Mission South Africa

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2009-11-17T13:41:00.000-08:00

Well, we are back in the United States. I think I speak for every member of the team when I say that this mission trip was life-changing, challenging, and full of blessing.

Though we have returned, we know that the work of The Salvation Army continues in South Africa. The challenges we saw there are not gone. Please continue to pray for those who serve in South Africa and for the many trails they face. We know our God is mighty to save, to provide, and to ignite the fire of change.

As a team we want to say thank you to all of you who supported us financially and in prayer. We also want to thank Majors Booth and their staff who guided and took care of us in South Africa. We had a great experience!

For this final blog I've posted pictures from various days of our trip and the lyrics to the song that was our "team motto" while in South Africa.

We hope you've enjoyed sharing in our mission through this blog. Thank you again & God Bless!

You're the God of this City

You're the God of these people

You're the God of this nation

You are

You're the Light in the darkness

You're the Hope to the hopeless

You're the Peace to the restless

You are

There is no one like our God

There is no one like you God

Greater things have yet to come

And greater things are still to be done in this City

Greater thing have yet to come And greater things are still to be done here
Greater things are still to be done here

Wednesday

2009-11-14T13:46:00.001-08:00

We spent our final day at a facility called CareHaven, a residential program for abused mothers and their children. In the morning the women on the team spent time helping the women of the program sew and learn computer skills. A few of us spent time in the creche painting and playing ball with the children at the facility.

In the afternoon the women on our team were able to participate in a time of sharing with the women at the facility. The were very open with us about their experiences and struggles. We were able to share in song with them and encourage them with some bouquets of blessings.

The men on our team put in a hard days work repainting the dining hall at the facility.

Tuesday

2009-11-14T13:25:00.001-08:00

We spent Tuesday visiting several Salvation Army facilities around Cape Town. The first was Island of Hope. This is a Corps and temporary residence for street children and mothers who have often been abused and abandonded. The Officer there was passionate about her work with the residents and we learned a lot about the challenges that face the surrounding community. It was a shock to us to learn that the entire facility runs on a budget of around $52,000.00 a year. Please pray that this facility continues to recieve the financing neccessary to do their good work.

Later that day we toured Hesketh King, a mens residential rehabilitation center. The youngest residents are 16. The facility helps the residents overcome addictions of all kinds. We were able to join in a short service they had there, sharing in song and testimony.

After Hesketh King we toured the Booth Hospital. This hospital provides rehabilitation services, convalescent services, terminal care, and services for HIV/AIDS and TB patients. The hospital has been serving the people of Cape Town for over 40 years. The auxillary Captain there expressed his great appreciation to the United States territories for their support of the ministries overseas, including the Booth Hospital.

Monday

2009-11-11T10:33:00.001-08:00

Monday we had a day off and spent the day at the Cape of Good Hope.

It is a beautiful place! We were able to see baboons, ostriches, penguins and some of the most gorgeous ocean views you can imagine.

Sunday

2009-11-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

On Sunday the team divided into three groups and participated in services at three different Corps - Manenberg, Matroosfontein, and Bonteheuwel. Major Baker and his team were lucky enough to particpate in enrolling several new Junior and Senior Soldiers at the Matroosfontein Corps.

In the evening we attended a service at Nerina Gardens, a home for the elderly. This isn't a Salvation Army facility, but Salvation Army services and activities have been very well recieved at the facility, so the ministry there continues. Judy was privelaged to meet a man who came to the home in his late ninties, not knowing God, but later found God in a Salvation Army service there. Now, at the age of 101, he brings friends and family members to the services with the sincere hope that they too can find God there. It was a lovely evening of fellowship!

Saturday

2009-11-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

We spent Saturday in Manenberg. In the morning the whole team participated in a "mini-market" at the Corps. It was a fundraiser to help raise money for repairs done to the building. Many of us also spent time playing with the children outside. Due to rain and wind we weren't able to do the painting projects we had planned at the location, but we were able to spend valuable time fellowshiping with the children and Corps Officers in Manenberg. We've discovered on this trip that the encouragement of fellowship is something of incredible value to the Officers in South Africa.

