James' Reflections

James says...

1. What were your highlights from the trip?
My highlight from my trip to Africa was probably when I was given the challenge to talk to a random stranger about my faith and pray for him. This was very hard and rewarding to me because I don’t usually talk very comfortably to strangers.

2. What did you find hardest about the trip?
At first it was probably the food, but as the trip went on it was probably keeping high spirits and the same amount of energy and passion every day.

3. What did you learn about God on this trip?
I personally learnt that even though situations are difficult and hard, God is always with you and He will never put you in a situation that He knew you couldn’t handle, and when He does put you in a hard situation he will always give you the tools you need.

4. What did you learn about yourself on this trip?
I learnt that I am very capable and I have more gifts and talents then I knew. I also realised I do not use the talents I have to their full potential for God.

5. What did you learn from being part of the team?
With every person I got to grow a deeper friendship with and I also got to see how different people react in different situations. I also learnt how to help people when situations pop up that they may not be comfortable with.

6. What did you like the most about Zambian/South African Culture?
I really like the way everyone is so hospitable and friendly to each other even if they do not know them personally they will welcome them and treat them like a best friend.

7. What thoughts about NZ Culture & Society have you had since returning?
I feel that it is not so friendly and that most people do not go out of their way to talk to someone new or talk to someone they do not know about God.

8. How is or will life be different for you now that you are back?
I have changed the way I view situations, like if something (small) happens to me I no longer act as if it is the end of the world I shrug it off and am thankful that it isn’t worse.

Gershon's Reflections

Gershon says...

1. What were your highlights from the trip?
A few of my highlights from the trip were meeting all the great people in Zambia and South Africa. We had never met before but it felt like we knew each other forever, we were able to make close bonds and friends that will never leave us. Listening to how these people living in a third world areas were able to praise the lord more than I was ever able to, every day they depend on the Lord with heart and soul. Its crazy how much they don’t have but yet how much more they have with God than I thought I had. Riding in “buses” (vans) with no seat belts on was a blast, felt like a bit of a rebel but it was fun, singing with everyone, everywhere we went was wicked and having fun with everyone was awesome. Meeting the kids in Makwati (village we were helping out in Zambia) was an experience, just having kids of all ages running up to you just to hold your hand was incredible.

2. What did you find hardest about the trip?
Definitely the hardest part of the trip was doing hospital ministry. I have never been good with dealing with blood so facing it up close and having to try to be as positive as I could was sooooooooooo hard but the Lord really did prevail. I learnt a lot from those hospital visits.

3. What did you learn about God on this trip?
I learnt that our Lord is always there he will never leave us and on the many occasions when we think we can do things by ourselves he lets us trip so that we have to hold on to him for our strength.

4. What did you learn about yourself on this trip?
I learnt that I have a lot more to learn about the lord and that the Lord as a lot more to show me. I really figured out that I have knack for public speaking when I am talking about something I am passionate about.

5. What did you learn from being part of the team?
EVERYONE has their weaknesses but when you’re in a team you are able to use your team mates as a support you never just one person against the world. You’re a part of a team, facing the same difficulties, which was really good because we were able to relate to each other. I had 10 other people besides me some were, wiser, smarter, taller, more feminine but not as funny as me though to lean on when I wasn’t feeling up to par.

6. What did you like the most about Zambian/South African Culture?
In Zambia I love how we could just walk in the street and say hello to anyone else walking on the street and get a casual smile back. South Africa we weren’t able to experience the culture as such but it was still a great place, smiles all round.

7. What thoughts about NZ Culture & Society have you had since returning?
I don’t want to conform back into NZ culture I want to bring the Zambian/ South African Gershon to New Zealand. New Zealand needs missionaries. Personally we need to bring Zambians over here to show us how to freely worship our Lord.

8. How is or will life be different for you now that you are back?
Like I said I don’t want to cave into NZ culture. I want to and hopefully will be able to shout the Lord’s name in every opportunity.

Sharon's Reflections

SHaron says...

1. What were your highlights from the trip?
Being surrounded by such an amazing team, every experience became so much more exciting and enjoyable. The initial van ride from Lusaka airport to Kabwe was definitely a highlight! Even though we were tired; we sang songs, laughed and cracked jokes with Marvin (one of the OM Zambia guys).

