Participant Blogs

Philippians. 2:1-7 “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not...

Luke 17:10 “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.”   Hallo to all my family and friends. Wow, I actually can’t think that it is already April and my first email is only going out now to you all. Seems like prioritising and procrastination got the better of me, but for those on Facebook and Whats App, I am sure you are well informed of my whereabouts and what we have been keeping ourselves busy with. I do however feel that I...

Morocco welcomed us with a night at the airport where we had to sleep through the sound of hammers and chisels ceaselessly building away on a new part of the airport.    In Marrakech we stayed over for two nights. The vibrancy and colours of the markets overwhelmed and mesmerised. Rooftop views and coffees became a frequent enjoyment as well as prayer walks through the mazed streets. In the mornings we watched the sun rise over Marrakech and prayed together there.   Fes was our next destination, once we got there after a long bus ride we were graciously scammed...

To get from Marrakech to Fes we had to take a long bus ride. The plan was to take the bus, arrive at the bus station in Fes, get connected to the Internet and let Mustafa from the hostel know we've arrived as arranged.  Upon arriving at the bus station there he was - Mustafa was waiting for us, welcoming us with such overeagerness it was convincing. Being confident this was it we followed Mustafa, got in a cab and next thing we found ourselves in very fancy hostel. Beautiful patterns lined the walls of the Riad and comfortable couches...

Places, People, Progress… So, I am really guilty of being so slack with writing more blogs (this is only my second one) and SO MUCH has taken place since my last post that it’s almost overwhelming with what to share and where to begin. (There’s a lesson in here I am sure) So here goes… PLACES:  We left sunny South Africa on 3 March 2016 and headed for Israel with such excitement. The Explore Africa Team vibe was electrifying and so full of joyous anticipation. Oh Israel… God’s beloved and chosen nation, what an absolute privilege and blessing it was...

En route Morocco Currently I'm writing from this very trendy hostel in Morocco. Imagine Moroccan architecture, soft music and chilled vibes along with good coffee. This all is very welcoming after spending two nights on two different airports across three different continents. Yep, that's what went down - four cities, three flights, two nights in airports (a sleeping bag, inflatable mattress and pillow make a formidable combination in any situation!). The journey is obviously not about just the country - there's a lot more to it. And when choosing the cheapest way of traveling a thing I would like to...

"So we beat on, boats against the current…" – F. Scott Fitzgerald. Macedonia – the nation with the most monuments I have seen in such a short distance of each other, cheap chocolate spread and a beautiful lake named Ohrid. This lake is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. We had the privilege of visiting this lake on Monday. Starting my journey in Macedonia was like getting into a little boat on Lake Ohrid with my own pair of wooden carved paddles. Ready for this adventure with Jesus. I was waiting for a storm to come, or for...

Now there isn't a Maccas in Maccas. Don't come here expecting to treat yourself with a mcflurry whenever you get the craving, cause you won't get it. Macedonia slacked on paying the rights to keep McDonald's in the country, or something in that line. Nevertheless, they offer something else, but for the more savoury tooth. Burek. A phyllo pastry with white cheese inside. To go with it, you get yourself a Jogurt - plain drinking yoghurt, 3,2% - it's far from plain, it's a pretty insane combination.    Macedonia consists of Balkans, Albanians, Romas (gypsies) and more. Within 4 weeks,...

It was day two of serving tea to the refugees at Tabanovce, the border between Macedonia and Serbia. It was a cold day. Raining too. I remember not feeling my toes and serving tea was nice...at least my hands could touch some warmth every 7 seconds while filling a cup of chai (black tea). " Talg? , Charien?" were the main 2 words spoken to many refugees stretching out their arms over the counter also longing for some comfort in the cold weather - a cup of warm tea (served with a smile :-) While trying to serve as many...

"During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." - Acts 19:9   What would've been a fifteen day stay turned into a 27 day visit. This ultimately means we're skipping our Turkey leg of the journey. All for good reason because the Lord is in complete control. Although, at the moment we don't see in full we know God will reveal the reason of our extended stay to us soon.   We, as a team realise God has a bigger plan and purpose for...