Hi and greetings from the Live Connection Board. We thought we’d give you an update from the Live Connection Mission Trip 2007. For those of you who are partnering with pastors; know that this is a very significant investment you are making in reaching Africa for Christ. THE CHURCH, Mansenseni, that the 2007 team from Live Connection built, has sinse had 24 baptisms and is acting as a per-school at this present moment. PRAISE GOD.
Below are comments made from individuals who experienced first hand what partnering with a Live Connection Pastor means; read them and enjoy the fruit of your labour and what the Live Connection vision entails.
Anyway wow what can i say about Africa, Its an amazing place, the people are so beautiful and hospitable. They would give you the clothes of their back if you needed it.
First of all thanks to Ravs and Gary for organising the entire trip. Everyone had an awesome time, and for some - me included - it was life-changing. We were all pushed way out of our comfort zones, and were forced to grow both emotionally and spiritually. Every time Rav threw us in the deep end, we had to learn how to swim. The relationships we all made with each other will last a lifetime, and whether or not we do another trip together, none of us will ever forget the others.
Gary, thanks for the great hospitality we were shown by yourself and everyone at HOP. The people at the Zulu churches kept saying to us: "Don't FEEL at home, BE at home." And we did. Everywhere we went there were welcoming arms that were always there to recieve us. Always a greeting and a smile, and complete acceptance despite our differences. I especially felt at home at HOP. It has such an inviting homely feel to it, and I can't wait to return some day in the future.
Guys i can't tell you how much this trip has ment to me, the highlight to the trip would have been the fact that i got to meet my Pastor which i sponsor through Live Connection, and the best part of that was the Church we built was my pastors church. So i was so excited to be a part of not only sponsoring a pastor over there but i was also a part of building the church in a physical way to.
I cannot tell you how much of a difference that a sponsorship with a pastor makes over there. The little amount of money that we send helps so much. And seeing first hand what it actually does means so much more. Guys if you don't have a pastor which you sponsor through Live Connection please consider it, because through that small amount of money, so many lives are being changed.
Guys i can't tell you how much this trip has ment to me, the highlight to the trip would have been the fact that i got to meet my Pastor which i sponsor through Live Connection, and the best part of that was the Church we built was my pastors church. So i was so excited to be a part of not only sponsoring a pastor over there but i was also a part of building the church in a physical way to.
Thankyou Paul for making it possible for us to have this trip and to see the lives that are changing everyday from supporting the pastors in Africa. its been a great exprience for me and I pray the next trip over there that I will be able to come!!! thankyou for helping me grow and become less fearful of who I am and where I am with Christ!! I would like to sponsor a pastor!!!
I just wanted to let you all know that i had such an awesome time on this trip and it wouldn't have been that way if all of you weren't there. You all encouraged me so so much and made me feel at home despite being in another country. I'm missing you all very much already..so you better email me!
AND NOW HEAR A WORD FROM BRAD
Since I've been home, I've been really jet lagged and haven't slept much at all unfortunately. It's hard to do so without the soothing sound of roosters and crows screeching outside.
I miss you all individually, and also just miss the company of so many awesome people and being in such a group. So many different personalities yet despite our differences, an unparralleled unity in the body of Christ. Everyone has their quirks, but I miss you all. Being alone really sucks now, sometimes I find myself idly stroking a tea towel, wishing there was somebody nearby whose bare legs I can snap it at.
Remember, people, that the devil will try and make you regress on all the growth you've experienced, and earned. He will try and make you forget how much you might have changed and will try to yoke you back under the same fears and bondage you were living under before the trip. Never forget Phil 4:13, that you CAN do all things through Him who strengthens you, and that the only way the devil can stop you from living a powerfully changed life through Christ and through this particular trip, is to attack your mind and spread deception and confusion in your thinking, making you doubt your identity in Christ, your power in the Spirit, and trying to hold you back by constantly bringing up the past.
But remember the trip, remember what we all accomplished as a group, and remember the incredible power of the spirit, that is in every single one of you. He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world - 1 Jhn 4:4, and this is surely true, for when you are in the Spirit, nothing evil can touch you.
Never stop clinging to God. Never give up. Remain discerning and pray for wisdom against the schemes and the lies of the devil. Scemes and lies used in ways so subtle and complex you cannot comprehend them through your own wisdom. Resist him and he will flee from you - Jam 4:7, like a cockroach scuttling away back under the bench where it's dark, after the kitchen light has been turned on. The light of Gods truth will penetrate all lies.
Remember your life's callings, and proceed with boldness, knowing that every single one of you has in you what it takes to make a stand against the enemy, even though he WILL attack you, he WILL try to make you doubt yourself, and he WILL try and convince you that he's not involved, or doesn't even exist, and that the problem is all yours. He hates you speaking your testimonies or the gospel of Christ to anyone, so remember THAT whenever you feel nervous or afriad of doing it, and do it anyway, in the power of the Spirit.
You have all made a huge impact upon my life, your support and love was - and still is - greatly appreciated. I miss you and love you all, and look forward to seeing you all again in the future. In Jesus name.
Take care and God bless Brad
There you have it, hope you have enjoyed reading what God has been doing in and through the 2007 team in Africa. Do know that if you are desiring to experience a trip for yourself... we have a vacancy for you in January 2008. Thanks again and look forward to continuing with you in ministry,
Paul Ravesteyn
DIRECTOR OF LIVE CONNECTION