In the afternoon we were able to visit 2 families. The story of the women pictured below is one that you must hear in person. I would encourage you to ask one of the team members when we return to share their story with you. It is truly one of the most heart-breaking stories we've heard on this trip. All I will say here is that they need our prayers - for practical things that we take for granted like food, the opportunity to go to school, and a job. Please pray for strength, for encouragement, and for the warm embrace of the Holy Spirit.

Friday - Kids Clubs at Bonteheuwel & Manenberg

2009-11-08T21:55:00.000-08:00

Let us come together, Praise the name of Jesus,
All you people of the earth, come and see!

Thursday

2009-11-08T21:31:00.001-08:00

On Thursday four members of the team went to the Langa Corps and repainted the hall the children worship in. It was a lot of work, but as you can see by the before and after shots below, it was well worth it. A major concern in this Corps is that the current leader in-charge is leaving in 6 short weeks to be with her husband who took a job in Mozambique. This will leave the Langa Corps without a leader and with walls bursting with children, it would be a devastating loss to have to close. Please pray for the Langa Corps - that a leader would be found so the ministry there can continue.

While at the Langa Corps we discovered a “restaurant” across the street that serves sheep head. The women, pictured below, who run the restaurant were very gracious to us and gladly answered all our questions about this cuisine. Major Baker and Paul were the only ones brave enough to try the sheep’s head - apparently the area behind the ear and the eyes are the best part. (More pictures of this to come!)

Eight members of the team went to Masiphumelele for the day. The group spent the morning sanding and varnishing some areas of the Corps and preparing food for the “feeding scheme” that takes place there. They then went around the shantytown community and visited people in their homes, prayed with them and learned more about the plight of the people in the area.
The shantytowns are indescribable. I’m not sure the pictures even do total justice to what you see when you experience the shantytowns in person. I never imagined that so many people lived in such desperate circumstances. Thankfully, our God is a God of hope.

Wednesday

2009-11-06T23:14:00.000-08:00

We spent Wednesday at the Bonteheuwel Nursery School visiting with the children and then did some varnishing around the building. The children sang a few songs for us - one of which was "I May Never March in the Infantry" - motions and all! We then enjoyed a little ribbon dance performance by the baby class. I think only 2 of them were actually doing the dance, but it was enjoyable just the same! We were also welcomed into the Home League meeting being held at the Corps that day and had a great time of fellowship and singing with the ladies.

In the afternoon we split the group. The men visited several homes in the Bonteheuwel area and prayed for the people in their homes. The rest of us went to Crossroads. We were introduced to a group of women who are being taught how to sew and make garments and jewelry so that they will be able to support themselves and teach other women in the community to do the same. Following the sewing group we were privileged to participate in the "Kids Club", an after-school type program that teachesthe children of the area about issues relevant to their community. That day the subject was Human Trafficking. This is already a major concern in the country and a growing concern with the 2010 FIFA Games being held in Capetown. I believe it is undoubtedly Gods' providence that the Officers at Crossroads are ready and willing to talk with children about an issue such as this.

In the evening we joined a Addiction Support group at the Athlone Corps. It really was an incredible experience to hear the stories of the men and women there who had been addicted to drugs and alcohol and how God is changing their lives. One young man named Grant had a very moving testimony about his experience with "Tick", which is a drug similar to meth. I don't have time right now to write out his whole story, but I will tell you that it is a story about absolutely hitting rock bottom and finding the wonderful grace of God in that place. This man is now a "Jesus Freak", as he put it - and praise God for that!

Tuesday

2009-11-04T22:24:00.000-08:00

Today we spent the morning at the Khayelitsha Corps. Several of us spent time with the congregation and then participated in a feeding scheme, where the people were given food and then accompanied home and prayed for. During the service, Paul, who runs the corps, did a traditional Zulu dance that was very moving. Dave and Mike both expressed that it was difficult to hold back tears because of the immense passion this man had for the Lord - he danced like David before God.

Others of us spent time with the Mums Group in the community, who provide home based care to those who are sick and unable to care for themselves. I met an 82 year old woman who had 8 children of her own and so many grandchildren she said she'd lost count. I had a heart-breaking moment in this encounter as she asked me if I could take one of her grandchildren with me to America so that she could grow up and be able to work and have a better life. It was a moment where all I could do was cry out to God in thanks for what I've been given, and for what I know my son will have.

Later in the evening we spent time at the Athlone Corps. The women did PrayerAreobics with the women of the Corps and the men participated in Mens Fellowship. It was a fun and relaxing evening of sharing and fellowship.

