Invitation to NW Team Reportback

Picture: Hout Bay

You are invited to the....

NW REP Cape Town Team Reportback
(...with one renegade Johanesburg participant...me!)

When: Friday, June 15th

Time: 7:00 pm

Where: Holly's House (1880 17th Ct. NE, Issaquah, WA 98029)

What to expect: A short "Where we were, What we did" presentation, lots of pictures, laughter, and snacks

Hope you can come!

Dena

PS. If you didn't receive an e-vite to this occasion and are coming, let me know!

Update #35

“…so we make it our goal to please Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:9

After 36 hours in transit, I am home! Let me tell you, it was an ‘adventure’ getting here! The Hodson’s dropped me off at Cape Town International (where I had my bag cling-wrapped to prevent further theft) and I tearfully said goodbye.

On to JHB…we were a late taking off from CT so my layover in JHB was even tighter than before…but the grace of God prevailed! My bag was one of the first off the plane (yea!) and I was able to wheel it to the international terminal (thanks for the help Amy)…then things got a bit more exciting.

When I checked in for my flight I was told that I would miss my connecting Seattle flight because of the delayed JHB takeoff. I asked to be put on the next flight, but it was overbooked and there weren’t any seats - HA! The clerk asked that I take care of things in Atlanta and I sweetly pushed back and asked that they be taken care here and now (my layover was going to be tight and I knew with jet lag I wouldn’t be as ‘sweet’ on the other end) – she gave me a ‘seat confirmation’ slip and off I went.

During my travels I was still suffering from severe congestion – Thank GOD! I never thought I would be happy for sinus pressure and the inability to breathe…but I was strategically seated behind two gentlemen who had a strong, um, let’s call it, ‘personal odor’. I blew my nose right before takeoff and the fumes assaulted me - causing my eyes to tear and me to sneeze! Whoa! Needless to say, for the next 20 hours I functioned with a stuffy nose – what a blessing sinus congestion can be!

Due to other delays we landed even further behind schedule. I was glad that I had changed the flight because by now I only had 40 minutes until my next plane took off. I eventually found my gate (it had been changed multiple times) and was told that the flight was still overbooked and that I would know in about 20 minutes if I had a seat or not. Off I went to notify my pick up person about the delay. I didn’t have my cell phone and what hassle pay phones are – they don’t like money! Augh! Thank God for understanding friends and the ‘collect call’ system!

Anyway, 6 minutes before the flight was scheduled to take off I was called to the podium and asked to stand against a wall, where I waited with 3 others for what seemed an eternity while the airline staff scrambled to find us seats. Eventually I was lead down the boarding ramp and told to sit in the first empty seat I came to (excluding first class because of course that was the one I noticed!) – The door shut right after the guy behind me boarded and I barely had my belt buckled when the plane pushed back from the gate! Whew – 4 more hours and I would be home!

It was lovely to arrive in Seattle and see spring in full swing – the leaves and grass are that new spring green color and the flowers are abundantly blooming. It was also nice to have it stay light later – in Africa it is autumn and the sun sets around 5 pm…it was still light when I finally crashed into bed at around 8 pm.

I slept for about 12 hours and was awakened by my Samson wanting to be petted…very nice to be home!

Thanks for your prayers and support while I was away. I know my next several weeks will be packed with activity as I prepare to move to California to start full time with rēp.
I still have a lot of questions needing to be answered but I know the God I serve is faithful and would never send me some where without preparing things first! So, off I go into the unknown! Adventure!

As I transition, please keep praying for me…your support is invaluable:
Car: Do I buy here or in California (they have stricter smog regulations and why license here if I need to change it there)?
Housing: I am still trying to ferret this out…the girl I wanted to live with is severely allergic to Samson and I am not to keen to leave him?
Fundraising: I need to raise all my living expenses until the association brings in enough for my salary – which could be up to a year from now – how much to raise? How do I do it?
Church Family: I have a great church family here in Seattle that will be hard to leave – pray that I find a Spirit filled, Biblically sound, Bible teaching/following, worship filled church in the South Bay area where I will be moving to.
Move: How? What day? Who? What to leave? What to pack? What to store? What to throw away? Changing of address stuff?

I appreciate you!

Dena

Update #34

“Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7

Today was the last day of the venture…and my favorite. It is the day where the clients present what they have learned, how they were affected, and how they see their businesses impacting the kingdom. It is a powerful day.

