South Africa has always had a special place in my heart.  In high school I lamented Apartheid (which means separateness).  I rejoiced with Mandela's release and election.  I hoped when Tutu's Truth and Reconciliation Commission brought perpetrator and victim together recognizing that "there is no future about forgiveness." (Tutu's phrase)

I have always thought that as South Africa goes so will the continent.  This was reaffirmed for me when I boarded a plane in Uganda and struck up a conversation with the man next to me.  As a native Ugandan he said, what Africa needs is 100 more Mandela's.  That is, leaders who sacrificially use their power for the people and then let go of it without bloodshed.

I've asked God to give me a voice in South Africa.  Not so much because I think I have something to say but because I want to see what God is doing there.  South Africa has a chance to learn from the mistakes of America and do things differently.  They don't need to be where we are in a century; still arguing and debating the role of race–still waiting for a black president–they've already had theirs!

I'm grateful that the Lord has seen fit to take me to South Africa  to minister this September…but I'm sad…