We have been back for almost a week and we are re-adjusting to our lives. We have returned to family, school, work, friends, congregations and youth groups. We are attempting to tell our stories which at times is easier than others.
We so appreciate your many levels of support. We have much to be thankful for as we reflect on the extent of our travel, various forms of travel, our safety and health. Minus a few colds and jumpy tummys, we all fared well physically. We are grateful for the in-country contacts who paved the way for our overseas experiences.
Most of all we thank God for gracing and teaching us. Our prayer is that in return we deepen our personal relationship with Christ!
Please continue to follow the blog as students and faculty share personal reflections.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Home Sweet Home
All teams are now back in Northboro at the BCNE. We had spaghetti for dinner, which was welcome by all.
Everyone is doing well. We are sharing experiences tonight, as we prepare to share with the rest of you!
Everyone is doing well. We are sharing experiences tonight, as we prepare to share with the rest of you!
DR update: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday!
Hi there everyone!!
Although we made it back to Northborough, we just wanted to update you on our last few days of ministry in the DR.
Monday morning, we spent a glorious 2.5 hours relaxing at Boca Chica beach with Rodney (Coleman) and some of our Dominican brothers/ leaders at Cristo Viene Church. The water was nice and warm, on a beautiful clear day. Part of what makes our stay in the DR so special is the connection we make with some of the Dominican believers. They help us out with our ministry as we come alongside them in theirs. This week we spent a lot of time with Jochy, Vick, Fernando, and Elvis. These guys were vital in our work in the capital as they helped lead some songs and teaching throughout the week.
Monday afternoon and evening, we went back to Pedro Brand to work alongside Pastor Alejandro and his wife, Joana. They have started a church in the town because they saw the need for one. Our team split into several groups and prayerwalked the neighborhoods of this town, and several groups were invited into homes, where they could share some testimonies and pray for the family members. We were able to have great conversations and learn about people’s lives in this small town. In the evening we helped lead a small service at a church member’s home. As we climbed the small hill to her house, we were greeted by some of the most scenic mountain views—another amazing testimony of our Creator! Again, we were able to share about the transforming power of Jesus through the “cardboard testimonies”, and through “Sergenio” (Andre’s puppet friend).
We’ve been amazed at how such a simple pieces of cardboard could have such a powerful meaning in our lives as well as the lives of our Dominican friends. Our prayer is that they, too, will experience a transformed life when they put their trust in Jesus.
____________________________________________
Tuesday found us at Pedro Brand again for a full day of ministry. Again, our team split into smaller groups- one to play games with the children and the other to share with people door-to-door. After lunch, our group came back to Pedro Brand and visited a local school (where Joana teaches in the morning). We had a very crazy opportunity to join the kids for recess- which consisted of several hundred children out on the basketball courts playing with only the few balls we brought. We then had an opportunity to do an impromptu presentation at the school in their “auditorium”. We found ourselves standing on a VERY small stage in front of 100, then 200, then 300+ children in grades 3-6. This was a Dominican moment to have some many people crowded into a small space like that! We were able to get it quiet enough to teach 2 new children’s songs. We then taught them “Open the Eyes of My Heart”, and it was like being in heaven to hear all of those voices singing- we didn’t want it to end! It was a bit overwhelming with the amount of children and eventual overwhelming rowdiness, so our time was cut short. You will see our pictures and know what we mean.
That evening was spent having a small service in an empty lot between some houses. After a near miss of a rain shower (which came after a lot of quick prayers) we were able to begin. The temps went down fairly low this night, which we were very surprised to experience after so many warm days. Although this was a long day, it was a great day of ministry with our new friends. A Dominican brother previous Quest teams have met, Osiris, spoke a powerful and thorough message. It was amazing to see this brother’s growth and maturity.
_______________________________________________
For our last day of ministry (Wednesday), we went back to Antonio’s home for some encouragement—as many know, often times when we go somewhere to “bring encouragement” WE are often the ones encouraged! Antonio shared his passion to love on and share Christ’s love with his community. We split up into groups to share about Antonio’s weekly church services held in his garage on Sunday mornings. We were able to talk with community members of Antonio’s passion and desire manifested through his open heart, open arms and open doors. Antonio’s influence has not gone unheard in that community. Our prayer for that community is for Christ’s love and power to renew and transform as it has and does with Antonio and his family.
