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Visitors' comments Comments by some of the students that attended Impact Training Spring 2008 that where asked about what they might like to say to the next group of students.
Expectations and attitude coming into the program will dictate what you get out of the program. If you are looking for a vacation, go to Hawaii or Mexico. This trip will stretch you in all the right places. If you come with a willing heart and positive attitude, seeking to learn more about God - this trip will transform you. Matt.
... I guess I would just encourage them to really take advantage of the time they have in isolation from their normal daily routine. I would encourage them to rarely use the internet take it as a time to really listen to what God might be trying to say to them when the distractions are down. I would also encourage them to try to really branch out to people they would not usually hang out with. Not to get too comfortable only hanging out with a few people but to really spend quality time with everyone. And lastly I would really encourage them to just pray over the relationships they have with other members of the boat. If they have a problem with someone else to just bring the problem before God and listening to how he wants that person to address it. Nate.
As for comments about the impact training, I would say to anyone coming in to approach the trip with an open mind because that is when you truly learn the most. And whatever you do not take it for granted because whether you realize it or not at the time the sailing trip will truly be one of the best and most memorable times of your life. It might be helpful to polish up your muscular frame a tad before hopping aboard because hoisting sails or pulling sheets can be a bit rigorous at times, especially in high winds. The trip was so beneficial for me for several reasons. Being on the boat had some obvious benefits such as learning how to sail which is something you’ll get hooked on very quick. The kind of environment you’re in, sailing the aqua blue waters of Greece and kicking it with a bunch of people in a learning environment, is absolutely spectacular. The food is spectacular as well so bring a big appetite, I did. Being on the boat also helped me to mature in many ways and many of those ways I am still discovering even now. There is something about being far away from anything you’ve ever known that opens up your mind and moves you forward in life. I’ve realized that the trip prepared me for life on my own and not just life on my own but a life where I have learned to enjoy the more simple, beautiful aspects of living and not depend so much on material things to make me happy. It has taught me to appreciate just sitting with a cup of coffee or tea enjoying the company of another individual. Or having the ability to stare at a view of beauty and let my mind wander. It has taught me to take less enjoyment in TV, and computer, and other technologies and allowed me to rather pursue many of my interests that would have been otherwise distracted. And most of all there is nothing like a strong ocean wind propelling your sailboat through the stunning, island-dotted, waters of Greece. Don’t worry about bringing any ipods or cell phones, they don’t belong in the beautiful places you’ll be. Peace, Dan P
I miss you two so much! It seems like almost everyday I think about Greece and the impact it has made in my life. I personally did not get much out of the lectures compared to what the people taught me. Something unique about this trip that has made it totally different then any other trip I have been on is the fact that you are living in close quarters with others. So, for me, this was the most challenging thing that I had I on this trip. There were awesome times and not so awesome times. But my trust in the Lord grew so much on this trip. There were relationships on this boat that will last me a lifetime and that is something that I can cherish forever. I am so grateful for that. I also got over a lot of fears on this trip. I think the biggest one was the fear of the future. Let me explain. Before I went on this trip, I felt like I had to live a certain way and be a certain person in order to be successful. But this trip has made me realize that I am free in the Lord. I need to trust Him on what to do with my life. I don't have to stay here in America and work to gain worldly things, because that will never make me happy. I will never find peace and joy in that. However, when I start trusting the Lord with all of my heart knowing that He has me in His hand, I don't need to fear the future or what could happen to me. If that makes sense... haha i am having trouble trying to put this in words... My plan is to come back asap whenever I can raise enough money. I would love to work with you guys in anyway that is needed to further the Lord's kingdom through this ministry. Please let me know of any prayer needs . Jamie.
As for commenting on my experience I don't know where to begin. I hear a lot of people say what a challenge it is (mostly physically speaking) and what I found is the biggest challenge for me was spiritually. We all come from such a loud world and when you're out in nature, working hard and with the daily fellowship you truly see what life is about and what you've been craving spiritually. All the speakers I felt were a great plus to the program but the ones that impacted me most were you and Sandra. Greece changed me in the sense that I am doing different things with my life because of it. It is a daily remembrance for me on both the challenging and relaxing times I had. One thing I don't have at home that I had there was the Christian fellowship and daily encouragement. That was one of the best things on the trip and a very needed and helpful one at that. All in all, I loved it! Abigail.
