Participant Blogs

“Karibu sana! Mzuri?!” , is the welcome-phrase in every Swahili home. And this phrase is valid across every Swahili culture; The Maasai, Arab-Swahili, native Swahili and even the mzungus (white men) staying in Swahili culture… Our time with the Du Plooy family is one to remember as God-ordained. Father planned this meeting, not only seeing that our immediate need of a western house is met, but also seeing what this meeting would cause for future partnerships. What a haven in Nairobi! Despite ructions and tensions in the Maasai community we visited, we were welcomed into a Maasai traditional home. We...

"Someone asked will the heathen who have never heard the Gospel be saved?" "Its more a question with me whether we -- who have the Gospel and fail to give it  to those who have not -- can be saved." Charles Spurgeon   If there is something I can take out of our Africa journey, it would be Gods heart regarding the great commission. The whole of heavens army and all the witnesses are eagerly awaiting on the completion of our mission. The whole time here it felt as if we were being cheered on to complete the race,walking in...

 Cairo  -  (1 March - 4 March)   The following happend on the 27th of November 979:   Muslims invaded a part of Egypt and wanted to drive out the christian people that lived in that area.  They threatened them and challenged them on what the bible says about mountains being moved by faith (in their eyes it was impossible, and they wanted to mock the christians).   The Imam then said that he will only let the christians stay, if this mountain (referring to Moqattam hill) is lifted up so high that he could see the sun underneath the...

Where to even start?! The past couple of weeks have been  filled with my favorite moments of Brazil. Not only has there been a lot of fun involved in this experience of discovering a new place, people, and culture, but  I have seen God move in my heart and in the hearts of those around me in our time here in Ubatuba.

Leadership gets defined when you are thrown into the back of an airplane wondering if all the team members are on board. Or when, a supposedly agreed upon, 5 minute per person shower, turns into a self proclaimed 10 minute spa treatment with 6 other people waiting for their turn with a "what are you going to do about this" expressions on their faces. Or even that moment when someone tries to convince the guys that lentils have the same amount of protein as a steak. And all this before breakfast. Our team is neatly divided into 5 smaller teams....

   What a great time I had in Wellington when a few of us Global challengers joined up with Stormco for ministry. Stormco is a New Zealand based ministry for young teens. Stormco is an acronym for Service To Others Really Matters and that's exactly what we did in the week. For the duration of the week we run a kids club in the mornings with the theme Avalanche Ranch, Wah Hoo! Many kids from the community attended the club and we had great fun with them. During the afternoons we would go out into the community and serve them by...

Jambo Mzungo (hello white man)   What an experience we have had in Kenya and Tanzania! Getting around in these parts of the world has been very exciting! One can go either by foot / boda (motorcycle) / matatu (minivan) / shuttle (bus) and the price is ALWAYS negotiable!!!! Once you are in your preferred budget-allowed mode of transport it gets very entertaining with all the people that you meet as well as the incredibly loud music and neon green blue and purple lights that comes as part of the package!! When going on a long 10hour bus ride you...

  (This article has valuable insights on thinking about money in general but also has a number of specific references to those who are privileged to work for an NGO/Church/Missions organisation and need to raise monthly support.) As a missionary or volunteer one of the thorniest issues usually represents itself in the question of personal income. Where will I live and what will I eat? The idea of asking other people for money can come across odd, and granted, can be very tricky and sensitive. Some think it is difficult to raise support- and yes, it can have its challenges....