What people said about the tour at the end . . .

~ Posted by Michelle (Photos by Lourens)

‘This trip was a highlight for me in many ways. In each city, we saw people respond to Jesus during the evening worship events, at Sisterhood, in the prisons, and leadership sessions.  This past week proved to be more than a “music tour” or a series of “concerts”. Rather, it was real ministry by our entire team to thousands of people. When we get outside of our comfort zone, it is amazing what God can do. Only eternity will tell the true impact. More than ever, I am excited to see what the future holds and what is in store for the next Hillsong Africa Tour in 2012.’ -Ron Martin

‘Since being on this Worship Tour, I have learnt to lose my inhibitions, to really worship and praise our Lord and Saviour. Before the trip, I was really reserved in church, not even lifting my hands during praise and worship. But now my soul has been awakened and I just want to go crazy and worship God’s wonder and glory! I’m even considering changing to the 5pm service so I can join the wild youngsters and party! Overall, my eyes have been opened to the impact we, as followers of Jesus, can have on the continent of Africa. I have been overwhelmed by the number of decisions for Christ this week, and realise more than ever that our biggest mandate is to bring people into the Kingdom. Returning home to “normal” life is going to be tough, because for every day that passes, it’s another day lost in spreading the word of his love and light in this dark world.’ -Kirsty Hunt

‘What struck me the most after visiting five prisons throughout Botswana and Zimbabwe is the question I was never asked.  Whenever I visit prisons in South Africa, inmates I do not even know are constantly asking for a return visit.  Even though we saw roughly fifteen-hundred prisoners on the Hillsong Africa Tour, this question did not come up once!  There is so much brokenness and poverty in these places that the inmates cannot conceive that any outsider would choose to build a lasting relationship with them.  I pray we can prove them wrong!’ -Andrew May

‘I left feeling encouraged and humbled. Encouraged because I saw so many people, young and old, passionately worshipping God, shouting his praise, ready to take cities and nations for him. Humbled because we simply brought to them what we do here in Cape Town every week – church – and they joined in with all their hearts!’ -Kev Lee

‘One of the highlights of my trip was forming really great relationships with super wonderful people. The trips on the truck were looong, but the great part about it was that we could spend great bonding time with everyone. What really impacted my life was the prison ministry visits. It made me realise how isolated prisoners are from the world and how much work we as Christians have to reach out to these special people and tell them that God loves them and cares for them. I would do this tour over and over again.’ -Bradley Bastian

‘I was so touched by the passion of the local people in each town. All over, volunteers jumped at the chance to contribute in any way possible. They just wanted to be part of what God was doing in their countries. Most of all, though, I was powerfully reminded that God can overcome any obstacle. He showed time and again that when we give of ourselves and do our best, he moves on a whole nother level!’ -Kelly Viljoen

‘I find it a bit difficult to put this experience into words that could describe exactly what I’m feeling right now. The thing that absolutely blew me away was the passion and love the people from all over have for God. It was never about the music, the lighting, or even us. People came for Jesus and left completely impacted. This is what had an impact on me. Witnessing the life-changing power and love of God left me more passionate about his people, more passionate about what I do, and even more passionate about him.’ -Warren Brown

‘My heart is stirred once again for the lost and hurting all over the world. People are waiting for us to demonstrate the love of Jesus to them. Even the smallest gesture can have the hugest impact. I am reminded that we all have something to offer when we get out of our comfort zones and allow God to work through us.’ -Terri Martin

‘If worship is reduced to singing and using instruments, we are mistaken! Once again, I was reminded on our Hillsong Worship Tour that our worship to Jesus is shown through every empowering word shared, every nail that was painted at Sisterhood, every local church that was encouraged. Serving the people of Zim, Zambia and Botswana was a huge honour and I am so blessed to have been part of the behind-the-scenes praise and worship to God!’ -Natalie Locke

‘This tour has been the most humbling experience for me. Seeing people come out to the events, travelling from far to be a part of it, totally blew me away. Meeting people from different parts of Zim and seeing them have an encounter with God was the most amazing experience. I feel so honoured and privileged to have been a part of this tour. I’m totally blown away by God’s grace and favour on my life.’ -Shaun Brown

