After three months of missionary training in the Helderberg, six young missionaries from the United States and Canada bid farewell to Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Gordon’s Bay on Thursday 23 January.
The group, consisting of five Americans and one Canadian, arrived in South Africa three months ago after completing the first phase of their training in Nashville, Tennessee. Initially, their training was scheduled to take place in Muizenberg as part of their YWAM programme, but they had to relocate due to accommodation constraints.
“Luckily, thanks to God, Philip and Shireen said we could do it with them,” said Rebecca Halpern from California.
Pastor Philip and Shireen Adewumi, leaders of YWAM Gordon’s Bay, opened their doors to the trainees and, along with their team, created a supportive environment for them to develop ministerial skills.
YWAM, an international Christian organisation, equips individuals for missionary work. Established in 1960 by Loren and Darlene Cunningham, the organisation offers a six-month Discipleship Training School (DTS), combining three months of theoretical training with three months of practical experience focused on living and working in a community setting.
During their time in the Helderberg, the trainees immersed themselves in the local culture.
“The people here are so warm and inviting, which is something you don’t often find in the States,” said Benjamin Bollinger from North Carolina.
For Bollinger, this wasn’t his first time in South Africa. During a previous visit to KwaZulu-Natal, he learnt a Zulu hymn and was so inspired by the culture and language that he tattooed “Siyabonga Jesu” on his leg.
As their journey in South Africa came to an end, the trainees reflected on the impact of their experience in the Helderberg.
“Even though we can’t take biltong with us, I will take the liveliness and the humility that the people of the Helderberg have shown and shared with me,” said Halpern.
