Life in the evergreen city

Blown tyre!

2011-03-24T13:08:00.000+01:00

On our way home from the Berg we had a close call! Tyre nearly blew
and we limped into a garage! Safe, but mechanics can't beleive it, if
it was on front of jeep we woul have rolled they said!

Supper.

2011-03-18T07:50:00.000+01:00

Kristy and I have been trying to figure out what to pack, what to leave, what to give away and what to sell. It's crunch time, and Burundi is waiting. But the crunch is more then just what to pack and what to give away or attempt to sell in South Africa. The crunch comes in a whole list of prayer requests (look right). How do i get that Work Visa? So we need to raise how much money before we go?!!!! Yellow fever injections can't be given to you if you have an egg allergy, well hope Myles grew out of that one.

So much on the plate. Kristy said we just can't add rabbits to that plate. Like the one pictured from my first Burundi trip. Lets call him George. George was supper the night after I took this photo.

Thanks for praying, reading, caring and giving.

Ben

A date

2011-03-17T20:28:00.000+01:00

The calm

2011-03-06T15:36:00.000+01:00

Enjoying a Sunday concert.

Morning fun

2011-02-11T06:20:00.001+01:00

Durban early mornings belong to Myles and daddy.

The Navigators of Durban

2011-02-06T19:04:00.002+01:00

Say hello to the ever so serious leadership team of the Durban
Navigators. What an amazing group that is launching 2011. Our
vision, every leader discipling a brand new believer by the end of the
year. How to get there?! Big plans. Great ownership. Lots of prayer!

Kristy shoots

2011-01-31T08:39:00.001+01:00

Memulo

2011-01-10T09:01:00.002+01:00

3rd generation Phil

2010-12-20T07:31:00.000+01:00

3rd generation wedding

2010-12-20T07:28:00.001+01:00

One of the great rewards to what we do is to see 2nd and 3rd spiritual
generations get married.
Here we are Thursday night at Phil and Vumi's wedding. Phil was led
to Christ and decipled by Spho, who I decipled.

Best part of the wedding? The wedding party dancing their way into the
reception!

End of year braai

2010-12-20T07:21:00.000+01:00

Casting vision for next year. Thobe leads the way by helping us see
our natural relationships where we can advance the Gospel.

There is no snow in Burundi

2010-12-13T15:04:00.001+01:00

Burundi

So we are planning and praying about a move to Burundi. As I do so I can't help but help give you a bit of a contrast between where in the USA we are from vs. where we are going.

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

2010-12-08T13:16:00.001+01:00

Dr. Seuss wrote a book that is a must read for just about everyone. It's a bit of how we're feeling today. read a bit and see our heart beat...

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

by Dr. Seuss

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You’re off to Great Places!

You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

You’ll look up and down streets. Look’em over with care. About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.” With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down a not-so-good street.

And you may not find any you’ll want to go down. In that case, of course, you’ll head straight out of town. It’s opener there in the wide open air.

Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you.

And when things start to happen, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too.

Oh! The Places You’ll Go!

You’ll be on your way up!

You’ll be seeing great sights!

You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.

You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed. You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don’t.

Because, sometimes, you won’t.

I’m sorry to say so but, sadly, it’s true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.

You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch. And your gang will fly on. You’ll be left in a Lurch.

You’ll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump. And the chances are, then, that you’ll be in a Slump.

And when you’re in a Slump, you’re not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.

You will come to a place where the streets are not marked. Some windows are lighted. But mostly they’re darked. A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin! Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in? How much can you lose? How much can you win?

And if you go in, should you turn left or right…or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite? Or go around back and sneak in from behind? Simple it’s not, I’m afraid you will find, for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.

You can get so confused that you’ll start in to race down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space, headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.

The Waiting Place…for people just waiting.

Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come, or a plane to go or the mail to come, or the rain to go or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow or waiting around for a Yes or No or waiting for their hair to grow. Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite or waiting around for Friday night or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil, or a Better Break or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants or a wig with curls, or Another Chance. Everyone is just waiting.

No! That’s not for you!

Somehow you’ll escape all that waiting and staying. You’ll find the bright places where Boom Bands are playing. With banner flip-flapping, once more you’ll ride high! Ready for anything under the sky. Ready because you’re that kind of a guy!

Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all. Fame! You’ll be famous as famous can be, with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.

Except when they don’t. Because, sometimes, they won’t.

I’m afraid that some times you’ll play lonely games too. Games you can’t win ‘cause you’ll play against you.

All Alone!

Whether you like it or not, Alone will be something you’ll be quite a lot.

And when you’re alone, there’s a very good chance you’ll meet things that scare you right out of your pants. There are some, down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you won’t want to go on.

But on you will go though the weather be foul. On you will go though your enemies prowl. On you will go though the Hakken-Kraks howl. Onward up many a frightening creek, though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak. On and on you will hike. And I know you’ll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are.

You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!

(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)

Kid, you’ll move mountains!

So…be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ale Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So…get on your way!

See the sea jumpers jump

2010-12-02T08:19:00.003+01:00

November 28, 2010 by Kristy Carlson

Wow am I ever happy to be home! I am grateful for running water, the ability to brush my teeth straight from the tap, the freedom to open my mouth in the shower, my non-bedbug-infested-bed, and ziplocks. Ziplocks really are so handy, and I vow here and now never to take them for granted again. I have been waiting to tell you all about our Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania adventures (oh boy, was it ever an adventure… and FULL of drama from head to toe) because I am moving to a new blog! It’s a really pretty blog too, with enough room to move around in and LOTS of wall space to put up photos. I have NO IDEA how long it is going to take me to put this new blog together though, being that I am totally not tech savvy. In the meantime, I will show you one of my favorite images from the trip.

Cliff jumping is all the rage for the kids in Zanzibar. These kids were having a big competition for the “best moves” while blaring house music from a portable player. It was so much fun to hang out with them… even though, to them, I was a crazy white lady with a sleeping baby strapped to my front and a bag of popcorn. Because they have to get a pretty big running start, and I wanted to be ready, Coffee Guy would stand by the que of jumpers and I would have the camera pointed at the sea with my back to the “runway.” When someone started running Coffee Guy would shout, “Heeeeee’s commmmmmiiiiiinnnnnggggg!” All in the name of unpaid photojournalism.

