Hangin' with the Western Province Premier

Helen Zille and I were the recent guests on the recent 2 Oceans Vibe TV. Check it out below if you have a few minutes to watch. It was great fun!

https://www.2oceansvibe.com/2009/11/12/helen-zille-as-weathergirl-in-this-weeks-2oceansvibe-show/#comment-12455

DVD

Garmin and sailing the 2 oceans!

Cape Town as our back-drop.

Planning our route for the evening race.

Looking towards the bow of the boat.

The competition is fierce, but friendly at the end of the day!

My friend Ken Ven and I.

Hi everyone! Some fun updates on my side...Garmin has kindly brought me on board as an ambassador for their products. A couple of exciting things in the pipeline. One being the the new featured voice of their Garmin Navigational devices, and two racing with one of their sailing teams. Below you will find a few pictures of our latest Wednesday night Royal Cape Yacht Club Twilight Series races.

This stuff is in my blood!!! I LOVE SAILING! I dabbled in it on Lake Michigan while living in the United States, but this ocean racing is completely different. There's nothing quite like the howl of the Cape Doctor (Strong/Gale force Southeasterly winds in the Cape) puffing at your sails and having everyone leaning outside the lifelines to balance the 43' boat from heeling over too far! It's all about maximize the speed of the boat! Luckily, WindPower (the name of the 43' Landmark sailboat Skippered by Phil Gutsche of Coca-Cola) and its crew continue to shine in our performance with all first place finishes this Spring Season.

Thailand '09

I was lucky enough to travel to the Far East for my first time. I went with Kenya Airways and the Thailand tourism board to this beautiful country. What an amazing adventure. Simply stunning to say the least. The travels brought me to Myanmar, Lous, and Thailand. I learned a lot about the Buddist religion, saw many temples and waterfalls, snorkled in pristine coral, laid on the beaches and went to a coffee plantation. I was even able to see my own version of "Cheeseburger in Paradise" (see below)!

Unfortunately, as luck would have it, I was stung by a massive jelly fish at the end of the trip. That put things into perspective quite quickly. Let's just say I had a "date with destiny!"

Keep well everyone~!

Prague and Vienna

My best childhood friend and I decided we would escape from the real world for a while and go travel through Eastern Europe. Here are a few photos from our Journey. I wish I had enough time to elaborate on each photo. There are so many stories to tell. It ended up being a real educational trip with my friend as we went to several museums, climbed old castle ruins, went to the Leopold Museum, attended a Bach/Vivaldi/Beethoven ensemble inside an old cathedral, went to Dr. Sigmund Freud's house and saw where he practiced and wrote his novel "The Interpretation of Dreams."

So as you can see, it was a unique experience to say the least. Mostly, it was just great spending time with my friend. We can not see each other for ages, and pick right back up where we left off the last time we saw each other; no matter where we are in the world. Now thats a true friendship.

Go well everyone.

Derek

I am blessed...

Hi Everyone,

What a long time its been since I updated my Blog. Here I am trying to reason with myself that I would have the time to look after this thing, and what happens? Life runs away from me.

Things are great here in Africa. Still loving every moment of it. I have been doing some traveling. Firstly, here are a few pictures of what I've been up to...then maybe some words to go along with the pictures.


(Rainbow over the place I stay-I live in the house on the right, just where the rainbow ends)

(My Lovely Girlfriend)

(Chimpanzee Santuary in South Africa)

(Waterfalls all around)

(First Cricket Match-Presidential Sweet too)

(Lots of Surfing-Yzerfontein)

(Fishing boats in Paternoster)

(Renting a house boat up the West Coast of South Africa)

(Watching Cape Town nearly burn from veld-fires)

(Having Sushi Night at my house)

(Finding Secluded Beaches)

It's always nice to find a "home away from home" but this place surely does it for me. Africa is in my blood. Its intertwined into my heart and soul. I will forever have a special place for this continent in my life. I carry with it the treasures of its cultures and its people.

