May 23 2016
Off

With Whom Do You Gather?

By Sodwana Bay

With Whom Do You Gather? For where two or three are gathered . . . there am I among them—Matthew 18:20 We men often find it hard to gather with other men in Christian community. Calendars are full: “I just don’t have time for one more thing.” Pride is high: “I’m good . . . I’m doing fine on my own.” Aversion to vulnerability is strong: “Oh, man . . . I’m just not that good at opening up.” If we are followers of our King, Jesus Christ, though, we must gather—“not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some” (Hebrews 10:25). But . . . why? Why is community so important for men? Well, a couple reasons. “Two are better than one,” Scripture tells us—we are stronger, less vulnerable, together (Ecclesiastes 4:9). “For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:10). Even more important, though, Jesus tells us that he is uniquely present when we gather in his name (Matthew 18:20). You see, God the Holy Spirit dwells within each follower of Jesus. (John 14:17) Therefore, when we gather, the power of the Spirit flows from one to another and back. When we gather, the work of God is done: confessions are made; sins are repented; love and compassion are expressed; hearts are healed; encouragement is given; lives are transformed. Men are lifted up, up out of sin and rebellion, into life and identity and calling. Work is done that just cannot be done in isolation. Okay, so what do we do? Grab some other guys . . . one guy, even. Start meeting on a regular basis, weekly is best. Fight for community, brother—against calendars, against pride, against fear. King David sang: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1-3). This is so very important.   The post With Whom Do You Gather? appeared first on South African NEWS LINK. Source: South African LINK

May 17 2016
Off

Coastal Skippers Training

By Sodwana Bay

Coastal Skippers @ Sodwana Bay Indian Ocean Skippers You always been dreaming of becoming a “Captain” – now make your dreams come true. All our Coastal Skippers course are on location in Sodwana Bay – with a Theoretical and Practical exam. Visit our website for more information. WINTER COURSE DATES:JUNE 10-14 : Coastal Skippers @ Sodwana BayJULY 29 – 2 AUG: Coastal Skippers @ Sodwana BayJUNE 8 & 22: Inland Skippers @ Pretoria shopJULY 20 : Inland Skippers @ Pretoria shopCoastal skippers: R6860 pp. (includes course materials, lectures, practical, SAMSA registration fees, 4nights tented accommodation, 4dinners/4breakfasts)Inland skippers: R2100 pp. (course materials, lectures, practical, SAMSA registration fees) Get certified this winter!  BOOK NOW? Visit Indian Ocean Skippers website… http://twobar.co.za/training-to-become-a-skipper/ Telephone: (012) 361 2617 Telephone: (012) 348 9078 Mobile: 079 116 5084 E-mail: info@twobar.co.za

May 14 2016
Off

Services | SAPS (South African Police Service)

By Sodwana Bay

  Yesterday police received information about possible poaching at Robben Island.  A joint operation was conducted by the SAPS Cape Town Sea Border Unit, the Special Task Force and DAFF. A vessel was spotted entering Hout Bay Harbour this morning about 04:00, without any navigational lights.  The poaching vessel spotted the law enforcement vessels and sped off into Hout Bay harbour.  The crew and divers on board the vessel evaded arrest by jumping off onto the quayside and disappeared among the factories. Source: Services | SAPS (South African Police Service)

May 12 2016
Off

Refocusing your Drive

By Sodwana Bay

Refocusing the Drive greatest among you become as the youngest . . . leader as one who serves—Luke  22:26 We men devote so much of our mental attention and hard work to our own greatness. We plan for advancement; strategize next moves; put our heads down and grind. Deep in our inner machinery there’s something that drives us on toward securing greatness . . . of some kind or another . . . for ourselves. Maybe it’s on a small scale. Maybe on a large scale. Maybe in our work, maybe in our communities, maybe even in our faith. The drive is just there. The twelve Apostles—men, human men—had this drive. In the upper room, a dispute “arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest” (Luke 22:24). But Jesus stopped them and taught them (and us) that this drive must be refocused. “But I am among you as the one who serves” (Luke 22:27). That’s our blueprint. His life is the blueprint for our lives. We must follow it and no other. We must reject all blueprints drawn by our pride, or envy, or selfishness. Refocusing this drive, away from lifting ourselves and toward lifting those around us, is one of the most important things we can do, as men. It moves us into true masculinity—where we lend our strength to others, who need it, rather than use it solely for our own gain. We must trust that this is a better way to live . . . better for God, better for us, and better for those we are to love and serve.     Okay, so what do we do? Look around you—today, this week—for people you can serve. Keep it simple. Whom will you come into contact with, naturally? Whom do you have influence over, in the normal course of your days? Whom might you have overlooked? Ask yourself, what do they need and how can I help?  The post Refocusing your Drive appeared first on South African NEWS LINK. Source: South African LINK

May 07 2016
Off

DAN – Divers Alert Network South Africa

By Sodwana Bay

Divers Alert Network South Africa DAN Southern Africa is a Public Benefit Organisation that provides emergency medical advice and assistance for underwater diving injuries, and provides a wide range of research, education and training programmes that promote safe diving. DAN-SA is supported by more than 7 000 fellow divers with a further 400 000 international divers supporting DAN America, DAN Europe, DAN Japan, DAN Asia Pacific and DAN Southern America. Join Now >>>