Uni students from Johannesburg were able to put into practice what they learned straight away when they participated in their annual mid-year mission.
CMS missionaries Mark and Carol Grieve took 21 students and six leaders away for a day of Bible studies on 'True Spirituality' from 1 Corinthians, as well as talks on gender, HIV/AIDS, the history of Christianity in Africa, and singleness. There was also time for the students to go to the beach and for games at night.
After the study day, the group spent the next four days running a kids' club at an orphanage called 'Lilly of the Valley'. The centre is for children whose parents have died of AIDS and who now have AIDS themselves. "We were here last year," said Mark. "And it was very sad to know some of the kids we saw last year were no longer alive."
Mark said that despite the reality of AIDS the orphanage had a wonderful, happy atmosphere. Each day the mission team ran games, talks and other activities for 40–50 children. About half of them were kids from the surrounding community.
"We had a great mission, and all the students found it a very worthwhile time," said Mark. "We hope that the children also learnt more about God's love and what he has done for them."