Wine Estate
Church
All flowers
All decorations
All our printing (from invites to dinner menus)
Wedding Cake (at cost)
Catering (60% paid)
Wedding dress,
Bride's maid dresses
Photographer
Videographer
DJ
Sound Equipment
10 waitstaff
One night accommodation at Molenvliet
All-expense honeymoon at a five-star resort in Malaysia
Dance lights and smoke machine (possibly free)
Wedding Tea/Drinks and hor d'oeuvres
Marriage Documents

To be clear this has been provided either through financial donations from friends and family, services donated by friends and family or just some great connections. This list has become incredible, especially as I reminisce and think what a great opportunity it has been to grow in faith and trust in our Father. That truly he meets our every need.
In the last leg of the prep we're still need have some needs. One of our biggest hurdles is our flight tickets to Malaysia.
If you' like to give towards this at http://www.clubtravel.co.za/giftregistry_result.asp?regid=4&clid=6®type=3.
If you'd like to buy us a gift please go to our Wedding Registry at http://www.mywedding.com/davidwedsgrace/registries.html.
If you'd like to give us cash please just click the DONATE tab and click the PAYPAL button.
Thank you guys for journeying with us. Love David and Grace.

Wedding Update!

2011-01-31T10:34:00.003-05:00

You never know where obedience to the Father will take you. I've lived a good part of my adult life on this path. I'm not perfect by any means, nor was I meant to be, but growing in this, trust thing with God, has been and always will be amazing (Though I have my moments kicking and screaming).
When Grace and I started to really get serious about each other, we talked about what a "wedding" would look like, without and worries of money. Life lived for God should never be dictated by the size of your bank account. "God is not short on cash" as Bono tells us. So throughout our engagement and up till now, Grace and I have been asking God what to do, how much to do, etc. Our original budget for the wedding and looking back that was a "safe" figure has just about doubled. And please remember, this has been a conversation that we've been having with the Father since the beginning.
First hurdle, venue, venue, venue. Everything revolves around the venue; wedding date, invitations, decorations, pictures, budget. Again we did not want to be "safe" and try to tackle this on our own. Heck, Grace and I have been living much our adult life relying on God so why stop now. Through some friends and some clear God moments (I'm shortening the story so that this post won't be so long, but if you're curious, please ask, I'll be happy to tell you), we decided on a venue that equalled the cost of our original venue. We had some money saved, the deadline for the down payment was due. Out of no-where, we get sent a check that with your savings, can pay for the down-payment. Then our guide and wedding mentor, took a step of obedience and at the end of the day, the venue was given to us at half price. Basically the venue was paid for.

Let me just list what God has provided:

Wedding Venue Molenvliet Wine Estate (www.molenvliet.co.za)
Church
All flowers
All decorations
All our printing (from invites to dinner menus)
Wedding Cake (at cost)
Catering (60% paid)
Wedding dress
Bride's maid dresses
Photographer
Videographer
DJ
Sound Equipment
10 waitstaff
One night accommodation at Molenvliet
All-expense honeymoon at a five-star resort in Malaysia
Dance lights and smoke machine (possibly free)
Wedding Tea/Drinks and hor d'oeuvres
Marriage Documents

To be clear this has been provided either through financial donations from friends and family, services donated by friends and family or just some great connections. This list has become incredible, especially as I reminisce and think what a great opportunity it has been to grow in faith and trust in our Father. That truly he meets our every need.
In the last leg of the prep we're still need have some needs. One of our biggest hurdles is our flight tickets to Malaysia.
If you' like to give towards this at http://www.clubtravel.co.za/giftregistry_result.asp?regid=4&clid=6®type=3.
If you'd like to buy us a gift please go to our Wedding Registry at http://www.mywedding.com/davidwedsgrace/registries.html.
If you'd like to give us cash please go and click the paypal button on the right-side margin.
Thank you guys for journeying with us. Love David and Grace.

Wedding Posts

2010-12-19T11:49:00.003-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Check out our wedding blog at

http://www.mywedding.com/davidwedsgrace/blog.html

There are a ton of pictures of our journey and videos of our Nigerian Wedding Celebration in October.

Ok, enjoy!

http://www.mywedding.com/davidwedsgrace/blog.html

Looking Back - Global Link

2010-12-09T05:25:00.001-05:00

Here's an update from the Lausanne Cape Town Global Link

One of my first projects in Cape Town was to help host the Cape Town Global Link for the Lausanne 2010 Congress. Lausanne is an idea that was birthed from Billy Graham in 1966 to globally unite evangelicals for the purpose of evangelizing the world. Since then, Lausanne has become a global movement of church/missions leaders that have been working together for the purpose of world evangelization.

Since it's beginning, there have been partnerships, working groups and think tanks assembled which have synergized to the Lausanne Congress'. So since 1974 there have been only three Congress' and Cape Town has been its third.

Though the Cape Town Congress was the most diverse Congress, Lausanne tried something new, to reach more and more people through technology and so they devised the Global Link. Basically it's using the internet to stream the content of the Lausanne Congress to groups that couldn't make it to Cape Town.

So we were one among the six hundred plus groups around the world. Our Global Link ran in parallel from the actual Congress and we were just fifteen minutes from the Convention Center where the Congress was being held. That was convenient for me, since I was a member of the Lausanne Media Group (Liaison for the Senior Lausanne Leaders to the Media).

Our Global Link participants represented a nice array of young leaders from the 'white churches' to young leaders from the 'colored churches' all from the Cape Town area. We have a couple of young leaders that flew in for the event. All this added nicely to diverse conversations in regards to the issues of world evangelism provided by the Lausanne Congress. It was a beautiful time of Unity within Diversity. We also hosted a Worship night to further push into our Unity within Diversity, having worship bands representing the diversity of South Africa. A number of young leaders from Lausanne joined us and many shared what God has been doing in there part of the globe.

Back in the US

2010-12-08T05:11:00.000-05:00

I'm heading back to the US cause I've been invited to speak and lead worship at some winter retreats. On the 28th - 31st of the December, I'll be leading worship for New Church's Youth Winter Camp. Rich Hodge will be joining in as the speaker and we're really excited to combine the worship and the speaking as one message that the Father is trying speak to us all. We're excited to combine creative elements to this. Also, we just have a great time being and working with each other.

On January 7th - 9th, I'll be speaking at Ahrumdaun Church's Young Adult Winter Retreat. Since the makeup of the group is young working professionals, the focus of the camp will be 'Christ in the Work Place'. This is a church that I used to be a part of, years ago, and so it's exciting to re-connect with old friends and to see all that God has done and also what He wants to do.

So I ask you to please pray for this time. That in the music, teaching, conversations, laughter and even the cold, that I'd be ever so bent on listening to the Father and following through in obedience. Also, I've got a few days free, before I leave on the 11th. So if you'd like to catch up, send me an email, dbonosong@gmail.com, and lets make a plan. Love you all!

Living in Cape Town

2010-12-01T04:34:00.002-05:00

So I finally feel like I'm getting a bit of a rhythm here in Cape Town. It's quite challenging, to not get sucked up in the daily drive of "get it done" and to find the beautiful tension of "being", to which Christ calls us to and "get it done" to which originates from our "being".
So as I'm framing my heart and mind to all the shades of Cape Town, here's just an example of the change I'm undergoing. Here's picture of traffic for me, here in Cape Town.

Videos are Up!

2010-11-27T10:49:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Grace and I have put some videos from the Send-Forth Celebration and as promised, there's one of me cutting a rug...I meaning cutting the dirt. Just go to our wedding website

www.mywedding.com/davidwedsgrace

and click the "Send-Forth Videos" link on the left, enjoy! Oh and I almost forgot, having lived in South Africa for over three years, Happy Belated Thanksgiving to all my American friends.

Consumption

2010-11-18T08:27:00.003-05:00

I recently heard a statistic on Ted.com that Americans consume FIVE times more than the rest of the world. That completely shocked me at first...but as I thought through it, pictures of over-weight people in church, in the streets, convenience at every corner, efficiency to carry us there...it's got to be true.
This is all done in the back drop of South Africa, having worked with orphans the first 3.5 years here, living with them, befriending them, discipling them, loving them.
I've also been doing a study on Proverbs and in chapter 14 verse 21, you find this...

Compassion is to take on your neighbor's passions, needs, life goals, dreams, etc. What blessings shall we receive in this giving of compassion, that's Kingdom Economics. It's a given to help our neighbor in need. I love how "help" is not defined and can look like some many different things - using creativity.

So as I'm transitioning from White River to Cape Town, to being with the orphans in the bush, now advocating for them in the city, I've thought, how do I show compassion now?

I've decided to consume less, to start. As an American, my over-consumption is leaving less for the rest of the 2/3rds world and so this is part of my stand. Drinking less coffee, eating less, usinging less electricity, the list is growing.

This is all part of my life call to the orphan crisis, wherever I am. If this is speaking to you, come on and join me in living a life to consume less and give more to those that don't have enough.

Nigeria Updates!

2010-11-06T05:23:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone,

Grace and I have started a new blog on a wedding website. So all the recent news on our wedding journey is on this site, with pictures and video (coming soon!) starting from our engagement to our recent trip to Nigeria for Grace's Send Forth Celebration. Check it out and blessings! www.mywedding.com/davidwedsgrace

David

Celebration and Prayers

2010-10-25T15:41:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone,

Here's a bit more of a recent update. Last week, Grace and I were a part of Lausanne's 3rd Congress in Cape Town. Grace is a member of the Younger Leader's Steering Group and was also coMCing the evening sessions. She's a rock star! Issues of the effectiveness of the church and the gospel in this present time, were discussed throughout the week.
I didn't have much time in the sessions, cause I was running around, trying to connect Senior Lausanne Leaders to the media. It was a very tiring job, but had a wonderful time meeting some of the Lausanne's leaders and also some of Grace's friends.
Tonight, I'm actually in the Johannesburg Airport, catching a flight, tomorrow afternoon to Lagos, Nigeria. Grace caught an earlier flight today. We'll be celebrating her "Send-Forth" Celebration, in her home town of Jos. Now normally in this time of celebrating he bride, the groom is not allowed to come at all, but since our circumstances are not normal and that we don't live in Nigeria, her family has invited me and Rich and Lynn (my white parents) to the celebration. Now getting passage into Nigeria can be quite complicated and so Rich and Lynn were denied their visas to Nigeria, so they will not be coming.
I'm not quite sure what the implications of this are, though I'm assuming there are some, but I'm asking everyone to please pray for me this week. Now Grace's family has been amazing with their hospitality and welcoming me into the family, but they're also very traditional. Having my "white parents" stand with me is a significant symbol and so not having them there, will also be significant as well. I haven't had time to chat with Grace so I'm sure the picture will become clearer in the next 24 hours. So again, please pray for me, this week. Please pray for peace, understanding, cultural acceptance and also the insight for everyone to see the beauty in Grace's and my diversity. Pictures will be posted and possibly a video of me dancing with best dancers of Nigeria! For my close friends, pray for that one too! ;)

October Update

2010-10-08T09:52:00.004-04:00

So settling in to Cape Town has been good. I had about a week to settle in, take in the landscape and work my head around the beautiful mountains and gorgeous mountains as my new home. From the Lowveld to the Cape, God has really wanted beauty in my life. So here's a little update for this month and what moving to Cape Town has been so far...

1.) Got Engaged!!! Please check out our website if you haven't. We've posted pictures and also a bit of the engagement story online so that you could be part of it.
http://www.mywedding.com/davidwedsgrace/stories.html

2.) Music/Band. So I've got a bass player, a few possible drummers and on the look out for a second electric guitarist. We're looking to secure a practice space. We've also been approached by someone to shoot a music video for one of our songs. We're still in the planning staged, but it's very exciting! More updates to come later.

3.) Speaking/Worship. There's a possibility to lead worship at the Media Village base and also YWAM Muizenberg base. This coming week, Rich Hodge and I are speaking the Father Heart week at YWAM Worcester. Things are starting to open up.

4.) Lausanne. The Lausanne Congress is one if not the most influential Christian gatherings in the world. Made up of most of the top Christian Leaders, they're basically a Christian Think-Tank, that's networking, tracking and assessing the move of God, globally and in all spheres of life. There have only been two Congress' since it's start in 1974 with Billy Graham and his feiends. On October 16, it begins its 3rd Congress will commence, here in Cape Town.

a.) I've been on a team of 4 that's been heading up a Cape Town Global Link site and we've been planning for the past 4 months. We're receiving internet downloads from the actual Lausanne Congress, tracking with Congress sessions and also the round-table discussions. We've targeted younger leaders in the Cape Town area to join together in a time of learning, prayer and inspiration.

b.) I'm also going to be in the Lausanne Congress. Now this is an event that everyone is trying to get to and their mother. Grace, who is a member of Lausanne is flooded with requests from friends in ministry, to try to get them into the Congress. The participation is done via invitation, since seating is limited. Well a few days ago, Grace had a Lausanne Working meeting with some of its other staff and as Grace was sharing of our engagement story and a bit of our journey, to the head of Lausanne Media (Julia), she said that I'd be perfect for a job role, in the Lausanne Media Group, that they've had some difficulty filling. I prayed for a day and decided to take the job, so I'm going to Lausanne 2010 as a Press Officer for Senior Leaders.

5.) Nigeria Celebration. In Grace's culture, before a woman gets married, she's thrown a party by her family called a "Send-Forth" Celebration. There, her family celebrates her and pending marriage. Traditionally, the groom is not invited. Well, since Grace and I are getting married in South Africa, I've been invited by her family to come. So on 29th of October, we'll experience Grace's Send-Forth Celebration. It'll take place in her home village (very rural) and all will be wearing traditional Nigerian wear, even me. It's almost like a prequel to our wedding celebration. Right after the Lausanne Congress, we'll fly to Nigeria on the 25th and help with the preparation and all the traditional protocol involved.

Well, this is a busy month as you can see. Please pray for us, cause with all this, we're planning for the wedding sometime next year. We're close to finalizing a date and will update you all soon. Much love and peace in Jesus name.

Remembering is Honoring Part 3

2010-09-11T00:19:00.001-04:00

Today I drive down to Cape Town and start a new chapter in life. No longer a full-time staff member on the ground at our headquarters in White River, South Africa, I start my journey as an Advocate and musician.
It's insane to think I was part of a team of five that pioneered this thing called Ten Thousand Homes. It's also been hard to let go of Ten Thousand Homes and to trust God will take it where it needs to go. Though difficult, it's necessary.
As I leave the past three and a half years behind, I leave you with a song I wrote "Diamonds in the Dust". It's the first song of the three song EP I've been working on. I will be posting the other two songs soon. Just click the "Music Tab" above and scroll down. You'll know what to do next. Please remember, these songs are still not finished and will be complete mid-2011. Love you all and enjoy.

