Events

André & Jenny 2012Blog Co-Mission
Co-Mission Expedition Day 18-21
20 Aug 2012

Co-Mission Expedition Day 18-21

Posted by andrejenny, With 0 Comments, Category: 2012, Blog, Co-Mission,

As we headed to one of the most remote villages yet - on our way to Botswana (the Koi San people), the gear box on “The Beast” blew - (the Mercedes Sprinter that we've converted into a 4X4 with 180 litres diesel capacity).

pastor-sean-praying-and-ruiter-the-enterpreter-with-him We could not move on and decided for the remainder of the journey that we would stay at EPUPA and minister to the community as it would (at this stage, if all goes well) only take about 4 days for the new transmission case to arrive. From E.L. to Johannesburg, through customs, then to Windhoek and then couriered to OPUWA where we had to drive approx. 3 hours to get the part and do some important re-stocking of fresh food etc.

The ministering team went out daily and touched many family's lives. Many people gave their lives to Christ and many were healed. One lady that Pastor Sean and the team prayed for was in a car accident 3 years ago and she could not bend over. She was in a lot of pain (in her back). The power of God overwhelmed her and she was healed and praised God (crying) as she bent over with no more pain.

The team went into the community, handing out many sewing kits to the ladies and shared with them the Gospel. They also handed out English Bibles (that almost everybody wanted and needed) but they stressed the importance of reading the Word out loud every day and applying it.

Pastor Coenie prayed for 3 men in the local "Arsenal Bar" and they got saved. (One of them was a police constable. Even he asked for a sewing kit).  The ministry team prayed in the local markets and wherever they went in this small town, (even without an interpreter) lives were touched. kids-in-the-epupa-community-ministered-to

Pastor Sean and John did an interview with Pastor Amos as Pastor Coenie translated (The local Pastor that also spoke a bit of Afrikaans) and this was some questions and answers given:

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PASTOR?

"I've been a Pastor since 1991."

WHAT DO YOU DO DURING THE DAY?"

I work at the Epupa Campsite." (This is amazing to see. Each time the ministry team goes to see Pastor Amos, he is hard at work in his green overalls from early in the morning until 18:00 and then he goes out and ministers to his people).

WHAT'S BEEN SOME OF YOUR HIGHLIGHTS OR TESTIMONIES OF WHAT GOD HAS DONE IN THIS COMMUNITY?

"One lady (as she also gave her testimony at the Sunday service) was healed from Malaria. The biggest thing I've seen God do is to take a man and make his stay with one woman (his wife) and pray with his family. I just want them to serve God and Jesus Christ."

HOW MANY INTERNATIONAL OR OTHER PASTORS COME INTO THIS AREA (EPUPA)?

"Lots of people come but not all of them teach Jesus Christ. Many times they come teach strange things. I don't like that. I only want them to teach Jesus Christ."

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS COMMUNITY?"

Many men drink too much alcohol. That's the biggest problem."

WOULD YOU LIKE US TO COME BACK AGAIN EACH YEAR AND WHERE CAN WE ASSIST YOU? 

"Please come again, yes. We need to help the people and teach them to pray and stay with Jesus Christ."

We started our journey back to E.L. and praise God for all the lives changed. Thank you so much for your prayers and support! We knew that this was just the beginning.

Matthew 28 (NKJV)"18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;"


Read more
Co-Mission Expedition – Day 16 & 17
15 Aug 2012

Co-Mission Expedition – Day 16 & 17

Posted by andrejenny, With 0 Comments, Category: 2012, Archives, Co-Mission, Devotional, Tags: ,

SAVING SOULS & SAVING LIVES

As the days go by on this expedition we're amazed to see how each day surprises us. The saying in the camp's been "Every day on Expedition is unique, you never know what's going to happen." as we are constantly pushing the boundaries.

aj-shooting-on-location Ministry has been so powerful the last few days. While we've been saving souls, it just so happened that now we were also saving lives.  The ministry team took the expedition “by the horns” and left camp in the cool of the day long before the sun was up. They went in an Eastern direction along the Angolan border right by the Kunene River (Which means "Groot" or "Big" River in Herero.)

