Valerie here to wrap things up!
This day marks the first ten days of our lives back in the US. Back to the culture we came from. Back to the lives we left behind for that month in George, South Africa. Things seem to be moving the way I remember they always had before. Nothing has really changed since we've been gone, but somehow it all feels so different. The busyness of LA should be nothing new to me and neither should driving on the right side of the road. Still, I must admit that getting on to the freeway to go home was quite an interesting experience. I had just gotten used to driving on the left side!
Getting on the plane back home was one of the hardest things in the world for me. Leaving SA behind was difficult. Saying goodbye to the new friends we had made was heart-breaking. I miss them all so much. I miss SA so much. I miss my team so much. This last month I was able to share this amazing experience with 8 of the most amazing people. We have all grown so close. We've had trials with one another. We've laughed, we've cried, and we've suffered the wrath of Stephen McKenzie together (jk Stephen!). God used us, He blessed us, He worked in and through us, He broke us. We've shared some life-changing experiences with one another and that is something that I will never forget. I really could not have asked for a better team! The way I have seen them interact with each other as well as the way they have interacted with the people we have served has been an encouragement to me. This was definitely God's team and I have seen Him work in and through it, more than I am aware of I'm sure. He has shaped and molded us. He has taught us tough lessons and has has stretched us. He is still growing us. He is still changing us. I've been encouraged by each member of this team and I have been changed by them. It has been such a privilege to be one of the leaders and I could not be prouder of them.
Now, as we are continuing on with our lives here at home, I would ask that you continue to pray for us. Pray for us as we process through our experience in George. Please pray that we be open to God continually teaching us those lessons. Please pray for strength as we seek Him out in the next steps of our lives. Pray that we remember what we went through. I know I don't want to forget it.
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
~Jeremiah 29:11
God has big plans for each and every member of this team. I am excited to see what is in store for each of us!
Thank you all so much for everything you have done for us. We definitely could not have done this without you. Thank you all for your encouraging words while we were overseas. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for being supportive of us. It all means more than you will ever know. We appreciate you! Our love goes out to you!
Valerie
Team Uthando
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
We're leaving on a Jet Plane
Over the course of this month I have seen this team do some amazing things. I have seen them walk into scary (but safe) situations with confidence. I have seen them laugh with the homeless and cry with the dying. There have been moments of tension and many moments of joy being with one another. The team has been challenged to love more deeply and to worship more faithfully. There have been times where the faith of Christians who have nothing showed them what it means to have everything.
The greatest joy that I have had on this trip is seeing this team give glory to God for what they have done. I have seen personal spiritual growth in the students. I have seen growth of wisdom. I have seen young people come together because they are united in a singular purpose. Be joyful in your young people because God has worked and is working through them and what they are doing is for the glory of God!!
What we did these last few days.
Friday- The team began its last day doing ministry in George. In the morning we spent time in the hospital praying and talking with people. In the afternoon the team went to Kids Stop for the last time. In the evening we went to the old age home and watched an extremely educational film called “Miss Congeniality,” starring Sandra Bullock (we laughed and cried, it was a moving film).
Debrief
Saturday- On Saturday we left for our team debrief. We went to a national park about 15 minutes away. It was a beautiful and relaxing setting. That day we went canoeing and spent some time at a waterfall. Did a little cliff jumping after we made sure the water was deep enough (Safety first!!). That night we had Braai and grilled up some lamb and chicken legs, and spent the night playing games and enjoying each others company.
Sunday- We woke up and had a great breakfast of eggs, bacon, sautéed mushrooms with tomatoes and toast (amazing). After which we had a worship service and spent some time debriefing the trip. In the afternoon we went to the beach, made a sand castle and properly buried a penguin (I know sad).
Monday- Was just another great relaxing day. We reach the summit of a mountain. Got to ride a camel and enjoyed an ostrich steak. After eating the ostrich most of the team took turns riding a live one, which was class!!
What we need now.
Now we find ourselves leaving after a great time in South Africa. Thank you for your prayers and support. Please pray for us as we spend the next two days flying and travelling back home. Also pray for Matt as he is staying on in Joburgh for an internship.
God is Great and to Him be the Glory!!
Dan
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Last week in George...
Hey all! Tyler here.
Sadly, things are coming to a close in George, South Africa. We are very excited to see all of our friends and family, but the work that God has been doing these last few weeks has been spectacular! We've seen him move in so many ways, in so many lives. It's going to be hard to say bye to everyone we've met - the kids, adults, students, workers, volunteers, and many more. Still, God's hand is thriving here, and we'll be praying for the people in this area long after we've left.
I want to let you guys know what's been going on the last couple of days here. Monday morning started out at LIFE ministries, where we helped clean up their facilities and spent time with the adorable kids there. Then we had lunch and made our way over to Kid's Stop, a local kid's and youth ministry site in the area. We played a big game of soccer, as well as letting some of the kids partake in the arts and crafts we had set up. The day was full, but good. Tuesday was intense! We made our way to downtown George, set up an area in the middle of the morning chaos and business of life, and performed our team drama "Everything" by Lifehouse. This drama explains the gospel in a compelling way, and opens up opportunities for conversation afterwards. I spoke to the crowd when it was over, explaining what the drama means for them and everyone, and invited them to stay and chat with us. The next hour was spent praying with anyone we saw and came in contact with, and sharing with them the love of Jesus. It was fantastic! The afternoon was great as well. We worked with Alif ministries, a surfing ministry in George, by helping clean up a home that belonged to two brothers in the group, Stuart and Leroy, who are 17 and 14-years-old. We did yard work, played some soccer in the street, performed our skit again in the middle of the road for anyone watching, and had a blast. Wayne lead us in a Bible Study later that night. He heads up the Sports Ministry with OAM. All together an awesome day!
