Our time in Nicaragua was short and busy! We were only there for a week, but we got a lot done! And God once again led us all the way and took over wherever we went! We served under Hosanna church, which is a huge church in Managua. During our time in Nicaragua, we were joined by the Hidden World team, Liesel, Jakes and Francois! What a blessing that was! Liesel was on South Bound last year, and during their Luke 10 journey, they made the connection and started a relationship between Global Challenge and Hosanna church!

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So once upon a time there were 2 boys and 5 girls, and they took on a journey of faith, known as Global Challenge, knowing that they are giving up certain things back home, such as a comfortable bed, a basin in the bathroom, tomato sauce, a car, TV and a bath, amongst other things…  but it was all ok, because the journey they were taking would be life-changing and God-seeking! After about 7 months of the journey, having become used to ‘bakkie wash’, self-inflatable (and self-deflatable) mattresses, cold showers and so forth… they realized that those are not what is important in life… so they were happy and content about it all! These young people believe and trust and love an amazing, kind and generous BIG GOD… and He always provides everything they need! So at one time, they were travelling from Equador and had to get a flight to Costa Rica, via Panama… Booking in at the airport, they were tempted by the man at the counter to maybe stay a night, all expenses paid, in a 5 star hotel, and catch a flight the next day… but because these 7 young people were part of a bigger group, they had to get to Costa Rica that day still, as they had to catch a bus the next morning already to Nicaragua, which was their next destination! The thought of a 5 star hotel jumped right over their heads and they tried to ignore the thought… they focused on the bus trip for 10 hours or so to Nicaragua… Sitting in the terminal area, ready to board, they each received $2 to find something to eat for supper! Soon after, it was announced that the flight is delayed… so they sat! Still ignoring the 5 star hotel thought! Another hour past, and then… va-va-voom… it was announced that the flight was cancelled, and that EVERYBODY would be booked into a hotel and all expenses paid, and that we would get a flight early the next morning! The people were furious… but Global Challenge shouted and jumped for joy! There was nothing the 7 could do… now they just had to be patient with the flight company and accept the solution… a 5 star hotel! J They got into taxis (paid for)… anxious about what they are about to experience… and then they saw it… THE HILTON HOTEL! Could this really be happening they thought… OFCOURSE! They serve a big God… and He was spoiling them! The rest of the evening involved exploring their rooms, each one having their own room… exploring every drawer, every cupboard, every corner, every view, every channel and every book! They even made a video! But the ultimate came when they discovered the Hilton slippers and gown! They were speechless! They enjoyed a night of a buffet supper, warm showers, duvet double beds, phoning one another’s rooms when someone discovered something else… and thanking God for who He is and for His love and His sense of humour! J Early the next morning, they were in the shuttle (with every possible little thing that we could take with us, including shampoos, showercaps, envelopes, sugars and pens…)…back to the airport and back to the travelling! And they continues on their journey, renewed, and even more inlove with Jesus! J

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L...O...V...E...

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Have you ever experienced a 34 hour day? Imagine that... traveling... different time zones... minimal sleep!!! That was South Bound from New Zealand to Mendoza, Argentina!
After we made a semi-successful attempt to sleep on the Mendoza airport, we were given the plans for the next few days! ¨In your small groups, go and explore South America, this is the time, you have 6 days, R100 per day per person... and all you need to do is meet up again in Lima in 6 days! See places, jump of a bridge!!!¨ This was Global Challenge we all thought!!! Time to explore South America! Macchu Pittchu maybe! The beaches of Santiago! We had lots in mind!

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2 Cor 12:9 & 10 says, ¨My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. I will boast gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ´s power may rest on me. I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.¨

Something that I have learned in the last 2 weeks of our journey is something that will stick with me throughout my life. In these 2 weeks, I have been challenged beyond what I thought was my limit! I thought I could no more... but all i needed to do, was admit my weaknesses and ask for prayer...

By admitting weakness, i have learned that it affirms God´s strength in our lives. When i am lacking strength, about to break or give up, insecure about my circumstances, God will be strong for me. He will withstand the pressures of the devil and of the world for me, He will be my security and my stability. He is great in power. If I was never weak, and never admitted weakness, would I ever see or experience God´s strength or be able to testify of it?In my weakness, I realise God´s strength. And that doesnt always mean it will be easy... but God´s strength will be glorified with victory!

Victory has been God´s promise for me from the start of the journey, and now i can testify that in my weakest moment, i have received great victory through His strength! He has revealed so much to me in only a few days... victory comes from God´s strength, not ours. and we need to acknowledge our weakness to experience His strength.
When we allow God to fill us in our weaknesses, we will be stronger than we could have ever been in our own strength!

