myths about missions
Most people understand ‘missions’ as the intentional evangelical efforts of an individual, organisation, or church who is purposed to spread the Gospel. Yet, there are many misconceptions, or myths surrounding missions. Here is (one) perspective on things we often miss. Interestingly, the word “missionary” is never found in the Bible. In Scripture, the disciples were commissioned by Jesus and sent out as Apostles to the … Continue reading myths about missions
I thank my God every time I think of you!
Friends! Family! Kingdom Partners! This update has been a long time coming, and I’m writing it from the stoep of Overland Missions’ logistical base in Zambia, Rapid 14, overlooking the Zambezi gorge.
numbers
In the Biblical context, the number 30 is representative of dedication to a specific task or calling. The Great Commission is not only a calling that applies to a “chosen few” to serve as foreign missionaries, but to every believer — whether in vocation or in lifestyle. Moving forward, 30 is not just a number, it’s not only a transition of seasons, or a journey that progresses through the wilderness to the promised land, but it is an undertaking to pioneer the Kingdom to those who have never heard the Good News of Jesus Christ. Fulfilling the call of God on our lives may look different from person-to-person, and there’s certainly no guideline or manual on how to do that, other than walking in obedience to Holy Spirit. Continue reading numbers
pendant cette saison de difficulté
« Et je trouve que la force de la puissance explosive du Christ me pousse à vaincre toutes les difficultés. »
— Philippiens 4:10-14 Continue reading pendant cette saison de difficulté
during this season of difficulty
“And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.”
— Philippians 4:10-14 Continue reading during this season of difficulty
thirty is not just a number
It’s been a while since I last did a video update, so I thought I’d catch you up with some news of the last month or two and share some insight on the transition of seasons! Continue reading thirty is not just a number
the wilderness prepares us for the promised land
“If crossing the wilderness has taught me anything, it is to be uncompromisingly obedient to God, and to fully trust in, and rely on Him to show you the path to take.” Continue reading the wilderness prepares us for the promised land
kringe in ‘n bos
I read “Circles in a Forest” as a 8yo, and somewhere in high school I discovered that this literary masterpiece was originally authored in Afrikaans by Dalene Matthee. Years later, as a student of Literature and Language Practice I delved deeper into native writing, colonial writing and the ephemeral insights we share from reading-to-reading. Multi-layered stories are my favourite, and as we trekked through the … Continue reading kringe in ‘n bos
Vision vs Mission
This morning, as I was having tea with dear high school friends of mine we were talking about missions, nations, farming, business, and life, and got asked: “How do you overcome the challenges of living in a country where you are, for all intents and purposes, an outsider — coming from a different cultural background, having to learn a third and fourth language and having … Continue reading Vision vs Mission
in waiting
This is a temporary season of change. Though it may feel it is lasting a long time, remember we are being molded, sharpened, and etched into a new creation. A plant only flourishes after it is first rooted in the ground. So it is that we are seeds of light rooted in the foundation of Jesus Christ. So, do not be discouraged when we grow during sufferings because God is at work for our good and His glory. Continue reading in waiting
circles in a forest
J’ai lu « Circles in a Forest » à l’âge de huit ans, et quelque part au secondaire, j’ai découvert que ce chef-d’œuvre littéraire avait été écrit en Afrikaans par Dalene Matthee. Des années plus tard, en tant qu’étudiant en littérature et en pratique du langage, j’ai approfondi l’écriture autochtone, l’écriture coloniale et les idées éphémères que nous partageons de la lecture à la lecture. Les histoires … Continue reading circles in a forest
He is who He says He is
As believers, and non-believers or sceptics, one of the issues we most often grapple with is simply this: Who am I? What is my purpose? Why am I here? Continue reading He is who He says He is
vyf brode en twee visse
Ons was op Ekspedisie in Simwatachela Chiefdom in Zambië. Ekspedisies is Evangelie-uitreike van twee weke lank, waar ons met die DAF-vragmotor in die bos kamp met basiese toerusting. Ons het ongeveer 7 ure lank gery om in Mafuta village uit te kom waar ons net buite die dorpie gekamp het. Ons was hier om met die plaaslike kerke te werk, van huis-tot-huis te besoek en die … Continue reading vyf brode en twee visse
a simple offering
We were out on Expedition in Simwatachela Chiefdom in Zambia. A bare-bones two-week ministry trip in which we drove 7 hours with the DAF truck and set up camp in the bush just outside Mafuta village. We were here to work with the local churches, visit from home-to-home, and share the Gospel. Expeditions are exciting! During home-to-home visits, many people hear the Gospel for the … Continue reading a simple offering
building character
Being faithful to show up, to build character, spending time in the Word, and drawing on His presence — these are the things that build strength and stamina to do whatever it takes to be Ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven.
#runwildlivefree Continue reading building character
young | at heart
2020 has been weird, but let’s not let the past hold us back from what the future may hold. Continue reading young | at heart
Life, not death!
“In the Kingdom, function does not determine purpose. Understanding purpose will determine how we function. This is the Gospel of Identity.” Continue reading Life, not death!
