I found out some info on Sweet Home in our committee meeting yesterday that I thought I would update you guys on so you could be praying and because I know you guys have been praying so i thought you might want to hear some of the good news. Share this with the rest of your team as you see fit.
*The Committee Mamas are doing a clothing sale this Saturday in Sweet Home with all the clothes you guys donated to make money to start their sewing business. Pray that it's protected, things don't get stolen, everyone is honest, etc. Pray also that they would make a sound plan with the money to be able to finance their sewing project. Chase and I are facilitating a lesson today on planning around an objective to help them reach their goal.
*There is a new CHE named Princess who is very interested in working with Ntombi on the AA group. They are going to an AA meeting this Friday to check it out.
*Lucas (the Rasta guy) is doing very well. Sisanda said he is coming to EVERY CHE meeting and seems to be sobering up and wanting to be part of the recovery group.
*Forest is taking a more active interest in CHE, he's working with Sisanda to get an NPO # for them so they can be eligible to receive grant money from the government for their work.
I hope you guys are well. Thanks for your investments into the work in Sweet Home. We miss you guys!
Chase & Lisa
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Alan's Insights
Among other things, God has given me a deeper understanding that poverty is mostly a breakdown or a lack of communication. I had heard this statement before and it sounded correct but now I really get it. Certainly, lack of money or knowledge is not the problem. As Christians and heirs of Gods kingdom we have all the wealth and knowledge and wisdom available to us through the Holy Spirit.
Furthermore, we are told that as Gods children we have the authority to work and make requests on Gods behalf and, as Aaron so eloquently preached, to be expectant of results as long as our prayers are in line with Gods good and perfect and just will. After all working with those who are viewed as impoverished is not a "nice thing to do" nor is it a request. In fact we are commanded to be agents of justice to the poor and oppressed. Surely God would not withhold any use of His resources in pursuit of social justice.
Therefore, lack of material resources are not the cause of the living conditions in Sweet Home and other townships. Nor is it the cause of the AIDS pandemic. Rather its lack of communication. Communication between religious denominations, between ministries, between Christians and between humans.
I really was encouraged by the wisdom of the CHE's in Sweet Home and Philippi. A great sense of hope came over me when we were able to facilitate honest and truthful discussions between the CHE's. I was reminded that it was not our burden to "make things happen" for Sweet Home. God and the community will take care of that.
However, my responsibility is to be available to use my gifts. In this case, to orchestrate ways to break down barriers of communication between God and His people (my brothers and sisters) and hopefully to disciple them in ways that will lead them into personal relationships with our father in heaven... and so on.
Finally, this revelation has caused me to consider how often God must be "frustrated" (I don't really think God gets frustrated) with me for my willingness to settle for so much less than He is willing to offer. He sees so clearly what I can not see, or refuse to see, because of my self will. To see the light go on in someones eyes when they realize this truth is a blessing that God gave me while working with CHE's in Sweet Home. I believe its all about communication.
Anyway ill stop rambling on. I hope this is what you were looking for Wood. It certainly helped me to write it out.
Peace out,
Alan
Furthermore, we are told that as Gods children we have the authority to work and make requests on Gods behalf and, as Aaron so eloquently preached, to be expectant of results as long as our prayers are in line with Gods good and perfect and just will. After all working with those who are viewed as impoverished is not a "nice thing to do" nor is it a request. In fact we are commanded to be agents of justice to the poor and oppressed. Surely God would not withhold any use of His resources in pursuit of social justice.
Therefore, lack of material resources are not the cause of the living conditions in Sweet Home and other townships. Nor is it the cause of the AIDS pandemic. Rather its lack of communication. Communication between religious denominations, between ministries, between Christians and between humans.
I really was encouraged by the wisdom of the CHE's in Sweet Home and Philippi. A great sense of hope came over me when we were able to facilitate honest and truthful discussions between the CHE's. I was reminded that it was not our burden to "make things happen" for Sweet Home. God and the community will take care of that.
