We had the privilege of going to Los Angeles, California to sort out some of our visas for China and Russia. Because of our one world ticket we could also stop in Hawaii for about 4 days.
Firstly LA. We had some time to experience the real American dream. We stayed in Anaheim in a nice hotel where we had dough-nuts and pastries for breakfast each morning. We also went shopping at Wall-mart an Target and it was an experience! The 1 dollar shop was also frequently visited by the Global Challengers. We saw all the big American cars and also hired one for a day. We drove through Hollywood and Beverly hills and really experienced America. I made a big mistake by going into a shop in Hollywood to buy a orange juice. had to pay 10 dollars for it! My most expensive orange juice ever!
(The Ford Mustang we hired for a day!)
(Wow!)
We also went to Honolulu in Hawaii on the big island Oahu. We ha a great time swimming in the lukewarm light-blue water. Honolulu was a quite big city and I was a bit disappointed with Hawaii. I had the picture in my mind of rural areas and no big buildings. My friend said that he would much rather go to Jeffreys bay or Mozambique than Hawaii and I agreed. Maybe if we went to some of the smaller Islands we would experience more secluded places. We did see a few Hula dances and went to visit a war museum about pearl harbor. I also went snorkeling one night which was a scary experience!
Waikiki beach Oahu
A rock at the North of Oahu where I jumped off.
(A few hula dances)
We thought that we would not really have opportunities to minister, but where we wrong! Shanine, Estee and me went walking one day after a great worship session. We then walked into a neatly dressed young guy. We asked him where we could find a cinema and he ,very friendly, explained to us where we could find one. We then invited him to come with us and we had a great day talking about our hobbies and likes and dislikes. In the afternoon he invited us to visit his family. At first his grandpa was reluctant to let us and him in. But later after some time standing outside they allowed us in. At first the air was very tense. Eventually things got comfortable and we had a great time with them. Later they brought us fruit and even made us some pizza. Later that night we asked our friend if he is a Christian. He said that they judge him in the church but that he would come to church with us if we go.
The Sunday we called his home and his mother told us that he is not actually staying with them. She said that he was addicted to drugs and stole things in the house and sold it for drug money. We were so shocked. But his mother told us how much he enjoyed spending the day with us. We then invited his mother and sister to come with us to church. We had a great time at church and after church the took us to a restaurant. We kept on calling the guy but he did not answer. Later his mother called his friend and heard that he is at his friend. She said that this is the friend with whom he is taking drugs. We went to his friend's house and I went to the door and knocked. The friend's mother came out and told me that he is not there. But I insisted that he was there and later he came out. He really looked bad with scratches on his neck and he had make up on and looked high. He told me that we should come back later then we could visit him ,because he was not feeling well.
We then went to the beach with his mother and sister and had a great time with them. We talked to the mother about her son and told her that God is able to save him. We took pictures and talked about him. When we returned to the friends house I went up to the house again. I knocked and a guy with long hair and make up opened the door. He said that our friend wasn't there anymore. I knew he was there but there was no way that the guy would let me in. I went back the the mother, sister and my friends in the car, deeply disappointed. We prayed for the mother and sister and told them that we would stay in contact. Please pray for this friend's salvation. He really needs God.
(Me, Shanine, Estee, our friend's mother and sister)
We also got connected in a cell group when we visited the vineyard church in LA. They were so kind to us and arranged for us to go to a beach and drove us around a lot. We also helped to repair one of the ladies of the cell group who's garden was destroyed by vandals.
(Working in the cell group lady's Garden)
(The palm trees that you see everywhere in Hollywood and Beverly Hills)
(A Messianic Jew fest we attended)
Thank you again for reading my blog. Sorry that it took so long.
We are currently in China in a small town helping out at a restaurant. We are sharing the Gospel with the foreigners that visit. Please pray for:
-Boldness for us
-Fruitful ground in their hearts
-Our friend from America.
Thank you for all your support. Till next time!
Albie