The internet isn't always readily available so the posts and pictures will come as we're able to get them up! I'm hoping to get some video clips up later - the music and dance here is incredible!

Monday

2009-11-04T11:04:00.000-08:00

Monday we visited two schools, the first of which was a nursery school, Bonteheuwel, providing services to young children ages 1 to 6. Erin, Judy, Roberta & Leah did puppets for the children in the assembly and then we all walked through the classrooms and passed out stickers, which they couldn't’t have been happier to receive. They were very cheerful children and seemed to really enjoy being able to attend school. Later that morning we walked to Rosewood Primary School, which offers education to pre-teens and teens. Mike & Dave lead a great time of singing with some wonderful old Sunday school songs. Dave and I did “Boomwhackers” for the teens and then invited some of them to join us. Jeanne and Debbie presented the gospel message using balloons, and then we all taught the teens how to make balloon animals. It was a very fun time and I believe the teens were very excited to have us there.

We spent the afternoon sanding and painting the nursery school, which was hard, but rewarding. Needless to say, we all slept well last night!

More to come tomorrow – keep checking in on us!

Sunday

2009-11-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

On Sunday the team was split into three groups and sent to different Corps throughout the West Cape Division to participate in the Sunday Services.
Deborah, Dave, Leah, and Erin all went to the Althone Corps where the service closely resembled one they might have attended in the States. All the team members there were given the opportunity to participate by singing, playing guitar, giving a testimony, sharing scripture or praying.

Roberta, Judy, Harold, and Mike were at the Langa Corps which is composed entirely of youth. They spent time interacting with the young people and enjoying the youth leadership in the Corps. The young people shared music – sung to only a bass drum, dance, timbrels, and testimony in the service. After the services they had an “Olympics” with Tug O’ War, races, discus, shot-put, and other traditional Olympic games using items like straws, paper-plates, and balloons. Mike shared that even though the team members weren’t able to understand what was being said several times during the service, it was definitely evident that the power of the Holy Spirit was present and working there.

Again, with no instrument except a large drum, Paul, George, Jeanne and I, enjoyed worship at the Masiphumelele Corps which is surrounded by “shantytown” – hundreds and hundreds of small shacks made of whatever materials one can find: tin sheets, garbage bags and slabs of old wood. We heard moving testimony from one member of the church and were invited into several people’s shanties. We saw hundreds of children in the streets and one little boy in-particular followed us through the shantytown giving us hugs every chance he got. It was a moving and humbling experience there.

Victory Walk & Table Mountain

2009-11-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

Today was certainly an exciting journey. This morning we met at the Athlone Corps to participate in a Victory Walk, where we walked through the surrounding community to talk with people on the streets. Several of us spent time at the local park making balloon animals for the community children, while some of us toured a local hostile where 13 people live crowded into one room. Others of us walked through the community neighborhood and talked with local gang members and children who were playing in the streets. It was a challenging opportunity to stretch beyond our comfort zones and meet new people in their neighborhoods. We were greeted by a people filled with a joyful willingness to share their lives with us. We were then taken to the Claremont Corps to participate in a Corps fundraiser and meet the people of that Corps. We weren't able to get many pictures because it wasn't safe to carry around any valuables, but I'll see if I can find some!

In the late afternoon we were given the opportunity to visit Table Mountain, a beautiful mountain on the peninsula covered in greenery and surrounded by a cobalt blue ocean. It truly is one of the most serene and stunning views I’ve ever seen.

The day brought with it various humorous moments as well – learning to drive on the left side of the road(which caused Dave to do a bit of unintentional “off-roading” and Harold to make a few of us to fall off our seats), unguided sight-seeing tours(a.k.a. – being lost), and lost room keys(though we later found Judy had them the whole time).

Tomorrow we’ll be dividing up the group and participating in the Sunday Services at several Corps. More updates to come!

Traveling!

2009-11-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

After 20 hours on a plane and 13 hours touring the sights of London, we are finally in Cape Town. We have arrived. The snow is behind us and South Africa ahead!

While in London we were able to see where the work of the Army began at the Blind Beggar, as well as see several statues recognizing the work of our Founder, William Booth. (Notice that Major Baker and Captain Shull have the pose down fairly well).

