Getting the Hang of It

I can’t believe they talked me into this…I only said yes because I wanted a picture for my blog. Crazy, huh?

Actually, I’m glad I tried rappelling this weekend. According to Wikipedia, abseiling, or rappelling, is “the controlled descent down a rope; climbers use this technique when a cliff or slope is too steep and/or dangerous to descend without protection.” Had I read that definition beforehand I probably would have chickened-out.

Those of you who know me well know that I’m not all that outdoorsy or adventurous – so this was a bit of a stretch. But Lucas, our instructor, did a great job of teaching us step by step, and giving us encouragement along the way. It was scary at first, but once I learned to trust the harness and ropes, I got the “hang” of it and it was a lot of fun.

Nothing Off Limits

What are the biggest problems facing our churches and communities? What can church leaders do to face these problems head-on and reach people for Christ? We tackled these questions and more in our first Hand in Hand conference for 2010.

On Monday, more than 60 pastors and church leaders joined us to learn about Being Salt and Light – our theme for this year. Thrive Africa Director Amy Riep, and Pastor Abram Moloi taught how each of us are not only called to be Salt and Light in the world, but fully equipped as well. Abram then gave an example showing us how to dive into the Word of God to make critical decisions and tackle important issues related to Sex and Relationships – a difficult subject rarely talked about.

With the help of our Missions Interpreters and Leadership Summit Coaches, we then broke into small groups to talk more about the difficult issues facing our churches and communities. We were amazed at the bold responses. Divisions within the church. Promiscuous youth. Unemployment and poverty. HIV/AIDS. Counseling people in need. Financial stewardship. No topic was off limits.

Next we’ll use the feedback to develop future teachings for Hand in Hand. Our goal is to equip church leaders to be Salt and Light tackling the specific issues they are faced with today.

The Great Commission

Commissioning is the intentional act of granting authority, casting vision and sending others out for a specific purpose. This past weekend we celebrated and commissioned our 2010 interns. We’re so excited they are here!

Amy set the stage with a teaching from Matthew 28:16-20 known as The Great Commission. In this passage Jesus grants authority to his disciples, and sends them to make disciples of all the nations. Jesus also equips them with a promise to be with them always.

Matthew 9:35-10:20 is also packed with a wonderful example of commissioning. Here Jesus gives his disciples the authority to heal the sick, raise the dead, drive out demons and perform other miracles. Jesus also gives detailed instructions on where to go, who to reach, and what to take. There is so much to be learned from this passage. That each of us is sent with God’s authority and power. That I need to expect the same miracles, model Christ in every way, and expect the same results. That when God commissions us he also provides for our needs. That when Christ sends us out into the world, he also gives us his words and his gifts to share.

The passage goes on to reveal some pretty serious cautions as well. The Lord is transparent with us that the road won’t be easy. We need to be on guard, to be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Keenly aware. Wise and discerning. In loving relationship with our Father and Creator. Being sent comes with a price to pay, but also with the Lord’s promise of authority, power, provision, and blessing.

So please join us in welcoming our 2010 interns, and sending them out into an amazing year of ministry in South Africa.

Why Are We Here?

"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16 MSG)

This past weekend our Thrive Africa family headed to Durban for a staff retreat. It was a wonderful! A time to have fun together, chill at the beach, worship and pray, and set our sights on an amazing new year of ministry. We’re so excited for what the Lord has in store. Please pray with us as we challenge ourselves to first be who God called us to be, and then do what he has called us to do.

This year’s theme is Live the Light and it's all about living as Salt and Light in the world. Salt seasons and preserves, and is also comprised of elements we all need to survive. Light shines into dark places and illuminates our paths. As individuals and as a ministry, we are called to be God’s Salt and Light. Please pray with us that we live out this calling – that we do so humbly, courageously, and brightly for the world to see.

Praise Report - Thank You

You may know that a huge prayer request has been for the Lord to provide me with a vehicle. Praise God for His answer to my prayers and for His provision!

-Provision through praying friends and family.
-Provision through generous financial supporters.
-Provision through the savings that made-up the difference.
-Provision in that one of our missionaries who returned to the US offered me a well-maintained vehicle for a good price.

I’m so thankful for all these things!!

So here I am with my new-to-me bakkie (pronounced “buckey” aka truck). I love that is has an extended cab for passengers, and can haul things around the mission base. It already came in handy as we moved our houses around over the holiday break, and I know it will be useful if we need extra vehicles when hosting mission teams. I’m also getting used to the diesel engine and manual transmission. Learning to drive a manual has been an interesting experience, especially given that we drive on the opposite side and that there are a lot of hills around here. You should see our new driveway!

So thank you for your prayers and support. I’m grateful that the Lord used you to bless me and our ministry in this way!!