movies sans popcorn

A rather thin crowd gathered, being Boxing Day, but we spent the time well. We began discussing plans for the year ahead for some who are moving in what God has called them to. Ended up showing a 'taste of VietNam traffic' for those thinking of heading out that way... uhm, yes it was interesting to see. Another thing, the Value of Video was brought to the table with regards to Video Ministry in general.

Buke and rebuke again

A surprisingly full house on Saturday evening, an incredible sunset to usher in  the evening. Rebuking was on the table, whether it be taboo or a go ahead… yes we did reach a conclusion. Rebuking is not about Bible bashing when someone does something someone else does not agree with… But – instead it is an act of love. It is done out of relationship and trust and obedience to God… but it is done in love.

The tone was set when asked as we do each time, “how was your week?’

Much has happened, lots is happening and there are surely lots more about to happen, all these depend on who we are in Christ, what our walk is in our Christianity, where we believe God is calling us to, and whether we are prepared to lay it all down for Him…

Food as usual wonderful! Thank you to all ho so faithfully bring interesting and obscure dishes, we appreciate them all.

Willing to evangelise?

We started by looking for space for new trees and garden beds and enjoying the late afternoon breeze. Emotions are a bit mixed between happiness and sadness for Francoise birthday and the passing away of JP and Rita's youngest daughter Micaela. The Micaela story have impacted on many people and will continue to do so in future.  Praise God for new chapters and writing the story.


Questions were raised during the discussion in the evening, and included:

• When are you saved?
• What are you saved from?
• Does discipleship come after becoming a believer or do you need a certain amount of discipleship and teaching before making that decision?
• Where does baptism fit in?
• Do you have the tools to evangelise an unbeliever?
• Are you willing to do so, knowing that afterwards a road of nurturing and discipling is required for the young believer?
• Who is going to fulfill the role of discipling and healing?
  

jus' us - layin' around, nothing to do- ho hum

Let's face it, we certainly had a good time catching up with one another... or some would say 'down', it just depends on your point of reference! Sometimes when things are up they are actually down and when things are dow... you get the idea. A wonderful time of sharing, feasting and fellowshipping,
It was Danie, Esther, Zane , Neo-Rie and Jac's final time with us as they are headed off to Africa School of Missions to get moved in and settled for the start of the year. Much discussion was had relating to maturity, getting knocked down -how fast one gets up again is a good yard stick.  Support raising, effective sending, educating the senders and the roles that gowers have in this area.

If ever you suspected they were odd... we now have proof, normal for them is obviously relative...
Bye bye Funny Kerkers we will miss you.

Full House

The remaining India Team has finally decided to grace us with their presence.21st November, saw no meeting for various reasons, but the 28th November things will be back to normal... normal, of course being a relative term. Loosely thrown around at best.
We look forward to a great time of catching up all round.

WELCOMING BACK SOME OF THE INDIA TEAM

Saturday evening kicked off with a lot of excitement as we welcomed back most of the India team.  Marlene is down with swine flu and must stay in her room until 8 November.  JJ and Aldi couldn't make it as Aldi is sick and Jean-Pierre and Rita are still in India.  We had a wonderful time looking at stacks of photos that Ansie had put together from different people's cameras.  It was so interesting and gave us a really good idea of all that they experienced.  The only thing we didn't get an idea of was the sounds and the smells.  Sigh.  We also watched a couple of videos of the team when they were in the Ashram with Swaamiji. The one on them partaking in communion was so beautiful.  What an amazing experience.  This coming Saturday we will be hearing more about what they experienced on the trip and how it changed them and their views.

Rita with a few fascinated fans.  If you don't have a hand then henna your stompie.

This is her home.  She lives in here and sells various items.  The cloths above her head a burial cloths.

She is making bread.

Makes you think about all the things we collect which weigh us down and hold us back. 

JJ, Aldi, Francoise, Marlene, Ansie, Pauline and Clem are back from India.  With worldviews turned upside down and inside out but back nevertheless.  Jean-Pierre and Rita are currently on their way to the South of India and will be back on the 21st of November.  Join us for fellowship and dinner at the base this Saturday night the 31st to hear about their adventures and the changes that God has brought about within them. This trip was definitely a life changing experience.