Wednesday was phenomenally wrecking, in a good way. Dan and Val surprised us by taking us back up in the mountains to Waboomskraal to visit the school we had worked at the previous couple of weeks. We didn't think we were going to go back, and were very happy to be doing so. On the way, however, we stopped in a township called Blanco to visit another team here with OAM from Northern Ireland that was helping build a house for a woman with tuberculosis, and set up an art station on the street corner. We had about 20 of the local children come to color. It was really fun! Then two woman came to our station, a grandmother and her daughter. The older woman was 54, and the daughter was probably 35. The daughter's left arm was permanently bent out of shape. She could barely move it at all. It was obviously very painful. As we found out through translation, she had an accident nine years before that left her in this dreadful condition. Not only that, but both woman said they were hungry. They hadn't eaten in a few days. Our hearts broke. We prayed for them and their baby they had with them right then and there in the street. Tears rolled down their faces and onto their shirts. It was devastating. We didn't know what to do, so we grabbed some food we had, and Emily and I met them down the road as they were walking back to their house. They invited us into their home, which was very small, but clean. Emily and I were speechless as they opened up their cupboards and refrigerator, only to show us that they were empty. They literally had no food. We gave them what we brought, and through many tears, while holding onto each other in a circle, we cried out to God for healing and restoration. (I am not one to cry easily and couldn't, as much as I wanted to, but my heart was broken - all of ours were). They asked us when we would return. Emily and I looked at each other with guilt, knowing we probably couldn't before we left, but told them we wouldn't forget them and would pray that God would perform a miracle in their lives. Their address is 2530, in Blaco. I know you guys don't know them, but if you can, please pray for this grandma, her daughter with the broken arm, and their baby. Please pray for the city of George.
Man, I'm sorry. That was very difficult, for all of us. The afternoon was more joyful as we met with the kids at the school in Waboomskraal. We hung out with them, colored, played rugby, and even gave some of them a new pair of shoes that we had bought for them, (we noticed a lot of them needed shoes the weeks before). It was a great afternoon, but we are all still affected by our encounter with the women on Wednesday morning, as it should be. The night was very fun, too, as the people here at Mackani with OAM hosted a "braai", (their word for b-b-q), which was absolutely delicious! We had lamb, sausage, and multiple side dishes...amazing!
This morning was spent helping clean and do yard work here at Mackani. After lunch, we made our way over to hang out with the boys from the Alif ministry. We were going to go surfing and play music, but the weather wasn't the greatest, so we ended up having a great time playing soccer, rubgy, and praying with each other after we watched a surfing documentary about Liberia. Liberia is a country in West Africa, near Ivory Coast and Ghana. This documentary talked about their civil war that ended about 7 years ago after the rebels killed and harmed many people, driving countless refugees out of their homes with no place to live. It was extremely eye-opening as we realized that so many people go through this type of lifestyle everyday! We ended the time by splitting up into groups with the kids and praying for one another's needs, as well as restoration for the continent of Africa. We prayed that God's Spirit would continue to bring light into the darkness, and that people would come to know Him, even in the most dire of situations. Please be in prayer about this as well! Other than that, we came back to home base, ate dinner together, and had a Bible Study lead by Brian who heads up the Living Hope Homes ministry here with OAM.
We look forward to the rest of our time here in South Africa, and can't wait for what else the Lord has in store for us before we fly home. I'm not going to lie. At times, it has been very discouraging. The things that so many people have to go through everyday - the hurt, the pain, the brokenness - it doesn't seem fair. Why are they in so much pain while I'm not? Why was I born in America, a place of plentiful opportunies to become whatever I want to be, while most people around the world were not given that chance? It hasn't been easy to cope with, but God is faithful. That is something I am strongly reminded of every single day. I can't worry about fixing everyone. God doesn't want me to. If I do that, my efforts and struggles are for nothing, because sooner or later I'll hit rock bottom and give up because I've been relying on my strength and not God's. All I can do, all any of us can do, is love the people we come in contact with, even if it's just a few. I may not be able to make a difference in everyone's lives, but if I can show the amazing love of Jesus Christ to a few people, then I did my part. And if everyone can do their part, then the world, the entire world, will be affected. Our team has been doing an amazing job at just that. I am so unbelievably proud of all of them! God isn't asking us to cure all of Africa. He's asking each of us to simply give Him our 5 loaves and 2 fish. He'll do the rest.
Much love,
Tyler from Team Uthando
Sadly, things are coming to a close in George, South Africa. We are very excited to see all of our friends and family, but the work that God has been doing these last few weeks has been spectacular! We've seen him move in so many ways, in so many lives. It's going to be hard to say bye to everyone we've met - the kids, adults, students, workers, volunteers, and many more. Still, God's hand is thriving here, and we'll be praying for the people in this area long after we've left.