The consultants are a bit emotional – for several reasons, their ‘chicks’ are hatching, the venture pressure lifts, and, of course, sleep depravation (most were up late finishing all of the deliverables).

Chaos always reigns and excitement runs high until the first presentation starts – when everything calms to a dull roar – with anticipation simmering under the surface. The clients present one by one for 15-20 minutes and then are commissioned as Marketplace Ministers…a new mantle/position to take into their workplace to reach those they work with/for with Jesus’ message thru their actions and their way of conducting business.

Personally, I don’t think those commissioned by Rep to go forward as Marketplace Ministers understand what that responsibility fully entails. The understanding grows as time passes and life occurs. Of course, it only goes as far as the individual allows, but if full convergence take place God is in control of EVERYTHING, he is the CEO of your life, business, and your existence becomes realigned with his purposes and plan.

Thank you to Power Building, UrbanTonic, Rezi-J Consulting, Grant Johnson, Mustard Seed Foundation, Fundamo, DMZ Networks, and Power Development for letting us as Rep come alongside you and start on this wild-adventurous process of repurposing.

The next step in my individual ‘rep’ journey starts Sunday. I board a plane around 1:30 CT time and fly to JHB. There I will go from the domestic to international terminal and board a flight to Atlanta….many hours later I will change planes and board one headed to Seattle. I should arrive back in the Northwest around noon on Monday…9:00 pm Cape Town time! Please pray for my flight connections…especially the one in JHB. I need to reclaim luggage and then recheck at the international desk. I am praying that a bit over 2 hours is enough time!

I am excited to start the next ‘phase’ of my life. Details are still solidifying themselves…and I will share when I have a clearer picture – you could be praying for a place to live and a car (do I buy in Seattle or in SF?). Thanks!

Other things to pray about when you have time (thanks!):
Safe travels: As previously stated in an earlier update I don’t travel well (nausea is usually a constant companion) and I start my 30 journey home Sunday afternoon (4 am Seattle time).
Protection: For me and my luggage as it travels home!
Discernment, wisdom, grace, His guidance: That I solidify details of my next adventure.
Health: I caught the worst head cold! I sound like I am underwater! At least I am not interceding anymore – I sound like a frog! J Please pray that it is ALL gone by Sunday so I don’t have to travel with congestion – thanks!

Thanks HUGELY for your prayer support these last few weeks. It has been amazing watching God work and even more so to be apart of it – I am positive that I wouldn’t have been half as affective without your constant support.

Blessings to you!

Dena
Check out the team updates: http://www.repurposing.biz/cape-town-may-2007/

Update #33

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

The Hodson's: Sue, Sam, Katie and Stephanie with the Southern tip of Africa behind them

This has been a weekend of incredible scenery and fun!

Saturday I split off from the team and went hiking with the Hudson’s. We went into Table Mountain National Park and did the Silvermine Walk. The scenery was stunning! From a distance the hills look like they are carpeted in verdant green – but when you get closer they are coated in small shrub like bushes…some green, some brown, some purple, some with flowers, and some without. At twilight, the sunset turned the encroaching clouds below us pink, blue and rose. It was beautiful.

Sunday was special. We started the day with ‘church’ at the B&B with Jodene and Tom getting baptized! We had quite the party afterward…I think there was a good 40 person turnout for the event! After Jodene and Tom dried off and we were off to do touristy things around Cape Town.

First stop Table Mountain. We rode up the cable car gawking at the beauty. We had a gorgeous day – clear, sunny, and about 80 degrees. Lyn Johnson played tour guide and this trip I knew what I was gawking at vs. just being stunned by the immense beauty of the area.

Second stop Hout Bay Market via Victoria Road and incredible seascape scenery, then onto Hout Bay beach for a walk in the sand and sea, and then push onto Chapman Peak Road for a view of the sunset over the mountains ringing the bay. There is nothing quite like an African sunset!

We are back in the conference center tomorrow and a “3 P day” – so off to bed I go so I can be ready for a full day of intercession!

Speaking of intercession, thank you for praying for me…as you continue to pray for me please petition God about the following:
Safe travels: As I, and the team, drive and move around Cape Town and its surrounding areas.
Protection: Both physically and spiritually - for me, and the consultation / intercession teams
Discernment, wisdom, grace, His guidance: That I stay super connected to God while I intercede for others so I can hear his voice correctly – AND - that God will reveal the details of the move!
Health: Physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina. My throat has been a bit scratchy…

Blessings!