Remembering is Honoring Part 2

2010-09-09T05:50:00.006-04:00

So our first year, was about being the Mbonisweni every day. Months later brought to work with a friend in another community, Kabokwnei. Kabokweni lies right next to Mbonisweni. We thought how great is that! We're not just affecting a town, but starting to affect a whole area.

So as we tolled and labored, loved and sacrificed, laughed and cried, God began to grow in us, a deeper heart for the word "home". Ten Thousand "Homes"; home is a key word for who we are and so He began to expand our understanding of the word "home". We ended up with the phrase..."Home is more than four walls and a roof." Meaning it's more than a building.

Part of our new understanding brought deeper compassion for the older orphans, those that had finished high-school but had no where to go. With schools that have very lax standards, which leads to the youth having very little chance to advance to University, they are left with very few options.

Home adds hope to one's life, home adds options to an orphan's life...we were all missionaries in Youth With a Mission and the University the Nations. Well why not start a campus of the YWAM/University of the Nations for the older orphans, especially those wanting to further their vocation as Christian Ministers. Dreaming that one day this could be a place of spiritual growth combined with practical skills. A place of creativity and humility. A place where change is not an option and place where acceptance is also not an option. So we started University Village.

Remembering is Honoring Part 1

2010-09-09T04:27:00.002-04:00

It's been over 3 years since I moved here, to White River South, Africa. After our first year, with a failed partnership, we decided to start from the scratch. Literally, we had nothing but our starting team, the original 5 that landed on Peebles Road; fighting monkeys in the house, snakes on the porch, power outs every week, dirty water to bath in, so much.
God so lovingly guided us to a community called Mbonsweni. He also lead us to eventually partner with Mama V (Victoria), a pastor's wife caring for orphans out of her home in Mbonsweni. At that time, our staff did everything together. The combination of the focused work that's done in the initial stages of pioneering and having so little on staff, we worked shoulder to shoulder, every day, 5 days a week. Those were some beautiful times...I will never forget those times.

Remembering is Honoring

2010-09-08T04:42:00.004-04:00

Well, it's my last week here at Ten Thousand Homes. On Saturday, 8am, I'll be getting into my car with Zach (friend and fellow staffer at 10KH) and driving down to Cape Town where I'll be living and working for the next season of life. I'm in hot pursuit of my lovely girlfriend, the music career and being the first Advocate for Ten Thousand Homes in South Africa.
Before I leave, I'll be posting some memories from the last three years, to help me process my leaving. I'll post one everyday til Saturday. I also wanted to thank you all for your love and support over the years. Truly, the things that Ten Thousand Homes has accomplished and continues to accomplish could not have been done without your support. Together, we are fighting the Orphan Crisis, Stupid Poverty and raising up a Kingdom that looks after the destitute, the marginalized, the orphan, the widow.

Here's a bit of a random photo of me and my friend's daughter, Hannah.

Back to South Africa

2010-08-31T10:14:00.004-04:00

Hello Everyone,

My apologies to so many of you, that I didn't get to see during my time here in the US. My schedule was so packed, I had about 3 days total, of rest and relaxation.
As I start to process this trip, the first amazing characteristic of this trip was SURPRISES! I had so many surprises, one right after the other, it just makes me honor and respect our Father even more. Fro example, I walked into a church, which I hadn't been to in eight years. I walk in and I meet one of it's leaders, to which he's been having vivid dreams of Africa and orphans, the past 2 months and here I am, speaking about Ten Thousand Homes and our orphan work. We're currently praying and talking on how this church can get involved with the Orphan Crisis, exciting!

I met a youth leader at a Reformed Church of America Denomination Youth Conference as I was there a seminar speaker. After chatting a bit, it turns out that he's coming to South Africa for the Lausanne Movements (www.lausanne.org) 3rd Congress on World Evangelism in Cape Town. With Grace, my girlfriend, as a member of the Lausanne Younger Leaders Group and I being one of the coordinators for a Lausanne Congress Global Link site (http://www.lausanne.org/cape-town-2010/globalink.html), it was interesting to meet this young man in New York, and that we'll be seeing each other in October, later this year.
Overall, with the move to Cape Town and the transitioning from the day-to-day work on Ten Thousand Homes to the Music and Advocacy of Ten Thousand Homes in Cape Town, God has been telling me by showing me love and care, especially through my friendships, old and new. Thank you everyone, for your love and support, the wonderful conversations we had, the new and exciting ones to come.
I might be back in the NYC area in December but I will keep you all updated. Love you guys and bless you. Oh and here's a pic of me and my three year old nephew Zach.

Sibahle Beads: Sibahle Beads is made from recycled paper produc...

2010-08-31T10:06:00.001-04:00

Sibahle Beads:

Sibahle Beads is made from recycled paper produc...: "Sibahle Beads is made from recycled paper products and is a creative income-generating project based out of the community of Kabokweni in ..."

Sibahle Beads: History

2010-08-31T10:06:00.000-04:00

Sibahle Beads: History: "Hello! My name is Eunice Simangele Ngwenya and I am the founder of Sibahle Beads. Sibahle Beads started in June of 2009 when I came bac..."

Home + 1

2010-08-12T12:28:00.002-04:00

Highlights of Traveling/Being Home

- Amazing Moz Cheese, tomato and pesto sandwich...shocked me it was so good and I couldn't stop looking at it...maybe I was a bit delusional from the first 12 hours of flying

- Starbucks...soy chai latte + 2 shots of espresso. First to the last sip, amazing! Price in pounds, depressing.

- Passport Control at Newark Airport. Usually traveling within Africa, as an American citizen, hassles are just part of the travel plans. I gave my passport and declaration form, the officer looked, stamped twice and said "welcome home"...all in about 30 seconds. I even asked, "is that it?" and with a smile, he said "yes sir."

- AC...need I say more

- First korean meal, was my first meal made by my awesome sister in-law...Kabli (Korean Ribs). I posted something on my FB status...mouth watering, that really sums it up nicely. Each bite was taken so slowly, savoring, remembering, meditating on each moment.

Surprises so far

- So after a 24 hour+ flights, getting through passport control, picking up my luggage, I finally stepped out of the airport to walk to the Passenger Pick Up area for terminal C and BAM! I was smacked in the face by the heat...I knew it was hot here, but I was not ready for it. I paused for a moment.

- Coming home actually felt like I left home. South Africa is becoming home...another home.

Hey everyone, so give me a call. My US number is 203-889-6885. Lets hang out! Love you all.

A Car

2010-07-21T07:48:00.004-04:00

Well, the dates for being home is set, August 10th - 31st. Also the details for fund raising, meeting friends, house concerts, speaking, etc. are coming together. Thank you to all that have made this possible. Now I wanted to ask if anyone has or knows of someone that would let me borrow their car for 3 weeks or anytime in between? It would be used to travel to the speaking engagements, retreats, church services, house concerts and one on one meetings with potential supporters.

I know this is a big thing and so I ask with much respect and humility. I have a clean driving record to say that up front.
If anyone has any questions, please let me know. There would be more details to discuss to properly arrange a deal, email me at davidsong@tenthousandhomes.org. See you guys very soon.

2010-07-21T07:48:00.001-04:00

HOMECOMING

2010-07-15T13:28:00.003-04:00

Ok so here are some Updates for everyone...

A. STUDIO RECORDINGS: So the backtracks that were recorded for the concert in Nigeria are being transferred to an EP. Now an EP is short for Experimental Play and so much of the EP is "A WORK IN PROGRESS". But I'd like to get some songs out there. I'll be giving them out for free at the HOUSE CONCERTS (Concert Dates being finalized and will be announced soon).

B. TRIP TO US: My official dates to the NYC area are from August 11th - 31st. My main focus is fund raising and if you have an event(HOUSE CONCERT)/retreat/sunday service/small group/personal meeting/street corner...where I can share about the Orphan Crisis and Updates of our work (www.tenthousandhomes.org) in Africa , via talk or music, please let me know. I still have some available dates open. Also have many open dates to hang out so please email me, davidsong@tenthousandhomes.org, and lets get some NYC Pizza or Korean Bulgogi or some Veniero's Cheesecake, or...the list in endless!

C. MOVE TO CAPE TOWN: My Original plan to move to Cape Town has been postponed to the 2nd week of September. In the mean time, I've been working on an Entry Plan researching and making contacts with musicians, clubs, speaking opportunities, apartment/flat rentals, etc.

D. The BAND: So far, since the recordings I've done so far, I've had great feedback from the musicians I've played with and then some I just met randomly. Prospects are good and hopeful. I'm in communication with them and we're making a plan for September!

E. ADVOCACY/SPEAKING: Well there have been some opportunities to further my speaking skills with Rich Hodge (many of you know) with You With a Mission Training Schools. After working together at the Musician's Workshop in Nigeria, we spoke at a Discipleship Training School in Swaziland. Great synergy and hopeful for more! There have been some leads to speak and raise further awareness of the Orphan Crisis in Central Africa, earlier next year.

F. SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP: this term, so many of you YWAMers know so well...Grace and I are moving along and very hopeful for the future. Please keep us in your prayers.

Passion Shared

2010-07-07T08:13:00.003-04:00

Well, on June 22nd, at Moses Mahbida, the South Korean National Football Team clashed with the Nigerian National Football Team, both teams needing to win to enter the next round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. I'm not a big football (soccer for Americans), though I did play as a child. Also, I'm not too big into rooting for South Korea, for being Korean-American, my identity has a lot of grey areas, areas I've been mapping and re-shapping my identity boundary lines. Being a bit nomadic, now living in South Africa and dating a Nigerian, has added more color to the map. Basically, much like Shrek, I've got layers.
So we were sitting behind the East goal, where in the first half South Korea was defending. Nigeria scored the first goal after the 12th minutes and I was happy, and blew the vuvuzela. I noticed that our section, though mostly South African, were cheering for Nigeria. Grace was very excited and did a little dance. Now, the next goal surprised me. South Korea scored in the 38th minute and suddenly I found myself jumping to my feet cheering even louder. I sat down, as Grace was almost doubling over in her seat in anguish, realizing this energy exploded out of me. It was something very unexpected. In the 49th minute, South Korea scored again and this time, I exploded in cheering even more so and Grace was in absolute disgust!
At that moment, I was realizing a sermon I had heard from Tim Keller (Senior Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC). He was explaining that joy needs to be shared for joy to be complete. When one watches (or used to watch) Michael Jordan drive to the hoop, in the midst of a mountain of defenders, only to perform another miracle and score, cheering alone only engages half the heart. When cheering with others, your hearts explode with other hearts, creating a level a joy that only comes with needs others, community. Joy is better with others than alone, especially with the ones you love.

Kyros Moment

2010-06-21T04:01:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow, in the FIFA 2010 World Cup, the South Korean National Football Team will be playing the Nigerian National Football Team.

When Grace, my Nigerian girlfriend, and I started dating, we thought how strange a combination, a Korean-American man with a Nigerian woman. Through a little research, Grace discovered that this combination of a Asian male and a African female is pretty rare. As we don't believe in a randomness to the Universe, but that logic leads to a Creator, creating with the highest good and love in mind for all creation, this logic points to intentional purpose.

Grace and I were having dinner with some friends of ours, last November. That night was the drawing for the teams for the FIFA 2010 World Cup and as we chatted with friends, under the stars, with a tv playing just a few feet away, the announcement came for Nigeria and South Korea to play on June 22, in Durban. My mouth dropped.

There is a term that Grace introduced me to, Kyros Moment. A Kyros Moment " has to do with crucial time, or a decisive moment, a pivotal point in history". We maybe more familiar with a term related to "missing the boat".

So today, is the day before the game and Grace and I are here, in Durban, to see the match. I've thought, could this be coincidence? Could this be chance? What are the odds? Well, we're not missing this boat. I can't quite figure it all out, but I can say with a thankful heart, thank you God.

As you read this, I hope you see and step into your Kyros Moments today. Oh and I hope you can see us stepping into our Kyros Moment, on tv. We're gonna try to catch the camer-mans attention!

Compassion DTS Comes to an End

2010-06-10T03:36:00.002-04:00

Another year, another school finished. We wanted to offer the older orphans an outlet/ tools to be equipped, especially with a heart to follow God and maybe even a vocation as a missionary. Youth With a Mission seemed logical.

This was our third school. Three years ago we had 8 students. Following year was 5. This year it was 15. Inquiries for our next Compassion Discipleship Training School are growing every day.

How special is an experience like this? Here are the STATISTICS.

(Estimates)
World Population = 6,690,000,000
Young Adults Worldwide = 1,630,000,000 (24% of the world is young adults)
Tertiaty Students Worlwide = 152,500,000 (10% of young adults, continuing study )
New YWAMers Annually = 25,000 (0.0015% of young adults experience YWAM)

1 in every 65,200 young adults experience YWAM. I'd say that's unique.

Our responsibility is in direct proportion to our experience.

This is no light responsibility, to care for the orphan and the widow.

2010-06-09T03:27:00.001-04:00

These are the flyers made up for the first concert. Ah, my Gretsch looks so good. Love that guitar.

Mac Wars

2010-06-08T03:16:00.003-04:00

The last two months, I've been in engaging in the Mac Wars. I'm not a fan of war and studied a bit of the Just Wat Theory, but found myself in the rules of engagement, not wanting to wave the white flag. In November of last year, my Mac, for the first time, would not boot up. After sending to an Mac Authorized Shop, I was told that it was a hard drive malfunction. I eventually bought a new Hard Drive and reinstalled all me recovered data, only to engage in this Mac War, battling my Mac in trying to get it to work. So much of my communication is via the internet and to have this Mac is such a blessing.
Well, after two months of battling and 3 hard drives, I'm finally back on for the long haul. I apologize for the halt in communication, especially in my blog posts, as I was in the middle of my Nigeria series.
So I welcome you all back to the continuation of the Nigeria blog series. Love you all!

Amazed: Nigeria Part 2

2010-05-05T07:15:00.001-04:00

As we arrived into Abuja, from Jos, we were welcomed by our entourage of friends, family and new friends.
We didn't get to eat dinner, so after we dropped off our bags at Grace's oldest sister (Fula) and her husband's (Mr. B) apartment, we headed out to eat. BBQ was decided as our next destination. We pulled into a dirt parking lot. From the car, we could see the glow of different bbq pits, wooden booths, lawn chairs and tables. As we sat, I felt the excitement and a bit of fear one gets as you're about the enter the realm of Undiscovered Food! For those of you that have traveled and tasted different foods, you know this feeling well.
So then came our dinner; four bread-loaf shaped, tin-foil mounds of food. As each was opened the steaming, silver mysteries, I could barely see across the table from the rush of white smoke, then the smell...amazing!