However, my responsibility is to be available to use my gifts. In this case, to orchestrate ways to break down barriers of communication between God and His people (my brothers and sisters) and hopefully to disciple them in ways that will lead them into personal relationships with our father in heaven... and so on.
Finally, this revelation has caused me to consider how often God must be "frustrated" (I don't really think God gets frustrated) with me for my willingness to settle for so much less than He is willing to offer. He sees so clearly what I can not see, or refuse to see, because of my self will. To see the light go on in someones eyes when they realize this truth is a blessing that God gave me while working with CHE's in Sweet Home. I believe its all about communication.
Anyway ill stop rambling on. I hope this is what you were looking for Wood. It certainly helped me to write it out.
Peace out,
Alan
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Gavin's Story
We received this letter from Dennis with Bridges Of Hope. The new academy building was making great progress while where were there and I know that the funds are not yet available to complete it. If you would like to help a great cause and about 40 orphans from the Cape Flats townships where we were working please use the link below. The new building will house proper school rooms and free up the other buildings for more housing. Gavin's parents are members of ROCKHarbor church.
Dear Friends,I received an amazing story of a 5 year old boy from Southern California who is using his creative abilities to help the children at Bridges Academy Orphan Boarding School. I asked his permission to share it with you, as I thought it might encourage your faith as it has mine!
Gavin's Gift
Five year old Gavin woke up the other day and said that he decided to use his scrap wood pile to make something to give away for donations, in order to raise money to help African kids.
He and his mother, Laurel, went into their garage that morning and began tinkering, eventually Gavin began chiseling small scraps of wood into crosses (check out the picture of him hard at work above). He decided to focus on pocket crosses. His mother taught him how to sand the rough edges off and eventually, he was making each one all by himself! Laurel said, "It was quite an achievement." He gave some of the crosses away and by the end of the day, he had received $50.00 in donations! Gavin is sending crosses to the students at Bridges Academy as well!
I was so inspired by Gavin's heart and creativity that I thought I'd pass the story along. I asked him what he thought of challenging others to match his $50 so that his generosity could be multiplied. He agreed. This is reminiscent of the little boy offering his loaves and fishes to Jesus and the way they were multiplied to feed thousands.
Let's share this challenge with our friends and family members and see if we can't bring in everything we need to complete the Academy building project (see construction photo above right) and multiply the number of children whose lives will be transformed at Bridges Academy (see Bridges Academy students above left).
To give securely online, visit this webpage and click on the "click here" link:http://www.bridgesworldwide.org/page.php/27
100% of your gift will go toward the Building Fund at Bridges Academy, Orphan Boarding School and will make a difference in the lives of orphans now and for generations to come!
Please feel free to forward this email to everyone you know and use the power of the internet for something really good!
Dennis Wadley
Bridges of Hope International
Dear Friends,I received an amazing story of a 5 year old boy from Southern California who is using his creative abilities to help the children at Bridges Academy Orphan Boarding School. I asked his permission to share it with you, as I thought it might encourage your faith as it has mine!Gavin's Gift
Five year old Gavin woke up the other day and said that he decided to use his scrap wood pile to make something to give away for donations, in order to raise money to help African kids.
He and his mother, Laurel, went into their garage that morning and began tinkering, eventually Gavin began chiseling small scraps of wood into crosses (check out the picture of him hard at work above). He decided to focus on pocket crosses. His mother taught him how to sand the rough edges off and eventually, he was making each one all by himself! Laurel said, "It was quite an achievement." He gave some of the crosses away and by the end of the day, he had received $50.00 in donations! Gavin is sending crosses to the students at Bridges Academy as well!
I was so inspired by Gavin's heart and creativity that I thought I'd pass the story along. I asked him what he thought of challenging others to match his $50 so that his generosity could be multiplied. He agreed. This is reminiscent of the little boy offering his loaves and fishes to Jesus and the way they were multiplied to feed thousands.