After travelling for 3 hours on a very bumpy road (40+ kms) they arrived at their destination as pointed out by their guide and translator, a young man called "Ruiter". This was one of the biggest villages yet and what excited them was that they were finally meeting a "Head-Man" or Chief.

The "Head-Man" as they call him, accepted us as we also brought maize meal, sugar and salt as a gift. He was very sceptical about this "praying for his people" business that we were talking about. Praise God, as the people started getting saved and the power of God increased with their faith levels, the Chief started getting more interested and soon he was signalling for us to come pray for him (as the interpreter was busy).

One by one they started waving their hands in the air with excitement as they were being healed and set free. From cataracts and bad eyesight to back and stomach problems and even an alcoholic was set free! The team prophesied over some of the people and they laid hands on them to "go out and do the same and greater" and tell other tribes about the power of Jesus Christ and they were told to also lay hands others.

This was all "saving souls" as previously mentioned but now came the time to "save lives". The ministry team were surprised by the presence of a “European” gentleman at the village. They knew this was very strange and out of place as they were almost in the middle of nowhere and there was no evidence of a vehicle insight, yet...there was this man? pastor-andre-and-roebert-kids-in-rural-church-ministry

They found out that this man and his wife (estimated in their 50's) were in a kayak in the Kunene and got capsized a few kilometres away. They were stranded in the African bush with only a little bit of fresh water and by the time the team found him ("Ian") they haven't eaten for three days! Ian then left his wife at a fairly safe area to find help.

The Co-Mission Team knew if they didn't come across them, there would have been serious problems as he had at least a 36-48 hour hike ahead of him, only to then return to his wife (if he made it). Some of the Co-Mission’s team members (John and Brad) took turns to stand outside the Hilux holding on the sides (being beaten and scratched with thorny bushes as they drove) while Ian's guide (that he found at the village) sat on the roof and Ian was safe in the vehicle receiving some food and water from the team.

Soon enough they returned (after an almost 3 hour drive back) and got Ian to his vehicle and a rescue party returned immediately to his wife (The ministry team also called Ian's family in South Africa to comfort them).

At the end of the day the team just praised God for another day of: "Every day on Expedition is unique, you never know what's going to happen."

Don't miss "Co-Mission Expedition" that will be airing soon on TBN Africa and actually see what took place and meet the people I’ve been writing about in our posts to you.

Please remember to “share” and “like” this post on Facebook and Twitter!

Read Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14 and Day 15  here!


Read more
Co-Mission Expedition – Day 15
13 Aug 2012

Co-Mission Expedition – Day 15

Posted by andrejenny, With 0 Comments, Category: 2012, Archives, Blog, Co-Mission, Tags:

"Lord give us clean hands; pure hearts...clean mouth; hearts and attitudes." was the Word that I started the expedition with today.

We braced ourselves for our most gruelling road ahead towards the Koi San people.   The GPS said we should make the 38km journey in 2 hours...but we know better. Especially if you have 4X4 experience, you'll know that driving 15km/h is not a strange thing - due to very rocky terrain.

About 14km in, up a steep path, we heard a loud bang under "The Beast" (Sprinter) and knew "this is not good". Louis and Graham tested and found it was a big problem.  "Scotty" (the satellite beam vehicle) was sent back to East London (as mentioned in yesterday's blog) at 06:00. We needed some emergency tools and being 4 hours away, Harry and Tara had to turn and come back to help.

In 38 degree temperature we then sent the ladies and children back to set up camp again and the vehicles returned for a "rescue".  We made the decision that we would tow "The Beast" back, to be worked on and to look at our options (at the camp). This truly was a team effort. We did a "tandem tow" at some parts where the Hilux towed the LandRover while it was towing the Sprinter. This was a very challenging and exciting day. Sometimes we need to push ourselves to see what's really inside.