I loved that we were crowded by children everywhere we went. Most of the time I got so lost in playing with them, singing songs and trying to communicate even though we didn’t understand each other. It was nice to be surrounded by their enthusiasm and willingness to learn whatever we had to teach them. Miss them sooo much!

Travelling from place to place visiting the various OM ministries was truly an eye opening experience. Of these, my favourite was Deaf Ministry – where we learnt sign language, met some amazing youth members and watched Martin perform a song for us in sign language.

It was nice to be exposed to the energetic Zambian style of worship. I loved jamming with Anoosh, Gershon and some of the musical members on the base during free time. Talking to and listening to Gift sing us his song was really touching. He’s such an inspirational missionary!

I really enjoyed leading the morning devotion on Thursday 8th December. It felt as though the Lord completely took over the moment I started to talk and it was such an empowering feeling. The team’s encouragement had really helped me overcome any nervousness I had felt leading up to it. Listening to everyone’s testimonies and see them lead devotions was the coolest thing! I think Jesus really helped us step up in all the situations where we were alone.

I felt that the power-cut and water outages were a positive experience because they allowed us to face the reality of conditions in Zambia. It made us really appreciative of our lives back home.

2. What did you find hardest about the trip?
Hospital Ministry was quite a challenge because it definitely put us out of our comfort zone. It was difficult to see so much suffering and pain. Seeing the lack of resources and family support made it even harder to be around all the patients. Both times at the hospital, I was with the group that visited the male ward so we were exposed to bodily burns, boils, amputated limbs due to fights and severe accidents. However, I really felt the Holy Spirit the whole time we were there in the way we connected with the patients and just the things that the Lord was saying through us. I hadn’t experienced such a direct and strong connection with God before. There were definitely some unforgettable moments!

3. What did you learn about God on this trip?
EVERYTHING comes from, happens and is fulfilled because of God. This was revealed on the minutest levels as we saw how the locals prayed for food, clothing, money and family. We generally take these things for granted and forget to ask the Lord because it comes to us so easily most of the time. The atmosphere in Africa was overwhelmed by God’s reverence and enlightening spirit. To be surrounded by such positivity was a blessing for us. God truly is a father who provides and cares for His children. No matter the harshness of conditions we live in, God’s presence in our lives makes the temporary worries look so unimportant. Just as we had seen in Africa, God helps us to smile through the good times and fight through the tough times, KNOWING that He IS going to take care of everything.

4. What did you learn about yourself on this trip?
I really enjoy being in a team! Every moment has a powerful impact if you have a team to share it with. I discovered that the Lord was calling me to work harder in children’s ministry. Constantly being exposed to the children had reinforced that passion I had to help and lead them in the way the Lord wants me to.

I realised I wasn’t doing enough to spend time with God. The daily devotions and encouragement of Emily and Rufus had really helped in strengthening me in this area.

My sole focus and undivided attention needs to be on God if I am to hear His voice or understand the things He is guiding me to do.

5. What did you learn from being part of the team?
It’s easier to get through the tough times and share the good times if you have such a lovely bunch of people experiencing it with you. It’s impossible to face everything on your own, especially in such a challenging atmosphere. However, with every new task we were able to complement each other and suit the situation based on our strengths and weaknesses. It was easier to reflect on certain moments and understand different perspectives as we discussed them in our daily meetings. It was the awesomest thing to be part of the St Mags team!

6. What did you like the most about Zambian/South African Culture?
They have a very collectivist approach to the way they deal with everything. So the focus is on group goals over individual goals. Everyone is concerned about the person next to them, how to help them, pray for them and care for the community they are in.

A highlight is the way they say “sorry” every time you almost fall, or drop something or just the silliest things happen. It took us time to realise that they weren’t apologising but were trying to say ‘I’m sorry that happened to you’.

The thing I liked the most was that the day started with Jesus, continued with Jesus and ended with Jesus in every conversation and situation. They have the awesomest JESUS-VIBE in their worship, testimonies, preaching and general conversations! People were really receptive to the gospel or at least wanted to hear more about it.

7. What thoughts about NZ Culture & Society have you had since returning?
We have a very individualistic society where everyone is more focused on personal goals rather than group goals. The true challenge is in NZ and other western nations because people are not as welcoming of Christianity. Everyone is used to minding their own business so it’s even harder to spread the word of God. So we have to work even harder than before to reach the lost souls!