And thanks to the wonderful hospitality of Majors Andrew and Sheila Dunkinson, we were able to have a wonderful meal before seeing several famous sights in London such as Big Ben, The Tower of London, Westminster Abby, and the London Eye. We were also privileged to visit the International Headquarters of The Salvation Army.

Upon arrival in South Africa we were taken to the West Cape DHQ where we met the Divisional Staff and were given information about the division. While getting ready to leave the DHQ for the Shoenstatt Conference center where we’re staying, we discovered one of our vehicles batteries had died. Some of us offered to help push – the adventure begins!

We’re all safe and sound at the Schoenstatt Conference Center now, preparing for our first day out in the townships and Corps of South Africa. We’re tired but ready to serve!

Training!

2009-10-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

Tuesday the team met to spend some time working on music, puppets, dramas, and ballooning! Some of our balloon creations came out great! Some were a little more, well.... interesting. The team worked great together and had a good time preparing for the trip.

Can you guess what some of these creations are?

Fellowship & Prayer

2009-10-28T09:48:00.001-07:00

Monday night the group met with the Divisional Staff for a meal and prayer time. For some of us this was our first time meeting the other team members. We all shared some details about our lives and what we are looking forward to most about the trip. It was a great time of fellowship and prayer!

Team Member Bios - Erin Kofoed and Michelle Marquez

2009-10-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

I am the Youth Program Specialist at DHQ. I enjoy drawing, painting, sewing, playing sports, making/editing movies, making new friends, decorating and working on my house, exercise, making anything beautiful, singing, playing my cornet, loving on my precious son, horseback riding and spending time with my family. Six people live in my house. Me, my husband Aliex, my 6 year old son Zachary (who turns 7 while I'm in Africa), - I also have my little sister Alyssa living with me (in my basement - they take my two lower rooms), her husband Chris and their baby Aiden (who is now 4 months old). I own two dogs (Chihuahuas) and 1 cat - and my sister owns two big dogs who are also great house guests.

This will be my first mission trip and I'm a little more scared than excited. People keep asking me if I'm excited - but I see this mission trip as a chance to be pushed into uncomfortable situations - to face fears. It's terrifying - and I'm looking forward to being stretched and used by God.

I hope to experience something on this trip that will change me forever. I want to come back transformed and with a fresh new perspective on life. Although we are going to help - I believe that I have something valuable to learn. In preparing for the trip two verses came to mind - Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who gives me strength”, and Psalm 105:1, “Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done”.

I currently work at DHQ as the Administrative Assistant for the Social Services, Emergency Disaster Services, and Service Extension Departments. I am a soldier at the Centennial Corps. I enjoy scrapbooking, card-making, movies & music, reading, baking, long-walks, and most of all spending time with my 9 month old baby, Isaias, and my wonderful husband Mateo.

I have been privileged to go to Estonia, New Zealand, Switzerland, England and Mexico on various ministry trips with The Salvation Army. I’m looking forward to this trip for many reasons – the chance to travel to a new place, the opportunity to meet new people and build relationships, and the ability we’ll have to share the great love of Jesus with the people we encounter. I hope to be an encouragement for those we meet. I believe this trip is going to stretch me and help me to be a more compassionate individual. A verse that I have been challenged by recently is 2 Peter 1:5-7 “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.”

I feel very blessed to be going on this trip and ask that you would pray for our team as we travel – that we would be God’s hands and feet.

Team Member Bios - Paul Brewster and Leah Meyer

2009-10-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

I am currently the Director of Development at Intermountain DHQ. I have been married for 24 years to my lovely wife Cathy, and we have two children David and Kelli. Cathy is in the public affairs department of Safeway Corporation here in Denver. She is the daughter of retired Salvation Army Officers (Majors Clyde and Nancy Curnow). David is a freshman at the University of Colorado at Boulder and my daughter is a freshman at Littleton High School in Littleton, Colorado. David is studying Political Science with aspirations of becoming an attorney. Kelli is a wonderful straight A student and a member of the LHS Cheerleading squad. We have two dogs - Katie and Ringo (yes, Ringo was named after Ringo Starr). Some of my hobbies include traveling with my family, music, reading, and of course sports (watching and playing).