I want to let you guys know what's been going on the last couple of days here. Monday morning started out at LIFE ministries, where we helped clean up their facilities and spent time with the adorable kids there. Then we had lunch and made our way over to Kid's Stop, a local kid's and youth ministry site in the area. We played a big game of soccer, as well as letting some of the kids partake in the arts and crafts we had set up. The day was full, but good. Tuesday was intense! We made our way to downtown George, set up an area in the middle of the morning chaos and business of life, and performed our team drama "Everything" by Lifehouse. This drama explains the gospel in a compelling way, and opens up opportunities for conversation afterwards. I spoke to the crowd when it was over, explaining what the drama means for them and everyone, and invited them to stay and chat with us. The next hour was spent praying with anyone we saw and came in contact with, and sharing with them the love of Jesus. It was fantastic! The afternoon was great as well. We worked with Alif ministries, a surfing ministry in George, by helping clean up a home that belonged to two brothers in the group, Stuart and Leroy, who are 17 and 14-years-old. We did yard work, played some soccer in the street, performed our skit again in the middle of the road for anyone watching, and had a blast. Wayne lead us in a Bible Study later that night. He heads up the Sports Ministry with OAM. All together an awesome day!
Wednesday was phenomenally wrecking, in a good way. Dan and Val surprised us by taking us back up in the mountains to Waboomskraal to visit the school we had worked at the previous couple of weeks. We didn't think we were going to go back, and were very happy to be doing so. On the way, however, we stopped in a township called Blanco to visit another team here with OAM from Northern Ireland that was helping build a house for a woman with tuberculosis, and set up an art station on the street corner. We had about 20 of the local children come to color. It was really fun! Then two woman came to our station, a grandmother and her daughter. The older woman was 54, and the daughter was probably 35. The daughter's left arm was permanently bent out of shape. She could barely move it at all. It was obviously very painful. As we found out through translation, she had an accident nine years before that left her in this dreadful condition. Not only that, but both woman said they were hungry. They hadn't eaten in a few days. Our hearts broke. We prayed for them and their baby they had with them right then and there in the street. Tears rolled down their faces and onto their shirts. It was devastating. We didn't know what to do, so we grabbed some food we had, and Emily and I met them down the road as they were walking back to their house. They invited us into their home, which was very small, but clean. Emily and I were speechless as they opened up their cupboards and refrigerator, only to show us that they were empty. They literally had no food. We gave them what we brought, and through many tears, while holding onto each other in a circle, we cried out to God for healing and restoration. (I am not one to cry easily and couldn't, as much as I wanted to, but my heart was broken - all of ours were). They asked us when we would return. Emily and I looked at each other with guilt, knowing we probably couldn't before we left, but told them we wouldn't forget them and would pray that God would perform a miracle in their lives. Their address is 2530, in Blaco. I know you guys don't know them, but if you can, please pray for this grandma, her daughter with the broken arm, and their baby. Please pray for the city of George.
Man, I'm sorry. That was very difficult, for all of us. The afternoon was more joyful as we met with the kids at the school in Waboomskraal. We hung out with them, colored, played rugby, and even gave some of them a new pair of shoes that we had bought for them, (we noticed a lot of them needed shoes the weeks before). It was a great afternoon, but we are all still affected by our encounter with the women on Wednesday morning, as it should be. The night was very fun, too, as the people here at Mackani with OAM hosted a "braai", (their word for b-b-q), which was absolutely delicious! We had lamb, sausage, and multiple side dishes...amazing!
This morning was spent helping clean and do yard work here at Mackani. After lunch, we made our way over to hang out with the boys from the Alif ministry. We were going to go surfing and play music, but the weather wasn't the greatest, so we ended up having a great time playing soccer, rubgy, and praying with each other after we watched a surfing documentary about Liberia. Liberia is a country in West Africa, near Ivory Coast and Ghana. This documentary talked about their civil war that ended about 7 years ago after the rebels killed and harmed many people, driving countless refugees out of their homes with no place to live. It was extremely eye-opening as we realized that so many people go through this type of lifestyle everyday! We ended the time by splitting up into groups with the kids and praying for one another's needs, as well as restoration for the continent of Africa. We prayed that God's Spirit would continue to bring light into the darkness, and that people would come to know Him, even in the most dire of situations. Please be in prayer about this as well! Other than that, we came back to home base, ate dinner together, and had a Bible Study lead by Brian who heads up the Living Hope Homes ministry here with OAM.
We look forward to the rest of our time here in South Africa, and can't wait for what else the Lord has in store for us before we fly home. I'm not going to lie. At times, it has been very discouraging. The things that so many people have to go through everyday - the hurt, the pain, the brokenness - it doesn't seem fair. Why are they in so much pain while I'm not? Why was I born in America, a place of plentiful opportunies to become whatever I want to be, while most people around the world were not given that chance? It hasn't been easy to cope with, but God is faithful. That is something I am strongly reminded of every single day. I can't worry about fixing everyone. God doesn't want me to. If I do that, my efforts and struggles are for nothing, because sooner or later I'll hit rock bottom and give up because I've been relying on my strength and not God's. All I can do, all any of us can do, is love the people we come in contact with, even if it's just a few. I may not be able to make a difference in everyone's lives, but if I can show the amazing love of Jesus Christ to a few people, then I did my part. And if everyone can do their part, then the world, the entire world, will be affected. Our team has been doing an amazing job at just that. I am so unbelievably proud of all of them! God isn't asking us to cure all of Africa. He's asking each of us to simply give Him our 5 loaves and 2 fish. He'll do the rest.