After our goodbyes with our faithful Dominican brothers, we were able to soak in some more Dominican culture while souvenir shopping, driving through historical parts of the Capital as they prepare for the Dominican Independence Day (Feb. 27), and finally having a very special dinner at El Conuco—a typical Dominican restaurant filled with history, culture, and music! It was an encouraging time with Sharon (Coleman) and the Hernandez’ family (Karin, Eric and little Eric). Our nightly debrief time was a wonderful time of praise as we lifted up prayers of thanksgiving and hope.
__________________________________________________
We started our travel day (Thursday) in the wee hours of the morning with a good chunk of the group feeling some of the effects of fatigue and cold-like symptoms… but all went well in travel. The team is grateful for a restful time to recoup and prepare for the other teams to arrive and share. We cannot wait to see friends, family and mentors tomorrow at noon for our Closing Celebration. We have much to be grateful for! God has certainly been good (AS USUAL)!
Although we made it back to Northborough, we just wanted to update you on our last few days of ministry in the DR.
Monday morning, we spent a glorious 2.5 hours relaxing at Boca Chica beach with Rodney (Coleman) and some of our Dominican brothers/ leaders at Cristo Viene Church. The water was nice and warm, on a beautiful clear day. Part of what makes our stay in the DR so special is the connection we make with some of the Dominican believers. They help us out with our ministry as we come alongside them in theirs. This week we spent a lot of time with Jochy, Vick, Fernando, and Elvis. These guys were vital in our work in the capital as they helped lead some songs and teaching throughout the week.
Monday afternoon and evening, we went back to Pedro Brand to work alongside Pastor Alejandro and his wife, Joana. They have started a church in the town because they saw the need for one. Our team split into several groups and prayerwalked the neighborhoods of this town, and several groups were invited into homes, where they could share some testimonies and pray for the family members. We were able to have great conversations and learn about people’s lives in this small town. In the evening we helped lead a small service at a church member’s home. As we climbed the small hill to her house, we were greeted by some of the most scenic mountain views—another amazing testimony of our Creator! Again, we were able to share about the transforming power of Jesus through the “cardboard testimonies”, and through “Sergenio” (Andre’s puppet friend).
We’ve been amazed at how such a simple pieces of cardboard could have such a powerful meaning in our lives as well as the lives of our Dominican friends. Our prayer is that they, too, will experience a transformed life when they put their trust in Jesus.
____________________________________________
Tuesday found us at Pedro Brand again for a full day of ministry. Again, our team split into smaller groups- one to play games with the children and the other to share with people door-to-door. After lunch, our group came back to Pedro Brand and visited a local school (where Joana teaches in the morning). We had a very crazy opportunity to join the kids for recess- which consisted of several hundred children out on the basketball courts playing with only the few balls we brought. We then had an opportunity to do an impromptu presentation at the school in their “auditorium”. We found ourselves standing on a VERY small stage in front of 100, then 200, then 300+ children in grades 3-6. This was a Dominican moment to have some many people crowded into a small space like that! We were able to get it quiet enough to teach 2 new children’s songs. We then taught them “Open the Eyes of My Heart”, and it was like being in heaven to hear all of those voices singing- we didn’t want it to end! It was a bit overwhelming with the amount of children and eventual overwhelming rowdiness, so our time was cut short. You will see our pictures and know what we mean.
That evening was spent having a small service in an empty lot between some houses. After a near miss of a rain shower (which came after a lot of quick prayers) we were able to begin. The temps went down fairly low this night, which we were very surprised to experience after so many warm days. Although this was a long day, it was a great day of ministry with our new friends. A Dominican brother previous Quest teams have met, Osiris, spoke a powerful and thorough message. It was amazing to see this brother’s growth and maturity.