Luv,

me

Check out more of Kristy's photo's and stories at: http://thedriftwood.wordpress.com/

Back from Burundi!

2010-11-30T19:21:00.003+01:00

so you need to wait, as I got back from Burundi then immediately went off to Cape Town for our Navigator National Leadership Team meetings.

I will post some great photos and news of how God is working.
we are excited.

Why we can go without Myles.

2010-11-15T19:41:00.000+01:00

Myles and Aunty Thobe.

Burundi: We leave in 24 hours

2010-11-15T11:04:00.000+01:00

So the drama is high here at the Carlson household. Let me give you a taste:

Packing for a week for 3 (Me, Kristy, Neo-yes 10 month old Neo) in 2 cary-ons.

Wondering if the crying baby is getting a tooth or did that yellow fever injection give a little bit more virus then bargained for (don't tell that to Grandma).

A videographer is coming by today to film us and teach Kristy some shooting techniques, all with the intention that they may make a documentary about our journey.

Myles staying behind and mom having a hard time with that already.

Myles can't get a yellow fever injection because he is allergic to raw egg (yellow fever anti-virus grown in live chickens and egg allergy sufferers therefore can not take the injection.... weird).

Underestimated survey trip cost and still short $250 for the trip, but God has provided in closer calls before.

We need to find ballerina tights. No, not mine, a gift for a great Navigator family in Nairobi.

Nav Expense reports due today (have I ever gotten to them before the due date?)

No idea if we are going to be able to get 1/2 the things done in Burundi that we want to do, ie look for house to rent, schools for the boys, etc.

Calm Kristy down.

Make a 1 page vision outline of what we are getting ourselves into... potentially.

Sick of calling it "potential."

Need my third double espresso.

I think Ella just let a nervous toot. Even she feels the drama.

Did I pay the electric bill?

When next you see a post, it will most likely be when we are back from Burundi.

Thanks for listening.

Here's a lil' taste of Burundi so you have a bit of an idea of what we are getting ourselves into. Photos not nearly as nice as Kristy's (as they are mine from the June trip) so come back next week for some real juicy ones.... and speaking of juicy, enjoy the 2nd photo.

Me at my best?

My favorite Burundi take away joint. The "Happy Muzungu (white man)."

floater bucket and Burundi sky.

These ladies make US 50 cents a day to sort 60 kgs of green coffee looking for defects.

Got the double espresso. Everything is going to be ok.

Burundi in the news... a good thing ever?

2010-11-13T21:40:00.001+01:00

Here Are The 20 Poorest Nations In The World

18/21

#3 Republic of Burundi

Image: US Army Africa via Flickr

Population: 9.8 million

GDP (PPP): $3 billion

GDP per capita: $400

Summary: Having recently emerged from a civil war between the
Hutu and Tutsi factions, Burundi’s economy faces many challenges.
It is landlocked, lacking in resources, largely uneducated (only one
in two children attend school), and one in every fifteen adults has HIV/Aids.
Although recent political stability has proven beneficial, poverty remains
extremely prominent

Our church on Twitter

2010-11-11T21:15:00.000+01:00

So you can catch all we do at hope church on Twitter @hopechurchdurbs

Are we in the cutting edge{ish} of cultural relevance?

How helpful is social media?

Do people get affected, moved, respond or change by things such as Twitter?

Weigh in or tweet me.

Loving Life

2010-10-26T12:42:00.001+02:00

Here we sit in Durban. Loving life. Loving friends. Loving students. And we feel a tug. A Pull. God is moving. God is moving us. Where? How? Read and better understand... or not:

Psalm 83.3-7, 12

³ Even the sparrow has found a home,
       and the swallow a nest for herself,
       where she may have her young—
       a place near your altar,
       O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

⁴ Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.
Selah

⁵ Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.

⁶ As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.

⁷ They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.

¹² O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you.

Hearts set on Pilgrimage.

Just thinking of friends in Japan.

2010-10-21T14:29:00.002+02:00

So here are a couple of the O'Donnells. Just thinking about these fine people over in Japan with The Navigators. Good people to support if your into that type of thing! E-mail me to find out how.

Here is a little something to help you understand what people are talking about in SA today:

2010-10-21T14:09:00.001+02:00

Oct 20, 2010

liff

Dear Government by Gareth Cliff

This is the letter that started it all. Gareth Cliff wrote this letter to Government on his personal website:

