Lighthouse Update

From 2002 until 2006 Derek and I worked at the Lighthouse Children's Shelter in Rustenburg, SA. This emergency place of safety provides for children in crisis most often due to HIV infection for either mother and/or child, abandonment, or abuse. It was a season filled with challenges but many incredible moments of God's mercy and love. Our two sons were born while we lived on this property and many of their first memories come from sharing their lives with these children.

The little girl pictured here is very dear to our hearts. She's a fireball and loves life! At 18 months she came to the shelter unable to stand on her own. With a lot of love and focus, she learned to walk and quickly began to run. Now she dances! When she was had just turned 3 she began to get sick more frequently. We had suffered the loss of several infants at the Shelter but never an older child and for several months we prayed constantly for this little one's life. After her last extended stay in the hospital we were worshiping in church one morning and she was so weak that sitting in the chair was proving to be very difficult. Our son Malachi, who was 2 at the time, was sitting next to her and watching her closely. After a moment, he slipped from his chair and stood facing her. Slowly, he lifted one hand and then the other and began to stroke her face. Then ever so sweetly he kissed her mouth and smiled at her. With what little strength she had left she smiled back. Such tender love on both of their faces. I remember feeling a spark of fear for Malachi's health which was quickly replaced with keen awareness of God's love pouring from my child. This past weekend we celebrated this little beauty's 11th birthday and the entire time we sang the birthday song all I kept thinking was that at one time I had begun to plan her funeral. I am completely overwhelmed by the power of God's love. Please join me 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!

His mercies never fail!

We had a meeting today to discuss plans for a Freedom Park outreach in October. Freedom Park is a squatter camp with over 50,000 residents, half of which live in metal shacks essentially built from scrap metal. There is no running water or electricity and because the area is home to people from all over the Southern African region who have come to South Africa looking for employment it feels very much like a refuge camp. One of the most loving ministry teams we have ever seen on the mission field is returning to SA to work with children and families in the area and we are privileged to be part of it. 'Eye for Others' is based in Holland and have an incredible heart for the people of Freedom Park. The outreach will focus on repairing shacks in the squatter camp and running programs for the children. Jeff and Abby partnered with several nationals to plant a church in Freedom Park this year and this outreach will be a great help to them.

After the meeting Ton took this photo to share with his team from Holland. He emailed it to us this evening and we were blessed to see how much of the Shelter is visible in the background. The Lighthouse Shelter was our home for over 4 years as we worked to take care of children in crisis. The shelter, the gardens, the jungle gyms, everything... it brings back such amazing memories. I'm thinking now of all the children who came through those doors you see and all the miracles God performed. We spoke today of God's heart for Freedom Park and shared more incredible moments of His kindness and lives changed because of it. We serve a mighty God whose mercies never fail!!!

Lighthouse Shelter kiddos 2003

OVC Weekly Shopping Trip

Every week Lincoln shops for food for the children at Martha's House and Agnes' House for all the fruits, vegetables, milk, and yoghurt. Once a month he goes to the butcher to get a months supply of meat to freeze and all the dry goods. We are so grateful for everyone who has invested in this project and to Lincoln for his efforts to make a difference in the lives of these children.

Forgiveness

A friend we are discipling told us that until recently he has never truly felt forgiven for his sins. He told us that he was raised to believe that you could only ask for forgiveness if you knew with absolute certainty that you would never commit that sin again. Consequently he hasn't feel free to confess his sins to God and he hasn't felt confident that God's love for him was secure. I was floored when I realized the weight of perfection this person has been under and the distance it has forced him from the Lord. Thank you God for your relentless pursuit of us and your perfect love for us. Thank You for bringing greater freedom to our friend and allowing us the privilege of being part of the journey.

New GM ChildLife Logo

General Motors's new logo for the ChildLife Foundation. Martha's House was one of the very first projects in South Africa chosen for this funding and recently Agnes's House was added as well.

We are continually in awe of God's goodness. He provides for these children in ways unimaginable! We are so thankful for His favor with the ChildLife Foundation to be able to better care for the precious children of South Africa!