VIDEO UPDATE – October 2021

What? Why? How?

In addition to our Stories that we share with you, we want to start sending (semi)regular video updates that will most likely cover more of the practical and behind-the-scenes aspects of our journey.

In this first Video Update we focus on some of the What, How and Why of the remaining time on board Logos Hope and the next chapter in our journey.

---

If you can’t access the video or don’t have the time to watch it (although it will probably take longer to read about it – and you’ll get to see our faces) here is a brief summary:

WHAT?

Now

We currently have about 3 more months onboard. At the end of October we expect to begin the 2 week sail across to West Africa. During our time in Freetown, Sierra Leone and Takoradi, Ghana I will be focused on preparing the team for a new Visitor Engagement Department Head/Bookfair Manager and handing over to my replacement.

Next

We expect to fly back to RSA at the end of January and then spend February mostly resting and adjusting back to life in South Africa, but also connecting with our home church and partners that are in Durban.

At the beginning of March, Dané and I are expecting to take a 2 – 2.5 week Vision trip to Austria. During this time we will be meeting the various teams there and visit the ministries. The girls will stay in SA and get some quality Ouma and Oupa time.

From March onwards we will dive fully into the work of partner raising and logistical arrangements (including learning German) for Austria which could take up to 9 months.

WHY?

Why Missionaries?

We believe that all Christians are missionaries. While everyone is a small ‘m’ missionary (everyone is called to be involved in some way with the task of the great commission), some people are called to be big ‘M’ Missionaries – lead by God and sent by their local church to a specific task in the work of achieving the great commission.

We feel that being Missionaries is one of our roles in the local church and we count it a privilege to be “sent ones” of Home Ground (Westville Baptist Church) as one expression of transforming individuals, transforming church and transforming communities.

Why Operation Mobilisation (OM)?

At a practical level, Operation Mobilisation is an organisation that we and our sending church knows and trust.

More importantly than this we believe in, and are excited by OM’s vision of seeing Vibrant Communities of Jesus Followers amongst the least reached. This is a vision that we want to be a part of and aligns with our local church’s vision too.

Why Austria?

During our time on the ship God opened our hearts to Europe, both secular and immigrant communities, as well as the Missionaries and missionaries serving in Austria.

Secondly, we received an invitation from the Austrian Field leader – who I know well from my time on board –and this is a practical, open door that we believe God is leading us through, so that we can serve the communities in Europe

Why the roles we are considering?

God has helped us understand that our vision is to see missionaries thriving and that our core purpose is to coach, care for and encourage missionaries on the field.

People Care – this is an opportunity for Dané to practically live out the gifting of care that God has given her so that missionaries on the field can be physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy and fully able to pursue God’s leading in their life

Church Partnership and Mobilisation – this is an opportunity for John to live out his passion for journeying with people to reach their full potential as children of God – whether that is with OM or another organisation as Missionaries or elsewhere and in other ways as missionaries.

HOW?

Together

We firmly believe that we can’t and aren’t meant to do this alone. We are part of the Body of Christ and we need to be connected with all the other parts in order for us to be able to fulfil our function well.

Going on Gift Income

All OM Missionaries partner with like-minded individuals who contribute Gift Income towards the work that the Missionaries are doing. This means that what God is doing through the Missionaries on the field is achieved by the team effort of those with a heart for the specific work that the Missionaries are doing and the ultimate goal of seeing vibrant communities of Jesus followers among the least reached.

Ways to partner

Pray – if you would like to receive updates on what you can pray for (in addition to the ‘normal’ updates we send out) please let us know and we will add you to that list.

Share – you might know people who would be interested in following along with our journey or even partnering with us in the work God is doing through us and our partners. Please feel free to share this newsletter or our contact details with them. We would love to connect with them.

Encourage – we love to hear your thoughts about our updates and what God is doing in and through us. Even more so, we love to hear how you are doing and what God is doing in and through you in your context. It is so encouraging when we receive replies to our WhatsApps, emails and posts – so please dont be shy in reaching out.

Giving – we are going to need more people intentionally partnering with us financially. Below is the additional financial support that we hope to raise by April 2022, as the next stepping stone towards the full support we expect to need to serve in Austria. Committed partners, contributing monthly towards our living and ministry costs is the most effective way for us to remain sustainable and focused on the tasks God is leading us to do.

Please reach out and let us know if you would prayerfully consider partnering with us. We would love to connect, answer any questions, and spend time praying about it with you.

---