ISLS NTC

It was a little cold for the SPECIAL

Last week we had the opportunity to work through the National Training Camp Principles with a group of 27 students from all over the world.  I have been through the principles training many times but this was the first time that I had the opportunity to teach it to a large group. I was in charge of the audience of one principle. This focuses on 1 Kings 18 and the idol worship toward Baal. I have heard the teaching many times but as I begin to talk  about verse 28 when the prophets began to cut themselves with swords as they cried out to Baal to satisfy them and to show his power I was moved in a whole new way. I had images of those that chase relationship for value and worth, of athletes who will do anything, push beyond what anyone should to serve their sport or their need for power. I was reminded of things that I have done to fill my desires and cover my pain. However, when put to the test these false things that we worship, that we make the centre of our lives. They don’t come through in the end. They just leave us crying out, wounded, lost, hurt and unsatisfied. In the same way when athletes discover that their sport cannot really supply them with the worth or the power they desire. They reach the top only to realise that they have two choices. One fight to hold on to that peak, to regain that rush or retire, and if they stay and fight they soon realize that every time they get to that peak again it doesn’t quite compare to the first victor, so they spend the rest of their time pursuing this unachievable goal. It was cool to see as I spoke the Holy Spirit moulding and shaping my time, teaching me and seeing the impact on the students as well. 

 

After all the principles were taught, we ran the students through the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Many of the students had some ideas about the special, so there was some fear when we arrived. I had fun injecting bits of Canada’s special with the way they normally run it each year. There were many challenges for the students:  injuries, struggles and frustrations but along with that there was also a lot of great competition, perseverance and teamwork. When we reached Golgotha at the end of the marathon, it was challenging and encouraging to hear the impact on the students. I had wondered through the process if some people were getting anything out of it. At the end they shared that they had gained a new impact of Christ’s sacrifice, they were burdened by what He had done; each lash of the whip, the pain of the cross, the people’s taunts and spitting. One of the students shared that as he ran, the people encouraging him became the crowd mocking Jesus, spitting on him, cursing him. This student made an amazing observation, at the end of the special there are people congratulating you, hugging you, encouraging you. At the end of Christ’s journey, He was left alone, dead on a cross. Carried to a grave and placed behind a stone. There was no one to congratulate Him this side of heaven. Yet He went anyway, He endured anyway, and He accepts our sin anyway. Then He rose again and is sitting with God interceding on our behalf and loving us despite ourselves.

 

I have to say there were a few challenges with this ministry, the hardest being that I was not able to participate as we were in charge of running it. For some people this wouldn’t be too hard but it was interesting to experience. I wish that I had spent more time lifting the students up in prayer. That is one of my biggest challenges. Knowing that we were there to intercede and to cover the time in prayer pulled out one of my weaknesses in my walk with Christ: persistence in prayer. One of the other things God revealed to me is that when I feel intimidated or challenged in a situation one of my first reactions is pride. I begin to look for faults in those around me to build myself up. This was something I didn’t realize and I am working through with God. One of the things I am doing to counter it and letting God change my heart is that when I start to think poorly against someone I begin looking for the presence of God in them, looking for their heart, looking for the things that make them special and seek to build them up.

Something God has taught me a lot about recently is the trust and unity within the body of Christ. How our love for each other has its depth not in the way we feel about each other but the way we feel about Christ. Because of this God called me to trust the group and share my struggles with pride, to apologise to the group and to build them up toward their ministry. It doesn’t matter if you have known them for years or only hours; genuine believers in Christ are family and can be trusted with emotion, struggles, fears and successes.

 

During my time at ISLS, I made some friends that I look forward to coming alongside of on our respective journeys. Each of their hearts for their country and for Christ and His work was such a blessing. I even had a chance to practice my Spanish and during that, time I was reminded once again of how much I love Hispanic culture. Not sure what God will do with that passion, but that is a concern for another day. I want to thank you all for your prayers for this time and know that God was moving.

 

Bats in the Belfry? I don't think I even have one of those...

