Monday, January 24, 2011

Saterdag 22 Jan 2011

Ontdek Sy doel vir jou lewe op die 'journey'.

Ons was bevoorreg om vir Alison Rycroft as spreker te he en was dit nie n "blessing" nie.

Sy het begin deur met ons te deel dat van haar kinderjare af sy reed die roeping op haar lewe ervaar het en hoe die Here dit herhaaldelik deur haar lewe herbevestig het.   Die dag toe sy die woorde "mature dissatisfied believer" hoor het sy besef dit is wat sy is en hier wil sy betrokke wees.

Kingdom Encounters (KE) was die ideale plek vir n "mature dissatisfied believer" (MDB) en so het sy begin 'journey' saam met ander soos sy.   Vinnig het sy besef dat # to caravan with likeminded people # to put shoulder to the wheel # to start a world prayer life # to have a telescopic vision  die vinnigste manier was om haar roeping en doel te ontdek.

Vandag ervaar sy die vreugde om in haar roeping, God se doel en plan met haar lewe uit te leef.   As middel-koordineerder is dit haar doel om ander betrokke te kry "to catch the vision and be involved in the journey"  en tuis verbind sy die kerk met die nasies.  

Haar eie woorde: "being on the journey tends to stretch one's faith but one step at a time the Lord opens it up".

"Do you want to find out who you are, find your gifts and flow with the Lord in this area of passion" kom 'journey' saam met ons.   As jy ook soek na jou roeping en Sy doel en plan vir jou lewe begeer moet nie nog n week mis nie.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Saturday 8 Jan 2011

Philip shared two topics with the group, namely community and journaling.

Community:

Join the caravan of travelers going in the same direction. Being on the journey alone, you are more prone to doubt from the enemy. No man is an island. We are part of the body of Yahushua; if one aches we all feel it - bump your toe and you will know it.

Our biggest obstacle within the community is becoming offended by what others say to us - As die skoot raak is, tjank die jakkals. If you are dead, you cannot hurt - are we dead yet?!

Community reveals our weaknesses, to grow our grace towards our brothers and sisters; to really understand and accept the grace He offers to us.  Yahuweh is a community - the Father, the Son, and the Set-apart Spirit (Ruach Hakodesh). He created people in His image, male and female – as it was not good for Adam to be alone. Once you have the same spirit, you will recognize those fellow believers who also have that one spirit, the Spirit of Yahuweh - who is with us always.

Serving Yahuweh puts a target on your back, but remember, He will lead you through the valley of the shadow of death.  We can only trust in Yahuweh - our journey develops that trust.  The trust will give us that peace that passes all understanding. Yahuweh walks a road with each one of us, the road He has mapped - we have nothing to fear, only the excitement at the adventure ahead.

Journaling:

We will only find completion by doing the will of Abba. The question is: What is His will?

In the old testament times, Yahuweh has spoken to mankind through a variety of ways e.g. dreams, prophecies, the urim and thummim, plagues, etc., and He normally chose a specific person on whom He poured out His spirit by speaking to them, but in the new testament times he poured it out on all believers. Yet, today we battle to hear Him because … we are too busy? too much clamour? we don't want to hear? Eliyah found Yahuweh in the still small voice. Unforgiveness and bitterness, can be a big stumbling block in hearing His voice.

We normally have 3 voices in our head - ourselves, the accuser, and the voice of Yahuweh. Who is the one speaking? How do I hear from Him?

Philip suggests that you ask Yahuweh a question and just write down what comes into your mind. The more you write, the less will be your own thoughts. Continuing the process until you have no more and then looking at the answers. Compare this in a group and see how you are in agreement. Many times we are in doubt as to whether we did hear the voice of Him - it is then that He just shows us that we do. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Everybody then took a break to write down what they heard to the question: Father, what do you think of me?

Unfortunately, time did not allow all to share what they heard. Perhaps those who were present could share their ‘one-liner’ conclusion on the blog?

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3 KJV)

We can talk to Him, because the veil was torn, and our High Priest has prepared the way.

Fellowship:

All in all we had a wonderful day of enjoying each other and the excellent Thai meal which Philip and his team prepared for us! Our prayers and blessings will accompany Philip on his adventure in getting to know Yahuweh Elohim while sharing Him with the Mokan people. Shalom.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

FOR Saturday 8 Jan 2011

We are saying goodbye to Philip who is going back to Thailand!  And a couple of other goodbye's and Thai food on SAT 8 JAN 2011

 A marshmallow with mugg& beans no 10 habanero sauce on the left
and a Witrivier chicken pie on the right
 and yes, Philip ate it together ......