Our NZ is amazingly multicultural and I think that’s why there is no particular culture that has to be followed by the whole nation. It’s nice that we’re a lot more welcoming and not too judgemental of our ethnic differences. The strong cultural implications of Africa meant that males and females were expected to following traditions or be looked down upon. Richard told us that things were changing in Zambia and people are become more open-minded about social expectations. That was nice to hear.

8. How is or will life be different for you now that you are back?
I certainly feel inspired to become more involved in the church activities and evangelise wherever possible. Africa made me realise that Jesus always presents the opportunity to talk about Him but our insecurities prevent us from taking that leap of faith in Him and in our abilities. Jesus also said that it would never be an easy road to follow His path but I think that with His strength, life becomes so much more possible to tackle the challenges.

Experiences in Africa have made me more appreciative of what we are blessed with. I’ve learnt to rely a lot more on God for whatever is going on my life and to praise Him for even the smallest things that we generally overlook.

Anoosh's Reflections

Anoosh says...

1. What were your highlights from the trip?
One of my highlights from the trip would definitely be the people that we met. It was amazing to see how they continually praised God despite the hardships that they faced. It was really encouraging. I couldn’t help but think that my problems are so minute compared to theirs and yet their faith in God was so much greater than mine. They really showed me what it was to lean on God as opposed to my own understanding. I also really enjoyed the freedom we had to share our faith and pray for people. On a smaller note, I thoroughly enjoyed the music; both jamming with the Zambians as well as singing in the van on our way to places.

2. What did you find hardest about the trip?
Surprisingly I didn’t struggle with the power or electricity going off. In fact it made the whole experience feel so much more like an adventure! I did struggle a bit with the food in Zambia but it wasn’t too bad.
The hospital visits in Zambia was one thing that I struggled with. The first time we went I was really out of my comfort zone. I just didn’t know how to share the gospel in 2 minutes! The sight of an old man with swollen legs, a bloated stomach and flies sitting on him was enough to set the tap off! The next time we went I mentally prepared myself. When we got to the hospital I was in the woman’s ward. I saw a lady who had just lost her baby lying next to a lady who had just given birth. The first lady was weeping. It really broke my heart. I didn’t know what to say, but all we could do was pray for her. The fact that she even asked us to pray for her when she was going through so much was inspiring.

3. What did you learn about God on this trip?
I learnt that God is so much bigger than the little things. I learnt from the people in Zambia, the importance of praying and staying faithful to God even when you are suffering and nothing seems to be going right. For some reason God led me to the book of Job during our time in Zambia. God really helped me understand what was going on around me. People were suffering but still had faith and praised God. It was uplifting.
I learnt how important it is to start your day putting God first, praying and reading the bible. This is something I have continued to do since returning to New Zealand. I really believe that when you start your day with the Lord, even when things go wrong, you’ll always be able to rise above it.

4. What did you learn about yourself on this trip?
I learnt to really let go and be free when I worship God through my music. That is the African way! God doesn’t want half-hearted worship. He wants our best. I learnt that worship has the power to move people. People would say that they felt blessed by the music we played, and that was such a huge blessing to me.
I think the trip made me more confident in leading worship. Before I would let little things concerning the music get to me. Focussing God just helped a lot with my confidence, as well as having a very supportive team!

5. What did you learn from being part of the team?
I think God really showed me through our amazing team that He has made each and every one of us special and unique and that He loves us just the way we are. It was amazing how when one of us found something hard there was always someone who was good at it and stepped up. I don’t think I have ever been in a more incredible team! I have nothing but love and respect for all of you!!! <3

6. What did you like the most about Zambian/South African Culture?
I really liked how collectivist they were. They did everything together and shared everything. It took a bit of getting used to, but it grew on me.
African people live in the moment. We in New Zealand are so futuristic in our thinking which is a good and a bad thing. I think you need to plan for the future but I think I really learnt how to celebrate being in the present from them.
I also loved how they just burst in to song and dance…. So AWESOME!

7. What thoughts about NZ Culture & Society have you had since returning?
I couldn’t help but thinking we need those guys to come to New Zealand! Their faith is so amazing, and everyone is so open to God. I definitely felt that I received way more than I could give.
I think we have so much over here and the materialistic things often distract us from what really matters… JESUS!
I think we worry too much about how God will provide. We need to just have a little faith!