Let's share this challenge with our friends and family members and see if we can't bring in everything we need to complete the Academy building project (see construction photo above right) and multiply the number of children whose lives will be transformed at Bridges Academy (see Bridges Academy students above left).
To give securely online, visit this webpage and click on the "click here" link:http://www.bridgesworldwide.org/page.php/27
100% of your gift will go toward the Building Fund at Bridges Academy, Orphan Boarding School and will make a difference in the lives of orphans now and for generations to come!
Please feel free to forward this email to everyone you know and use the power of the internet for something really good!
Dennis Wadley
Bridges of Hope International
Monday, August 18, 2008
Returned Home
It was an amazing trip with a great team. We will be posting stories over the coming weeks as we each process the events that were so special to each and every one of us. Please continue to check back here periodically to hear all about the trip. The team will be meeting again on Sunday August 24th to come together and discuss the difficulties and triumphs of returning to Orange County.
If you know someone on the trip, please consider asking them a few of these questions if you are not sure where to start. You will find the question "How was your trip?" very difficult to answer as there is just so much to tell and the feelings run very very deep. Africa is a very special place.
If you know someone on the trip, please consider asking them a few of these questions if you are not sure where to start. You will find the question "How was your trip?" very difficult to answer as there is just so much to tell and the feelings run very very deep. Africa is a very special place.
- Share with me about one experience you had in South Africa that touched your heart.
- Tell me about one person who affected your understanding of love, ministry, joy in suffering, etc.
- Are there any symbols that represent the trip in your mind?
- How did God reveal Himself to you during this trip?
- How are you different as a result of this experience?
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Day 7
It's been a few days but we've got some updates from those that have taught at the Academy and those Team Members who have been over to Sweet Home.
TOWNSHIP VISITS
Today Monica, Carla, Matt, Nicole and Alan went to Sweet Home to discuss with the Community Health Evangelists (CHEs) about Alcohol and Drug Abuse. We discussed the 12 Steps To Recovery followed by Scripture and biblical references. The CHE's could relate to the problems that arise from addictions and helped talk through the cultural differences to make the program relevant for this community. During the afternoon alcohol awareness classes were taught. The CHE's were shown graphic pictures of the effects of alcoholism on your body.This information will then be passed on to the Sweet Home Community. The CHE's were inspired by the classes and the discussions that ensued and were ready to learn more about how to start an Alcohol Awareness Program.
Wood, Aaron and Harrison went into the neighboring community of Philippi to update and repair computers at St. Paul's Church. They were also able to attend a After School Program (ASP) graduation for junior high students. They were all amazed by the joy expressed by the students during the ceremony.
BRIDGES OF HOPE ACADEMY
Those Team members who were not in the Townships spent the day leading classes for the students. Classes were taught on Prayer journal writing, music appreciation, creating and solving mysteries, minerals and rocks of South Africa, math and English. The students have enjoyed a break from their regular classes and learning some cool stuff!
After school we held a Carnival for the students. We set up a face painting station along with several games with prizes and the students had a blast!
The Team has been working really hard with classes and other smaller projects at the Academy but do feel overwhelmed by the needs of those within Sweet Home. We all know that God is doing great things there but feel helpless at times.
With many blessings and love,
Claire and Team South Africa :)
TOWNSHIP VISITS
Today Monica, Carla, Matt, Nicole and Alan went to Sweet Home to discuss with the Community Health Evangelists (CHEs) about Alcohol and Drug Abuse. We discussed the 12 Steps To Recovery followed by Scripture and biblical references. The CHE's could relate to the problems that arise from addictions and helped talk through the cultural differences to make the program relevant for this community. During the afternoon alcohol awareness classes were taught. The CHE's were shown graphic pictures of the effects of alcoholism on your body.This information will then be passed on to the Sweet Home Community. The CHE's were inspired by the classes and the discussions that ensued and were ready to learn more about how to start an Alcohol Awareness Program.
Wood, Aaron and Harrison went into the neighboring community of Philippi to update and repair computers at St. Paul's Church. They were also able to attend a After School Program (ASP) graduation for junior high students. They were all amazed by the joy expressed by the students during the ceremony.