Recently I was fortunate enough to witness this countries only 4th democratic elections. Here is a picture of Nelson Mandela casting only his 4th free vote of his life. What a neat moment.


(Nelson Mandela casting his vote)

I have so many experiences I want to share, but I just can't fit them all on this site. Some are videos and some are audio clips...but as you know, the internet is very slow down here and getting that information onto this site is nearly impossible. Sometime's this is discouraging as I want to share everything with everyone. Just know, that I am happy and that I am doing well.

Off to Johannesburg in the morning. Then flying to Prague and Vienna the 2nd week of May. Back to Swaziland to meet the new New Covenant team in July. Then its off to Berlin (Work) and Greece (leisure). Kilimanjaro is happening this September. And I would like to come home to the States for a while too. So many things, so little time.

Much love everyone. I hope you too are living your life to the fullest, no matter what obstacles life throws at you.

Derek Van Dam
derekinafrica@gmail.com

Pick n' Pay Cape Argus 2009 Bicycle Tour

Climbing Chapman's Peak. People got injured here as the wind nearly ripped them


At the Top of Chapman's Peak. 25 km to go!


Matt Damon rode in the same group as me!

These are a few of the pictures of what the Cape Times and The Cape Argus headlined their news papers as "The Hardest Cape Argus Cycle Tour Ever" and "The Cape of Storms." The wind gusted between 65 kn/h and 75 km/h officially. It was one of the hardest races that I have ever been a part of....but what an amazing experience. I conquered the race in 5 hours 4 minutes and 57 seconds. It was 110 km and started in the City Center of Cape Town and toured around the Western Cape Peninsula A.K.A.- The Cape of Storms.



The cyclists repeatedly where getting knocked onto the ground from the prevailing winds.



A back-up of racers thanks to the wind.


Very intimidating to watch before I was about to jump onto a bike and do it myself.


What an experience!


Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers as well as your support for the Compassionate Life Foundation. Together, we have nearly raised R30, 000 so far

WWF Earth Hour 2009 Commercial

This is a commercial flighting in Africa about a WWF (World Wide Fund/World Wildlife Foundation) campaign. It is called Earth Hour 2009. High profile people from around the world are committing themselves to shutting off their lights for 1 hour on Saturday March 28th from 20h30-21h30, in hopes of 1 billion people world-wide doing the same thing. The objective is not to necessarily save energy for that particular time, but it is focused on raising awareness for Global Climate Change. Specifically , it is directed towards the world leaders who will be meeting in Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place on December 7th-18th.

I signed a billboard along with Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu, Bryan Urbana (SA Rugby Captain), The Parlotones (Popular SA Rock Band), and others from around the country. It will be presented during to the world leaders at the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.

I will be saving the world on March 28th, what will you be doing?

-Derek Van Dam-

Touch Screen Weather Bulletins in Africa!

After months of development and testing the touch-screen interface for our 103" Plasma television was launched last night during my PrimeTime Weather Bulletin in Africa. This is a one of a kind system that features some of the latest technology available in Weather Broadcasting. I am happy to have been a part of its development.

A job well done to my weather staff @ e.tv and e.news, the software developers in Berlin, Germany (MeteoGraphics) and the "U-Touch" team in London. A collaborative effort to make a dream come to reality.

Thank You.

Derek Van Dam
Chief Meteorologist/H.O.D. Weather
e.tv/e.news Channel
Cape Town, South Africa

Cycling for Charity

Hello Family and Friends! I have been given a unique opportunity to help support the Compassionate Life Foundation/El Shaddai Ministries as well as the Race4Change organization. I will be taking part in the largest cycle race in Africa called The Cape Argus. It takes place on the morning of March 8th, 2009 and 35,000 cyclists will be participating, including myself.



I have been busy training for this event for the past several months and I need your help to finish it through to the end! 20% of the donations goes to the Race4Change fund, while 80% goes to a charity of my choice. Since I sit on the board of directors for the Compassionate Life Foundation, that is where I designate the money.



