Kesentseng

Just about 1 mile down the dirt road from The Pines is a squatter camp known as #7. This camp houses about 250 people in 49 tin shacks. Alcoholism is a large problem affecting the people that live here. While they have no amenities that modern civilization would enjoy, such as running running water, sewer, electricity, or trash services, they do enjoy bi-weekly delivery by the beer truck.
One of our children, Kesetseng (pictured top left) comes from this village. A pair of sisters, Kara & Kathryn Bailey were here on short term missions work. While here, they ministered to this village, and during their visits, they became concerned about the welfare of Kesetseng and her 1 year old sister. The mother was constantly inebriated and was neglecting the two girls.
Typically, all our children come to us through the Social Development Dept., however, the situation became so severe that we had to take the two girls and notify a social worker ourselves.
When we told the social worker, she was surprised that there was anyone living in the #7 area at all. They didn’t even know the village existed.
We have had Kesetseng since March, and we just took her sister in as well. She had been living at a facility that specializes in caring for neglected infants. It is unclear at this point how long we will be allowed to keep the girls. The social worker is supposed to be working with the mother to ensure she is equipped and able to take the girls back, but due to the living conditions and the mother’s alcohol abuse, we are not sure the timeframe involved.
As we continue to attempt to reach this village with the message of God’s love and grace, we try to show them as well. Recently, we had to remove some dead trees from The Pines property. We loaded up the trailer with wood and with our kids and drove back to #7.
After everyone gathered to the center of the village to get the firewood, we used the opportunity to share the Gospel. POG Team 6 was able to do the drama, and afterward I explained the message of eternal life while one of our girls, Rafiloe, interpreted.
Several people said they understood the message, but at times like this, it is difficult to determine sincerity. We have learned the people here have an ability to tell you what you want to hear if they think it’s to their benefit. Pray that God will allow continued follow-up. He sees the heart and knows who believes in Him. Good works won’t earn Heaven, but they are a result of a changed heart that loves Him.