Metamorpho

I started my year in Metamorpho with my only intention being to get away from studies for a year. Ironically, I learned more than I could have imagined. Meta gave me the tools to build a better relationship with Jesus, my community and myself. The worst of times were the best learning experiences and I remember them fondly now. The best testimony I can give is how I live my life now through the hardships that come with it. I thank God every day for the experience that is Metamorpho.

Grew up in the Netherlands, dad is Dutch & mom South African. Mom got cancer so we moved in 2012 to South Africa, to give her side of the family also the opportunity to say their goodbyes. She died in July 2012. I felt rejected, I felt angry, alone, as if my trust was broken. And I knew the Lord, my parents did have a really good relationship with Him, but I wasn’t really interested. Things didn’t make sense. Everything around me was new, the school, language, people, even my South African side of the family. In a way I did feel really alone. Year after my mom died, my dad also was diagnosed with cancer – but he went for treatment and is perfect now! It did leave a big wound and obvious questions. Went through high school, did make some good friends. In matric, a friend introduced me to Meta. Wanted rather to go study, because everyone I knew started University, but all my paths lead to Meta. The first few months were quite emotional, those things that bothered me and which I again and again ignored – came up and my coach walked all the way with me! After a few months, I forgave the Lord – because I understood his heart for his people – and chose Him because He is a good father! And until today, I will choose Him over and over again. Do I miss my mom? Yes, always will! Do I still feel anxious for people to leave, for rejection? Yes, sometimes. Only difference is, I know my truth, God’s truth.

Metamorpho was definitely the best year of my life. It has changed me in more ways than which I can even start to explain. Metamorpho not only allowed me to work through my past, but I has also allowed me to become the person God intended for me to be. Metamorpho allowed me to see the world from Kingdom prospective and not just a worldly one. I have learned to love people deeply as Christ loves us, no matter their faults. Metamorpho not only helped me to discover my true identity in Christ, they also helped me to see the calling Abba Father has in store for me. Metamorpho changed my life forever in every aspect, spiritual, mentally, emotionally and physically.

Metamorpho was amazing for me, one of the camps that really influenced me was Gung Ho, I remember that there was one obstacle where we need to climb over logs. A few times I fell off the obstacle and then climb back on it was like 4 times. Eventually my change room said I can leave it, but I said no I want to finish it. I remember the 5th time I got back up and finished it. After Gung Ho we was asked to affirm each other with a word that they saw marked us during that camp and most people said I have endurance. Endurance since that was my thing to lose 34kg from 2017/18. After graduating Seminary I had the privilege to attend Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, I remember that during Meta I learned a lot about the commune living circumstances. At BSSM I had the same experience with commune living as well. God used meta commune living to prepare me for my BSSM experience in regarding with the commune living. Mostly how to confront people, but also how to keep peace and honour in the house.