Cultural Exchange Groups: Germans visit South Africa

As reported, there was a group of South African’s who visited Germany (July- Aug08), recently as part of the cultural exchange program 12 Germans visited South Africa (Dec08 – Jan09) for two weeks. In the first week they participated at the National Youth Camp and in the second week they experienced the cultural beauty and diversity of the “Rainbow Nation”.

(Visit to Pilanesberg Nature Reserve)

Together with the South African Group (which visited Germany) they explored Soweto, Mamelodi, Pretoria and Soshanguve. They visited two HIV/Aids Projects (from the Aids Desk of the Baptist Convention of South Africa), the Apartheid Museum and saw beautiful African animals (Elephants, Zebras, Hippos…) in Pilanesberg.

(Visiting a Orphanage in Soshanguve)

(Handing out gifts to the children in the Orphanage)

In the evening they had discussion groups about the differences, opportunities and challenges of both countries and how God works in both of them. Furthermore, they participated in a Service at Mamelodi BC and experienced a “door to door” outreach as well.

(Cross-cultural Group discussions)

It was a great time together and I am convinced that everyone was able to take home valuable experiences they will never forget. We want to thank everyone who helped to make this trip a success.

BCYD Camp 2008

Around 240 people came together from 27 Dec 08 until 02 Jan 09 in Warrenton (a small town in the Northern Cape) under the Theme: “Descendants of Caleb – young people with a different Spirit” (to see the presentation visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKKRnbDjNXg). We enjoyed a colourful programme including: sports, Bible studies, fun & games, New Year Celebration and a creative outreach in town.

The camp leaders chose the place (Warrenton) because of its many challenges (poverty, violence, HIV/ Aids…). The idea was to bring God’s hope in and we as well experienced spiritual battles because of it.
A wonderful experience was the outreach we had in Warrenton (and Warrenville): Young people visited families in their homes and blessed them with clothes and food. Others cleaned the streets or went into town to talk with people about their faith. Later the Mayor of the town came unexpectedly to thank for the help and that the young people made and impact in the community that day.

We as well experienced cultural exchange as a youth group from Germany (EFG Wetter/ Grundschöttel) joined us for the camp. Even though it was sometimes challenging (for all of us), it was great to have them with us. Furthermore was it great to have help from our EBM Volunteers (Judith & Lisa) at the registration and in the kitchen.

It was all together a great experience and we want to say "thank you" again to everyone who helped and participated on the camp!