Derek and Shea in SA

training wheels

World Cup Fever

Don't ask...I just have World Cup fever and thought a SA colored mullet wig would help the fever...wrong...

Earlier today I tweeted..."Just finished our first discovery group in Bukwini. Kinda feels like getting on a bike for the first time. Shaky but excited for the future."

This is so true! When I was a kid, I learned to ride my bike rather quickly. However, I remember there being a time where I was shaky even with the training wheels on. Riding downhill, even with the nerdy training wheels felt so scary. I felt insecure and unsure of how to make a turn going that fast or how I would stop if I was moving too quickly. Sooner or later it was no problem to turn and stop with the geek wheels on, so then it was time for me to be a big boy. To take off the little wheels next to me and go for it without them any longer. I decided my first try would be down the big hill in Judah park behind my house in Maryville, MO. My dad proudly took off the training wheels and puffed up his chest as I stood at the top of the hill for the first time ready to make my first move without the wheels. I was brave and went for about 5 feet and got scared and fell on my side. No damage done, just to my pride. I quickly got up and tried again. I sailed down the hill like it was nothing and never looked back. Later that week I think I even built my first ramp and started jumping my bike.

Our journey in South Africa can be tied to this example time and time again. Whether it be cultural experiences or spiritual ones. There is an obvious difference here on African soil, yet a glaring sameness. God is still God and he will get us through.

Today we launched our first Discovery Bible Study in Bukwini. We have a lot to learn, but we will stay faithful to where He has called us. We feel more confident now in the method than ever before. To make disciples just like Jesus did. To meet people where they are, just like Jesus did.

So we will continue, on our training wheels. Not knowing how to turn or stop. Not even knowing where to turn except to Him. We are confident that one day we will ride without the geek wheels down the hill and He will be guiding us as we go fast!