The adventure begins

 Making the move

Coming to JBay has been the fulfilment of a dream we didn't know we even had.

For decades, we have known that God has a calling on our lives to preach the good news to the poor, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim release to the prisoner. A word was given to us, saying we are like a tree where birds can nest and have shelter and protection. We believe that the recent sudden change in our lives is moving us into that calling more fully. The main emphasis for us being here, is to be a mom and a dad in the community. We are so at peace, and at home in this community of beautiful people.

To find out more about what Global Challenge does, go to https://missions.globalchallenge.org/. 

Ian moved down in August last year to assist with a community building project, and Judy followed in December, after completing the Hatfield school year.

Here are some more details of the last few months:

Ian – Building

As part of the developing a community, a suburb, consisting of 56 stands was proclaimed and, by the time I arrived, the construction of about 15 houses had been started. I have been assisting with the management of the logistics and more recently, assisting with finishing and finalising the construction of certain houses.

The challenge is fun, but the all-consuming nature of the project leaves less time for ministry than I would like. We are trusting God for direction and a change in this respect.

At the building site

I have bought a kayak, and love going out in the early morning on the sea, to catch fish.

Judy - School

Starting at Global Leadership Academy has been so much fun. One of their core values, in fact of the organisation as a whole, is Creative Adventures. 

The first day was wild. Assembly included an archer shooting an arrow into a target, and a talk on ‘you are like an arrow’. Next was a crazy treasure hunt, ending up 5 teams of 5 swimming a relay across the school dam, with a T-shirt being worn and passed from person to person. Then anybody who wanted to, could jump in and have a swim during break.

Aubrey and Dylan on Day 1

Assembly

It is less formal than Hatfield, but still with good basic discipline; the uniform is mix n match. Black and stone skirts and pants can be mixed with a variety of shirts (and ties on Mondays) in black, white and red.

Classes are small. I am teaching one Gr 11 and one Gr 12 Physical Science class in English. I am unfortunately floating from classroom to classroom, as I don’t have my own. Changing to the CAPS curriculum and to being involved in the government system is quite an adjustment. A lot is dictated from the government in terms of the teaching plan, pracs and tests. I don’t need to set tests, pracs and exams any more. They have very little apparatus in the laboratory, and I have been tasked with upgrading that. I am excited, but will somehow need to raise funds, as the budget is very small. I am enjoying being part time and also being able to contribute from my years of experience.

The bell to change classes is a hand-held bell, rung by a person with his eye on the clock! 

Their matric results: 100% pass rate, 94% Bachelor pass. Top independent CAPS school in the province, and top student in the province.

The staff is so much fun. I already feel completely at home, joking and punning all the way.

Find out more on https://www.gla-jbay.org/.

Church

Church is simple and authentic. Most people are part of Global in some way or other. House church on Tuesdays is a time for closer relationships and sharing. We have slotted into Simon and Valerie’s house church, a couple with three small kids, whom we have enjoyed so much.

There was a weekend away for the community, to an absolutely beautiful place called Eersterivier. About 210 adults and 70 little kids. Some camped and some stayed in houses. It was such a lovely time of fellowship and spiritual growth. Sports on the beach!! And a swim in the crystal-clear water was a delight. They do this three times a year.

Valerie and Esther

Ben and Aiden

We are being challenged to a closer walk with God, and a greater level of faith in Him. People in the Global community live with a natural expectation of God answering prayer, and it is so refreshing and encouraging.

Ministry opportunities

There are plenty of young people that we have been able to engage with, with the Global Expedition One Year students, the Travel varsity students, those from A Call To Teach, and A Way to the Nations. There are also other, more permanent members of the community that we are building intentional relationship with. They are so appreciative of us, and so open to input. 

We are going to run a few marriage discussion groups with a small number of couples, similar to what we have done before, but less like a course.

We will both be running discipleship groups for the school on Wednesdays.

Home

We are living in a little flat at the bottom of a house, but we are right on the beach! We have a gate at the end of the garden to the beach. The flat is small, but we are finding creative ways of making storage space and living space. It is starting to feel like home. We can lie in bed and watch the sun rise over the beach. Dukie is LOVING his walks on the beach.

The view from the bed.

What to pray for

Clear direction for Ian.

Moving more into ministry will put more pressure on us financially. Please pray for clear direction and provision.

That we would settle into our home well.

For the people we spend time with, that God will meet them in a very real way.

That our own relationships with God will be fresh and authentic.

Thanks, guys. We miss all our old friends, and look forward to seeing you soon … come for a visit!