The menu that night was
1.) Sooya - skewered beef
2.) BBQ chicken
3.) Masa - bread made from rice, grilled
4.) BBQ liver
5.) Yaji Spice - a spicy seasoning that was divine!

Amazed: Nigeria Part 1

2010-04-28T08:46:00.003-04:00

We landed into Lagos and the heat was stifling. I felt like I was in Cuba or some South American country. You know, in the movies you see me with rolled sleeves, women with hand fans, everyone is sweating and the heat looks so oppressive. We landed in Lagos without any hassles (thank you for everyone that was praying) and got transfer to the Lagos Domestic Terminal with ease. Before we knew it, we were sitting in a air conditioned waiting room, enjoying the last hour of internet access, for the rest of the trip.
Jos is in its dry season and when they say dry, it's Africa dry! In Hausa, the word boong boong, which means dust. The dust was so heavy in the sky that is almost blocked out the sun. Little did we (Rich and I) know, this heat would be just the beginning.

Finally, Nigeria.

2010-04-06T05:00:00.003-04:00

So the trip is about to begin. After countless hours of prep, sipping Coke at 8am in the studio, traveling thousands of miles, years of constructing this thing called song; stealing lyrics, rewriting lyrics, finding my own lyrics/my own voice...it's about to start.
On the 8th of March, my friend and I will be flying to Nigeria to perform a series of concert, radio and tv spots, and a musicians workshop, to the people of Nigeria.
One of the cities, Jos, has been a city in struggle with the mix of religious differences, political struggles and the death of hundreds of people.
The words that surround my heart have been rest, renewal, desire, and love. So as we are about to embark on this journey, I'm calling on you, my friends to pray for...

1.) airline tickets...we're having trouble booking tickets since last week. Some airline websites actually don't allow you to purchase tickets online. Please pray for favor to purchase these tickets with the correct itinerary.
2.) sensitivity to the people's spirits. The crowds at the shows will be largely christian so we're wanting to bring a message of hope and love through the most effective vehicle of love.
3.) meeting family. I will be meeting some of Grace's family. With the every day challenges of relationships and then adding on the multicultural piece, Grace and I want to walk in wisdom and love, especially to the things we don't understand
4.) a spirit of fun. There have been many challenges to planning this trip. The most challenging is the cultural filters of my western world; fast, efficient, logical (to the west). It's so east to lose joy as I this filter has been tried and tested. No matter what happens, to laugh and love.

More updates to come...love you all!

New Ventures

2010-03-15T14:32:00.002-04:00

(Taken from 10KTuesdays)

Eunice Ngwenya joined the TTH team last year after completing her Discipleship Training School. During her outreach to Uganda, she learned how to handcraft beautiful paper necklaces and is now in the process of carving out an almost exclusive chunk of the local market here in South Africa. Three shops have already approached her wanting to sell her necklaces and bracelets and Eunice has pulled together the women around her to help meet the demand. Many of these women are in dire need of an income and Eunice is using this as a unique opportunity to teach both practical and business skills.

necklace by Jen

Creative Action:

Take a dollar bill [real or fake] and carry it around with you all week either in a pocket or a purse. Every time you see it, remind yourself to pray for Eunice and her new venture. Pray for favor with the local businesses and financial blessings to come in fantastic ways!

JOS on my mind

2010-03-12T03:43:00.005-05:00

On March 7th, early in the morning, bands of Muslims from the Fulani Tribe, entered into towns on the outskirts of Jos, Nigeria, shooting guns in the air, awakening the locals from their beds. As people ran out into the streets, the awaiting Muslims, with machetes in hand, proceeded to kill as many people as possible. Reports have cited from one hundred to over five hundred killed.
Most of the dead were women and children from the Berom tribe. There is speculation that this was a political attack, since the christian leader is of the Berom tribe. All this a continuation of the religious clashes between the Muslims and Christians in Jos in the last year.

The Muslims have been moving into Jos, in the recent past, growing their influence in the social, business and political areas of Jos. Some say that these attacks have been a political move to intimidate the Christian leaders of Jos, outo f office and to eventually place Muslim leaders into political offices, therefore taking over the city of Jos, having complete control of every aspect of life.
Jos, is the city that I will be performing the first concert, next month. As I've been praying over the concert's set list and the direction to take, please pray with me. I'm asking for sensitivity to the Father's broken heart over these violent conflicts, where the value of every man, woman and child has been lost, Christian or Muslim.
I am also attempting to compile visual slides, for the background of the show. I have very limited knowledge on how to go about this, so please pray that I get help, in whatever form necessary. The visuals would be another vehicle for the Father to land with His message to a hurting city.

A New Home

2010-03-08T14:28:00.000-05:00

(Taken from 10KTuesday)

A few weeks ago, a visiting YWAM Orlando team completed a new home in Kabokweni for a grandmother looking after seven young children all on her own. The team not only worked tirelessly building the physical structure, but poured their hearts into developing relationships with the family desperately in need of compassion [to find out more click here].

Orlando team'10

Creative Action:

As you go about your daily household chores this week [mopping, sweeping, laundry, dishes, etc], intercede for this special family and their new house. Pray that God will continue to meet their physical needs and that the children would grow strong in the Lord. Pray that their house would not just be a safe place to eat and sleep, but a true home filled with laughter and joy.

Thank you for participating in this week's 10K Tuesday! If you have any questions, comments, or stories please post on our discussion board.

Back in the Studio

2010-03-03T16:24:00.003-05:00

So this weekend, I'll be back in the studio at Media Village, to finish off the recording of the backtracks for the concert in Nigeria. After initially planning one concert in Jos, there are possible two more; one in Jos and two in Abuja. There's also a workshop that I've been asked to help teach for Christian Musicians. Some of the topics include Inspiration and Songwriting, Intimacy with God and also a concert at a prison. Totally thinking of Johnny Cash, should be fun!
Well, I just want to thank everyone's support and prayers. As I'm walking through the beginning of this dream, I'm pinching myself, wondering if it's all true.
Please keep the studio time, this weekend, in your prayers. Just wanting the electric guitar to be another voice of the heart. Also please keep my right shoulder in your prayers. It's been feeling a bit inflamed and I've been working through the constant pain. Will keep you guys updated.

2010-03-02T16:35:00.003-05:00

Taken from 10K Tuesday
Continued Progress

As we wrote a few weeks ago, work continues on the care center in Kabokweni. Just last week the footings were poured and bricks are being laid as the foundation is built. Excitement is building for this place that will represent home and hope for so many.

Creative Action:

Write 'Kabokweni Care Center' in bold letters on your weekly calender. As you go about your day, remember to intercede for the practical side of building the center, finances, labor, etc. Ask that God would lavishly give His daily 'manna' in preparation for this home.

Birthday Improv

2010-02-23T03:45:00.004-05:00

So I'm reminded of my birthday party last month. My friends and I gathered for food and a night of Improv. We played various games of Improv as we all learned the art of Improv. Number one rule, go with it. Trying to think of something clever along the way is pretty futile. I found it that as you jump into the moment, almost by instinct, it helps create more room for the drawing of the deep well of creativity.
It's like almost a hidden thing...there were scenes of people laying on the ground in pain from having fell, then flash to a delivery room, lying on a gurney, legs spread, about to give birth...from someone being dazed and confused in an intense argument to being a giraffe in a safari...and of course someone being beaten on the floor...it was two siblings replaying some of their childhood realities.
All throughout the night, the thought of being so surprised from some of my friends..."I never thought they had it in them."
As we take more steps to live by the Spirit, almost like Improv in real-life, the more surprised we will be at God and ourselves. I recently read an article about Improv and it states that Improv is best done when a group of people commit to not one rule. The one rule is "to go with it." As soon as someone acts something out, puts something out there, the rule is to go with it, no matter how outrageous. The moment you go against it, the energy drops in the room as people are scrambling to find new direction.
As I've been journeying this year, with a new vision, new path, a real newness to life, my desire is to live ever-more closer to the Spirit of God; as He sparks off certain scenarios or even encountering the tragic scenarios, like the break-in, it's to roll with it, keep moving forward in hope and love. The amazing thing with Improv with God is that He tells us..."I knew you had it in you!"

Capturing a Moment

2010-02-22T03:18:00.003-05:00

Hey Everyone,

The time in Cape town was amazing. It was a marathon of tunes, relationships, practice and more practice. First, with my guitar gear that was accidentally taken, we were able to make a plan to adjust and move forward. Thank you for all the prayers! We were able to record 8 songs!!!! On Wednesday and Thursday evening, the band and I got together to practice the songs for about 8 hours total. It was the first time that we all played together, which took a bit of time to gel, but everyone was so optimistic, it made all the difference. Thank you Bhuto and Johan.

Next we hit the studio and with the producing talents of Jeff, we were able to hit the mark! We started recording on Friday evening which rolled into all day, Saturday. We were in the studio for 16 hours on Saturday...was a long day. But the great thing was, though we did it with little rest and food, the day flew by so quickly. Definitely a good sign of doing something I love to do!

Unfortunately we weren't able to lay down the electric guitar tracks, so in a couple of weeks, I'll have to go back to the Media Village studios and get them done. So thank you for all your prayers, emails and thoughts! One of my most favorite moments was when we were practicing and Bhuto shared some creative ideas and we added a bridge to one of the songs. Here are the lyrics....

Just a Glimpse

Just a glimpse, just a touch of this dream called perfect love
In my weakness, you say
That I'll find strength, so on my knees I pray

For something real, something true
No more forms or lies
Just me and you
For something real, something true
I won't run away, I'll wait right here
For you

Just a kiss, just once more
Lover I'm still hurting, I need grace some more
And my past seems, so dark and grey
Take my hand, hold me close
This is what I pray

For something real, something true
No more forms or lies
Just me and you
For something real, something true
I won't run away, I'll wait right here
For you

[This is what Bhuto came up with]
There is no one else but you
Yeah you
only you
And I won't turn my back, alright?
To you
Tonight

First Steps in Cape Town

2010-02-10T02:30:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Well I'm writing to you from Cape Town. This week, I've arranged with some musicians to record backtracks for the rock concert in Nigeria, later in April. It's not my first choice but a good one, considering the challenges of available resources, people, money, time, etc.
So this is an exciting step into the dreams of calling for life in 2010, for me. During the fighting of the night I was burglarized, there was a moment I fell to the ground, after being kicked in the head. I was kicked so hard that my immediate thought, 3amish, lying on my porch, just wearing boxers, was to give up. I wanted to just lie there and do nothing. But immediately, I felt such a strong prompting audibly, to "Get Up!", and so I did.
So as I've been preparing for the recording session this weekend, working through s sore shoulder, the emotional and spiritual baggage of the burglary, I've felt such a sense to "Get Up"! The best I can describe it now is a Divine prodding from the Father. Though parts of me want to stop, rest, sulk, stay where I am, I know the Father wants to heal, move, extend, love...even resting is a place of movement, greater revelation, going deeper; whether physical, emotional or spiritual.
Yesterday as I was traveling to Cape Town, I took a shuttle from our town to Johannesburg, where I caught a flight to CTown. On the shuttle ride, we made our first stop in Pretoria, 20 minutes from Johannesburg International Airport. At that stop, one of the passengers had taken my suitcase. I my suitcase was some of my electric guitar gear that I need for this weekend. The most pressing piece of equipment is a power supply cable for my electric guitar pedals. This cable is essential because the voltage for my pedals is 120 Volts and not 220 Volts, which is the standard here in South Africa.
Basically I'm asking for a prayer covering for this weekend. Actually we're practicing tonight and tomorrow evening. We will be recording Friday and Saturday, all day. With the recent decision to take this step of faith in my life (blog post: Plans for 2010) I've been met with some unusual obstacles such as the break-in and this mix up with suitcases. Her suitcase is black, mine is teal. So again, I'm asking for people to join me actively fighting with in the Spiritual Realm for the enemy is not going to sit down and let the Father's children bring light to shine out the darkness.
I love you all and it brings me to tears, each time I sit and think of you all, that have supported and continue to support the Father's dreams within me. Oh and for those interested the time difference from Ctown and the East Coast is 7 hours. Practices will start at 11am, Eastern time. Recording will start on Friday, 11am, Eastern time and Saturday, 1am, Eastern time but will be all day. Thank you everyone!

What's Ahead in 2010 (Repost)

2010-02-06T08:38:00.003-05:00

Hello Everyone,

2010 is a new year with many new plans, hopes and dreams! As many of you know, last year was a year of much physical travel, with God expanding on my personal boundaries and vision:

Mozambique
Uganda
Hawaii
Cape Town
Germany

Whether it was seeing Jesus while teaching in a classroom in Hawaii, driving through the Kruger Park, speaking of Jesus to women desperate to quite there lives as street women, laughing with children, leading a time to dance for a church in Uganda, or thanking God to be able to help a friend experience the ocean for the first time in his life, I've been left speechless, even as I type this, sensing that His plans are huge...

In November of 2008, the Lord lead me to a YWAM Leadership School called Slingshot. One night, we sat in front of the cross, asking the Father what we must surrender. I asked and the Father spoke...to give up leading from behind the scenes. It was time to step forward and lead in front. As I've pondered this meaning and have started to take smaller steps of faith that have lead to bigger steps of faith, I find myself here, at the beginning of 2010. So here the plans for 2010.

1.) Pursuing my Music Career. This dream has always been a part of me, to take my song writing and music creating to a professional level. To create a space for God to move in the hearts of people, everyone of His creation, whether they know Him or not.

I've been invited to Nigeria, to headline a concert in the city of Jos. Some YWAM friends of mine are organizing this in the first weeks of April. The venue will hold 500 people and I've been told that it will be a packed house. Also, on this trip, I will have the opportunity to be on some radio and tv spots, to talk about my music and my experience as a Christian Musician. Also, I will be giving a seminar on creativity, song-writing and character in being a Christian Musician to Nigerian Musicians. There are so many different levels to further the Kingdom!

In June I'm planning to move to Cape Town, to place myself in a setting that's more conducive to rock music. Cape Town has one of the largest, if not the largest, music scene in South Africa. With bands like the Parlotones, that are based in Cape Town, the scene is ripe and thriving with rock n roll. The plan is to assemble a band and get to the people and bring them music that is alive and that moves the soul for more than the mundane of the everyday, for God.

2.) So I guess the big question is Am I Leaving Ten Thousand Homes? I AM NOT LEAVING TEN THOUSAND HOMES. Having been one of its pioneers and forever changed, and still being changed, for caring for the orphans a widows, i must continue to call to engage in fighting against the HIV/Aids pandemic.

