10 days I have been in Muizenberg, South Africa and each day has been a gift, exposing revolutionary perspectives on life that continue to make me aware of the truth that God’s character is beyond description. We can use anthropomorphic language in hopes of expressing who He is but I have realized that even this does not do Him justice. This is why an experiential knowledge of God is so vital to our faith. During my time here with YWAM God has guided me out of religion and in to relationship. With religion ideas and knowledge are founded in the mind but in relationship these lessons are made true through experience.

  Upon arrival we had one day of orientation that provided some time to transition. That night a few of us went with the base leader of Muizenberg to play soccer with some locals. When we arrived at the field I almost could not believe the scenery. Behind the soccer field was a backdrop of mountains which began their ascent in to the skies only about a twenty minute walk away. Behind us was a river that would empty out in to the ocean which was only a ten minute walk away. To compliment the amazing scenery and make our time of soccer even more enjoyable were the group of guys we were playing with. A sense of community and friendship is felt from introductions. The manner in which the majority of South Africans, that I have met, interact with people in is of sincere openness.  There is a vivid warmth that inhabits so many of the people I have conversed with. This warmth has been especially appreciated during the times of our train ministry.

   Train ministry is an attempt to bring the news of Jesus to the people commuting between Cape Town and the suburbs of Cape Town. (I say suburbs but they are far from any suburbs I have experienced around Chicago) Between two cars our teams is divided. We have about three to five minutes between each stop to share with the people in the car about a personal testimony or a short message that has had a personal impact. When one person is speaking the others are talking to individuals on the train. Our focus is to be vessels for Christ’s love, allowing God to draw them close to Himself.  The train ministry was initially challenging for us as a group because of the unfamiliar area of publicly speaking on trains to a culture that is immensely different from what any of us have grown up in. What has encouraged us all to push through the awkwardness surrounding our inexperience is the desire to see people touched by God. What puts a smile on my face every time I think about it is the almost incomprehensible truth that God desires to use us. Imperfect humans who are capable of messing up on a daily basis are desired for service by God. Haha, simply unbelievable…with this mindset I move away from the misconception that I am making a sacrifice to serve God and in to the FACT that it is a privilege to serve Him.