School of Missions 16th Sep 07 - 27th Jan 08

"Remain in Me as I am in you" John 15

For 4 and a half months, we have been busy taking care of 8 seeds... making sure they have enough water and good soil to grow on. We're glad to see beautiful shoots springing out, safe in the hands of the Father, at the end of this time.

Together with 5 others from the community, both of us had been living and journeying with 8 men and women who participated in the School of Missions. We also had the opportunity and privilege to work and minister with them during the outreach phase of the school. Aged between 18 and 39, these participants have been witnesses of God's love and power to us as we saw these precious lives being transformed and matured.

As I sat and listen to their testimonies over and over again, during their preparations as well as the time of the outreach, I am again reminded of God's presence and faithfulness in all of our lives. Indeed, He will never leave us or forget us. Each of them has gone through very dark and difficult moments in their lives and God has protected them, brought healing and new hope in their lives. Their faith and zeal for life have been an encouragement to us. It was a joy to be able to witness and live this with them during this time.

The Opening Mass

16th September 2007

The Band of Followers singing at the opening mass.

The community praying for the participants of the school

Derek teaching on Wholeness

23rd - 27th October 2007

A glimpse of our lecture hall: 8 participants and 6 staff from 6 different countries

"My family, my culture, have their influence on "Who I am" today... "

Birthday Celebrations

Honouring Men & Women Evening

30th November 2007

The extravagant welcome drink and speech by the men while the ladies sat in a row and enjoyed...

An honour to be honoured by my husband...

The ladies honoured all the men by baking a personalised cookie for each of them.

End of Lecture Phase. Yeah!!!!!

End of the lecture phase and a start of a new phase: outreach preparation. The team learned a few dances and mimes. Derek taught the musicians some songs while the rest of the participants memorised some German songs for the outreach in Germany and Austria.

Outreach to Kolbermoor Parish, near Munich

5th - 12th January 2008

We did an outreach at the Kolbermoor parish near Munich. We had the opportunity to share with the Alpha programme, the prayer groups around the area, 2 kindergartens, a school with programmes for children between 10 and 15 plus 2 evenings of parish mission for the parishioners in Kolbermoor.

We were pleasantly surprised by the openness of the kindergarten and school children when they were so receptive and open to our sharing and for us to pray with them individually.

Outreach to Austria

13th - 15th January 2008

In Austria, we had the opportunity to visit a youth group and 2 schools with children between 7- 13 years old. Again, we were amazed at their openness. I guess, this was really a very encouraging outreach. The openness and hunger of the people had really encouraged the participants of the SOM and ourselves in our missionary calling.

Last Days together...

Last Men's cell group

Last school outing - Ruins of the Schauenburg Castle in Oberkirch

Last group photo together, after the closing Mass

The seeds offered at the beginning of the school have new shoots growing. We were blessed by the testimonies and lives of the participants. Indeed, they have encouraged us so much in our journey. Such precious lives that we have had the opportunity to share with, these last 4 months. God showed his faithfulness through so many ways! Thanks to all who kept us in prayer during this time.