Construction on Agnes' House

We are incredibly grateful to all of the contributors for the recent work at Agnes' House and to our missionary friends in South Africa for investing in this woman and these children. We know God will use this house for many years to come as a place for His word and love to go out!

It has been designed to be constructed in phases to accommodate more children needing permanent care with an adequate kitchen for cooking for the 80+ children who visit Agnes each day. This home is currently for Agnes and several children she is caring for on a full-time basis.

The new rock wall and razor wire security fencing.

The newly repaired playground and view of garden space.

Slab for bathroom facilities.

Purpose

In the last year we have been offered two leadership ministry positions on opposite sides of the world. Both would be incredibly challenging and would bring a certain level of success or achievement but know God has us where He wants us for now. Recently we were asked what our career goals were and it made us evaluate something we’ve never really considered.

For better or worse this is what we discovered: We have NO career goals. We want to serve the Lord. That’s it. However He chooses. We want to submit our gifts and talents to Him and allow Him to do what He wants with them. The anointing we carry for working with children is something we hardly even think about. God does what He wants and we sit back in awe. It’s absolutely amazing! In submitting to our local church authority, we’ve seen our ministry expand in ways unimaginable. Derek has been asked to help our local church establish community ministry such as what we currently do in Phokeng and is now recognized as a (unpaid) staff member of the church. While I say we have no career goals, let me stress we have great ambition. We serve the Almighty, the Lord of all Creation, the King of all Kings and He has big plans! Oh God that we would be part of it is awesome. What an incredible ride we are on!

Immediate End

Please pray for favor for Derek and I regarding a financial matter. 5 years ago we used a certain company to provide internet service for us. We signed a contract but 6 months in returned the modem and cancelled the contract because it didn't work. Shortly thereafter we received an outstanding bill. It turns out the person who cancelled it for us had no authority to do that and the company wanted its money. We worked through all the processes and they acknowledged the mistake in their office and released us from the contract. 6 months later they called again. We again worked through it all. 2 years later they called again. This time we worked through it all and they reimbursed money they had recently taken from our account. With that reimbursement we felt it was finally finished. Last week they called again, this time wanting over $1000 for the last 5 years service (ironically the contract was for 2). We have spoken to the woman who helped the last time, but the company has now handed this over to creditors to have us blacklisted. We cannot find any of the paperwork from their offices but do have financial proof of when they stopped the debit order when we initially cancelled the contract and of the reimbursement they made to us several years ago. This is harassment and stealing and just like the devil to do. We refuse to let it occupy our minds and yet it still creeps in bringing anxiety and fear with it. We spoke to the company this morning and they have passed it along to the head office for review. Please pray for an immediate end to this and that Derek and I would stand firm against the devil's schemes. Pray we would find any paperwork we need. Pray for the woman handling this to recognize the truth. Thanks!

Prayer for deliverance

One of the young men who grew up in and around Martha's House has been arrested for a crime he says he did not commit. Several men were caught for robbery and named this young man as an accomplice. He is currently in jail unable to see the men who have accused him until his court date which has been set for Sept 29. Martha worked for many years at the police station and is using her connections to see the young man and hopefully find out more details.

In addition all that, his aunt has burned down his shack. We have no idea why she would do something like this but in the process she has destroyed the beautiful young man's home and every personal item he had. The grief and turmoil in this man is devastating.

Father God we lift up this man to you right now. Comfort him in his suffering, confusion, and pain. Lord you are our deliverer. You are our refuge. Father we ask for you to act in this situation for your ultimate glory. We ask for your justice and your righteousness to prevail. Deliver him Holy God. Heal his wounded heart. Have your way in this situation. Let this man and Martha be a testimony to all who come near of your greatness and truth. In your Son's name we pray, Amen.

11 official languages

In South Africa there are 11 official language. When you add to that the many languages represented by ex-patriots from around the world I am amazed we can actually get anything communicated in this country sometimes. Not because we don't understand the words, but because the phrasing is different or the meaning behind the words can sometimes be drastically different.

Today I heard a new version of a phrase I've known my whole life. During a prayer meeting a first language French man explained that God is doing some things in his life and he was having a hard time expressing himself. Then he said, "I've given my tongue to the cat." Took me a second to figure out what he meant.

The 11 Official languages: Afrikaans, English, IsiNdebele, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, SiSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga. You can add in to this Portuguese, Shongan, Greek, French, and the language spoken by our Indian friends (which I'm embarrassed to admit I don't know and will have to find out right away) and you've got most of the languages you might hear in a day in SA!

Pay Day

Our paycheck is deposited on the 7th and 21st of each month. I'm ashamed to admit that before anything else happens on those days either Derek or myself checks our email to see the report. This morning was no different. Later as I was preparing for the women's study, I was listening to a worship CD called The Life God Rewards. The last song is that old one by Ray Bolz called Thank You. Before the words even began I groaned and said, "ugh this old song". Just a few lines in and I was crying just like I always do with this song and then the Lord brought to mind the mornings email we received and I thought of all the people who sacrifice to make our ministry and life possible here South Africa. My crying turned to weeping about then. We know who you are and the Lord knows who you are, but you'll most likely never meet the people you are blessing this side of heaven. So from our heart to yours Thank You! Thank you for giving to the Lord! Thank you for allowing God to use you. Thank you for the sacrifices you make that bless people from a far away land. Thank you for believing in us and praying for us. May God bless you as only He can. Thank you!