Below you will find a web link that shows you a list of "Ambassadors" for the Pick n' Pay Race4Change. (Pick n' Pay is a large grocery chain in South Africa that is sponsoring me for the event). If you scroll to the 2nd ambassador, you will find a picture of me and a small quote as to why I am participating.

https://www.race4change.co.za/pages/celebs.aspx

To all my Family and Friends in the United States...To make the conversion from Dollars to Rand (the South African Currency), here is a trustworthy website that will give you an up-to-date exchage rate for the two currencies, as you will only be able to donate in Rand:

http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Your dontations will help support the El Shaddai Ministries/Orphanage in Swaziland, Africa. Here is a list of the needs that will can be fulfiled with your support:

School sponsorship for community students
Food for school students (other than HFA sponsored children)
Seed for ES and community planting
The “face” of El Shaddai and fiscal agent in the United States Extended education for students (field trips, which are not covered by other sponsorships),
funds for middle/high school,
vocational / college Fund raising for expansion plans- ES2 near community high school;
High School House in South Africa

Special projects :
School sponsorship for 40 children in Manzini (largest city)
With New Covenant Church, providing pastor’s housing at new church Extensive, rapidly growing tutoring program, located at church (safe place for kids, only way for them to get extra academic help)
Food for kids in tutoring program to take home Nurse in Manzini
Wells (clean water)

I hold the people of Africa very close to my heart. Being a part of Compassionate Life Foundation has allowed me to help others in need. Won't you? Any Questions, please don't hesitate to write me at derekinafrica@gmail.com. Keep Well Everyone and thanks for taking the time to read this. Derek Van Dam

New Years in Plettenberg Bay, South Coast of Africa

Hello all, these are just a few pictures from my latest holiday in South Africa. I spent New Years with my girlfriend and her family. It was lovely. Bye for now!

D.V.D.

Home for the Holidays

Coming home to the United States for Christmas was both enlightening and confusing. I think it "re-charged" my batteries to give another go in South Africa, while still reminding me that Home is where the Heart is. Seeing family and friends was like a wrinkle in time for me. I have been gone for nearly 10 months, and yet everything seemed like it stood still while I was gone. Even though everyone carried on with their lives..people made great strides in careers, many friends gave birth to their new little ones, and some people grew apart. It still seemed like Home was home, and I will never forget the smells, tastes and feels of CHRISTmas in Michigan.

I was wishing for a "White Christmas" and I think I got a little more than what I had bargained. How beautiful though! The snowstorms kept coming and coming, and coming! There is truly no better feeling than being completely snowed in. Although, sometimes it does interfere with your plans...especially when it takes you 1 hour and 45 minutes to come home from the mall for last minute Christmas shopping. ;-)

Anyway, as wierd as it sounds...One thing I looked forward to the most was my parents pellat stove that they use to keep the downstairs of our house warm. It makes the most relaxing noise, and keeps you nice and toasty during the cold winter months. I curled up in front of that thing, and took naps like it was my greatest concern during my time home. How lovely.

Of course, I was able to see family and friends. In fact, I beleive that this trip was more succesful than I thought it would ever be. I literally got to see most, if not all, of my extended family (at least on the Rodenhouse side). It was the best. I loved being able to see my last remaining Grandmother. She is so special to me and I think and pray for her often.

I also was able to see many of my best friends. This blog post is a little tribute to the people I saw while I was home. Each visit was so special to me. And for the people I didnt get to see while I was in the states...I will make good on it the next time I am in the States.

My father and I where able to do some serious bonding together. We went, snow-shoeing as well as skiing and snowboarding together. Of couse, he was on skis and I was on a snowboard. It was fantastic. The snow was so deep that my brother's dog could barely make it through the snow! he had to jump from each snow-shoe track that my father and I had laid. How funny! My father hadnt skied since the last time we where in Colorado at Winter Park. He mentioned how great it was to pick up the sport again. He says he wants to continue with outdoor winter sporst. Especially in Michigan, where there is an abundance of natural beauty to be seen. I hope he keeps up with it.

