"a very close and special time "
We were a truly international team comprising of Nigel, a lecturer from Cardiff, Wales; Hannah, an 
18 year old student from Northern Ireland; Henry, a senior citizen of Alloa, Scotland; led by ourselves, ex-Zimbabweans but now living in Scotland! Our time of ministry in Tzaneen, South Africa with our indigenous partner Pastor David Lebea was both challenging and fruitful. The whole team thoroughly enjoyed the experience, each one having to stretch beyond ourselves.
We left Edinburgh on Friday 1 September and due to the heightened security measures at Heathrow there were horrendous long queues and our total travelling time to Tzaneen via Dubai and Johannesburg was a staggering 32 hours but we were all still very excited about the mission.
Our accommodation was initially a shock … it was very basic and left a lot to be desired but we all worked so well together, sharing kitchen chores, making tea etc. There was great unity of spirit. Early each morning we had devotions together which prepared us well for the day.
We ministered in several rural churches, home fellowships and at the Missions Centre, teaching and encouraging the believers and giving personal testimonies. Astrid took ladies meetings, Hannah taught the youth and Nigel, Astrid and Paddy did the lion’s share of the teaching. In Mutupa Village Henry gave his testimony and shared about Nicodemus in John 3 and many precious people came forward for salvation. The sick were called up after every meeting for prayer and there were a number of testimonies of healing.
On one of the Sunday afternoons we ministered three times at the Missions Centre. In the afternoon there was a huge turnout of some 41 local choir members. The team ministered to the church in song: “Amazing Grace” and “My Jesus, My Saviour” (not quite as good as the Welsh National Choir but Nigel did a sterling job of leading the team!)
The team also visited a children’s feeding centre where we were invited to eat some Sadza (ground maize made into a stiff porridge) and Bean Stew. On our day off we visited the Sapekoe Tea Plantation with beautiful views over the valley and a Crocodile Ranch!
We were blessed with much better accommodation at the Letaba River Eco Park for our last weekend. We were also invited to Pastor David and Olga’s home for a wonderful dinner of chicken, rice, butternut and potato salad. 
On the last evening together we had a team debrief with an excellent time of sharing thoughts and experiences during the trip with much laughter! It was a very close and special time.
The journey home was a more bearable 28 hours. During the Dubai stopover Hannah introduced us to McFlurrys and hot chips! There was a short time of prayer at Gatwick before we all went our separate ways. An excellent trip and we are looking forward to returning next year!
Paddy Gobbett
Alloa, Scotland