God really comes through for us in an hour of need. There were times we thought the food would run out, but it ended up being more than enough. On a number of occasions this happened and we thank our heavenly father for all that he has provided for us. With our faith and trust strong in him, he made a way. Anonymous
Well, God is great in all ways. The community that I went to was great. I was amazed by how many kids we had. They were very excited during face painting. It was sad to leave; I hope to do this again. Martha
God’s glory and mercy was upon us throughout the entire week. We accomplished every task that God gave us. The kids were touched and responded to everything positively. They understood the evangecube and enjoyed the food, too. I hope one day we will meet again. Kagiso Molefane
In one of the days during small group time, I went through the evangecube with children ageg 11-16. They asked me questions about things they did not understand. In the end I made an altar call for them to receive Christ and at the end of the prayer, one child said, “I just saw Jesus!” I asked, “Where?” He said, “In my mind.” Now that blew my mind that such a young boy had an image of Christ in his mind. I am sure it will stay with him for the rest of his life. Sello Mmane
I had the honor of teaching six ladies how to plan and teach Sunday school for this new congregation. They are eager to change the lives of children by pointing them to Christ. God reinforced in me that His Bible is only “curriculum” needed. To leave New Creation with the skill and vision for discipling children, the future generation, was amazing. Igniting the flame that will move forward – God at work! Debbie Warren
The community LOVED the evangecube, the Jesus Film, dramas (The Sticky Chair, in particular). The meals were received very well, and we, as a team, were received well by the community and church. Anonymous
I heard the presence of the Lord as we reached the place at Stinkwater. I was a shy person to do things in front of people, but since I went to trailer ministry, I am no longer a shy person. I’m no longer afraid to do the best for our creator God. We shared the word of God during our spare time with other youth at S tinkwater and w were building up one another as we spoke about the coming of Jesus Christ. I am happy that at least we have left one another with knowledge. May God bless Eastside and give the church more power to do more so people will know who God is and how to please him. Amen. Sean
Working out in the communities during the World Cup was an amazing experience. Going into it on Sunday, we thought as if we would be helping the ommunity.. Coming out of it on Saturday, I would hve to say they helped us more than we helped them. We had over 200 kids each day who welcomed us and taught us so much. The children loved the songs, enjoyed all activities, and would still be playing soccer with us if we had let them! While Holiday Club got the children’s attention, sideline ministries gave us a chance to truly talk to the kids, interact with them, love on them and tell them all about Jesus. I’d have to say the evangecube is such a huge ministry method. By the end of the week kids were taking the cube and explaining Christ’s birth, death and resurrection back to us. The journey was unforgettable. Fourteen people professed their lives to Christ, but hundreds of seeds were planted. The pictures taken will never be able to fully explain the stories. This was an amazing mission trip and I cannot wait to come back. Rebecca Warren
The community was grateful that we had shown up. New Creation Church is only six months old. We got 135 kids to find God this week. At times, we had attendance over 300. We loved the chance to minister to kids that were open to our message. The kids were so happy to be receiving food and loved both the soccer and songs. We left this week knowing that great things are to come here. We even had seven men who abuse drugs meet with the church leaders. With drugs being a problem in the area, this is a huge step. They are starting a rehab program and it may be profitable to aid in the process. They have the capability and most of the resources. Stick with this church and great things will happen. They are wonderful people and I am so excited to see such an energetic congregation take the reigns at the end of the week. Tyler Gass
God worked very hard in my life. What I learned before I went on trailer ministry was to do all through the power of the Lord. I did this because I wanted to make a difference in the children’s lives and by the power of the Lord, I did. I also did this because I wanted to do something for my Lord. I thank him that he allowed me this opportunity. The evangecube had an impact in the children’s week; almost every child wanted to hold it and know about it. Grace
God worked in a way we could not see. He taught us how to be humble and submit. Anonymous
Day One – Saw children filled with joy and happiness as many got used to dancing for God. Day Two – The hospitality at the church was impressive and God planted seeds in youth of the church. The love they shared us was amazing. Day Three – More kids were led to God. They were taught how God can and is using them. Day Four - The lady cooking for us was very energetic; God gave her the strength and energy to cook wonderful meals for us. The kids enjoyed the food as they wanted more and more. Day Five – Emotional day for many as it was the end of a successful holiday Bible club. Kids wanted us to stay and continue sharing and planting seed in the community. Anonymous
