Participant Blogs

Global Challenge Missions Blog Archive: These are real blogs, from real people, bringing real change...

Saturday, 28 February 2015

Beauty for ashes♡

Michelle Matthews

So, I woke up in my own bed this morning after 7 weeks of sleeping in unfamiliar places with people I hardly know. Now I can say that I have 35 new homes built in my heart. On Thursday night we were commisioned, and man, what a long journey to FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!! Talking about homes. Time to be honest about the one I'm living in. The one you can't see with your eyes. The one you feel with your heart. For quite a long time, I was disobedient and didn't want to leave behind the familiar, to experience...

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Being found in Him adventure beauty alive Being a sheep amazed be who you are where you are adventure awaits angel 2015

Michelle Matthews

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Monday, 02 March 2015

The Glorious Riches of His Love

Colleen Crottie

I love Ephesians 3:17-18: "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." Being ROOTED and ESTABLISHED in love. That is so cool to think about. I spent most of my life believing I was not worth being alive. Having felt so much rejection from a mother who chose addiction over her children, a lie was planted in my core. Even after I had been placed in a loving foster family, the devil...

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Being found in Him alive amazed adventure awaits All for love 2015

Colleen Crottie

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Sunday, 01 December 2013

Concrete Heart Turned MuShY

Charne Vorster

The last couple of days spent with good, old friends, speaking about all the great things Dad has done this year in my own life and heart revealed so much more than I could have anticipated. While listening to Jani speak about how we were called to LOVE, God played "connect the dots"... I was reminded of our Luke 10 in Ecuador, getting a lift from a man. While praying for him, I remember experiencing such a great and overwhelming love for this complete stranger that when he had to leave I just wanted to hug him and felt like...

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Distant Worlds Love spirit concrete heart new defence walls Jesus transformed Message feel alive dead DW

Charne Vorster

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Tuesday, 19 July 2016

Shika Yesu - "Hold on to Jesus"

Lelani van Zyl

We leave something of ourselves behind when we leave a place. We stay there even though we go away, and there are things in us that we can find again only by going back there. Kenya is such a place. It is truly like Narnia. There is something beautiful about Kenya that is thousands of years old. Too old to be truly captured by poems and songs. Loved by everyone, loved so very deeply. Kenya is everything real in a world of make believe. But even though I left some part of me behind, I also found...

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Thank You Travel Africa Restoration New experiences Be blessed life like no other grace pray Jesus sets free Gospel of peace and grace love life Ministry For His Glory loving all around Being found in Him adventure To live is Christ Fruitful Sunsets transformed alive Running The Race Serving Servant leaders Story strength blessed Unity Small things Global Challenge Expedition Love wins All for love worship trust Called by Name Gods heart Jabulani Freedom Winning children of the light Preparing the ground Summer Value Child like faith surrendered What a privilege! laying me down Explore Africa 2016 Pilgrimage Love can cross borders Promised land In awe! Love Does God was good Content Happy Royals self must fall New meaning living in the light Hunger for the Lord Kenya Massaai Mara

Lelani van Zyl

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Monday, 13 June 2016

Dear Ethiopia...

Lelani van Zyl

When I first laid my eyes on you and the rolling hills you sat upon. I thought what amazing luck I have that God had created such beautiful things and gave me the eyes to see them. I am forever changed by your existence. You are a place filled with so many stories and I feel so privileged to share some of these stories with you. I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything. Suddenly you are five years old again....

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Thank You Travel Africa Be blessed God provides Trust in God identity in Christ Gospel of peace and grace Family Ministry For His Glory adventure Gods love Citizen of the Kingdom beauty Giving alive Challenge accepted Faithfullness Expectant Father heart of God amazed GodsAwesome Filled Captivated Love wins All for love Argentina hope Addiction Child like faith 2016 humilty Explore Afric 2016 Glory to God Love can cross borders Mercy God is good love can break walls In peace! AmazingGrace God was good Called to the nations What a Privelege Content Hisloveneverfails New meaning Ethiopia Adidis Ababa Harar Dire Dawa Awasa Muyale

Lelani van Zyl

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Saturday, 21 March 2015

The Zeal of The Lord is upon Zanzibar

Michelle Matthews

With a heart wild with expectancy, and eyes filled with wonder, I arrived at OR Tambo on the 4th of March. What to expect? I didn't know. All I knew is that I am about to embark on the journey of a lifetime, to live a life like no other. And all this, with Jesus as my compass and anchor. We boarded flight 202 headed to Dar es Salaam, and you could smell the excitement in the air. Our flight only jetted off at 23:20, and I soon found out that a dinner tray can also be used as a...