Thank You for Giving To The Lord

Music & Lyrics by Ray Boltz

I dreamed I went to Heaven, you were there with me.

We walked upon the streets of gold beside the Crystal Sea.

We heard the angels singing, then someone called your name.

You turned and saw this young man, and he was smiling as he came.

He said, "Friend you may not know me now," and then he said, "But wait -

You used to teach my Sunday School, when I was only eight.

And every week you would say a prayer before the class would start.

And one day when you said that prayer,

I asked Jesus in my heart."

Then another man stood before you, he said "Remember the time,

A missionary came to your church, His pictures made you cry.

You didn't have much money but you gave it anyway.

Jesus took that gift you gave

And that's why I'm in Heaven today"

One by one they came, far as your eyes could see.

Each life somehow touched by your generosity.

Little things that you had done, sacrifices that you made,

They were unnoticed on this earth

In Heaven now proclaimed.

And I know up in Heaven you're not supposed to cry

But I am almost sure there were tears in your eyes

As Jesus took your hand and you stood before the Lord

He said "My child look around you,

Great is your reward."

Chorus

Thank you for giving to the Lord,

I am a life that was changed.

Thank you for giving to the Lord,

I am so glad you gave,

I am so glad you gave.

Progress on License

In a very weird way there is progress. Last week I had to re-submit my marriage license which they need to finalize everything. As it turns out my ID has not been printed and in fact I don't even have a number yet. The call-centre apologized that someone in their office lied to me. Now we wait! I haven't driven since March and miss taking my kids to school and having the freedom to get around. Derek is really rushed to do all he needs to do in a day and still handle all the driving. Please pray for favor on my application!

African Funeral

Martha's mother recently passed away and she asked that I take photos during the funeral. It was an incredible experience for us to be part of this day with them and I hope that you will see the same beauty in the event that I did.

The service started at 7 am and was held in a tent just outside Martha's mom's home. The tent was literally in the narrow street of the village and cars were unable to pass through.

We arrived and sat in the back, the only white faces in the room and probably the surrounding village as well. Within just a few minutes we were moved to the front between the minister and casket.

The family members were able to share their heart about their loved one.

Fifteen of the children at Martha's House made up the choir and sang throughout the day. They did a wonderful job and it was clear they were all struggling to stay strong for Martha.

Two of our teens read aloud the cards that came with the flowers.

The minister preached a short message at the tent.

The women in the blue dresses are close friends of Martha or her mother. They held candles and stood around the casket the hour in the tent. It was one of these women that moved us to the front of the room to sit by the minister.

These women also acted as pallbearers in carrying the casket the short distance from the tent to the waiting hearse.

At the graveside we all walked in solemnly and the men carried the casket to the grave where it was lowered into the ground. Women must cover their heads and wear skirts if they want to go into the cemetery.

Immediately all the finery around the gravesite was removed and the men began to cover the casket with dirt.

The men, especially those closest to the family took part in shoveling the dirt back into the grave. The process took about 45 minutes and the women continued to sing throughout that time. This was a very moving experience for me.

As the hole was filled half way a layer of cement was laid so that people can not rob the grave and or have access to the body.

When the men were finished covering the grave, the women laid all the flowers on top and walked single file around and continue to sing.

Different people spoke on behalf of the family. The minister preached another short sermon and a local man spoke for the community. This council man thanked us for attending as 'white' friends of the family and said that music comes from a piano while playing with both black and white keys. Then he told a joke about how long African funerals are. They are typically all day events, but this one was only 4 hours.

When the graveside service was over everyone went back to the tent for lunch.

Martha was not at the graveside service and neither was her sister. They remained behind at the house to prepare the lunch. There must be enough food for all the guest and anyone in the community who comes to visit. This is very important in honoring the family member and Martha did a wonderful job.

We stayed to help clean up the dishes and food and took a few pictures of Martha and her family.

This day was hard on the family but they honored their mother with a beautiful ceremony and the words "Modimo (God), lerato (love), Christo (Christ), lebone (light)" were spoken again and again and again.

Lillie was a treasured mother, grandmother, and friend and will be greatly missed!

Khumo's House?

A dear woman from our church has recently taken in 4 orphaned children. Last Sunday we met them and spoke of her needs in getting established as a care home. Then this Sunday, Derek rushes over to me and says "You've got to talk to Khumo. She has D with her."

D is a little girl we have known for 7 years. We wrote about her last month asking that you would "Please join in praying for this sweet girl and the life God has given her. May she grow in relationship and understanding of Him more and more. Father, continue to guard her life and keep her safe. Help her to make good choices and continue to overcome every obstacle with Your strength. More than anything Lord, draw her close to You. Bless You Lord, Bless You!"

Now she shows up at our church under Khumo's care. It seems her most recent foster mom has decided not to continue raising her and somehow, and I say that firmly believing that somehow is the very hand of God, she has landed up with Khumo. Yesterday our church asked Derek to help them establish more community outreach like we've done in Phokeng. There are many things to be prayed about and discussed but it seems "Khumo's House" might be born in the process and our sweet little D will finally have the home she needs!

Keep praying for this sweet girl. God's has a plan!!!!