_______________________________________________
For our last day of ministry (Wednesday), we went back to Antonio’s home for some encouragement—as many know, often times when we go somewhere to “bring encouragement” WE are often the ones encouraged! Antonio shared his passion to love on and share Christ’s love with his community. We split up into groups to share about Antonio’s weekly church services held in his garage on Sunday mornings. We were able to talk with community members of Antonio’s passion and desire manifested through his open heart, open arms and open doors. Antonio’s influence has not gone unheard in that community. Our prayer for that community is for Christ’s love and power to renew and transform as it has and does with Antonio and his family.
After our goodbyes with our faithful Dominican brothers, we were able to soak in some more Dominican culture while souvenir shopping, driving through historical parts of the Capital as they prepare for the Dominican Independence Day (Feb. 27), and finally having a very special dinner at El Conuco—a typical Dominican restaurant filled with history, culture, and music! It was an encouraging time with Sharon (Coleman) and the Hernandez’ family (Karin, Eric and little Eric). Our nightly debrief time was a wonderful time of praise as we lifted up prayers of thanksgiving and hope.
__________________________________________________
We started our travel day (Thursday) in the wee hours of the morning with a good chunk of the group feeling some of the effects of fatigue and cold-like symptoms… but all went well in travel. The team is grateful for a restful time to recoup and prepare for the other teams to arrive and share. We cannot wait to see friends, family and mentors tomorrow at noon for our Closing Celebration. We have much to be grateful for! God has certainly been good (AS USUAL)!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
DR team has arrived!
The DR team has arrived safely and is adjusting to being "home." They are resting and preparing to meet up with the City and SA teams. Stayed tuned for updates from their last days of ministry.
Pray for both the City team and SA team as they travel home. Pray for everyone as they adjusting to being back. Pray for rest and a great time of joining together to share experiences.
Pray for both the City team and SA team as they travel home. Pray for everyone as they adjusting to being back. Pray for rest and a great time of joining together to share experiences.
Tea, Tea, and more Tea
Yesterday we had a jam-packed day. Our morning was spent prayer walking on another university campus-- it is a new campus and has been growing by thousands and thousands each year. While waiting to eat lunch, our girls were approached by two female students who invited us to drink tea with them. We were so excited to have the opportunity to really connect with students close to our age and ask questions about school, life, and boys : )
We had eventful bus experiences including a belt that broke and having to move to another bus. We traveled through a less wealthy part of town. And other things we will just have to tell you when we see you!
The ladies were invited to have tea and snacks in a traditional home--this is VERY unusual!! This was an amazing opportunity to see first hand how many of the more conservative people in this city live. Though we had a language barrier, we laughed with one another and developed a friendship. As the meal progressed, we all became more comfortable.
We ended the evening by attending a weekly tea time, where students can come and practice their English with native English speakers. We talked about movies, sports, culture, faith practices, and food with people from all over the world.
It was truly a day to dig deeper into the psyche of the people who live in the city-- your students are learning to ask questions, listen, and understand what it means to be a citizen of this city.
We have started our last day, almost ready to pack and head home. We hope to blog one more time!
We had eventful bus experiences including a belt that broke and having to move to another bus. We traveled through a less wealthy part of town. And other things we will just have to tell you when we see you!
The ladies were invited to have tea and snacks in a traditional home--this is VERY unusual!! This was an amazing opportunity to see first hand how many of the more conservative people in this city live. Though we had a language barrier, we laughed with one another and developed a friendship. As the meal progressed, we all became more comfortable.
We ended the evening by attending a weekly tea time, where students can come and practice their English with native English speakers. We talked about movies, sports, culture, faith practices, and food with people from all over the world.
It was truly a day to dig deeper into the psyche of the people who live in the city-- your students are learning to ask questions, listen, and understand what it means to be a citizen of this city.
We have started our last day, almost ready to pack and head home. We hope to blog one more time!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Sunshine in the City!
Yes we saw the sunshine today!
Today we toured a university campus with some of our friends. Our guides from the univeristy told us about the school and the degrees offered. We heard about the national exam graduated high school students take to attend. Only about a third of those who graduate high school are able to attend.