Another highlight of being home for the holidays was meeting my new baby nephew for the first time. Baby Ethan, or "baby-E" for short. He is the new pride and joy of my brother and sister-in-law. What a lovely Child. The first picture is of me meeting him for the first time. Needless to say, we had a couple of things to say to eachother. He's got a full head of brown/black hair just like I did when I was born. I can't wait to see him again!

I was fortunate to catch up with a man that I care for so much. I say "catch-up" quite literally becuase this is the busiest Catholic Priest I know. Bob Deland and I where able to spend an evening talking about the many experiences we've had lately. The last time I had seen him was when he visited me in Cape Town. We where fortunate enough to travel through Europe and some of Northern Africa together before I moved to SA. He's a cool man and has a huge heart for the missions...in fact, get this...he brought and organized nearly 30 people from his Parish in Bay City, Michigan to come to the middle of Zambia, Africa to do missions work. This was about 5 months ago. A boy asked him "Father, won't you come back and baptise me?" Now, it's no easy task to get to the middle of Africa...but he is making good on his promise and will be traveling there in the begining of February to baptise this boy. I think thats one heck of a story! there is a real movement in this world to do good, and its spreading! Well done Bob. Thanks for leading by example!

None-the-less, leaving home and traveling back to Africa was rather difficult. I didn't think my mother was going to let me leave. I'm also not much of a cryer, but there where certainly tears on my cheeks as I stepped away from my family in the Grand Rapids airport. It was no easy task. One of the pictures posted was from the last moments with my family. Words can't really describe how much I love them. They are so very supportive of me. And that means all the world to me. Thank you, if any of you are reading this. I coudn't do this without your blessing.

So now its back to the "real life" back in South Africa. Whatever that is. It's summer here and the beaches are packed. I can see the beach perfectly from my house, and I can tell if the waves are rideable. This weekend there is a good swell and an offshore wind, so I think I will go surfing. Keep well everyone. I promise to be more faithful with my blog postings. I know I've been slacking.

Derek Van Dam

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro

Dear Family and Friends,

It brings me great joy to inform you of my next mission to serve the people of Swaziland, Africa. I am partnering with Kenya Airways to climb the tallest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro.

I am in the early stages of developing a fundraising opportunity named “On the Road to Swaziland: One Man’s Mission to Serve.” All donations will directly impact the Widows and Orphans of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Swaziland through our U.S. based non-profit, The Compassionate Life Foundation. Donation possibilities are as follows:

Gold Level: $1 USD (10 ZAR)/meter of altitude climbed

Silver Level: 50 cents (5 ZAR)/meter of altitude climbed

Bronze Level: 10 cents (1 ZAR)/meter climbed

(Of course, all donations will be accepted. However, these giving levels will be rewarded with some sort of commemorative distinction. )

Because of the processes involved to get something of this magnitude started, I ask for your thoughts and prayers as I undertake this massive effort. I have already began my training for this climb and have also approached South African Companies for their support.

All donations will be presented at our 1st Annual "Sanctuary For Swaziland" fundraising dinner on September 19th, 2009. This particular event will take place in Michigan in the United States. More information will be provided in the near future.

This message is to get you excited about the real possibility of making a difference in this world. Join me, once again in our fight against Poverty and Disease in Africa!

Thank you and God Bless You!

Derek T. Van Dam

Kenya and Mozambique

Best Newcomer to South Africa

YOU Spectacular Awards Ceremony from 3 September 2008.

Certified Broadcast Meteorologist

http://www.ametsoc.org/memdir/seallist/get_listofcbm.cfm
http://www.bizcommunity.com/Snippet/196/66/8774.html

Derek Van Dam Earns New AMS
Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Designation

Derek van Dam of eNews Channel (South Africa) has earned the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation, a professional recognition of the quality of his weather broadcasts. Derek is the first broadcast meteorologist in South Africa to earn the new designation. Among radio and television meteorologists, the CBM designation is sought as a mark of distinction and recognition.