Day One – Everything was slow . . . and the soccer was not working like we wanted it to be. Day Two – We did praise and worship and the energy was great and the youth started to dance – the kids loved that. Day Three – Getting the youth involved was great. Day Four – We had 219 kids – the kids were singing and youth were taking more responsibility. Day Five – The youth had a dance for kids. It blessed my heart. I thank God for the opportunity to minister. David
Day One – I saw the kids excited to learn from us when we showed them the moves to the songs. Day Two – They were doing the moves really well. Day Three – We have learned the names of all of the children and leaders. Day Four – I was very tired. I did the puppet show each day, but showed the local leaders how to do it for the last day. Day Five – It was good to see the local leader doing everything for the Holiday Club; this was the opportunity for us to learn from them. Andries
God impacted my life in such a large way this trip. I had to learn to focus on God and grow in Him without the help of someone who has brought my relationship to where it is today. My team shared our testimonies and that was the first time that I had done that. I had become an extremely quiet person, so to be talkative and open about myself to people that I barely knew, was really difficult. But when I did, I formed relationships with both my team and the people at the church. I desire to continue relying on God. I also will be listening more closely to the little nudges that come from the Holy Spirit. The community of Spitzpunt responded really well to the evangecube and were thankful for the meals. Melissa M.
This week was an amazing week. I really believe that God is working in the community of Spitzpunt. The people of this town were very welcoming to our group and responded well to the programs. God really opened doors for our team this week. When we used the evangecube, we always had responses from the people; many people came to Christ. The community is on the verge of a movement from God. God showed me what it means to follow his nudges. I was also taught how to be bold in my faith and not be so reserved. Josh W.
This was the most amazing week of my life! From start to end, the community was so welcoming and gracious to us. I feel like God really used us in that community; the people wanted to learn and grasp God that week and we were doing all we could to help them. With 90% of the community practicing ancestry, I was a little nervous about what would happen when we got there. But all those feelings left on the first day when they had a parade for us and a welcoming ceremony. Monday the kids just wanted to play all day with us and the lessons and songs went well. At sideline and big screen we were able to connect with the teenage guys and girls. By Wednesday the local volunteers were running the program pretty much on their own! God, you are an amazing God and I couldn’t ask for anything more! And if you want me to come back some day I will be ready! Sarah A.
This week was an amazing journey. I have learned so much. Seeing how little the people had, yet how much love and kindness they have for us (outsiders), makes me grateful for everything I have that I never thought about being special. Like shoes. I really didn’t think that we were going to be able to connect with the people because of the language barrier but we did. They paid so much attention to us when we were telling a story. We told our testimonies to the older kids during the big screen events and they were receptive. We answered questions they had and even had a few commit to following God. The experience was amazing and I will never forget it. Kayla Piatt
God worked in our community and we were able to touch lives. I was so encouraged by the way the whole community accepted us. We were taken on a donkey cart to see the Queen of Spitzpunt. After meeting her, we were able to advertise the holiday club to everyone in the village. God also opened doors through our big screen events. These events soon became full-blown church services with testimonies, preaching and worship. We also saw increasing attendance, with about 80 people on the last night. God blew our minds daily as we were able to bring the light of Christ to the community . . . definitely one of the best trips ever. Jean
God worked through us so much this week. He started by opening the hearts of the community in Spitzpunt. They gave us a welcoming ceremony on Sunday that led us to get to know them and also tell them about the Holiday Club. Monday we had a huge turnout. The volunteers were few and in the shadows most of the day. It was a great day, but I was exhausted. I wondered how I would be able to get through the week with little to no help from the volunteers and hundreds of kids. But God came through for us. He empowered the volunteers throughout the week to step up and take charge. By the end of the week, they were leading it. They led in prayer and taught the kids about Jesus. It was amazing to see how God turned their hearts in so little time. Every night for our big screen event 60-70 adults would come and we would share our testimonies or teach about Jesus. They bombarded us with questions and when we answered they would nod their heads in agreement. At the end of the week many people renounced their ancestral worship and said they would follow the Lord, as well as most of the kids. God truly is doing special things in Spitzpunt. (The evangecube, Bibles, meals and blankets were warmly welcomed and much needed by the community. Kurt G.