8. How is or will life be different for you now that you are back?
I think God has given me so much more perspective now. I definitely felt a calling to give back in some way and I definitely feel more open to God using my musical talent. I really hope that someday I can go back to Africa. I also think that there is so much that needs to be done right here in New Zealand, in our backyard.
My life is a lot more focused on God, and I feel less attracted to materialistic things that I was prior to going on this mission trip.
I am really grateful to God for the way that He has changed me on this trip and I am really thankful to all of you at St. Margaret’s for your prayers and support!

Rufus' Reflections

Rufus says...

1. What were your highlights from the trip?
The first highlight was the van ride from Lusaka to Kabwe. I think we spent the whole two and a half hour ride singing! It was an awesome time of team bonding. The next highlight would have to be the devotions. The singing was always beautiful and the message always powerful. God really spoke to me during those times and it was something that I really enjoyed. Having dinner at the OM workers houses and hearing their testimonies was awesome. It was really wonderful to see how God is using them for his glory. One of the biggest highlights of the trip was meeting Gift. The faith of this man was really inspiring and encouraging. He was paralysed from the waist down after a car crash and before that was one of the leading missionaries for OM. Now he writes songs and prays for everyone and is still strong in his faith. The safari that we went on in our two day break was amazing. First time I was chased by an Elephant! Enjoyed the whole experience even though we did not get to see any lions! The kids at Aids hope and how much they go into the programme was just awesome to witness and be part off. Finally, one of the biggest highlights was being on this amazing journey with the team from St Margaret’s, they made it extra special!

2. What did you find hardest about the trip?
One of the things was adjusting to the food of Zambia (Inshyma!). The hardest thing I found was hospital ministry. To remain strong in those circumstances was really hard as we needed to comfort those people and pray for them, definitely one of the most challenging things I’ve had to do as a Christian. Also in terms of a physical challenge, the maize planting and the digging up of roots at Makwhati was quite hard, got a taste of manual labour! Finally, it was really hard to understand why things were the way they were for Gift. That is something that is just really hard for me to come to terms with. Leading the team was also quite hard as I have never done it before; it put me in situations that were out of my comfort zone.

3. What did you learn about God on this trip?
God gives us certain abilities that we can use for his glory and purpose. I learnt the God is in control all the time, there have been many instances where this was quite clear to me. Even if the situation that you are in seems out of control, God is in control. I also learnt that God speaks to you through the Holy Spirit and I need to recognise His voice and act. During the trip I also discovered that God does everything in his own time and for a reason and God is forever faithful to his servants.

4. What did you learn about yourself on this trip?
I discovered that I was able to do things that I normally did not do back at home. I am able rely on God during stressful situations and remain calm without worry.

5. What did you learn from being part of the team?
I learnt that being part of a team means you have to compromise at times. Also that as a team we can rely on each other to get things done. This aspect of being a team is very useful as each team member has their own strengths and weaknesses, but as a team we were strong. I also learnt a great deal from my team mates. It was also very clear that God was speaking through the team members. Also enjoyed the company of my team mates, made the trip much more enjoyable!

6. What did you like the most about Zambian/South African Culture?
The communal aspect of the Zambian culture was something that I really enjoyed. They did everything together and the thing that brought them together was their faith in Christ Jesus.

7. What thoughts about NZ Culture & Society have you had since returning?
The people here are not as open to the good news as the people in Zambia. We will need to try harder to get the message across. The actual message will need to be backed up more by the person giving it here I think. However, because it might be harder here I think people are scared and do not do it at all or do it less. There are some very real barriers when it comes to sharing our faith in NZ whereas in Zambia it was the natural thing to do. We as a society are actually incredibly blessed and need to thank God for it.

8. How is or will life be different for you now that you are back?
Now that I am back in NZ I realise that I am going to spend the next four years here, and am thinking about how to integrate some of the things I have learnt from my trip to Africa into my daily life.

Tom's Reflections

Thomas says...