Much love,
Tyler from Team Uthando
Sunday, May 30, 2010
They are growing up so fast...
Since our last update, we've had quite a few exciting experiences. We've been able to serve in a community center, work with kids at Kid Stop, and even learn how to surf! We spent a nice restful day at the beach which was much needed. As I am writing this, the team is playing cards with some of the staff here at OAM and our new friend Sarah who is from Virginia. She's a really fun girl and it's been great getting to know her. The team is much closer now after a rough week of team building activities which proved to be hard but in the end, turned out to be quite an amazing experience for us all.
Words cannot express the amazing amount of effort and love the team has put into the last two days of activities. Earlier this week we were told that we not only had to attend a youth service at Parkdene Baptist Church, but we were in charge of running it. That was a curve ball that we were not expecting. However, this seemed to be the perfect opportunity to let the kids try and fly out on their own. Dan and I decided that we were going to let them plan the activities for the service on their own - we weren't going to do anything. The itinerary was completely their idea and the activities were all things that the group came up with together. They decided that they wanted to do a skit to Lifehouse's "Everything" which they worked very hard to practice all week long. The skit itself had to do with temptation and how Christ died for our sins in order to save us through grace. This was the topic of the evening as well...how to find our strength from God and combat the temptation that the world is constantly throwing in our faces.
First and foremost, it should be said that we, as leaders, are so proud of the team. They worked very hard to plan out the youth service and I think I can speak for both Dan and myself when I say that they did a tremendous job. The skit was amazing and the service could not have gone better. The youth at Parkdene seemed to get a lot out of it and the team was able to experience a great amount of success as they worked together in order to make that night happen. After a tiring evening, the team was also able to plan out an itinierary for the following day. We were back at Outeniqua House on Saturday, which is a youth prison. The team was all exhausted and worn thin but they really dug deep to make that day a success as well. Planning out games and dancing makes the experience fun, but sharing the love of Christ with the boys in that house is what makes it all worth it. I'm definitely a proud mama!
Strength through Christ is getting them through the tiring days and I am consistently impressed by their perserverence and determination to show God's love through their actions even when they are tired, hungry, or sick. (Not that anyone is sick! All moms can be reassured! :) ) As leaders, it is very exciting to see God working in and through each member of our group. I have seen a tremendous amount of growth in the team and they are teaching me so much. I can't wait to see all the great things God is going to continue to do in them during our last week here at Makani.
I can't wait to tell you all the amazing stories of our team - they are all so beautiful. Moms and dads should be very proud - you've got an amazing group of kids. It's been a blessing to share this experience with them and I can't wait for you to see the transformation that Dan and I are seeing. A little over a week to go. Keep us in your prayers as we finish up our ministry. We really want to make this week count. We miss you and love you all!
Valerie
Words cannot express the amazing amount of effort and love the team has put into the last two days of activities. Earlier this week we were told that we not only had to attend a youth service at Parkdene Baptist Church, but we were in charge of running it. That was a curve ball that we were not expecting. However, this seemed to be the perfect opportunity to let the kids try and fly out on their own. Dan and I decided that we were going to let them plan the activities for the service on their own - we weren't going to do anything. The itinerary was completely their idea and the activities were all things that the group came up with together. They decided that they wanted to do a skit to Lifehouse's "Everything" which they worked very hard to practice all week long. The skit itself had to do with temptation and how Christ died for our sins in order to save us through grace. This was the topic of the evening as well...how to find our strength from God and combat the temptation that the world is constantly throwing in our faces.
First and foremost, it should be said that we, as leaders, are so proud of the team. They worked very hard to plan out the youth service and I think I can speak for both Dan and myself when I say that they did a tremendous job. The skit was amazing and the service could not have gone better. The youth at Parkdene seemed to get a lot out of it and the team was able to experience a great amount of success as they worked together in order to make that night happen. After a tiring evening, the team was also able to plan out an itinierary for the following day. We were back at Outeniqua House on Saturday, which is a youth prison. The team was all exhausted and worn thin but they really dug deep to make that day a success as well. Planning out games and dancing makes the experience fun, but sharing the love of Christ with the boys in that house is what makes it all worth it. I'm definitely a proud mama!
Strength through Christ is getting them through the tiring days and I am consistently impressed by their perserverence and determination to show God's love through their actions even when they are tired, hungry, or sick. (Not that anyone is sick! All moms can be reassured! :) ) As leaders, it is very exciting to see God working in and through each member of our group. I have seen a tremendous amount of growth in the team and they are teaching me so much. I can't wait to see all the great things God is going to continue to do in them during our last week here at Makani.
I can't wait to tell you all the amazing stories of our team - they are all so beautiful. Moms and dads should be very proud - you've got an amazing group of kids. It's been a blessing to share this experience with them and I can't wait for you to see the transformation that Dan and I are seeing. A little over a week to go. Keep us in your prayers as we finish up our ministry. We really want to make this week count. We miss you and love you all!
Valerie
Thursday, May 27, 2010
In the jungle! The mighty jungle!
Matthew Ward reporting for blog duty!
