Sight

This email message came today from Lynette, one of our YWAM staff members who has organized and handled all the details regarding the OVC (orphaned and vulnerable children) eye exams.

"I’ve got some good news.

"M" is the boy at Martha’s who got a thorn in his eye when he was younger and couldn’t see with this eye because a secondary cataract has been forming. David, the optometrist at the Mall referred us to a specialist, who lasered the cataract on Tuesday. I saw "M" today when I went out there for cooking, and did a little test to see how he is doing. And he can see with this eye now. Woah !! Isn’t that awesome.

We still have to take him back to David for a test to confirm how much sight he actually has in this eye, but just the fact that he can see is amazing.

Thank you Jesus, thank you so much!"

Thought you might rejoice with us in the news and enjoy hearing a little of Lynette's heart in the process.

Diversity and Family

Last night was week 6 of our 7 week Foundations Course at church. This term I've been a table facilitator for a group of 10 adults as we study Biblical Foundations found in Hebrews 6:1-3. Diversity is a huge aspect of South African culture and in our little group of 10 we represent the following: American, Afrikaans, Colored, Portuguese, Black, English, Baptist, Catholic, Anglican, Dutch Reform, Married, Single, Separated, Divorced, Cross cultural families, Entrepreneurs, Housewives, Businessmen, Teachers, Artist...Our differences can literally go on and on and we wouldn't have to look very hard for reasons not to trust each other, reasons not to be transparent, reasons not to love. But, each Monday night we gather around a table and everyone is smiling. Everyone is eager to learn, eager to listen, and eager to grow. This is the body of Christ. This is family. And I love it!!!

Hullaballoo, Caneck, Caneck

Last week was our oldest son's school concert and I was a parent volunteer. During a break in practice I taught my group of kids to clap "Hullaballoo, Caneck, Caneck". Only my Aggie friends will get the significance of that, but to me it is utter happiness as my worlds collide.

The children call me Malachi's mom or Matt's mom and ask why I live here instead of the USA. Each time I get to say that I live here so I can tell people how much Jesus loves them and has a plan for their life. So many of my relationships and ministry opportunities have been formed from that simple question.

Community

This month we had the privilege of hosting a recent college graduate interested in learning about missions firsthand. Jessica is the fourth young woman from Katy, Texas to visit us here in South Africa and we were so blessed by her sweet, tender heart. Its always fun showing someone the projects we are involved with and introducing them to our ministries and friends.

Right about the time God told us to focus on love, some incredible things started happening in our midst. Funny how that works right? Transparency, deep love for one another, shared burdens, kind words, laughs, rebukes, pursuits of holiness, etc.. These are things that are taking shape in the ladies Bible study, in our Foundations group at church, in our team, and now with acquaintances who are seeing what God is doing and longing to connect. One morning after all the women had left Bible study I mentioned how special I think these ladies are. Jessica responded with this, "Yes they are. This group. I want this in my life." What a blessing her word were to us. There is no substitute for the body of Christ, functioning in love and carrying one another's burdens. The lost find redemption, the young believer finds growth, the mature find accountability, and everyone enjoys a deeper, fuller fellowship with our beloved Lord. Oh Jesus, please continue to grow this knowledge in us and use us to bring healing to your people and the nations of this world.

I'd really like to drive again.

By the way, I'm still not driving. After a 4-month wait my residence permit has been verified as authentic. Yeah!! I'm so excited. I received a message today from South Africa Home Affairs that my ID application is now in process and I have a reference no. Double Yeah!! So hopefully only a few more weeks before I can drive again!!

Good things from this experience: I'm learning to ask for help. I'm learning to say "no" to things. And Derek is learning the life of a missionary mom with 3 kiddos. (I personally think it's a huge blessing in our marriage. Derek might agree in a year or two.)

I'm praising God today for progress made and praying for His favor on my application.

One elephant we will never forget

Last weekend we took a visiting friend from Katy, Texas on a game drive. We do this about 6 times a year and have gotten used to seeing the amazing wildlife of South Africa up close. A little too close. We decided to check one more back road before leaving the park and came upon the most massive bull elephant we've ever seen. We decided to follow him a bit because we were so in awe of his size. He was beautiful!

Our scare only lasted a few minutes but basically we managed to get caught between two elephants and although they were far apart at first, they came charging towards our vehicle in a hurry and we had no where to go. There was no mock charge and I now know that when people say elephants in distress fan their ears it actually looks a lot like a wet dog shaking off the water. Derek saw and raced for a side road, barely missing the elephant but then lost control of the van and ended up in the bush, stuck in the mud. Did I mention Derek was driving in reverse? The big elephant was about 15 -20 feet away and coming fast. Derek said, "we're stuck" and two things happened at once. My mind began to calculate what part of the car would be safest for the children if we were charged and the Spirit of God inside of me cried out, "Lord Jesus you have got to move that elephant". I don't know exactly what I prayed, but the basics were, "please forgive our disregard for this animal's power, please make us invisible to his sight, and turn his head and lead him away." The elephant stopped, turned his head and walked away. We prayed as we watched the second one stop running, walk slowly near us, look our way, and walk on. Within a minute 2 trucks drove up and the men got out of the cars to help push us out. The scare of the elephants sort of numbed the fear of lions for a moment. About 10 minutes later a third truck came who had rope to pull us out.

Looking back we see simple mistakes that could have killed us, but we also know God made a way to rescue us. Many in fact. The side road we had not seen before. The large and full bush that was between us and the elephant when we got stuck. Not hitting a tree. Getting stuck and causing us to go silent. The prayer cried out from spirit, not mind. The turn of the elephant's head. The trucks that drove up in minutes. The grandfather from one of the cars who before anything else, gave me a hug. The rope that got us free. Oh my Lord, thank You!!!