Dena

Check out the team updates: http://www.repurposing.biz/cape-town-may-2007/

Update #32

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

The venture continues! Today I spent in ‘visioning’ sessions – this is where the team leads and several intercessors get together with the businesses owners to ask clarifying questions, seek God’s direction, and ask Him for revelation.

It was exciting. I prayed that God would have us all in consensus and confirmation would abound. We were and it did. Stuff that had been mentioned in earlier intercession sessions, and hadn’t been dealt with, resurfaced – by someone other than me. It was if God was saying “I’m serious…deal with this ASAP.”

Hearts were touched, businesses plans were expanded, God was definitely present, and I am tired!

The most exciting part is watching the consultants bloom – seeing them struggle through issues with their clients, watching the light bulb go on and the joy they experience. Of course, God is working in them as well as in their clients. At times it is a bit emotional…especially with all of the women we have on the team!

Tomorrow we are back in the conference room and I return to the redecorated war room (picture). Thank you for your prayers!

As you continue to pray for me please petition God about the following:
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

The venture continues! Today I spent in ‘visioning’ sessions – this is where the team leads and several intercessors get together with the businesses owners to ask clarifying questions, seek God’s direction, and ask Him for revelation.

It was exciting. I prayed that God would have us all in consensus and confirmation would abound. We were and it did. Stuff that had been mentioned in earlier intercession sessions, and hadn’t been dealt with, resurfaced – by someone other than me. It was if God was saying “I’m serious…deal with this ASAP.”

Hearts were touched, businesses plans were expanded, God was definitely present, and I am tired!

The most exciting part is watching the consultants bloom – seeing them struggle through issues with their clients, watching the light bulb go on and the joy they experience. Of course, God is working in them as well as in their clients. At times it is a bit emotional…especially with all of the women we have on the team!

Tomorrow we are back in the conference room and I return to the redecorated war room (picture). Thank you for your prayers!

As you continue to pray for me please petition God about the following:
Safe travels: As I, and the team, drive and move around Cape Town and its surrounding areas.
Protection: Both physically and spiritually - for me, and the consultation / intercession teams
Discernment, wisdom, grace, His guidance: That I stay super connected to God while I intercede for others so I can hear his voice correctly – AND - that God will reveal the details of the move!
Health: Physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina.

Thank you!

Blessings to you!

Dena

Check out the team updates: http://equip.squarespace.com/cape-town-may-2007/

Update #32

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

The venture continues! Today I spent in ‘visioning’ sessions – this is where the team leads and several intercessors get together with the businesses owners to ask clarifying questions, seek God’s direction, and ask Him for revelation.

It was exciting. I prayed that God would have us all in consensus and confirmation would abound. We were and it did. Stuff that had been mentioned in earlier intercession sessions, and hadn’t been dealt with, resurfaced – by someone other than me. It was if God was saying “I’m serious…deal with this ASAP.”

Hearts were touched, businesses plans were expanded, God was definitely present, and I am tired!

The most exciting part is watching the consultants bloom – seeing them struggle through issues with their clients, watching the light bulb go on and the joy they experience. Of course, God is working in them as well as in their clients. At times it is a bit emotional…especially with all of the women we have on the team!

Tomorrow we are back in the conference room and I return to the redecorated war room (picture). Thank you for your prayers!

As you continue to pray for me please petition God about the following:
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

The venture continues! Today I spent in ‘visioning’ sessions – this is where the team leads and several intercessors get together with the businesses owners to ask clarifying questions, seek God’s direction, and ask Him for revelation.

It was exciting. I prayed that God would have us all in consensus and confirmation would abound. We were and it did. Stuff that had been mentioned in earlier intercession sessions, and hadn’t been dealt with, resurfaced – by someone other than me. It was if God was saying “I’m serious…deal with this ASAP.”

Hearts were touched, businesses plans were expanded, God was definitely present, and I am tired!

The most exciting part is watching the consultants bloom – seeing them struggle through issues with their clients, watching the light bulb go on and the joy they experience. Of course, God is working in them as well as in their clients. At times it is a bit emotional…especially with all of the women we have on the team!

Tomorrow we are back in the conference room and I return to the redecorated war room (picture). Thank you for your prayers!

