Over and over again,
I can never complain,
I am blessed beyond words,
Taken care of step by step,
Walking in humility daily,
For God has His hand in my life,
Guiding me,
Fathering me.
I can't explain how I feel, the emotions, the comfort of what it's like to be in our Fathers arms.
After being home for about a week, I've had an over-whelming response and interest in my life. Sometimes I wondered if I lived this life I talk about these past few months. But it was me, God reminds me each and every new day that I am with Him, was with Him and will always be with Him.
Without explaining too much via email, God has once again blown me away with his provision.
I'm getting that much closer to my goal of returning to South Africa. I'm so very close to paying for my plane ticket, just a little bit more and I'm set.
I can't thank all of you enough for not only believing in me, but listening and trusting God. That means more to me that any dollar amount. TRULY!!
I would REALLY love to meet with as many of you one-on-one as I can, so if you want to, PLEASE email me back, call me (519-752-5513), facebook, pigeon messanger, letter, WHATEVER, just let me know if you can/want to hear about my trip. But also, I am eager to hear about how God has been working in your lives. Don't hesitate to make plans with me. I'l be contact as many of you individually as I can.
Please keep me in your prayers about some part time/temp work while I am home, just so I can make a bit of extra money to help cover my expenses, and for my trip back.
Your friend in Christ
Jonathan
Monday, October 5, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
back in Canada
Is this my life?
Am I really here?
After traveling for 24 hours straight, these are questions I ask myself and God. Life seems to be very surreal, like i'm living another persons amazing life. But I pinch myself, and realize God has given this beautiful gift of life.
I've been back in Brantford, Canada for only about 48 hours now, yet it seems like i've never left. I love my family, friends, my country, my city (even though it can be boring at times haha) my church family, my community. God will and does have purpose for me while i'm here, but I still can't wait for the next journey.
My plan while I am home is to connect with as many of you as possible, share about my time away, and just enjoy life here. I'm also going to be selling off my many items I do not need, and hopefully getting a part time job to save some money to be able to go back.
As I have stated before, I've been waiting on God for direction for the next season of my life, as I want to continue full time missions. I knew that going into YWAM, that it was just the beginning of a new season, a season and life of obedience. Through prayer/talks with God, endless conversations with friends, I feel as if God wants me to continue the ministry I was involved with in South Africa.
I was blessed with a 450 Euro flight credit, so that's at least half my ticket back to Cape Town. I'll need about another $600 Cnd for the other half of my flight. If you would like to donate Air Miles, that is an easy way to support me as well. I've calculated that my monthly costs, inc. rent and food will be about $500 cnd a month. If you are interested in partnering with me on a month to month basis, or just a one time donation, I'll be setting up a way to get you tax deductible receipts
In the next coming weeks, I will be hosting an open house for anyone who wants to come and hear about my travels, see my photos, enjoy great conversations, and of course delicious coffee and desserts.
I'm available anytime to grab a coffee, chat, so please feel free to call me anytime. 519-752-5513.
Jonathan
Am I really here?
After traveling for 24 hours straight, these are questions I ask myself and God. Life seems to be very surreal, like i'm living another persons amazing life. But I pinch myself, and realize God has given this beautiful gift of life.
I've been back in Brantford, Canada for only about 48 hours now, yet it seems like i've never left. I love my family, friends, my country, my city (even though it can be boring at times haha) my church family, my community. God will and does have purpose for me while i'm here, but I still can't wait for the next journey.
My plan while I am home is to connect with as many of you as possible, share about my time away, and just enjoy life here. I'm also going to be selling off my many items I do not need, and hopefully getting a part time job to save some money to be able to go back.
As I have stated before, I've been waiting on God for direction for the next season of my life, as I want to continue full time missions. I knew that going into YWAM, that it was just the beginning of a new season, a season and life of obedience. Through prayer/talks with God, endless conversations with friends, I feel as if God wants me to continue the ministry I was involved with in South Africa.
I was blessed with a 450 Euro flight credit, so that's at least half my ticket back to Cape Town. I'll need about another $600 Cnd for the other half of my flight. If you would like to donate Air Miles, that is an easy way to support me as well. I've calculated that my monthly costs, inc. rent and food will be about $500 cnd a month. If you are interested in partnering with me on a month to month basis, or just a one time donation, I'll be setting up a way to get you tax deductible receipts
In the next coming weeks, I will be hosting an open house for anyone who wants to come and hear about my travels, see my photos, enjoy great conversations, and of course delicious coffee and desserts.
