Given & Philani

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

While here in South Africa I have been truly

blessed to be able to work along side and

become great friends with some amazing

people. I would like to share with you a little

about two young men specifically that I really

enjoy very much. I don't know what I would do

without them. They are absolutely amazing

young men of God. There names are Given

Mokoena and Philani Mjijwa.

Given is the first national that I really met and

got to know when I arrived here. He is 20 years

old and just finished high school. Given is an

excellent translator for me and his spiritual gift

is without a doubt evangelism. Given goes

along with me to Bible studies, Church in

Dobsonville, and visitations for evangelism.

He helps with translating for sure but sometimes

will lead Bible studies and preach also.

Philani is a young man of 23 years old.

I met Philani a year ago last month. Philani is

a former semi pro soccer player. Obviously he is

an excellent player and a testimony of how

God changed his life and showed him how there

was more to life than drugs and soccer. Philani

helps me coach and translate at the 4 different

schools that I work with in Soweto. His soccer

skills, translating ability, and testimony fit

perfectly and help out so much with my soccer

ministry. He is an example that the boys we

coach can really look up to.

I am reminded daily how blessed I am to have

them alongside me to help me with ministry.

More importantly though I truly cherish there

friendship which means the world to me. I will

miss them very much come next April when

I leave to go back to the US. Please be praying

for them to continue to walk and grow with God

daily. I see God is using them daily and He will

continue to use them mightily in the years to

come here in South Africa.

Given and I at a world cup soccer game.

Philani & I preparing to watch

the first game of the World Cup.