EXPERIENCE

We Are Going Outside

“It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord”  Lamentations 3:26  

As we ponder this verse, it resonates with us and we want to apply it to this year. We are not making any major plans or any major commitments, as we are still in a time of great uncertainty, but we know that the Lord is faithful. He will be with us no matter what the circumstances may be. So let us wait, pray and take a pensive approach to the year ahead.

We are still in a lockdown in SA with beaches, schools and public places closed off. We are also in a curfew from 9pm – 6am with mandatory mask wearing while in public places – if you are caught not wearing a mask you will be fined, given a criminal record and some possible jail time. Yeah, freedom is a notion these days.Covid and the Lockdowns are doing a number on many. It is wearing on people’s mental and spiritual health. A recent article quoted Dr Adrian James, a psychiatrist, saying: “‘This is going to have a profound effect on mental health,” James said. “It is probably the biggest hit to mental health since the second world war. It doesn’t stop when the virus is under control and there are few people in hospital. You’ve got to fund the long-term consequences.”

For so many of us, surfing is so much more than just riding waves and having fun. It is our time to connect with each other during our sessions, grow by overcoming our fears and spending time in nature away from mind-numbing tv, social media and not to mention the high alcohol and drug abuse sweeping through the youth.

We need to get kids and people outside and interacting again- especially in nature.

This year we will be taking youth for short term camping trips, mountain hiking trails and coastal walks. We know and believe that God has given us the greatest anti depressant – the outdoors and we need to utilize it. Time in nature, away from the ‘covid bubbles’, away from TV and social media can only do us good. It will be a time to connect with our Creator and each other again.

We are also going outside of our own town and borders.

As the mission of Aleph grows, we will continue to support our global neighbours and friends where ever and however we can. There are some great movements happening in Africa and the Middle East and we want to continue to bless and help others achieve their goals however we can.

We continue to focus on four key areas:

SPIRITUAL

For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son so whoever will believe in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. We continue to share this wherever we go.

EDUCATIONAL

No child should be denied the opportunity to learn. We continue to help by providing scholarships and training opportunities wherever we can.

EMOTIONAL

In these times of struggle, people need emotional support and a sense of belonging more than ever. We continue to build out our network and lend our support to missions happening from Mexico, to Tanzania to Liberia and parts of the Middle East.

RECREATION

We as humans should have the right to be outside. We have the right to play.

 

Let me share an anecdote on this written by Judith Galblum Pex:

In Hebrew, the word ‘nofesh’ means rest, recreation or holiday. Interestingly, the  root letters are the same as the word ‘nefesh’ which means soul. Jewish scholars also translate the  ‘nefesh’ as “the essence of life” or “state of being alive”. Whereas the word ‘shvita’, in connection with the word Shabbat for rest, ‘nofesh’ implies leisure in a positive sense – a creative self discovery.

We found this to be such a blessing to us. As we pursue this essence of life, we discover ourselves. It gives our motto ‘restoration through recreation’ a whole new meaning and depth.

Remember to take 2021 one day at a time. More than this we do not know, but for today, we will bless the Name of the Lord.

-Rehgert van Zyl is the Founder & Director of Aleph Surf International