BRIDGES OF HOPE ACADEMY
Those Team members who were not in the Townships spent the day leading classes for the students. Classes were taught on Prayer journal writing, music appreciation, creating and solving mysteries, minerals and rocks of South Africa, math and English. The students have enjoyed a break from their regular classes and learning some cool stuff!
After school we held a Carnival for the students. We set up a face painting station along with several games with prizes and the students had a blast!
The Team has been working really hard with classes and other smaller projects at the Academy but do feel overwhelmed by the needs of those within Sweet Home. We all know that God is doing great things there but feel helpless at times.
With many blessings and love,
Claire and Team South Africa :)
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Greetings from South Africa
Greetings from South Africa!!!
After about 30 hours of travel (and one missed flight!) we made it!! We actually go to the Academy at around midnight on Saturday, August 2. Everyone was in great spirits eventhough we were all pretty tired.
After a good night's sleep, Sunday started off by having breakfast with the Academy students and then off to church. The worship inspired everyone as the Academy students were very enthusiastic in their praises. After church we met with Jenny and Ted (staff members at Bridges) and then had some time to hang out with the Academy students. Harrison joined in on a pickup basketball game, Jon G played pool while Keira, Claire and Rachel played some foosball. It was a great way to get to know the students before getting in the classroom with them.
The highlight of the day was the brais (barbeque in Afrikaans) and the cultural show the students put on for us. The brais consisted of some chicken feet, ostrich and lamb stew, and African salad. The challenge for most of the team was eating a chicken foot, the Academy students LOVED them, not so much for the Team but it is ALL part of the experience.
Tomorrow (Monday) the Team along with some staff members from the Academy and Sweet Home will be heading over to Cape Town and out to Robben Island. Robben Island held many prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, during the years of apartheid. It will be a great opportunity for further Team bonding!!
Tomorrow (Monday) the Team along with some staff members from the Academy and Sweet Home will be heading over to Cape Town and out to Robben Island. Robben Island held many prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, during the years of apartheid. It will be a great opportunity for further Team bonding!!
Everyone's health is well but do ask that you continue praying for good health. As our schedule becomes busier over the next few days you won't be hearing from us but as soon as time allows we will send out an update!
With much love and many blessings!!!--Claire
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Leaving in 4 hours
To say the last few weeks have been hectic would be an understatement. I know everyone has been trying to tie up loose ends and we have all been in constant communication and prayer. It is hard to believe we leave in a few short hours. I wanted to enter a quick blog entry to at least set some expectations for the blog and talk a little about what we will be doing.
The blog will probably not be updated more than a few times over the next two weeks. We tend to get very busy and it is actually better for the team to stay focused on the trip rather than constant communication with home. We will fully update the blog when we return so check back again about a week after the trip to read the details.
Last summer we searched for a new organization to work with and landed with Bridges Of Hope outside Cape Town. This will be our first team with this new partnership.
ROCKHarbor has adopted Sweet Home, one of the poorest places I have ever been and a place with zero opportunity for residents. Bridges Of Hope has been working for the past five years in a neighboring community called Phillipe and the changes are miraculous. Their goal is to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of the community by raising up and listening to leaders in that community. Once the leaders have identified the needs we work on the top needs until that top need changes. It is a drastic change from the normal American/Western solution where we come into a community and give them something they may or may not need, like a well, a sewage system, a road or a house. It is also different in that it is mostly development with relief given only when absolutely necessary. They help the community meet the felt needs, not simply meet those needs for the community. This is done through training, micro-lending or just coming along side and helping to solve the biggest problems these communities face.
This is such a simple change, but has made a profound difference in the behavior in both the community residents and we who are serving that community. It is an amazing process and we are excited to see the changes in Sweet Home over the coming years.
After about two years the top need in Phillipe became orphans. What could anyone possibly do to help the 1.2 million children that are orphaned due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa every year? Many of those orphans are in the cape flats area where Phillipe and Sweet Home are located.