‘It was a great experience. To be honest, it was really hard work, but a lot of fun. God was with us – no one got ill, everyone got along, and we were able to worship with the people of Africa in four different cities. What a privilege! I would do it all over again (with my lovely wife by my side).’ -Lourens Kruger

‘Many ladies thanked us at Sisterhood for blessing them with a mini-manicure, but the amazing realisation for me was that I enjoyed the bigger blessing by serving. It was an awesome reminder of the power in the Biblical principle of “blessed to be a blessing.”’ -Sheena

‘I arrived on tour a nervous man full of shyness and fear. I am leaving after nine days as a man confident in myself and amazed at God’s miracles. I got to know so many people from my own church. I learnt about prisons, learnt about myself by giving my testimony, and I had fun while doing it all. I am so ready for the next one! But next time I will stay away from bridges – I now realise bungee-jumping is not for everyone. I am a friend of God!’ -Thomas Bowman

‘Well, in the lead up to going, I was asked to organise the two Sisterhood events in Francistown and Harare.  Admin and organisation aren’t really my strengths, so it was a very challenging and stretching experience for me. Especially with the lack of electricity, signal service etc. in Zim communicating with people was very difficult. But, being there, with SUCH an amazing team and wonderful people in each town we visited, was so fulfilling. For me, the ultimate was seeing ladies I know and love in Francistown and Harare giving their lives to Christ and knowing that, in a small way, I was part of that. Hillsong is very different to the church structure I grew up with and at times I’ve found it difficult to ‘fit in’ with things, but being with the team on tour I felt accepted and loved and have made friendships I hope will carry on long into the future. Thank you for a wonderful experience.’ -Faith Weeden

‘I think the thing that impacted me most during this tour was to be able to witness thousands of people worshipping our mighty God with such incredible passion, some of whom had sacrificed much and travelled far to be there. As a consequence, I feel so challenged; never will I take for granted the opportunity to participate in the corporate praise of our Father.’ -Melanie Raper

‘I now see there is such a thirst for masses of people to know Christ, and that this thirst is, at present, insatiable. The Bible tells is that whoever is thirsty must come. God, I see now, is calling me to spread his message and Word far and wide. This trip has radically changed me and the focus of where my life is and will be heading, and for that I praise God.’ -Ian Hunt

‘It was so beautiful to see how Jesus is working in all our lives. And that he is with us and has called each of us to be where we are now – me in Cape Town, my brother who has no shoes in a Bulawayo prison to my sisters from a secluded village in Zambia. They have nothing but hope in Jesus. They know they are in HIS great plan; they know what they need to do: SHINE HIS LIGHT!’ -Megan de Lange

‘I couldn’t say what the impact of the tour was on me until I served in church back in Cape Town on Sunday evening.  Everything we did – leadership events, Sisterhood, prison visits, worship gatherings – was absolutely amazing, but at every step I prayed, “Please God, raise up the local church here to carry this forward.”  I was able to play an important role on tour because of what I’ve learnt from serving in our local church, and I think that was true for everyone there.  I know God will give our church many more opportunities to share the strength he has given us in other parts of Africa, and I can’t wait to be part of it again.’ -Anne May

‘I was so blessed to speak in tongues for the first time at the Sisterhood event in Francistown! The Holy Spirit was present and we could all feel it. Truly a blessed experience!’ -Sunet Kellerman

‘From the perspective of a musician, the Worship Tour reminded me that our platform can be a stage in an auditorium, or a courtyard in a prison. To whichever platform God calls us, our mandate is the same: to bring a message of salvation and hope in Jesus Christ.’ -Cath Draper

‘I am in complete awe! When God tells you to step out and do something, he always sets you up for a blessing. Whatever you do for God, HAVE FUN!!’ -Matty

‘Wow, so much happened this last week, but I have to say it was so cool how God just took it to a whole nother level. Even when things went horribly wrong, he just took over and made it great. It totally changed my heart for people and showed me once again that life is not about me. It was amazing to see hundreds of people making their peace with God, and the way he provided such great people to help us. In every city, we just had volunteers from local churches helping us, ordinary people willing to go the extra mile. This was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. Can’t wait for the next one!’ -MC Botha