The AMS grants the CBM designation to broadcast meteorologists who meet established criteria for scientific competence and effective communication skills in their weather presentations. The CBM is a new program, launched in January 2005 as an upgrade to the Society’s Seal of Approval program.

“The Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation clearly recognizes that the holders have the educational background and have been tested in their knowledge and communication of the sciences needed to be an effective broadcast meteorologist,” said AMS Executive Director Keith Seitter. “The general public can have added confidence in the quality and reliability of weather presentations made by broadcast meteorologists approved by the Society.”

Derek Van Dam studied at Central Michigan University and graduated with a B.S. in Meteorology and Broadcast and Cinematic Arts as well as a minor in Mathematics. Derek was one of the first person’s to graduate from CMU’s newly accredited Meteorology program. Even before finishing his studies, Derek was asked to present his broadcasting skills as the weekend Meteorologist for WEYI in Michigan. After graduating he was promoted to the M-F morning meteorologist position where he worked to perfect his skills. After spending 3 ½ years at WEYI, Derek’s Philanthropic interests brought him to Africa, where he now resides and is the Head of Weather/Chief Meteorologist for an International 24-hour news and Weather Channel that covers the Continent. Derek was recently voted by local South African’s as the Countries Best Newcomer. Derek’s interests include Philanthropy, soccer, rock-climbing and guitar.

To earn the CBM, broadcasters must hold a degree in meteorology or equivalent from an accredited college or university, pass a rigorous written examination, and have their on-air work reviewed to assess technical competence, informational value, explanatory value, and communication skills.

In addition to the initial educational and test requirements, CBMs have to earn professional development points in order to maintain their certification. These points can be earned by attending scientific seminars or meetings and similar activities.

The AMS is the nation’s largest professional society for those in the atmospheric and related sciences. The Society, founded in 1919, has more than 11,000 members around the world.

For more information on the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) Program, go to http://www.ametsoc.org/amscert/index.html

New Weather Commercial

Returning to my Mission

These are just a few of my pictures from my latest mission trip to Swaziland. My major task was to create another documentary for Compassionate Life Foundation. The plan was to use the documentary as a video example to current and prospective donors to show the positive effect our work has had on the area. As fate may have it, the video will be delayed for a while as the footage and camera was stolen from my suitcase in the Johannesburg International Airport. That's another story in itself. All I have to say is that the devil is a strong force that seems to work hard to keep good people from succeeding.

On another note...it was still a very successful trip. I was able to see how the children have grown up so healthy because of our contributions. In fact, one little girl in particular really sticks out. Her name is Maria and I met her last time. This time she was so much bigger and entirely healthy! Praise God for the amazing miracles he can perform. What a blessing she is. Here is a before and after picture:


I was able to spend time with some of the donors children. This relationship building is vital is our development in Swaziland. They need to be assured that we are here to stay and that we will never abandon them. I think this brings great comfort in the children. They light up when they see you. It is so beautiful.

We had a birthday party for all the Children that celebrated birthday's within the past month. It was also Busisiwe's 51st birthday, so we celebrated that as well. It was held in the church building that the New Covenant Free Methodist Church funded to build. Our July 2007 team was able to finish the building, and it still looks as fantastic as the day we completed it.


As part of our documentary, I was able to meet and interview a woman who had contracted the HIV virus recently. She was very ill. It was an honour to talk face-to-face with a local Swazi to get their side of the story. She commented on how difficult it was to get tested. The social pressures of not knowing if your HIV positive are high. It's almost a "sweep it under the rug" mentality. She made it clear that she regretted not getting tested earlier, and she recommended all to get tested before it was too late. Words of warning from a woman who has lived it first hand. What an eye-opening experience.



Just one look at how the average Swazi lives and you can see how much need their is for your help.



Well thats all from me for now. May God Bless you and Keep you, and shine his light upon your face.

Sincerely,

Derek T. Van Dam

Back in Swaziland!