Our big screen events turned into services. The first day our antenna wouldn’t work so we played “Stop and Think” and then had a discussion time. The teens had lots of questions. All week we also played “The Prize” and did the “Everything” drama. More and more people came every day. It was amazing to see people start to change after hearing the gospel over and over. Everyone, both kids and adults, loved the evangecube. We handed out all of our Bibles, and even more people wanted them. God is doing amazing things! Alena R.
They had a very strong core of volunteers who were well prepared to run the holiday club. We were able to almost completely turn it over to them by Wednesday. They had a strong group of teens who led up front and many women who coordinated the food. One highlight was seeing Daniel, a 16-year old, take leadership up front and during debrief and planning times. This was his first leadership experience and I think he discovered one of his God-given gifts! Julie D.
This week with the Marapyane Baptist Church has been amazing. From the second we arrived at the church, late on Sunday morning, we were ushered to front rows and greeted warmly by the church. I don’t think we passed one person in the community that didn’t greet us! To our surprise/delight, the volunteers had been preparing for us to come for months! They knew most of the material and were able to lead a good chunk of the holiday club on the first day. From there we saw them grow. . . The evangecube and bracelets with South Africa’s colors worked very well in presenting the gospel. Joe D.
One of the amazing things God did this week was stir the hearts of the community members. A majority of people worship ancestors along with God, thinking ancestors are powerful and answer their prayers. But through the Holiday Club and big screen event that were spent sharing the gospel with young adults, many people had questions. They were asking what it means to be a Christian and what they need to do, and what the Bible says. It was so cool to see God moving in their hearts. God is doing amazing things with those people. After I prayed, He provided me the opportunity to talk to individuals about him. Ashley
Coming into this trip, I had no idea what to expect. Going into a totally new culture and lifestyle wasn’t going to be easy, or so I thought. When we arrived in Marapyane, what I thought would be nerve-wracking, was peaceful. I felt more welcomed than I had ever felt, even at home, and I had only been there 10 minutes. Our team was extremely blessed to have a more than generous host home and over 20 volunteers excited, prepared and ready to go. God outweighed my expectations for this trip. While I was at home packing, I would have never believed it if someone would have told me I wouldn’t care if I wore the same outfit all week and that a nice warm shower was going to be a treat I would get just once a week. I feel like God has taught me so much this week and I learned to rely on him. Overall, the most important thing I have learned is contentment. At home, before this trip, I remember praying that God would make me content with what I have; but on this trip I realized that contentment isn’t about having all you want and need, it is the feeling that comes when your eyes are completely on God and your heart is so fixed on his will that nothing else matters. Things are just, well, things, and with God in the center of your life how could you even care how many jeans you own or how many songs fill your iPod? God has taught me so much this week and I can’t wait to spread it around when I get home. I know God isn’t done in me quite yet, but I feel like this trip has helped me make a huge step in the right direction, and the direction is right towards Him! Megan H.
