SA - Reflections, Lia

Lia:
Going to South Africa was an unforgettable experience and a pleasure to serve others as well as to work for God. I enjoyed every moment from the second I stepped off the plane. After meeting Roger & Meg, they kept a tight schedule for us to run on including: going to Burlington- an informal settlement, the Dream Center- an AIDS hospice, worshipping at Westville Baptist- Roger & Meg’s church, painting at Sydenham & Lambert Road, attending different youth groups, and worshipping on Sunday morning with the church in Sydenham. I learned how to serve others whether it was painting on a hot day, telling a children’s Bible story or sharing an encouraging testimony that brought a smile to the less fortunate. If I had to do it all again, I would do it in a blink of an eye.

SA - Reflections, Topher

Topher:
Seven days in a foreign country, what is there not to say? Not only were my eyes opened wide to a new and very different culture, but along with that came many experiences and lessons that have molded me in such a short period of time. From meeting Zulu families living in settlements with no water, electricity or basic necessities, to Indian families of 10 living in a one-bedroom house, my sense of appreciation and my former indifference to what God has blessed me with was abruptly challenged. Throughout the week I was continually challenged to not take what I have for granted, and instead to cherish my blessings and utilize them to their fullest extent. God showed me how to be a leader by serving others throughout our week, such as sweating buckets while painting at Missionary Baptist and Lambert Road Baptist. My idea of being a leader took a full 180 when God showed me that in order to be a godly leader, instead of simply telling others what to do; I must first take the initiative to do it myself, and to serve God and his children by doing so. The Bible says that Jesus came not to be served, but to serve and I thank God for opening my eyes to this command he has asked of me.

SA - Reflections, Melissa

Melissa:
This past week was the best of my life (all 16 years of it). It was the most fun I’ve ever had, but it has also been a week of rapid spiritual growth. I can’t say which day had the most growth, though. The very first day we were in South Africa, we were thrown into the country’s culture by having orientation with the missionary, Roger, then going to Burlington’s youth group. Right away I saw differences between this informal settlement’s youth group and my church’s because most of these youth were from 10 to 12 years old. I shared a short testimony for the first time on the trip. One of my favorite parts of the week was the time we spent with the Lambert Road youth on Friday at youth group and on Wednesday when we painted there and then went to the beach for ice cream. The most important thing that I learned this week was, “in the beginning God…” which means that if God is first in your life, He will be in everything in your life. I also learned that people sometimes perceive things differently than the way they are meant and that comforts others through the comfort He gives you. God has been teaching me to let others help me even if I don’t need help and to accept the comfort people give you and to never take anything for granted.

SA - Reflection, Janice

Janice:

Where do I start with what God has done in my life?
In Africa in 8 days and 8 nights counting the flights
I was raised in church and know wrong from right.

But on this trip I saw the broken and weak
I saw how families that are poor, sick and weak
Walking on the streets with glass with no shoes on their feet

Forget what’s on the TV about those who live with AIDS
That won’t wake you up unless you see ‘em face to face
Sharing with them God’s amazing love and grace

I loved every minute of sharing the truth
Telling them that their lives are living proof of God’s mercy
Not knowing when God can make ‘em go poof

Painting and serving in churches in need
Was awesome getting close to others doing work during the week
Doing things to expand the Kingdom in all the heat

Travelling far to see what God does outside of the US
Using missionaries in SA relying 100% on God, no stress
It’s so encouraging helping me to minister my best

Roger’s stories of all his adventures of missionary-ing
Amazing how he’s been through so much listening
To him, I knew God brought him through everything

He stressed that “In the beginning God”
Soaked in us like butter on corn on the cob
God won’t see Roger sleeping on the job

Everything about the trip was just all Jesus Christ
He brought things to my mind bringing light
About him working in the world day and night

SA - Reflection, Kevin

Kevin:

In the beginning God. That is how everything in your life should start with. Rpger Hesch was the man who taught me this and that I should see first the will of God, then I shall reap the benefits. Burlington and Sydenham were the places we went to see and help out with the Informal settlements. There I learned that I live way too comfortable of a life and was not appreciating the things I have enough. I now plan to try and keep them in my mind in America to keep myself humble and conservative. Bongani’s enthusiasm and way he looks at life gives me hope that even in a terrible situation and environment can I praise God and live a happy life. Then the houses we visited with Judy and Priscilla, showing me the photos opened my eyes to the spiritual warfare that is happening. As well, the beauty of SA truly inspires me and is breathtaking to see roll by. All of these elements came together for me in the period of one week that formed my own Quest. I thank the Lord for this trip that helped me grow and understand that God works everywhere.

Time to Celebrate

Today, family, mentors, youth leaders, and pastors joined the Quest 9 Teams for a day to share and celebrate. The SA and DR teams related pieces of their story and began the process of trying to translate their experience into the movement of everyday life. Funny, challenging and inspiring stories filled the room.

As promised, photos are being added to back stories on this blog. And student stories will be added in the days to come. Thank you again for your prayer support, please don’t stop. Continue to pray for Questies as the process and apply their experience. Pray for the people of the Dominican Republic and South Africa.

All present and accounted for!

All present and accounted for! We thank God. The SA team dealt with two cancelled flights one going and one returning. The DR team dealt with two in the last 24 hours. And somehow ended up on St Thomas on their way home!

But God is good and he provided, kept them safe and delivered them to Northborough in the midst of a snow storm! Thank you for your support through
prayer!

Tomorrow we share and celebrate God’s goodness. Keep watching for stories from the team members and hopefully lots of photos!

Thank you again. God is good.

SA - back, DR - half-back!

The SA team is napping in Northborough awaiting the arrival of the DR team which is currently in the air. Wait until you hear their travel stories. God has worked miracles today! Keep praying.

For family, mentors, youth leaders, and pastors the Celebration will begin tomorrow at noon. If you have a change in your plans please reply so we will know. Keep reading we have more to share.