Week 1
Backpack? Fill it up!
What are we doing?
First week done – here we go! Our first three-day tramping trip is over. Even then, our backpacks were getting lighter, within time they were getting fuller and fuller. With something different than food, you are asking?
Yup! You got it. We are talking about our spiritual backpack. While discovering the southern island of NZ and her wilderness, we had the chance to dive in into God’s word. We were not only discovering his creation, but as well the image in which He has created us.
Within putting away our smartphone including all our duties and distractions from the regular life. There was an atmosphere created where we could focus ourselves on God, his thoughts for and over us, ourselves and among each other.
Time to breathe. Time to enjoy. Time to get to know each other and us. Time for silence.
What is keeping YOU away from creating time to breathe? Time with God, who you might not know. Write it down!
What would it cost you to put away the distraction if it’s for your advantage?
We’re back at Basecamp now, we’ve got some room to reorganize our stuff and thoughts as well, which we gained throughout our first adventure in the back country. We did some group activities as well to get to know each other better in a relaxed (not hiking) environment. It was a lot of fun to work with different mindsets and cultures as well.
But the purpose as discipleship leaders we’d still like to find - so, our time at Basecamp it’s not only Off the Grid – its’s On the grind.
What are we learning?
Keep it simple – start from the beginning: First there was God.
That was the information we needed.
When God created the earth, he said: I do have an idea and because I love you, I want you to be part of it. Big responsibility, isn’t it, huh?
We first confronted ourselves with the idea who God is. To see a glimpse of the whole picture we sometimes need to climb up a mountain summit even in life. For that the hike has been a good analogy, and climbing up the summit helped us to realize and get aware of how mighty God is and how small we are.
But the story doesn’t end with just being humbled. We had become aware of which part we are playing in His creation and that our part does a significant difference. Because God said I’d like to clothe you in my image, that you can represent me by wearing it.
So how can we grow closer to this idea by recreating his kingdom on earth with him? By learning how to communicate and doing a pulse check on ourselves. By not playing the story of Babel again and speaking different languages. By being aware of where your mate stands, by speaking his language, by climbing mountain tops together.
But most importantly by learning to listen to God’s voice.
How’s the Team?
We’re all doing pretty good together! A group of girls it’s just fiiiiiireeee you can imagine. Getting to know each other especially learning a lot about ourselves is fun and challenging at the same time. That’s why we’re all happy about getting a good sleep at night! And we need that, folks!
Hiking was a vibrant experience for everybody. We were all facing different challenges during those three days and for those for whom it wasn’t challenging enough just to hike were carrying a wooden log that we named “Jan.” Some of us were enjoying sleeping outside while the others chose the hut. So, outdoors has been fun to everybody!
Prayer Requests
Please be praying for our:
Health: Some of our teammates got a cold and some of them suffer with knee pain, blisters and so on. Please pray for our recovery and protection for the upcoming time.
Goals: For this following adventure we set ourselves some goals for our personal and spiritual growth. Please pray for open and teachable hearts.
Focus: Please keep praying that we can let go of our distraction we’re facing in this world so that we can focus on what God has prepared for us and that we can profit 120% from this unique time we get here.
Silvana: Salü zämme am andere Ändi vo de Wält! Ich hoffe d Schoggi isch immer no gliich guet wie voher und es wird fliissig Fondue gässe!!
Mir gots sehr guet! Ich han ändlich Mol wieder d Chance zum würklich, würklich abefahre, ohni Ablenkig ohni Pflichte. Jede Tag lern ich immer wie meh, wie ich I dem Bild chan läbe, wo ich defür gschaffe worde bin. Ich lerne, wie ich s Beste chan us mir usehole! Vermisse euch sehr sehr fescht! Druch eu fescht! <3
English: Salut together at the other end of the world! I hope the chocolate still tastes good as before as well as there the Fondue should be eaten diligently! I’m doing great! I finally got the chance to really, really calm/slow down, without distraction without duty. Every day I learn more and more how to live in this image where I was created to live in. I’m learning how I can do my best! Miss y’all a whole lot! Big hug! <3
Sum: 大家好,感謝你們的禱告,它們是我的能量源之一。開心有此機會與你們連結！這星期是經歷被神破碎改變的開始,體會到經文「你們親近神,神就必親近你們」(雅各書4:8a)。由衷祝福你們平安與喜樂！這裡的風與環境同證神的大能！邀請你放下手上的工作一會兒,一起讚美衪,並為你我生命禱告。
Hi, everyone! Thank you for your prayers, which are one of the most important batteries for me. This week is life-changing, which I experienced the biblical verse “Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:8a). God Bless You All! Inviting you to praise for God’s mightiness and pray for your & my life now.
Please leave a comment/short note for our team!
Written by Silvana (Switzerland) & Sum Sum (Hong Kong) on behalf of the entire OTG Team