Nassau, Bahamas - Pastors Dave and Angie Burrows travelled to South Africa June 5-25th for a series of meetings coinciding with South Africa?s youth month, at the invitation of Mr. Charlie Masala, the African representative of Myles Munroe International. The Journey began with a flight from Nassau to London on British Airways, connecting to another British Airways flight taking them to Johannesburg, their first stop in South Africa.
Once they arrived in Johannesburg the work began immediately with the first meeting at ?Choose Life Church? in Pretoria, hosted by Pastor John Roeburg.
Dr. Burrows spoke to 500 young people and parents on the topic of living in two worlds. The response was great as both youth and parents shared their appreciation for the message and prayer Dr. Burrows prayed for them.
The following day the group travelled to City of Lenasia. While in Lenasia Pastor Dave shared with youth workers and leaders on leadership in youth ministry at Family Ministry Church. Again the response was tremendous and hundreds of young people came forward to dedicate themselves for ministry as the future leaders of the church in South Africa.
The next day, Pastor Dave and Angie ministered at a Sunday morning service at ?Hope Restoration Ministries? in Gouteng province, where several thousand members were in attendance. Pastor Dave shared on the value of horizontal relationships and how they affect the vertical relationship we have with God. Many lives were impacted as scores flocked the altar to renew their commitment to purity, family and healthy horizontal relationships.
After three days of ministry Pastor Dave and Angie travelled to Soweto where they visited the home of Nelson Mandela and various sites and townships. The visit was an eye opening experience as history came to life on the streets of Soweto and the struggle to free South Africans from the tyranny of apartheid.
After leaving Soweto they visited the Apartheid Museum which provided an even clearer window into the past and understanding of the present and future of South Africa. The visit provided further insight into the character of Nelson Mandela and others who stood with him in principle and preferred to remain in prison to gain freedom for their countrymen.
Pastor Dave and Angie had the opportunity to visit an authentic African Village where they gained knowledge of the culture, customs and evolution of South African society. This experience was a real eye opener for the Burrows` as they enjoyed visits to the traditional homes and enjoyed the cultural presentations. Later on that day they visited a South African Lion Park where they were able to pet young lions, pose with Giraffes and drive through the adult Lion village to view Lions interacting with their natural environment.
At first Pastor Dave and Angie found the experience to be a little unnerving but they became comfortable after they realized that the Lions would not attack vehicles and were no threat to visitors. The park visits culminated with a visit to the ?Krueger Park? where elephants, Hyenas, Zebras and scores of other animals roamed free offering them a glimpse of Africa?s vast natural beauty.
The next ministry event was a youth conference in Pretoria at the Agape Christian Worship Center. Pastor Dave spoke on the topic of having the "Spirit of an Overcomer".? Hundreds of young people were in attendance and committed to representing Christ. Many declared that they would take on the spirit of Christ as a "Lion from Zion' hard like Iron".
While in Pretoria, Pastor Dave and Angie visited the Presidential Palace. They also made a stop at the hospital where South African former president Nelson Mandela was battling a lung infection. Pastor Dave and Angie presented get well wishes on behalf of the Bahamian people as the local and international media broadcasted their wishes for Mandela.
Pastor Dave had the pleasure of ministering to over 150 Pastors associated with the ?East Pretoria Pastors Fellowship.? He spoke to the group on the role of youth and youth ministry in the future of the church. Many said that they were blessed by his message and one older African pastor stated that it was the best presentation he had ever heard on youth ministry in his life.
The next leg of the journey led Pastor Dave and Angie to ?Kliptown? where Pastor Dave was the guest speaker at a special event hosted in commemoration of the June 16th Soweto uprising. Pastor Dave spoke to the youth of ?Kliptown? on the connection between the Bahamas and Africa and the value of carrying on the legacy of the values of freedom espoused by Nelson Mandela and those who sacrificed during the uprising.
One of the highlights for Pastor Dave and Angie was a visit to the Eqinisweni High School in Ivory Park where Pastor Dave shared with the students on the topic "Steps to Greatness".? The student address was followed up by a presentation to the teachers and administrative staff on motivating and assisting youth in achieving their destiny.
After leaving the high school the next stop was a? Youth Conference hosted by ?OCC.? Pastor Dave shared on the topics including ?Rise to the Top? and ?Horizontal Relationships.? After the conference ended Pastor Dave spoke at the Sunday morning service on the subject of "The Teen Commandments".? Their host pastors were Pastor Alex and sister Busie.
As their trip came to a close Pastor Dave and Angie flew to Capetown? and visited Robben Island the renowned jail where President Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life in harsh conditions. This was another eye opening experience which afforded the Burrows` the opportunity to feel firsthand the mental and physical torture of the struggle for freedom from apartheid. Before leaving Capetown Pastor Dave and Angie visited one of the exquisite ?Table Mountain? one of the seven wonders of the world. They described it as a truly breathtaking experience.
The last segment of their journey took Pastor Dave and Angie to Rostenburg where they ministered for two days at the ?Excellence Christian Center? church hosted by Pastor Obokwe.? The Burrows along with their hosts stayed at the Royal Boetang Hotel. Both days of ministry were powerful and after Sunday service the Burrows visited Sun City, which was founded by Sol Kerzner, the founder of the Bahamas? own Atlantis Hotel property. The similarities were striking yet unique,? Sun City carried it's distinct mark and difference as a real and authentic African city.
As the saying goes, ?all good things must come to an end? and Pastor Dave and Angie found themselves feeling bittersweet. Though they were happy to be returning home after three weeks they were sad to say farewell to the many wonderful friends they had made along the way. They were grateful to have had an impact on the lives of so many South Africans.
They also had to say goodbye to their host for the entire visit in South Africa, Mr. Charlie Masala. Charlie was such a blessing. He and his wife showed their leadership gift in coordinating their stay and itinerary. Already Mr. Masala and Pastor Dave have scheduled the 2014 journey and it looks to be another amazing step into purpose.
As Pastor Dave learned in South Africa.....everything is "Laka".
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