1. What were your highlights from the trip?
   One of the biggest highlights from the trip for me would have to be the Children’s programmes that we ran in both Makwati (a small village community in Zambia) and in the Aid’s Hope Centre in the township of Mamelodi in South Africa. It was just fantastic to see how through our preparation and enthusiasm we were able to share the word of God with the children. It was amazing to see how God worked through our team and we were able to reach out to the kids and share the message of God’s love and plan for each one of them. Another highlight in Africa would have to be the way in which we joined the African’s in worshiping God through music. One memory I will always cherish is when in Zambia we were praising God at night inside in a massive thunderstorm when a massive bolt of lightning struck our building instantly knocking out power and water. Instead of panicking, everyone continued to sing and dance praising the Lord even more enthusiastically. The Holy Spirit was most definitely with us that evening!

2. What did you find hardest about the trip?

Having been to Africa to work and live before, the basic and communal living culture was not an issue for me. The aspect of the trip which I found most challenging was probably the evangelism and outreach into the community and hospital in Zambia. At first I felt very out of my comfort zone going into the hospital and praying for people who were living out there final days but I felt that God definitely blessed me and the rest of the team with the ability to speak the most appropriate words of comfort the right people. Another challenge I felt was evangelism in the village communities in Zambia. Zambia is a very Christian nature, and I really did not know what more I could share with them about God and Jesus that they did not already know. However, again I felt like God blessed me with the ability to speak the right words to the people and I definitely feel we impacted people’s lives for the better in the community.

3. What did you learn about God on this trip?

Many of the things I learnt about God on this trip came from the way the Zambians and South Africans praise and worship the Lord. Through listening to others testimonies and observing how God honours his promises to those who have faith in Him I have leant to trust in God and place more faith in Him. I also heard and learnt about the all powerful but yet forgiving nature of God. It is just amazing to think that our God is so awesome and perfect but he also is able to forgive us for our sins.

6. What did you like the most about Zambian/South African Culture?

The aspect of African culture I most enjoyed was how the people were very friendly and honest with each other and visitors from outside their nations. I loved it how the people were all free and willing to talk about God with others and were comfortable bringing up God into everyday conversations and life.

7. What thoughts about NZ Culture & Society have you had since returning?

Although I was initially sceptical that New Zealand society would ever be to come as open and willing to discuss issues regarding God and Christianity, I have since been pleasantly surprised by how so many people have been willing to talk about how God worked through us on the trip to reach out to the people of Zambia and South Africa. I feel positive that our team can now go out amongst the people of New Zealand and share the same good news that we shared with the people of Africa.

Ethan's Reflections

Ethan says...

1. What were your highlights from the trip?
Spending time with the team, music, the serenity at night and being able to spend more time focused on God.

2. What did you find hardest about the trip?
The hospital ministry (was good though)

3. What did you learn about God on this trip?
God can use suffering to strengthen you, but will make sure you can get through it.

4. What did you learn about yourself on this trip?
I am capable of doing what God wants me to, I just need to put in effort and trust in him.

5. What did you learn from being part of the team?
Everyone can bring something to the team, but to do so they must be included.

6. What did you like the most about Zambian/South African Culture?
The closeness of the community: everyone gathered for meals and devotions.

7. What thoughts about NZ Culture & Society have you had since returning?
We should change our focus away from comforts and assurances in life, and focus more on living our lives for God.

8. How is or will life be different for you now that you are back?
I am more aware of how God wants me to live, and will put more effort into trying to doing so. I am also less worried about small things, but on the big picture.

Janice's Reflections

JANICE says...

1. What were your highlights from the trip?

• Interfacing with and getting to know the O M personel, learning of their personal journey, struggles, needs, joys. Was able to have in-depth conversations with many of them.

• Being part of positive programmes for the children where they heard the Good News.

• Observing the children at Hope Aids learning the scripture for the day. One little boy stands out in my memory as his voice was above the rest and he knew the verse word perfect (I have a photo of him). The reason this is so meaningful is that memorising scripture as a child will have a huge impact on their lives, (they will not easily forget the verses they learnt).

• Being approached by an employee at Johannesberg airport when he saw my Good News T-Shirt asking for a Bible. I was able to give him one and pray that it will be a blessing and help.

• Taking part in a Prayer Walk in Makwati village where one particular lady asked for prayer for her very sick child that she could not afford the medication for. Some financial help was given by two team members and the next time we saw her she was smiling and her child was well. Praise God.

