Serving Abroad
January 01, 2020
During the fall semester of 2015, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Cape Town,
South Africa. It was one of the most challenging, but rewarding experiences of my
life. The Lord used it to teach me, mold me, and give me perspective in many different
ways. Although studying was my main objective, I was able to connect with the local
church and a few other people and organizations to serve while I was abroad.
Finding a local church to get involved in was an absolute game changer for me while
I was in Cape Town. I struggled in the beginning of my time in South Africa to connect
with other believers. I found it difficult to find believers in the study abroad program,
and I longed for the community that I had at Ouachita the semester before. Once I
found a body of believers to get plugged in to, my study abroad experience made a
complete 180 degree turn. I was able to get involved with a small group, service projects,
and had accountability that I desperately needed.
The church I attended, Common Ground, provided many opportunities to serve, such as
leading worship at small group, serving tea and coffee on Sunday, and more of the
typical service activities that take place in the day to day activities of the church.
I never realized how much I enjoyed serving until I didn’t have as many outlets to serve. The thing I loved the most was
the fellowship with the rest of the church members while we were serving. Common Ground
church in Cape Town fostered an atmosphere that was very open and vulnerable. My friends
there were quick to ask probing questions, and truly cared about me. Serving at the
church was never simply about performing the task that needed to be done, but it was
an opportunity to connect with fellow believers and encourage, be encouraged, and
grow closer to the Lord together. All of these things I took for granted while I was
at home and at Ouachita.
Another unique opportunity I had in Cape Town was to connect with missionaries in
Swaziland for a week. I was able to join a team of students on the World Race, and
partner with missionaries who have been established in Swaziland for over a year.
Not to mention they were from my home town of Russellville, Arkansas, and were a refreshing
taste of home. I enjoyed my time in Swaziland, providing food for the hungry, the
Gospel to the lost, and rest for my soul. This was the point in my time abroad where
there was a clear turning point in my happiness, outlook, and joy in the Lord.
I’ll end with a memorable moment for me, and an encouragement to take action. In Cape
Town, there are an incredible amount of homeless people. I recently read a statistic
that 47% of households in Cape Town live on less than $200 a month. The poverty is
something that I had not prepared myself for. Every time I went to the grocery store,
to the bank, anywhere in town, I was constantly passing beggars in the street. I’ve
never been one to give money to anyone begging unless the spirit leads me to do otherwise.
However, I was torn. There was so much despair everywhere I went. I didn’t know what
to do. I didn’t know how a single person could make a dent in the needs of the city
of Cape Town.
One day on the way to the grocery store, a homeless man struck up a conversation that
ended with him asking for money. I offered food instead, as I don’t give money. A
few days later, the same kind of interaction occurred. This time, however, I got to
know the guy a little better. His name was Johnathon, and was desperately trying to
get off the streets and care for his wife and daughter. A few days later, I saw Johnathon
again. I gave him a bit of food, and eventually got to share with him why I was caring
for him, something he told me that didn’t happen to often for him. I got to share
about the love of Christ. He professed to be a born again believer in Christ, so I
was able to encourage him and pray for him. The next time I saw Johnathon, he told
me he had a job interview. We were able to gather up things he needed to prepare himself
for his interview, and I wished him luck as the date was approaching. A week or two
later, I got to see Johnathon again. He was ecstatic because he was given the retail
job that he was pursuing. It was an incredible encouragement to share with Johnathon
in his joy. I no longer had to hold a conversation about his sufferings where I was
unable to sympathize. I was able to rejoice with him! It was such a blessing to see
Johnathon’s progression. I’m not in any way claiming that I was solely responsible
for getting this man off the streets. I was simply obeying the spirit of God and encouraging
a brother in Christ who was going through a difficult time in his life.
All of this to say: don’t let odds that are stacked against you dishearten you from
doing what you can do. God was able to use a small town Arkansan to reach and serve on His behalf on
the opposite side of the globe. I am thankful for the Elrod Center, which has taught
me to be a better servant through different service opportunities, especially Tiger
Serve Day. I am beyond grateful for the opportunities to serve alongside other Ouachita
students and faculty who seek to serve the needy and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus
Christ in the process.
By Seth Bubbus, junior business major
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