Activities for Nathan and YFC-Knysna

Youth Alpha...
(an explanation from their website) 

"Youth Alpha is an evangelistic course that is being used by groups all around the world to help young people meet Jesus. Over 8, 9 or 10 weeks the course looks at topics from ‘Who is Jesus?’ and ‘Why did Jesus die?’ to ‘How & why should I read the Bible?’."

"It’s a more informal version of the Alpha course using the same teaching content but adapted in a way to better engage with teenagers. The course normally runs over ten weeks, plus a weekend or day away in the middle. Youth Alpha shares the same important elements as any Alpha course - food, worship, a talk, and small groups (except with a lot more fun and many more games!)."  Click on this link to see video http://vimeo.com/9854066 

Gathered from 5 churches in Knysna (August 18/19), a weekend of training by Nathan and Julie Murray (Int'l volunteer) prepared facilitators to share Jesus

GRADE 5 Assessment testing...

Intense day for grade 5 learners of 2 schools and Nathan as he facilitated the process over 2 days.

Starting with Numeracy test 45 minutes of writing then 20 minutes break and 45 minutes writing, then 20 minute break, then Literacy of 45 minutes written exam followed by 20 minutes break with a final 45 minutes of written exams.

Buyela...

Buyela! is a performing arts national ministry team of Youth for Christ South Africa.








Buyela! as a Zulu word, simply means “Return” and embodies YfCSA’s vision and focus as their drama's and dance encourage restoration of families and relationships through the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus Christ.  

Residing at our house while ministering in Knysna for 10 days was an adventure on it's own, as the first night with Nathan the geiser/water heater exploded all over the lower floor of the house and the water had to be shut off for a day! (Thankfully our awesome landlord was quick to get it replaced the next day - Go Mike!!)  

They were kept busy in Knysna as they visited Sinethemba, went to 2 soup kitchens, did an Assembly at Knysna Christian School, Visited 3 churches, performed & served at the Youth Alpha kick-off rally and had meals out at various homes (thanks to Ruben, Shaheida, Lois Gardener and many other friends of YFC Knysna).

Tragedy in Knysna

(The following email arrived at my in-box on Wednesday morning)

Good morning staff,

Our town was shocked this morning with a tragic bus accident whereby a number of school kids have been killed and/or drowned.

The accident happened just outside of Knysna in the early morning whereby a school bus transporting kids to Rheedendal (a settlement outside of town) left the road and crashed into a river.

The number of children killed not known yet (I don't want to speculate as

there is a lot of rumours doing the round and divers are still searching for

bodies)

All aid organisations are involved on many terrains and we have cancelled

all our schedules for the next few days to assist with counselling,

briefing, debriefing etc.

Please keep the family members who have given their young ones a 'good-buy'

kiss this morning and will never see them again in your prayers.  Also our

staff, volunteers and TEAM BUYELA  as they will be ministering to many broken families, friends and teachers the next few days.

(The next day was the following email)

It was a sad day yesterday to see so many traumatised parents, family and friends of the children rushed to the scene and hospital in search of their relatives.

Sobbing parents and family members were comforted by many pastors, social- and other aid workers and various bystanders as the news of deaths of the children were received.

Some of our Youth for Christ and Options staff and volunteers were debriefed this morning as they had to assist yesterday at the mortuary where families had to identify their precious lost children.

YFC staff and volunteers are back at the Rheenendal School and Community centre today to assist with the many other aid organisations comforting the grieved and shocked learners, their teachers and the families.

Many have asked how they could contribute.

We have opened our doors as a drop-off point for any aid (especially food) anyone want to donate.  Financial contributions could also be made into the YFC account.

Account details:

Jeug vir Christus

FNB

Account number 62291040641

Branch code 210214

Reference: "bus" (please add your email or cell number should you want a receipt)

Please keep on praying for the broken-hearted victims as counselling and caring for the friends and family will continue in the next days and weeks to come.

Youth Alpha Rally

Friday the 26th was the big day to rally excitement in students about "Youth Alpha"  following an emotionally exhausting 2 days of ministering to the students and families affected by the bus accident.  God provided energy to continue with the planned rally at the Vineyard Church.

by 6pm the tables were set

 and 30 staff ready for a fun-filled evening with youth from all over town. 

Buyela performed 2 dances in between video clips, Nathan's jokes, and giving away of awesome prizes (acquired by pounding the pavement and knocking of multiple business manager doors).  

Taking advantage of a teachable moment when supper was late, Nathan taught on God's faithfulness... the kids all shouted in praise as the 30 hot pizza arrived!

With a goal of 40 students to sign up for the Youth Alpha studies, 70 of the 90 in attendance committed to attend at their churches... God is on the move in the youth of Knysna and He won't be stopped.

YFC-Spokane Middle School Camp

While Nathan and YFC-Knysna were busy with all of the above, Julianna was hanging out... no let's re-word that... she was working very hard as "Work Crew Boss" at YFC-Spokane Middle School Camp.