Our purpose for being on campus was greater, to walk and pray. We learned as a group how easily we can be distracted by life happening around us. We made many observations of the campus and discussed how we can remain centered to our purpose. Tomorrow we will spend time on another univeristy campus.
We traveled across the river for the last time (by ourselves without our friends!) to shop. We did our shopping and found out who in our group could barter and who was a bit shy. And tonight we ate cheap and American at good ole McDonalds. I think most of us are ready to return to native food!
Our time is winding down. We read the other blogs and see how different our experience is from the others. We have learned a great deal but it will take time for it to soak in. Thank you for your support.
PS We are thankful more than ever that our public places back home are smoke free!
Today we toured a university campus with some of our friends. Our guides from the univeristy told us about the school and the degrees offered. We heard about the national exam graduated high school students take to attend. Only about a third of those who graduate high school are able to attend.
Our purpose for being on campus was greater, to walk and pray. We learned as a group how easily we can be distracted by life happening around us. We made many observations of the campus and discussed how we can remain centered to our purpose. Tomorrow we will spend time on another univeristy campus.
We traveled across the river for the last time (by ourselves without our friends!) to shop. We did our shopping and found out who in our group could barter and who was a bit shy. And tonight we ate cheap and American at good ole McDonalds. I think most of us are ready to return to native food!
Our time is winding down. We read the other blogs and see how different our experience is from the others. We have learned a great deal but it will take time for it to soak in. Thank you for your support.
PS We are thankful more than ever that our public places back home are smoke free!
More from SA
Today was a busy day! We visited two primary school's and sang (We have brought the Moose song to South Africa and they LOVE it!) and two of our girls shared a bible stories with them. We worked with 2 youth workers (Lisa and Matthew) from another church who minister to students in primary and secondary school. They are able to share all about Jesus in the most of the schools and participate in Bible clubs, which is pretty fantastic! We were stoked because in one of the schools this was the first time they were given the time in the assembly to share about Jesus!! So we feel priviledged to be a part of what God is doing there!
We then went and played soccer with students from the first school.
They do not have sporting facitities, so they have to pay to use a field close to the school and it hardly ever gets mowed, so the grass was a bit high :o) We had a great time sharing with them and helping coach them in soccer! It was great to see what God is doing through their ministry in the schools and through Lisa and Matthew.
Dinner tonight was amazing! Our good friend Mano, who has been taking us around a lot this week (and works it seems 10 different jobs with passion and a great sense of calling) invited us over to her and her mother's house in Kwa Debeka for traditional South Africa food! We had had enough curry yesterday to last us a while:) (well, everyone except Ken) so it was fun to have some new types of food! I bet you all never thought your students would eat tripe! We also got to interact with the local kids in the area after dinner...it was great!
We are now at Deb and Barry's church getting ready for their Sr. High small group time so I best get off...Thanks so much for all your prayers and comments! Keep them coming! We all can't believe that tomorrow is our last full day here, but we are ready to visit more schools tomorrow and the Dream Centre, an AIDS hospice center.
Greetings to you all from the South African team!
We then went and played soccer with students from the first school.
They do not have sporting facitities, so they have to pay to use a field close to the school and it hardly ever gets mowed, so the grass was a bit high :o) We had a great time sharing with them and helping coach them in soccer! It was great to see what God is doing through their ministry in the schools and through Lisa and Matthew.
Dinner tonight was amazing! Our good friend Mano, who has been taking us around a lot this week (and works it seems 10 different jobs with passion and a great sense of calling) invited us over to her and her mother's house in Kwa Debeka for traditional South Africa food! We had had enough curry yesterday to last us a while:) (well, everyone except Ken) so it was fun to have some new types of food! I bet you all never thought your students would eat tripe! We also got to interact with the local kids in the area after dinner...it was great!
We are now at Deb and Barry's church getting ready for their Sr. High small group time so I best get off...Thanks so much for all your prayers and comments! Keep them coming! We all can't believe that tomorrow is our last full day here, but we are ready to visit more schools tomorrow and the Dream Centre, an AIDS hospice center.