I am excited to update you on our mission trip so far as we have passed our halfway mark sadly and the reality that our time here is coming to a close is becoming apparent. We make the most of our remaining time and serve to the fullest! This has been quite an exciting week to say the least. On Monday May 24th we went to Life Community Center which is a place that is intentional about educating and spending time with kids who do not go to school but who hope to be placed back into the schooling system. There the guys worked hard doing some yard maintenance. We also washed their vehicles and did a lot of moving for them etc. The girls were busy in the kitchens and also worked inside and played with the kids. In the afternoon we went to Kids Stop which is similar to Life Community Center in that it caters to the needs of those who don’t have the privilege to go to school. There we played balloon stop which was absolutely crazy and the place became a madhouse. But nonetheless it was a great time. We also had the most epic soccer game with kids that were super talented and energetic. Unfortunately my team lost but that is beside the point.
Tuesday the 25th was absolutely an amazing day. I can say with confidence that for me personally it was the most eventful and spirit led day so far. Many members of the team have been waking up at 5:50 a.m. to workout and finally I decided to join them. So it was with sore an aching body that I joined my fellow team members to evangelize on the streets of George at about 8:30. Obviously I can’t speak for everyone else because we each had different encounters with the people there. But to say the least God really spoke through the poor and the oppressed. It was crazy. We got into small groups and started out into the streets. I was with Tyler and Emily. We met individual after individual and each one seemed like a divine appointment that the Lord had orchestrated with his own hand.
First we met a man who showed us around and introduced us to all of his friends and took us to a part of town that we did not even know existed. He introduced us to gangsters and drug dealers and countless of homeless and jobless people who were suffering. We were able to encourage and pray for many people. One man was a believer and wanted so badly to feed his family and kids so we bought him and others food etc. God just kept directing us to people who desperately just needed to be reminded that He loves them and that there are people that care for them. Almost everyone we met were just roaming the streets looking for a job. Out of know where a young poor black man probably about 28 came out of know where and told us he say us praying and just wanted to encourage us. He didn’t ask us any questions but told us to keep working for the lord and recited several passages of scripture to us. It was almost as if he was sent as a messenger from God because when we turned back to see if he would take a picture of us he was already long gone.
There I also saw members of our team being so generous to those in need. Two people even gave up their own jackets to a couple of shivering men. This is what I love about participating on a mission trip. You are surrounded by like-minded people united by the bond of Christ who use the opportunity to not give any excuses but to live out their faith. This has been a great way to jumpstart what I pray will be a lifetime of service for all of us.
There was also a great experience that our team got to share together as a whole. After speaking to people from the particular block we were at, we stopped to go to the bathroom at a building before heading to another part of town to evangelize. But instead we found a white homeless man who later told us he was about to commit suicide before we arrived. He poured out his heart and was so encouraged that we would take the time to talk with him. He really showed us that South Africa is not just hurting in the black communities but in the white communities as well and that we shouldn’t bring those kind of biases to ministry.
Later that day we went to the surfing ministry and cleared out a backyard for one of the child’s families. We were able to then minister to many in the neighborhood as they came out to play jump rope and soccer on the street. When Africans see a bunch of white Americans serving the black community they automatically are intrigued and want to see what’s up.
Later that night Steve, the OAM director, gave a bible study about hearing God’s voice and it was encouraging to see how God speaks to us. Then Steve shocked us by telling us that we were going to “bush camp” that night. He told us we could not bring anything with us but a sleeping bag and whatever we clothes we had on right there. So literally 3 minutes later we were in the truck and on our way to a Safari type of animal reserve where we were going to rough it for two days. We slept under the stars after hiking to the location he had directed us to and saw the silhouette of 20 Zebras running against the night sky. In the morning Steve woke us up at the crack of dawn and had us do a number of tasks that made us feel like we were on a reality show. He made us roll around on the grass to “wash”. The first competition involved a frantic race around the camping area and the winning team got a roll of toilet paper. Our next contest was to come up with a song and make a pyramid. We had to make our own fires with barely any supplies it was more challenging than it might seem. The next contest was called nightline where we had to follow a rope blind folded. We also competed on a ropes course that was pretty difficult. But the most difficult thing was the eating contest in which we had to consume a raw egg, spoon full of coffee, a lemon with the peal, goat testicles, flaming hot sauce, a pickle, cookies, and marsh mellows. I was surprised no one threw up! All in all it was a great time to spend time with God in his creation and bond as a team.
On Thursday the 27th we went to an old person’s home where we did gardening with them and pushed those around who were in wheelchairs. In the afternoon half the team went to the ocean with the kids from the surfing ministry to catch some waves while the rest of us made musical instruments and worshipped with the kids. Both times were amazing.
Many of you have been praying for the unity of our team. I can sense the blessings of those prayers tangible. We are developing deeper friendships and care for each other as we begin to communicate openly. In fact I’d say that is the most challenging aspect of ministry; communication.
We have about two weeks less and we know that the end is going to come much too fast. We want to make the most of every minute we have left here. We don’t want to have the feeling at the end of the day where we did not take advantage of the opportunity that God has given us. It is a good kind of urgency. Just as we know our trip will soon be over we also know that the Kingdom of God is at hand and the rest of our lives must reflect this same strong purpose.