My new role with Ten Thousand Homes will be an Advocate of Ten Thousand Homes in Cape Town. I will be the first official Ten Thousand Homes Advocate in South Africa, creating raise awareness and opportunities for South Africans to respond to South Africans. Advocacy would be done through speaking at church services, college campus groups, dinner parties, and at rock shows.

3.) One of the main reasons I am moving to Cape Town is to continues to pursue my relationship with my girlfriend, Grace Samson. We've been dating, long-distance, for almost a year now and as we've taken steps closer to one another and our Father, in prayer and discussion, we've decided that the next step would be to date in close proximity to one another. I've specificially heard from the Father that it's my responsibility as the man to make the first step, to risk first. It's amazing how the Father's plan is working together for the good of all things; life, romance, career, dreams, etc. "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." Psalm 16:6

4.) SEMINARY. About ten years ago, while in a couples seminar at a church in Virginia Beach, our Father unexpectedly dropped into my head the thought that He wants me to attend seminary. I was so elated, cause at that time in my life, I was struggling in college and studying computers was not a passion. Ministry, people, God and helping others was my passion and so I said "Great!!! God's told me to go to Seminary. I don't have to finish undergrad!" Many of my friends that were there had a good laugh, but my smile turned into a frown, as they broke the news to me..."Dave, Seminary is Graduate School...you have finish your undergraduate studies first." As I look back it definitely sounds like God, wanting his son to finish. Finishing is so important. So, ten years later and with a BS in Computer Science under my belt, I'm embarking on Bethel Seminary in Minnesota via internet classes. After much prayers and discussion with peoples and the Father, I've decided to first pursue my Masters in Divinity.

Well, that's it. 2010 is an exciting year and there is much going on. With all this going on, I've also hired a Life Coach in faith. For those of you that don't know, a Life Coach is someone who helps you process your thoughts and goals and then helps you reach those goals. They don't tell you what those thoughts and goals are. In one sense, they're trained to ask you really great questions.

On the subject of questions, if you have any, please feel more than free to ask me. Email at davidsong@tenthousandhomes.org.

Counting the Cost

2010-02-04T09:39:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends. I have some urgent news to share with you. On February 2nd, at about 3am, two men broke into my house. I was very groggy from being asleep so when they woke me up, it all seemed like a dream. They stood over me, while I was lying in bed and urged me to get up. One of them did speak this in English. So I got up as they were walking me out of the house. Again, I was so disoriented that they seemed like security guards or military by looking at what they wore. As we were walking out of the house, one of them took my wrist and proceeded to zip tie my hands. At that moment, I knew something very wrong was going on. We stepped out of my house and I proceeded to fight the two intruders.

Now the fight is a bit hazy to me, but it lasted about 5 minutes. All the while as we fought, I was screaming for help to wake up my friends and staff that live on our property. They fled on foot as my friends started to come out of their homes.

I was taken to the hospital and had xrays taken on my chest and head. During the fight, I was kicked in the head a few times and was worried that I might’ve suffered a concussion. The first time I was kicked in the head I fell hard on my right shoulder. The xrays revealed no broken bones or a concussion.

Break-ins and violence are an unfortunate part of South Africa. It is a regular occurrence in this nation. I and the rest of the staff know many friends that have been broken into and sometimes some have met with a violent outcome. When we first moved here, three years ago, we were told of these stories and then we had to count the cost of God’s call in our lives. Living in a broken world is not a new concept. It’s the very reason Christ walked among us, lived, died and rose again.

I am informing you all so that you can join us in prayer. Whenever the enemy attacks, he seems to over-play his cards. We are ministry and people called to bring compassion and love to the least of these. The enemy is trying to gain a foothold with fear and self-preservation, the exact opposite of what we are called to do, born to do.

So friends, please keep us in our prayers. Currently our Compassion DTS is starting its third week, so pray that they may continue to engage in the lecture phase and live in Christ’s love and trust. We also have two outreach teams from other YWAM bases. Pray that they may not give in to fear and suspicion and love the orphans and all the people they meet. Pray for our staff, for this is a violation of our home and can be tempted to give the enemy a foothold of fear and cynicism to our Father’s protection. Please pray that we may act in the opposite spirit and love even more, give even more and trust the Father even more. Lastly, please pray for me and that I may process this ordeal with wisdom and love. Since the incident, even as I was being driven to the hospital, I felt the Father speak to me to guard my head and heart. I’ve also been sensing that with m new plans for 2010 (written in my previous post) the enemy is trying to come in and steal, kill and destroy. I’ve been extending forgiveness to these two men and asking God to guard my dreams at night. With the support of my friends here and my mentors, I’ve been so blessed to be surrounded with family. I’m currently staying at a friend’s compound 20 minutes from our property. I’m resting my body and heart. If you have any questions, thoughts or prayers, please feel free email me at dbonosong@gmail.com. Love you all.

What's Ahead in 2010

2010-01-26T03:37:00.009-05:00

Taken from 10KTuesdays

2009-12-22T03:43:00.000-05:00

Stanley Mbowane

Stanley has a special place in my heart, because he attended the Discipleship Training School that I led earlier this year. He comes from a child headed household and his story is quite heartbreaking, but God is so good, isn't He?! This might get a little long, but, trust me, you are going to want to keep reading.

I asked Stanley to tell me in his words the story of his family life and what it was like growing up in a child headed household. I felt like I was reading a book as I read his heart on paper.

"I lost my mother when I was 6 months old. I never knew her but I wish I had. I was raised by my aunt in a village called Marite. I stayed with her for 5 years. My father would come and visit me there. I didn't even know that I had brothers.

Then, in 1990 I moved to another village called Masoyi where I met my brothers for the first time. We spoke different languages so that was difficult at first. My father took another wife but my stepmom did not like me. I was getting one meal a day. My father didn't support me, with clothes, food, school fees, etc. He didn't do anything for my brothers, but my grandmother was the mercy one who cared for us. She paid our school fees, and bought us food and clothes with the hope that my brothers and I would get a good education and have a good life.

My father would spend more than 3 months at a time in Johannesburg without coming home. He would send money, but we never saw the use of the money at home, because we weren't getting food. Our stepmom was buying food and hiding it in her bedroom. So when she wasn't around, we would go in and take the food and whatever we found useful. She would tell my father and he would beat us when he came home. We would sleep on the floor with one blanket. Life wasn't easy, but we got used to it and faced what we had.

In 2002, my father died and our stepmom ran away. We tried to call her, but she never answered her phone. We never saw her again. So we became a child headed household. Life became even harder. My grandmother could only support us R100 a month (equivalent of $10) to pay for food, clothes, and electricity."

How did you come to know Jesus?

"My aunt encouraged us to speak with a social worker. We met an organization called Masoyi Home Based Care which brought us lots of hope. They provided us with food parcels, school uniforms, and school fees. It was also in my heart to help people because of how I grew up. I started to get involved with the youth program. I had a passion to work with youth and a great time. I worked there for 4 years as a volunteer. Every Thursday, I met with a man to talk about Jesus. I realized there was a Father who loves me so much. And I gave my life to Jesus.

I saw God provide for me in so many ways, but I still didn't really understand what it meant to be a Christian. I struggled with my spiritual life for 3 years. Then I told my friend that I wanted to go to a missionary school."

Why did you want to do the training school and how has God impacted you through it?

"I met some of the staff from Ten Thousand Homes and in 2008, they invited me to attend the Discipleship Training School. I prayed about it and felt like God said I should do it. They said there was space available, so in January I came.

I had a big change in my life that I can't explain. I am not the same Stanley that I used to be. I am so glad that I did the school. I don't live the same life that I used to live. I have a new home where there are people who really care about me. Not just by words, but also with their actions. I am really enjoying what I am doing. If they said I could do the school a second time, I would! I have gotten to know God more."

Since the training school finished at the end of May this year, Stanley has become a valuable part of our staff and we are so glad to have him among us!

By Jen Price

Passing It On

2009-12-21T03:43:00.000-05:00

Discipleship is a journey with much drama and many people involved. In the ebb and flow of the world we live in, some call it one big Soap Opera; passions grow and die, jealousy reveals its ugly head (horror in the veil), and to all the conflict in this world, sometimes, we find resolution.

My journey has been a Soap Opera. Mistakes I've made, mistakes done to me; blessings received, whether seen or unseen and curses given. Life is just a mess.
But one thing that rings true and louder and louder every year, are the people that have poured into me. Jesus seen and felt in countless hours of care and love through mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, children, friends, strangers...even people I've never met, like Bono.

So I've been learning to give as I've been given; sacrifice as people have sacrificed. Slowly, I've seen the Father bring one person, then another and another and another. The numbers have been growing and for some, it's just a short season and for others, the journey is a bit longer.
Working here in Africa, the Father has blessed me with an African brother, my African brother, Stanley.

He's got a smile that attracts all who can see it, a personality that lives and dances to the rhythm of joy and a heart with the depths to which the Father has designed...deep, which has also come from the price on knowing loss and death of both parents, as a child.
Stanley was one of the students that completed our DTS this year and has joined Ten Thousand Homes.

The Father is showing me change is truly one life at a time and it's my job to help him become better then me; jump higher than me; run faster than me; go further than me. So that he may do the same for the younger generation of Africans that will stand and jump from his shoulders, one day.

If you'd like to, please pray for Stanley. Pray for the Father's leading in hie life and greater doors to open. Also please pray for his finances, for every African missionary faces the challenge of a church that does not practice the discipline of support to missionaries, very well. If you are interested in supporting Stanley financially, please email me at davidsong@tenthousandhomes.org.

From Our 10K Tuesday Posting

2009-12-17T03:43:00.000-05:00

10K Tuesday
Creative Exploration

At Ten Thousand Homes, we are trying to create a movement that emphasizes the importance of creativity. God is a creative being and as we are all formed in His image, we believe that means we are creative as well. By including all sorts of different art forms onto our campus and into our prayer and worship times and sending out creative prayer actions in these 10K Tuesdays, we believe we are exercising a God-given weapon in spiritual warfare.

Creative Action:

Spend a few hours this week interceding for the children of Africa using your own unique creative outlet. If this is a new concept for you, or you’ve never considered yourself creative, we challenge you to think outside your box when it comes to art. Explore your creative side whatever it looks like, whether it’s painting, writing, knitting, blogging, photography, scrapbooking, creating music, interior design, cooking, or being innovative in administration and business. There is power in using our gifts in prayer.

Shout It!

2009-12-14T03:43:00.002-05:00

Ten Thousand Homes is reaching more and more orphans. With the addition of our newest project, Dwaleni, on a weekly basis, we are reaching anywhere from 300 to 600 orphans through our food programs, discipleship groups but mostly love and care.
We've also been lead to relationships with a farmer and butcher that have started in supplying food for the orphan food programs. Amazing!
This year, our Discipleship Training School has graduated 2 students from the communities we work in. They have committed to join us on staff. Also our next DTS (January 2010) includes 5 students from the local communities. Word is getting out! We realize that our success lies in our ability to help raise local leaders to one day take the leadership of Ten Thousand Homes so that this ministry is about Africans helping Africans! God is always on the move.

"Seven times each day I stop and shout praises for the way you keep everything running right." Psalm 119

Taking Stock

2009-12-11T02:33:00.003-05:00

Well, it's the end of another year and what a year its been. Like many of you, I've started the process of re-evaluating this past year; the highs and lows and everything in between. From Mozambique to Uganda to Hong Kong to Hawaii to Germany to Capetown; there have been so many different people, so many different faces and one of these faces has a unique story.
One story I'm thinking of is the orphans we've been reaching this year. Ten Thousand Homes is currently working in three communities. This past September we were blessed to be invited to work in our third community, Dwaleni. Dwaleni is right next to our Kabokweni project so it's exciting that the Father is opening up doors right next to existing ones.
Thinking about when we started two years ago with victories, failures and wrestling with the unknown, it's humbling to see that the Father has a plan, the best plan. We couldn't have asked for a better one.

"It doesn't matter where you start; it is most important just to start. Love will show you the next step." Dr. J. Townsend (Loving People)

Please continue to pray for us and for more and more of the right doors to open so that more lives can be touched.

The Power or Ability to Invent

2009-06-17T15:00:00.000-04:00

That's the definition of creativity. It originates from the very attributes of God, God the Father, God the Creator. It's inherent in who He is. Something that He's always been, something that will never change. And as the good word says that we are made in His likeness, creativity has become one of mankinds attributes. Lets start with the discovery of fire. Since the dawn of time we should mention the wheel, that has forever changed the movement of people. We have the airplane and the boat, which moves us across limitless possibilities of once impassable terrain on this plant. Lets give it up to Henry Ford for the discovery of the Assembly Line that revolutionized mass production. We also have the fruits of creativity that's bent towards evil. Little Boy, the Atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima. 70,000 people killed instantly, 110,000 injured in the blast, and 340,000 people killed from disease resulting from the blast. That's not including the 110,000 people killed in Nagasaki. That's half a millions people from a result of two fruits of mankinds creativity.

Though evil is a constant issue we must encounter on this side of glory. Make no mistake, creativity is from the Father and it's purposes are for love and good. From breathe-taking paintings, to songs that make your body dance, to the artwork of nature's landscapes that supersede any of man's attempts to capture, to systems that even out the scales of wealth to the most needy, to inventions that help spur on life and dreams...this was God's intent, everyone was meant to create and to create for the highest good in all the universe, love. So to all you creators, here's an inspiring video to help along the creative journey....

Hopeland

2009-06-15T15:15:00.000-04:00

One of the locations on outreach was the YWAM base in Uganda called Hopeland.

We specifically worked with a project of theirs called Orphans Know More. It's a ministry that birthed early on in the pioneering of YWAM Hopeland in the early 80's.

Basically the the staff reached out to the local communities which they found many dying from HIV/Aids. In caring a befriending the sick, many of the dying asked these YWAMers to care for the children left behind. As these YWAMers heard the call to care for the orphans, the numbers grew. Orphans Know More birthed and the model they decided to care for the orphans was not the Orphange model nor the Care Center model which we use. They believe in the family model.

As we visited each family daily, we discovered each family to have at least 15 children. 15 children. Each family trusts God for the finances for food, school fees and everything else under sun needed to care for the family.

We saw miracle after miracle. The more children the families had, the greater the joy flowed from every single child. The greater the needs, the greater the faith. "Blessed are the poor in spirit for they will inherit the kingdom of God."

To visit the Orphans Know More website it's www.orphansknowmore.com. They also have a video ....

Lets continue to engage.

2009-06-10T06:25:00.000-04:00

Much has happened. I'm sitting here, in a internet cafe, in South Africa with a cup of lemon tea (a bit sick from all the travel) reminiscing all that's happened, all the folks that I've met, friends I've said goodbye to, new things experienced (swimming in the Indian Ocean), old cities revisited (Hong Kong is beautiful), and deciding what to write in this post.