When arriving in Spitzpunt we had very few volunteers that knew anything about the Holiday Club. By the time we left, they were stepping up and telling the children that looked up to them all about Jesus. One of my favorite times was during the snack time. All of the volunteers were teaching their small groups and using the evangecube. One of the young leaders in the community was shy at first, but by the end of the week was preaching the gospel every chance he got. The night we gave out the Bibles, people were immediately reading them and telling us about it. Jenna Burns
This week has been really neat for me. It was my first missions experience, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. During the few days I spent at Eastside beforehand, I had a lot of worries and prayers that I was constantly lifting up to God. He answered them in amazing ways. During my week at Marapyane Baptist Church I was more content then ever before. Sure, I didn’t have a shower during the week and my clothes are dirty and probably a little smelly, but my life this week was only for God. My week revolved around Him and serving more than it ever has before. That is why I have been so content and so peaceful. I am so thankful for this experience. Not only did I make some amazing new friends, but God has also pointed out some changes I need to make in my life when I go back to the U.S. So, although I am sad to leave, I am also excited to adjust my life and see how God works in my back home. The community of Marapyane Baptist was extremely welcoming. Even after the first day I felt that this was my second home. The people here will always be in my prayers. Estee B.
One of the coolest things from this week was seeing the commitment and passion in the volunteers from Marapyane Baptist. They showed up every day on time and ready to jump in. They knew the songs, hand motions, memory verses and Bible stories. They were interested in our advice and took it to improve their ministry. This helped me see that Christ is working all over the world. I had a lot of one-on-one conversations with the girl volunteers and to see the beauty of their hearts absolutely blew me away. I was sad leaving some of “my kids” from the week, but I had hope because I know they have someone to look after them. They all loved the evangecubes and they were used a lot during the week. We gave the Bibles to our volunteers and they loved that because none of them had their own Bible. Hannah C.
Our God is an active God who is mighty and at the same time cares for every individual. We walked into a church that was very passionate about bringing Jesus to the young ones and the community. They spent the month before we arrived going over Holiday Club every Saturday, and the week before we arrived, they met every day to review and go over the songs. As a program goes, they knew their stuff and were willing, but they professed they did not know hot to relate with kids and it scared them. . . . God is doing great works in Marapyane. The people are willing and love God; the experience of daily ministry is limited, but desired. They just need people to teach them how to do what they desire to do. Jordan
This week was absolutely amazing. I was absolutely amazed with the volunteers at Marapyane Baptist. When we arrived Sunday, we had a meeting with the volunteers after the worship serve. We were told that the volunteers met every weekend for the past month to practice, and every day for the last week. . . . God has placed Africa on my heart these past couple of years. I wasn’t’ exactly sure why or what that was going to look like, but I definitely think that God showed me a little this week. My prayer has been that God would break my heart for the people of South Africa, and I really feel God has answered my prayer. I am amazed with the amount of love that God has blessed me with this week. I John 4:7-8 – “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” I definitely saw love in the people that I met at Marapyane. Not only did I see love, but I saw God’s love. Lisa W.
During this amazing week of ministry, God worked in the Marapyane Baptist Church. The children were eager to learn more about Christ since most of them had a strong foundation already. The church leaders stepped up and we saw much growth for such a short time. By the end of the week, the kids would play games, each going through the evangecube and explaining the significance of each picture in detail. Almost all of them put it in their own words, which was not only adorable, but also showed they will be a light to their friends and neighbors as they retell and share their faith. God has given me a new perspective. He has shown me how His people praise Him, how His people respond to the “nudgings” of the Holy Spirit, and even how His people respond to physical needs and circumstances. He has drawn me very close to Him on this trip, renewed our relationship and has put mentors in my life, even if it only for a short while. Melissa, our chaperone is such a testament for God’s love and grace and is so uplifting. She has integrity by being honest about her walk with Christ. She is so dear to me, I had no expectations of meeting such a close friend on a different continent, but I did! Thank you for this awesome opportunity! It will forever be a sweet and wonderful memory. God Bless! Laura M.
God was amazing to us this week. He worked with and through us and He blessed us. Our volunteers knew the material as well, if not better, than we did. This allowed us the opportunity to let them lead and for us to help make adjustments. . . . The main way God worked in my life this week was just the idea of teaching someone to lead. You have to let them take the lead role while you’re prodding them from behind. Zac S.
