JAM's Mission

A week in the books now serving in South Africa and it has been great! I love being on a team working towards a common goal. Especially with a bunch of people who are filled with the love of Christ. At times I've wondered why I feel closer to God when I'm in South Africa. However, when you read your bible more, and pray more, and serve more, and give more, most likely you're going to sense the Lord's presence a bit stronger. It's really no mystery. Cultivating your relationship with Jesus equals more intimacy with Him. "I have set the Lord Continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely." Psalm 16:8-9

The majority of the past week's activites have included team building (JAM Staff), Campsite work/preparation, and hours of planning for the upcoming year of 2011. I've really enjoyed serving JAM and have further developed relationships with the JAM Staff.

Our team building activities so far have ranged from devotionals in the morning, to prayer and worship in the evenings, to trips down to the beach and a trip to go see Guliver's Travels in town. It's been great getting to know the staff better. This group of young people love eachother so much. It's awesome to watch as well as be apart of.

Apostle Battery is the name of the JAM headquarters and is located right above Llundudno Beach (seriously google Llundudno beach). It is and old world war 2 base that hasn't been remodeled. There are improvement needed however everything works. I've helped with deep cleanings of the bathroom, kitchen, and dining hall. We've cleaned out 3 storaged rooms which has included many trips to the dump/recycling center. I've also helped with cleaning out living quarters and carpeting them. Serving Jesus by serving JAM is why I'm in South Africa.

There have been countless hours of planning for the year. daily schedules, monthly outreaches, things that didn't work last year, things JAM can improve on, topics of training, and the list goes on and on. I've added my two cents here and there but for the most part just watched and learned. Git and the staff are really growing in this area and I'm very impressed with the amount of planning they've done. Things are organized and ready to go as the JAM year students are already starting to arrive. One suggestion or idea that I contributed and has been adopted is team exercise! Every Monday morning they're going to work out together. P90X has taken over the world lol.

My favorite meeting of the week was our vision meeting. Here JAM's mission statement was clearly layed out. "To disciple and train young Africans in becoming godly servant leaders who can impact their communities for Christ." JAM dreams big but builds small. They are passionate about making self replicating disciples. They are unique in Africa by focusing/developing young leaders as well as selecting small villages throughout their country to bring the light of Christ. I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to be apart of this disciple making movement and thank God for allowing me the priviledge to serve Jesus with JAM. Lots of love from southern hemisphere!

Dave