Greetings to you all from the South African team!
The latest from SA
"There is no one else like my Jesus, there is no one else like my God, there is no one else like my Jesus, there is no one else like my God!
Greetings! We wanted to start our blog off today with the English words of a song that we have sung many many times here in South Africa because it is the truth! We have seen God working in so many ways through so many people, it is incredible!
On Sunday, we had the opportunity to participate in four different worship services. They were all different in style, language, venue, but all weaved together the message of the kindness of God shown to us by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus...We shared at Arena Park, an Indian church (where our friend Shaun use to be the youth pastor), at Kwa Debeka, a Zulu church we had been to earlier in the week, and had a surprise, God ordained visit to an outside outreach in the middle of Durban where two of us shared a bit of how Jesus has changed our lives! We saw many people coming to give their lives to Jesus there which was awesome! We also saw some good dancing and singing :o) and a few of us joined along. Many of us learned have learned that when God speaks to us, we need to not hesitate, but to listen and follow as He leads.
That night, we worshipped at Deb and Barry's church and got to hear Deb preach, reminding us that we can't expect God to bless us or things to change in our lives when we hold on to the sin that trips us up and destroyes us. It was a great great day.
Yesterday we ate some fun things like Bunny Chow, zebra and wilderbeest, and had the most incredible feast at Deshni's parents home!! Shaun and Deshni, your family is doing well, but your dog and nephew miss you very much :o) and we have some fun stories that we now know about you!!!
Yesterday was our day off and we got the amazing opportunity to go to a Game Park and see some wild animals! Let me just say that you all need to ask us about the white rhino's...we got to know then up close and personally! As they say here in South Africa, it was hectic!!! (meaning crazy, awesome).
We also got to go to the beach and dive into some big waves.
Today we are sharing our testimonies and drama at three different schools and going to Deb and Barry's small groups tonight so busy day! The students say HI and that they love you all!!! Although most of them are pretty set about staying in South Africa :o) Thank you for your prayers and we will see you soon!
pictures are in the jo'burg airport, at Kwa Debeka and at Noorsberg orphanage....
Greetings! We wanted to start our blog off today with the English words of a song that we have sung many many times here in South Africa because it is the truth! We have seen God working in so many ways through so many people, it is incredible!
On Sunday, we had the opportunity to participate in four different worship services. They were all different in style, language, venue, but all weaved together the message of the kindness of God shown to us by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus...We shared at Arena Park, an Indian church (where our friend Shaun use to be the youth pastor), at Kwa Debeka, a Zulu church we had been to earlier in the week, and had a surprise, God ordained visit to an outside outreach in the middle of Durban where two of us shared a bit of how Jesus has changed our lives! We saw many people coming to give their lives to Jesus there which was awesome! We also saw some good dancing and singing :o) and a few of us joined along. Many of us learned have learned that when God speaks to us, we need to not hesitate, but to listen and follow as He leads.
That night, we worshipped at Deb and Barry's church and got to hear Deb preach, reminding us that we can't expect God to bless us or things to change in our lives when we hold on to the sin that trips us up and destroyes us. It was a great great day.
Yesterday we ate some fun things like Bunny Chow, zebra and wilderbeest, and had the most incredible feast at Deshni's parents home!! Shaun and Deshni, your family is doing well, but your dog and nephew miss you very much :o) and we have some fun stories that we now know about you!!!
Yesterday was our day off and we got the amazing opportunity to go to a Game Park and see some wild animals! Let me just say that you all need to ask us about the white rhino's...we got to know then up close and personally! As they say here in South Africa, it was hectic!!! (meaning crazy, awesome).
We also got to go to the beach and dive into some big waves.
Today we are sharing our testimonies and drama at three different schools and going to Deb and Barry's small groups tonight so busy day! The students say HI and that they love you all!!! Although most of them are pretty set about staying in South Africa :o) Thank you for your prayers and we will see you soon!
pictures are in the jo'burg airport, at Kwa Debeka and at Noorsberg orphanage....
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