You will have to watch this episode of Co-Mission Expedition! We arrived back at camp after a full day’s work in solving problems and worked out a new strategy for the next few days.

While the vehicle is being looked at, the ministry team will have another chance tomorrow to go out into remote parts to reach and change one family at a time. Please keep praying for all the aspects of the Expedition – thanks! A&J

Read Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14 and Day 15  here!


Read more
Co-Mission Expedition – Day 14
12 Aug 2012

Co-Mission Expedition – Day 14

Posted by andrejenny, With 0 Comments, Category: 2012, Archives, Blog, Co-Mission, Tags:

What an amazing Sunday this was. Due to technical issues on the E.L. side, which was out of our control, we could not beam live into the service as planned but God did powerful things in NAMIBIA here on the ANGOLAN BORDER!

Jenny and I where invited with the ministry team (as mentioned in "Day 13" of the expedition) to preach and minister at the EPUPA MISSIONS CHURCH with Pastor Amos. This is a small clay church built by hands and can seat about 50 people.  I taught the Word and Ps Sean preached afterwards and laid hands on the people.  The HOLY SPIRIT moved and changed lives.  After the morning service the ministry team went out into the rural communities again to see where God would have them minister. There was no plan but to go where God lead us.

God immediately took over. As they left the camp site a dad asked them if they would take his little boy to school about 3kms into the mountains. How could they say "No" to that? As they arrived, it was clear to them that this was "stop number one" (the first place HE wanted them).

The kids in the community stay at the school from Monday to Friday and Saturday they're at home and Sunday they return for the new week of school. The team found the kids by the river playing and called them all together in a class (on a Sunday - their play/off day). They were ministered to - told about being a child of God and many got saved. The team stayed there a bit afterwards and the kids quickly (like professionals) braided Pastor Chloe's hair and tried to braid Brad's hair. They are such friendly people and the team even stayed and played soccer (football) with them a bit.

The team left the school and went to an open piece of land that they spotted earlier and found about 20 strong, young, fit guys between the ages of 15-21 playing soccer. They called them together and prayed for them.  Most of them got saved! The team stayed fellowshipped a bit and rode their donkeys. This is what makes EVERY TRIBE MISSIONS unique - to stay and spend time with the people and also to show that that you really are interested. The team after that did a quick stop at another village and Ps Coenie ministered and prayed for a lady that is 8 months pregnant - again, God is faithful as His Spirit moved.

Being busy the whole day, the ministry had a short time to pack up and get ready because on Monday the Expedition will be leaving again early to our next destination, and at 7pm they had to be back at the church service.

Again as Pastors Coenie, Sean and Chloe preached, taught and flowed in the Spirit, every person was prayed for and empowered to be witnesses for Christ. It is almost indescribable the singing, drums and dancing of the people in Praise and Worship. A new partnership, relationship was established as we hope to return here again soon.

We all went to bed early as the next day holds what is expected the roughest terrain driven yet and we are planning to settle and camp out in the bush in a river bed on Monday night.

There's so much more that we can share, it will take many pages to try and explain it.  Just another reminder to watch the CO-MISSION EXPEDITION when it airs on TBN and please share this post on Facebook and Twitter!

Read Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14 and Day 15  here!


Read more
Co-Mission Expedition – Day 12
10 Aug 2012

Co-Mission Expedition – Day 12

Posted by andrejenny, With 0 Comments, Category: 2012, Blog, Co-Mission, Tags:

Today we travelled to OPUWA and then EPUPA FALLS.  As we entered into Opuwa, we sensed a strong presence and mix of culture between tribes from BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA and ANGOLA.

potential We crossed the 4000km mark (of territory covered so far) and ministered to Himba people along the road as we travelled. For the men it is a bit of a culture shock where most of the ladies in these tribes (seen wherever we go) are topless.