Ok, I've decided. I'm alive! Just wanted to let you all know that and that the posts will be coming daily, in the next few weeks. Lots have happened and lots more is on the way. To sum up the last few months, from the lush green hills of White River, South Africa to the Latino spiced city of Maputo, Mozambique. From the bora bora filled streets of Jinja Uganda to the market-filled streets of Hong Kong. All that I've done in the last months touches on a moment I experienced while co-leading our Compassion DTS outreach in Uganada.

My friend and I were in Jinja, running some errands. My friend was waiting on line for the ATM machine. I waited outside the bank, on the street corner. As the bora boras (motorcycle taxis) zipped on by among the mass of people moving in every which direction, I noticed a sister and a brother that had just made it across to the street median. They hesitated a bit, with all the mess of motorcycles and cars. The only traffic law here in Jinja seems to not get hit. Their hesitation was understandable. After a few brief moments, they both lunged forward, to cross. Despite the waved of on-coming vehicles, the sister pushed on through and made it to the sidewalk.

Unfortunately, her younger brother did not brave so well. As I looked on to the face of a scared little boy, stuck on the traffic median, an annoyed older sister giving looks of embarrassment and on-lookers heckling this little boy in Lugandan, my friend walked out of the bank, ready to tackle some errands. We crossed the street, stepping onto the traffic median. As I neared the boy, I thought to help him. Immediately my mind went to our errands and how much of a hassle it would be add 20 seconds onto the hour needed to complete the errands. As I passed the boy, I made a decision. I turned around and stood beside him. I grabbed his hand and he looked up at me. I looked at him, gave a reassuring smile and we both looked onto the street with renewed hope.

My friends, the orphan crisis is growing and lives, stories, hearts...are being crushed and getting lost in the background noise of the traffic of our lives. We cannot forget them. This story has a happy ending, but I have tons more, where I looked the other way. Please, lets not look the other way anymore. Even if just reading my blogs is what equates to not looking away.

Love you all.

HEADING OUT!!!!

2009-03-30T06:45:00.000-04:00

Hey, so there hasn't been some updates in awhile. Let me give you a quick rundown. Hosted more teams, here in South Africa, house built (YWAM Orlando team), toilet and jungle gym built (YWAM Worcester team), increased numbers in our feeding scheme in both community projects (Kabokweni and Embonsweni), 2nd Compassion DTS (www.compassiondts.com) almost complete. On a personal note; a cold, diarrhea, dehydration, diarrhea again (getting tired of that....literally), moved into my new house, exterminated an ant infestation in my house, and many small adventures along the way.
Well, so we're into the last week of or Compassion Discipleship Training School and we're gearing up for outreach. I've been asked to co-lead the outreach team to which I've said yes. On April 6th to 20th, we're heading into Maputo, Mozambique, to work with various orphan ministries and also with a start-up YWAM base. This will involve working with children in the streets and some start-up work in helping the YWAM base get started. We travel back to Whiteriver on the 20th and on April 22nd to May 26th, we'll be in Southern Uganda, working with YWAM Uganda, in which we will be working with more orphans and vulnerable children. As we've sought out the Father, we've gotten the Parable of the Prodigal Son. We'll be focusing on the son coming home and the party he receives...fatten calf and all. Now, we're working through games, food, skits, surrounding the idea of coming home and the joy which we experience as we sit at the Father's table, in our chair, our rightful place. For the fatten calf, we're thinking a massive pinata in the shape of a cow.
Hey, so please keep us in your prayers. 1.) Health: many of us have been sick with the big "D" and colds/flu with the weather getting cooler. 2.) Finances: not all the students have their outreach fees and we specifically need their airfare money ($500 US) by tomorrow. You can also pray for the rest of their outreach fees ($1500 US). 3.) Following Faithfully: though we've got our plans, the Father may change plans or our plans might be off, so please pray that we may follow His Spirit at all times. 4.) Protection/Spiritual Warfare: We live in a time and space where the battle is not of flesh and blood but of the realm of spirit. Please pray that we have eyes to really see what is happening before us and to live and breathe the authority the Father has given us. Also please pray for protection from the schemes of the enemy.

Building a Home

2009-03-08T23:07:00.000-04:00

So one of the many teams that we've hosted was a Discipleship Training School from YWAM Orlando. They worked with us for a month and it was a blast having them here. We said hello as strangers and good bye as friends, having worked alongside each other, in the Africa sun, heat, rain (there was lots of rain), life and death and ups and downs of life here in SA. This a video clip of one of their students (my korean-sista!) as the their house building project came to an end.

Well done YWAM Orlando!

Feeling Very Small

2009-02-24T07:31:00.000-05:00

Last week, in our Compassion Discipleship Training School , I taught on the Nature and Character of God. This teaching, which I've undergone, over seven years ago, has shaped so much of who I am and what my life looks like today. Since then I've taught on this subject matter many times; at my church, retreats, conferences, etc. This subject matter has come up more so, in casual conversations, in rather random places; airport layovers, 30,000 ft about the Atlantic, coffee shops, FB chat, etc.
As I prepared for the weeks worth of teaching and taught the first day, I realized the magnitude to which the subject matter was flowing through me, every pore, every cell, through every sine wave, all frequencies...to define how God has let us define Him, love, I found myself on my knees, Tuesday morning. The weight of it all, my finite frame explaining the very nature and character of the Creator of the Universe, Alpha and Omega...I think you get the picture.
At the end of the week, I found myself leaning on the thoughts of love. The beauty found in the simplicity, for us the recipients, the complexities, to the one giving...and we get to love Him back. I was 13 and I had seen her all week long. It was the last day, hot summer day, and my last chance. Our interaction was like that of a dancing butterfly and a flower. It seemed as if the butterfly would land permanently on the pedals, but at the last minute, would release into the air, dancing, up and down. My heart pounded, sweat on my brow, I had to tell her. But what of the risk, the risk of putting myself out here, open and vulnerable..."is there any other way?" I thought. No, to love is to risk...I walked up to her and I opened my mouth.

Photos from Slingshot South Africa 2008

2009-02-10T03:45:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone. I just wanted to update you guys on some photos from the YWAM Young Leaders Conference, Slingshot. Last year it was held in Worcester, South Africa. The basic idea of Slingshot is handing down leadership thoughts and principles to a younger generation. I was so blessed with new friendships, different cultures, laughing a whole lot, but mostly a deeper sense of our mission, Youth With a Mission. I got to see Darlene (Loren Cunningham's wife, the founders of YWAM) via satellite tv. She was telling stories of how it all started, the road to faith, pioneering and the revelation of His good character. It was like listening to grandma tell stories of old, by the fire place. Darlene is so cute. Anyways, the photos include Landa Cope, Cape Good Hope (southern most tip of South Africa), couple shots of the group and the dancers welcoming us to South Africa. Here are the photos, enjoy!

New Ten Thousand Homes Video

2009-01-15T04:43:00.000-05:00

A Great Story

2009-01-10T03:04:00.000-05:00

This is a long overdue post in so many ways, but I'm proud to bring the updating back on track. So here it is, the RED ROCKET!!!!

Since landing in South Africa in May of 2007, I had been wrestling with God about a car. Being here, the most obvious need is the ability to get around and it is greatly hampered without a set of wheels...tricycle, bicycle, automobile, etc. My wrestling was with the side of me that breathes and eats Westernized Convenience versus the ever growing knowledge of the Father's Kingdom culture; one of sacrifice, service and love. Would a car be more of a stumbling block or a blessing in my character development here in Africa? So through a years worth of prayer, conversation with friends and more prayer, I came to the realization that a car would be a blessing and that my goal in having the car would be to bless others. It's funny how I battle with this when I'm tired and someone asks me for a ride and then the Holy Spirit is faithful in reminding me of the car.
Well, after I decided I needed a car, then I had to cross the issue of cost. Cars in South Africa are anywhere between two to three times the amount of a car that you would find in the U.S. Yes, it's appalling and being in a vocation where large sums of money are not usually readily available in the bank account, I thought, what a great lesson in faith. A good friend of mine was selling his car at a good price. After some prayer I decided to proceed in purchasing the vehicle. So I typed out a support and prayer letter. Didn't get much of a response. Now having done this "support-gig" for a while, I know that timing for God and all things related to life, including money, is a crucial, in learning and growing faith. Actually, one of the main reasons for walking through the process of obtaining a car is believing more and more that God is who he says he is, a faithful Father. So after a week passed, doubt started to knock at my front door. Then another week passed and doubt really started to walk in the house. Now, this was right before the YWAM Southern Africa Staff Conference, to which we were getting ready for. So one night, I was finishing the last coat of paint of the bathhouse, it was about 10:30pm and a friend and I were walking back to the main house on University Village. As we walked back in the dark, my growing discouragement finally reached fruition and this thought occurred to me "What am I going to do about the car?" Then, within a second, the Holy Spirit pierced that thought saying "Who am I?" I realized what I had done and that was to speak out, with my initial thought, my disbelief in God and that He is not faithful. Basically saying that He is not who He says He is; that He is a liar. I asked the Father for forgiveness and re-affirmed my faith in Him by thinking on His character reflected through the bible and stories of my life.
I went to my room exhausted and dirty. I decided to check email before I took a shower. I opened up my email and found a message to which I did not recognize the sender. I opened the email and here's what it said...

Hi David Song,
My name is Min Soo Kay and I am a member of KCW. If it helps at all to jog your memory, you sent me a thank you card last spring, right before you went to Africa. Regardless, I am writing this in response to the last one you sent out.
After reading your e-mail, I forwarded it to my husband and we were both pleasantly shocked. For the past few days, we had been discussing whether or not we should get a new car, or just keep our old one for a few more years, and this morning, we decided on the latter. It was right after we had made our decision that I opened your e-mail. My heart was pounding.It was the exact same feeling of realizing that someone needed God's help through our family. I was praying and praising our God. Someone else may have already offered you their help, but we truly want to help you purchase the car that you are in need of. Please tell me how we can send the money to you. If it helps at all, we can send you whole car price so that you don't have to pay monthly.
I will talk to you soon,

God Bless,
Min Soo Kay

As I re-read this, tears fell down my face. I knelt down on the floor and just enjoyed the moment with my Father.
It's funny how circumstances, or what we deem as circumstances, can shape us and try to steal the most foundational thought in the universe, that God is God. Thank you Min Soo for the automobile. Thank you for everyone else that has been supported as well. During the holidays and the beginning of the new year, I've reflected a lot on life, Africa, the orphans, personal issues, dreams, my friend's dreams, relationships and everything in between and I've come to these thoughts; Blessed is the man rich in relationships. Blessed is the man that gives. Blessed is the man who loves. Blessed is the man that runs after the Father. I love you all and til next week!

David

Thanksgiving in the States

2008-11-24T02:54:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone,

I'm headed home! Today I leave for New Jersey to spend Thanksgiving with my family and then the rest of the time, I'll be joining some Ten Thousand Homes staff members to do some promoting the orphan cause. I arrive to Newark on the 25th (two days) and get to spend the weekend with family. I fly out on the 30th, to Orlando and there I'm meeting with some friends from Ten Thousand Homes and we'll be speaking about the orphan crisis to a Discipleship Training School at YWAM Orlando. We fly out on the 4th of December to Dallas to attend a conference held by our spiritual covering called Growth Resourcing. The conference is for that weekend and then the following Friday is our official website launch party with friends, dinner and music in the Dallas area. I fly back to New Jersey on the 13th and then leave for South Africa on the 16th.
It's a short trip but busy one. Please pray for safe travels and just obedience to the Father as we speak and play music. I wish I could see you all, but it would be impossible due to eh shortness of this trip. Thank you for all your prayers and giving. Once again, we're fighting the orphan crisis, becoming mothers and fathers to the fatherless.

"God is looking for the slightest excuse to be a father to the fatherless" Jim Stier

The Road, a Guitar and a Slingshot

2008-10-28T12:35:00.000-04:00

When my brother, Peter, and I were in elementary school, I came home and found that Peter and his friends had bought slingshots. It was large, had a metal frame, a long yellow rubber tube and an arm rest. I remember being in awe at the arms rest. It looked like something out of the future compared the fashioned wood into a Y-Shaped contraption that so many boys have made in heir backyard. In class, my index, ring finger and a regular rubber-band did the trick. We could make those paper clips fly.
This week I'm preparing to take a road trip to Worcester, South Africa. Worcester is home to one of the many famous vineyards in South Africa. It is also home to the largest YWAM base in South Africa and I think Africa. I've been accepted to attend a leadership course, for young leaders, called Slingshot (www.slingshot21.com). YWAM holds this leadership course once year and this year it's being hosted by YWAM Worcester (110 km from Capetown). Slingshot is derived from the principles of King David's life; that a single person can change/impact the course of history. There will be lots of big named YWAMers there, teaching on different aspects of leadership. This wasn't something that I originally gravitated too, but after getting a recommendation from South Africa's National Director during the YWAM Southern Africa Staff Conference, talking it over with my friends and leaders here at YWAM Kruger, and a nagging thought in my head/heart, I could not doubt that the Lord wanted me there.
So I am leaving Thursday morning, with my friend Benjamin, to drive 18-20 hours to Worcester. I'll be there for three weeks in which I'll be staying off campus at a friend's house. They're YWAMers and they own a home next to the YWAM Worcester base. The kingdom is truly one of relationships and I'm very excited for what else the Father has for me there.
So I ask for prayer in travels (no tire blowouts) and a sensitivity to the Spirit's leading with whom I meet.

Ok here are some pics from the Soccer Day.

A Ball and a Field.