I'm available anytime to grab a coffee, chat, so please feel free to call me anytime. 519-752-5513.
Jonathan
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
the end. of the beginning
A mix of emotion this week as my DTS is coming to an end.
I've been blessed by friends (I call them family now) here in South Africa and in Kona, Hawaii, more than I can ever describe in words.
Love
Does
Exist
Gods love has been persistent and abounding.
God has been faithful.
God has been gracious.
God pours down joy in my life.
Love
Faith
Grace
Joy
These are all his characteristics.
They are WHO GOD IS.
I've met God in the many corners I have crawled into.
I've met God in the massive fields I have ran in.
God is always waiting for me around each and every corner.
My faithful journey with the Creator is never going to end, but this season is coming to end just as another season of faithfulness is about to begin.
As I have stated before in other updates, I not 100% sure what journey I'm going to step into next, but I know God is right beside each step of the way.
I'll be home in Ontario on the 24th of Sept. and I am really stoked to connect with you my friends and family.
Be able to swap stories, share life together, live out God's love with each person we come in contact with.
Some things I need prayer for as I transition back home.
1. Continued growth in Gods word
2. A clear vision of the Lords will for my life
3. Financial backing for the next season of my life
There's a few more, but those are the main 3 that have been on my heart and mind.
If you want to ask any specific questions, I'll be happy to answer your emails.
I'll be sending one more email before I leave South Africa with more details about my next step, so please keep me in your prayers this week as I seek God's word for direction.
your
loving
caring
friend
Jonathan J. Grime
I've been blessed by friends (I call them family now) here in South Africa and in Kona, Hawaii, more than I can ever describe in words.
Love
Does
Exist
Gods love has been persistent and abounding.
God has been faithful.
God has been gracious.
God pours down joy in my life.
Love
Faith
Grace
Joy
These are all his characteristics.
They are WHO GOD IS.
I've met God in the many corners I have crawled into.
I've met God in the massive fields I have ran in.
God is always waiting for me around each and every corner.
My faithful journey with the Creator is never going to end, but this season is coming to end just as another season of faithfulness is about to begin.
As I have stated before in other updates, I not 100% sure what journey I'm going to step into next, but I know God is right beside each step of the way.
I'll be home in Ontario on the 24th of Sept. and I am really stoked to connect with you my friends and family.
Be able to swap stories, share life together, live out God's love with each person we come in contact with.
Some things I need prayer for as I transition back home.
1. Continued growth in Gods word
2. A clear vision of the Lords will for my life
3. Financial backing for the next season of my life
There's a few more, but those are the main 3 that have been on my heart and mind.
If you want to ask any specific questions, I'll be happy to answer your emails.
I'll be sending one more email before I leave South Africa with more details about my next step, so please keep me in your prayers this week as I seek God's word for direction.
your
loving
caring
friend
Jonathan J. Grime
Thursday, September 3, 2009
almost the end....
As my DTS is ending, I was pondering about my time here and i have come up with a couple lists.
26 things I love about South Africa:
1. It's MANY people groups
2. Delicious pot bread (no, not that kind of pot)
3. Living in a hut with a floor made out of cow dung
4. Traveling on a crowed train
5. Traveling on a crowed taxi
6. Traveling on a sweet yellow bus, ahem I mean truck
7. The hospitality of the people here
8. Getting 7 rand for every Canadian dollar
9. Cheap, but tasty coffee
10. Living with a family of believers, sharing life, love and our love of Christ with each other
11. THE MOUNTAINS!!!!
12. THE OCEAN!!!
13. THE CONSTANT WAVES!!!
14. Learning about the Xhosa people
15. Learning to speak Xhosa (not very well though)
16. Paying 6 rand in 5 and 10 cent pieces for a taxi and getting laughed at
17. Spending time in the townships talking to everyone
18. BRAAI (South African BBQ's)
19. Breathtaking views from the tops of mountains
20. African time (there's always time to have a chat, not matter how busy you are)
21. Cathy and Frank
22. How gorgeous the people are here, inside and out
23. The children
24. How dancing is a huge part of worship
25. Their love of music
26. My wonderful teams mates
Key things to remember when in South Africa:
1. Always carry a camera, because you never know
2. Don't carry a "normal" camera bag, it could be easily recognized and stolen
3. Do not pay a taxi in 5 and 10 cent pieces, they don't like that
4. Always carry a bible
5. when taking the train, make sure you leave 20 min early, the train is always late, on time and early
6. Never walk along at night in the city
7. when walking along at night in rural areas, watch out for cows, dogs, sheep, and many land mines (cow dung)
8. A torch or headlamp is a must in the rural areas
9. You'll need shorts, a sweatshirt, pants, rain jacket, toque, gloves, t-shirt, hiking shoes, sandels, sneakers all in one day. You never know.
10. When asking for water in a restaurant, make sure you specify TAP water. (and often that isn't even an option)
11. Stop at Kalky's in Kalk Bay for fish and chips
12. You can always talk down any vendor, usually at least half of what they ask
I'll be leaving Cape Town on Sat. to go north for two weeks for a conference and debrief of our time here. Therefore, I may not have internet for awhile. So if you want to get ahold of me, well you may not be able to. I may get internet for one day, but that's not for sure.
Keep me in your prayers as my time ends here. For the seeds of faith that we planted to grow and prosper. The things we have started here will continue as more groups come here.
I'll be flying home to Ontario on Sept.23 and arriving in Toronto on the 24th. A welcoming at the airport would be MARVELOUS, but i understand if you can't =)
Miss you my friends and family.
Thank you for making God's plan for my life come into fruition.
Jonathan
ps. I'm no longer a vegatarian. Sorry my vegi friends.
pps. I will accept any form of steak and i'll provide great conversation =)
26 things I love about South Africa:
1. It's MANY people groups
2. Delicious pot bread (no, not that kind of pot)
3. Living in a hut with a floor made out of cow dung
4. Traveling on a crowed train
5. Traveling on a crowed taxi
6. Traveling on a sweet yellow bus, ahem I mean truck
7. The hospitality of the people here
8. Getting 7 rand for every Canadian dollar
9. Cheap, but tasty coffee
10. Living with a family of believers, sharing life, love and our love of Christ with each other
11. THE MOUNTAINS!!!!
12. THE OCEAN!!!
13. THE CONSTANT WAVES!!!
14. Learning about the Xhosa people
15. Learning to speak Xhosa (not very well though)
16. Paying 6 rand in 5 and 10 cent pieces for a taxi and getting laughed at
17. Spending time in the townships talking to everyone
18. BRAAI (South African BBQ's)
19. Breathtaking views from the tops of mountains
20. African time (there's always time to have a chat, not matter how busy you are)
21. Cathy and Frank
22. How gorgeous the people are here, inside and out
23. The children
24. How dancing is a huge part of worship
25. Their love of music
26. My wonderful teams mates
Key things to remember when in South Africa:
1. Always carry a camera, because you never know
2. Don't carry a "normal" camera bag, it could be easily recognized and stolen
3. Do not pay a taxi in 5 and 10 cent pieces, they don't like that
4. Always carry a bible
5. when taking the train, make sure you leave 20 min early, the train is always late, on time and early
6. Never walk along at night in the city
7. when walking along at night in rural areas, watch out for cows, dogs, sheep, and many land mines (cow dung)
8. A torch or headlamp is a must in the rural areas
9. You'll need shorts, a sweatshirt, pants, rain jacket, toque, gloves, t-shirt, hiking shoes, sandels, sneakers all in one day. You never know.
10. When asking for water in a restaurant, make sure you specify TAP water. (and often that isn't even an option)
11. Stop at Kalky's in Kalk Bay for fish and chips
12. You can always talk down any vendor, usually at least half of what they ask
I'll be leaving Cape Town on Sat. to go north for two weeks for a conference and debrief of our time here. Therefore, I may not have internet for awhile. So if you want to get ahold of me, well you may not be able to. I may get internet for one day, but that's not for sure.
Keep me in your prayers as my time ends here. For the seeds of faith that we planted to grow and prosper. The things we have started here will continue as more groups come here.
I'll be flying home to Ontario on Sept.23 and arriving in Toronto on the 24th. A welcoming at the airport would be MARVELOUS, but i understand if you can't =)
Miss you my friends and family.
Thank you for making God's plan for my life come into fruition.