Dear Government
OK, I get it, the President isn’t the only one in charge. The ANC believes in “collective responsibility” (So that nobody has to get blamed when things get screwed up), so I address this to everyone in government – the whole lot of you – good, bad and ugly (That’s you, Blade).
We were all so pleased with your renewed promises to deliver services (we’ll forgive the fact that in some places people are worse off than in 1994); to root out corruption (so far your record is worse than under Mbeki, Mandela or the Apartheid regime – what with family members becoming overnight millionaires); and build infrastructure (State tenders going disgustingly awry and pretty stadia standing empty notwithstanding) – and with the good job you did when FIFA were telling you what to do for a few months this year. Give yourselves half a pat on the back. Since President Sepp went off with his billions I’m afraid we have less to be proud of – Public Servants Strikes, more Presidential bastard children, increasing unemployment and a lack of leadership that allowed the Unions to make the elected government it’s bitch. You should be more than a little worried – but you’re not. Hence my letter. Here are some things that might have passed you by:
1. You have to stop corruption. Don’t stop it because rich people moan about it and because it makes poor
people feel that you are self-enriching parasites of state resources, but because it is a disease that will kill us all. It’s simple – there is only so much money left to be plundered. When that money runs out, the plunderers will raise taxes, chase and drain all the remaining cash out of the country and be left with nothing but the rotting remains of what could have been the greatest success story of post-colonial Africa. It’s called corruption because it decomposes the fabric of society. When someone is found guilty of corruption, don’t go near them – it’s catchy. Making yourself rich at the country’s expense is what colonialists do.
2. Stop complaining about the media. You’re only complaining about them because they show you up for how little you really do or care. If you were trying really hard, and you didn’t drive the most expensive car in the land, or have a nephew who suddenly went from modesty to ostentatious opulence, we’d have only positive things to report. Think of Jay Naidoo, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi and Zwelinzima Vavi – they come under a lot of fire, but it’s never embarrassing – always about their ideas, their positions, and is perfectly acceptable criticism for people in power to put up with. When the media go after Blade Nzimande, Siphiwe Nyanda and the President, they say we need a new piece of legislation to “make the media responsible”. That’s because they’re being humiliated by the facts we uncover about them daily, not because there is an agenda in some newsroom. If there had been a free press during the reigns of Henry VIII, Idi Amin or Hitler, their regimes might just have been kept a little less destructive, and certainly would have been less brazen and unchecked.
3. Education is a disaster. We’re the least literate and numerate country in Africa. Zimbabwe produces better school results and turns out smarter kids than we do. Our youth aren’t usemployed, they’re unemployable. Outcomes-based-education, Teachers’ Unions and an attitude of mediocrity that discourages excellence have reduced us to a laughing stock. Our learners can’t spell, read, add or subtract. What are all these people going to do? Become President? There’s only one job like that. We need clever people, not average or stupid ones. the failure of the Education Department happened under your watch. Someone who writes Matric now hadn’t even started school under the Apartheid regime, so you cannot blame anyone but yourselves for this colossal cock-up. Fix it before three-quarters of our matrics end up begging on Oxford Road. Reward schools and teachers who deliver great pass rates and clever students into the system. Fire the teachers who march and neglect their classrooms.
4. Give up on BEE. It isn’t working. Free shares for new black partnerships in old white companies has made everyone poorer except for Tokyo Sexwale. Giving people control of existing business won’t make more jobs either. In fact, big companies aren’t growing, they’re reducing staff and costs. The key is entrepreneurship. People with initiative, creative ideas and small companies must be given tax breaks and assistance. Young black professionals must be encouraged to start their own businesses rather than join a big corporation’s board as their token black shareholder or director. Government must also stop thinking that state employment is a way to decrease unemployment – it isn’t – it’s a tax burden. India and China are churning out new, brilliant, qualified people at a rate that makes us look like losers. South Africa has a proud history of innovation, pioneering and genius. This is the only way we can advance our society and economy beyond merely coping.
5. Stop squabbling over power. Offices are not there for you to occupy (or be deployed to) and aggrandize yourself. Offices in government are there to provide a service. If you think outrageous salaries, big German cars, first-class travel and state housing are the reasons to aspire to leadership, you’re in the wrong business – you should be working for a dysfunctional, tumbledown parastatal (or Glenn Agliotti). We don’t care who the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces is if we don’t have running water, electricity, schools and clean streets. You work for us. Do your job, don’t imagine you ARE your job.
6. Stop renaming things. Build new things to name. If I live in a street down which the sewage runs, I don’t care if it’s called Hans Strijdom or Malibongwe. Calling it something nice and new won’t make it smell nice and new. Re-branding is something Cell C do with Trevor Noah, not something you can whitewash your lack of delivery with.
7. Don’t think you’ll be in power forever. People aren’t as stupid as you think we are. We know you sit around laughing about how much you get away with. We’ll take you down, either at the polls – or if it comes down to the wire – by revolution (Yes, Julius, the real kind, not the one you imagine happened in 2008). Careless, wasteful and wanton government is a thing of the past. The days of thin propaganda and idealized struggle are over. The people put you in power – they will take you out of it. Africa is tired of tin-pot dictators, one-party states and banana republics. We know who we are now, we care about our future – and so should you.
G

The finished tree

2010-10-19T15:42:00.000+02:00

The quiver tree and the boy who's energy sends you shivers!

Murder

2010-10-18T16:20:00.000+02:00

I write, just to think out-loud today.

My neighbor (the pastor) road up on his bike today. Stopped to have a chat. Topic: police being on our road Saturday night. What happened: murder.
A murder on our street.

Not sure how I feel about that. Not because it isn't horrendous, scary or just will make the grandparents want to convince us to fly back to USA immediately. Rather it's because of the circumstances behind the murder. Would we still call it a horrendous crime if you found out that it was a high school Matric student (Senior) who stabbed his dad? Probably makes it worse. Until you find out that he was an abusive father. And that father's wife was trying to divorce him which enraged him, making him more abusive. Thus the son's act of violence.

One boy had enough. Took matters into his own hands. And sent his life down and irreparable journey. He is forever changed and I can't blame him. Yet how did it get to that point?

I didn't know the family. I had met and talked with the boy. In-fact I gave a talk one friday night at his youth group last year.
But no one could help him (he assumed).

Maybe no one would.

Professional Coffee people

2010-10-14T14:46:00.000+02:00

Check some of the people that I interact with when judging or being an
MC for a coffee event.

My office

2010-10-07T16:07:00.001+02:00

I'm on my way to a Nav Core team Bible study in Pietermaritzburg.
Thought I would give you a snapshot of my office.
Working out of a bag since 2001. Though beverages do change and I'm
on my 3rd bag.

Love being back in Durban.

2010-10-07T14:26:00.000+02:00

Macchiato, Ben's favorite.

I received an SMS from Cyril (Dr/past student with Navs) that said that he wanted me to bring a coffee with for him when he picked me up. I discipled Cyril for years and never got him to take a sip of God's gift to man. A follow up SMS clarified that the the drink would be to drop off for his wife who was on call that night at the hospital.

oh well, we can't win them all.

African Trees

2010-09-29T11:43:00.000+02:00

So a little creativity and some leftover paint is all it takes.
Doing projects together is what we can do, but do we do them? Not much. what stops us? well... us. Lazy? Ambition? Creative energy after the end of a day with a 4 year old Wild Thing, an 8 month old explorer, campus ministry and a list of "urgent to do" a mile long? I think the last one is it.

Any way, a tree was born in Neo's room.

2 Core is better than 1

2010-09-23T21:23:00.000+02:00

The joy of being back home. Seeing students again. Starting the Core group. Starting another Core group in Pietermaritzburg (another campus about an hour away). Drinking my coffee again. Friends.

Good to be home.

Chickenpox

2010-09-20T11:23:00.001+02:00

No photos please!

The chickenpox are here.