One example is the Landrover's back window smashed and as we stopped to fix it - 2 Himba ladies and one young man came walking out of the bush. While some guys were fixing the window, the others ministered to them. It has been very challenging as we do not have an interpreter and there is a huge language barrier. Most of the time they just ask for "sweets" or "money" and be careful, if you take a picture of them they expect a payment.

Today we are travelling into the area but from tomorrow onwards, the ministry team (Pastors Sean and Chloe Seise and Pastor Coenie van Niekerk) will be looking for opportunities to minister. Please be praying for us as we are trusting favour with the Chief for permission to enter his village and minister to his people. We have a bit of "politics" to work through and we believe for the right guide and interpreter that God has prepared for us.

Thank you for your support! Please share our posts on Facebook and spread the Good News of what God is doing in Africa!

More info: http://www.namibian.org/travel/namibia/population/himba.htm

Read Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14 and Day 15  here!


Read more
Co-Mission Expedition – Day 11
09 Aug 2012

Co-Mission Expedition – Day 11

Posted by andrejenny, With 0 Comments, Category: 2012, Archives, Co-Mission, Devotional, Tags: , , , , , ,

Praise God for His grace! This team is growing closer each day. I shared the Word this morning; Romans 8:37 "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." because we knew today was going to be very challenging but fun.

We made our way to KOH KARARIB LODGE approximately 150km's away through a riverbed. The estimated speed for this trip is about 10km/h due to it being very rough terrain.  One has never seen so much dust! When you step on the "road" your foot disappears all the way past your ankles. The Land Rover (Fred) got stuck but with the team's digging skills and my driving skills, Fred was out in 10 minutes.

It was at this point that a shepherd of "40 goats" showed up looking at us like we were from another planet. He did understand a bit of English and in this remote place (because we "got stuck" Pastor Sean (With Brad and Ps Coenie) asked him the simple question: "Has anyone ever told you that God loves you?"  To which he replied "No", with confusion on his face. Pastor Sean then shared the gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ, the ultimate price paid and God the Father's ultimate gift to us from Him. The man immediately prayed with the ministry team and devoted His life to God. His expression changed to joy and he helped us cut some firewood for camp before we had to go. There is such a great need in Africa and in the world.

We made our way through this dusty and sandy bed of the (NGURUWAY or AAP RIVER). There we experienced very warm and dry parts to oasis-type areas where buck ran around us .After a very difficult crossing, Louis and myself decided to set up camp right here in the middle of the wilderness (by a river between the mountains).  Each one of us covered in powdery dust from head-to-toe and we couldn't wait to freshen up and have dinner.

We encouraged each other around the camp fire, shared stories and meditated on what happened and our purpose for being here.  The passage shared by this morning (Romans 8:37) was exactly what was needed. (One day closer to reaching the Himba tribes).

Read Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14 and Day 15  here!


Read more
Co-Mission Expedition – Day 10 (Kamanjab Destination)
08 Aug 2012

Co-Mission Expedition – Day 10 (Kamanjab Destination)

Posted by andrejenny, With 0 Comments, Category: 2012, Co-Mission, Tags: ,

what-you-only-see-on-expidition The day started with Ps Chloe Seise having her birthday on this 10th day of the expedition and we sung for her as a team. I shared a Word for the day from Psalm 1.  We left the BRANDBERG WHITE LADY CAMP area with our goal destination KAMANJAB. We needed to get there early enough so that we have enough sunlight to fix the trailer’s breaks. The team spirits were high.

I stopped the Landrover and Jenny ran out towards a grave in the middle of the bush. This was a proper graveyard and it seems like just the houses and village disappeared.  Jenny was moved with compassion as some of these graves were dated back to the 1800's and reflected "forgotten" families and lives lived. This is another reminder of our lives are to be lived with purpose and legacy in mind.  An hour later the expedition suffered another puncture on a brand new tire, thankfully it was quickly sorted out.