2008-10-17T10:01:00.000-04:00

It was a typical scene in Africa. A cold cloudy morning that hovered over a large, dirt field called Victory Field. There were children gathered around the each goal post, kicking, running, laughing, enjoying one of their most favorite past times past down form generation to generation. There were also the children sitting on the sides of the field, singing, laughing and playing games with each other. Excitement filled the air, much like moisture awaiting the first drops of rain of a down pour. Though the rain held-off, the two communities at play, Hillsview and Mbonsweni, were ready to decide who had the better football (soccer) players, which community would take home the victory, bragging rights, the victory songs and most of all the pride of winning. Unlike a typical scene in Africa, many communities don't have many chances to play each other mainly due to the cost of transport, let alone uniforms. But today, a ball and a field, Victory field, became the place of collision for this rare occasion. At the end of the day, a winner would be decided.
Among the many scenes I encountered at this Ten Thousand Homes/Peace Corps related partnership, such as countless smiles, team chants, shootouts, great dribbling, scoring, quickness of youth, determination to win, boys being boys, girls teasing and flirting, thinking that fitting 15 children in my car was its max and then the next transport run I fit 5 more, one of the most powerful thoughts had to do with my car. During the YWAM Southern Africa Staff Conference, the idea of Cross-Cutlural Communication and doing it well, had a phrase to sum it all up. The phrase was this, "having room at the table for others." Opening of ones heart, life and ultimately culture to another's. As Christ has given us a seat at the banqueting table, it's a place of belonging, a place of acceptance, a place called home. It's were one lays down his/her rights for their neighbor, so that sacrifice brings renewal and strength to others. It's called selflessness. It's called love. Today as the children were waiting to be taken to this momentous day of pride and display of skill and as they were waiting to be taken back home to revel in victory, joy and rest, it wasn't a table that struck me so much. It was a car. As you looked into their eyes, waiting for you to wave your hands to come, as you opened the door, their eyes spoke this, "Do you have space in your car for me, will you take me with you?"
We at Ten Thousand Homes invite you all to come and see these eyes. To give space for you to see and respond, to let them in your life, to help in bringing them home. This invitation goes out to anyone and everyone. We are fighting an orphan crisis that's ravaging the world, creating broken homes, broken dreams and a broken people by the millions. So come on and hang with us. Hang with them. It'll change your life, now that's a promise. We love for friends to come and do this together. Shoot me an email at davidsong@tenthousandhomes.org and lets start the dialog.

"Love is never a wasted deposit" - Rob Morris

MZANSI FO SHO! (South Africa for sure!)

2008-10-10T07:50:00.000-04:00

The 2008 YWAM Southern Africa Staff Conference was a hit! From great food (we can thank Trisch, Trudy, YWAM Minnesota, and so many more), to great lectures on Cross-Cultural Communication(Sarah Lanier, you rock!), times of hanging out and good ole fun; we experienced it all with our YWAM family. Living this life for the Father, we become to understand what His original design for mankind was and is. For those that have visited us before, here's the original design for the pool.

We had over 270 people, from over 15 countries represented at the the staff conference. From Cameroon to Germany, YWAM is truly a multi-cultural mission. Since we didn't have building facilities to house everyone, we did the next best, tents! In the two pictures below is a snippet of what we called Tent City! Oh and there were over 100 tents pitched.

Jeremy and I had the honor to help usher in the presence of God through music. With the other worship leaders, the Father moved among us with excitement, honesty and sheer love for Him who gave it all. We had a blast!

In retrospect, it was an honor to serve the servants. Having met many YWAMers that are native to Africa, I experienced a moment that I first encountered last year, when we all first moved here. It was something I almost missed, something that was subtle, yet so powerful. Again, at the conference, talking to these African brothers and sisters, I realized it again...that I was in the midst of Saints. They've chosen a life of sacrifice, no matter what the cost, to live out strong in their quiet devotion to the Lord. On a continent that does not uplift these few, these missionaries, to serve their land, their God, they still continue to give and give and give. My hats off to all these great men and women. It was an honor to get to know some of you; laughing, singing, praying, eating, a slight glance, a smile, a nod hello, a warm greeting, a gentle hug...you guys are my heroes. Thank you for welcoming us foreigners onto your land and into your hearts.

A View Out of the Matrix...Sanity

2008-10-10T05:59:00.000-04:00

Well, It's been a week since I've last updated on my blog. My apologies. With the the increased momentum in weekly blog updating, I didn't calculate the large ship of the conference busyness into the weekly update formula. It all came to a screeching halt...for those who know hospitality on a large scale, we served almost 300 people, mostly in tents, with power outages, re-filling drinkable water every 5 hours and bathroom/plumbing issues for the 250 plus guests; serving these men and women who sacrifice so much (some who've given up more than I'll ever know) was tiring, but an honor. On top of this running around, there was leaving grace and space to engage in our guests and some God appointed relationships. I was reminded that it's not a Westerner's "fast ball" when mixing "getting the job done" and engaging in relationships. Good thing the Father is perfect at guiding and leading this thing called life to places of relationships and tasks. Was a good lesson.

Well enough banter about the conference. I'm compiling some conference photos for next week's update. This week's late issue is about a moment on my holiday. Some friends and I spent two nights in the Kruger National Park. We went as far south as possible, stayed a night and then drove as far north as we could (driving 200 miles at 30 mph). We were on the road for 7 hours. On one of our stops, we visited a lookout point in the north. It was located up on a cliff looking out onto a north west section of the Kruger. As I sat there, from the sheer silence on men and the things men have made (instruments of more noise), all you could hear was a slight wind. All you could feel was the heat of the day. All you could see was...possibility, mystery, fear and love. It was that day's window out of the rat race we call the Matrix; the hustle and bustle of task, of a life rhythm that brings no life. This view showed me what was real, what was meant to be. I felt so close, I felt so small, minuscule and yet so important, welcomed and accepted. Like looking into right into those eyes...and an overwhelming peace that started from my head and trickled down to the ends of my toe-nails. I felt like I was home.

The Reason

2008-09-21T19:14:00.000-04:00

Ronin
Originally uploaded by davidbonosong

I was having a conversation with a friend of mine, tonight. He’s a Afrikanner, which means he’s of Dutch descent here in South Africa. He’s a pastor, husband, father and a great friend. We were watching Ronin and just shooting the bull, talking about South African politics to Huggies diapers. I’m not quite sure how this came up, but we started to talk about thoughts and the power they have.
The conflict that took place in the Garden of Eden, when stripped away, was a battle of thoughts. The thought was this, is God good? Ok, now I remember how it came up, in the movie Ronin, Robert DeNrio meets a sort of wise, hermitish French man who has a collection of die-cast samurai warriors, which have been meticulously painted by him. Ronins are samurai warriors that have no master. We then began to discuss how the traditional Japanese people were so disciplined. The code of honor and perceived righteousness superceded all their human emotion and instinct. How Samurais would commit seppuku, an act of disemboweling oneself, upholding honor and truth.
The world is run by thoughts. They can either empower or destroy. They can set someone free or imprison for eternity. Thoughts empower us to live or die. Thoughts spurred the Renaissance in Western Europe. Thoughts brought about the World Wars One and Two. Many of those thoughts brought about the Holocaust of the Jews and Gypsies. Thoughts ignited the great Industrial Revolution in the United States. When the serpent seduced Eve to eat from Tree of Knowledge, he questioned the thought that God is Good, that God has the best in store, that God is trustworthy, that God is loving, always. A thought also brought God to become a man, for this man to limit his godliness into a poor and weak frame, to endure all the temptations of this frame, to eventually become beaten, mocked, abandoned, betrayed. How a thought brought this Son of Man to die on a cross, so all could see, without a shadow of doubt, the greatest thought in the universe is love; selfless and all enduring.
We’re at the last week, here at University Village, before the YWAM South Africa Staff Conference begins. After countless days, working into the wee hours of the night, the sense that we’re living in a time that history is being made here. There will be more days of work, after the conference is over, but just the same, the roofs erected and walls painted will house and nurture thoughts of love, freedom and hope.

face of love 2
Originally uploaded by davidbonosong

face of love 1
Originally uploaded by davidbonosong

“I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.” - Mother Teresa

Look up and see...

2008-09-15T12:07:00.000-04:00

Change is in the air. As University Village is hustling and bustling everyday, roofs are built, walls torn, fences built, new faces working, land is being cleared and a whole lot of noise; saws, drills, hammering, digging, rolling, etc. Other staff members are continuing the work in the communities, engaging in the hopelessness, fighting for the orphans. There you hear laughter, crying, the chopping of vegetables, the boiling of water, loud rap music (they love blasting their stereos), swings, children dancing in the dirt, digging, the opening of a Coca Cola can…(Coke is everywhere).

Change has a lot of different noises. As I pondered these things, one sunny Saturday afternoon, I simply looked up and saw it, change. It is like the wind. You don’t know where it comes from and you don’t know where it’s going, but you know it’s there. You can feel it, you can see it, and if you stick out your tongue as a child does to taste the falling snow, you can almost taste it. It takes a heart of a
child to notice change; in the midst of all the noise, to look up and see...

Teaching How to Fish

2008-09-07T05:54:00.000-04:00

So we at Ten Thousand Homes have altered a bit of what we do. Our vision statement is the same, to tend to the needs of vulnerable children in response to the HVI/Aids Pandemic, which at the moment has been here in South Africa. Just a side note, I found out recently that South Africa has more children orphaned by HIV/Aids per capita than any other nation in the world. So, as we've been "on the ground" here for over a year, we've come to know many of the the orphans personally, especially the older ones. They smile, they laugh, they love the soaps (shout out to "Generations!"), they love PDiddy (I've been asked countless times if I know him personally since we're both from New York =)...), they get insecure, they are courageous, they go hungry, they love to chat about nonsense (so much fun!). We've also found out that after they turn seventeen, the government funding stops and as my friend Jeremy Price has said before, "the orphans are orphaned again." With little to no resources, many of the orphans have to resort to crime and prostitution to survive. In on of our new projects, one such case was brought to our attention. The child-headed household, which is a young-adult girl, was selling herself to put food on the table for her younger sister. With God's grace and love, they have been brought out of from that place.
We've been praying and thinking on how to respond to this re-orphaning process. So in the spirit of the Good Samaritan, we've decided to start a University. That's right, a University so that these older orphans can receive the tools to grow and succeed in a world that's gives them very little to begin with. So we're acquiring a property (pictures below) and we're calling it University Village. The plan is this, to offer a two-fold approach to this University. The first half would address the spiritual needs of the students. Since we are with Youth With a Mission, we're offering the YWAM training schools/certificates (Associates, Bachelors of Arts and Master's Degrees) through the University of the Nations (www.uofn.edu). We've started our Compassion Discipleship Training School (www.compassiondts.com) in the beginning of this year, which is a prerequisite to all other courses to the U of N. This could be a step in the right direction for those students want to pursue ministry as a vocation. The later half is the practical side. We're offering Practical Skills Schools so that each student is also equipped with some tools to help them in the job market. Our first thoughts are to launch a Construction School and possibly a Business Administration School, early next year. Salvation is all about the whole person...bringing new life to our psychological, spiritual and physical realms.

Start of Driveway final
Originally uploaded by davidbonosong

car port final
Originally uploaded by davidbonosong

front side final
Originally uploaded by davidbonosong

front lawn final
Originally uploaded by davidbonosong

front house1 final
Originally uploaded by davidbonosong

front lawn final
Originally uploaded by davidbonosong

house 2 final
Originally uploaded by davidbonosong

house 3 final
Originally uploaded by davidbonosong

backyard final
Originally uploaded by davidbonosong

alley way finfal
Originally uploaded by davidbonosong

garden final
Originally uploaded by davidbonosong

my house final
Originally uploaded by davidbonosong

Some prayer needs:

1.) Money. The price of the property is about two hundred thousand dollars. Now that includes the price of the property and all the work, labor and materials, to get University Village off th ground. We've acquired some donations (thank you very much) but we're still in need of over half that amount.

2.) Favor with the SA government. We have a possible lead with someone in the Mpumalanga (the province we live in) Provincal government that could possibly lead to accreditation with our practical skills schools so that each student would graduate with am official certificate, furthering their skills in the work force.

3.) Man power. As our staff has been growing for five, last year, to over fifteen (and counting) this year, we're still in need of man power to get University Village off the ground. We've had short term teams come by and help us, but we are continuing our work in the communities. This is something that we will not compromise, in whatever we do. We actually had our first South African friends help us with the property (Elizabeth and Nicholas) which was a momentous occasion. Please pray for more help, wherever the Lord brings. Also, about half of us have gotten sick, with a flu bug, so it's been a bit difficult.

If you have any questions about anything you've read in the post or just a random question, please contact me at davidsong@tenthousandhomes.org.

Something Old Yet New...

2008-09-03T04:15:00.000-04:00

Journal Entry: Traveling back to South Africa (July 29th 2008)

Love: is the highest choice for you, your neighbor and God. This choice is void of emotion.

As I was traveling today, transfer here, layover there, grabbing my last cup of Starbucks, deciding which movies to watch, chicken or beef?, a thought hit me at the end of my travels. Now since I’m writing, I did get back to South Africa safely and for the most part there were no hitches, other than the landing in Dakar, Senegal. There was some heavy fog and I ‘ve had some rough landing experiences at African airports, other than South Africa. The thought was this….ending poverty and our (meaning every follower of Jesus) involvement in this cause. I first thought, this life of sacrifice and death is not for a person or people, accolades or awards. We work with orphans and vulnerable children but our work is not for them. The reason is one, which involves the process of becoming free from the expectations and value systems that rule the kingdom of the world. Our reason is found in a man, it’s solely for Jesus. We all see it in the media everywhere. We at 10KHome see it on the ground everyday, that poverty is linked to so many sins…HIV/Aids (the killing of a generation), crime, war, hatred, greed, lust, etc. Jesus has called us to end poverty by giving our extra jacket to the one that doesn’t have one. By sacrificing our time and energy to tutor kids that don’t have parents or parents that won’t or can’t help them with their school work…Charity is wrong because it’s not the most loving thing for the marginalized and poor. Actually it’s the exact opposite to the most loving thing. Charity is a cold, distant arm that says the answer is money. How can an inanimate object solve the problems of animate beings?…Love has to be the answer. The reason why we are called to end poverty is because it’s one of the greatest examples of love. Jesus said “love covers a multitude of sins.” Imagine our crime rates dropping to such a degree that the United State’s jail systems begin to close. Imagine churches beginning to find life and renewal in the process of helping to eradicate poverty, by simply reaching out to the poor and needy. In the eyes of the poor and needy, they see Jesus and there it is, revival.
Too often I’ve heard that when a church leaves a community, the community isn’t devastated by this loss of Christ’s love in the everyday, but it’s a relief that the noisy, selfish group has left. Can we imagine healing taking place within relationships across races, across gender, siblings, sons and fathers, daughters and mothers, across your own family wounds. I’ve seen, year after year, wounds of ministry, wounds of confusion, cultural differences, age differences, all thing unintentional, hurtful actions and words that were intentional being wiped away to an eventual spotless, clean…and then we dance the night away. Lets imagine a movement, where the church can’t accommodate Sunday service because the actual building cannot fit everyone that want to be a part of a body of people given the power that defies all evil and reverses the destruction of selfishness and sin. Imagine the promises of the bible coming true in your life at home, at work, at school…salvation, the redemption of a life, to witness these daily occurrences happening before your eyes…where the yoke we carry becomes lighter…it actually becomes a joy to carry.
Love at first is not easy, but it is simple and very direct.

It’s all in the legs.