Hartspad
Hartspad is an Afrikaans word meaning “path of the heart”.
When I started using #runwildlivefree in 2018, it was because of a life-altering adventure I said yes to — stepping out in faith, and acting in obedience to the call of God on my life.
May your heart be lead on paths of righteousness. May you be filled and refreshed by Holy Spirit. May you be guided by Him in all things. And may you have the courage to step into the Great Unknown, to pioneer the things that He has called you to! Continue reading Hartspad
bonfire
Many have asked, and now it’s finally available! This uniquely branded wear is now available for purchase on Bonfire. I’m selling these beautiful (assorted) t-shirts and hoodies to fundraise for my launch-fund in order to join the Overland Missions team in the Democratic Republic of Congo! Follow the link to select your design, colour, and size, and they’ll deliver it to your front door! Please … Continue reading bonfire
La Vie en Mission
PROCLAMER LE PARDON « Jésus dit: « Père, pardonne-leur, ils ne savent pas ce qu’ils font. » Les soldats tirent au sort pour savoir qui aura ses vêtements. Puis ils les partagent entre eux. » Bonne Nouvelle selon Luc 23:34 Trahi par des amis, accusé bien qu’innocent, torturé jusqu’à être cloué sur la croix – les injustices que Jésus a souffert ne pouvaient pas … Continue reading La Vie en Mission
Overland Missions field report: June
Friends! Family! Kingdom Partners!
Here is a recent field report from Overland Missions HQ.
Continue reading “Overland Missions field report: June”Share this:
producing hope
“Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.” — Romans 5: 3-5 Continue reading producing hope
locked down but not locked in
The plans and purposes of the Lord are never stopped or hinderd, or even delayed by anything in this world. We all anticipate the day where we will be together in DRC, advancing the Kingdom and sharing the Word of God. For now, we remain faithful in doing what we can do to prepare for post-pandemic ministry. Continue reading locked down but not locked in
preparing for post-pandemic ministry
From generation to generation there has always been a remnant that has remained loyal and passionate to continue to grow the Church and pursue the lost. These determined followers loved not their lives unto death and sacrificially went to the regions beyond. This fire of God for the nations must once again be kindled in our hearts. Continue reading preparing for post-pandemic ministry
the tomb is empty
Today many buildings where the Church gather are empty — and so we also celebrate the empty tomb! He is risen! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 Continue reading the tomb is empty
whatever it takes — quarantine circles
Often times, this means walking over rough terrain where there are few to no roads.
It means covering long treks with 4×4 vehicles to camp in the bush.
It means learning a foreign language so that you can communicate the Gospel accurately and effectively.
It means sitting down for hours with one person to answer their questions and navigate cultural barriers. Continue reading whatever it takes — quarantine circles
the only Friday that is called Good
Friends! Family! Kingdom Partners! The Hebraic Passover was celebrated on Wednesday evening and today is Good Friday! Whichever day you choose to celebrate, may you be reminded of the Lamb that was slain, who conquered death, who rose again, and who sits at the right hand of the Father! It is finished! The chief end of man is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him … Continue reading the only Friday that is called Good
good news in-between the Good News
Be faithful in the assignment before you, and obedient to the call of God in your life, and then these in-between moments become ministry in itself! Continue reading good news in-between the Good News
COVID-19 Overland Missions team update
Friends! Family! Kingdom partners! I’d like to share this update on the worldwide COVID-19 situation from Overland Missions‘ CEO — Philip Smethurst. As missionaries who work in the foreign field among vulnerable people groups, who are remotely situated and not regularly exposed to the outside world, our international teams consider the risk this superbug presents to isolated communities with low immunity. As such, we do … Continue reading COVID-19 Overland Missions team update
Marching on
Friends! Family! Kingdom partners! Here’s an update on the past few weeks’ events in February, spilling into March! Thank you for labouring with me in the Nations so that every man from every tribe and every tongue may hear the Good News of the Gospel! #runwildlivefree Continue reading Marching on
from the mouthes of babes
This past week, around 80 missionaries (kiddos included), with a mish-mash of 12 vehicles, representing 7 nations where the Good News of the Gospel is proclaimef, came together for Overland Missions’ annual African Staff conference. What an uplifting an encouraging time to hear team members share on the Cost of Discipleship, to receive pastoral ministry, to cast vision, and to fellowship with team members who … Continue reading from the mouthes of babes
run to catch that Lyft!
[a mid-February update] Friends! Family! Kingdom Partners! What an incredible honour it is to work in the kingdom alongside World Changers like you! I’ve been back in South Africa for just over a week and a half now (after coming back from the One Tribe Conference in the States), and it has been such a blessed time of fellowship with family and new friends. I … Continue reading run to catch that Lyft!