Saturday 8 January at Kobus and Hannecke's home (please call hannecke or paulien for directions) for all 3 events:

  • Last Asian outreach meeting 9 - 12pm (Kobus, Hannecke & Kristof, Estelle, Miemie, Mark & Paulien depart from Tue 11 Jan onwards.  The van Tonders are back 2 weeks later, the rest 11 Feb)
  • KE fellowship meeting 12 - 4pm (have asked Philip to share with us prayer journalling  and the plan & purpose of missions)
  • Philip's farewell 4 - 10 pm (thai food supplied, pls bring own swimming truncks and drinks)

SUNDAY 9 JANUARY - DANIE & ESTHER'S FIRST SENDING CELL MEETING -
For all the journey-people who are interested to volunteer their service, this is your chance now.  Venue to be announced.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Saturday 18 Dec 2010

A bit of social in Orange Grove

This week we just took it easy with a nice, relaxing afternoon and braai at Mark and Pauline's place.  Nothing was really planned for this week, since many of us are away on holiday, but we still wanted to fellowship anyway.

Of course most of the discussion revolved around the Kingdom, preparations for Thailand, and how each of us got onto this journey and where we are right now.  (Yip, we all have a story to tell, but what's important is that we are here and that we keep on going.)  Just some nice, social time with fellow caravanners and an opportunity to get to know each other a bit better.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Saturday 11 Dec 2010

Danie and Esther - missionaries to Bolivia

What does an IT guy, a mother of three, a caravan and the country of Bolivia have in common...missions!!  (What else of course?)  But this is not a quick fix, a do-it-yourself home recipe - this is something for the long term and takes a long journey to prepare.




But let's take a step back.  Danie and Esther felt the need to get involved in the Kingdom a long time ago already, but were not quite sure what or where.  At first it looked like MES (Metro Evangelical Services), where Esther got involved and started serving.  But then life happened...kids, family, career...and it all got a bit blurry.  Along came Passage to Purpose, and suddenly it clicked...Danie and Esther were called to missions.  This was four years ago, and things haven't stopped since.

One thing led to another, leading them to the African School of Missions (ASM), where they started this year.  And this is what they came to share with us...what has happened since then, where they are now, and where they are heading to (at least as far as the Lord has revealed to them thus far).

Where are they now?  The Lord is digging deep, laying the foundation.  From theological training (you got to know the Word, and then know it some more), to practical living (getting exposed to a communal way of living - your home is open to everybody), to dealing with thoughts and attitudes (honouring God with your whole life), to serving in the community and Kingdom (Mamma Esther's shelter for example).

So what happens after one year of ASM?  Well, two more years of ASM.  Great, do we then go to the mission field??  No, not yet.  Then it's off to the Center for Intercultural Missions (CIM) in North Carolina, USA, for six months, to prepare them for cross-cultural missions.  Awesome, but then we go to the mission field, right?  No, not yet...then we first go to Santa Cruz for a year, and then to La Paz, which is closer to where they will be eventually, amongst the tribes around Lake Titicaca.  But by then it's 3 - 4 years already...what about the converts, when do we start to see results??  This is not evangelisation, remember...this is missions.  Becoming one with them, to live Christ among them in their culture and expressed in their own unique way - a small part of the divine tapestry of tribes, cultures and nations that will one day worship before the throne of God.

So this really is something for the long haul and does not come overnight, and requires a lot support...financially, in prayer, moral support, logistically, etc. etc.  Which is where we who are senders and co-ordinators can chip in, and become partners with them in the work for the Kingdom of God and for His glory.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Saturday 27 Nov 2010

Philip van Wyk - Inkarnasie Sendeling, Thailand

Vasgenaal op elke foto en hang aan elke woord - dit was ons.  Die verskil tussen sending en evangelisasie.  Diepe oortuiging om ons lewens neer te le vir wat God mee besig is (bottom line).  Lang pad - dink buite die boks - GOD IS AMAZING....  Waar pas jy in?  Philip verstaan die plan van sending en leef dit.  Maar dit is die doel (purpose) van sending waarvoor die Here hom 3 maande SA laat kom besoek het.  Hy bring sending terug na die Liggaam (kerk) toe, ons is die Liggaam....




Marion wrote: We met at Neville’s home for a slide show and presentation by Phillip about his life in Thailand. The thing that stood out was his testimony (he mentioned it over and over during the presentation!!).....the journey with God is a challenge, it is the hardest, but also the most wonderful, blessed, fulfilling way of life...! His enthusiasm was contagious:  HOW do you do it? .....One way is through getting involved, moving out of your comfort zone, taking God’s hand and STARTING on the journey. Phillip said that no one can show you the way, you must walk your own unique path, holding onto God’s hand all the way......asking Him to guide you, He will open the doors and show you the way.....

The photo’s he showed to demonstrate the impact of the social devastation that well meaning organizations are causing in Thailand were shocking!  People living in filth, children with diseases, unhygienic living conditions....people who used to have simple but peaceful lives before, now completely disrupted and socially confused.

His explanation of the world view of Thai people put things in perspective. We must ask what God is doing and not rely on our “logic” or “emotions” when we get involved in the lives of other people.   In our western way of thinking, we just want to solve the problem, make life more bearable for the suffering people, help them to live better lives....from our point of reference. BUT, what is God doing? What do they really need, how do they see the problem?

