Community Outreach, Carpentry, & Mentoring

It is now summer in South Africa!  Temperatures have been getting up into the 90’s (Fahrenheit) and sweat is becoming a daily and close companion. :)  To bring you up-to-date with a few things that have been transpiring in our lives, we share the following details.

Getting Our Feet Wet in the Community

In addition to our endeavors to learn Zulu, we have had a strong desire to make contacts in the community, build relationships, and start learning more of the culture.  As a start, we visited a couple of churches in the area and even a home fellowship.  Then, on November 10th, we joined with a local church to minister to the poor and needy – including widows and orphans.  It was a very special day for us as we gave out buckets with groceries and household supplies.  We were also able to share a simple Gospel message at each home.  This day of outreach also opened our eyes more to the needs of the area to which the Lord has called us.  To give you an idea, please allow us to share just a few details regarding the life of the lady pictured below.  This lady was never married and now has no remaining family.  As a result, she has been chased from place to place, because those around here have been unwilling to support her and then go to the effort and expense of burying here when she dies.  She is at the mercy of anyone who is willing to assist her.  This dear lady cannot read, and she does not even have a birth certificate, so she cannot apply to the government for any kind of financial support.  She as well as others that we visited that day have been much on our minds and hearts… and they are just a small percentage of the needs of the greater area.

Sharing the Good News in Public Schools

The Lord is opening doors for us to be able to share the Gospel in local public schools.  The public schools are in chaos because of the lack of Christian principles of living.  Some of the principals and officials are thus open and interested in the Gospel being shared in their assemblies.  Currently, the South African school year is closing for the season, but Lord willing in January we will be able to start visiting the schools with the Good News that Jesus came to deliver them from the kingdom of darkness.  Please do pray for us, as this area is especially steeped in witchcraft.

Around the House

One of the notable things that has transpired around our little home is the addition of two new kitchen cupboards (pictured below).  It was quite a process in the bush, but thankfully, the Lord helped Phil and Antonie to build the cabinets, and Amrie - wife, mother, and cook - is so happy!  

Traveling Again

Currently, we are not in the bush… It was necessary for us to make a trip to renew Priya’s United States passport at the Consulate in Johannesburg.  We have successfully submitted the application, and now are in the process of waiting for 7-10 business days for the process to be completed.  In the mean time, we have been visiting with some family, friends, and brothers and sisters-in-the-Lord.  We also plan to do some shopping, as availability and pricing of goods is much better in the big city.

Our South African Son

You might remember a picture we placed in one of our recent formal newsletters of a young man by the name of Tokiso.  Well, Tokiso is somewhat like a son to us, in that he attended Hope Christian Academy for a number of years, and Phil specifically spent much time mentoring him.  Currently, Tokiso is attending a technical school in Bloemfontein, South Africa.  Lord willing, Tokiso is planning on joining us on our return trip to Emangusi and will be spending some time with us over the holidays.  We are looking forward to being together.  Please do pray that it will be an eternally profitable time, and that together we will grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank you so much for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers!  The prayers of God’s people are our lifeline!  Thank you as well to each of you who so lovingly draw out of your precious resources and give so that we can be here.  May God bless you!