2018/19 end of year report
We feel so humbled that God would allow us to continue that work, which was founded by great men and women of God, who gave their lives and were buried there. The team experienced wins all over the world. Continue reading 2018/19 end of year report
a non-comprehensive mid-January update
Friends! Family! Kingdom partners! 🇨🇩 I thought I’d give you a quick non-comprehensive overview of life and prayer requests: – I’m currently in the United States 🇺🇸, FL, where I attended Overland Missions’ ONE TRIBE conference. It was a wonderful time of drawing together with missionaries from all over the world to hear from different speakers (most of whom are on Overland Missions’ board of directors) such … Continue reading a non-comprehensive mid-January update
give me this island
One of the notions I’ve recently been stewing over is the idea that we best honour God by agreeing with Him about the Truth. If He says it, it’s true. Continue reading give me this island
7 jours pour se laisser guider par le Saint-Esprit
Jour 1: Le Saint-Esprit est là, tout près de vous Jésus a dit : “Et moi, je prierai le Père, et il vous donnera un autre consolateur, afin qu’il demeure éternellement avec vous, l’Esprit de vérité, que le monde ne peut recevoir, parce qu’il ne le voit point et ne le connaît point ; mais vous, vous le connaissez, car il demeure avec vous, et il … Continue reading 7 jours pour se laisser guider par le Saint-Esprit
Every Nation Southern Africa
Divine Appointments
On our first Expedition to Sekute, Vanessa met up with some locals at one of the churches they were ministering at. This is her testimony of Divine Appointments, and how chance-exchanges lead to powerful transformation. Continue reading Divine Appointments
Annie
This is Annie. She’s practically part of the furniture here on Rapid 14, the logistical base for Overland Missions in Zambia. Not only is she an absolutely PHENOMENAL cook, and super patient in teaching the AMT students how the kitchen is run, she is a powerhouse of faith, and a great source of wisdom. Continue reading Annie
a Father’s love
This is Jackson. Not only is he a close friend, but he’s an all-round amazing person. He’s on his way to Sioma to minister full-time in Western Zambia. Continue reading a Father’s love
let’s go fly a kite
Looking back often provides us with the perspective we need to recognize God’s steadfast faithfulness in every season. God does not change. His Word is ALWAYS true. His is not slow in remembering His promises. When we step out in faith and walk in obedience, He is sure to fulfil His Word since He has already equipped us with everything we need to live a life of holiness and godliness through the Holy Spirit. Continue reading let’s go fly a kite
I can do all things
“I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].”
Philippians 4:12-13 AMPC
https://www.bible.com/8/php.4.12-13.ampc Continue reading I can do all things
Sioma Sustain Initiative
Zambia is currently suffering the worst drought in over 62 years. Throughout Western Province, Zambia and beyopnd, our sector managers have responded in sustainable manner by providing locals work, agricultural training, and land to farm. Continue reading Sioma Sustain Initiative
Zanzibar
The Gospel is moving in the Muslim world! Continue reading Zanzibar
Lord, remember me
A couple years ago, I was waiting at the doctor’s office when 3 men in hand- and foot cuffs were ushered into the waiting room. I assumed they had to be suspected of, or convicted of violent crime because they were under the surveillance of six prison guards. Two guards were assigned to each man, and they arrived separately. As I sat there, thinking about … Continue reading Lord, remember me
God-breathed
Originally posted on Run With It:
There are a lot of people these days who are “cherry picking” scriptures which support their lifestyle choices, while they often ignore the context, as a whole, from which those scriptures are drawn. This first verse here in Romans 8 is one of those scriptures. For, these people assume they are “in Christ Jesus” merely because they made a… Continue reading God-breathed
this beautiful [home]
In the busy season, Rapid14 is home to over 100 missionaries, AMT students, and expedition members. Jessi Schwertfeger, co-Director of International Operations, recently shared this amazing story regarding ‘home’ on Overland Missions’ first-ever official podcast: click HERE to give it a listen! This is home Nomads, Missionaries, World Changers, Expats — terms we use to describe some aspect of what it means to live in … Continue reading this beautiful [home]
what is a [missionary]?
What’s a missionary? If your answer is something along the lines of “Jehovah’s Witnesses” or “Mormons”, and you’re not aware of the evangelical commission of the Apostles, found in Acts, then this is a good kick-off to transform your thinking. Listen to this amazing vision by founder and CEO of Overland Missions, Philip Smethurst. Apostles are pioneers, breaking the hard ground of unbelief. Apostles aren’t … Continue reading what is a [missionary]?
sit down, [son]
One of the most central issues within the [modern] church, that seems to pop up every now and then is the question:
Should women be allowed to preach?
Essentially, this question does not relate to the official platform of ‘preacher’ as it relates to pastor or whatever official title you’d like to slap on to the formal structure of [church] ministry. Rather, the question is this — are women supposed to publicly speak out about the Gospel?
One would think that, within the modern era, this question is finite, and also redundant. Yet, it’s something that constantly pops up in church discussions, social media, and feminist campaigns. Personally, I’m not an advocate for feminism. I’m an advocate for the Gospel, and that intrinsically implies equality. Perhaps we’ll have a discussion about this another time?
the tiger
the tyger || burning bright || #runwildlivefree On 29 September, two weeks after my dad passed away, I was visiting my friend Carené — I was making my way though town, coming back from KZN where I went to see my dad’s lawyer earlier that morning. It wasn’t an unusual day, and I wasn’t very emotional. I think, even now, I’m still numb to the … Continue reading the tiger