This expedition is taking us through some of the most unique and beautiful places Namibia and Africa has to offer. (See some of the images and know for each image there are almost a hundred more).  As usual we did the refuel and shop (stocking up on drinking water and food) just before KAMANJAB and then set up camp.

We are almost at our goal destinations and by this weekend we should be ministering and beam/broadcast live to Africa straight from the bush.  Watch Sunday morning at 09:00 CAT on TBN Africa (We are working hard to make this happen.  Please keep us in your daily prayers).

Read Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14 and Day 15  here!


Read more
Co-Mission Expedition – Day 9 (Henties Bay)
07 Aug 2012

Co-Mission Expedition – Day 9 (Henties Bay)

Posted by andrejenny, With 0 Comments, Category: 2012, Archives, Co-Mission, Tags: ,

live-into-canada Due to the busy day yesterday we had small preparations to do this morning. We reached a big milestone today. We tested our satellite broadcasting vehicle's capabilities to prepare for a live service this coming weekend from Africa for all TBN Africa viewers. It was a great success and we broadcasted a live signal/test-broadcast into Canada. The broadcast went through the satellite "Telstar 11". We thank God for all our prayer partners and The River family’s support!

Soon we were on our way to HENTIES BAY and a place called "The White Lady". It seems that the repairs won't stop as Louis van der Merwe had to work on fixing the breaks on "Fred" (Landrover).  Officially this point also marks a significant stage where we are now entering Malaria territory. We trust God, that the team will always stay protected.

Isaiah 53

"4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed."

As we arrived to set up camp (in the dark) a group of locals showed up singing beautiful songs. Pastor Sean (Head of Every Tribe Missions; Brad (Photographer) and Pastor Coenie van Niekerk (a Pastor joining this Co-Mission from Cape Town) and even Jordan – our son (11 years old) soon started ministering to them. Praise God almost all of them got saved and several received their healing (Body ailments, Asthma, Chest pains and Heart Conditions).

Only great things are still ahead for this expedition and to God all the glory!

Read Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14 and Day 15  here!


Read more
Co-Mission Expedition – Day 8 (Swakopmund – Rest Day)
06 Aug 2012

Co-Mission Expedition – Day 8 (Swakopmund – Rest Day)

Posted by andrejenny, With 0 Comments, Category: 2012, Archives, Co-Mission, Tags: , , ,

Today at SWAKOPMUND was a Rest Day for the team, but actually time to stock up and do some shopping and washing. We also had to sort out some technical issues with "Fred" (The Landrover's trailer). We also replaced the 4 tires that we've lost in the expedition so far.

Some of the team had the opportunity to go on an amazing desert tour with "Living Desert Tours".

desert-tour_0 We ended the fairly busy "Rest Day" after I briefed the team on what's to happen tomorrow on "DAY 9". We are now preparing only for essentials as the next 8 days are going to be challenging as we are pushing to the more remote NORTHERN NAMIBIA.

Please be patient, as we might not be able to update this blog every day for the next week due to no network coverage...but please keep us in your prayers.

Psalm 91

"10 No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; 11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. 12 In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone. 13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. 14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name."

Read Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14 and Day 15  here!


Read more
Co-Mission Expedition – Day 7 [update]
05 Aug 2012

Co-Mission Expedition – Day 7 [update]

Posted by andrejenny, With 0 Comments, Category: 2012, Archives, Co-Mission, Tags:

img-20120805-00545 We are now "in the middle of nowhere" about 20min's past the "Tropic of Capricorn" and our 4th tire just blew and just after that, "Fred" the Landrover's trailer breaks seized completely. Vultures are circling at the moment literally! We are working to fix it now...it's very hot! It's a miracle that we have BBM Data coverage all of the sudden as we haven't had for a while now.

We need prayers as it is another few hours of intense gravel road ahead before we can get our new tires and we've used up all of them! This is where the "power of partnership" kicks in!

Read Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9, Day 10, Day 11, Day 12, Day 13, Day 14 and Day 15  here!


Read more
1 2 3 4 5