Who said a wheelchair bound person will not be able to put up his own tent and sleep in it? Who said a wheelchair user can not get up to Cape Point without using the train? Who said a guy in a wheelchair can't minister and encourage others? Who said an adventurous road trip to Cape Town with two disable guys is impossible? It is all possible!
It all started when the 22nd of April became our fixed date. We told people about the dream of going to Cape Town and started praying for the necessary funds. From a budget of R17 000 we had R2 600 the day before we had to leave, but God's assurance and peace for the 22nd came naturally. The next morning we left Jeffreys Bay with R6 600! Our first miracle.
Xander (who helped me drive), John, Otto and his son Max and I drifted with the Drifters! We slept in Knysna and Mossel Bay. They had no idea how far it was and kept asking whether the next bridge was the way to Cape Town. Finally at Kommetjie we slept in tents for two nights. Their first tent experience, together with marshmellows over the fire! We had church together and it was there where Max realised that he wanted to change and follow Jesus. John gave him his Bible and we all prayed for the huge challenge which awaits him at home.
The next two days were a sponsored two nights at Lagoon Beach Hotel! What a treat. The weather also allowed us to see Table Mountain and Robbin Island. We worshipped with our friends from All Nations and received another R2000! Our next stop was Cape Point. The guys decided to save money and rather go up to Cape Point without using the train. Without knowing the challenge in that, I agreed. After pulling Otto's hand while Max pushed the wheelchair for a few meters, we discovered there's only steps the rest of the way up! Max carried his father and I the wheelchair, but when we arrived at the top, we felt even more victorious! Xander and John did the same until they reached the lighthouse.
We slept in Red Hill (a community which has burned down last year January, whom we helped rebuild). Thereafter a friend at Kuilsriver took us in and spoiled us for 3 days. We went to Groote Schuur Hospital to pray for the patients in the spinal injury ward. Otto lived there, from birth, for 10 years until he was old enough for a operation. It was his first time back in 35 years. While I was still busy introducing myself to one of the patients, John was busy praying for someone else and Otto's heart broke with another. It was awesome to see how God used them and touched them in the same breath!
We went to Canal Walk where John got lost and had the Mall's security all running around.Xander left us at Stellenbosch where we left the Cape for Ceres. We were the only ones on the campsite along with the baboons! The guys were more able than disable in helping with the food, putting up their own tents, washing dishes and the car. They got hindered picking up wood for the fire but that was because of the baboons! Otto was a laugh!
On the way to Oudshoorn we were blessed on a game drive and saw lions and cheeta's! The Cango Wildlife Ranch also gave the guys their first experience in seeing live animals. I never would have thought they could be so terrified of ostriches.
We ended the journey testifying to two home groups in Oudshoorn. They have never done this before, but God spoke through them and used their testimonies to encourage and challenge able bodies! Many were emotional and I knew that only God could be praised for this! He dreamt this and made it possible! He changed their lives and those around them. He allowed them to experience that they too can be part in spreading the Great Commission! For they are here for a reason and nothing less!
Thanks to all our prayer supporters!
Blessings
Janine
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