I am excited to update you on our mission trip so far as we have passed our halfway mark sadly and the reality that our time here is coming to a close is becoming apparent. We make the most of our remaining time and serve to the fullest! This has been quite an exciting week to say the least. On Monday May 24th we went to Life Community Center which is a place that is intentional about educating and spending time with kids who do not go to school but who hope to be placed back into the schooling system. There the guys worked hard doing some yard maintenance. We also washed their vehicles and did a lot of moving for them etc. The girls were busy in the kitchens and also worked inside and played with the kids. In the afternoon we went to Kids Stop which is similar to Life Community Center in that it caters to the needs of those who don’t have the privilege to go to school. There we played balloon stop which was absolutely crazy and the place became a madhouse. But nonetheless it was a great time. We also had the most epic soccer game with kids that were super talented and energetic. Unfortunately my team lost but that is beside the point.
Tuesday the 25th was absolutely an amazing day. I can say with confidence that for me personally it was the most eventful and spirit led day so far. Many members of the team have been waking up at 5:50 a.m. to workout and finally I decided to join them. So it was with sore an aching body that I joined my fellow team members to evangelize on the streets of George at about 8:30. Obviously I can’t speak for everyone else because we each had different encounters with the people there. But to say the least God really spoke through the poor and the oppressed. It was crazy. We got into small groups and started out into the streets. I was with Tyler and Emily. We met individual after individual and each one seemed like a divine appointment that the Lord had orchestrated with his own hand.
First we met a man who showed us around and introduced us to all of his friends and took us to a part of town that we did not even know existed. He introduced us to gangsters and drug dealers and countless of homeless and jobless people who were suffering. We were able to encourage and pray for many people. One man was a believer and wanted so badly to feed his family and kids so we bought him and others food etc. God just kept directing us to people who desperately just needed to be reminded that He loves them and that there are people that care for them. Almost everyone we met were just roaming the streets looking for a job. Out of know where a young poor black man probably about 28 came out of know where and told us he say us praying and just wanted to encourage us. He didn’t ask us any questions but told us to keep working for the lord and recited several passages of scripture to us. It was almost as if he was sent as a messenger from God because when we turned back to see if he would take a picture of us he was already long gone.
There I also saw members of our team being so generous to those in need. Two people even gave up their own jackets to a couple of shivering men. This is what I love about participating on a mission trip. You are surrounded by like-minded people united by the bond of Christ who use the opportunity to not give any excuses but to live out their faith. This has been a great way to jumpstart what I pray will be a lifetime of service for all of us.
There was also a great experience that our team got to share together as a whole. After speaking to people from the particular block we were at, we stopped to go to the bathroom at a building before heading to another part of town to evangelize. But instead we found a white homeless man who later told us he was about to commit suicide before we arrived. He poured out his heart and was so encouraged that we would take the time to talk with him. He really showed us that South Africa is not just hurting in the black communities but in the white communities as well and that we shouldn’t bring those kind of biases to ministry.
Later that day we went to the surfing ministry and cleared out a backyard for one of the child’s families. We were able to then minister to many in the neighborhood as they came out to play jump rope and soccer on the street. When Africans see a bunch of white Americans serving the black community they automatically are intrigued and want to see what’s up.
Later that night Steve, the OAM director, gave a bible study about hearing God’s voice and it was encouraging to see how God speaks to us. Then Steve shocked us by telling us that we were going to “bush camp” that night. He told us we could not bring anything with us but a sleeping bag and whatever we clothes we had on right there. So literally 3 minutes later we were in the truck and on our way to a Safari type of animal reserve where we were going to rough it for two days. We slept under the stars after hiking to the location he had directed us to and saw the silhouette of 20 Zebras running against the night sky. In the morning Steve woke us up at the crack of dawn and had us do a number of tasks that made us feel like we were on a reality show. He made us roll around on the grass to “wash”. The first competition involved a frantic race around the camping area and the winning team got a roll of toilet paper. Our next contest was to come up with a song and make a pyramid. We had to make our own fires with barely any supplies it was more challenging than it might seem. The next contest was called nightline where we had to follow a rope blind folded. We also competed on a ropes course that was pretty difficult. But the most difficult thing was the eating contest in which we had to consume a raw egg, spoon full of coffee, a lemon with the peal, goat testicles, flaming hot sauce, a pickle, cookies, and marsh mellows. I was surprised no one threw up! All in all it was a great time to spend time with God in his creation and bond as a team.
On Thursday the 27th we went to an old person’s home where we did gardening with them and pushed those around who were in wheelchairs. In the afternoon half the team went to the ocean with the kids from the surfing ministry to catch some waves while the rest of us made musical instruments and worshipped with the kids. Both times were amazing.
Many of you have been praying for the unity of our team. I can sense the blessings of those prayers tangible. We are developing deeper friendships and care for each other as we begin to communicate openly. In fact I’d say that is the most challenging aspect of ministry; communication.
We have about two weeks less and we know that the end is going to come much too fast. We want to make the most of every minute we have left here. We don’t want to have the feeling at the end of the day where we did not take advantage of the opportunity that God has given us. It is a good kind of urgency. Just as we know our trip will soon be over we also know that the Kingdom of God is at hand and the rest of our lives must reflect this same strong purpose.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Time to Reflect
Hello hello my American friends!
This is Emily and Megan, giving you the scoop on what is going down in George, South Africa!
