20 May, 2014

Today is a beautiful day in Stellenbosch. Little bit of rain mixed with sunshine. Today I had a Discipling meeting, and the question was posed: "What does intimacy with God really mean?"

Would love to hear your comments it. Any thoughts?

Visiting and Connecting with several ministries including “Straatlig”

Visiting and Connecting with several ministries including “Straatlig” 

Straatlig is the Afrikaans word for street light.  Straatlig is a ministry based out of a church in Stellenbosch that specifically serves the poor and homeless.  They seek to love them holistically which includes sharing the gospel, teaching them job skills to earn income, providing shelter, meals and clothing.  We have enjoyed visiting and learning from them.  It is clear that the Lord’s heart is with the overlooked, the poor, and the broken.  Jesus tells the hearers in Matthew 25:45:  “He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”  Sometimes we doubt who we need to serve, but there is never any questions about the poor, widows and orphans (James 1:27).  God calls us to take care of the poor and those in distress and when we serve them, it is as if we are serving God. 

Here is their Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/Straatlig

Connecting with IMPACT South Africa’s Alumni - Shelby Burnett

Connecting with IMPACT South Africa’s Alumni

IMPACT SA is a nine week internship program where participants are exposed to and serve in global sports ministry in South Africa. Interns gain a global perspective of international sports ministry while developing character and leadership skills in this cross-cultural learning environment which combines classroom teaching with hands-on training. There is a large emphasis on discipleship throughout the internship.  

After experiences like this, you get really close to one another and become like family.  Family stays in touch with one another seeing how each other are doing. We had the privilege of connecting with a few of our previous IMPACT family members currently living in SA sharing life and praying for one another.  

One of the alumni is Shelby Burnett.  Here is a video about her story. CLICK HERE.   

Two Introductory Sport Ministry Training Events

Two Introductory Sport Ministry Training Events  

As a member of the Stellenbosch Sport Coalition, Casper helped host two introductory sports ministry training events April 4-5 and 11-12. The goal of these trainings was to share the vision and heart values of the coalition and to give practical examples of how we can implement those during and beyond the Soccer World Cup.  

We had over 40 participants and we praise God for the relationships that were built over these weekends for His kingdom and glory. 

(Casper talking about chaplaincy and church sports)

Here is what one of the participants said:

“Yes it was absolutely amazing - I learnt stuff that I'd never heard before from other leadership training seminars. It's like a whole new world of ministry! The content and approach is also very fresh and its interesting to explore sport as a ministry channel/vehicle! I really would recommend it .... And its not only beneficial for people interested in sports/sports ministry... Its practical life coaching lessons - you won't regret it!”

SWAZILAND: ISLT Level 1 Pictures

(ISLT Level 1 Team, Swaziland)

Teambuilding exercise

Warming up for soccer session

Xolani, Casper and Tiras 

Participants working on assignment 

SWAZILAND: International Sport Leadership Training Level 1

SWAZILAND:  International Sport Leadership Training Level 1

Casper travelled to Swaziland April 8-11th to help facilitate an International Sport Leadership Training for level 1.  He trained on Building effective teams, Leadership, and Partnerships.  Around 15-25 leaders were trained that represented different organizations and churches in Swaziland.  The local leaders have a passionate desire to make disciples of all nations using the language of sport. 

Swaziland is a beautiful country with beautiful people. Please pray for the leaders that were trained and that the seeds that were sown may produce countless fruit for God’s kingdom.  

Steenkamp's April Newsletter Update

Two months in Stellenbosch…and wow it has been amazing!  In our missions training, we talked about the different phases that you go through when you move to a new place, especially when it's a new country.  Phase 1 is the honey moon phase where everything is great because the differences are exciting and new.  Phase 2 is the culture shock phase, where the differences become frustrations and annoyances.  Phase 3 the acceptance phase where you start accepting the differences of your new environment and the final phase is where you have fully integrated with your new environment.   We know we are currently in the honey moon phase of our transitioning and know that culture shock is coming but might as well enjoy it while it lasts!  We are very happy, blessed and excited to be here and to witness what God is doing!  Here are some of the exciting things that happened during April:

• SWAZILAND:  International Sport Leadership Training Level 1
• Two Introductory Sport Ministry Training Events 
• Connecting with IMPACT South Africa’s Alumni
• Visiting and Connecting with several ministries including “Straatlig”

Prayers needed today please!

We need your prayers today please! It is the South African Elections!