The setting - Camp Tshimakain (Union Gospel Mission Camp on the Spokane River just past the Long Lake Dam)

My awesome crew of high schoolers... first night ready to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice.  Little did they know that the coming week was going to feel like they were being burned/used up on the altar till there was nothing left to give!

 Praying for their (the middle schooler's) ears to be sensitive to what God wants to tell them we were able to attend chapel every night with the middle high students. 

Tables set the last night for a lovely dinner to be served (rather than cafeteria style) at each table by the crew.  Entertainment was provided, followed by an emotion filled drama that the crew performed at Chapel... (the youtube link will be provided as soon as it is uploaded.)

A presentation of a certificate to the camper with the most pleasant manners... 

I can only give God the praise for the work He did in and through these beautiful High School students... they gave fully of themselves, and allowed Him to do a work in them.  He will be faithful to complete what He started this summer!!  Words cannot express my gratitude for the opportunity to speak His words of truth and love as I served with them!  

Family together

All together in one place for 2 hours... a miracle!

Parent's, daughters and grand daughters all in one place at the same time.




Great Grandpa (my dad) waiting for the kids to arrive... resting in the arms of Cassie's present










9 weeks... can't believe she is growing soooo fast!















Auntie Ciara is their favorite!!

















Take the picture quick... Ella's not going to sit still!










Angelo making sure Cassie is in good hands... Great Auntie Debbie and cousin Jenny Lynn






Finally has the bear to herself!!

Sunset Drive

Wanted to send Nathan a bunch of pictures... thought I would share them with all of you! We drove through the Palouse 3 years ago after our honeymoon. The wheat fields were white and ready for harvest then. One place I didn't get to show him was Steptoe Butte. This is in honor of my hubby... whom I love and miss... wishing you were here to enjoy this with me!!































































Barnabas is allowed in state parks here... looks like America isn't all that bad
;-)

Happenings with Nathan

After a couple days recuperation from the Malawi trip (and several loads of laundry later), Nathan has been busy with YFC Youth Alpha, first by attending leader training, and then hitting the pavement securing churches to host courses and finding funding for the churches that need support. To date he has 4 churches and found individuals to sow into God's work by covering costs for 3 of them (One church is self supporting).

Julie Murray from the UK has arrived, and Nathan has also been busy finding opportunities for her to minister. They checked out an orphanage (operated by Germans) in The Craggs to discuss the possibility of the German girls coming next month serving occasionally. Julie jumped right in and helped serve juice and bread to the hungry Friday Kid's Club crowd!

Mondays Julie will be spending the morning at Sinethemba working with the teen 'at-risk' girls.
This week she enjoyed morning devotions and assisted with card making.

Her comment... "they might be broken but they are really lovely."

Fun-filled July

July has been full of fun...

Enjoyed 4th of July with my sister Debbie... all our kids were doing their own thing. Just 4 days later celebrated my mom's birthday.

I am just having a blast with my children and grand daughters... This week Ciara and I caught up with Tiffany and Ella at Discovery Playground (I am jealous that there wasn't such a place when my kids were little!)

And Tiffany invited me to lunch with Kirsten 

and 

baby Cassandra... 

 who slept!

Furlough Retreat

"Imagine being invited to come as our guest to a resort for a weekend of pampering! Couple that with the opportunity to meet 100 other women serving... (in overseas ministry). Add in fellowship..., being encouraged through the teaching of the Word, and relating to new friends in small groups. Then, imagine enjoying your afternoon doing activities that relax and refuel you. Get your hair cut or a pedicure done by a staff of volunteers that have come to the retreat just to serve you. Round out the day with an evening filled with laughter and time to connect with more new friends."

This was my experience at an all expense paid retreat for missionary women on furlough. Women Of The Harvest organizes 3 retreats and all sponsors every year to encourage North American women missionaries all over the world - 2 of those retreats are overseas, one is for those home in America.

Located at the end of the "Garden Of The God's" (my most favorite place to commune with the Lord), the retreat was held at Glen Eyrie (Retreat Center and home of The Navigators). Glen Eyrie was built in 1904 by war hero and railroad tycoon General William Palmer. General Palmer also started the Denver Rio Grande Railroad and founded Colorado Springs. Glen Eyrie is a 67 room English Tudor-style castle with 24 fireplaces.

The castle had many advances such as a primitive intercom system, and a chimney system that would hold the smoke until the wind was blowing in the right direction to take the smoke out of the valley.

A fashion show of the free outfits we were given

A game to reveal how much we have in common

Every day tables were filled with gifts to take home

Women Of The Harvest... a ministry dedicated to serving and encouraging women in cross-cultural service. Whether adjusting to a new culture, learning a foreign language, trying to raise a family and do ministry, or just wondering when the loneliness will go away, here to provide the resources that you need.

They live up to their mission and vision... What a blessing!!