Since our last post, we have been busy with many new experiences. Friday, we got the opportunity to go into town and street evangalize. This was an amazing experience, and it really took each one of us out of our comfort zone. We were each paired up (boy and girl), and walked around the town, talking with different people, hearing their stories, and praying over them. A few of us even got the chance to share our own stories and how God is working in our lives. Even though we all had the same purpose for the day, we came back with different stories and experiences to share with one another. It was awesome to see God's Holy Spirit working through each person on the team. Later that day we went to an after school program called Kids Stop. This program takes kids off the street and provides them with a meal, and fun activities. Our team performed a skit for the kids, did some arts and crafs, and played a game of rugby. At night we went to a youth service at a local church, where we interacted with a group of teengers through discussion regarding peer pressure. We were blessed for all the opportunities we got to experience on Friday and God helping us each step of the way!
On Saturday, we had our BIG adventure. Valerie and Dan planned a big outing for the whole team and actually kept it a secret. We all left Makani around 8 AM and started out going eastward. We first stopped at a farmer's market and arts and crafts fair. It was awesome! We all got some cool stuff and got to look around at what they sell in South Africa. Then we headed towards Knysna and had lunch at the beach. It was amazing! We got to sit on the rocks by the surf and have tuna sandwiches and just have fellowship with one another. After that, we started out again and went to Knysna Elephant Park, which was great. Most of us have never touched an elephant let alone stand by it's mouth and behind its trunk. It was an amazing experience that we will never forget. Then we went into town and looked around the shops and played some card games until it was time to head back to George to have dinner at an Italian restaurant. They had some fantastic food. Most of us got pizza or pasta.
On Sunday, we went to the Thembalethu Church and had service there. We were able to meet a lot of people there and also have fellowship with our other brothers and sisters in Christ. The church was in a shack and it was very crowded but it was amazing to see how they could utilize such a space to still continue to worship the Lord. After church, Stephen, the director of OAM, took us on a hike up a huge mountain, which included no map or trail and brush, dirt, rocks, snakes, and galore. When we reached the top of the mountain, we were able to see all of the townships in the city and all of George's beauty. At that time, our leaders gave us each a letter from a loved one that were able to read. It was an emotional time at the top remembering what God has been doing for our team and this city. After coming down, we took a little dip in the creek, which was frigid but nice to cool off after a warm day. It was at the base of the mountain, so we had to do another hike to reach it. Today was a great day for reflection and praising God for bringing us to George!
Well, it is currently 11:10 pm and exhaustion is taking over! Thank you all for your prayers and support! We love you all and miss you dearly! Continue to follow us as we finish up the next week and a half on our amazing journey with God! Cannot wait to see what He has in store for us next! Blessings!
This is Emily and Megan, giving you the scoop on what is going down in George, South Africa!
Since our last post, we have been busy with many new experiences. Friday, we got the opportunity to go into town and street evangalize. This was an amazing experience, and it really took each one of us out of our comfort zone. We were each paired up (boy and girl), and walked around the town, talking with different people, hearing their stories, and praying over them. A few of us even got the chance to share our own stories and how God is working in our lives. Even though we all had the same purpose for the day, we came back with different stories and experiences to share with one another. It was awesome to see God's Holy Spirit working through each person on the team. Later that day we went to an after school program called Kids Stop. This program takes kids off the street and provides them with a meal, and fun activities. Our team performed a skit for the kids, did some arts and crafs, and played a game of rugby. At night we went to a youth service at a local church, where we interacted with a group of teengers through discussion regarding peer pressure. We were blessed for all the opportunities we got to experience on Friday and God helping us each step of the way!
On Saturday, we had our BIG adventure. Valerie and Dan planned a big outing for the whole team and actually kept it a secret. We all left Makani around 8 AM and started out going eastward. We first stopped at a farmer's market and arts and crafts fair. It was awesome! We all got some cool stuff and got to look around at what they sell in South Africa. Then we headed towards Knysna and had lunch at the beach. It was amazing! We got to sit on the rocks by the surf and have tuna sandwiches and just have fellowship with one another. After that, we started out again and went to Knysna Elephant Park, which was great. Most of us have never touched an elephant let alone stand by it's mouth and behind its trunk. It was an amazing experience that we will never forget. Then we went into town and looked around the shops and played some card games until it was time to head back to George to have dinner at an Italian restaurant. They had some fantastic food. Most of us got pizza or pasta.
On Sunday, we went to the Thembalethu Church and had service there. We were able to meet a lot of people there and also have fellowship with our other brothers and sisters in Christ. The church was in a shack and it was very crowded but it was amazing to see how they could utilize such a space to still continue to worship the Lord. After church, Stephen, the director of OAM, took us on a hike up a huge mountain, which included no map or trail and brush, dirt, rocks, snakes, and galore. When we reached the top of the mountain, we were able to see all of the townships in the city and all of George's beauty. At that time, our leaders gave us each a letter from a loved one that were able to read. It was an emotional time at the top remembering what God has been doing for our team and this city. After coming down, we took a little dip in the creek, which was frigid but nice to cool off after a warm day. It was at the base of the mountain, so we had to do another hike to reach it. Today was a great day for reflection and praising God for bringing us to George!
Well, it is currently 11:10 pm and exhaustion is taking over! Thank you all for your prayers and support! We love you all and miss you dearly! Continue to follow us as we finish up the next week and a half on our amazing journey with God! Cannot wait to see what He has in store for us next! Blessings!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
9 days later....