Jonathan
ps. I'm no longer a vegatarian. Sorry my vegi friends.
pps. I will accept any form of steak and i'll provide great conversation =)
Friday, August 21, 2009
Aug.21.09
Busy is the name of the game here. God has been opening doors left right and center. I've been getting involved with starting home church's, bible studies, and leading youth groups. I'm also continuing to discover issues with human trafficking and bringing awareness.
I have been healthy and getting sleep (thank you Jesus) on a consistent basis the first time in months. I have been shown and have been an example of the power of prayer. Thank you for your continued prayers.
As I have talked about before, the issue God is placing in my heart is human trafficking. I have listed 3 websites that are fighting this horrible epidemic here in South Africa. I urge you to pray for these issues:
Slave labour
Sex slaves
Prostitution
These issues are REAL and happen everywhere. Don't just think they are overseas, in Africa, the middle east, asia, but it happens all over the world, including North America.
http://www.justiceacts.org
http://www.photogenx.net/sexandmoney/
http://iom.org.za/site/
Some personal prayers points:
Continued open doors for ministry, to speak the name of Jesus
Continued health, not only for myself, but my team as well
Passion for His word and enlightenment of said word
heavenly wisdom
To grow in leadership (i've been prophesied over a fews time about growing into a Man in leadership)
Thank you my friends and family. I couldn't ask for better people to walk along side me in this journey.
Jonathan Grime
ps. I love you all=)
I have been healthy and getting sleep (thank you Jesus) on a consistent basis the first time in months. I have been shown and have been an example of the power of prayer. Thank you for your continued prayers.
As I have talked about before, the issue God is placing in my heart is human trafficking. I have listed 3 websites that are fighting this horrible epidemic here in South Africa. I urge you to pray for these issues:
Slave labour
Sex slaves
Prostitution
These issues are REAL and happen everywhere. Don't just think they are overseas, in Africa, the middle east, asia, but it happens all over the world, including North America.
http://www.justiceacts.org
http://www.photogenx.net/sexandmoney/
http://iom.org.za/site/
Some personal prayers points:
Continued open doors for ministry, to speak the name of Jesus
Continued health, not only for myself, but my team as well
Passion for His word and enlightenment of said word
heavenly wisdom
To grow in leadership (i've been prophesied over a fews time about growing into a Man in leadership)
Thank you my friends and family. I couldn't ask for better people to walk along side me in this journey.
Jonathan Grime
ps. I love you all=)
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
AHHH SICK
It has been a slightly stressful week. Many of you might know, i've been battling allergies, cold, etc. since I was in Kona. It got better, worse, better. worse for a couple months. This week whatever I had/have climaxed. I woke up last Wed with a killer migrane and the shakes. On thursday, I ended up going to the Dr. and he told me I had/have the flu and a fever. I spent thursday, friday, some of sat, some of sunday and monday in bed. Taking whatever pain meds I could get just to take away the fever and migrane.
Thankfully, through many nights of prayer, and rest, I feel better today, not 100%, but better. The headache has been sparse, and the fever has all but gone. I'm still feeling a bit weak and tired, and it's hard making it through the day without wanting to just sleep. But that's not what God wants for me, so I will not let satan win and give in.
My group and I have done a LOT of research, emailed, made phone calls regarding the issue of trafficking. We have discovered some absolutely shocking facts and statistics, some things I would not have guessed. It's truly God who is placing this desire to see change in our hearts.
As we continue for the next 4 weeks, we will be plugging into different NGOs (Non government organizations), ministry groups, etc. to be able to battle this injustice.
As I stated before, I has asked if anyone wants to be a prayer partner, to continue and promise to pray for issues, my team and me. If you still would like to be a prayer partner, please let me know. I will be listing specific prayer points, so please read and listen to God's voice.
Thank for for continuing to support and encourage me.
Jonathan
Prayer Points:
For more understanding and continued passion for Gods word through the Bible.
To persevere through my illness.
For complete healing of my body, and mind. (being sick has really stressed me out)
For God to place people in my life of influence so we can battle trafficking effectively
For encounters with non-believers to share the Gospel/God's love
For team unity continued love for each other.
For Renee and Joseph (team members). Renee's cousin suddenly passed away this week.
Continued financial provision as I continue ministry in the fall and beyond.