2008-07-14T19:32:00.000-04:00

We use our legs to get from one place to another. Some people run; others walk. In the Beijing, the Olympics (pic) have included speed walking as an event. You get to where you want to go, whether backwards or forward by using your legs. Sometimes, your legs help others, inanimate objects or not…(van pic). What happens when your legs are taken from under you? What then, where you find yourself, immobile, broken/hurting, and unable to get to where you want?
I’m leaving for the U.S. on Thursday. I am mainly coming home to speak at the N.O.A.H. camp. It’s a camp run by YWAM Cornerstone for Pastor’s and Missionary’s kids and their parents. It’s a time to bless the crap out of these servants. The trip will be short cause I fly back at the end of this month. I’m using my legs to help get me there. I’m using my legs to serve the servants; the ones that continually serve many, to which never hear a “thank you”. What an honor. Maybe I’ll even use my legs to help me see some friends.
I’m using my legs to help me get back to Africa at the end of the month. To come back and to continue to serve…(pic) those who, sometimes cannot walk, that have no legs. I find this the greatest burden and at the same time, the greatest joy. I hope you’ve found that. I hope you search for this; for the lame, the broken. They’re there. Maybe it’s you and all you have to do is ask for some help? Lately I've been realizing that it's me, the broken.

A Reoccurring Thought

2008-06-24T04:54:00.000-04:00

So we started on a trip, in the early of the day. My alarm rang out at 6am...I wanted die. As the iciness of the shower pierced my skin, one thought occurred to me, "this is outreach my friend." As we drove through the tea fields and villages, to which you could not tell where one ended and the other began, tea is one of the life lines of this country. Over 80% of all the base-tea in the world come from Malawi and it's still one of the poorest countries on the continent. Is the tea industry owned by foreign corporations really a life line to this nation? Well, we had a journey of four hours of tar road ahead of us. We were heading straight north to Lake Malawi for the groups day of rest. Jeremy and I had come to visit our Discipleship Training School that was on their fourth week of outreach in Malawi. They're working with a orphanage started by some Americans, over ten years ago and they run a Christian school, which includes the orphans but also children from the local villages. This compound is hid away, behind one of the many tea fields in Malawi, forty five minutes south west of the city of Blantyre. The children are happy. They tease me, saying that I can't be Jackie Chan cause of my beard. I have to resort to plan B and tell them that they are right. I am not Jackie Chan. I'm actually Bobby Chan, Jackie Chan's brother! They love that joke!
Well, a tar road, in most of Africa means a road that had been paved, years ago, now in the midst of rubble. Temporary Road Construction is filling in the holes in wht tar road with dirt. There were so many detours on the road, we were averted to the service road many times. Now the service road is considered the dirt path of the sides of the tar road. It was not a smooth ride and taking a nap became very challenging. Another re-occurring thought..."this is outreach, my friend." After four hours, we finally made it to the dirt road we're supposed to take to the lake. As soon as we turned off, BAM! There was a loud noise from the back of our VW Kombi (VW Van) and we stopped moving. We all got out, lifted the engine hood, which is located in the back of the Kombi, and...the engine had dropped out of the vehicle, barely touching the dirt road. "this is outreach, my friend" but this time there was a bit of excitement in me. Surprises, accidents and unexpected events is the what makes life interesting, and gives God room to do impossible things. Not only did we break down on the road but we broke down in the center of a local village of Malawians. They all came out to see the commotion. We were immediately surrounded by children and their parents. In Malawian style, the children were the eager to help us push. As we pushed our wounded van down the dirt road, I begin to think if there's a mechanic in the town, or if there isn't, what will we do?, how will we get back?, and that our visit to Lake Malawi has come to an end. We were all sweating the in hot sun and then I began to worry about my asthma as my breathing became more labored. We finally reached a golf resort. They phoned into their front desk and in five minutes two resort vehicles pull up for us. They told us that they have a garage and will be able to fix our van. We piled into the vehicles and in five minutes, we were driving through the resort. We could tell that this was an upscale resort. They dropped us off at the welcoming area which was decorated with a wooden patio framing with vines and flowers growing overhead which blocked out most of the sun and created cool area of shade. As we all peered down this oasis-like darkened path, we could see at the very end, the color blue. The bluest blue that I haven't seen in years. We began our walk towards this heavenly blue. Feeling under-dressed, I began to wonder how much we'd have to pay to stay at the resort. We came across the receptionist desk and asked how much the cost was. The receptionist said with a big smile "It's free. Please enjoy." Another thought crossed my mind, "this is outreach, my friend." We finally made our way to the end of what seemed like a breaking through of a depressing breaking and spiraling down of a day, to this fantasy of blue, a dream surrounded with unexpected beauty, and then we saw it. We reached the end of our path and faced the beginning of a new one, a much brighter one. Another thought crossed my mind, "This is outreach, my friend." Words cannot do this next part justice, so here are some video clips of the day. Even the video does not do the beauty of that day justice, but I hope it gives you an idea. Oh and the last thought of the day was "God is good."

Back in Action

2008-05-27T18:55:00.000-04:00

Well, I arrived safely to White River after traveling for over 30 hours. The mos difficult time was the eight hour layover in Heathrow. Not only are they renovating the terminal, which they've blocked off my secret area to catch a few zzz's, but my American dollar was getting pounded in the terminal shops. As soon as I arrived to South Africa, I caught a forty hour flu bug. Let's just say I lost a few pounds, very quickly and then I had some food poisoning. The weight was just puring out of me, to be as descriptive as possible. The following weekend a few of us YWAMers went the Northcliffe Union Church in Johannesburg to be a part of their mission's conference. About ten missions organizations were asked to come and setup a table presentation, giving a platform to introduce what we do and how we do it to about six different churches. We presented our Compassion Discipleship Training School, the training arm of of Ten Thousand Homes, with video, fliers, posters and our personal charm. We presented the table for three days and had a slew of Afrikaners (White South Africans of Dutch descent) come to the table. There was a lot of interest. Actually the Northcliffe Union staff were so good to us. They served us with food and basically anything we needed. It's funny how we get in the mode of serving and blessing in the the Father's name and in the midst of service, we become more blessed and served. Staying in my friend's home, they have a cleaning lady come once a week. Her name is Lizzie and she works very hard. One day my friend was running an errand and couldn't prepare Lizzie her lunch so she asked me too. Man, it was such a great feeling toserve her lunch...as my friend Herbert says the joy in serving the the server. This thought of service is such a powerful thing. Serving is an act that represents the Father's heart to bless, to love one another. With love we find it that it's the best choice possible for you and everyone involved. I find it that there's an element of selflessness involved, were we gain nothing from the decision. Jesus showed it best...He did not come to be served but to serve. All throughout the New Testament, you read Jesus healing people, raising people from the dead. You have a women, so desperate to be healed from her bleeding. For years she's tried every known possible cure, but nothing. She's left unhealed, more shunned and financially put out. Then when she hears of the Jesus and his healing power, she pushes through the crowd, with the utmost determination, not caring of what the people are saying to her. I'm sure everyone knew who she was, "the bleeding one." I'm sure some thought that her unhealed wound was a result of some sin in her life. That's a familiar feeling...but she pushes through, grabs his cloak and in an instant, she is healed. And Jesus knows that his power has been used.
Jesus never asked anyone to say the four spiritual laws. Don't get me wrong, I've used the four spiritual laws and have seen them bring people the Christ. Studying the Jesus and healing, he never asks anyone to receive Him, to confess their and then He will heal. In the majority of written accounts of Jesus healing, it says "He had compassion." Jesus freely healed. He freely served. No questions asked. I think this is when love shines best, when it's given as a gift.
We're moving into a community called Mbonswani. Here's video clip of some of the boys

It's a poor community in which a gugu (grandmother) named Victoria is caring for as many orphans as she can. Her and her husband, ten years ago, were driving home and saw children rummaging through the trash, looking for food. They saw children playing with used condoms, found in the trash, thinking that hey were balloons, putting the condoms up to their mouths and blowing them up. That day they took in ten children. Well that ten has grown to over two hundred children and Victoria, her husband and a few more volunteers from the community are helping with home visits to the orphans, if they have homes, and basically helping with anything else they can do. There is a tremendous need so please pray for us. We are in the building part of our relationship with gugu Victoria and have started bi-weekly Saturday programs which involve a meal for the orphans and some sort of activity for them. Last time was painting and it was a hit! We know that we are the body of Christ being God's people intentional in giving Christ away and so our sole responsibility is in obedience to the Father, no matter what it is. This is the highest thing, this is love. Also our Compassion DTS (www.compassiondts.com) is on their outreach in Malawi. They drove from Maputo to the Malawi border and it took them 18 hours, driving. They're in a new country so pray that they acclimate well to the new culture and have favor with the Malawians. Also we're starting our second Compassion Discipleship Training School in September so if you're interested in the HIV/Aids crisis and/or would like to take some time with you and God and sort out life or if you know of someone with these interests, check out our website and email us.
I am looking to purchase a car. This is an old prayer request so I'm looking to raise about $6000 for a car. Without transport, it's hard to get around and especially get into the communities. If you are interested in donating or maybe have a creative idea in helping in raising the funds, please email me at davidsong@tenthousandhomes.org. Also if you'd like to donate, you can click on the donate button, on the side of the page, or if you'd like a tax receipt, you can mail in your donation. All the details are on the bottom side panel on my blog, so just scroll on down if you don't see it. Next Monday, Jeremy (our YWAM base leader, my good friend and band mate) are going to visit the DTS outreach team in Malawi. We're flying in on the 2nd of June and returning on the 9th. Please pray for safe travels and no hassles at customs. There shouldn't be any problems but please cover us in prayer. We're visiting the team to encourage them and to see how they're doing. Lastly, please pray for the band. As many of you know, I'm in a rock band and we're all here in South Africa, working with Ten Thousand Homes/YWAM Kruger Park. Since I've returned our times of practice and creating music have been great. Here's a picture of our practice space/studio. It's my bedroom as you can see. Practice times have been so great that we're looking to drop our original recordings done last Christmas and record a whole new CD. Since our dream is to create space for God to move on people's hearts, through honest songs of life, hope and love, we need support in prayer to continue to move forward, with the Father. So please pray with us so that we walk through the right doors and make the right decisions, especially at this current time.
Well, that' it for now. I love you guys and send me some email to let me know how you're doing. If you are interested in what we're doing we always encourage friends to come and visit and stay with us. Don't be shy. Here are some photos of what I see everyday here.

Leaving Tonight @ 21:10

2008-05-06T16:53:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone. Well, it's time for me to head back to South Africa. There have been so many memories and faces this time round and I can't express how grateful I am for all the prayers, financial gifts, but mostly your friendships. Whether through emails, phone conversations, face-time, Facebook slaps on the butt...what a great thing, text messages, etc...I am leaving home, knowing that I am well-loved. Thank you. When I head back, Ten Thousand Homes will be having some key meetings that will determine the future direction of our hands and hearts. I will keep you all updated and with a little help, it'll be via video!!!! Yes, last years promises will come to fruition. Again I love you all and pray for safe travels, baggage clearance and hassle-free customs! Talk to you on the flip side...oh and I am taking the sofa with me...in the tension =).

Up at 2:03am Writing an Update

2008-04-20T02:02:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone. It's been awhile. My good friends know that I'm not the best at regular correspondence. This has been a frequent point of conversation with some of my oldest and dearest friends (Hungry Hefers and the rest of the Cherry Hill crew), but what also has been fact is that every time we get together, it's like joining in again on the chorus of laughter that we left behind. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!! My dad has been home for almost four weeks and he's doing so much better. At first, he was barely walking on his own, though the two weeks of Rehabilitaion were good for him, he was in such rough shape weighing in at one hundred pounds. My mom and I recently commented on how fast he's been walking and getting around. He also gained seven pounds, last week, so he is at 116 pounds! So now the target is about ten to fifteen more pounds. Yes, so the prayers for more sh*t have been amazing!!! Please don't stop.

The next three to six months is the critical phase, we were told, for transplant patients. It's the time frame where the percentage of organ rejection is the highest. So as the sign of healthy kidney function is regular urination, I'm also asking for prayers for not only more sh*t but more p*ss. My dad has had a visiting nurse and physical therapist, three times a week. We also have regular hospital visits at least once a week. It's a busy schedule. Please also pray for my mother. Through her determination and resolve, she has shown me more of what is at the core of love, sacrifice, but she is very tired. Please pray that she would continue to find more rest and life in her times with the Father and her family.

So things have been going well as we continue on the road to recovery. As my father has been getting better, I've been talking with my Ten Thousand Homes family in South Africa and have made the decision to return to South Africa on May 6th. The season for 10KHomes has been one of new beginnings consisting of new relational avenues to care for the orphans in and out of South Africa, the start of out first Discipleship Training School, new staff (we've more than doubled in size), and a move onto a new property. We've also launched our Ten Thousand Homes offices here in the states. With all this change, the beginning of May will entail some foundational meetings in SA, which I cannot miss. I've missed so much.

So as I prepare to leave, I plan to meet up with as many people as possible. I have to say that leaving is not easy. God, like the schemer He is, has been using my father's crisis as a time to continue the healing within our family. It's been such a precious time that I didn't expect, but have been yearning for so long. It's been real nice to hear laughter in our home. My parents and I were driving home from dinner, one evening. They were sitting in the back seat as I was driving. I was lost in some of my own thoughts/reflections of my time home but something pulled me away, and then I heard it. It came from the back seat, the giggling and laughter between a husband and wife. My heart melted and my eyes filled with tears. I began to weep in the midst of their laughter. Isn't that like Jesus...He turned Death into Gardener. He's turning our sorrow into laughter. I want to thank you again, for your support. Without the prayers, financial gifts and especially your friendship, all this could not have been possible. I've finished up a book in which the author states that God is everywhere. We just need eyes to see Him everywhere. Every circumstance, every situation, every ripped seam, every broken bone, in every tear, in every scream. Everyday, everywhere, Jesus is there. Being an orphan just doesn't mean having your parents pass onto death. Being an orphan is one that is disconnected from knowing, from seeing that we are loved as we are. That this love never runs or hides, or goes on break. This love fights for me and you, always. I hope to see you very soon. I love you all.

Pray for S*it...

