Connecting with Lesibovu - Part 2: Local vs. International Missions

I love how as Jesus is preparing to leave the disciples at the Transfiguration, and prepares them for the Holy Spirit's coming, that they ask a question of Him. They're anxious to know when His kingdom will be established and  Jesus tells the disciples that only His Father knows the time. Then, He tells them - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

An issue I wanted to address after hearing it mentioned a few times lately regards concern for local giving versus supporting foreign missions. The questions haven't been asked critically, but honestly, and I certainly do appreciate folks wanting to know how we can invest time and heart into a community across the ocean, when there are so many needs here in our own town. Our team is fully aware of local ministry opportunities, and thankfully, everyone who is serving on the Lesibovu Leadership Team already ministers within their respective churches or community.

Here are a few of the ministries in which our team already serves:
monthly feeding and visiting with homeless men at The Firehouse Shelter in Birmingham, working with a Chilton County based Ukrainian orphan-hosting ministry, pastoring a youth group, leading a college group Bible study, involvement in adoptive family ministry, leading adult small group Bible studies, and many more. The folks who are encouraging sponsorship of these children at Lesibovu already have shown their heart for giving to others here in our own Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria.

We do not intend to place the lives of African children above the needs of homeless men in Birmingham, or children in our own church's preschool ministry. They are all equally as needy for the love of Jesus, the power of hope, forgiveness, and the Truth of the Gospel.


However, there IS a difference. Here in Alabama, (especially the county in which we live) we have a pretty safe, easy-access to food/shelter/clothing world, even for those in need. There is public assistance for those who need food, shelter, and medical care. Even in rural areas, we are not far from churches with food pantries, social services that offer help with any area of need, and government programs designed to help those who are hurting or vulnerable. For children without parents or a stable home life, there is the Department of Human Resources, and they handle finding foster homes for orphaned or abandoned children temporarily, or even permanently. I know, because my son came into my family through this system. It works. He was never without care, and I am so grateful! I have a dear friend ("T") who grew up as an adolescent and teen in the foster system in another state. T's story is hard, and filled with pain. God beautifully redeemed those years and gave her a foster family that she says changed her life forever.

When we first discussed sponsorship, T was passionately concerned, hearing stories of neglect, abuse, and abandonment facing orphans in Swaziland. She was appalled at the dire circumstances many, many children face there, and was determined that her family would sponsor a child. A few days after we talked at length about Swaziland, she texted me late at night: 

"I just had a big revelation. BIG. I've always wondered why people go outside the US to adopt and for orphan care. Because I was a foster kid, my heart has always been here. It never EVER occurred to me that these kids have no advocate or no systems in place to care for them. Had I been somewhere like Swaziland, I may not be alive."

That is what drives us. We know there are instances where our system does fail, here in the U.S., but when is there no hope for an American baby to have care or a family? In Swaziland, it is the norm for children to go without. Their situation is dire. The UN Development Program says that this country will very likely be extinct by 2050 without dramatic intervention, due to the prevalence of HIV, poverty, and malnutrition.

The good news is that we know of the situation, God has given us much that we can share and so there IS hope. People with resources and education can make a difference. One very simple way to do that is through sponsorship. It doesn't cost much, and it multiplies greatly when your contribution is combined with the others from our Lesibovu community. Please consider how you can minister "the to end of the earth" by giving monthly to one of these beautiful children.

Ncobile, F12

Snakekelo, M2

Banele, M8