Thank you=)
Thankfully, through many nights of prayer, and rest, I feel better today, not 100%, but better. The headache has been sparse, and the fever has all but gone. I'm still feeling a bit weak and tired, and it's hard making it through the day without wanting to just sleep. But that's not what God wants for me, so I will not let satan win and give in.
My group and I have done a LOT of research, emailed, made phone calls regarding the issue of trafficking. We have discovered some absolutely shocking facts and statistics, some things I would not have guessed. It's truly God who is placing this desire to see change in our hearts.
As we continue for the next 4 weeks, we will be plugging into different NGOs (Non government organizations), ministry groups, etc. to be able to battle this injustice.
As I stated before, I has asked if anyone wants to be a prayer partner, to continue and promise to pray for issues, my team and me. If you still would like to be a prayer partner, please let me know. I will be listing specific prayer points, so please read and listen to God's voice.
Thank for for continuing to support and encourage me.
Jonathan
Prayer Points:
For more understanding and continued passion for Gods word through the Bible.
To persevere through my illness.
For complete healing of my body, and mind. (being sick has really stressed me out)
For God to place people in my life of influence so we can battle trafficking effectively
For encounters with non-believers to share the Gospel/God's love
For team unity continued love for each other.
For Renee and Joseph (team members). Renee's cousin suddenly passed away this week.
Continued financial provision as I continue ministry in the fall and beyond.
Thank you=)
Monday, August 3, 2009
Aug.3.09 update from Capetown
Moloweni (South African greeting, means Hello to many people)
I have been in Capetown for a week now. As a team we have spent the week to focus and discovering opportunities of ministry in the greater Capetown area. Our leaders Deb and Rog had previous commitments and had to leave us, so we now have a student leader who is from Capetown. We have visited townships, gone on prayer walks, eaten delicious African BBQ (well that's not so mission focused, but it was amazing), and as a group talked about our last month of travel.
As our time on the overland trip was coming to an end, a lot of us, including myself, were still processing what had happened. At the time it's sometimes difficult to know if we had done any good and if it was what God wanted. As we sat around and told Dave and Laura Fisher (who started a Voice for the Voiceless South Africa) about the different things we had done. I realize now just how much God was at work in and through us. From street ministry, to preaching in churches, we had done many things in and for Gods Holy name.
This week we are praying and starting the new ministries. Please pray for focus, vision for me and my team. That what we would be doing is for God, for HIS love, and not just about us.
I appreciate all the emails i have received from everyone about life back home. Sorry if i have written back yet. The internet here is temperamental and sometimes randomly stops working. As I make time this week, I'll be sure you write back to all of you individually.
Much love and appreciation for your support of me FOR God. I have been blessed in more ways then one, and just hearing small tidbits about what's been happening in your lives has been really encouraging. Please keep it up. I love it!!!
Jonathan
ps. i'm tyring to upload pics to facebook of my trip, but since the internet isn't great, it's becoming very difficult. I'll keep trying.
I have been in Capetown for a week now. As a team we have spent the week to focus and discovering opportunities of ministry in the greater Capetown area. Our leaders Deb and Rog had previous commitments and had to leave us, so we now have a student leader who is from Capetown. We have visited townships, gone on prayer walks, eaten delicious African BBQ (well that's not so mission focused, but it was amazing), and as a group talked about our last month of travel.
As our time on the overland trip was coming to an end, a lot of us, including myself, were still processing what had happened. At the time it's sometimes difficult to know if we had done any good and if it was what God wanted. As we sat around and told Dave and Laura Fisher (who started a Voice for the Voiceless South Africa) about the different things we had done. I realize now just how much God was at work in and through us. From street ministry, to preaching in churches, we had done many things in and for Gods Holy name.
This week we are praying and starting the new ministries. Please pray for focus, vision for me and my team. That what we would be doing is for God, for HIS love, and not just about us.
I appreciate all the emails i have received from everyone about life back home. Sorry if i have written back yet. The internet here is temperamental and sometimes randomly stops working. As I make time this week, I'll be sure you write back to all of you individually.
Much love and appreciation for your support of me FOR God. I have been blessed in more ways then one, and just hearing small tidbits about what's been happening in your lives has been really encouraging. Please keep it up. I love it!!!
Jonathan
ps. i'm tyring to upload pics to facebook of my trip, but since the internet isn't great, it's becoming very difficult. I'll keep trying.
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