Aboard the Genevieve Challenge was one of the best experiences of my whole life! I gained a whole new understanding of what my relationship with Jesus Christ looks like. Through the help of the speakers and crew men and women I furthered my knowledge of the Bible, especially the Pauline Letters. To get the most out of your time in Greece you must open up to new ideas and new experiences. If you do not you are cheating yourself and your fellow crewmen and women, and you may very well leave regretting your once-in-a-lifetime opportunities you missed. Some of my fondest memories are ones when I was able to discuss my faith and various issues in my life with the speakers, Theo, other crew and students. You need to also learn how to live with complete strangers for 6 weeks, but don’t worry after a few days you already start to feel like family! You will leave Greece with no regrets if you just try new things and accept the challenges. There is something magnificent about conquering your fears and doubts with other people! Last but surely not least, do not flush toilet paper down the toilets (especially for the guys) and pump multiple times (you will know what I mean when you get there) - cleaning that ‘stuff’ up is not fun ;). Andrew.
It is difficult to put Impact Training 2008 into a paragraph; there is much that comes to mind when I think back on the experience and complicated to know what part of those memories could be attained by the new crew members other than just experiencing the program. I would encourage them that Impact Training is a terrific crash course on community living which has the usual potential of being a dangerous experience, though, my personal experience is one where the constant discussion and proximity was an opportunity to build relationships that, although inescapably distant when returning to our separate corners of North America, held a holistic, daily level of cooperation and friends-as-family relationships that I won't easily forget. Add that to dolphins jumping only feet below you while your attempting a comfortable position on the netting of the bowsprit or anchoring bottom bunk to Poseidon's temple, and its easy to empathize with me that this experience has not been described to my friends here at home with a large degree of success (other than through the much subtler ways in which the not so geographical results of Impact Training have stuck with me). Impact Training has many disciplines and revelations compacted within the itinerary, it requires some active learning that is unquestionably worth the effort. Greg.
---------------- comments from some guests on Greek Sailaways 2007
It was one of the best holidays I have had. Thank you for creating the perfect facilities for a relaxing and enjoyable summer. Merry Christmas and may God bless you and your work onboard G. Challence. -Ulrik (Denmark)
...the meals where great - many thanks to Sandra - alltogether I enjoyed the time with you and on the boat very much.. - Rainer (Germany) --------------- I'd like to point out that the food was delicious! ---------------
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Yah, I miss you guys. Sorry for my first e-mail, I got pulled away and it ended up sending itself. -T (USA)
--------------- Overall, I loved my experience. The food was amazing, the culture was fun to explore, I was challenged in my faith and encouraged and learned a little about sailing. Thank you for the opportunity. I have suggested it to many people. So maybe you will see me and my friends again. --------------- As I sit here in my apartment in the cold state of Minnesota, I wish I was still in Greece sailing the seas and growing in Christ. I spent the last school year at the Bible school in Germany called Bodenseehof. There I learned a lot and made some amazing friendships. I then headed to Greece to be a volunteer on the Genevieve Challenge and then to be a guest. As I look back on it today, that was were I grew the most spiritually. I wouldn't have thought that when I was on the boat but now I know I did. I had a blast on the boat, learning how to sail, relaxing in the hot Greek sun, and just having time to soak in Gods creation and hear him speak to me. On of the most memorable times I had on the trip was probably renting a buggy and going mudding on Skopelos Island. It was a rainy day and my cousin and I didn't want the weather to bring us down. So we rented a buggy and just went wild with it. We went all over the Island getting soaked with water and mud. -Johnathan (USA) --------------- Dear Sandra, dear Theo, before I'll leave my office to start my weekend I finally want to drop you a quick note and to tell you: the time together with you on Genevieve Challenge was one of my most beautiful vacations. I think about it very often and I'm so thankful to God that I got to enjoy a vacation like this. Back in my every day life it's a spring of joy and strength to recall the colors, the waves, the sun, the wind, the sounds ... the beauty of god's creation. -Lydia (Germany) --------------- |
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