‘Wow! Everybody say wow and shake your face! There aren’t enough words to describe the personal impact this tour has had on my life. An amazing journey of faith, new friendships and fun. My heart has been stirred with a fresh passion for Africa, Jesus and my church.’ -Marissa Visagie

‘This trip was amazingly, breathtakingly awesome, although it was hard work, but so worthwhile. I’ve learnt to appreciate what we take for granted as normal things after seeing and experiencing a different part of the world. It’s making me shift my dish. Hillsong Africa Team rocks.’ -Andre Valentine

‘God has opened my eyes to a new world! A seed for missionary work has been planted. In Harare, I thought, as a sinner, I don’t deserve to be here, but thank you Jesus for grace. So glad and thankful that he chose me. A whole nother level!’ -Charnay Johnson

‘The two things I have realised on tour are that God is not impressed and that I don’t have a clue! Having been to different churches in different countries, and having met people from various cultures, backgrounds, and social and economic situations, I realised that God is not impressed by what we wear, where we worship, or how we do it. The “what”, “where” and “how” of it all just don’t impress God. What moves him is the “why”.  The sincere worship of people who love their Saviour  – who want to glorify God for no other reason than to show gratitude, love, awe and devotion. We saw so many people worship and serve God in the midst of circumstances most of us could never fathom. I have forever been affected, impacted and changed by what I have seen and experienced on tour. The people of Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe have found a place in my heart and the continent of Africa is forever in my blood, my dreams and my prayers.’ -Eddie Lomas

‘I have seen that there is a great hunger for God all over and that it doesn’t matter where you come from, for God will use you no matter your past. I have also learnt that true worship doesn’t need a band or lights or music, it just needs hearts that are full of expectancy and faith for what God will do.’ -Curt Thomas

‘Tour was great. Seeing people get a fresh touch from Jesus was mind-blowing. I was stirred by the passion of the people in Africa. The potential is massive. It stirred me to go back and just keep building church so we can continue to do things like this, and even more.’ -Shaun Roynon

‘When I saw the faces of people worshipping God, I could tell they were truly expecting him to show up, and his presence was felt. The more expectant we are the more God will reveal himself to us regardless of where we are at. Be expectant.’ -IamJan

‘I have realised and witnessed the incredible power of a group or company of people uniting for one goal. The tour has also showed me that we have a great responsibility to reach out to those in need. To whom much is given, much will be required, and tour showed me we have been given much, and our response cannot be silence nor to think only of ourselves. The people’s hunger and passion for God stirred and fire me up to not become complacent in pursuing God and everything he has for us.’ -Isak

‘What I’ve realised, yet again, is that it’s all about the one person being transformed by God’s grace and love. Nothing should stop us from making God’s name famous in our schools, families, homes, or even in a small African village. God doesn’t need a platform; all he needs is a few people with willing hearts and a humble spirit. If you can’t bring people to the Word, why not take it to the ends of the world?’ -Armando Stander

‘It was great to answer the call that God gave us in a tangible way. My mentor always told me that there is someone waiting on the other side of your obedience. This has really placed a greater call of obedience on my life, from family to church to Africa to the nations.’ -Stefan Green

‘I joined the tour in Francistown. On flying in, I had a window-seat and, at first, could only see the vast country side. While descending, I could start to make out things like buildings, then vehicles. Eventually, I saw my first person, a lady walking along a path, carrying water. It was in this moment that God revealed what this tour is all about: every person and the value God places on each of their lives. He is all about bringing hope and light to their future, and can use each of us for this cause. The foundation is laid; the future awaits. What happens next is determined by how we respond to this cause.’ -Alan

‘I joined the team in Harare for the last day of the Worship Tour, but what a day, from seeing women being valued and loved at Sisterhood to the worship evening, where thousands could share their love for Jesus together. The joy I saw in everyone who attended once again confirmed that Jesus is love and hope in all circumstances. Thank you to the team, who sacrificed their time and comfort to bring Jesus o the people of Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.’ -Mia

‘As South African we sometimes think we are the only progressive country in Africa. This tour has changed my perspective. Instead of finding dark, desolate Africa, I found warm and loving people. I have great expectation for the continent of Africa and cannot wait to see what God will do.’ -Jenny Pedro