This past Sunday we had the opportunity to go to Hillsong Church here in South Africa. As we met new people and shared in their fellowship, so many things jumped out at me. First and foremost, their love for God and, by extension, love for each other was so very evident. They worshipped with joy and energy, delighting in their salvation in such a refreshingly real way. 
At one point, some students got up and shared their testimonies from summer camp, and to see how the community rallied around them and celebrated their stories was so special. When the sermon was preached, the energy from the congregation toward the message was one of an intense desire to learn and apply, not just sit in a church service to fulfil their weekly obligation. It was both inspiring and convicting, as I’ve so often come to church without a desire to hear from God, but to perform a responsibility to Him.
What’s more, the congregation welcomed us with such enthusiasm, people they had never met before, people from an entirely different continent. But they recognized, as I hope I do throughout the rest of the trip, that though we don’t share the same culture, homeland, or earthly family, that we share the same Heavenly Father, and are all one in Christ. After church, we got to go
to lunch with a bunch of youth and their leaders, and that was just as enjoyable. Hearing their stories and how God is working in their lives was so encouraging, and we’ll be continually in prayer for them through the rest of our trip. Overall, I’m so thankful for the beginning of our trip. It’s served as a tone setter for the rest of our time, reminding us of our purpose, our joy, and the love we have for God and each other.
– Gabe Rivera | South Africa Team 1