BreaThing-Wilderness-bOnding
Mahlzeit Männer’s (ready for lunch everybody! :))
Wow, time is running so fast, it has already been 2 weeks since we started, we had so much fun and accomplished lots of tasks together that helped us build our relationship as a team even stronger.
We went on a hike this week, through the Abel Tasman National Park, and that was a new challenge for all of us! Remember the hike last week, it took us 3 hours per day. Guess what, how many hours per day did we take this time? (Hint: We were all extremely exhausted each day!!!) (Feel free to leave your answers in the comment below) It seemed like the tramps each day couldn’t get any longer and with our last reserves we made it through to the Awapoto & Castle Rock Huts in 3 days!!
This hike challenged us both mentally and physically, BUT God’s grace is always WAY more than sufficient to us!!! He put us together as a team, so that we experienced His sweetness and bitterness together. When it was time to pack our stuff and go home, we challenged ourselves to arrive at our destination at Marahau within one and a half hour. (Dept. of Conservation signage estimated time: 3 hours).
We managed to finish the last part of the hike within our target time and we broke the record as we were the first team that finished all together in given time!
This week, what a great joy that we have continued our Bible study together!! The most unforgettable thing about learning how to be a humble servant of God is that we have spent some quiet time on the mountain meditating and reflecting on the insight of this topic.
We thought about how we can bring our identities in front of God, as well as removing the things in our lives that keeps us away from God. We shared our past stories with each other and grew even closer together. Hey friends, here are the questions for you: How would you describe your identity in Christ? And are there any other things keeping you away from our loving God? (We cannot wait to see your responses!!!!!!)
On Sunday, several of us shared at a local church what has stood out to us in the Bible study so far.
Several more of us will share in another church next week. Please pray for us, that we can find the right words.
Prayer Requests:
As we are going to the sea for a kayak adventure please pray for:
(1) Good weather while we are kayaking to make this experience unforgettable.
(2) A good health condition for all of us to enjoy the creation of God.
Philipp
“Hallo ihr alle aus Deutschland, das was ich hier erlebe ist einfach einzigartig. Ich bin mit einigen Erwartungen hier aufgeschlagen und tag für tag wird der Rahmen gesprengt, nicht nur im Spirituellen sondern auch im Zwischenmenschlichen. Seit den ersten Tagen versteht sich das Team einwandfrei und wir Arbeiten nahe mit den Führern zusammen um großartige Erinnerungen zu schaffen. Jeder der einen Kulturschock oder auch im Geistlichen wachsen möchte kann ich das nur Empfehlen 10/10! Außerdem:
Mama ich werde mich bald mit unglaublichen Bildern & Geschichten bei dir melden!”
Translation:
Hey everybody from Germany! What I’m experiencing here is just amazing. I am finding the experience here is exceeding my expectation’s. Not only in the spiritual sense but also in regards of learning from people. From the first day on the team and the leaders are working very well together to create mesmerising memories. Everybody who wants to experience a culture shock or grow spiritually, I can totally recommend 10/10. Also: mom I’ll call you soon and be prepared for impeccable stories and pictures!
Helen
“Hey everybody, I managed to wake up at 6 am without the alarm clock!!! How wonderful to be a morning bird here!! And I received the best birthday surprise ever!! Three birthday surprises in a week, 20 birthday blessings on the same day… that’s crazy! (Thanks mates ;)) By the way, I am so grateful to be able to connect with people here. I heard amazing stories and learned to pray in English:) It wasn’t easy for the first time, and so I am now challenging myself to pray with my brothers and sisters. Please pray for my relationship with God and the people :) I have got stories to tell you all, stay tuned.”
Written by Philipp (Germany) & Helen (Hong Kong) on behalf of the entire OTG Team