There have been many questions regarding the details behind my choice to leave Beautiful Gate.  I hoping to clarify a few things for those of you who have questions.

 First of all, the choice was all mine to leave BG, not BG themselves. 

 I knew before coming that culture would or could place a large barrier between me and them (over a 2 years period).  I say the (two years) because I think you can tolerate or endure anything for a short term basis… but a year or more is a different story, for most of us.

Knowing that culture would be so different and an obstacle to over come, I tired to come here with an open mind, not coming to ‘change’ they way they do business, but to assist them and walk along side of them. 

 BG operates on a volunteer basis from people around the world.  Every volunteer has the option to choose how long they wish to stay and assist (while funding their own life’s here) I gave a two year verbal commitment for one main reason.  I felt that up till (then), I had lived more for myself and for the better of my personal business, than for the Lord.  It seemed if I were to sacrifice only one year of my time, that I’d be able to go back to America at the end of that year and re-start my ‘former’ life and business with a few small or ‘workable’ bumps in the road.  But if I were to sacrifice two years, than I’d be left with complete seclusion and separation from the life I once knew, and it would be more of a sacrifice to come back to the US and start again.  So before being accepted to YWAM Indonesia or BG I felt that two years would become an actual sacrifice for the Lord and not just a short term leave.  There fore regardless of where I’d be accepted I knew if they (couldn’t) accept me for two years, that I’d look into other NGO’s to volunteer for once my time with the first NGO expired. I just knew that God was calling me to step out in faith and be His servant for Two years on the Continent in Africa… As to who and when it was up to him.

 Now that you have the back ground… Lets fast forward a bit. 

 I joined BG in late September and was quickly chosen to over see three ministries (out of the four) Street Outreach, Community Outreach, and our Resource Center.  I was given free reign of each ministry to do as I felt led (with in reason) to better the ministry, and was asked to write weekly reports for the director Bill.  Over the course of 2 or 3 months I found finances were becoming more of an issue (details I can’t share), Bill wasn’t holding any more meetings with me for follow up, and he was choosing to change the direction of a few of the ministries with out any notice.  I submitted to his changes, but again found that the lack of communication (on his end) wasn’t leaving me properly informed with the direction he wanted me to take these ‘programs’.  I requested meetings, wrote letters to him with my concerns, started using my own funding 100% for the Street and Community Outreaches and was looking to network with a few other NGO’s for assistance on how we can all better the lives of the Street Kids.  Bill had previously encouraged such networks in the past, but all of a sudden he started to changing his mind and telling me to cut my ties with the other Government and Non government organizations.  Why? I asked…. Even I don’t know!

 As time passed and more issues needed to be discussed (personal and business related) I become more and more at a lost, as Bill wasn’t making the time to talk.  To this day I’m not sure why?  I’m not sure why you’d place some one in charge of ministries, yet not communicate on any level with how you’d like them to run that ministry. 

Needless to say… Over time things just became nearly impossible to continue moving forward and it was nearly a waist of my time to show up for work day after day.  I’d wait for a promised meeting to discuss a few items… and he’d bail.  Again, I’d seek out advice from the other staff/management and they’d tell me it was for Bill and I to discuss… I know that some people don’t enjoy or thrive on confrontation, yet there comes a point in time that as a director you need to confront your staff to make sure that your are on the same page.

 

It didn’t take a rocket scientist to see that after three months of this, and no resolution or communication in sight, that I’d have a LONG 2 years ahead of me with BG, so I just declined my position and decided to locate and new NGO here local or with in the continent, as I have three months to apply for my Permanent Work Permit before I’m asked to leave the county. This permit is only possible through a business, and not on my own.  Which was another issue.  I sent 300.00 US$ a month before I came to have the process started and completed before my arrival with BG, however the application had never been paid or processed… another large ‘isssue’.

 

So the ‘way forward’ as they say it in Zambia… Is to write a letter of application to a new NGO that I’ve contacted and wait for approval to start ministry under them. The name is SOS.  Website is www.soscvzambia.org.zm  if you’d like to check it out.  I’ve been there twice and really appreciate the long term commitment and difference they are making in the lives of the local children.  I feel that BG had a good heart, and high hopes, but didn’t have the discipline, dedication, or finances to really make a long term difference in each of the lives they assist touch.  SOS has the financial backing and ‘Western’ business structure and discipline to make the difference the children need for their future.  I’m didn’t ‘JUST’ fall upon the SOS with hopes of staying here… I really feel that during this entire two week period that GOD still had me in the palm of His hand and I knew that He’d make it clear if I were to stay here (past my three month work permit), or move on…  The SOS became an NGO (after research and personal visits) that shares the hopes, dreams, dedication and commitment to making things happened in the lives of vulnerable and orphaned children.  Not to mention they are ‘in my back yard’ an hour walk one way, or a double mini bus, if I’d choose If things work out, I’ll look into buying a bike to ride to work each day.  They have also made it clear that I can have Tuesday And Thursday as a day to work along the Steet Boys as I’ve been doing, which was the answer to prayers.

 

Time will tell… and I’ll keep you posted!

 

Until then… I’m waiting to hear from SOS National Director, I’ve continued providing the finances and funding for Robert Compound Medical needs, and the Street Boy Program that I’m still hosting (alone) on Tuesdays in town, while also providing another day for meet and greet outreach with the boys. I just find them on the streets, and hang out with them where they are, while giving them a small bit of food and fellowship.  I’m also providing food for many with in Robert Compound each week and hope to start a weekly bible study for the woman in March.  So, among the chaos or the un known future, my ministry opportunities haven’t stopped or come to an end, regardless of disconnecting myself from BG.

 

I hope this helps in giving you more insight behind my decision and will give you hope that my ministry here in ZA isn’t complete!

 Thanks for all your continued prayers and support!

Keisha Suzanne