Jean-Pierre and Rita we will miss you!!!!!!!   See you soooooooon.

Saturday came and Saturday went.

Due to a long busy day of team briefing all of Saturday, the fellowship was somewhat depleted bodywise. However, a good time was had by the four who were here, just sharing with one another. Friends are indeed something that God uses. Thank you - all round.
Alison has agreed to facilitate for the next few weeks, she will be in contact with the regulars, for anyone who wishes to pop by, take a look here for info and plans, or contact Ally before 'popping round'.

Sunny Saturday

A small group of us gathered together
it was tough being inside with such gorgeous weather
We spoke about all sorts this, that and what not
But nothing major, if so, I forgot

India and travel came up a few times
Prayer support and money, dollars cents and dimes
Things that need doing before we can leave
this before early dinner on last Saturday eve.

Rosh Hashanah

It was with a beautiful dish of round fruits and honey that we were wished a blessed and sweet Rosh Hashanah. The beginning of the Jewish New Year. A time of starting over. Starting with a clean slate and repentance to God for the year ahead. Paulien spoke about Risking for God. We all discussed how much value we put on our lives, how does one measure what our value of life as we know it. What are the yardsticks we use to measure. Is there a difference between what we know in theory and what we live out practically and how can we get the two to meet?

ghjjun oihjjbdh nkk uyggyg !hjhhmoo

khuhggg hhhdbbbdbd. yuyusttasfhgf gghg ghgh g hgyt vs u suyua uyt s gy sytstytyr vyaoo aga,ytysg yuty yyy awasajjddnf.Life and death situations. hhsfyfsbnsd diji dhyutyr kjha huf bnvlod.Easy and tough choices. gyugsfftyfstfr stys gysyuys sys sy s ys ys ytystrv syusytsv uu ytsv uytsry vs. Putting God in a box. gua ghutsttysy sjuystyurcrfgdsbjdpkmgfmjfibnf duyd dnudu d iyusd hjkd jiuin f uio d uid .Manipulating God is not on.y suyi hduiyty sui . and many other topics. Jumps and more. Desires and dreams.7tyttvt6wv7ivi.yts yu .yutv su7t
Point Zero.
etcetera!

last Saturday.... it's late , the scribe knows this - ok?

The fifth of September

In the general weekly feedback session a number of things arose. Speaking particular in the direction that the fellowship and KE Ministry seems to be heading towards. Namely that we are certainly pointing towards a more of a skin contact two scenario. Getting involved in this area opens many opportunities for many to get their hands dirty. A Thrift shop is one idea, which includes of course the collections of second hand goods and processing them, the bookkeeping involved with that and coordination of the project.

A sleepover is being arranged at a street children’s shelter run by MES where we are just going to spend time with the kids… see life from their side of the street. (leave all valuables at home! Including cameras!

Alley still holding torch for Hotel Hope in Melville for you unwanted /preloved goods. Bring you black bags and she will see that they get to the right people in the right place.

Discipleship is still our hot topic of the moment and to see what one of these creatures look like up close, we watched a video by Rob Bell called DUST – rather succinct in its message, and enjoyed by all. But now of course the eternal challenge is “What am I going to do about this understanding? What do I do while no one is watching and knowing that it’s the endless choices we make each day which make us who we are” Are we going to start making the right choices?

This that an' the other

Well what started out with great intentions of watching videos for discussion purposes, turned simply into discussions. Many varied topics were chatted about and it was amazing to see the way the group is thinking. Some testimonies were shared and questions both asked and answered. The intention is still there to watch the videos that were scheduled for the evening, but needless to say they have been postponed to next week – God willing.
One of the key topics was that the more we seem to step out and trust God, the more opposition we find ourselves in with our families and friends. This seems to have been a track record for most, but in the same breath, the track has also steered all on the path to trust more and more in God. Strain and strive and make special time to hear what God is saying to them becomes a true focus in their/our lives. The closer one’s relationship with God shows one yet another facet of His Glory…
Wow, what an awesome God we serve. Even though we are constantly under construction ourselves, let us not forget it is He that builds us. Another aspect of our relationship with Christ is to ensure that we act in Grace and not judgment of others not on the same journey. We realize that not everyone has the same journey, but all are called to relationship with God.

