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 count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”
The Team spirit is high, energy levels are over flowing and we are packed and ready to go, of on our journey with God. First stop Israel, Jerusalem. There is a joke and it goes like this; “In America they call it Survivor, but in South Africa we call it camping”, and camping is exactly what we did. On top of a hostel in the middle of Jerusalem, 10 South Africans pitch their tents as if it is common practice. “Wies bang?’ (who is afraid?) as we would say back home.
With only 4 days in Jerusalem, we get an early opportunity to test all our gear, but more importantly get to see who in the team are early risers, night owls, light sleepers, energy bunnies, lone rangers, neat freaks, pop idols, shopaholics, funny guys, busy bees and chillers. We are also picking up on personal habits, famous sayings and how one another reacts. So it is safe to say we are one big happy family.
Jerusalem was the perfect setting for us as a team to draw closer to God and listen to His voice. Each team member is very focussed on their personal journey with God this year, but what stands out from our team is how considerate, mindful and respectful we are towards one another and our personal journeys. We Gel very well as a team and from the start each portfolio (travel, food, finance and communication) are running full steam ahead with their responsibilities. No team would be possible if it wasn’t for the Cappie and her support leaders.
Our Team Vision; “To know God the Father and Jesus the Son through serving and loving everywhere we go and by making Christ preeminent in our lives”, will be our daily focus in everything we do.
In Jerusalem we learn about Jewish and Arabic people, visit the Wailing Wall, visit Holy Churches, have lunch in random Palestine home, go to Garden of Gethsemane and take a trip to Sea of Galilea. We also spent time at a prayer centre, where we could reflect, journal, note and spend some time with the Lord without any distractions.
Jerusalem is very expensive, yet society makes a living without being affected too much. Although we do not have a host or specific ministry point for our team here, we most definitely made use of any opportunity to plant some Godly seeds to grow in future. We had our fun and praised and worshipped in Afrikaans while dancing one evening at the Wailing Wall.
For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
~Nelson Mandela~
Blessings from me for now…
Stian Veldman