The South African government has been steadily moving away from state run orphanages. They are very difficult places. Bridges had purchased some amazing land near Franschoek in a wind producing area that is like Napa Valley. They had been running retreats for the leaders and residents in Phillipe. They came upon the idea of creating a boarding school. In South Africa, the elite attend boarding schools. Except this one would be populated with orphans from Cape Flats. They would still have to return to the township when school was out, but this was a great opportunity for a top knotch education and the added benefit of taking that knowledge back into the township.
We have been given the opportunity to teach over 30 classes at the Academy over the next two weeks. Everyone will be teaching something and most are on the gifts each person has been given. From math to computers, to business, to life lessons. Everyone has been working extremely hard to come up with suitable coursework.
We have also split our team into three groups. The childrens ministry will be running a VBS (Vacation Bible School) in Sweet Home. The Sweet Home team will be running an alcohol awareness and recovery training and the Academy team will be running an after school program and helping the students put on a play (High School Musical).
We have a huge schedule in front of us and have been preparing very hard over the past six months. We are all looking forward to working in this new ministry. Please pray for team unity, safety and strength as we work in South Africa over the next two weeks.
The blog will probably not be updated more than a few times over the next two weeks. We tend to get very busy and it is actually better for the team to stay focused on the trip rather than constant communication with home. We will fully update the blog when we return so check back again about a week after the trip to read the details.
Last summer we searched for a new organization to work with and landed with Bridges Of Hope outside Cape Town. This will be our first team with this new partnership.
ROCKHarbor has adopted Sweet Home, one of the poorest places I have ever been and a place with zero opportunity for residents. Bridges Of Hope has been working for the past five years in a neighboring community called Phillipe and the changes are miraculous. Their goal is to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of the community by raising up and listening to leaders in that community. Once the leaders have identified the needs we work on the top needs until that top need changes. It is a drastic change from the normal American/Western solution where we come into a community and give them something they may or may not need, like a well, a sewage system, a road or a house. It is also different in that it is mostly development with relief given only when absolutely necessary. They help the community meet the felt needs, not simply meet those needs for the community. This is done through training, micro-lending or just coming along side and helping to solve the biggest problems these communities face.
This is such a simple change, but has made a profound difference in the behavior in both the community residents and we who are serving that community. It is an amazing process and we are excited to see the changes in Sweet Home over the coming years.
After about two years the top need in Phillipe became orphans. What could anyone possibly do to help the 1.2 million children that are orphaned due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa every year? Many of those orphans are in the cape flats area where Phillipe and Sweet Home are located.
The South African government has been steadily moving away from state run orphanages. They are very difficult places. Bridges had purchased some amazing land near Franschoek in a wind producing area that is like Napa Valley. They had been running retreats for the leaders and residents in Phillipe. They came upon the idea of creating a boarding school. In South Africa, the elite attend boarding schools. Except this one would be populated with orphans from Cape Flats. They would still have to return to the township when school was out, but this was a great opportunity for a top knotch education and the added benefit of taking that knowledge back into the township.
We have been given the opportunity to teach over 30 classes at the Academy over the next two weeks. Everyone will be teaching something and most are on the gifts each person has been given. From math to computers, to business, to life lessons. Everyone has been working extremely hard to come up with suitable coursework.
We have also split our team into three groups. The childrens ministry will be running a VBS (Vacation Bible School) in Sweet Home. The Sweet Home team will be running an alcohol awareness and recovery training and the Academy team will be running an after school program and helping the students put on a play (High School Musical).
We have a huge schedule in front of us and have been preparing very hard over the past six months. We are all looking forward to working in this new ministry. Please pray for team unity, safety and strength as we work in South Africa over the next two weeks.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
December Trip Interviews
The core team, including the leaders leaving this Friday, have been interviewing applicants for the December 2008 trip to Cape Town. It might seem strange to be adding an extra level of stress on top of the last week before our summer trip, but the schedule for ROCKHarbor requires that the first training occur while the summer trip is in Cape Town, August 10.
