Flight out and first day of activity - John Stupar

In the wee hours of the morning of Thursday, August 12th an eclectic band of believers left the comfort of their homes in a dozen different cities in 2 states to embark on a mission to South Africa. At about 6 am seven left California and about an hour later six left Arizona to meet up in Washington D.C. to begin the 18-hour flight to Dakar Senegal.

After a one-hour stop they flew another 8 hours to Johannesburg, and another hour to Durban followed by a two-hour drive to Richards Bay, arriving about 2 am. The total travel time was about 38 hours "door to door."

Sleeping beauty

The first day began with a ham and eggs breakfast around 11 am followed by a morning devotional led by Mike Langdon who inspired the troops with Paul's words to the Romans about being a "living sacrifice to the Lord."

Finally Arrived in Johannesburg

The afternoon was spent at the first orphanage in Empangeni beginning with a prayer meeting with 20-plus senior pastors from about as many churches in the surrounding area. After the brief prayer they each introduced themselves by name, telling a little about their ministry and where they were from. Then each team member was introduced by Glynn and they had a chance to say a few words.

One too many Red Bulls for Mike (We're trying to help him with addiction).

Afterwards Glynn, Bill, Mike, Mark, Mark Breyer and John disscused with all the pastors our intentions to work with them in church planting and pastoral training. Mike and Mark both talked about the community and missionary outreach plans of our churches. Meanwhile, everyone else was out playing with the kids and talking to some of the pastors' wives. A beautiful time was had by all on the first day of our meetings.

Upon returning to the Trollip B&B we had a great chicken dinner with potatoes and green salad and chocolate cake. The evening was spent emailing and skyping loved ones back home. Glynn drove a few people out to buy candy, gifts and supplies for the Sunday school class in the morning. The tired missionaries began to retire to their rooms as Mike was preparing his morning sermon and John was writing this record of the first three days of our journey.