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Africa Awesome Being found in Him adventure alive angel All for love 2015

Michelle Matthews

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Monday, 16 May 2016

Guard your heart

Lelani van Zyl

Why do we make life so complicated? Why do we so easily make mountains out of mere ant hills? It is not supposed to be this difficult and I dare say it is rather tiring to worry about everything all the time. My stay in Egypt these past two weeks has been a time of growth and transformation. Firstly I would like to mention that all the pictures I have seen, all the history that I have read and heard throughout my years of study about this wonderful place, I could have never imagined it to be so...

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Lelani van Zyl

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Tuesday, 12 May 2015

Jesus is in Jerusalem*

Géneke du Plessis

Israel, the promised land, the country where Jesus walked, the place where God revealed so much of His character to us through the Israeli nation. Visiting this special place is an experience that can hardly be captured or described in mere words or pictures. It is seeing a piece of living history, a walk through the gospels. From Bethlehem where Jesus was born to Capernaum next to the sea of Galilea where Jesus ministered to Jerusalem, the city that Jesus loved. How strange and heartbreaking to see the same historic events being viewed so differently through the glasses of different...

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Northbound Jesus alive 2015 Israel Jerusalem Garden Tomb children of the light

Geneke Du Plessis

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Saturday, 21 May 2016

Every time we need You, we are met by love.

Danielle Botha

We have joy and peace because we know there is a reason and a good ending. The ending is already written down.. That there is no ending. Of this small life, yes, but of my soul no. So the reason people are unhappy is because they feel their stories are boring, they make no difference in the world, their future is unsure, fear of death. All of these things are fears. Perfect love casts out these fears, because perfect love had the grace upon us to open our eyes to see the big picture. It casts out fear because it...

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alive amazed adventure awaits Addiction All day long all or nothing

Danielle Botha

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Friday, 01 April 2016

More than just a name...

Lelani van Zyl

Names are not always what they seem. For most of us it means identity and belonging. The identity that names give speak of description, which in most cases leave the negativity of prejudice and pride behind and also often leads us to form a stereotype. During my stay in Macedonia I was introduced with the thought that people and places are more than just a name. Macedonia for instance, may be known for it's rich history and important people, but for me Macedonia is like a good find in an antique store...timeless and...

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Lelani van Zyl

1307 Hits

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Friday, 15 April 2016

His love has won me forever

Lelani van Zyl

I do not think there are many words to express the beauty and magnificence of Morocco, nor can it be fully explained to someone who has not seen or experienced it for themselves. I do however believe words have a lot of power when it is used in the right way. Words can change even the smallest perspective and I believe we are the ones who can say them. I will attempt to give you but a glimpse of what I experienced here, not only of God's love for us but His adoration for the people who have not...

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Lelani van Zyl

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Saturday, 20 February 2016

What do you mean it's not about me?

Jeanette Snyders

Wait! What? This is not about me? So I am selfish. Done. That's it. What else is left to say? Listen to this sentence - it tells you values that Global Challenge decided on. We share the Good news to a world in need. Guess what I concentrated on. Yup, good guess! The 'we'-part. Luckily I can promise you this: God will reveal unto you if in anything you are otherwise (than what He wants) minded (Phil 3:15). Because He is faithful to His word, He came to show me how absolutely selfish I am. I started realizing how...

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Jay Snyders

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Saturday, 24 October 2015

Luke10

Chris van Deventer

So this is the account of our Luke10 faith journey. This story starts with two guys setting out on an adventure. Jesus sent out his disciples two by two into towns to prepare the way for the kingdom. We prayed and felt God said we should travel through Argentina to the city of Asuncion in Paraguay. I asked God to show me His love on this Luke 10...He did. Day 1 - Wednesday 14 Oct On a bus from Chile to Argentina at 05:00 We traveled over the Andes mountains at 4200m above sea level Andes mountains are amazing...snow capped...

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Faith adventure alive Faithfullness amazed adventure awaits Argentina 2015

Chris van Deventer

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Tuesday, 29 March 2016

Beauty for ashes

Jeanette Snyders

You never know what you can live without until you have to carry everything in one bag on your back -JS This week has been the craziest and probably most frustrating time of my entire life, we didn't get our Macedonia visas and had to come to Israel earlier. I have never felt the need to make notes of what happens to me until I experienced this week and knew I had to tell you guys all about it. I am currently sitting in my tent and decided I HAVE to write. Everything I am using now fits into my...

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Travel Jesus sets free joy Creator Amazon First Love For His Glory Next step global challenge Gods love Pursuit Kingdom of Darkness Relationship Halfway Fruitful Amazon River spirit alive prayer scream Colourful Father heart of God amazed jordan Favour Revival Crossroads Dance Redeemer All for love timing Jabulani Freedom Winning Jerusalem Leadership Camp Macedonia Child like faith 2016 All day long

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Saturday, 02 August 2014

Tasmania!