God’s Blessings just continue over my time here. I was able to purchase my SIM card and activate my phone for a pricey R 0.99. No activation fee so that was great. Managed to get myself completely locked out of my phone once already (it is great to get that out of the way. Haha. )

 

Now on to what I am sure most of you would view as a more pressing matter than my cell phone. The flat I had mentioned before was taken before we were prepared to make a decision about it. The next place, which I found online, was everything that I had hoped for and more. I was pretty sure that I had found the perfect place. (Insert photo here)  The deal was ready to be signed but there was one more place to see. The first place was a flat by myself on a property with a few other flats. This one is the basement of a house. The upstairs is a missionary family serving with Campus Outreach and the basement was the home of two of the single female staff members. One of them is moving home at the end of this month.  Now I was torn and needed to figure out where God wanted me to be living, not just what would be best for me but also what would be best for the ministry that God wants me to be doing. I had a chance to chat with Stephanie (the girl moving) and she directed me to James 1:5- If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. Going for with that I spent a day in prayer and seeking wise council. I felt that God was calling me to live with the Campus Outreach team because it will keep me more accountable, be safer and I can learn a lot about discipleship from them as their organization is very focused on this. Now that I have a place to live, I am excited to move up to Pretoria. This will occur at the beginning of October. Until then the majority of my ministry with my Pretoria girls is holding the ministry in prayer and the occasional visit, the next one will be on September 25. This waiting to start is challenging for me, but I am learning about the culture, past history and patience. Gods timing is always perfect so I have to trust in that.

By the way my new mailing address is 179 Smith Street, Mucklenuek, Pretoria, South Africa 0002.

 

I had my first solo drive up to Pretoria the same day I went to see the house. I had to replace both the clutch and brakes on the car I am driving but now that I have that done, I am enjoying driving here.  I have been all around including mini golfing with Missy and a member of my team from camp last year. That was great catching up and seeing how excited she was to have me back in South Africa. God has granted me favour with the people I have been in contact with. A family that I met at the resolution conference had me to their church and then back for a braai on Sunday. This proved to be slightly more exciting than expected when the front of their yard was on fire due to some welding issues. Just another day in here in South Africa, I suppose...  We had a great time of fellowship and I know that their friendship will be a blessing in the coming year.

 

Also exciting was the visitor that I had the other evening. I have to say that he was cute... I posted his picture below. I looked into my room, there were the strangest shadows looping around my room, and the cat, who does not spend much time in my room, was sitting on the floor watching in circles. This genuine South African bat was my friend for a good while until he settled above the drapes and we were able to move him outside the house. Life here is pretty exciting.

 

Tomorrow we fly to Cape Town. Our flight leaves at 6am. Please pray for us me as I will be leading the first session on the Audience of One principle. I am excited to help lead an NTC because each time I have done it I have grown and learned so much. Please pray that God will give me the right words to share his message and for safety for the students as they do the on field sessions and the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. In addition, we are getting fully into our preparation for the Plettenburg Bay Beach Mission. Our first training camp is coming up on October 1-2. Please pray that as we prepare and lead we would be listening to God’s desire for the camp. That we would trust His lead and not just doing what we think would be good to do. Pray for the hearts of the team, that God would prepare and challenge them to grow in these next months as we get ready for the mission.

 

Lastly Missy and I will be staying in Cape Town for a few more days after the session, please pray that this would be a great time to connect, grow and refresh as we take in the Beauty of God’s creation in that beautiful city.

               

Thank you guys so much for your thoughts and prayers and the support that has allowed me to take this big step of faith. I can’t wait to see what God has planned next!

Love,

Rachel

SOUTH AFRICA UPDATE

So I am now a week into my time here in South Africa. I am currently living in Johannesburg while we work to find some accommodation in Pretoria.  I had my first contact with the girls (U-17 team) at the HPC (High Performance Center), and with Granny who looks after the girls. These were both very positive and God is confirming his call for me to be here. Please be praying for favour in the eyes of the leadership on the team including the coach Cheryl and Granny as well as accommodation for me. We may have found a place but it is a little bit expensive, but doable. The only thing is that it is a bit far from the HPC. This past week I have been resting and recovering from China and the cold that I picked up there (Thanks Colin…). In addition, just getting a few things organized and spending some quiet time preparing for the months ahead. Also a note of praise is that a phone was found for me so I won't have to buy one, instead I can just purchase a SIM card!

Coming up soon:

-Move to Pretoria (ASAP)

-International Sports Leadership School- We will be talking about the principles of faith and sport. I will be teaching the “Audience of One” Principle. After that, Missy (the other intern who is from the states working here in Jo’burg) and I will be spending 3 days exploring Cape Town. Sept 15-22

-Plettenburg Bay Mission training camps. There are three of these, where we will be building into our student leaders for the mission.

-Plettenburg Bay Mission. We will be doing 10 days of outreach on the beach to the local community. Playing many sports and sharing the gospel and our testimonies.

-World’s tallest bungee jump after Plett?? I think so!

P.S. For those of you wanting a mailing address:

PO Box 2046

Sunninghill

Johannesburg SA

Postal code: 2157

This address will always work but I will let you know when I have one in Pretoria as well. 