Oh how I miss you all so much. I just wanted to update you on whats going on lately. I am in Swaziland at the moment and spending time at the orphanage. I am creating a video for our Compassionate Life Foundation. We visited our new property for the 2nd orphanage that we are opening in Africa yesterday. I also had a one-on-one interview with a woman that is struggling with HIV and TB. It was very eye opening to see whats happening and to see how Swazi's really live. I am going back to the Church we established just now. We will do some more filming and spending time with the children and orphans of this fantastic kingdom. It is very dry here. They really need rain as fires continue to run rampant through out the region. Will update you more when I get home. Love and miss you all!

Derek

Visitors Galore :-)

I have been lucky enough to have some very special visitors come to Cape Town and visit me the past few months. Firstly, my sister and brother-in-law and their children (my nephews and nieces), then Bob Deland, and lastly my parents. All of which traveled from the United States to come support me in this far away land. What a wonderful group of people and I thank them for all the great memories and experiences. I know our lives will never be the same after what we've been through.

In the meantime, here are a few pictures of their visit and also a few of my travel pictures with friends.

Just a quick updated...I am heading to Swaziland next week to continue my humanitarian/missions efforts. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated!

Love you all,

Derek Van Dam

A quarter year passes by...

My time in Africa is really flying by. I think that it is honestly because every moment of my life since I have moved here has been filled with something extremely new and exciting. And I thank God the Father for making this life possible.
The video that is embedded in this blog entry is from a television show that interviewed me a few weeks back. It is called "Magg's on Media." It's just a short piece on who I am and what in the world I am doing in Africa. I think they did a great job putting it together.
The pictures you are looking at are from the past 3 weeks of my life. I am wearing a barrette to celebrate Bastille Day (French Independence) with some of my friends from Paris. We where in the most quaint South African town called none-other-than Franshoek, which means the French Quarter. It was quite a good time. Look at this beautiful, sun-struck Dutch Colonial style church that I came across. It was built in the mid 1800's. Franshoek is a very old town. Caught a sunset near my house the other day...it was nothing short of spectacular. The reason I am dressed up in some of the pictures is because my friends and I had a 1920's style party at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. It has proven to be a highlight of my time down here as well. The picture of me holding a surf board is from my first surfing experience in South Africa. Their is a beach here named Muzinberg, that has the perfect wave break. I am very into surfing these days...it really brings a smile to my face. So you might as well do things that make you happy, right? :-)
Recently, there was a large event in Africa called "Big Wave Africa." I presented specific Swell reports for the surfing event during my weather broadcasts. It was held at a place called Dungeons just outside of Hout Bay Harbour. As a token of their appreciation, they invited me onto the NordicCat surfer's boat to get a up-close viewing of the event. It was great to be with the professional surfers leading up to, during and after the event took place. You got to see how the best-of-the-best prepare for such a challenging sport. The waves that where ridden during this event where as tall as 4-story buildings. It was unlike anything I have ever witnessed. The surfers would come back with completely broken/snapped surf-boards and then rush out again to catch the big waves.
Other pictures are taken from my television's world headquarters in Johannesburg. Their new television sets for the 24-hour channel are incredible. The ratings have been tallied and it is confirmed that the launch of the 24-hour news channel was highly successful. It continues to dominate over it's competion.
While I was in Johannesburg, I visited the South African Weather Service. It was great to meet colleagues that work in the meteorology business, especially from another country/continent. I carried on to Soweto, Mpumalanga and the Free State (different provinces in South Africa) to do a commercial shoot for e.tv.
A lot of big moments are coming up in my life this August and September including a visit from my parents and my best friend. I am looking forward to every minute of it. Miss you all so very very much.

jeu de vivre!

4th of July in South Africa?!?

Hey Everyone...A bit strange spending my Independence Day a half a world away from home. These are just a few pictures from my weekend. Hiking was the good word. Stunning. Also included is an article with the TvPlus Magazine from South Africa. Cheers.

