Bill Hebner

Some days I feel like a duck. Life is not about the apparent calm on the surface, but is often more about my feet travelling at 5000 rpm under the surface. For years I have found ministry in February/March like this. There are solid relationships established between the volunteers & youth, ‘programs’ are running down as the spring sun beckons kids to the outdoors along with the pressure of school work as exams approach and they become a little more focused on studying. This creates an artificial ‘calm’ bringing with it a chance to organize the overseas mission and summer camps. Some of the most needed creative ideas occur during this season. This year as we prepare to use the middle park facility for the first time, on top of a new camp layout, water, sewer and electrical issues, we must also grapple with including; an inflatable blob tower and waterslide, a kart track over existing trails, all to allow the same quality of camp experiences received by Canadian and American youth

By the time you receive this newsletter we will be within days of returning to South Africa with a group of 84 youth and adults in tow. Most have never been in a church, done anything for God, or understand the freeing message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are scared, apprehensive, but excited to embrace life as they will be feeding the poor, building a nursery and a house. And for 30 of them, the COBRA team, they will also embrace the sport that they love...Rugby. COBRA will be playing 4 local teams in the community via the WRU and the SARU to add to their experience. Talking with the coach of the COBRA under 19’s, Darren Mayor, who also works with Young Life stated that he cannot believe the way that the team has come together because of this event. There is a ‘unity’ that is even translating to a move up the tables. It is funny how helping others brings unity to a group. This is why for years as a minister, I have suggested that every church and every church member should at