After returning from the USA a couple weeks ago we had a great night with our pastor and his family. We have come to love our church and our pastor and his family. We love them so much that we took the chickenpox from them, or rather, we are now sharing it with them or them with us:)

Neo's pox were minor. Resilient little immune system. Myles on the other hand, while tough, has just got the pox (2 weeks after exposure). We got back from Cape Town (look at next blog for why) and found Myles with a fever, the next morning... the pox. He is now covered with the pox!

Myles is sure that a healthy dose of TV and glasses of water should cure him. Pray for...err, him.

Braai Today

2010-09-11T14:21:00.000+02:00

What a better way to reconnect with the students and launch into the 2nd semester at UKZN then with a braai! Meat, meat, and a little bread and maize pop to go with it.

We will be launching into Experiencing God's Attributes by Warrne and Ruth Myers and catching up on the last few months of life with the Core team.

Now who wouldn't want to partake of that!?

Want to Receive a Snail Mail Letter?

2010-09-09T06:29:00.000+02:00

A pretty picture by Kristy.

So I'm thinking of sending out a paper letter. Kill some trees and contact everyone. Seeing as I have no real idea who or how many of our partners read this!

Any feedback you can give would be great!

The letter would be all focused on our coming transition and maybe include a new family photo. What do you think? email me.

Back Home

2010-09-06T20:41:00.000+02:00

It was a long trip home to Durban. We left Minneapolis at 5 on Mon. got home 2 on Wed. and haven't slept well since!

Meet the Carlsons

2010-08-18T02:34:00.002+02:00

Kristy is an amazing photographer. This is one of hers. Setting up the greater Carlson clan and running back and forth to set the timer. Had to happen though as we are only all together only once every 2 years or so. Add to that a 40th wedding anniversary! and it's a recipe for a family photo.

From Left to Right: Ben, Myles, Lara, Neo, Zoe, Sue, Keziah, Eldon, Kristy, David, Joe, Jen, Andrew, adn Kyle.

Our Great DA.

2010-08-14T23:11:00.000+02:00

What is a DA? We're not sure, but we sure like ours! Bruce and Marg Van Wyk the DA's for all American Navs in Africa have shepherded and guided us for about 9 years now.

On our last trip to Colorado Springs we got to stay in their "honeymoon suite" (with our boys.... making it the not so honeymoon suite or something!?). What an encouragement and good guidance they have been as we process through where God is taking us.

Bwana Bruce... "Pastor/Father Bruce" in Swahili.

What we do while in America

2010-07-06T23:12:00.000+02:00

Just a little update on our summer in America.

While we are here to update our partners, meet with family and friends and do a Navigator conference, I can't help but also find some good coffee too. Here are a few highlights so far.

Visiting the bold and encouraging church plant Epic Life Church in Seattle along with the ever talented and great friends Jason n Shannon.

Cousin time with Austin.

Newest cousin Evelyn.

Fun in the land of 10,000 lakes.

Washing station Burundi

2010-06-16T19:11:00.000+02:00

Find Nyurama on a map of Burundi and you get a prize! This is where
I'm at.

Sorting coffee berries

2010-06-15T17:49:00.000+02:00

I'm in Burundi helping an organization called Food for the Hungry.
They have started two co-op washing stations for local coffee farmers
to give these people a chance at sustainable living. I'm here to cup
the coffe (looking for the exceptional lots), guidance to the project,
and find ways to increase quality. It is an amaizing opportunity and
a real eye opener to the poorest of the poor in Africa.

Burundi

2010-06-13T16:02:00.001+02:00

No pictures yet. But it is amazing. A breathtaking scene of beauty. Burundi is a place to love.

These are a few of my thoughts on Burundi after being here a week. I have been here as a guest and consultant for two coffee farming/washing station cooperatives in rural Burundi. FH Burundi invited me to see this unique initiative to holistically reach some of the poorest people in the world.

Internet time is a premium, so I will share pictures and stories aplenty when I return to Kristy and the USA on Sat.
Ben

--
Ben and Kristy Carlson
Durban, South Africa
(011 27) 31 466 6031

What am I doing back in Africa?

2010-06-08T20:34:00.000+02:00

I've been asking myself that question for the last hour as I sit in
Nairobi airport coffee shop on rout to Burundi. What I know is that
as Kristy and I had been praying thus past year we new there would be
some change. Is this change? Not realy, but it is a big trip! So pray
with us as we continue to see where God leads and how we will best
live out our adventure.

Fly then Drive??

2010-05-28T13:38:00.000+02:00

We are a day away from our flight to America! Myles has been talking non-stop for the past week about it, waking up each morning and grabbing his suitcase ready to head to the airport. Finally Kristy had to make a calendar that he could mark off each day until Sat, when we fly.

Well that day is tomorrow!
Fly we will, but when in the USA we are short one little thing. A Car.
You got a spare? We would love to hear from you if you do! We need it from 31 May - 16 Aug or any days you got to spare within those dates. And as nice as an Audi TT or Ferrari would be, we do have to fit in 2 car seats, just for your info!

Thanks for reading, praying and maybe even your car!

Friends with Neo

2010-05-15T19:19:00.002+02:00

Life in the Evergreen City

2010-05-15T14:34:00.001+02:00

Our friends have this amazing waterfall/rock pool/jungle going on at there new house. It was dry up until the city water pipe burst above there house on the street. Our ingenious friend Adi diverted the water down a pipe into his waterfall and filled all his little rock pools. Myles and his buddy Connor loved it. It was the only day we have been thankful about our cities slow response to anything.

It's our life in the Evergreen City.

Transform Ya (Nav Camp 2010)

2010-05-12T21:21:00.003+02:00

Thursday night, I couldn't believe it, another cancellation by a student who wasn't going to make it to TOMORROWS camp! I had been praying that God would bring those who "needed to come," but that was the 10th (yes 10th) cancellation.

You ever have one of those days where you wonder why you do what you do? If your reading this you probably don't think that a (gasp) full time Christian worker with The Navigators could feel that way. Well I did. And wasn't feeling great about all the time I had poured into the coming get-away with our group of students.

Friday came and my blues blew away as the adrenaline of going away with a group of students took hold. I had billed a dynamic international speaker (me) for the weekend's four talks and so I had conscripted the help of a couple past students (Cyril and Marcia) to help with the running of the weekend.

