End of the spear

One of the most familiar stories about missionaries is that of Nate Saint and his four friends that served and died in Ecuador as they reached out to Waodoni tribe, one of the most aggressive and unreached tribes of their time. Last year the film 'End of the spear' was released based on the story of Steve Saint, Nate Saint's son, that later returned to be a missionary to the same tribe.

The Ecuadorian missionaries' story remains a challenge to us as Christians, as we contemplate if we really are willing to sacrifice our lives for God and to bring His message. As we watched this film last night many participants were processing these same thoughts. Outreaches like the Durban Challenge has no guarantees that everything will go smoothly and safely. As we share the Gospel there will always be opposition and we need to get to a place where we decide if we really are willing to risk it all for God.

Miracle!

On Monday afternoon we were shocked to hear that one of our team leaders was taken to the hospital with the fear that she might have contracted Meningitis. The reports we received were a bit sketchy in details but as we understood the doctors were really concerned for her life. As a group we all prayed together for her as part of the main programme at 8:30 PM. Yesterday we received the news that at the exact time we prayed there were a radical turn around in her condition. Further we received the news that all her bloodwork is now clear and she is currently recuperating at such an extent that she might be able to rejoin her team tomorrow as they go into the outreach part of the programme. We serve a great God!

Huff and puff

Have you ever seen the show on TV called the Amazing Race? I have always secretly hoped to one day be able to do it. Yesterday the participants got their very own opportunity to be part of the Amazing Race. Set up as an opportunity to do some team building, the smaller teams were all given a set of clues that they had to figure out. These clues would lead them to a certain location on campus where they would have to an activity of some kind. For example they have to find the tallest tower on the campus and when they reach it they have to build a high tower from spaghetti. So the contest needed some brains and some speed.

It was 'amazing' to see the level of excitement the teams took to their tasks and the first team to arrive did so in a record time. Which was easy enough as we have never done this activity before =) For us it is always wonderful to see how the team start to 'gel' together. Every year the task of putting teams together is a big project that needs a lot of prayer. And we thank God again for the way He has put together this years teams. Please continue to pray for the teams and their unity.

Tough but meaningful

Last night we took some time out to look at a big issue in South Africa namely HIV and AIDS. Belinda Smith who works with AIDSHope, a ministry of OM South Africa, shared with the participants about the challenges but also the hope that comes with this epidemic. Especially one line she said struck my heart: "We cannot call this situation hopeless because that means we take Jesus out of the equation." She continued with the evening helping the participants understand not to be afraid of this disease and also how to help people that are infected and affected by AIDS.

Afterwards the movie "Beat the Drum" was shown. This is a South African film about a little boy that lost his parents to AIDS and his story as he goes to the city to find income to support the rest of his family.

This might have been a very tough evening listening to this huge need. But I believe it was very meaningful as people are exposed not only to what HIV/AIDS is about but also that Jesus wants to bring hope to lives and He wants us to do it.

Day 2 of the Orientation

As I type this message, Mr. Mickey Walker from OM Ireland is sharing with the group of about 400 participants about evangelism. We have had four more people arrive today from Australia, South Africa and Uganda.

Things are going well so far. It is exciting to see the participants sit and soak in the teaching. After an awesome time of worship this morning, Mr. Richard Chalklen, from OM South Africa, shared the morning devotion. He challenged everyone to spend time in the book. "You can't get the Book in you, unless you get into the Book!", says "Chalkie", as he led us in a study of Romans 1.

Dave and Joy Skinner led an interactive session on culture to prepare the participants for working in a team cross-culturally as well as ministering cross-culturally. Then Mickey Walker took the stage after a quick tea break.

Please continue to pray for us in George. The sun is out again today, but it is quite chilly, especially with no heating inside. Pray for the participant's health with this cold weather, especially those who have come from warmer climates. Pray also for the attitudes of the participants as most of them are out of their comfort zones already and some are still recovering from long travels.