As you continue to pray for me please petition God about the following:
Safe travels: As I, and the team, drive and move around Cape Town and its surrounding areas.
Protection: Both physically and spiritually - for me, and the consultation / intercession teams
Discernment, wisdom, grace, His guidance: That I stay super connected to God while I intercede for others so I can hear his voice correctly – AND - that God will reveal the details of the move!
Health: Physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina.

Thank you!

Blessings to you!

Dena

Check out the team updates: http://equip.squarespace.com/cape-town-may-2007/

Update #31

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

Sorry no picture - bandwidth issues!

The venture has started! We have 8 clients representing a diverse sampling of society (event staffing, IT, construction, training). There are 5 South African and 8 US consultants – yep, there are 3 Americans flying solo – you go Tom, Holly and Joe!

I had a great first day in the intercession ‘war room’. When I first saw the room I agreed with Jodene that it was a bit on the ‘bare and jail cellish’ side of things. But (Indy you would be proud) a few bright-Indian hued pillows lining the built in wooden bench and a HUGE bouquet of flowers cheered things up immensely. The flowers and the open window fill the room with a lovely scent!

I was joined intermittently throughout the day by different intercessors. The one that spent the most time with me was Natchi Lazarus from Chennai, India…he is here to pray for the nation of South Africa. I was privileged to have him come and pray with me for the clients and consultants. His passion for Jesus is contagious, his boldness catching; I think people are affected for Christ just praying with him.

Today, Tuesday, was an unstructured day and I, being an intercessor, was unoccupied. Natchi contacted his friend Errol and off we went – I had the tour of my life! I got back to the B&B with two dead rechargeable camera batteries, exhausted but smiling and happy! Errol took us the back way across the Cape flats to the peninsula – and then we toured all around the mountain range – down one side and up the other! I saw fishermen pulling nets on the beach (just like they did in Jesus’ time), hidden beaches, lighthouses, wild ostriches, baboons and their young, and incredible seascapes…I was overwhelmed with the beauty and raw wildness of the area.

Tomorrow is another structured day and will be spent at the conference center. I will again be in the ‘redecorated and repurposed’ room off the gym. All of us start at 7:45 with devotion and prayer and then move into the agenda by 8:30. We will be covering two additional business drivers tomorrow – so that means the consultants have twice the paperwork as they did on Monday! Pray for them!

Speaking of prayer – I have secured employment! Whoo Hoo! I will be starting my new position mid-June…IN CALIFORNIA! Yep, I will return from Africa May 21st and then start the process of moving me, Samson and my belongings 17 hours south! Yikes!

The position isn’t salaried and requires some fundraising…as for the amount I need to raise I am not sure yet. When I know more about the position and particulars I will fill you in. I am so excited about the opportunity God has provided! This should prove to be an adventure!

As you continue to pray for me please petition God about the following:
Safe travels: As I, and the team, drive and move around Cape Town and its surrounding areas.
Protection: Both physically and spiritually - for me, and the consultation / intercession teams
Discernment, wisdom, grace, His guidance: That I stay super connected to God while I intercede for others so I can hear his voice correctly – AND - that God will reveal the details of the move!
Health: Physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina.

Thank you!

Blessings to you!
Dena

Update #30

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

The last two days have been lovely. I spent Wednesday afternoon with Sue, Katie and Stephanie Hodson at Kirstenbosh Botanical Garden, Wednesday night at the Cape Town Consultant commissioning, and Thursday afternoon and early evening at Cape Point (the southern most tip of Africa). It was supposed to be foggy and overcast but the sun has come out everyday, the temperatures are in the mid 70’s and are accompanied by a light wind. I feel so spoiled!

Kirstenbosh is beautiful – and huge. It is divided into different gardens of like plants that seamlessly blend into one another. Katie and Stephie were in and out of the streams, running through the grassy fields and over and around the statues – blond hair streaming behind them. It was fun to watch them and hear their giggles as they chased the poor guinea fowl across the lawn. I am a ‘garden junkie’ and could have spent hours and hours there – I hope to go again before I leave. I don’t think I saw a 1/3 of it!

Cape Point is stunning. Carla and I had perfect weather. We had lunch staring out at the view (see photo) and then hiked out to the lighthouse. The water is a deep gorgeous blue that transforms to turquoise then white froth as it strikes the sand; wispy clouds high in the sky and everything is green, green, green. This is where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge…one side the water is soooo cold whereas the other is markedly warmer.