P.S. Please check out my review from China below as well! And feel free to leave comments and/or questions!! Love you all tons! Rachel

Fish Heads and Paparazzi and People… Oh My!

Our team upon arrival in Shenzhen

It is amazing the time it takes to truly process a trip like China. So much occurs in such a short time that you wonder what to share with everyone. I am going to do my best to share the amazing experience that God blessed us with while in China.

Some highlights for me were:

-Arriving in Hong Kong, we dropped off my bags and I was finally able to join the amazing family that God blessed me with for the past few weeks. We bonded in the lights of the harbor and over some amazing mango drinks!

-We had the opportunity to go to church in Hong Kong. It is so cool to see the church in Asia so on fire for God and to share Him with those around them. Even at the end of the service there were multiple hands raised at the call to accept the sacrifice that Jesus gave for them. 

 

One of my favourite little guys in yellow!

-Visiting the two factories that we would be serving at the following days. One factory made switches and plugs while the other made lingerie and sleep wear. We were also scheduled to play some basketball at the factories as well. They had initially thought we were team Canada, which scared me a lot, seeing as I had never played a real game of basketball.  Our first night of playing I did not head out on the court very much as I was pretty intimidated. The next game, with some encouragement from my teammates I played a bit more and by the time our third game rolled around I played most of the game as our runner and even scored some points. 

Our time in the factories gave me some insight into the culture in China and why people do what they do. Now being in South Africa, it sure feels like there is a lot more room to breathe here!

Playing Stella-Ella-ola

-Playing with the kids at the factories, leading some soccer, some crazy indoor games and even a rousing round of Stella-ella- ola… Many of you will probably remember that one from elementary school. Haha.  

 

-The skit and songs, and testimonies that we shared at the second factory were special. It was cool to see the messages that the kids pulled from it. Thin included things are not always solved best through violence and that pride often leads to failure. God is moving in the lives of these kids and it is exciting to see!

 

-Oh and the dance from the garment factory. Love this... I hope to keep in shape by performing it daily!! Haha.

Can 2 On the beach!

-Cheering on Team Canada in soccer, beach volleyball and indoor volleyball! I am so proud of all of our athletes that left it all on the pitch, sand or court.

 

 

-Attempting to find the China Sea!!!

-Catching up with Sam in China!

-Some amazing Chinese food… and some really interesting food. 

For more details about the things that we did you can check out our blog. The information is on my pre-China blog and you can email me to get the password.

One of the things that I learned more about over this trip is that everyone has a kind of sweet spot when it comes to serving God. When they are outside of this spot serving is really draining and although it is rewarding they are not able to keep it up too long. However, when they are serving in their sweet spot the time is actually almost refreshing and refilling for them.  I am not positive where my sweet spot is yet but I am excited for this journey to find out.

Hong Kong university students converted to cheer for Canada

One of my greatest challenges on this trip came after our first day in the Athletes Village.  The morning started great. Jess and I were able to walk right in to the dining hall despite not having the correct passes and the first girl we talk to is a South African soccer player. She told us where the girls were sitting and I reunited with Shorty and Noko, (two of the athletes we were at camp with) among other girls. After that, we went into the other dining hall and I tried to start some conversations with some of the other athletes. These were fine but had no depth to them. I realized at that point how completely unprepared I was to be in China and even more so South Africa.However, God is so faithful and two of my teammates really encouraged me. They reminded me firstly that God did not call some me of the future who was fully prepared and some super speaker and ultra wise. He called me, as I am, and all He wants from is to step out in faith and go. They also reminded me that God is made so much stronger in my weakness; because it is there, in my brokenness, that there is no room for doubt of who is in control and making the extraordinary happen.  

 The next time we were in the village the morning was tough as we hit many language barriers, but I felt God calling me to stay with a small group that was going to stick around the village longer while the rest of our team went to watch track. 

God blessed the time and I went forward trusting in Him. I had a few great conversations. First, I connected with a bunch of South African track athletes; it was neat to get a different perspective on South Africa because of their cultural upbringing compared to the soccer girls. The next course (dessert :) ) was shared with a rhythmic gymnastics coach from Finland. She was a special woman with such a heart for her team. We talked a lot about identity and worth and ways we can help athletes find these values outside of the podium. We also spoke about burnout and the impact it has on athletes and about her own experiences with it. Lastly, we began to talk about the importance of full round coaching, including the value of spiritual support. We then spoke about the church in Finland and I think we both left feeling encouraged and challenged.

