A Joshua & Caleb Spirit

Blog written by Ray Haakonsen, Oceans Ministries South Africa Ambassador:

Continuing on from last week’s blog regarding current events in South Africa and the vision of Oceans Ministries, particularly with regard the newly acquired Retreat Center, my heart feels pulled strongly by the Holy Spirit toward the story of the 12 spies in Numbers 13:1-33. I encourage you to read it for yourself. 

Moses sent out 12 spies, the chieftains, representing the tribes of Israel, with this paraphrased mandate….’go search this land, see what and who is in it and if it would be a good place to live.’ The 12 journeyed off and after 40 days of fulfilling the requirements of Moses came to report what they’d found.

“They” it seems represents 10 of the spies. There is only one reference to anything good about the land and the rest of the report chronicled why they should not try to take it, these words came as a powerful visual stating they were like “Grasshoppers in the sight of the enemy (giants), in the land”…hardly encouraging.

But two of the spies, Caleb and Joshua, implored Moses to go ahead and encourage the people of Israel to take the land of Canaan. And Caleb believing and stating they were more than able to conquer the giants.

In South Africa (and all of Africa for that matter) their are many voices, which seem to be in the majority, as with the spies from Moses day, they acknowledge Africa is a land filled with “milk and honey,” but there are “giants” that seem unconquerable! However with the power of prayer, I join Oceans Ministries as together we prophetically move forward in obedience with the Oceans Retreat Center. Humbly we come with a Joshua and Caleb spirit, relying on the strength of our Father and placing our confidence in Him. 

Our Father has called us to be a blessing to the nations, bringing light into the darkness. Africa is referred to as the “Dark continent,” but as with Joshua and Caleb, we desire to be obedient to Abba Father. The book of Joshua is an account of how a leader’s obedience to God resulted in divine help in the face of overwhelming odds. Truly an amazing story! 

In the same way, as negative reports are made about South Africa and Africa, Oceans Ministries will choose to come in the name of Christ with the following mandate;

“To make the love of the Father known to physical and spiritual orphans around the world.”

In a world full of people who’s pain, suffering, and loss has made it difficult for them to accept the idea of God as a loving Father, Oceans Ministries exists to help people overcome their brokenness and renew their relationship with their heavenly Father.

This we believe is needed in South Africa, Africa and beyond and its our calling to be involved in this through Oceans Retreat Center, starting in Cape Town and spreading through the continent and around the world.

So we come, not as grasshoppers who fear giants. But with the hearts of Joshua’s and Caleb’s, with a mantel of courage and strength in Jesus Christ, the One who has conquered the grave. 

We thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support on this journey of trust.