...we have exciting news. The Lord has called our family to go serve Him in South Africa. It’s a three week trip, and we’re in need of both prayer and financial support. We trust that the Lord will provide both.
First, what does it mean — “called by God” — to serve? Throughout scripture, God has called people to action in peculiar ways — a burning bush, a commandment, a vision, a revelation. God works in mysterious ways, and he works in the most normal of ways as well. For us and for this trip, friends of ours simply asked us to come along. After prayer and consideration, we are convinced that this is an opportunity presented by God to join work already occurring in his name, and to witness firsthand his passion for his people.
A note from Brian
The Dupras family is a typical suburban story, with all the trappings of middle class living. It’s been all too easy for me to immerse myself in unimportant things, growing insensitive to God’s gentle guiding, setting a sedentary precedent for my family along the way. Preparing for this trip has forced me to take notice — to pray to God simply that he’ll open my eyes, my ears, my mind and my heart so that I can hear his call. He is doing this, and though I still find myself fighting to stay in old habits, I trust the Lord will coach me and my family back to an active spiritual lifestyle. Pray that God will shape me and mold me as spiritual leader of my family.
A note from Anne
When the opportunity to go to Africa came up at church, my heart jumped at the chance to serve “the least of these” with my family. We have received a free gift to live our lives here on earth as children of God. I can live my life for Jesus because of the love that He has given me in my heart for others. I’m excited to see how God will change my heart, and the hearts of my boys.
What the boys think
Isaac talks of bringing meat with us to Africa to feed to the lions. He was concerned about the lions eating us, since they’re not in cages “where they belong.” (his words) Isaac is a ray of sunshine. He always has a smile on his face and gives everyone - everyone - random hugs and kisses. We’re excited to see how he can share his love with the childen in Africa.
Charlie has such a strong faith. Everything to him is black or white, right or wrong. When it comes to Jesus, he understands that He is the one way to salvation and the eternal inheritance promised by God. He is really looking forward to playing with the other kids and telling them about Jesus.
We’re headed to Nellmapius, a township outside Johannesburg and Pretoria, to serve at a ministry called Beam Africa. While there, we’ll be serving children — many are orphans — and very poor families by serving meals, playing sports, teaching and playing. We will reflect the love of Christ to the people we serve by opening ourselves to relationships, sharing ourselves in hope of the same in return.
Why Africa?
Because God commands us to love his people. Because he’s already at work there. Because we were asked to go. Because it sometimes takes the proverbial “mission trip to Africa” to awaken the spirit and to shake off the dust.
Beam Africa
From the website: Beam Africa is a Christian ministry that runs a Development Center in the heart of Nellmapius. We feed and clothe over 120 children (This is all we can manage to care for at present so we take the most vulnerable of the vulnerable). We also teach skills to adults in the community to help them gain a livelihood and rise above their poverty. Above all Beam Africa desires to bring the hope found in Christ to this community. We know that only Christ can redeem and transform our nation!
Your Role
Would you please prayerfully consider supporting us on this trip? We need prayer for protection and safe travel. We need donations to offset the cost. We need encouragement to face the many challenges God has put in front of us.
email annie at duprasville dot com for more information or our mailing address.
