Last year in April we made a blog entry regarding our literacy ministry and the urgent need to teach reading in the South African Province of Kwa Zulu Natal. Even today if you google Literacy Outreach Kwa Zulu Natal, that particular missions hub blog is the first that pops up. This in one way is quite encouraging to see something you wrote come up first on a search. But what it actually does is underscore the lack of missionary assistance and efforts being conducted in the region. The area around Newcastle in Northern Kwa Zulu Natal Province accounts for nearly 500,000 people and the large majority of these precious souls are living in abject poverty. Even though Newcastle is a modern city of about 20,000, the vast majority of inhabitants reside in villages and squatter camps in close proximity of the town. These folks for the most part lack the basic necessities such as electricity, running water and adequate food supply. Additionally, there is a dire need to share eternal plan of God’s salvation through His son Jesus. We will be working with local churches in uniting this effort in evangelizing the lost. The needs here are countless and the opportunities to provide help and present the gospel are immeasurable. However, believe it or not there are absolutely ZERO foreign missionaries or missions organizations operating in the area. We believe fervently this is a main reason God called us to serve these people, in this area at a time such as this. We as the body of Christ are now presented with a wonderful opportunity to share the Father's love and make a real impact in the lives of people that are pretty much forgotten in terms of mission outreach. Our family and wonderful mission organization Into all the World (www.iatw,ca) are committed to getting us back to Newcastle to serve full time providing literacy and soccer ministry programs. Will you pray and ask God what you can do? So far we are at about 30% in monthly pledged dollars needed to live and work in South Africa. We are asking individuals and churches to pray how they may be able to assist in this ground breaking, grass roots ministry. We not only need financial support but also, an abundance of prayer and encouragement which are just as important as money. We also would like to establish relationships with churches and missions organizations that int he future could send people and participate in short term missions projects with us. Again the opportunity to serve and impact lives for the Gory of God are endless. Please visit our website at www.simmons4africa.org to learn the latest in regards to our efforts to reach 3 to 5 thousand children with the gospel of christ through reading education and soccer ministries. You can personally contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 913-284-4873.

When we got the call to go to South Africa it seemed like every time I turned around I was reading and meditating on the Book of James chapter two. This wonderful piece of scripture has became a  convicting force and guiding light for our ministry. In the  next few devotionals I want to delve into James 2 and explore it's wonderful truths. It is a chapter that has the potential to keep one grounded or help change focus on what is truly important while living the life and being the witness God has called all of us to be. The very first verse ought to hit each of us like a ton of Bricks, that is if we are truly honest with ourselves. "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious  Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism."  James is essentially talking about showing favoritism to certain people more significantly those who are rich over those who are not monetarily blessed. In our society, wealth naturally equates with prestige, abundant respect, and privilege Think  many times when you go to an airport, sporting event or other celebrated public venue that you see a contained or roped off areas designated for those with VIP status. Special treatment or favoritism to those who are rich is a commonplace occurrence and universally accepted in this world Conversely however, James warns that this is not the way of the Christian. James in this chapter is talking to Christians of his time and I believe his blunt tone and message is just as relevant in the Christian church of today. I know I was convicted and I think you will be too as we explore this together.