Church - Not American Style

The church that we were there supporting is Charity and Faith Mission.  Their main campus houses the church building, an orphanage, medical clinic/AIDS hospice, school, and, in the near future a center for the elderly and disabled.  Stephanie is really excited about the new addition!

The church services in South Africa typically last 3 hours and finish when God is finished.  There is normally a teaching session and then a preaching session.  So you ask what is the difference?  There are lots of "Amen's and singing in the middle of the preaching session and plenty of good dancing.  After we attended the main campus, we went out one of the six branch churches.  When we left SA, they were adding 2 more within the week.  The branches hold services in local tents or buildings throughout the community.  Because people walk everywhere, they wanted to bring the churches within walking distance. 

Glen, Bret, Kristen, and Steph waiting for service to start

Orphanage: housing 10 girls and 9 boys, with two house moms. 

School: They just added a computer lab in Oct of last year and a library (with books donated from Cincy children.)

The Medical Clinic was just completed and dedicated in December of 2009.  The Hospice has been around a bit longer.  The regularly provide vision care and are trying to provide more regular dental care.

The beginnings of the elderly and disabled center (next to the orphanage). Completion date is unknown.