Our theme was transformation. We used John 11, Lazarus' trip to death and back, as the central story for the talks and group discussions we had after every session. With Linkin Park's theme song from the first Transformer movie as the intro to each talk and enlisting the help of a worship team from our local church, Hope, we set the tone for the weekend as fun as well as one where we were open to hear from God.

I'm not sure if it was the talks I gave, the worship, the mud filled obstacle course or the late night games and chats around the fire, but God did show up. 14 students were moved and made a commitment to hear Christ's call and let Him start the transformation process in their life. I hope to put onto the blog a few of the 14 stories of transformation.
Each student we love.
Every one has a unique story to tell.

Praying with many of them personally and hearing what God had been doing in their hearts leading up to the weekend camp confirmed exactly what I prayed. "God bring those who need to be at the camp."

The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5.24

He did it.

check out more photos of the camp here.

In the Q at home affairs

2010-05-10T09:15:00.001+02:00

Almost to the front of the line to get Neo's visa!

Snow nice

2010-05-09T23:28:00.000+02:00

Myles and friends Joe, Jessie, & Amahle are tucking into snow cones
yesterday at a family fun fair. The trio of boys were spiderman (hero
of choice for all 3 year olds) while Myles opted for a daddy pleasing
dangerous dragon. And all girls on the day seemed to lean toward being
beautifull butterflies.
If only ice and sugar-syrup could solve all our problems.

The weekend ends. Mothers day was... Here(better leave that for
Kristy). Tomorrow, home affairs for Neo's visa!
Pray. And if you don't hear from us in a day or two assume the worse.

What's happening around South Africa in the Nav ministry?

2010-05-07T10:05:00.001+02:00

Thanks to Chere we have a great overview of what is happening all around the country in and through The Navigators. Take a look!

Back from Nav Camp!

2010-05-03T10:20:00.001+02:00

We're back from our retreat/camp with a group of fun students and graduates. The theme of the camp was "Transform Ya." The reality was... transformation!

Have you ever been a part of something that you know God was a part of? Seeing Him moving, softening hearts, and speaking to individuals? It happened this weekend.

Look back again later for dynamic, happy, beautiful and muddy pictures and stories! (as soon as we get Kristy's computer sorted!)

Thanks to all who prayed for the weekend. You helped make it a success.

Zen

2010-04-23T14:24:00.002+02:00

Some of our great friends Thabisa and Sizwe met Kristy at the Botanic Gardens for a photo shoot. I love this Photo Kristy caught of Zen.

Powers out in Durban

2010-04-16T20:15:00.000+02:00

Don't judge our meager words in scrabble! Powers out. Thought Jeep was
dead (it's not). Boys in bed.

Working hard?

2010-04-16T11:06:00.001+02:00

Couldn't help but take a photo of the action outside our house. 7
municipal workers watching one guy dig. I love to see our tax Rands
at work.

Book Club

2010-04-14T13:55:00.001+02:00

Once a month Kristy gathers together a group of around 10 women to eat, laugh, talk, and imbibe all in the name of "book club." Lilies book club is made up of past students, Dr.s, counselors, moms, wives, and so much more. They have all become deep friends and this time together has been one of great fun and encouragement. It is life as a ministry to each other. It falls outside the box of anything traditional for those trying to figure out if it is a Nav/church thing and it enters into a great builder of the soul for each woman involved.

And it gets some of us guys together to play Basketball (this week) or just try to reign in 3 year olds other weeks!

Grandma Sue left a pie in the freezer for us. Fit perfect for the ladies theme this month: Cook books and cultural food.

Burundi in Minneapolis

2010-04-14T09:57:00.001+02:00

Dunn Brothers is having an event on Direct Trade coffee that if I were in Minneapolis I would be sure not to miss! Check it out and go if you can.

Burundi Coffee Event April 19, 2010

Monday, April 19th, 1 - 2:30pm
Depot Hotel in Minneapolis, MN

On Monday April 19th we will have the rare opportunity to hear from two special guests who will be stopping in Minneapolis for a brief visit following the SCAA in Anaheim, CA - April 15th – 18th.

Emile Kamwenubusa and Adrien Sibomana are two key players in the coffee industry in Burundi. Emile is intimately involved in working with the USAID on a number of agronomic projects that the USAID has implemented at several washing stations and Adrien is the Executive Director of Intercafe Burundi, a key exporter that we deal with to secure our Burundi coffees.

We have arranged for these two special guests to provide a presentation that will cover various topics explaining the washing station projects in Burundi and the processes of quality differentiation that go into satisfying the different market segments for specialty coffee, as well as the benefits of direct trade in ensuring coffee supply and quality.

The presentation will take place from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 19 at theDepot Hotel in Downtown Minneapolis, MN. We hope you all will be able to join us for this rare educational opportunity.

What they like in South Africa

2010-04-13T15:03:00.001+02:00

Some people this may not appeal to, but in South Africa one of the favorite treats is biltong. Biltong is essentially meat hung to dry out after they soaked it in vinegar (i think) for a bit. Not sure about the vinegar bit, but really it's just raw, dried meat.

As I was buying Myles a cool drink one day at a little shop in our neighborhood I heard this guy asking about the "wet and fatty one." I took note because he said that one was a lot "wetter" then the other and that it was wetter then most other shops had.

I decided that I didn't want any "Wet and Fatty."

Going to church

2010-04-11T09:01:00.001+02:00

Ever since Myles saw one of the baristas (at the national Barista
Championship that I MCed) do his hair like this, he's had to copy it.
Thanks Wayne.

What we do.

2010-04-08T11:18:00.000+02:00

As we see ourselves connecting deeply with students they remain a part of our life long after they graduate. This goes along with our heart and vision to impact people for the whole of life. To not "run" a campus ministry but to be and birth life-long laborers for the Kingdom.

Do we always do well at this? No.
Are we trusting God continually for His help, guidance and success in this? Yes.
Have the last 8+ years been "successful?" Absolutely!

Our joy is in seeing people like Thsepo (pictured with Myles) grow in love and trust of God while continuing to be life-long laborers.
That is what we do, who we are. We happen to be full-time Navigators doing it in Durban South Africa. But regardless of how or where, that is our life, vision, and future.
And you? Is that you?

