Categories
Outtatown South Africa

Remembering Rodney

Outtatown is built on relationships. As we travel around the world, it is our partners in the countries we visit that help make it safe for our students to learn and grow.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Rodney Dreyer, one of our long-time partners in South Africa. After suffering a stroke 10 days ago, Rodney passed away on Sunday morning.

Outtatown started travelling to South Africa in 2003, and Rodney played a significant role from the start, serving as one of two country guides. Rodney worked as a country advisor on matters relating to culture, history, safety, and local customs. He helped shape where we go and what we do.

Over the years, Rodney has continued to play a significant role. Most recently, Rodney was active in developing a program for our students while they are in the Cape region. This included overseeing the catering for our students while they are in the Simon’s Town region, as well as playing the role of partner in Strandfonein.

While in Strandfontein, Rodney made it his goal to give Outtatown students the best experience that would give them a well-rounded understanding of life for South Africans in the coloured community.

He would connect each student with a family to stay with for the week, and create opportunities for the students to serve alongside local organizations. Rodney also took time to share his passion for peace and conflict studies with our students in the form of classes and practical learning.

Rodney was an active member of Strandfontein Methodist Church, where he served as preacher, worship leader, choir director, prayer coordinator, and organist. He was passionate about creating education and work opportunities for youth and young adults, as well as working in the area of conflict resolution. Rodney always made people feel connected and at home.

It was an incredible privilege for Outtatown students and leaders to experience Rodney’s passion and heart for God, as well as the joy he displayed while telling stories of hope and reconciliation. We will miss him.

Please keep his wife Joyce, their family, and his community in your prayers.

Rodney.Paul
Categories
Guatemala Outtatown South Africa

Check Out The New Site Videos!

Take a look at our sites end of year videos, these are snapshots of their year, from Canada to Guatemala or South Africa!

Site 1 – Guatemala

Site 2 – South Africa

Categories
Guatemala Outtatown Updates

Site 1 Fall 2012 video

All our groups have some great new blog updates, check them out to hear how God has been moving in the students lives.  

Here's a link to a video one of Site 1 showing the first semester experience:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4CbxoIxcq0  

Categories
Outtatown South Africa Updates

Special visit with Archbishop Desmund Tutu!

Click here to read more about Outtatown's privileged opportunity to visit with Nobel Peace Prize recipient Archbishop Desmond Tutu! This was truly an honour to meet with the man who is widely respected across the world as "the moral conscience of South Africa".

Categories
Outtatown Updates

The Adventure Begins!

Outtatown's fall semester officially kicked off this past Sunday Sept. 11th.  We are grateful to God for a great group of leaders and students – Outtatown's largest student group ever at 106! 

Current student photos and links to each site's blog are coming soon!

Outtatown staff and students 2011-2012