I was fortunate enough to go on a medical mission trip 4 years ago to Hanoi, Vietnam. We took medical equipment and expertise to the largest community hospital in the country's capital. I was also fortunate enough to meet with high officials of the Vietnamese government, as well as the Ambassador to Vietnam from the United States, in order to assist in facilitating poison control and trauma training from St. Anthony Central Hospital in Denver to Bach Mai Hospital in Vietnam. It was a life changing experience.

The passage in the Bible that speaks to me constantly, and especially now in thinking of South Africa, is Micah 6:8 - "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”.

The part of the upcoming trip that I am most looking forward to is the opportunity to listen and serve others in a way that is Christ honoring, using the time that has been given to me by God to share His love with people literally around the world.

I am currently the IM DHQ Database Manager(exciting title, huh?). I transferred to the Intermountain Division last September after working various positions in Development at DHQ in Honolulu for three years.

I have been on several mission trips before with my hometown church, but not since high school. I spent spring breaks with my church youth group doing projects in Appalachia(rural Virginia) and also spent a week in Denver(before I lived here!) working with various feeding programs as well as various shorter projects.

I am looking forward to many things.... mostly seeing a new part of the world and another side of the Army that I haven't really been a part of yet. I'm also really hoping to be able to make a positive impact on the people that we come into contact with.

This trip brought to mind Psalm 46:10 - "Be still and know that I am God"... I have been pulled in a lot of different directions lately and there are so many things to take care of before we go, sometimes I just need to remind myself to take a moment and remember who is in control.

Team Member Bios - Captain Harold Laubach and Major Deborah Greene

2009-10-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

I currently serve as the Corps Officer in Pueblo, along with my wife Maggie. We have four children: Alex(14), Kiara(12), Natalie(11), and Doris (6). I enjoy fishing, reading, playing computer games and spending time with my family.

I have not been on a mission trip before, but during our Spring Campaigns we went to Juarez, Mexico and helped the Salvation Army unit there. I am looking forward to the ministry opportunities with young people while in South Africa.

In preparing for this trip, James 1:27 came to mind - "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

I currently serve with my husband as the Salt Lake Basin Coordinators with specific responsibility for the Ogden ARP. My hobbies and interests include bible study, counted cross stitch - when I take the time, and attending Real Salt Lake Soccer games. My husband and I have three children, one boy and two girls. Our son Richard, age 34, lives in Hawaii; our daughter Dawn, age 32, lives in Fairbanks, Alaska with her husband Eliot; and our youngest daughter Melissa, age 27, lives in Ogden, Utah. We have one dog - Kaos - a playful Border Collie mix.

I have never been on a mission trip, except 12 years in Alaska, but have always loved working with other cultures. When I was first approached about going on this mission trip, the thought came to me about the compassion of Jesus. Matthew 9:36 says, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd”. My desire is to have the same compassion as Jesus.

I am looking forward to sharing God's love with others of a different culture. I am excited about the opportunity to experience how people in other countries live and so empathize with them. I am looking forward to God using me to make a difference in the world.

Team Member Bios - Captain Dave Shull and Captain Roberta McKinney

2009-10-22T12:23:00.001-07:00

Currently my wife Regina and I are serving as the Corps Officers of the Cheyenne Corps. We have a son, James, a daughter, Joslynn, and a dog named Max. I enjoy playing guitar, fly fishing and mountain biking.

This is my first mission trip and I am very excited and humbled by the chance to go. I am looking forward to seeing how Christ is lived out in a different culture.

Leviticus 6:13 says, "The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out." Too many times I let the fire of God go cold in my life because I rely on myself, not on God. I am looking forward to relying totally on God for everything and learning to not rely on myself.

I am currently serving as the Divisional Social Services Secretary for the Intermountain Division. My husband Ron is the Metro Denver City Coordinator. I enjoy reading, sewing, and knitting.

In preparing for this trip Joshua 1:9 came to mind, which says, "Be strong & courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”. Though I haven’t been on a “formal” mission trip before, my husband and I have assisted Corps with projects and ministry while on vacation. I am really looking forward to meeting the people of South Africa, learning about how they worship, learning about their culture, and sharing my faith with them.

