Three weeks ago we arrived in Jeffreys Bay, backpacks containing all the belongings that we will need for the year on our backs, mentally and physically ready to begin with training for our Global Challenge Expedition 2015:)
During the first couple of days we were introduced to the Global community. By sharing amazing stories about what God has done in and through their lives all over the world they imparted to us their heart for the nations and a new excitement to see how God wants to love His children across the globe.
On day five we received our first challenge:) In Amazing Race style we ran all across Jeffeys Bay to complete various tasks including, composing songs, catching a chicken, ministering to the people in town and of course a surfing challenge that we did not see coming which meant that I ended up surfing in a jean*
As we arrived back from the challenge we were handed a map, told to pack a few essentials and hitch a lift to our next destination. What followed was five days in the wilderness with nothing but the clothes on our back, our Bibles and a headlight. No toothbrush, no change of clothes, one sleeping bag among six people...We had to build our own shelter, sleep on pillows of stone and eat our dear chicken for dinner :( But through the soaking rain, the endurance challenges in the scorching sun and sharing our hearts around the camp fire we learned a lot about the value of character and team unity.
The last two days in the wilderness we spent time in our journey groups. We as the Northbound team got to rejoice in celebrating what God has already done in each of our lives up to this point and eagerly await what He has in store for us next.
Back at our campsite the following week we had various workshops where we were equipped with Bible study tools and opportunities to re-establish our identity in Christ and receive freedom from sin that kept us in bondage.
Next up was a very special weekend rediscovering the true message of grace, shifting paradigms and embracing the fact that we truly are sinners in need of a Saviour and that Jesus in us is our hope of glory!
Then we moved over to drama and singing lessons preparing us to find creative ways of interacting with nations of different tounges to whom the message of salvation is just as applicable♡
Over the past three weeks we have learned to expect the unexpected, to be open to surrender to all that God has in store for us, knowing that no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no mind can conceive the things that God has in store for those who love Him! This is only the beginning...adventure awaits!