A very important part of 3D-Outreach is the building and maintaining of relationships with both churches and missionaries. Without these vital relationships, it would be very difficult or near impossible to perform certain of our functions as an organisation.

It does not matter how many phone calls are made or emails are sent, there is nothing like a face to face visit to build a lasting relationship. Just to be able to put a face to a name and voice, to see the sites where work is being done is so critical, and in so doing, discovering the needs of our churches and missionaries both locally and across borders. It is also a wonderful opportunity to seek out new opportunities and places where we may be able to send teams on short term mission trips in the future.

Over the last month, a fair amount of time has been dedicated to building these relationships. It has proven to be extremely worthwhile, and a lot of good has transpired from these visits.

It started with a visit to Kwazulu Natal, where over a period of 4 days, we visited 12 churches. The next big ‘expedition’, was a 9 day trip through Southern Africa. We visited pastors and missionaries from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. It was an exhausting trip, but a wonderful opportunity to meet with incredible people doing incredible work to further the kingdom of God.

The working conditions in Africa are harsh. Heat, malaria, and lack of water are just a few of the contributing factors. Many of the people are very poor in both a physical and spiritual sense. During our trip, we have identified huge needs, not only among the local people, but within our missionaries as well.

In Botswana, we were greeted by enormous mosques, in Zimbabwe by empty shelves and cleared out shops. We encountered the ever increasing diesel price in Zambia, the lack of jobs and food in Malawi, and the devastation caused by continual cyclones in Mozambique. Having said this, we recognize that despite these situations, it is not a negative picture that needs to be painted, but one of hope! We have been blessed with a continent with nature and beauty in abundance. It has been really exciting to see all the opportunities for us as an organisation to join hands with local churches, get involved, and make a difference in the lives of ‘unreached’ people, as well as in the lives of our missionaries who are so selflessly dedicating their lives on a full time basis to serving our Lord Jesus.

The Lord really blessed this trip with smooth border crossings, safety and travelling mercies. We are really thankful for this and thank all those of you who were in prayer for this trip – your prayers were definitely answered!

Filed Under: News and Stories
Associated Tags: 3D Outreach, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Trip, Zambia, Zimbabwe