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 have to make up for lost time and just paint the picture before our actual journey started on 3 March.
So in a nutshell, her it goes… On 11 January 2016 I found myself on the airport waiting for a flight down to Jeffrey’s Bay with only one big back pack and day bag with all my goodies for the year. In Jeffrey’s Bay I would meet the rest of the Explore Africa Team, also the support staff from Global Challenge and fellow students from other Expeditions called Northbound and Hidden Worlds. For the next 7 weeks we would all undergo extensive training to prepare us for what is about to be a journey of a life time.
So the first thig that came to mind was, what possible could they keep us busy with for 7 weeks, but believe me, it was 7 weeks of much needed physical, emotional, spiritual and practical training getting us all prepared to make the most of our expeditions. As they say; “fail to plan and plan to fail”.
Here are a couple of key highlights of our 7 weeks of training:
- Listened to testimonies from previous Global Challengers, why they did it, how they experienced it, how God made an impact in their lives and all the cool and interesting facts of their travels around the world.
- Did an actual Survivor Challenge (as on TV), where you quickly get taken out of your comfort zone of having comfortable bed, food, bathroom and clean clothes. Learnt basic survival tips, but also testing if you are prepared to go outside of your comfort zone.
- Completed a building project at Global Leadership Academy. We had to build a road at the reception as a team, within a deadline. Teaching us how to function as a team and listen to instructions. And also the physical element of building as well.
- Went on outreach program to Transkei, serving a host at his ministry by helping with various things such as building a fence, painting walls, playing with children, house visits praying for people and sharing testimonies at church to the locals.
- Did a Luke 10 Challenge, read Luke 10:1-12 to understand the context. Briefly, had to travel from Transkei to Jeffrey’s Bay, with no money, shoes, transport, clothes, cellphone and the rules go on. Moral of the story is lay down everything to God, listen to Him, follow his voice and see how He provides, and he did. (Be sure to ask me about this when you see me in person)
- More teachings from other pastors and insightful lessons and testimonies.
- Finalising team, route, admin, portfolio, equipment and budget training.
So I am sure you will agree that the training week was very comprehensive, covering all elements of what we could encounter this year.
Biggest teachings for myself was to be flexible, not to be in control, allow God to be always in charge and with every decision, and most definitely to have a relationship with God, be a servant leader and not be selfish in your life.
This should cover most of what we did and give a good background to our time in South Africa. The next communication from me, will be of our first country we visited.
Please remember there are many ways to follow my journey this year.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Personal Facebook: Stian Veldman
Team Facebook: Explore Africa 2016
Whats App: +27 83 842 0395
Feel free to send me a message any time through these channels. And if you need someone to pray for you or a loved one, please knock on my door.
Blessings
Stian Veldman