ADVENTURE CAMP...

Last Friday 12 young men from Marlow (boys school in the karoo) came for a weekend of adventure and experience with God.


Nathan challenged the boys to look for something special from God while he prepared a baie lekker (very nice) wors braai (sausage bbq) and I played "tour guide" at the Knysna Heads. God never lets us down... we spotted my first Southern Right Wale of the season.

"...with God you see miracles happen!" (comment from one boy)



After the braai and some games of pool, the boys settled in for a testimony of Pier Spies, a South Africa Rugby hero who experienced varied life challenges (divorced parents, sister pregnant before marriage, father's death, broken arm before an important game, etc.) and kept a positive attitude with God at the center of his life.

"God showed me not to lose hope in difficult times, He will help us thru these times as there is something better on the other side!" (comment from one boy)

Saturday... the whole neighborhood was up early to the sound of barking dogs as Nathan roused the boys from sleep to a quick run around the block at 6:30! Poor Barnabas got a fright and ran home to wait at the gate!



After breakfast, a devotion about our "Back Pack" gave the boys opportunity to reflect on the stuff they carry around and how it shapes their lives.









On the road by 8:30, the adventure continued at Ingwe with an intense obstacle course that required perseverance and teamwork, it was impossible to complete without the help of the others.

The afternoon ending with time on the beach to cast the burdens from their 'back pack' to the Lord (in the sea).

"In a short period of time we saw dolphins and whales... The hike on the beach was baie lekker!" (comment from another boy)











Sunday was another early morning with a devotion about God's heart of a Father, then it was off to 'ab-sailing' (repelling) down a cliff at Wilderness. Another new experience for most of them. After climbing to the top, one changed his mind because "you look like ants down there!"


"I learned that God is with me - in good and bad times!" (another boy's comment on the weekend experience)

WHERE DID MY DAD & MOM GO...



Barnabas spent 10 days with friends (Thanks Steve, Lynn and family!) while Nathan and I spent 21 hours (on a bus) each way to get to Hluhluwe KZN South Africa for a week with Pieter and Elize Van Deventer to 'restore the foundations' of our lives at their "Healing House".




"Restoring The Foundations" ministry experience examines four problem areas that we all experience. Going through the ministry experience, God revealed patterns and 'cause and effect' relationships, with the buttons that we pushed as we related to each other. Issues were uncovered that shed light on, and helped us make sense of our relationship challenges. While the approach is systematic and thorough, God is tender and loving in revealing and healing our hurt. Foundational truths were applied to each problem area and system- atically addressed the spiritual root causes as God graciously prepared our hearts and minds to receive his love. Godly beliefs were formed to replace the ungodly beliefs as our true identity in Christ was revealed.

Our deepest gratitude goes to the leadership of our church, who provided this week of inner healing and restoration. We believe the Lord will bless you for sending us for this ministry! THANK YOU!!!

One of the unexpected blessings was a trip in our time off to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve... to relax and enjoy God's creation!















God's grand finale was the blessing of watching the first 10 of a herd of 50 elephants cross the road right in front of us!



Stopping off for an extra night in Durban, a visit to the U-shaka Sea World provided Nathan with the opportunity to flirt with a grouper before traveling home to Barnabas!

"Road2Africa"...

The 2010 project of Athletes In Action Holland sent over 35 teams into Africa this winter (summer in northern hemisphere). Most of those teams ministered in South Africa due to the world's attention on the World Cup Soccer. Words cannot express how much joy we experienced hosting one of those teams!
Please check the fantastic work of AIA Holland at
http://www.aia-holland.com/about-aia/

With a week full of ministry and fellowship the internet was always in use, so bear with me as we recap the impact these Godly young men had in our lives and the Knysna community



MONDAY...

arrival, unpack and prepare







TUESDAY...

Up early and play football (soccer) at the prison, great conversations took place on the sidelines with those that didn't play, then a time of worship, skit and prayer resulting in 10 1st time commitments to Christ! As a soccer ball was presented to Mr Arries (Head of Prison) and Andrew Nortje (Warden),
they commented on this as a very special treat for inmates rarely get to participate in sports.




Off to Knysna High School for CIA after a quick lunch.



With awesome worship to prepare the hearts of the students,







A skit illustrating the power of sin in our lives, and a testimony of the freedom Christ brings spoke volumes!
















Finish CIA...





Off to Knysna Sr Secondary School...

for "After School Sports Program". Using 4 stations; Students rotated between footwork skills, header skills, soccer game, and Gospel presentation with bead bracelet. After receiv- ing a bracelet each student practiced sharing the Gospel with each other.










WED...

Sports ministry training for YFC staff, and then to "The Rock" by inv- tation of Richard Meyer to share a skit.




THURS...
Go shopping for a sports bag to give away filled with sports ministry equipment (soccer balls, cones, team jerseys, ministry manuals, etc.)


Team spends time at Sinethemba for Devotions and a soccer game with "children at risk" (commonly called 'street children').





While the team played soccer, Nathan and one of the team leaders drove to the Island Church Soup Kitchen at Hlalane









where Timo gave the women brand new donated clothes brought from Holland.









Before leaving, Sinethemba staff were trained in how to use the materials in the Ministry Sports Bag to reach kids with the good news of salvation through Jesus.


Lunch on the run, while Nathan drove to another "After School Sports" ministry time at Plettenburg Bay Secondary.

(not many pictures due to Nathan needing to repair the muffler that fell off at Sinethemba!)









The day ended with a special reward for the teams hard work... Knysna Elephant Park.






FRIDAY... Serenity Drug Rehab Center
Using "The Prize... Chasing The Dream" DVD clients listened to encouraging testimonies of high profile international soccer players and their message emphasizing the importance of having a purpose in life, and also that failure is part of life allowing us to learn from our mistakes. A game of volleyball lifted many spirits as well!

Ending the day at The CROSSing (youth club held at the YFC Centre), Athletes in Action shared a "skiing" ice breaker, worship, another skit and personal testimony of God's love.




SATURDAY...
A much needed day of rest and fun (except for Nathan the driver) for experiencing God's creation first hand! The Cango Caves extend 1.2km into the mountains outside of Oudshoorn. Unable to fit through the "letter box" slit (and frankly, not desiring to try) Nathan and I chose the standard tour, while the boys were much more adventurous... they are after all "athletes" in action!































Ending the trip just before the falls at Merringsport Pass closed... they wouldn't be boys unless they jumped into the pool while we watched!















SUNDAY...
A continuing tradition with all our visiting teams... We shared The Lord's Supper with these 8 godly young men from Holland (and 3 of their visiting support staff). This "last" supper is not our last meal with them... we are looking forward to a great reunion feast in heaven!






As part of their goal to support local churches the day wrapped up with one last opportunity to share God's love with the children from Solid Rock youth in Concordia and Hornlee.



Athletes... we will never forget the awesome week God allowed us to spend with you. You impacted the whole community of Knysna... may the Lord richly bless you and continue to use you back home in Holland!