As usual we have very few slots and many great applicants. It looks like we are going to have another amazing team. We will have the final team decided by Friday and notifications to be complete by Friday.
As usual we have very few slots and many great applicants. It looks like we are going to have another amazing team. We will have the final team decided by Friday and notifications to be complete by Friday.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Final Training
We had our final training today. We went over the last minute details and questions and packed our second bags full of items we will need for the different areas where we will be working and filled the rest with donations. Each bag can weigh up to 50 pounds and we plan to fill every ounce.
We also spent some more time planning in our three sub-groups: academy after school program, childrens/vbs and sweet home. Each team has a lot of different activities and ideas planned during our trip. During this time everyone will also be teaching at the academy on everything from math, to geology, to business to life skills. We have been given a great opportunity for each of us to share our skills with the young minds at the academy.
Everyone has been under a lot of stress and we could use a lot of extra prayer during this final week. This is common for our teams going to Africa, it always seems to add an extra layer of crazy things that happen at the last minute.
We also spent some more time planning in our three sub-groups: academy after school program, childrens/vbs and sweet home. Each team has a lot of different activities and ideas planned during our trip. During this time everyone will also be teaching at the academy on everything from math, to geology, to business to life skills. We have been given a great opportunity for each of us to share our skills with the young minds at the academy.
Everyone has been under a lot of stress and we could use a lot of extra prayer during this final week. This is common for our teams going to Africa, it always seems to add an extra layer of crazy things that happen at the last minute.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Bridges Academy Students
Dennis from Bridges Of Hope sent a picture of all the Academy Students today. We will be working closely with the Academy and all of these students.
Last summer when we visited this was an empty field which is now a soccer field. It will be exciting to see all the changes over the past year.
Last summer when we visited this was an empty field which is now a soccer field. It will be exciting to see all the changes over the past year.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
December Trip Training Dates
Here are the training dates for the December trip.
Sunday August 10
Sunday August 31
Sunday September 14
Sunday September 28
Sunday October 12
Sunday October 26
Sunday November 9
Friday December 14
Interviews will be going on over the next two weeks and the team needs to be decided before August 1 when the Summer trip leaves.
Sunday August 10
Sunday August 31
Sunday September 14
Sunday September 28
Sunday October 12
Sunday October 26
Sunday November 9
Friday December 14
Interviews will be going on over the next two weeks and the team needs to be decided before August 1 when the Summer trip leaves.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Fundraising story
Fund raising for Africa is always full of amazing stories. It is always hard to ask friends and family for money, but it is also about a lot more than just money. We really want to create partnerships where others can participate in our trips bringing more awareness and prayer where it is desperately needed. That said, we are always amazed to find see the funds come in when we need it most and least expect it.
Aaron has been struggling with fund raising and told a story of what can only be God's hand. Carla had been looking for photographs for a client for months and after much frustration decided to ask Aaron (our trip photographer) if he could take some pictures for the client. He is passionate about photography and has used his skills for the past few years with the ROCKHarbor Mexico team. The client loved the pictures and today he received a check that will cover the remainder of his fund raising for the Africa trip. This also allowed/forced him to get a business license and sellers permit which could be the start of a whole new career. Great work Aaron we all think your photography is amazing and are anxious to see where this new opportunity leads.
Aaron has been struggling with fund raising and told a story of what can only be God's hand. Carla had been looking for photographs for a client for months and after much frustration decided to ask Aaron (our trip photographer) if he could take some pictures for the client. He is passionate about photography and has used his skills for the past few years with the ROCKHarbor Mexico team. The client loved the pictures and today he received a check that will cover the remainder of his fund raising for the Africa trip. This also allowed/forced him to get a business license and sellers permit which could be the start of a whole new career. Great work Aaron we all think your photography is amazing and are anxious to see where this new opportunity leads.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Refuge and Interviews
The Sweet Home CHE committee has asked us to teach classes on Alcohol and Drug Abuse recovery. A number of people have been attending ROCKHarbor Refuge to learn about 12 step. We have also been working with the Refuge leaders to learn how to teach the 12 step program.
