Well, it all started just after joining John Fischer at New Life Pinelands at the end of last year. I opened my mouth at the wrong moment
about not having done a mission trip before in Africa and the fact that I love Namibia and the next thing he (John) has introduced me to Carl Schmidt and said that Carl is going to Namibia in March and why don’t I join him. (Note to self, watch what you say near Mr. Fisher).
Well, before I knew what was happening, God had supplied the cash
for petrol and Rory Neethling, a friend of mine was coming with and the three of us left Saturday 10 March in my Double cab.
After a quick lunch stop at the Wimpy in Springbok, we proceeded without any hassles via Noordoewer to Keetmanshoop. There Carl introduced us to the church family at Elim and we felt right at home straight away.
We stayed over in the flat and had a great prayer service on Saturday night as well as Sunday morning service with Carl sharing the word. Both Rory and I had some words of knowledge which we shared with the church. The openness that one is welcomed with is really something I would recommend experiencing.
Elim Keetmanshoop
Inside the church
As we would be Going all the way to Rundu and returning a week later (long enough for biltong to cure)
, I decided that a 2 day stop at my friends Johann and Zaryda in Mariental to liberate a Gemsbok or two of its biltong and steaks would be advisable
. We had a great time there and it also gave us time to get to know one another better. We also had great fellowship on the farm with Johann and his foreman.
As we where preparing to leave, Carl got word that Augusto Kumalo from Tsumeb had passed away. With a heavy heart, we left for Tsumeb. We stopped for a quick lunch at Metzgerei & Backerei in Okahandja as Rory was about to eat the backrest of Carls seat.
The poor guy took a lot of strain with Carl and me as we seemed to be able to go much longer distances without eating than he could.
We pushed on to Tsumeb and arrived late afternoon. After booking in at a guesthouse, we went to greet the family and offer our condolences. Carl arranged to return on Friday for the funeral and the next morning after breakfast at the Wimpy, we left for Rundu via Grootfontein. At Rundu we spent time at New Life Rundu as well as at a local fellowship quite close by. We went to look at work being done at various venues as well. Carl spent a day teaching on Vineyard values and getting a feel of where the locals guys where at.
New Life Rundu
Carl sharing
Rory outside church
Carl sharing with Pastors
Group foto
We drove back down on the Friday to Tsumeb fo the funeral and then Saturday drove back to Mariental via a quick visit in Windhoek with a lovely couple. Sunday saw us pop in at Keetmanshoop and then we proceeded back home.
What did I learn from this trip
1. I need to go again as often as possible. The bug has bitten
2. There is so much we can get involved
in if we are prepared to reconsider our comfort zones.
3. The Vineyard family is very diverse and much more multi-cultural than I thought.
4. We can make a difference: Luke 10:2 And He said to them, The harvest indeed is abundant [there is much ripe grain], but the farmhands are few. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
5. Oh, and nearly forgot,
beware what you say near John Fisher
as well as hide your biltong well – Carl has a biltong tooth.
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