We went to Capetown not knowing what to expect. Everything seemed to be up in air… God was good as usual.
The Friday night before the tour began we were able to meet with the youth leadership and lead the youth meeting from that church.
The youth leaders of the church surprised me when they said that they were looking forward to the training because they felt like they had a lot to learn. This is a big church with lots of good programmes etc in place and the youth leaders were expecting to learn from us. It humbled me immensely… because God uses anyone… including the less qualified to do His work.

During the youth meeting we focused on a few of the countries coming to the world cup. This meeting ended with a persecution exercise. The most amazing thing about the persecution exercise took place at the end of the exercise. (We arrested about 12 of the youth and made them kneel facing the wall in different little prayer groups until their friends released them by praying for the country in question). We were getting feedback from the young people about the exercise and I asked a young man of about 12 years of age, if he enjoyed being on his knees all that time. I expected him to say that he did not because he was uncomfortable. His response was, “Yes, I love praying!” I nearly fell over. The response of the youth to pray for their friends was also astonishing.
The catering, which was like a monkey on my back, worked out surprisingly well. A man that none of us had met before decided to help us by donating 7 whole chickens and some loaves of bread. That was a blessing that helped us stay well below our food budget for the event.
The youth never complained about the kind of food… I think only one person wanted more food. The entire group of young people was very positive and attentive even when they were feeling very tired.
Another huge blessing was seeing how well the younger members of the events team did during the entire time; in their teaching, in their interactions with the youth, in the lessons that they learnt.
The team of 8 people who went to Capetown returned to Pretoria transformed, and even more convinced about the greatness of God.
Two years before this I had spent Christmas in Capetown and was astonished and upset by the number of youth on "Tik'(methamphetamine)... and the number of hopeless people around. This trip was so encouraging.
God is doing something in Capetown!

It is interesting how being away from home and one's comfort zone causes one to grow. We see it all the time in our own lives and in the lives of others. I like it!

Anyways, the 2010 Soccer World cup is coming up and I've been thinking alot about how this could be a pivotal time in history for lots of reason.
It seems like so many things are conspiring against it happening... from flights being rediculous to trouble brewing in SA politically and racially... even the trouble that we have experienced as an organization planning outreach during this time.
I believe that God is up to something... I don't know what other people think... but we shouldn't miss this opportunity... if you ever have a chance... look up nicolo polo and Khublai Khan... very interesting stuff.

It has been a while since I have written anything here... prolly because I have been quite busy... not because of a lack of things to write.
I spend most of my days preparing for this upcoming world cup outreach... It has been quite a wild ride. I have learnt so much as well.
What has been a blessing is seeing things happening for God's kingdom here.
I have been to Capetown twice in the last few months for different reasons and was so encouraged to see how people are stepping up and taking a stand for their city. Two Christmases ago I was heartbroken to see all the young people hooked on Tik (pronounced took), and to hear of abandoned babies and young lives going to waste. It has been encouraging to see that there are ministries dedicated to getting kids off drugs, to getting youth out of gangs and helping young women to stop selling their bodies on the streets. I have a friend who has been so blessed as he works with others to help these young women. We were able to attend a church service of one of these ministries and it was a blessing to see someone bring their muslim friend/relative forward for prayer... the man prayed to accept Jesus and asked Jesus to heal his body (he was in a wheelchair). Healing is a controversal topic for most people... but what a blessing to see the saving power of Christ at work.
God bless South africa!