Interviews for the December trip started tonight. The first training will include all of ROCKHarbor's winter teams and happen while the August trip is in South Africa. Please pray that another amazing team is chosen for the December trip. We will be posting the December trip training dates soon.
Interviews for the December trip started tonight. The first training will include all of ROCKHarbor's winter teams and happen while the August trip is in South Africa. Please pray that another amazing team is chosen for the December trip. We will be posting the December trip training dates soon.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Training #7
We had our final training before the packing meeting. We went over a lot of final logistics and heard some more testimonies. We also spent some time in our smaller teams to do more planning for each of our areas. The three teams include The Academy After School events, Sweet Home, and Children's ministry. We also did a personality test and found that the team is very well balanced in terms of personality types. These last few weeks are very stressful for everyone and a lot is going on. Please pray to keep everyone safe and free from distractions. These last few weeks are always the toughest on people.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Women's Night
The women on the trip all went to Palm Desert/Indian Wells for the night. Lynne hosted everyone at her home. The hot weather was a great chance to sit by the pool and have some fun in the sun.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Spiritual and Physical Needs
During the last training I read a Franklin Graham quote and a few people asked if I could send it to them. I also decided to post it here since it is so relevant to the work we are doing.
If you only see the physical needs, you will become a humanitarian. If you only see his mental need, you will become an educator. If you only see his political oppression, you will become a revolutionary or a politician. And if you only see his spiritual needs, you will become a religionist. It is seeing the whole man, with a strong emphasis on the spiritual, when you become a Christian witness, a missionary, and evangelist and communicator of God's words.
Franklin Graham at Amsterdam '83
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Training #6
We held our sixth training today. Only two more trainings until we leave and one of those is a packing meeting. The trip is really getting close now.
We spent some time with a few Bridges of Hope exercises on spiritual and physical needs and the differences between relief and development.
One of the topics we covered was Conflict Resolution. We split into smaller groups and each group performed a short skit on the right way and wrong way to handle conflict. The leaders were unsure if this was even going to work and it turned out to be one of the best exercises we have done so far. Everyone came up with hilarious skits and had a great time with it.
Our next memory verse is Colossians 3:12-14
We spent some time with a few Bridges of Hope exercises on spiritual and physical needs and the differences between relief and development.
One of the topics we covered was Conflict Resolution. We split into smaller groups and each group performed a short skit on the right way and wrong way to handle conflict. The leaders were unsure if this was even going to work and it turned out to be one of the best exercises we have done so far. Everyone came up with hilarious skits and had a great time with it.
Our next memory verse is Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and
dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness
and patience. Bear with each other and
forgive whatever grievances you may have
against on another. Forgive as the Lord
forgave you. And over all these virtues put on
love which binds them all together in perfect
unity.
Colossians 3:12-14
Friday, June 13, 2008
Angels Game
The guys spent the evening tonight at the Angels game. Another opportunity to get to know each other better and a good excuse to get out. The Angels played the Atlanta braves.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Game Night
Claire and Lailanie hosted a game night. About half the team showed up to play various board games and have some general fun.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Training #5 - Watts Service Trip
Our team served in Watts today with Powerhouse church. Powerhouse is a new church in Watts and has been in partnership with ROCKHarbor. We split our team into three groups and helped lead worship, cooked a meal for everyone at the church, and served in children's ministry. It was an amazing experience that was much like we have seen on our previous trips to Africa in that you never really know what you are going to be doing until you get there. One team ventured out into the local neighborhood to invite people to the church service.
These service trips are a great way to see if everyone works together well. This was a very long and hard day and I have to say this is one of the best teams I have seen. We are really looking forward to see what God has in store for this team in Africa.
Aaron took a lot of great photos and has a gallery/blog where you can see them.
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