2008-03-04T15:46:00.000-05:00

So after coming home from the hospital, three days later, we had to rush my dad to the ER at our local hospital. All night my dad was experiencing an increase of pain in his abdominal area, with some intermittent diarrhea and vomiting. We were very worried. When we arrived at 4am, the ER staff took my dad's vitals and ran multiple tests, to gather as much info as they could, since this was not the hospital my dad received his transplant. After six hours of waiting, anxiousness, frustration, multiple conversations with a very unhelpful nursing staff, we finally got the results to a CAT scan. My father had a blood clot (hematoma) on his kidney. But they were perplexed at how much pain my dad was experiencing. They finally gave him some pain meds and then they contacted our hospital. After two hours, we were told that my dad would be transported to his hospital (NY Presbyterian) within 24 hours. 24 hours? they were not sure due to a lack of available hospital beds at NY Presb. At 8pm, the transport finally came. We arrived to NY Presb about 930pm and got into a room. Since it was the evening we had to wait til morning to get more concrete results, but we did find out that there was no risk of transplant rejection thus far. What a relief. So after 24 hours of hospital food, coffee, chairs to not-sleep in, walking the hallways, etc ( for those of you that can relate), the most accurate assessment was given to us. Basically my dad's Large Intestine had stopped working. He was not able to make a bowel movement since his diarrhea the night we rushed him to the hospital. So it was enema time. In the next two days, my dad received two enema's for two days, with both days resulting in the enema liquid coming back out without chunks. It's funny, at one point I was trying to teach my dad the "Wipless" technique, but apparently this was a far more serious situation than your average plug up. Well, by the third day, the doctors said that they would need to open up my dad and see exactly what was going on the intestine, so the next day they scheduled the procedure. A side not...the difference between procedure and surgery confuses me. I know verbiage is huge in crisis situations like the hospital, but one is going under the knife regardless. Ok, so my mom and I went home and got a good nights rest to get ready for the procedure the following day.
Well, my dad went to the OR at about 830am. We were told that the procedure would only take 1 to 1.5 hours at most. So when 12noon passed and we didn't get a call from the the OR, my mom and I were getting nervous. I called the Surgical Intensive Care Unit's front desk and they did NOT receive my dad. After waiting for 10 more minutes, they did confirm that he was still in the OR. Still in the OR?!?!?! With two more phone calls to the SICU's front desk and more questions, we were left withe the same answers, still in the OR. At 2pm my dad's doctor came out and apologized that it took so long to get someone to speak to us. There were more complications during the procedure and that is why it took so long. First thing, he said was dad was doing fine but he's on the ventilator and heavily sedated. The first problem was the incision. When the doctor was cutting into my dad, the skin was as hard as rock. It was so hard that he had to re-cut further up from the stomach area to see what the problem was. Apparently, 4 years ago when my dad underwent dialysis, for the first time, he had chosen Peritoneal Dialysis which uses the stomach membrane to act as a natural filter in cleaning the blood. This requires an open access from my dad's stomach area for a tube from the dialysis machine. Well, he had an infection there and so the doctors assume that the infection was never completely dealt with and so it crystallized the skin in the area. Not life-threatening but more work for the doctors. Once they did open my dad, a couple of hours later, they saw that his Big Intestine had multiple partial blockages, multiple areas of where the lining had fused together and one area, about 6 inches in length, that was completely blocked. There was so much feces that even his Small Intestine had been filled almost to his stomach. Big Mess. Well, that's what took the other four hours in cutting, re-attaching, sewing up, separating, etc. My dad was in the SICU for three days and last night, he arrived to Step-Down. He's doing much better but he is so sick of being in bed. This morning, he passed his first bowel movement!!!!! Some of you know me in how excited I can get about healthy, clean, wipe-less bowel movements, but the joy of my dad's bowel movement is 100x better! It's truly a blessing to have a bowel movement so soon. The doctors said that in the worst case scenario, the intestines can take up to two weeks in responding the surgery.
Please continue to pray for us and that my dad continues to pass his "junk." It's a funny prayer request, but a much needed one. I'm around for a little while longer so contact me. Also pray for our family, it's been very tiring and getting rest is not the easiest thing to do. Love you all.

Getting Better

2008-02-10T23:47:00.000-05:00

Thank you for all your prayers. It's been quite a ride. My dad has been in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit for eight days. Since the last post, he's had two setbacks where the his body, weak from his first two surgeries, was having a hard time recovering. A few days ago, his kidney was not able to release its urine due to a blood clot in the passage way the doctors cleared up during the second procedure. Basically, the doctors placed a drainage tube from his kidney through the side of his body. It wasn't a complicated procedure, but still, with all the ups and downs, phone calls in the middle of the night, we're so relieved that he's coming out of it. My dad is leaving the SICU and onto another floor. This is, again, another sign that he's doing well. His BP is stable, O2 levels are high and he's moving around. The nurses helped into a chair and my dad was so ecstatic. I can't imagine being tied to a bed for over a week. My dad is very happy he's recovering as well. He wants to get out of the hospital today.
Again, my family and I thank you for all your prayers and support through phone calls, emails and comments. We could not have gone through this without you guys. My mother, father and I constantly mentioned how incredible it is to have so many people praying for us. My dad is in awe and is so thankful. Here's a photo of him in the SICU. Again, he's getting healthier. Please keep praying. I'll update you guys again. Thank you my friends.

Please Pray for Us.

2008-02-02T11:05:00.000-05:00

Hey, first post of the year and it's February. I'm writing this post with a bit of urgency on my heart. Four years ago, we discovered my father had suffered a mild heart attack coupled with kidney failure. It was a distressing time and a whole new culture to understand, for our family; catheters, visiting hours, blood pressure, ICU, etc. Since then our family, especially my mom and dad, have had a rough go at it. Kidney failure means one does not have the ability to clean out ones blood from all the toxins we accumulate through food, air, liquids, etc. These accumulated toxins ends up in our urine. So this cleaning process has to be done artificially, which the medical term is called dialysis. The past four years, my dad has gone into the hospital, three days a week, sits connected to a machine for 3 to 4 hours, and gets his blood cleaned. It's been an excruciating experience for us, but especially him and my mom. He's been restricted to his local hospital and has lost much of his freedom. On Wednesday of this past week, he was called in my Columbia Presbyterian Hospital to come for blood work for a possible kidney transplant. Talk about prayers being answered. The thing is, my dad has gone into Columbia Presbyterian four other times, to get blood work done for a kidney transplant and each time after undergoing some blood work, my parents left the hospital without hearing a response from the hospital. Well on Wednesday, after the blood work, they asked my dad to get admitted into the hospital. They confirmed that his transplant would take place at midnight, the following day. They then postponed the surgery to 5am that morning (Thursday). He went in at 4am to get prepped and at 10:30am, as my mom and I were nodding off in the waiting room, the surgeon walked in and told us that the surgery was a success! We were so relieved. They brought him out of the Intensive Care Unit and back to his room. As Thursday progressed, the doctors realized that my dad wasn't urinating as much as he should have. So after some more tests, they realized that his ureter was being blocked. They decided to go back into my dad that evening (Thursday, 9pm) and remedy the problem. Now, that surgery was also a success! The blockage was removed and he would urinate properly. When my dad awoke, he complained of having immense trouble breathing. Now, having had two previous heart-attacks, it's absolutely imperative for a heart-attack victim to have regular, healthy lung capacity. If not, this stress could cause another heart-attack and further damage the heart and possibly lead to a loss of life. So the doctors sedated my dad and connected to a breathing machine (ventilator). At first, the machine was doing all the work, 100% of the breathing. Also, the doctors were not sure why he's having trouble breathing. It can be three possibilities, as of 12pm Friday. 1.) My dad has had an allergic type reaction to his bod transfusion during the second procedure. The doctors said he did lose a lot of blood the second time round. 2.) My dad has liquids in his lungs from the second procedure. During the second procedure, his Blood Pressure dropped quite a bit so, they gave him liquids to offset the low Blood Pressure and they say that it's possible that the liquids got into his lungs, causing his stressful breathing. 3.) Every transplant patient receives a type of medication after their surgery. Its known that this medication has a lot of side-effects and the doctors also think that could've caused the labored breathing. So what now? The doctors are just waiting. They're hoping that time will remedy my dad's condition. Yesterday afternoon, my dad was urinating well (the new kidney is working) and where once the ventilator was doing 100% of the breathing, my dad was breathing 50% on his own. Two great signs! He's not out of the woods yet, but he's slowly recovering.
So now, i just ask you to lift up my dad and our family in your prayers. We need as much support as we can get. If you'd like to call me my stateside number is 203-889-6885. The family went home last night, to get some much needed rest. We're heading back to the hospital in the morning. Thank you again. I love you all.

Coming Home...

2007-11-10T15:22:00.000-05:00

I’m alive and well. I’m writing this as I’ve just booked my tickets home. I’m coming home on Thursday, November 13th, I’m coming home this week! The past six months have been full. As life has its mountain top exhilaration, it’s gut wrenching valley lows and then the in-between of whatever emotions…this has been a full time: encouraging dear brothers and sisters, spending a night at and Aids hospice, many discussions of the identity of Ten Thousand Homes, asking and listening the Father for guidance and wisdom, endless nights of laughter, seeing hope rise and fall…and rise again, and especially having to say ”goodbye” to many friends that will not be here when I return. The Farm crew: Nathalie, Laura, Dan, Hank, Hendry and Lize-Marie, I will miss you all. We’ve had some wonderful adventures and I will never forget them.
It’s been the end of many things, but also the beginning of many beautiful things. I’m not a big fan of huge change, but I’ve continued to learn that this journey is about a change and more change.
So, I’m coming home! I’ll be in the states from November 14 til January 22nd and I would love to hang with everyone. Some of you have already contacted, and I greatly appreciate that, but for the others, I’d love to see you again. Please contact me via email (dbonosong@gmail.com). Also, if there are any opportunities to speak, lead worship and/or share about the orphan crisis here in South Africa, for you and your church, I’d love to share. My schedule is very open right now, so please let me know. Ok, I love you all and the next time we talk, it’ll be face to face.

A Bridge to Walk on: By Dan Johns

2007-11-10T06:20:00.000-05:00

I sit here with the enjoyable task to writing about a friend. A friend named Dave. Who is Dave? Well yes, he is Korean, but besides that, who is he?
As I have come to know Dave and develop a friendship with him, I have come too see a gentle man who trusts God. It’s that simple. Within the mess of the world, Africa, organizations, and life, Dave continues to be gentle and to trust God.
On many occasions, Dave and I have talked about his role in Africa and where he sees himself fitting in to this continent of at times hopelessness and yet amazing beauty. Dave has explained to me that he is a bridge. He has come to realize that God has called him to be a bridge for people in Africa and the west to connect. He realizes his calling and even around the pain and suffering and the struggle around him, he does not waver from what God has called him to do. He understands the important of being a guide for this continent. Being a person who can expose the west to a place of where there is poverty, orphans, and widows; A place where Jesus lives.
Throughout the past months, a lot has change in Dave’s relationship with Africa. There have been organizational misunderstanding, times of growth, times of contemplation, and times of pain. However, through it all, through all of the mess, Dave is still here. A lot of people would, and have been fed up of how Africa can sometimes work, or not work. However, Dave will not give in.
When it comes down to it, it’s about listening to the people here. Listening to what they need and holding their hand as THEY achieve it. Dave realizes that he cannot let go of that hand. Even within this beautiful mess, Dave will continue to fight for what God has called him to do. He will continue to be that bridge while Africa and the rest of the world walk over it.

We are the...

2007-02-02T20:34:00.000-05:00

Ok, so there are only twenty three days left til lift off. I've been in Montclair New Jersey, the past week, hanging out with my dad. My mom is in Germany, visiting my sister, so i came down to be with my dad. We've had some great talks over the last few days. One of our conversations today was about Africa. I give my parents tremendous props for being able to let me go as easily as they have. It must be tough to let your children go somewhere like "Africa" where the AIDS/HIV pandemic is killing people by the tens-of-thousands everyday.
So, my father and I were talking and then I was reminded of the very first time I had ever heard about Africa and its AIDS/HIV dilemma. (Back then, it was just a dilemma.) It was 1986, twenty years ago, I was a sixth grader at West Side Elementary school. Now, that name may be a little misleading, cause no way were we near any type of city projects with the Sharks and the Jets fighting it out back from the school. We were, and probably still are, as ethnic as Wonderbread can get. Anyways, for my sixth grade theater production, Mrs. Mcnulty decided that we all should replicate the We are the World video. For those of you who remember, I am totally serious. Elton and his dyed hair and shades, Diana Ross in all her diva glory and we can't forget the great Stevie Wonder, rocking his head back and forth with his signature shades (Sorry Bono, he beatcha to it). Well, I always had a pretty high voice back in the day, pre-puberty days, but I was scared to the bone when it came to performing in front of people. Usually this was my downfall when it came to getting major roles in in any school plays, something I was more than fine with. Well, as Mrs. Mcnulty gave out parts, I got the only part that fit a 12-13 year old asian boy...Lionel Richie. No, I didn't wear a wig of jerry curls or any other sort of thing that would hide my asianness and transform me into the 1984 Grammy winner.
It's a fun memory, but I guess what struck me was how little I knew or cared to know about Africa and AIDS. It's taken twenty years to turn my head into that general direction and stare. Which leads me to another thought, you know, staring is a funny thing. I used to stare at a lot of things when I was a kid. The fires from the bunsen burners in chemistry class, fish gliding across just below the surface of the lake at Heckscher Park, and learning the technique of the stare when it came to the art flirting. When you stare at something, you taken all the details. It's because we're obsessed with this object of our attention at that moment. My prayer is that I don't just get a good glance and a sigh. I never want to stop staring and I hope this leads me to more action and a greater understanding of justice for all.
Thanks for reading and until next time, I leave you with the prophectic words of Lionel Richie

Say you, say me; say it for always
Thats the way it should be
Say you, say me; say it together
Naturally

I had a dream I had an awesome dream
People in the park playing games in the dark
And what they played was a masquerade
And from behind of walls of doubt a voice was crying out

Say you, say me... (chorus)

As we go down life's lonesome highway
Seems the hardest thing to do is to find a friend or two
A helping hand - some one who understands
That when you feel you've lost your way
You've got some one there to say Ill show you

Say you, say me...(chorus)

So you think you know the answers - oh no
cause the whole world has got you dancing
Thats right - I'm telling you
Its time to start believing - oh yes
Believing who you are: you are a shining star

Say you, say me...(chorus)

Say it together... naturally.

The Preparation

2007-02-01T02:06:00.000-05:00

Only twenty-four more days left til I leave for South Africa. It's exciting to think about the things that the Father has for me there. Some of you may remember that five years ago I had sent my DTS (Discipleship Training School) application to YWAM Muhsenberg, which is located in South Africa. Since my detour to New Haven, I've always wondered if the Father had anything for me there. Well, it's exciting to be starting that journey. Here's some scripture that's been hitting my heart..."I will sing for joy in God, explode in praise from deep in my soul! He dressed me up in a suit of salvation, he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride jeweled tiara. For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers, and as a garden cascades with blossoms, so the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom and puts praise on display before the nations" (Isaiah 6:10-11). I'm just reminded of a quote from Bono and his work in Africa, that the Africans are a noble people. They have an air of royalty, even in their dire state. That could be nothing less than the hand of God. How they can sing, I can't wait to see it, to hear it, to be a part of it. Twenty four more days to go.