This is kyle here, going to give you a quick update of the things that have happened in our life.
So since the wonderful experience at the Church, we were blessed to go back to the wonderful city of Waboomskrall twice. This time we went to two different schools deeper into the mountains but still where surrounded by a wonderful and loving group of kids. For the group of older kids we made bracelet's but put the colored beads on the yarn and told the story of jesus' love and faith fullness. That seemed to go over really well and they all seemed to love it. With the younger kids we got foam crosses and had them write Jesus loves me on it and draw there favorite thing. Lets just say some of the kids went really crazy with the glitter. We then taught them the game "heads up 7up", we all had a blast reliving our middle school days. After lunch both days we went back to the Waboomskral center and brought out some rugby balls and soccer balls and just had a good time loving and playing with the kids. It was really tough saying goodbye to them on Tuesday and telling them that it was our last day.
On Wednesday we got to stay around the home base Makani and help out around here and get this place looking sharp. We helped with the keeping up of the gardens and the trimming of the grass. Dan was given the task of taking out 3 large palm tree looking stumps. About 45 minutes into it Dan removes the first stump and BAM! busted pipe and water spraying everywhere. Needless to say the pipe took about all day to fix and it didn't seem like they were very happy with us.
Today, Thursday , for me was a very interesting and very God moving day. We went to a hospital for the first half, to just see if anyone needs prayer and to just see how God wanted us to move there. A group of us went to the children's wing and got to go and color and talk to kids with broken legs and knees. I think that just having us there showing them love and attention lifted there spirits. Some of these kids have been in the hospital for like a month and no one has come to see them. Another group got to go to the cancer ward and pray with people who are fighting cancer and going through chemo. That group there said that they had some pretty powerful stuff happen and could feel God moving. The last of our group went to the out patient area and talked to people that were just sitting there and waiting. Some people have been waiting for hours in there and you could just see the pain on there faces. That group prayed long and hard with people and did Gods will and even when people didn't want personal prayer, our team stepped away and prayed for them on there own. After that we went and met up with a surfing ministry called Alephi. There we met a group of kids that were amazing, they have such a joy for life and a want to fix there community and tell everyone about God and his way. It was very heart warming to see a group of kids that are willing to fight to help there community and at such a young age.
Well that is all for now, we will keep you posted as much as we can and as fast as we can. We just have a lot of opportunities going on right now. If you are reading this and you are taking prayer request please pray for a boy named Darryn, he is fighting meningitis and is having a hard time. His family hasn't come to see him once and every time he gets a headache he goes blind. The Dr. thinks that it has spread to his spinal chord but they don't know. Please pray from healing and if its God's will then just comfort as he is in pain.
We love and miss you all.
So since the wonderful experience at the Church, we were blessed to go back to the wonderful city of Waboomskrall twice. This time we went to two different schools deeper into the mountains but still where surrounded by a wonderful and loving group of kids. For the group of older kids we made bracelet's but put the colored beads on the yarn and told the story of jesus' love and faith fullness. That seemed to go over really well and they all seemed to love it. With the younger kids we got foam crosses and had them write Jesus loves me on it and draw there favorite thing. Lets just say some of the kids went really crazy with the glitter. We then taught them the game "heads up 7up", we all had a blast reliving our middle school days. After lunch both days we went back to the Waboomskral center and brought out some rugby balls and soccer balls and just had a good time loving and playing with the kids. It was really tough saying goodbye to them on Tuesday and telling them that it was our last day.
On Wednesday we got to stay around the home base Makani and help out around here and get this place looking sharp. We helped with the keeping up of the gardens and the trimming of the grass. Dan was given the task of taking out 3 large palm tree looking stumps. About 45 minutes into it Dan removes the first stump and BAM! busted pipe and water spraying everywhere. Needless to say the pipe took about all day to fix and it didn't seem like they were very happy with us.
Today, Thursday , for me was a very interesting and very God moving day. We went to a hospital for the first half, to just see if anyone needs prayer and to just see how God wanted us to move there. A group of us went to the children's wing and got to go and color and talk to kids with broken legs and knees. I think that just having us there showing them love and attention lifted there spirits. Some of these kids have been in the hospital for like a month and no one has come to see them. Another group got to go to the cancer ward and pray with people who are fighting cancer and going through chemo. That group there said that they had some pretty powerful stuff happen and could feel God moving. The last of our group went to the out patient area and talked to people that were just sitting there and waiting. Some people have been waiting for hours in there and you could just see the pain on there faces. That group prayed long and hard with people and did Gods will and even when people didn't want personal prayer, our team stepped away and prayed for them on there own. After that we went and met up with a surfing ministry called Alephi. There we met a group of kids that were amazing, they have such a joy for life and a want to fix there community and tell everyone about God and his way. It was very heart warming to see a group of kids that are willing to fight to help there community and at such a young age.
Well that is all for now, we will keep you posted as much as we can and as fast as we can. We just have a lot of opportunities going on right now. If you are reading this and you are taking prayer request please pray for a boy named Darryn, he is fighting meningitis and is having a hard time. His family hasn't come to see him once and every time he gets a headache he goes blind. The Dr. thinks that it has spread to his spinal chord but they don't know. Please pray from healing and if its God's will then just comfort as he is in pain.
We love and miss you all.
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