Easter

2010-04-04T14:39:00.000+02:00

Myles loves Easter
For the eggs

How Neo roles

2010-03-25T09:58:00.000+01:00

Kinda a big deal

2010-03-23T21:40:00.001+01:00

The Queen Mary passanger liner pulled into the newly widdened and
deepend Durban harbor for the first time and only for 9 hours. You
guessed it! Udobong got to see it.

Durban Bunnies

2010-03-23T21:26:00.000+01:00

The bunny chow. You haven't really done Durban untill you've had one!

Sharing

2010-03-23T21:22:00.000+01:00

One of the things that is central to Navigator "make-up" is that we
get to be invested into by older, wiser Nav peeps whenever they travel
through your town.
Last week saw SA country leader Paul and his deputy Chere come in and
spend a few days with us. The week before was Africa..."oversear"
Bruce & Marg Van Wyk from Colorado. This week is Southern Africa Nav
leader Udobong (never in 8 years have so many Navs visited!)
Udobong is an amazing man. A great heart for people and wisdom gained
through over 20 years with the Navs.

I may have over done it with meetings and apointments with him the
last couple days, but the photos will show that we managed to get a
good glimps of Durban on the way!

A view of Durban from the top of the World cup stadium

2010-03-23T11:47:00.001+01:00

Taking Udabung to the world cup stadium

2010-03-23T11:36:00.000+01:00

Internet is back

2010-03-18T11:19:00.000+01:00

With our internet back I no longer have any excuse to not do my admin and all other things computer related that put me in a foul mood. So what I will say is that we are without grandparent Carlsons and are now getting ready for Nav country leader Paul to arrive! After that it will be Nav zonal leader Udobong. Slip Cape Town visit in-between and then off to Malawi!
Lets add to this a Nav student camp. Trip to the USA at the end of May and some pretty heavy thinking and praying about life and the future in the next few weeks.
Investing in students. Trips to PMB to check on and follow up students there. Graduates being taken care of? Connect and help the impact of our church Hope.
oops, that admin is still not finished.

Welcome to what's on my mind.

Telkom is here!

2010-03-17T09:35:00.000+01:00

One month and one day later Telkom us here trying to fix our line.
The tension, the excitement, the near elation. Can you feel it?

The last lunch, and still no Internet!

2010-03-16T13:09:00.000+01:00

Grandbaba and grandma sue depart in 2 hours and we realize that we
have been Internet and phone free for exactly 1 month today!

Wildthings

2010-03-15T11:16:00.000+01:00

Hope Church on Sunday experienced 3 wildthings. Myles and best buds
Joe & Jessie came ready to let the wild rumpus start!

A walk

2010-03-15T11:12:00.000+01:00

At the waterfall

2010-03-15T10:44:00.000+01:00

A family outing with grandbaba and grandma sue to Makaranga lodge
gardens. Too much for Neo.

Guess who's here?

2010-03-12T05:25:00.000+01:00

Grandbaba and grandma sue (my/Ben's parents) are here! A 2 1/2 week
visit to meet new grandson Neo!

More on that and life with grandparents in Africa later.

A week before the grandparents arrived we were hit by lightning. In
the middle of skyping the big storm hit.

What has really been frustrating is that since the 22 feb we have been
without phone or Internet. Still gone. Very frustrating. I didn't
realize how much I use and have come to need that frustrating Internet!
So of you have not heard from us in a while, that is why. And Telkom
(Gov run Internet line provider) has no idea when it will be back.

PMB

2010-02-22T10:52:00.000+01:00

Last week two students who helped me launch an Investigative Bible Discussion on the Pietermeritzburg (PMB) campus, Hopps and Simphiwe. We drove an hour. Gathered in as many students as we could. Got Lwazi and Melissa (key Nav students at PMB) to join us. And.... launched into the book of John together!

Hopps and Simphiwe were only there for the afternoon with me but Melissa and Lwazi are living on the PMB campus for the next 6 months and have been meeting with us for the past few years after starting to follow Jesus with us.

The exciting news is this. After Hopps, Simphiwe and I left for Durban the group that we left got so excited that they abandoned the 1 time a week meeting and started meeting twice a week because the group was so excited.

yesterday I got a call from Melissa telling me that it is going over so well that more and more students arrive every meeting and that the only problem is that there is too many questions and not enough time!
This is why we do this:)

Standing room only

2010-02-15T22:03:00.001+01:00

Two weeks ago myself and 4 Nav students recruited 1st year medical
students to come explore the book of John with us. The night came, I
got sick, the nav guys filled the gap ready to launch the
investigative Bible discusion and... Not a single student pitched.
Fast forward to tonight. All but one of the Nav student leaders had to
miss leaving Huli and I alone to see what this week would bring.
We prayed. We walked in. We nocked on a few doors to remind people
that tonight was the night and.... They came.
We quickly outgrew the venue, had to move outside, then ran out of
chairs. Well over 50 first years explored the first chapter of the
book of John with us! Our invite was for only those not in church,
reading the Bible or religious. We got what we asked for!

This weekend I met with the Suthern African Nav country leaders. One
of the things we prayed and trusted God for was blessing & oportunity
to advance the Gospel beyond what we could handle. It came.

Doing the right thing well

2010-02-14T09:12:00.000+01:00

A look at what Ben brings

2010-02-14T08:20:00.001+01:00

These are the necessitys for me at any gathering. Bible. Moleskin
diary. Pen. Water bottle(thanks Brett n Laura, only the coolest bottle
for me now). And the all important, French Press of coffee (single
origin Ethiopean Limu Peaberry this morning).

Africa Country Leaders

2010-02-13T21:19:00.000+01:00

I'm in Jozi (Johannesburg for those outside the continent). Somehow
got an invitation to participate in the country leaders meeting for
the Southern African Navigators. If you know me you may know I'm not
huge into meetings, but it's been greatto connect with fellow Navs to
talk, listen and pray together.
Also on this weekend (and pictured above) is the infamous Bruce,
Kellelo, and Chere. They exceptionaly impressed with their own camera
skills:)

Braai-ing with Myles

2010-02-06T21:41:00.001+01:00

After a long Saturday wedding, what better way to end the day than a
lil seafood braai! Some great things about living in Durban.
Myles, like all 3 year old(and 32 year old) boys, loves building fires.

