Week-01 Nature As Our Classroom!
What are we doing?
We finished our three day tramp in a nearby national park, and it was beautiful. We stayed in a wilderness hut along the river and met some other hikers there. It was special to talk with them and hear their stories. Then, we shared with them why we are in New Zealand - to grow in relationship with God and better understand His plan for our lives.
We loved exploring creation. Some of the braver members of our team took the plunge into a waterfall along the hike.
We are back at cozy basecamp now and thankful to be away from the copious amount of sandflies. We are using the days here to rest, continue in our study of the Bible, and do group activities to grow together. We love what we have seen, and we can not wait to get back out there and explore more.
What are we learning?
The outdoors have been our classroom. We took a pause on our hike and had a lesson on the jetty. Another time, we had a question to ponder throughout our hike. In just this short time, we have been noticing new things in scripture and the story it tells. This fresh perspective has changed the way we look at the world and our role in it. We are God's image bearers, and we have the opportunity to show the world His attributes.
Taking a Break
Additionally, some of us have been learning what it looks like to accept help and share a burden. Others have recognised the importance of consistently orienting ourselves towards God.
Some have even been learning some funny idioms in other languages. Their proper and, more frequently, improper uses have been quite amusing.
Team Building
Shelter Set-Up
How is the team?
The team has been having a great time together, and we bonded together quickly trying to tackle a puzzle. Our puzzle skills are lacking, but we all enjoy spending time together. Over the last several days, we have shared who we are and what our stories are. Also, we have spent time praying for each other. These times have been powerful, and we have learned to trust each other. We are beginning to recognise our different roles, giftings, and personalities. It is special to think about how God made us uniquely and how God brought each of us here to Off The Grid.
Prayer
You are welcomed to join us in praying for the following:
- Pray for those we have met and those we will meet - that hearing about Jesus would spark interest in their hearts.
- Pray we will allow the Lord to work in us during our time on Off The GRID.
- Pray for the the team's health and safety in the midst of tramps as well as recovery afterwards.
Written by Ricky (USA) & Jan (Switzerland) on behalf of the entire Off The GRID Team