Team Member Bios - Captain Mike Halverson and Captain Judy Bennett

2009-10-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

My wife Nancy and I are currently serving as the Corps Officers of the Fort Collins Corps. We have one daughter, Amanda, who is 15, and two sons - Justin, 12, and Brandon, 7. I also have one brother, Shane, who has three children of his own (Tyler, Rylee and Austin). My mom and dad, who are also officers, are stationed in Ketchikan, Alaska. I love watching and playing sports (football, basketball and baseball). I love to exercise and stay in shape, though it doesn't always work out that way! I love to spend time with my wife and children. I also enjoy Bible Bowl (helping teens learn the Word of God).

I have never been on a mission trip before, and I am very excited to be going! The first scripture that came to my mind when thinking about this trip was, “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few’. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." -Matt. 9:37-38

I am looking forward to a life and heart change that I have heard about from so many people who have been on mission trips before. I am looking to go with an open and willing heart to see how God may change me and make me more like Him.

My awesome husband John and I are currently the Corps Officers at the Centennial Corps. We have 3 great kids: Ruthie (25), Philip (23) and Mark (21). I enjoy biking, travel, reading, hiking, playing bass guitar, and digging in the dirt (gardening).

In preparing for this trip the Lord laid this verse on my heart, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:19. This will be my first mission trip and I am looking forward to hearing the stories of those we visit, seeing a new land, and being available to be used by the Lord in whatever manner He chooses.

Team Member Bios - Majors George & Jeanne Baker

2009-10-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

Majors George and Jeanne Baker will be leading the team that is going to South Africa.

I am currently serving as the Divisional Secretary of the Intermountain Division.
Some hobbies I enjoy include music, sports, collecting Starbucks mugs,and traveling.
God has blessed me with the most wonderful wife in the world, Jeanne, who has survived 29 years of marriage to me! We have four adult children - 2 daughters and 2 sons - who are all in their 20's. Our two daughters are both married to wonderful young men and our oldest daughter and son-in-law have one child, Isaias Abram, who is the apple of his grandpa's eye! I am truly blessed to have a caring and loving Christian family.

My wife and I were blessed to be able to go to Mexico City for one week in 2008 and participate in a variety of ministry opportunities during our time there. I am very excited about the opportunity we will have to share the love and grace of God with those we come in contact with in South Africa. I am also excited to experience ministry in a setting completely different from anything I've experienced to this point in my officership. I am looking forward to what God will do in my own life as I seek to serve Him through my participation in this mission trip.

I currently serve as the Divisional Women’s Ministry Secretary for The Salvation Army Intermountain Division. I have been in Denver for just over three years. In my current position, I am responsible for the oversight of The Women’s Ministries programs of The Salvation Army in the Intermountain Division.

God has given to my husband and me four children. They have been a blessing and an important part of our ministry. Michelle, Melissa, Jeremy, and Jon. I have a super family!

I am a student at Nazarene Bible College, working towards a degree in Leadership and Ethics. This will be an excellent enhancement and support in my role as Leader, Administrator and most importantly, servant of God. In my free time, I enjoy photography, scrapbooking, playing the guitar, and painting. I am also a Grandmother for the first time!

I have been to Mexico City on a mission trip. My heart was stirred as I visited with the officers and families, as well as visited with them in their neighborhoods, seeing their ministry and taking part in their mission.

This trip to South Africa will no doubt grip my heart and mind as well as we meet the people and share in their lives, even for such a short time. A verse of scripture which I will take with me is this: "Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our heart, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives." Galatians 5:25 The Message.

Our Mission Trip Logo

2009-10-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

This is the logo that the team will be wearing while in South Africa. It was created by Erik Dabis, the Intermountain Divisional Music Director. As team member Paul Brewster said, "It represents more than just a logo, but something that will be a keepsake for the blessing God has in store for our group and those we will serve".

Countdown to South Africa!

2009-10-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to the Mission South Africa blog! The official countdown for the trip has begun! In ten days the team will be grabbing their bags and heading to the airport for the long trek to South Africa. I believe I speak for everyone on the team when I say that we are excited, anxious, and feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for this wonderful opportunity we've been given.

Over the next several days I'll be posting "bios" of each team member. We are a diverse group with many different talents and we each want to be used by God on this Mission Trip. Philippians 2:1-2 says "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose".

Today we ask that you pray for us to be united as a team, like-minded in love, spirit and purpose that we may be used for God's glory.

Thanks for visiting our blog and make sure to check back tomorrow!

Michelle