Pierce In Polokwane: In the beginning

So about a month ago I had the chance to hang out with some students that had just arrived home from their trip to Israel. They all told me that updating a blog is difficult. I thought they were wrong, until I actually started to try to maintain one. I arrived here about 2 weeks ago and have experienced so much in such a short amount of time. I arrived when the Beakley's were at a conference in Pretoria which was being taught by Mark Dever and DA Carson. It was quite a blessing to hear their messages, but at the same time I was so sacked from being jet-lagged that I wasn't even sure that I knew which direction was up or down. After the conference was over we came to what i now call "Home" here in Polokwane. I love the house and the surroundings. I like something Mrs. Beakley said after I had a very scary ride on my first night here through tambiesa (the only comparison I could make is the worst spot of south central los angeles) "its the same as anywhere else, but you really feel it here...Your in the Lords hands now" How true it is. It is so different here than in the states in so many ways. There are really no rules...The crime rate is astronmical, and the way crime is conducted is almost business like. This is a place that needs God so badly, and that brings me to my ministry here. I will be working as the worship leader for the high school band, as well as a leader for the high school group, as well as a teacher and activities coordinator for the jr youth. In addition to working with the youth, I am taking 1. English 2. Greek 3. Hebrew at the seminary as well as dediccating the next 5 months to learning the language here. I am quite busy but am thoroughly enjoying myself. Mr. Beakley has passed on so much knowledge to me about life and especially how to read my bible (techniques). They have spoiled me rotten while ive been here, taking me to see lions and a beautiful waterfall which I will post pictures of in just a few minutes. However, it is midnight and I do need some rest. I hope everyone is doing very well back home. I miss you all and God Bless!

Verse of the week: Acts 5:41- And the rejoiced knowing they had been considered worthy to suffer shame in his name.

Benjamin Pierce

this is a monkey at the resturant we ate at in Tzaneen (i was sitting at our table when I took this picture...he later literally stole a crape right off of our table...and he wasnt to big on sharing either...selfish monkey.. Me in front of the Debengehni Falls He might look cute but he already knows that in 2 months you could be his dinner. The way that a cub looks at you as though you are still its prey, is quite humbling. But he was fun to play with, and at this cubs age i actually let him bite my finger..its fine at first, but when he starts tugging is when you know that his time of becoming Mufasa is not so far away.. If you would like to know what its like to stand 8 feet from a male lion...this picture wont help you because he looks so cute and cuddly, but when you know that he could literally jump on top of you without taking one stride, your words are not so much AWWW and lot of AHHHH hehe.