Five years ago, my family was visiting South Africa (which is where I was born). On one of the days there, we were driving near a township. On a field next to the road, I saw four boys playing soccer. But I realized that something was different about the ball-- it was made of mud. But even though they didn't have an actual soccerball to play with, they were still having the time of their lives.
This picture of those boys stuck with me throughout my life. Whenever I think of it, I remember how little material wealth matters compared to the joy that relationships bring, and makes me want to go back to build our relationship with South Africa, share my story, and continue to share the story of Jesus.
This summer, my brother and I have an opportunity to do just that. We were asked to serve as volunteer staff on a high school summer camp called Camp10, a branch of Bruce Wilkinson's Teach Every Nation organization. On this high school camp, students come to experience South Africa, take college credit courses that provide them with a Biblical foundation for college life, and serve the Kingdom on mission in nearby communities.
My role on the camp will be to:
1. Serve the students as one of the counselors (to help disciple them, provide spiritual guidance, and help resolve conflict).
2. Teach five lessons to help prepare the students for college life spiritually, academically, and relationally.
3. Set up and organize activities, help rangers take care of the wildlife, and serve nearby Limpopo village communities.
4. Coordinate travel from one of the airports to a hotel.
After the camp, I will start my second year at the University of North Georgia. By 2018, Lord willing, I will be transferring to GA Tech for a degree in mechanical engineering in 2018.
The only costs I will have for the trip will be for travel, as listed below:
ATL to NY and back: $350
Hotel and food: $300
NY to JNB and back: $1100
JNB to GRJ and back: $250
Total: $2000
I truly believe in the Camp10 ministry and I am beyond excited to go back to South Africa. By working at my church, I am able to put $400 of my money towards the trip.
Any money that I receive above $2,000 will go towards my brother's GoFundMe . If we both reach our goal, then any extra money will be donated to the Teach Every Nation Organization to help train pastors in Africa to lead and disciple in their communities.
It would be an honor and a blessing for my friends and family to help me with the rest of the money. Of course, no amount is too small! If finances allow, we will also have the blessing of visiting our grandparents, whose time we have with are few but precious.
God bless,
Wesley
This picture of those boys stuck with me throughout my life. Whenever I think of it, I remember how little material wealth matters compared to the joy that relationships bring, and makes me want to go back to build our relationship with South Africa, share my story, and continue to share the story of Jesus.
This summer, my brother and I have an opportunity to do just that. We were asked to serve as volunteer staff on a high school summer camp called Camp10, a branch of Bruce Wilkinson's Teach Every Nation organization. On this high school camp, students come to experience South Africa, take college credit courses that provide them with a Biblical foundation for college life, and serve the Kingdom on mission in nearby communities.
My role on the camp will be to:
1. Serve the students as one of the counselors (to help disciple them, provide spiritual guidance, and help resolve conflict).
2. Teach five lessons to help prepare the students for college life spiritually, academically, and relationally.
3. Set up and organize activities, help rangers take care of the wildlife, and serve nearby Limpopo village communities.
4. Coordinate travel from one of the airports to a hotel.
After the camp, I will start my second year at the University of North Georgia. By 2018, Lord willing, I will be transferring to GA Tech for a degree in mechanical engineering in 2018.
The only costs I will have for the trip will be for travel, as listed below:
ATL to NY and back: $350
Hotel and food: $300
NY to JNB and back: $1100
JNB to GRJ and back: $250
Total: $2000
I truly believe in the Camp10 ministry and I am beyond excited to go back to South Africa. By working at my church, I am able to put $400 of my money towards the trip.
Any money that I receive above $2,000 will go towards my brother's GoFundMe . If we both reach our goal, then any extra money will be donated to the Teach Every Nation Organization to help train pastors in Africa to lead and disciple in their communities.
It would be an honor and a blessing for my friends and family to help me with the rest of the money. Of course, no amount is too small! If finances allow, we will also have the blessing of visiting our grandparents, whose time we have with are few but precious.
God bless,
Wesley