The park is a protected area and baboons are numerous. We saw several just saunter across the road (us slamming brakes to avoid them) with their babies hanging from their tummies. I have heard of their aggression - stealing food right from your hand and barring teeth if you try and retrieve what they have pilfered. One poor little boy lost his ice cream!

Most of the US Cape Town team arrives tomorrow – and that is when the venture officially starts. I have heard that I won’t be consulting but will function as an intercessor. Yipee! This is where my heart lies…I get such a charge out of praying for others all day and seeing God work. It is SO COOL!

Speaking of intercession – thank you for praying for me. After the ‘excitement’ Tuesday night things have simmered down – Wednesday morning I went to a police station and opened a claim (as suggested) and the paperwork is ready to file at the airport. Sigh.

As you continue to pray for me please petition God about the following:

Safe travels: As I, and the team, drive and move around Cape Town and its surrounding areas.
Protection: Both physically and spiritually - for me, and the team, as we start a new venture and begin shifting the clients paradigms!
Computer: I have heard there is wi-fi at the B&B – please pray for continuous connectivity and good connection speeds so I can attend to mail and skype as needed.
Discernment, wisdom, grace, His guidance: That I stay super connected to God while I intercede for others so I can hear his voice correctly – AND - that God will reveal his next steps for me sooner rather than later!
Health: Physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina.

Thank you for your support!

Blessings to you!

Dena

Update #29

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

After traveling throughout Africa without incident, I have finally been "Inducted" (notice the capital ‘I’). My bag arrived in Cape Town the same time I did (thank God), but had been pilfered…extensively. When I pulled my bag off of the belt it was partially unzipped with one of my scarves peeking out at me. It was a surreal experience – my first thought was "How did that get there – it was zipped in an inside pocket".

Further investigation revealed that my hair stuff, makeup, scarves, belts and jewelry had been dumped into my bag and then all the contents (even those in zippered side pockets) had been stirred up creating absolute chaos. (Oh boy…I really need an iron now!) After reporting the theft to the airline authorities, and being given a four page document to complete, they assured me that they were taking all the necessary steps to recover my stolen possessions.

After going through everything I am sad to say that most mementoes and gifts purchased in JHB are gone (sorry friends). The thief also made off with several bracelets and all but one set of my earrings (they left the most valuable pair! Ha!). The positive side of this experience is that the pieces that are really important to me I was wearing or were left in the bag…except for a pair of earrings given to me by my employer a few Christmas’ ago.

I am not mad. I am not even really upset – it is surreal and hard to believe. Most of what was stolen was costume jewelry (my favorites, but not all that valuable). I am more saddened that there are those people that feel a need to steal, that need to pilfer and take, in order to feed their families and sustain their lifestyle. I lost some costume jewelry and my supporters won’t have tangible mementoes - in the big scheme of life, it’s not a big loss. I think I still have most of my clothes and shoes – suitable/matching accessories will just be lacking!

This experience opened my eyes further to the reality of Africa. One of my fellow passengers smiled when he noticed the scarf and commented in a thick Afrikaans accent "Welcome to Africa". It saddens me that this occurrence is accepted as normal and it is shrugged off as a common place. This incident just emboldens me to keep praying for Africa’s eventual transformation.

Speaking of prayer - thanks for yours. The post-venture fatigue is starting to lift and I have a bit of ‘zip’ back. I have been conking out about 3:30 everyday for about two hours and sleeping like a log every night…sleep has been delicious! I had a great time catching up with the Porters…and bonus…James Ball (JB) was there too (I stayed with he and his family in Botswana last November).

As you remember me if you could chat to God about the following:
Safe travels: As I drive and move around Cape Town
Family: My parents made is home safely from California
Protection: We’ll start praying now that God will protect my bag from further pilfering on my return trip to JHB and then the US!
Computer: I will have limited internet access until I am installed at the Cape Town B&B (Saturday) – pray that I get a hold of anyone that I may need to with the absence of connectivity.
Wisdom, grace, His guidance, etc.
Health: Physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina. Please ask that my endurance will be up to ‘venture maximum’ by Saturday.
Fun: That I will enjoy my time with the Olivier’s, and that I will have the time to see a bit of the touristy stuff in Cape Town.

Thank you for your prayers and financial support!

Blessings to you!

Dena