Yzerfontein Beach Experience, previously known as Yzerfontein Stranddiens, is one of the annual outreaches that Kopanong Student Ministry is always proud to present. Filed with beach games, outings with your fellow outreach members and and exploration of the beautiful Western Cape, Yzerfontein Outreach presents the opportunity for every student to break away to the coast while building relationships while deepening their faith.
We often classify an outreach as the word itself suggest, reach out and lending a hand, but over the past few year (not overlooking the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic) an in-reach is also a needed factor of faith, community and general well being. Taking a look at ourselves and growing as individuals enables us to better reach out to others. My grandperants, like myself, is such a selfless person that we will often give to the point of burnout, and as a Christian I often understood that as our calling. We should give even when we have nothing left to give, serve even though we are dead tired. However, after one particularly taxing week of favours, helping friends and spending more time on the needs of others than my own, my grandmother shared a piece of wisdom with me that I will always remember: "You cannot pour from an empty cup." This one revelation brought a whole new view for me on how we as Christians serve. Giving to those around us is one of our core callings, but how can we give to those in need if we also become of need through this? Therefore outreaches (or in-reaches, rather) like Yzerfontein offer oppertunities for us to reload our giving abilities. Recharging our batteries to better serve.
Yzerfontein has the wonderful benefit of being a bit of both. While on this journey, we reach into ourselves as we learn and grow close to those joining us on this adventure. Spending time in nature that is beautiful beyond measure and just looking a the ocean (as a Free State born individual, that is always a therapeutic action). On the other hand, we also get to spend time with the children of those spending some of their holiday at the camp grounds in Yzerfontein. Campers come from all around the country to explore the beauty that is on offer at the West Coast, and we as outreach members have the honour of spending time, playing games and entertaining the children of these individuals. Programs such as puppet shows, evening programs that engage the kids and games on the beach every day for the duration of the outreach! Reaching out and reaching within is the underpinning of this outreach.
I would strongly recommend this outreach to any student that has some off time during their vacation and would like to go on a cheap outing to a beautiful beach in the Western Cape. New relationships are always formed, friendships made, emotional and spiritual growth and above and beyond, the treat of the ocean where you are allowed to jol a game of touch rugby every day!
If you are interested in joining this outreach, get in contact with our organiser Christine or join the WhatsApp group for more information.
The outreach will be from 11 to 22 December, Departing from Bloemfontein.
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