Trip Summary
T Bar M Sends Four to Teach at Christian Camping Conference
A letter from Johnny Polk upon his return
Okay youve got to join me in singing: Hes got the whole world in His hands and its absolutely true. What a joy and privilege it was to take a little slice of T Bar M Camps to 31 leaders of 24 nations and to experience them singing camps Youre my brother, youre my friend!
Four T Bar Mers have just returned from a two week African Mission Adventure. This trek included a week and a half in Stellenbosch, South Africa and three days in Lusaka, Zambia. We were blessed to teach and co-lead a South African sports camp with sports such as netball, cricket, soccer, rugby, basketball, volleyball, field hockey, and dance. In the camps we encountered three clear cultural barriers with race, language, and education. However, these clear obstacles were Gods sense of humor and an opportunity to express His love and share the gospel. We were honored to lead many kids to Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
Favorite memories for me included experiencing the leaders singing, praying, smiling, and honoring each other. I must confess that we in the states have much to learn from them and that I wept over them. These leaders were from mostly African nations but included Morocco, Indonesia, Singapore, Russia, Australia, and the UK just to name a few. Their backgrounds were diverse with some being pastors, educators, governmental recreation and youth commissioners, to a national basketball coach and the list goes on. Our teaching was energetic, practical, and inspirational and involved experiential learning and they eagerly embraced us. I do think it was helpful that the week prior to our arrival they had a dull and strict management presenter from Germany. The organization that hosted these leaders is called ISLS (International Sports Leadership School) which is a part of ISC (International Sports Coalition).
During our visit we saw many animals. In South Africa we actually saw penguins (yes, Southern Penguins) and even whales on the coast where the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic converge. However in Zambia we inspected all the antelope family, lions, giraffes, monkeys, and possibly the most colorful birds in the entire world. No doubt that God expresses His greatness through creation.
I remember as a young boy that if you got serious with God He just might send you away as a missionary to Africa. Well, He does and He did just that and its so great, incredible, fantastic, stupendous and since Webster has limited descriptions it leaves you speechless in knowing that God truly is Always in motion and Always on course. Certainly, God doesnt send every Christian to Africa, but Im equally certain that He does have a plan for every Christian. I double dog dare you to get serious about God and His plans. Who knows you just might end up on an African Adventure of your own! Thanks for everyones prayers. Oh by the way, praise God that weve been invited back for next years class.