TVSA Interview

http://www.tvsa.co.za/default.asp?blogname=interviews&ArticleID=8444

This is Africa...

I have come to this beautiful country. I now call it my home. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family that support me. Sometimes I sit back and wonder "why me?" I have had some things occur that I have not written about on my blog. I feel like this is a suitable time to get into them.

While traveling with my family, we drove by a township (an area where black and coloured people fled during/after the Apartheid). This area of battered tents and shacks had a profound impact on me. I have never seen a larger gap between the rich and poor, or the "haves" and the "have-nots" in this case. Why did God choose me to have this lifestyle? Why am I not living in a township like so many others in this world? It really puzzles me think about this. I believe there are a lot of things on this earth that we are not exactly supposed to completely understand. This may be one of them...but I really don't want it to be. I have compassion for these individuals. My heart aches to know their vicious circle of trials and tribulations simply to survive. I want to do more. I want to help. Now comes the difficult part...bridging that gap between "saying" and "doing." It's true..talk is cheap. But I am committed to make a difference in this world. Whatever I can be a part of...bring it on!

I have plans to go back to Swaziland in September. I can't wait to see the faces of those children. I haven't been able to go back since moving here, so this is certainly something I am looking forward to. I plan to organize another documentary with my television station. I think this is a great way to get the word out. Speaking of spreading the word...check out this websites when you get the chance:

www.james127.org

This is the organization that I sit on the board of directors for. Take some time and look over this website. It is truly amazing to see what God has been doing. We have been planning a big fundraising dinner in the United States to help support El Shaddai Ministries and The Compassionate Life Foundation. The decision has been made to postpone the date....we are meeting as a board to discuss a new date as I will fill you in immediately after the decision has been made. In the meantime...you can support this ministry, as many of you have asked how to do it. You may do so by donating on the website It's easy. It uses Paypal which is a very secure site as well.

I continue to attend a church in town called Church on Main. Its a wonderful place with people near my age that worship God. I have really met some wonderful people though this church and have even joined a bible study that meets weekly. It sends shivers down my back to be in a room with fellow Christians, singing wonderful music and praising God. Not to mention, being in another country/continent with so many new faces, many of different cultures, and worshiping the same God. It certainly is a unique experience.

Some other things I have been up to lately..,.I went paint-balling the other day. I have been doing a lot of mountain climbing. I play the guitar a lot since being here. Our E.tv soccer team plays a match against the Cape Town Ajax team soon. I am taking surfing lessons this week. These are all things that make me happy. Life is good. Thanks for listening. Bye for now. Derek Van Dam

Interview with The Sunday Times

http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/Article.aspx?id=788469

It's Been a While, and a lot has happened!

e



Hello again,

My apologies for not updating this lately. I have really been consumed with work and my family visiting South Africa. So much has happened in the past few weeks that I dont even know where to begin. I guess I will start with the launch of our 24-hour news and weather channel. June 1st was a huge success for E.tv/E.news. Our station launched that Sunday evening, and I was part of the first 15 minutes of its broadcast. How exciting. I can honestly say, aside from some minor glitches, that the station was flawless and continues to shine in its 3rd week on air. The excitement of being a part of television history is something I will never forget. Since then, we have had countless feedback from viewers around the country and the globe. The weather department took flight and has never looked back. It's been an overwhelming good response so far, and we are determined to keep it up.

God placed yet another special moment in my life when my family visited me in South Africa recently. We truly had the time of our lives. A few of the pictures show the excitement that we all shared. We stayed at a beautiful place along the Indian Ocean with views that are un-parrallel to anything I've seen. We decided to get a little adrenaline going as well..what better way than to go White Shark Cage diving with the ol' fam. I am so blessed.

We climbed some mountains together, and even managed to catch up with a favorite actor of mine. Kiefer Sutherland was staying at the same hotel as my family. This has a very interesting story behind it..but I will keep that one off the ol' blogsite.

I will update more soon. Until then, Be well!

Derek Van Dam