Driving home from campus

2010-02-04T20:04:00.001+01:00

As the school year is fully under way so us my night driving. So goes
the life of anyone in campus ministry! We have learned over the years
to meet the students when they are free and available, not when it's
convenient for us. That means nights and weekends.

Tonight was a great night of recruiting first year students to an
Investigative Bible Discussion. 50 students signed up to explore the
book of John with us!

Makes late night drives home worth it.

Sharing Life

2010-02-04T08:49:00.005+01:00

Part of what we do/how we live is sharing life. Friends, students graduates all spend time in our home. I'm not sure if its true but I believe Kristy's baking is one of the key ingredients in providing a safe and inviting environment for this growing community.

Live. Share food. Share life.

Saved a Tinkerbird

2010-01-31T21:11:00.001+01:00

Things to do in Durban on a Sunday. Save birds who knock themselves
out in your house.

Popping in

2010-01-28T11:58:00.001+01:00

A beautiful thing about SA is the freedom to pop in for a visit
whenever, for however long. Especially true when you have students
graduate, move around the country then unexpectedly get leave to visit
Durbs! Such was the case last night and this morning with our great
friend Phil.
We got to talk about the chalanges of life after graduation. World
wide we see that good community after graduation is hard to come by.
I said goodbye to Phil and started to pray for all our recent grads.

What did Kristy do?

2010-01-28T07:26:00.001+01:00

Yes, this is Kristy being fingerprinted by the South African Police
Force! And I'd like to add that it is not her first time!

So what did she do?

All for our new visa. I (Ben) recently received a new visa which will
allow us to get perminent residancy (no grandma, that does not mean
citizenship) in South Africa. This new visa is an Exceptional Skills
visa as... A Coffee Specialist. I believe that I the only holder of
such a visa is the country:)
With this visa comes much more freedom and safety from potential need
to leave because of gov crackdown on Non government Organisations like
The Navigators. Also it's just kinda cool.

More Photos of Neo

2010-01-25T09:38:00.003+01:00

Check out this link to get a lil virtual album of the newest Carlson and his fam!

Neo album link (as in "click me")

Four months of God's Gracious Hand

2010-01-25T07:46:00.004+01:00

I'm looking.

I'm praying.

We're talking.

We're planning.

The start of the UKZN school year is underway and I realize that I've got four months. Yep, four months before we are going to be heading to the USA. These four months are the crucial months in a new student (or returning student's) life.

Will we connect with them?

Will they meet Jesus?

Will they fall apart?

Will they academically, socially, physically and spiritually succeed?

I read a great story this morning. A guy with a great heart for God and a huge task ahead of him gets showered with God's grace.

Quiets my spirit and excites my hesitant mind.

...for the gracious hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

Ezra 7.9-10

And that my friends (because you wouldn't be reading this far if you weren't:) is all about the 4 months it took Ezra to travel from Babylon to Jerusalem.

Four months.

Pray for that gracious hand with me.

Auntie is leaving

2010-01-24T18:40:00.000+01:00

Our last night with one of our longest friends here in Durban. Lou
Lou was excepted into a new internship program at Woolworths in Cape
Town.

She is going to be GREATLY missed.

Over the years she and Kristy have met, Lou Lou has grown and we've
all become tight. By Lou.

They stole our numbers!

2010-01-24T15:17:00.000+01:00

"They." We all use that term here in South Africa. Black, white,
colored or Indian, it doesn't matter, we all use "Them/They" as our
term of endurement when it comes to those people who like to rob,
steal and do all manor of law breaking against the rest of.... "us."
So here is a picture of what They stole from us this week, our number
53 from the front wall. Just don't ask Kristy how long it took me to
get them up in the first place. If "They" would have known would they
still have taken them from us?
We will never know. But I an eternal optimist, so maybe I'll put a
sign on the next set of numbers telling how long it took me;)

I'm Back!

2010-01-23T13:41:00.005+01:00

Students are back from their summer break. Today the Durban Nav Core team will be gathering at our house on the Bluff here in Durban to celebrate a new year together, pray, plan, and of course have a braai.

pictured is Huli. He re-arranged his academic year so that he could be more available to do personal ministry with the Navs. I like this guy!

I think I'm tired.

2010-01-23T13:06:00.003+01:00

Here are a couple more pics for you. They are deceptively cute and cuddly! These two are the reason I get so little sleep! Neo likes to bounce till 1.30 am, eat at 3 and 6. Myles enjoys running in the room at 5/5.30, pulling my leg and saying "wake-y wake-y time dad." I guess mom also has sleep issues :)

Week 1

2010-01-14T08:02:00.004+01:00

Well, we made it through week 1!

Neo continues to change and grow.

I am starting to think through and plan for the fast approaching school year.

Grandpa Knutson continues to be the biggest of helps with Myles (what will happen on the 22nd?)

The greater Navigator community continues to grow and I have been doing a lot of thinking on how to connect with and get graduates more connected without adding "things" to scheduals. South Africans continue to work hard after graduation and that makes for hard transitions and community building. So we keep thinking, planning, praying and planning.

photo: a calm after the storm. symbolic of day 8?

Photo blog of Neo

2010-01-11T10:35:00.003+01:00

We are excited about Neo and loving him to bits. My first words after he was born "well, he's not quite as ugly as Myles was when he was born!" You decide!

What not to do the day before you have a baby

2010-01-11T09:47:00.001+01:00

Wed morning we went to the hospital to have our baby. The morning
before we had some guys came to fix some roof issues we had. When they
were all finished I came out to take a look at the job and BANG! A guy
fell through the roof into our kitchen!

The guy was shaken but fine.
Roof got repaired.
Baby was born!

Just another day in Durban

The Meat

2009-12-31T11:43:00.005+01:00

Having students in your life often means that you get invited to family functions, 21sts, mumulos (groom paying the bride price) etc. Here is my favorite part of any Zulu function, the guys sitting around the board of goat talking.

This is a great time to meet family and friends of the people who we are investing into. It lines up with our Navigator Core value of "family and relational networks in expanding the Gospel."

Getting Practice

2009-12-23T07:34:00.002+01:00

Seeing as it's been 3 years and 3 months since our own Myles was this little (ok, he was never 2.5 kg. started at 3.95 kg!) I thought it a good idea to see if I can still handle a baby.

