Volunteers at SACLA

Paul Wang hails from St. Charles, Illinois in the USA. He currently studies economics at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This summer, Paul will spend 2 months as an intern (whipping boy) with African Enterprise. In his spare time, Paul enjoys playing soccer, camping and using such words as lekker, robot, yebo, shame, yo, sho, akshame, sabona, braa, at inappropriate times. If you see Paul, feel free to feed him. He quite enjoys that lots.

Paul Wang reports on his stay at AE

My last day as an AE intern has come to an end after two months and I just want to say that it has been a very special time being with the folk and participating in what they do. I have been treated very well here, the people have been very hospitable and I definitely will not forget AE when I go home. I have been able to participate in a lot of things, while I have been here I was able to be involved in the SACLA process, Bridge Building, a little bit of Ascent and also experienced the townships. I was also able to work very closely with Natal University and so its been a very rich experience for me and something that I will treasure forever.

Rebecca Raney cames to AE from London where she was completing a Masters degree in Anthropology of Community Development and, wanted to come to South Africa to do dissertation research on faith and community development. She sensed a very powerful time in South Africa was unraveling in regards to the church’s role in fostering and encouraging community involvement and empowerment. She’s especially interested in the momentous second SACLA conference and the effects it will have on igniting the South African churches into positive action. She especially excited to be a part of this process and event and to be learning many skills such as donor relations, fundraising and prayer for development while working here at AE. Rebecca say’s “Everyone here is so special and it is so encouraging to see such risk-takers with faith in taking on such a monster project for God’s purposes in South Africa”

“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13 2-3

When God gave me this verse that was it! He had confirmed His will that He had set me apart to come over here to South Africa on my first missionary trip (just like Barnabas and Saul), to the work that the Lord predestined for me even before I was in my mothers womb. My Church and Pastors gave me their blessings to come and through their laying on of hands indicated their support and encouragement, prayers, and thank-you Lord, their financial support as well!
So that was it, 2 weeks after I graduated in my home city of Auckland, New Zealand with my Bachelor of International Communication I left for my 3 month intern programme here at African Enterprise (AE).

Now with 9 days to go, I look back on my adventures, and experiences here at AE.
I have had an amazing time and met many wonderful people of the Lord. (Thanks Foxfire team for letting me be a part of your ministry all those times!) Not just South Africans, but I have also made friends from Zimbabwee and the USA.
I have also had the chance to further get to know my Great Uncle Michael Cassidy and his family. He is a wonderful, spiritual mentor for me and I thank God that he gave Michael the vision to start AE those many years ago. Through Michael being a faithful and obedient servant of the Lord many many lives have been impacted and transformed.
I know personally during my time here, my whole plan of my future has changed. From working in a non-Christian corporate organisation to a Christian one and the possibility of doing a course in Theology, which I never would of considered myself doing!! I have learnt so much about this wonderful culture, and been truly blessed by the hospitality that has been shown to me. I also have had the chance to travel, and seen some amazing sights such as the Bonamanzi and Hhuluwe game reserves, Umhlanga and Durban.

During my time as an intern I worked in the Communications department under a truly awesome women of God, Shelli Foggin. My main task was to help put together the programme for SACLA, which was a lot of fun, but definitely stretching at times!
I am so excited to be a part of AE during this time and I know that SACLA will be an event that changed the nation!! So I really thank God for the experience He has given me and the chance to grow as a young person. For those of you who are considering doing an internship, seize the opportunity as it will be one that will change your life!! Forever!!!

by Anneka van der Werf

Some more of the SACLA volunteers that make up the SACLA volunteer army.