• Seeing how Team members grew in their Christian walk, were prepared to move out of their comfort zone, lead devotions for ourselves and all the staff at Kabwe, tried their hand at all sorts of things including making the maize meal, slapping mud on local house (yearly maintenance), digging and planting, scrubbing floors, visiting and praying for the very sick (and dying) in the local hospital . It was a thrill to see their enthusiasm and glimpse their potential as they continued in their walk with God.

• Knowing that others were praying for me and their prayers were being answered. e.g. some of my concerns were not being able to sleep and back ache.

• Becoming accepted and part of the "Team". Their care for me as an older person was much appreciated.

• Becoming acquainted with 2 staff members from PNG was personally a thrill as it brought back memories of my time there in 1964-5.

2. What did you find hardest about the trip?

• Most difficult times for me were not necessarily directly related to the environment e.g. I find it increasingly difficult to hear when in a group setting and either there was background noise, some are speaking too quickly, softly, mumbling or had an accent. However when I misinterpreted or made a wrong guess at what was said this provided a few laughs.

• The filghts were stressful in that I developed a lump on the back of my calf along with extensive oedema which looked like DVT. After resting the next day the swelling did go down. On the return trip I suffered severe cramp probably due to me not exercising enough during the flight. The length of the journey was difficult and there were the long waits at some airports. After resting on arrival the swelling went down.

• I was disturbed when on occasions unwittingly we would indulge in fancy food while our brothers in Christ would go without. (e.g. at Mall on route to Kabwe Airport).

• Initially it took some time for me to be accepted as part of the team. There were occasions when I was not informed of what was happening, and had to go searching for the rest of the group. However a mutual love and respect for each one developed.

3. What did you learn about God on this trip
4. What did you learn about yourself on this trip?
5. What did you learn from being part of the team?
I can't say I learnt anything new about God , myself or being part of a team. Just reinforced what I already knew.

6. What did you like the most about Zambian/South African Culture?
I guess along with any similar country, I cant help but be impressed with the simplicity of their lives, their strong faith and dedication to God.

7. What thoughts about NZ Culture & Society have you had since returning?
Nothing new or too significant, just about how the things we consider important to do with how we look and behave are inconsequential, and sometimes a hindrance.

8. How is or will life be different for you now that you are back?
The impact of this trip on my life now is more about knowledge and concern for the Africans and the workers from a first hand perspective. It does not matter how much we hear and read about places like this, nothing can compare with going here and experiencing first hand. I shall be far more interested and in touch with what is happening in Africa than before.

Abi's Reflections

ABIGAIL says...

1. What were your highlights from the trip?
I loved being in Zambia and seeing our work really effect the people there. I also loved seeing the strength of the Holy Spirit in the people where we went and just being amazed to see it work in their loves. And I loved the children!

2. What did you find hardest about the trip?
I think I found the lack of basic necessities very trying at times, such as not having water and power, no showers and all hand-washing etc.

3. What did you learn about God on this trip?
I learnt the power and strength of God. I learnt that I need to trust in him more and rely on him for all things, big and small.

4. What did you learn about yourself on this trip?
That I can survive in Africa. I can be taken out of my comfort zone and asked to speak and pray about God, and actually with God’s help I can do it!

5. What did you learn from being part of the team?
That everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses and that we need to appreciate both and use them as best we can. Also I got to know everyone a lot better!

6. What did you like the most about Zambian/South African Culture?
I loved how smiley and friendly everyone was, and how open they were to hearing about God and the good news.

7. What thoughts about NZ Culture & Society have you had since returning?
That we often have so much more than we need, but we are very much lacking the spiritual presence of God in society. It is hard to compare the two, they seem so different.

8. How is or will life be different for you now that you are back?
I think God has become a much bigger presence in my life, I turn to him for strength and comfort.

Rebekah's Reflections

Rebekah says...

1. What were your highlights from the trip?

• The team – Good connections and good times
• Deaf Ministry
• Meeting the OM Workers

2. What did you find hardest about the trip?

• Prayer Walk – found it hard to know what to say, uncomfortable being in strangers houses etc.
• Getting across messages to the children in limited/no English

3. What did you learn about God on this trip?

• He is everywhere! His love & presence is so massive and he loves each and every one of us.
• He has not neglected third world countries – he is there in full force.
• He will never ask you to do something that you are not capable of.