It is amazing to realize how God can work in a person’s life, how he can use a person to be His hands and feet! One thing I can see is that one has to change your way of thinking , living and acting. You have to sit at God’s feet, to hear His heart for the nations, to hear His voice in your heart, asking Him to guide you by the hand onto this unknown, exciting path!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Saterdag, 20 Nov 2010

The Loy Krathong Festival was a feast!  The water festival takes place on the full moon of the 12th lunar month.  Families make the little floats (krathongs) traditionally from banana leaves to resemble the lotus flower (the most beautiful flower living in the dirtiest of water), putting on other offerings such as yellow candles, flowers, incense, money. When the Thai people put it on the water it symbolises their troubles floating away from them, their sacrifice to appease the water goddess..... 

 
 

 





























The Yi Peng Festival of sky lanters used to be celebrated during the 2nd lunar, but has recently fallen in with Loi Krathong at the 12th lunar month when a multitude of khom loi are launched into the night sky, resembling a large flock of giant fluorescent jelllyfish gracefully floating away. The lantern is made out of oiled rice paper and a small candle/fuel cell that when lit, heats up the air inside thus causing it to rise in the air. Many Asian cultures use the sky lanterns all year round for special occasions and celebrations but for the Thai people it symbolises their problems & worries floating away...
  


Wat beteken dievolgende vir ons geloof?
water,
festival
12
families
dirty water
offerings
incense
troubles floating away
sacrifices
multitude
candle/fuel cell
lit
problems & worries floating away

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Sat 14 Nov Buddhist Temple

Nan Hua - the 3rd largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere in Bronkhorstspruit.... It was a Gereformeerde dominee/mayor that donated 15 hectares to the Taiwanese Buddhist community in the 1992.  The Lord said to Philip: What man gave away for money God is able to repossess with people's hearts....




  





Buddhist Worldview: suffering, self, mind, meditate, good works = karma = reincarnation = nirvana.  All people can become god by following the teachings of Buddha. Silence when eating the most delicate and delicious food (we all went for seconds).  No bodhi trees at this temple.  The supporting/imported Chinese community had to go to the cities to sustain themselves in their family businesses. The new intakes are the local black community and so our guide Sipho is also Buddhist....and can speak Mandarin... The most beautiful museum and architecture and design and colours and proportions! The temple is actively working in the area and has an African Buddhist seminary as well as a college and mercy work at a local orphanage - to name but a few local evangelistic activities.
It was great to have Danny Hughes with us, who worked among the Hakka people in Taiwan for 20 years and because he is back in SA at this time, could join us for the outreach.  Afterwards he gave his testimony, which highlighted the practical outworking of the very same values we hold true at KE. Philip also accompanied us for the day and got very excited when asking Sipho if it is possible to cheat karma?  (the loop is to marry into a much richer/higher class than what you were born in.....) 

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Saterdag 6 Nov 2010

Wat is die Koningkryk?
Wat die hart van vol is loop die mond van oor! Elkeen van die 12 ‘karavaners’ het hulle harte gedeel vanuit hulle verskillende plekke en ondervindings op die journey tot sovér. Dit was duidelik dat God, op Sý unieke manier, oppad was met elkeen. Mark het ons herinner aan Philip se woorde nl. hoe nader jy aan God beweeg hoe moeliker raak dit maar dat daar niks anders is wat hy eerder sou wou doen nie. Daar is niks meer awesome, exciting en fulfilling as om hierdie Koningkryk pad saam met Hom te stap nie.


Ons het vinnig gebreek vir ‘n lafenis in die hitte en Paulien het ons almal verras met ‘n heerlike sjokoladekoek om haar verjaarsdag mee te vier. Sy se die koek is haar skoonma se pride and joy!

Werner het ons bespreking oor wat die Koninkgryk is gefasiliteer. Almal het deelgeneem en is gekonfronteer met die vraag wat die Koningkryk wérklik in elkeen van ons se lewens is. Die Koningkryk moet begin om alles te deurdring en Sỳ heerskappy moet ín en déur ons lewens manifesteer. Hy het ons konings, priesters en profete gemaak en daarom moet ons met dieselfde zeal as wat Petrus vir Christus gehad het, die Koningkryk terugvat!  BESTORMERS........ Matt 11:12
Rom 8:19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Saterdag 30 Oktober 2010

Gaan ons hierdie ding doen of wat?  To have a different result you need to do something different.  Dankie vir al die mense wat laat weet het hulle kan dit nie maak nie en baie dankie aan Jacque en Jana vir die gebruik van hulle huis.  Die journey is een tree op 'n slag, een Saterdag op 'n slag.  Die Here se tyd is nou.

Die volgende KE Outreach is nou in volle swang en dis die Pta mense wat dit laat gebeur.  Ons was by Kobus en Hannecke se Tabazimbie plaas die naweek om voor te berei vir Jan 11 - Jan 29 na Thailand, Cambodia en Vietnam.  Ons voorbereiding is soos die van strategiese sendelinge (nie evangeliste nie) sodat jou fokus kan verander van churchcenteredmissions na missioncenteredchurch.