Introducing Nkazimulo Mdluli. 2.86kg boy of Spho and Sthoko.

If you know Ben...

2009-11-19T08:55:00.005+01:00

If you know me (Ben) then you know that I love good coffee... ok you can call it a pretentious desire to find and make only the best I can source:) So now if you know anything about speciality coffee you know that authentic Blue Mountain coffee from Jamaica is some of the most sought after and rare in the world. All that to share my excitement with you about a friend of mine who is a coffee farmer and roaster here in South Africa who just bought a 15 kg Barrel of it to roast. Barrel cost $1,500. If I can have just one cup I think that I'll be happy for life... until I find someone who has that St. Helana coffee...

Moral of this blog comes from what Kristy and I have been reading together. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 Go, Eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine [or coffee?] with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do.... Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love....

Solomon talks a lot about the meaningless days of our life, yet reminds us that what we do, who we are, the job we do, and what we even drink are a gift from God and should be enjoyed! I will be enjoying what I drink for at least a cup or two!

At Lou Lou's Jewelry Exhibition

2009-11-19T08:21:00.010+01:00

If you follow the life of these Carlsons in the Evergreen City (Durban) then you know that on eof our good friends and past student Lou Lou Mgugudo is one of Kristy's best friends and competing for best Aunty of the year award with a couple other candidates.

You may remember that last year she was in Colorado Springs on a 3 month Navigator global student project. She came back to us a changed woman! We are excited about what God is doing in Lou Lou's life.

In the creative side of life she is finishing her honors degree in jewelry design in the next month and just put on an amazing exhibition to showcase her work. Watch all the fashion sites in the next year for Gudenuf, Lou Lou's design label!

Functions With Goat

2009-11-17T05:33:00.003+01:00

One of the past students, Thabisa, along with her husband Sizwe, have become great friends. So it was great to go to the dedication of their lil one year old girl Zen.

There is always an after-party. The after-party starts with lunch, then has a goat laid out on a board (pictured) which is everyones favorite. The guys get to sit in a circle, share a knife and hack off pieces of goat to dip into the salt pile and chase it with boil bread. Women stay in another area (usually inside chopping stuff for the lunch.... oh ya, this is only the starter).

Next is the pudding (trifle with ice cream). Then the lamb curry made on a poijki. Finally the fire is started and the nyama (meat) can be Braaied (grilled).

Lots of fun. New friends made. Kristy and I figure this time with a past students family and relational networks is what we have been doing and desired to do since day one in Africa 8 years ago.

Reading Books About a Baby Brother Coming.

2009-11-12T08:45:00.003+01:00

Oh the bugs we see.

2009-11-03T06:06:00.002+01:00

Protests, Soccer Bosses and Nav Community.

2009-10-20T19:16:00.002+02:00

South African President Jacob Zumu had struck fear into the hearts of many South Africans before he became president. Now, six months later we find ourselves in a very anticlimactic state. He's doing his best and it's not that bad at all! I hear all sorts of people complaining and/or praising Obama, but with Zuma there just isn't a lot to talk about. So that leaves me with the protests.

Poor service delivery is the problem of the day. The ANC (leading SA gov. party) has not followed through on some promises and people are up in arms, burning tyres and demanding.... Jacob Zuma help them.

Second most important on peoples minds, just 230 days before the 2010 Soccer World Cup comes to SA... We have fired our countries head coach. So maybe my decision of when to go back for our next USA visit is set. If Bafana Bafana can't get their act together then why be here?

Last but not least is the growing Nav community in Durban. We keep seeing God work, relationships grow and our community naturally growing and developing.

What's next? Zuma quits singing Umshini Wami (Bring me my machine-gun), Bafana Bafana hires back our last Brazilian Coach for R7 million a month, and we light a braai (BBQ) for our growing community.

What's happening in the Cape Town Nav ministry?

2009-10-20T19:06:00.002+02:00

I thought you would love to hear what our good friend and fellow Navigator Archie just wrote.

Hello hello,

Thank you to everyone who prayed for our Bible Marathon. It was such a meaningful time! This wasn't a fund-raiser or anything like that; we simply did it because of our desire to get a better grip on the Big Picture of the New Testament.

Below is the response of some of the 'athletes':

Bruce Nygaard (who initially proposed the idea):
___25 books___
_____23 people_____
_______13 hours_______
___________1 great time__________

If anyone thought it might be boring to read the Bible for 13 hours with only short breaks and no discussion, our Bible Marathon on a Friday-Saturday proved the opposite! The more we read, the more we found ourselves energized as book flowed into book and morning flowed into afternoon. The best part for me was reading IN COMMUNITY. For example, whenever the Pharisees said something daft (which was always), we laughed. And whenever Jesus said something so brilliant that only Jesus could have said it, our exclamations punctuated it. It was nice not to have anyone putting their own spin on the message. And reading together as a group kept us on pace with God’s train of thought, rather than getting snagged by thorny details. We could better see what’s gloriously important (and what isn’t).

Zethu: God's word unedited, no one's opinion, no additions. Just His voice! I described the marathon to a friend as being like standing under a waterfall and feeling the water gushing over you. You do not feel the [individual] droplets, you feel the goodness of the whole. You are cleansed, not only because you realize your faults, but because you’re reminded of the beautiful bigger picture…

Takadzani: Most of the time I read the New Testament with a very inquisitive mind, asking trivial questions, thus losing the central message-- the message of the cross and it's power! Reading the Bible in this manner helped me see the simplicity that we often complicate.

Thato: Everything came together for me. I get it now!

Felix: Doing this Bible marathon helped me see more clearly the simple fact that Jesus is being preached… It really is all about Him!

Mercy: Reading through the book of Hebrews in one sitting was just simply wow! It hit me again as to what Jesus actually came and did. And it was really great to feel part of a family. I feel encouraged to continue reading the Bible…

Camping with the guys.

2009-09-24T12:16:00.004+02:00

The Durban Nav guys are going camping today! We've got a great group of guys in community here in Durban and we see the need to grow them and with them both spiritually and relationally. It's part of our ethos, our value of individuals and our heart for each of these guys. The longer we're in Durban the more I see that it's not about the "ministry," it's about relationships.