4. What did you learn about yourself on this trip?

• I am very focused on MY life and MY plans and I need to spend more time in God praying about his plans for me.
• I am able to stay relatively positive & stress free.

5. What did you learn from being part of the team?

• Working together is important.
• Everyone has strengths – value every member.

6. What did you like the most about Zambian/South African Culture?

• Open to God.
• Extremely Generous
• Happy!

7. What thoughts about NZ Culture & Society have you had since returning?

• We are very synical/sceptical – far less open than Zambia
• We have less of a ‘culture’ – everyone just does there own thing.
• I love our laid back yet organised system.

8. How is or will life be different for you now that you are back?

• Try to be less materialistic
• Pray/think about other countries & people (not so caughts up in my immediate life)
• Try to pray more in general

Some Photos

Team Reflections

Hi all, we've asked the team to reflect on their time away and answer some questions. So as I get responses in I will put them up here. Hopefully that will give you some more insight into what God was doing in us and how the trip affected each one of us... So let me kick things off with my responses below...the rest of the team's answers should come through over the next few days :) Bless you.

Emily says...

1. What were your highlights from the trip?
Team sing-alongs in the van, seeing the team step up and embrace the culture and the challenges they were faced with, meeting & interacting with the OM missionaries, visiting the deaf cell group (& learning some sign language so we could communicate with them), hanging out and getting to know the NZ team better, working with the kids & church in a nearby village called Makwati, and seeing all that God is doing through OM in Zambia & South Africa.

2. What did you find hardest about the trip?
Three days in Zambia with no power, no running water and the pouring rain made for some fun stories, but were also a bit trying at times! I also found leaving was difficult – leaving behind all the new friends we had made knowing we may not ever meet again.

3. What did you learn about God on this trip?
I learnt a lot about God’s sovereignty on this trip. How he is in control of and takes care of all things. I learnt more about what it means to trust in him. So often I try to control and work things out on my own, however because there were so many unknowns on this trip, it was impossible for me to do that! I learnt to ‘be still and know that [God is] God’. As long as we abide in him he will sort everything out along the way – even the little things. It’s incredible.

4. What did you learn about yourself on this trip?
I learnt that without God I can do nothing, but with him I can do so much more than I could ever think or imagine! “My Grace is all you need” he says “my power works best in weakness”. I learnt that I need to draw all my strength from him and as I do that he can and will work through me to achieve his purposes.

5. What did you learn from being part of the team?
The team made this trip for me – they were so much fun! As well as learning a whole lot about music (I’ve never enjoyed singing as much in my life as I did on this trip!) I also learnt to depend on others. While beforehand I knew the theory about being part of the body of Christ, on the trip I learnt what that meant practically. We all had strengths and weaknesses, and we all had to work together (stepping back at times & forward at others) in order to achieve what God had for us to do while we were there. No one person on the team could do everything!

6. What did you like the most about Zambian/South African Culture?
I love the singing and dancing in worship. I was blown away by the hospitality and generosity of people. I was encouraged by the missionaries we met - their commitment to God’s call and their dependence on him for all they need. I love how Africans always have time for people and I like the ‘laid-back’ nature & simplicity of their culture. I love their hunger for God and their openness to talk about spiritual things. I love that there seems to be much more space and time for God there.

7. What thoughts about NZ Culture & Society have you had since returning?
While I was away, and since returning, I’ve been reminded and made aware of how much the people of NZ need to hear the Gospel. While our society might not be as open to talking about it as people were in the African context, but we still need to be bold and find ways to share the gospel in our context.
I’ve also been really proud of our church community. So many people in Africa commented on the diversity of our group (particularly our cultural diversity) and I love that. I’m encouraged by the way our church demonstrates the unity that Christ brings among all people.

8. How is or will life be different for you now that you are back?
I hope that I will learn to trust God and draw my strength from him in everything I do in my everyday life (even the little things). I also hope to continue to engage in musical worship more, and to continue to challenge myself & allow God to use me for his kingdom. To not let the busyness of my life crowd out God’s voice, but instead to live a more simple life and allow him space to speak to me. I also want to take more seriously the call we have to share the gospel here in NZ...taking what we learnt and experienced in Africa and to find ways to translate it into our own context.