Andre Pacheco

2 months of Australia, 1 of Tasmania! Half of the team is here on the island, doing volunteer work at farms and houses, the other half is at sheep farms, raising founds for the rest if the year and maybe an extra country! (Muller still with us in Spirit) There's time for going out on the streets, and time for working, "embrace the season you're in" or you'll never live fully.. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭4-5‬ NIV)

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alive 2014 Work Your Way 2014 All for love AussieOi HatesinLivesinners

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Sunday, 01 May 2016

The thirstry

Gillori van der Linde

Our first few days in Turkey was resting and exploring with our hostel being right behind the Hagia Sophia museum. We had no ministry point here so we were trusting God to open new doors for us. So between just trying to process Israel and trying to soak up Istanbul, we took it pretty slow, praying on where we should go and what we should do. Our only other mission was to apply for our Macedonia visas, which we prayed about a lot. But God is good and the application process went super smooth, something that is impossible according to...

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Go alive Turkey 2016 Northbound! What a Privelege

Gillori van der Linde

1082 Hits

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Tuesday, 22 April 2014

"Have you GOT IT?"

Tiaan Folscher

1”Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! 2Sing to the LORD; praise His name. Each day proclaim the Good News that He saves. 3Publish His glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things He does.” Ps 96: 1-3 (NLT) Since our Hidden World team left SA in March, I am constantly aware of how privileged I am to do what I do, have what I have and go where I go. To think, it is all by His boundless grace over my life. I did not earn it. I...

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grace alive Hidden World 2014 Savior Favour

Tiaan Folscher

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Sunday, 01 November 2015

Lastly Paraguay

Chris van Deventer

So this is the last country of our journey. In a sense the last stretch home. We have experienced a lot up until now and it is with mixed emotions we approach the finish line. Some of us are sad that our travels are coming to an end mixed with excitement of seeing our homeland again. Some of us are excited at the prospect of wearing new outfits. And then there are those who are excited about the full farmhouse breakfast awaiting us in Johannesburg...eggs sunny side up, no toast, lots of bacon, and a good cup of coffee. Paraguay...

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alive adventure awaits 2015

Chris van Deventer

1048 Hits

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Sunday, 30 August 2015

Vulnerable in Colombia

Chris van Deventer

Im busy reading this book on vulnerability and shame. Apparently shame does not like it when we talk about it and this is where vulnerability comes in. Its to open up a part of yourself that may be assaulted or hurt by others. So its about the courage to open up. To step into the arena and fight the fight with others who are courages enough. And people who are not in the arena don't have a say or should not influence the way you think about yourself. Your worthiness is in your courage to step out in faith...

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Andes Mountains alive be who you are where you are 2015

Chris van Deventer

1031 Hits

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Thursday, 14 May 2015

God's way is above ours !

Nicolas Ehrismann

Hello everyone ! This couple of weeks, I could experiment deeply what was the meaning of the verse 8 from the chapter 55 in the book of Isaiah: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Everything started at the border of Suriname. Pastor Deo brought us al the way from Timehri to the Surinamese border with a Bus. So we all went out of the bus and had to hurry to embark in the ferry. We went for the check of our passport, everything was fine for everyone EXCEPT for me...

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Be blessed adventure alive Being a sheep 2015

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Wednesday, 28 May 2014

We are going to China?!

Annique Schourie

China We assume that everything in China is more or less what we imagine it to be, but I guarantee that China is different from the way most people are picturing it. The moment when I think of China I start to think of all the negative things the world has spoken over this incredibly big nation. When you hear China and 1.2 billion people in one sentence, I immediately put on my straight face in disbelief. Our team had the privilege to spend 2 weeks together in Xiahe. We had to take 2 connecting flights of 2 hours each,...

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Sunday, 06 March 2016

Lights will guide you home...

Lelani van Zyl

"Lights will guide you home and ignite your bones." Words that kept playing over and over again in my mind as the lights of all the cities of Africa came alive to guide us to a place that feels like home. I finally understand why they say "Your home is where your heart is." Israel...A place where Jesus' presence screams : 'HERE I AM , COME FIND ME!" And boy did I find Him. Oh Israel, how I've longed to walk the streets of your ancient cities and gaze upon their splendor and beauty. How glorious the...

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Africa adventure alive Ancient Paths adventure awaits All for love Addiction 2016

Lelani van Zyl

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Thursday, 31 March 2016

I am a person.

