Letters from the Other Side

11.3 Adventures of a Media Missionary - Part 3: Return of the Jedi

Newsletter 3 – The people

8 August – 30 October 2017

Dear friends 

People are God's gift to us. What made the three months at film school so wonderful was the people! My lecturers and classmates became God's treasure chest, each with something unique, beautiful and rich to refresh and edify our souls. 

My friend, do not think you are only a "small person" and your life is "ordinary". Your life is God's gift to the world. Your soul is God's treasure chest from which He distributes gifts to others. 

As Jesus used stories to teach great truths, so our dear, heavenly Father illustrates His principles through people's very lives and characters. I learned something invaluable from each person I met, as God showed me the diamond, ruby, emerald or pearl deeply hidden behind every face. 

Part 1. "The Teachers"

From our director I learned the valuable lesson of thinking laterally and out of the box. She also taught us to change our construct from "box" to "bubbles" and encouraged us to be bubble bursters. You can return to an old box but never to a burst bubble.

Another very important lesson I learned from her is to stop "disengaging". If you are misunderstood or wrongfully judged, stay engaged in the relationship and give the people a chance to understand you better. In time they will see their mistake. Don't disengage.

Director Leia's gift and her treasure chest gem is: "Graceful Leadership"

Finally I got to meet Eunice, after being introduced and chatting to her on WhatsApp. I saw great humility in her. As an older woman, in her forties, she modelled humility and toughness to the students. She was a very hard worker. And she was very warm-hearted and hospitable and took me out a couple of times to encourage me when things got too lively in the student house.

Eunice's gift and treasure chest gem is: "Unassuming but Tough Leadership".

Wynton, our house father at YWAM Royal House, was my friend and support. As a man in his thirties, he understood my challenges. He made me laugh deep, belly laughs and he accompanied me many times, walking with me, to the Base. He was the epitome of a sympathetic ear, which I truly appreciated.

Wynton's gift and treasure chest gem is: "Leadership with Unlimited Acceptance of people".

From Ahsoka Zaziwe I learned how sassy and strong female church leaders can be. She is really a women's champion and her gift and treasure chest gem is: "Fierce, Feisty, Female Leadership".

I'll never forget the day my computer crashed and I cried on Laura's shoulder. She was so kind and reassuring. From Laura I learned much more than "Final Cut Pro" editing skills. Laura's gift and her treasure chest gem is: "Friendship Leadership". She was truly a friend to us all and we all adored her.

Mace Windu was our House Father from September to October 2017. We were both fellow sufferers of allergies and would sympathise over our antihistamines. From Mace Windu I received another shoulder to cry on when I felt overwhelmed. He was a very patient listener and willing helper.