To be or Not to be... this is the question

Huge question, still not completely answered, or rather answered but not satisfied with all the answers…

ARE ALL CALLED TO BE DISCIPLES?

Can we just be followers of Jesus? Is it possible to be one without being the other? What is our responsibility to discipleship? Internal values certainly influence one’s output. Similarly internal values influence one’s response to calling to be disciples. Wow, what an interesting evening we had. Everyone searching scriptures to substantiate what it is we believe and for that matter scriptures to disprove what we have been taught . Ai, what a great time! Needless to say, we all have homework – find scripture that dictates whether all are called to be disciples and find scripture that calls all to be believers but not necessarily disciples, and what it the difference – Really?

It was felt that we as a group are not doing enough skin contact two deeds, and the following was decided. Alison offered to coordinate the box of goodies to be taken to the charity shop for the orphans. More explicitly the charity shop that Oliver is running.

And then Paulien will get back to us regarding details on veggie gardens in Cosmos City.

So yes we will be armed with our research and will watch a DVD or two next week.

Jaco Facilitates -

The venue will happen….

What does it mean to live in the Spirit?

Alison took the group to Romans 8:1 – 17 and asked what strikes us in that scripture? The mindset to choose and re-route thoughs so that it comes in line withe the HS. Looking at V15 we see a progression from children to heirs to co-heirs and finally to suffering. What does it mean to live in the Spirit? You won’t live in the Spirit until you need to. Up till that point, if you hear what God has to say it will only get in your way.

Alison took a closer look at 1 Corinthians 9:22b I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. The message remains but the package changes. 4 steps to going that way:(1) put shoulder to the wheel (2) join a caravan (3) use telescope vision (4) world view prayer life. Then the next 3 steps apply: (1) Catch the vision (understanding God’s vision for missions (2) Integrate the vision (contemplate, taking risks), (3) Obey/specialize the vision (God said – make the break)

It was interesting that there was a general consensus that God has been stripping people of familiar religious pillars and the few that remain were also very unstable…..correct.


India briefing dates
The first meeting is going to be held on Saturday 22 August from 2- 4pm at the base. The next one is on 19 September and the last on 3 October – venues and times to be announced. You are welcome to contact Aldi on 0832087022.

Language Learning 101....

Language learning…. 101 - AKA make lotsa new friends!!!!

Amazing to see that there are just so many closet language helpers all over the place. They fall out of their cupboards to get to anyone willing to take the time of day to talk to them. What an absolute privilege to have attended the first session on VulaVula language course on Saturday. I am so psyched to be doing this.I have also discovered that there are many variations to just a simple thing such as 'greeting'! Another discovery is that the people on the street, mix their languages! So Fastening seat belt , getting ready for an incredible ride, discovering the nuances of the greeting of "hello'.

How is your serve?

The evening was led by Jean-Pierre. We discussed servanthood and the importance for us to be serving. We can have all the knowledge in the world but without serving other we do not have love and, well, you know the rest of 1 Cor 13.

JP played us portions from the book 'Irresistable Revolution' by Shane Claiborne. The book is about an authentic Christian life. In Shane's view, he is an ordinary radical in the truest sense of the word, returning to the roots of Christianity by living as Jesus did and doing "small things with great love."
Quotes that stood out:
It's not the parts of the Bible I don't understand that worries me but those that I do understand.
Live like you believe in heaven and hell
Live as if what you're saying is true.
We've eliminated the need for miracles.

We need to live like Jesus lived. We need to serve others. Why are we not doing it? Are we too busy to spend time with the poor because we are trying to prevent becoming poor ourselves. What needs to change for us to become servants?

Moral law vs ritual law

The evening was led by Jaco and we discussed moral law vs ritual law.

Jesus did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill the law. In short, moral law is the law that must be kept at all times. It is the reason for the ritual law and it still in force today. We must continuously strive to find out what the moral law is, and if our understanding of it is correct (another reason for missions).

Ritual laws are the cultural traditions around the moral law. It is also based on worldview. One should try to keep the ritual law together with the moral law as this is the form of identification with the culture. But if you have to choose between moral and ritual law, choose the moral law.

