You know, whenever you sign up for something and there are Terms and Conditions which you have to accept or reject? Wow, I feel like those T’s&C’s were skipped over when I gave Jesus my “Yes” for this journey. I’m not even sure what I was expecting, but what is for sure is that this wasn’t it! This has been tough, exhausting and challenging in so many ways…
But, I wouldn’t change a thing!!!
I knew that I would be challenged to face a lot of my own unhealthy habits and be stretched into stepping out into areas of ministry that I don’t necessarily feel comfortable in…I just didn’t expect to be challenged by so many of those things in the first five days.
We arrived in Cape Town on Wednesday the 13th, after around 17 hours on the bus, and were fetched by our ministry host, John Alexander, who runs the New Season Foundation in Retreat. We have been very blessed to be staying in his home, where I am sharing a room with Dee and at the moment, our squad leader Tina. His dad, who we call Pa, and Luciano, a pastor from Brazil, are also living in the house – so it’s full of people but also full of love, joy, laughter, teasing and delicious food (which we have the privilege of preparing).
The first couple of days have been stretching with getting used to each other, feeling comfortable with one another and beginning to learn each team member’s personality etc. as well as also finding how we work together as a team in a ministry setting. Our first day of school ministry was challenging, to be totally honest, but we are ready and willing to walk this out with another and we are much better prepared for the week that lies ahead.
We were also presented with a challenge on Friday night, we joined the local Friday night youth at John’s church in doing door-to-door ministry. This is definitely not something I have done before and I was extremely nervous at first. But as soon as we started speaking to the first person, and his family, I began to feel slightly more at ease – it was quite a privilege to chat for a few minutes with them, to ask for their prayer requests and pray with them, share a few laughs and then receive hugs from each person before we left. We also prayed for a group of children and youth, who were hanging around outside. I felt a bit despondent after we tried talking to them and they weren’t really interested in hearing what we had to share, but then Moses (who is a missionary with YWAM, and was also on my team) reminded us that sometimes we plant a seed, sometimes we water the seeds and sometimes we bring in the harvest. I have to keep reminding myself that our efforts are never in vain, whenever we step out in obedience to do what God has asked of us, He will work in those situations – even if we don’t see immediate results from that.
I have also been challenged and encouraged in using my talents and abilities that God has given me, and not burying them in ground (like the parable) – including playing guitar…but more about that later 🙂 and also, with being placed in my position as Treasurer for my Team. For those of you who know me well, you will know why this is rather funny and also a huge challenge for me. There have been a few tense moments, but I am enjoying this responsibility and I look forward to stewarding what the Lord has given us well, for as long as I am asked to be Treasurer.
Yesterday and today have been wonderful blessings, as we have been given the opportunity to simply enjoy each other’s company and get to know each other better as a team. Yesterday was what we call ‘Adventure Day’ and we spent it visiting some beautiful sites around Cape Town on the City Bus Hop-On Hop-Off tour. We got off and visited Kirstenbosch Gardens, Groot Constantia, Mariner’s Wharf in Hout Bay (where we ate yummy fish and chips) and drove through other beautiful areas. We even missed our train home and ended up catching a taxi from Cape Town Station back to Retreat, with our great driver Bennett, who phoned our host and drove us right to the front door of our home in Retreat. Today was a ‘Rest Day’ and we spent the day enjoying team time, chatting, laughing, looking through pictures, shopping, cooking and my team got to enjoy their first braai in South Africa.
So while these last 5 days have not been at all what I was anticipating, and I’ve found myself wondering on more than one occasion “What am I doing here?” – I know that this is exactly where I am meant to be.
I may not have understood all the T’s&C’s of what I was signing up for, but God does. He knew exactly what I was getting into, He knew exactly what He was calling me into and I know that it is only through His strength that this journey is possible.
And everyday, I keep hearing Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and future”.
World Race…I’m ready for you!