Elske Reynecke

"You can only love Me with the amount you love yourself." When I heard that I felt like I should have gotten up and ran as fast as I could. Run until my legs couldn't carry me anymore. I couldn't though. It was as if something had glued me to the cold cement floor. "You can only love Me with the amount you love yourself." Lord. I don't even acknowledge myself as a person? How do I love myself??? "You are allowed to love Me, love me with unconditional LOVE, and feel good about it." What is unconditional love?...

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Trust in God alive Redeemer timing Rivers Northbound 2016 Open eyes open heart

Elske Reyneke

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Friday, 29 April 2016

Something delightful

Calvin Fourie

Going to Turkey was different for many of us. Some enjoyed not knowing where to go, what to do or what God has planned for us there. We only knew that He wants us to serve but the question was who first. The first guess was the refugees. Makes sense…they need help… we are here to serve… so we aimed for them, but it was like shooting a moving target in the dark. We heard so many rumours about where they are or should be but arriving only to see a lack of people to serve… Praying to God for...

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God is amazing God provides For His Glory Gods love beauty alive amazed global family Global Challenge Expedition Gods heart 2016 Northbound! God is good AmazingGrace Called to the nations

Calvin Fourie

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Wednesday, 23 March 2016

Faking it for Jesus

Jeanette Snyders

What? How does that work? It does, if you're a sinner. I am a very honest person and I want you to fully understand my journey, so yeah, sometimes you're going to think I am an absolute fool. Great! Please think that, because my friend, that's exactly how gross and sinful and foolish I am, without God. Great thing that God doesn't leave us in our sins. Thank God He doesn't. Now of course, you want the juice (news) of what I have done. I thought that I had the right to want. I started to want the things other...

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Thursday, 03 March 2016

This is adventure

Elske Reynecke

3:00am the alarm went off. Lord what is happening?? 2 hours of sleep and emotions bigger than the 20kg bag of luggage. I'm scared? Lord, this is taking a blind step of faith.. This is leaving my family behind. This is stepping into the unknown. This is frightening.. This is EXCITING!! Predestined for greatness. This is just the beginning! My heart bursts with excitement, not even my tiredness can hold it back. This is madness! Reality is too real for the moment. Should I pinch myself? 8 months of faith building. 8 months of seeking God. 8 months of discovering...

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Travel Faith To live is Christ alive Child like faith 2016 Northbound!

Elske Reyneke

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Friday, 26 February 2016

Become the prayer

Valerie Joy Dilger

6 Weeks ago I arrived at training as a volunteer. Ready to serve the students with everything I have. Little did I know I would be climbing on a plane in a few weeks leading the Hidden world 2016 team for 11 months through more than 16 countries in the middle east, central and south america on the transforming adventure of a life time. So how did this all happen? In Red moon rising by Pete Greig he writes, Prayer is not primarily about changing things somewhere out there. It is first and foremost about changing something...

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alive adventure awaits

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Wednesday, 02 March 2016

Pledged to God

Elske Reynecke

Predestined for greatness? Who? Me? Ha-ha God.. Nice one. Oh! You're serious?? I still remember how my heart pounded in my chest the first day of training. January 11th. How scared I was. New faces. New people, and still the same old me. Who are you God? Who are you? As training progressed I remember feeling even more foggy. Even more useless. Who am I God??? Who am I????? Training was supposed to be a waist of time, or so I thought. But in the middle of the madness I found how broken I really was. This is me...

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identity in Christ alive change laying me down

Elske Reyneke

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Saturday, 15 August 2015

Jesus will help us...

Chris van Deventer

I'm being reinvented. Trying new things. Beliefs are broken. New ones are being formed. It's not an easy process. The values Jesus taught are treasures. They bring life. They bring meaning to a world in need. They make our world a better place. The values will change humanity and the way we are living. Feed the hungry. Clothe the naked. Love your neighbor. Take care of the widows. Honor your parents. Don't kill someone. Don't take stuff that don't belong to you. Treat others the way you want to be treated. And then in the end...do this all out of...

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alive be who you are where you are adventure awaits 2015

Chris van Deventer

882 Hits

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Thursday, 21 April 2016

When things are good... so is God

Jeanette Snyders

Ha! Got you to open my blog. While your here you might as well read a bit furher. The Hidden World team has been in Israel for 29 days. It's been fun, rough, tough and blessed. We are leaving tomorrow to the airport, sleeping there and leaving early Saturday morning to Russia. We went across the whole of Israel. We've been north, east, south and west. We were at the Sea of Galilee, Red Sea and Dead Sea a d Mediterranean Sea. We walked, took busses, taxis and hitchiked to places. We bought food, got food given to us and...

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adventure alive amazed angel 2016 All day long AmazingGrace

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