We prayed for Mario who left for Malaysia on Thursday. He will do YWAM's DTS there. He shared his experiences in preparation for going and what God is doing in his life. We were all encouraged by him.

some pictures

Passage to Purpose

The evening went off with a bang. The launch of the new course was a raging success. Timing-wise all worked out fine, and it was fun to have a group of such enthusiastic guinea pigs! Thanks to all who attended and participated. It was good to get your feedback. The team is hard at work cleaning up the materials and spelling mistakes, colour blindness issues etc. Other mildly confusing statements are being clarified and.... last but not least, The admin surrounding the Starting Point is now underway.

Languages and the Tower of Babel

The evening started out with everyone saying what they are greatful for. Andries Louw and his lovely family visited us and he gave us a preview of different language learning techniques. Andries will be teaching language acquisition to us (see the box on the right). To keep on doing the same thing and expect different results is insane. The building blocks of language acquisition:

• Get what you need.
• Learn what you've got.
• Use what you've learnt.
• Evaluate what you've used.
• Decide what you need next.

And most important: Learn a little. Use it a lot. Open your ears to listen and your mouth to talk. Open your eyes to see what people are doing. Open your mind to learn a new way of learning and thinking. And open your heart to be able to do all of this.

Staying with the topic of languages we moved on to the 'Tower of Babel'. Was there only one language before the Tower of Babel? Was teh Tower of Babel the start of languages? What was man's sin against God? Was everyone on earth part of the event of the Tower of Babel? Was the Tower of Babel the start of missions? What was God's purpose with the Tower of Babel? What does culture have to do with missions? If you want the answers, well, you'll just have to come to fellowship :-)

And as the evening closed the question was asked: If everyone here didn't follow everything that was said, is that ok? Yes it is!

Sat 11 July - What is the centrality of God's will?

The group started by discussing the responsibility of looking after the earth and creation. Is nature/animals important to God and what will be redeemed back to God from creation?

Matthew 7:21
Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, BUT ONLY THOSE who DOES the will of my Father who is in heaven

Matthew 24:14
And the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

How do we get to do what God wants to see done?
Start with the irreducible minimum (if this is done, then what follows), which is to love your neighbor – to love the Lord your God, is the greatest commandment. Love is a means to something else but what?

The will of God for us:
1. Present your body as a living sacrifice (1 Corin 3:16-17, 6:20; Rom 12:1-2)
2. Make your body holy (set apart) (2 Corin 7:1)
3. Make yourself acceptable to God (Rom 12:1)
4. Do not conform to the world (Rom 12:1)
5. Be transformed from the world (Rom 12:2)
6. Render your reasonable service (Rom 12:1)
7. For all to come to the knowledge of truth (Hebr 4:12, 2 Tim 3:16)
8. All men to be saved (John 3:16, Mark 16:15, 2 Pet 3:9)

Within these points there is a cycle (opposed to a start and finish) and we can most probably order it more or less as 7,2,6,1,4,5,3,8. In view of Romans 1 –11, chapter 12 follows. Get on the journey/process where the irreducible minimum is laying down your life. If you’r not in the journey the chances are you not in God’s will. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Can you do all things through Christ?

Are we all called? Are we not all seed of Abraham? Jesus said as I have been sent, so I send you. Pick up your cross. When you do something, make service the centrality of your action.

First Birthday! 4 July 2009 - Philip from Thailand

Before the Fellowship meeting there was a get together of the people interested in being part of Philip van Wyk's sending cell, they are all keen to be involved in what God is doing in Thailand through Philip.

It was wonderful seeing Philip again! He joined us all for a short while and shared a little of his experiences in Thailand. He has been away for 18months and it is the hand of God is so obvious in him.
There was a question and answer time with Philip which turned out to be an eye-opening experience.
The fellowship prayed for Phillip and we thanked God for him!
As per usual, sticking to suggested topics was a little tricky... what with different people and questions coming up in discussion, which were all relevant - of course. One that came up was rather a challenge... again and it was decided that we should go and research/ask God , whatever it takes, 'What is the centrality of His will??'

Unfortunately Philip is here in South Africa for such a short time,
he is almost on his way out again....

Oh yes... and before we left to go our separate ways, we ate cake... all kinds of cake as we celebrated a full year of meetings.
There was even some bubbly juice at the end as well.... thank you so much to all who added to the festivities in this way.