Revealed and Restored

Mark and Kay Update
October 28, 2009

What is rape? Rape is sexual intercourse by threat, force, or deception, victimizing males as well as females (Merriam-Webster College Dictionary).

Just two weeks ago we had one of our Zombodze classroom girls (five years old) come to class in a downcast mood. She is usually very joy-filled and playful with all of the children. After our teacher investigated further, she found out that the previous day on her walk home from school she was raped by a man. After the violent and criminal act, the girl came home to her grandmother and because of fear remained silent. The grandmother actually sent her back outside that same evening to get something from the local shop. The girl initially was refusing out of fear, but eventually went out of obedience. We took her to the hospital for some tests and we discovered that she had contracted a sexually transmitted disease. That just makes our hearts break.

I can’t even imagine the kinds of fears this girl might be feeling. Fear of being alone, being followed, the man, or the actual rape site.

At the youth camp we just had earlier this month, the main ministry that took place was uncovering these very fears in the teenage girls that had fallen victim to similar abuses when they were younger (or are currently experiencing). Satan wants to instill fear and make us feel alone, rejected, and worthless. At youth camp, by the grace of God, hearts were opened up and the youth started talking and receiving healing. So thank you for your prayers!

Did you know that it’s common practice for parents to encourage and sometimes even force their daughters to sell themselves on the streets just to bring home some bread money? Many of these girls want to live a life of abstinence and purity, but because of their circumstances they fall victim to a sinful lifestyle at such a young age.

Kay’s youth girls (disciples) from left to right: Happiness, Lulolo, Nomvuyo, Sihle, and Xolile

Kay and I have been called to minister to these youth boys and girls. We need to express the love and hope that is found in Jesus alone. We need to point them to seek God’s supernatural help to overcome their difficult circumstances. We know that nobody is protected from tragedy, “for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45). Revenge is God’s alone (Romans 12:19) – we must forgive those who sin against us (Colossians 3:19), and this power to forgive our offender is found in Christ alone. We pray that this message of love is clearly communicated through us.

Thank you so much for your support, your love, your relationship to us, and for holding us up in prayer over here in Africa. You really bless us. Please continue to pray for the hurts and pains that our youth have experienced, that the Lord would make them whole again. Thank you!

With much love,
Mark and Kay
Missionaries to Africa

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