1 Cor 1:25 ¨For the foolishness of God is wiser than man´s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man´s strength.¨

Praise God!*

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Their fields look like golf courses, you see rainbows daily, the houses look like they can be picked up at anytime and their poo pond looks like Silver Lakes golf estate's lakes! New Zealand is beautiful... and FULL of South Africans! We were all suprised to realise the numbers of South Africans here... so much so that when you are speaking Afrikaans in a shop, you need to be careful of what you say! Pretorius, Le Roux, Bosman, Ferreira, van Rensburg etc are common surnames here now! The local libraries even have a shelf for Afrikaans books! Not to mention the South African Kaffee shops that sell biltong, Marmite, Nik Naks, Wilson toffees and many more South African goodies!*

Once we hit Auckland, after spending a few days at Tatora Springs in a town called Mata Mata, the different colour groups were assigned different ministries for the time in Auckland! Myself and Elsabe stayed with Henk and Riaan at the Bosman's home! And Wynand and Danie were hosted together! The yellow team were called to do ministry at Kingsway School, a private school in Auckland, that allowed GCEX to come and chat to the scholars.

(Anyone could come to us during lunch to chat etc!)

At first we had no idea what to expect, and prepared a few slideshows for the different classes, about different cultures, the different countries, the different ministries, the faith journey and the different experiences that we have had since the beginning of the journey! As the week went by, we realised that they wanted more and more interaction with the students, and we stopped planning ahead...



We discussed topics such as faith with kids ranging from ages 13 to 18... we discussed courage and what that means... we spoke about injustices in the world... we gave testimonies... we shared experiences... we shared about how to share the gospel, we answered questions... we asked questions... we recruited some possible future Global Challengers, we glorified the name of Jesus, we had devotions, we prayed together and just enjoyed spending time with the kids :)
The time spent at Kingsway school challenged some of us more than others... but God used us during our time there ... and therefore the challenges we faced, are irrelevant!*

P.s... We had our second challenge in NZ... but the results are not yet out... so i'll keep you posted on that one! :)

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The waiter approaches... the waiter hands PJ a tray... on it... 3 envelopes!!!! THE FIRST CHALLENGE! My first thought... CAN THIS REALLY BE HAPPENING?! We were on the ferry on the way back to Manila from Cebu island! What we thought to be a time of rest that was coming up before we fly to Kuala Lumpur, was now South Bound's first challenge!!! At that time i actually just wanted to jump overboard... we were all exhausted! The Philippines was a very busy and intense time! It can be summarised in one word... CRUSADES! 11 crusades in 11 days! The Lord did amazing things, touched many hearts and healed many people at the crusades, so it was definitely worth all the hard work! But when it was time to move on, we were relieved! Then the challenge...

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Hello all*

Please go check out the video of the drama the team has been performing at different events! the Lord is really using the drama in mighty ways! this was one of the first performances! and this was at a new year celebration at a buddhist temple, on koh chang island, thailand!!! go watch and enjoy*
the dance will be up soon and more videos to follow to keep you all hooked to what God is doing!* AMEN!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n32Wizs28B4&feature=player_embedded

(If the link is not going through, just check under Daniel Prinsloo's blog!!!)

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WOW!

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We arrived in Thailand yesterday afternoon! we saw the SEA!!!!!!!!! YAY! just the sight of water excites me! it is unbelievably hot here! we were given the day off today to explore a bit and rest... so we experienced the real thai massage! got quite a fright at some points but is was devine! a whole hour for R35! Tom we will be splitting up into our colour groups for a 3 day faith journey, wherever God leads us! what an amazing way to start the time in Thailand! we are still praying and waiting to hear from God where He wants us and for what etc, but we going with no pre-conceived ideas or expectations and just going to let the Holy Spirit take us, as small group, on a journey of growth, love, fun and faith! Please pray for all our colour groups for these few days and that we would truelly just follow Him! Cambodia's newsletter will be out shortly :)
Prayer requests:  - Our time here in Thailand!
 - We might have to go back into Cambodia, pay another $20 just to get a stamp and then come back into Thailand... because we can only stay in the country 14 days, and we are here 3 weeks... so please just pray that this wont be a problem for the team!
 - For Cambodia's restoration and a spirit of joy over the country!
 - For a deep understanding and excitement for the Word (Wynand and i are busy reading through the Bible)!
 - Continuous spiritual growth for all team members... all on their own path with God!

Be blessed!!!

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