Our constant friends in the Paparazzi

 God provided many opportunities to learn a lot from the athletes and staff at these games and many chances to step out and trust Him. I relearned in a better way that God does not need me to know everything, instead to just be willing and open to learning and trusting Him to lead. Also, just to spend time getting to know Him and His word better. It is not complicated, but not always easy either. I thank God for this experience in China and for all of you that are uplifting me in your thoughts and prayers!

A little taste of Tandem biking and Team Canada

 

T-1 Day to Adventure

Wow... I can't believe this day is already here. Tomorrow afternoon I will be hopping on a plane to Hong Kong. I wanted to take this chance to thank you guys for your thoughts, prayers, financial support and love as I head out on this exciting journey! It has been quite the adventure for me thus far. As I write this ideally, I would be in the Vancouver airport with my team preparing to board my flight to Hong Kong. Instead, I am sitting in the backyard of my family friends’ home hoping that they will arrive home today and can take me in for the night... haha. Surprise!! In my defense I did call first, they just were not around to answer. I do have back up plans in case they do not make it home. Why am I here and not on the plane? I tried to get my passport released from the South African Embassy on Friday and asked them to send it to Vancouver. Next day delivery, it should be no problem. It didn’t get put into the mail until Wednesday, but that’s okay it should still show up this morning it will just be cutting it close. Next surprise, it showed up to my house in Calgary this morning. Thank goodness for my kind and caring parents who will make sure it gets to Vancouver tomorrow well before my flight leaves tomorrow afternoon. I want to take a chance to praise God for His faithfulness and care, I know He is in control and I cannot wait to see what He has planned to use this monkey wrench for His glory! On the amazing, awesome super cool God side He has not being taking a nap and leaving me to fend for myself. For one thing that passport that is coming is complete with the needed Visa despite there having not been enough time to finish the processing!! Also on my flight to Vancouver, I ended up taking 3 bags. One is full of donated soccer gear. The second bag cost me $18.00 not $20. The third the girl warns me is going to cost $100. I take a breath and say that is fine I knew it was coming. She then turns to me and says the computer is only charging me $20 for the bag. No idea why but she’s cool with it and I will take that blessing for sure!! It’s such a blessing!! God is so good and evidence of His hand is all over this trip.  I cannot wait to see what else He has planned to blow me away with!

I wanted to take a second to reflect on how I am feeling and what is going on with me emotionally. There have been a few moments of anxiety about my passport and Visa leading up to this trip. But it is amazing how each time I have turned it over to God and trusted His timing and outcome and He is so faithful. He is replacing my fears with freedom and anxiety with peace. So many people have talked about issues of safety and it is definitely worth concern. South Africa has a reputation and many parts that are dangerous. I have spent time in thought about this and although I recognize the danger, I choose to enter this journey with care but not worry. God is confirming His call to me both in the big things and the small, therefore trusting Him with my safety is easy. I figure if He will be glorified more through my pain or death than the next however many years of my life than I go willingly. But so as not to end on that somber note I have a bit of an update on what I have done since arriving in Vancouver on Tuesday. 

We came out to spend some time with the FISU games Canadian Women’s soccer team. Yesterday we rode tandem bikes along the sea wall! I definitely recommend trying this if you are in Vancouver, the weather was amazing, the scenery was stunning and the experience was a blast. There were many little chances to serve the girls, collecting gear after the ride, taking some photos, serving lunch. It will be nice to be a familiar face once we are in China. The girls are very sweet and I had the opportunity to get to know some of them a bit better over dinner as well. I am excited to see what God has planned for our time in China. Things will be different from other years because they are fairly closed off to religious matters and are not accrediting many chaplains. However, this gives us a different kind of freedom to be around and connect. I am hoping to spend a few days with the South African teams and cannot wait to see what will come from that. While we are there I will not have internet access of my own, nor will I be updating my blog. If you want to follow what we do or contact me or our team we can be emailed at aia.swat.2011@gmail.com

And our blog will be  aiaswat2011.wordpress.com. This site is password protected to protect our team and the work we are doing. If you want access to the blog you can email me before tomorrow afternoon or the team email above. 

Thank you for keeping us in your prayers and I look forward to Sharing with you all when I arrive in South Africa. I am scheduled to land on August 21, 2011 at 7 am South African time.

P.S. I emailed all the contact emails that I had about my blog update so if you didn’t receive it and would like to be on that list please send me an email at rae.bauer17@gmail.com. Sorry if you have already done that but I am using a new computer... thanks Greg... and don't think I have all of the addresses. I promise to get that organized from here on in!

Love,

Rachel