This was the theme for our youth camp this past week, where our focus was based in Romans 12:1-2. Tuesday, the first day, we settled into the bunk beds, played games, cooked our own meat for a braai (BBQ) and had a devotional at night. We split the 16 youth and 10 leaders into three teams, of which the RED team is the best!!! In the afternoon we went down to the valley and played dodge ball and capture the flag in an open area, with impalas as spectators J The youth were given papers where they would write what held them back from loving God regardless. At night Natalie spoke about being living sacrifices and loving God regardless of past experiences. She ended her sermon by allowing the youth to throw into the flames the papers which contained everything that held them back. Lastly, we ended the night with smores under beautiful constellations. Wednesday we woke up to a beautiful sunrise sparkled with shimmers of blue, crimson and orange rising above a mountain right across from our beds. The sunrise was breathtaking, the smell of dew upon the grass, and the sight of brown and thorny acacia trees reminded me of God’s faithfulness for South Africa. In the morning Walker spoke about not conforming to the world. We all went on a hike, swam in the Umgeni River (where 50 meters below was a crocodile pond) and climbed to the top of two waterfalls. The view was breathtaking. At night we saw the movie Indescribable, which talks about the universe. The movie brought tears to my eyes and to some youth. I spoke about renewing our minds. We finished looking at the stars, the full moon, and praised God wanting to have a relationship with us. It was sad to leave camp but we knew that God had worked in all of our lives. We left the youth with encouraging words and challenged them to be the change they want to see in their communities. Jerry spoke about seeking first the kingdom of God and Dayna spoke about standing out. It was in that moment that we knew the youth had been touched, they had a spark of hope, walking with a skip in their step, and ready for the next stage in their lives.
Today, Sunday, we were able to see the youth give their testimonies at church; Alfred-one of the youth gave a small sermon while Njabulo translated. It was amazing to see the youth fired up for Jesus and preaching to the whole congregation about standing out as Christians in Haniville. It was also a blessing to see three young brothers, whom we delivered food on Friday and invited to church, there along with Zandile, a mother who was too weak from TB and HIV walking to church. God is good, He is working and we are just honored to be part of it.
South Africa has been such a blessing. I came with differing expectations, such as to see family here, but my love, knowledge and understanding has grown deeper. Starting with seeing such joy, love and hope on a day filled with three funerals, to seeing a young girl understand the concept of not conforming to this world by being grounded in the middle of a river. God has taught me so much here. The day a little boy got hit by a car and died was difficult for us for he was on his way to Walk in the Light. However, we were able to see his mother and family and God’s love, his gentle hands, tender mercy, and compassion filled that small house.
Being in a township where most kids have not seen the ocean, 45 minutes away, was a shock when giving an example about water; one of my most embarrassing days, but I quickly learned to change the route and focus one rivers, lakes and smaller bodies of water. The example was not the best, but on these days you just learn to laugh it out and thank God for humility J
God is good. He is faithful, and constant in our lives. Living here has taught me to live day by day, like Dayna said. For His mercies are new every morning. I am learning to wake up expecting to see what God will do that day and how I can be a willing vessel. And so I end with my theme song for this trip.
Somlandela, somlandela UJesu,
Somlandela, yonke indawo.
Somlandela, Somandela uJesu,
lapho eyakona somlandela.
I will follow, I will follow Jesus.
I will follow, wherever he goes.
I will follow, I will follow Jesus.
Wherever he goes I will follow.
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