Called To Love the One

Faith Station: Ruthless Trust

2012-01-01T02:53:00.000-08:00

Our church produces a monthly devotional called Faith Station that is emailed to anyone requesting it as a pdf file. The writers are from our team or contacts our elders have made over the years. Most of the recipients are people from around the country who have taken our courses. Derek is responsible for assigning the writers and overseeing the design through to the mail out. This month was my first one to write and the title is Ruthless Trust. I've done topically studies of trust before but for this the Lord gave me such an incredible idea of which I will be eternally grateful! He led to look at major events in the Bible and study His way of teaching mankind to trust from a Biblical theology perspective. I have been a nervous wreck during the design and mail out process, but am thrilled with what God has shown me personally through studying His word. My sincerest hope is that it will be a blessing to the faith of anyone who reads it.

Green ID Book

2011-12-31T14:11:00.000-08:00

On December 22nd I received a message that my green ID book had been finalized and was ready at our local Home Affairs office. Within 15 minutes we were all loaded in the car and heading downtown. We're so thankful to finally have this ID book! When the offices open again I'll go back to the licensing department to see about getting my Texas license converted. I'm long past the due date and they have the right (and possibly the obligation) to make me retest in South Africa, but my hope is that they will do what was originally told to me and simply convert. I've been driving over 20 years but the thought of testing makes me very nervous. The average person here fails their written and driving test several times before passing. Derek played a role in exposing corruption in the department about 7 years ago as workers we knew were being failed until they were willing to bribe. Our local department has been shut down twice for corruption since we've lived here. So as you can imagine, I am praying for God's favor in every way imaginable regarding my license.

I love Christmas in Africa!!

2011-12-31T03:16:00.000-08:00

We are truly blessed. In one fun filled weekend we are surrounded by Derek's family, our church family, and our missionary family!

Christmas Day started bright and early with the kids opening gifts and then off to church we went. I love Christmas carols and am now thoroughly accepting of singing and sweating at the same time. I love Christmas in Africa!! It's usually hot enough to swim and the kids love spending the day with the family God has surrounded them with. We had a great day with this bunch of American missionaries. They are wonderful friends and we love them dearly!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-31T02:46:00.000-08:00

We spent a wonderful Christmas Eve with Derek's parents. With our crazy schedule, his parent's busy ministry schedule, Kirsty's equestrian farm, and Riaan's work we don't often all get together. This was a great day as everyone got to visit and spend time together. The kids even picked peaches and plums in the orchard. We are grateful that we live close to one set of our parents whom the kids can see throughout the year!

Holland to South Africa and back again!

2011-12-31T01:56:00.000-08:00

We recently spent the evening with Ton and Dora from Holland as they had some down time while visiting South Africa. Ton and his wife founded the Dutch group, Eyes for Others which is devoted to working with children and the disadvantaged population of South Africa. Each year Ton and his wife travel to South Africa on multiple occasions to assist Dutch teams for outreach into various communities. We always have a wonderful time with them and walk away renewed in our own efforts to share the love of Jesus.

End of year school events

2011-12-31T01:11:00.000-08:00

Kyla was an angel in her school's nativity concert. As always it was an adorable affair and Kyla was a star!

Matt's concert was fantastic as well. We had our own little drummer boy! He ended up having a fantastic year after getting off to a rough start. He starts Grade 1 in January.

Malachi was asked to introduce was of the classes during his assembly and did a great job. We were so impressed as he took the podium and confidently called out each name. When it came time for him to play the piano with his teacher he was a little less confident and waited until everyone else was finished but did a great job! He starts Grade 3 in a few weeks.

Choosing which school our children attend has been our greatest struggle. Education is not free in South Africa although the cost of rural school varies greatly from private ones. In our city there are options for English, Tswana, Afrikaans or German speaking. We have never wanted our call into world missions to hurt their education or put them in dangerous situations and we've spent many hours in prayer seeking what God would have us do. Our boys currently attend a school established by the King of the Bafokeng people as a school of excellence for the Bafokeng nation. That would include most of the children in our orphan care program although only a handful have applied. It is a small school with two classes for each grade level and is taught in English and Tswana. With the assistance of the royal family over 60% of the attending children pay little or no school fees and with the schools nutrition program these children are secured at least one meal a day. Our family must pay full tuition and this is our single greatest monthly expense. For the safe environment of the school, for the quality of education and teachers, for the interaction with the children in the community, this is our best option for schooling and one of our greatest areas of trusting God to guide us. He has never given us a promise to provide for this cost, but we know He will instruct us if we need to make a change. I wish I could say there has been no stress involved 42but on my part there has been plenty. God and I are continually walking a tight rope of trust it seems. Last year before school began I was praying one night and said this to the Lord, "You know our options. This school is it. Please show me that you can provide for this. Or show us another way." I was expecting an answer I just didn't have any idea what it would be. Within a month we were sent a gift from a contributor to be used however we wanted. It covered the cost of the boys school for 2011! I don't know how long God will provide for this but I know He will either cover the cost each month or show us another way. I am incredibly grateful that we can trust Him to take care of us however He sees fit.

Pressure

2011-11-29T07:58:00.000-08:00

Derek and I are facing an intense pressure right now in so many areas it is mind boggling. Each day another thing seems to pop up and we find ourselves struggling to endure. The most recent thing involves crime. South Africa is one of the most crime ridden nations in the world and we've had our experiences over the years with theft. Our storeroom was broken into last night and quite a few things were taken. Our neighbors to the left and right have had incidents as well, one in the last couple of days. Our concern is that the thieves will return. We are grateful they didn't get access into the house, but other neighbors have not been as fortunate. In regards to the theft please pray for our family's protection and the protection of our property. In regards to everything else pressing in us, please pray that God would refine us through it all. Where release and breakthrough are His intentions we pray He would act quickly. Where we need to persevere, we pray we would endure. Where we need to fight we pray we would do so in His strength. Where we need to rest, we pray we would trust Him more deeply. Thank you!

Tensions running high!

2011-11-10T10:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday our electricity went off several times during the day. This is not unusual and beyond wondering if I had forgotten to pay the bill I really didn't think much of it. Except it was really hot yesterday! By 4pm it was back on and I was preparing for a normal evening at home. My plan was short lived as the power turned shut off before 5pm. Derek was picking up friends at the airport so I put the kids all to bed in our room while I sat in a rocking chair with a miners headlamp on and read a book. Eventually the kids were all asleep and Derek and I gave up on waiting for the electricity to come back on. I'm so grateful that the temperatures dropped in the evening and we were able to get a little sleep. This morning the power came back on about 6:15 but then turned off again an hour later. Now we know the story: two transformers providing for our city collapsed yesterday and will hopefully be repaired by the weekend. The city has a plan to provide electricity at night (like now, I'm thrilled to be under a fan at the moment!) and for 2 hour portions of the day. Our time will be 5-7 pm. Temperatures are over 100 degrees F this week, businesses are losing a lot of money, alarms are working and crime is always a factor, and tensions are really running high. We are praying for the electrical company and all those working round the clock to fix the problem, praying for our home and the safety of our family, and praying for our city!

Perplexed

2011-11-07T04:01:00.000-08:00

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair. 2 Cor 4:8

While praying yesterday morning I submitted several things to the Lord that are pressing down on Derek and I. Nothing earth shattering, just a constant sense of pressing in various areas. Once I realized the word 'pressed' was how I felt the worship song with the line "pressed, but not crushed; persecuted, not abandoned" kept repeating again over and over in my mind.

Later as I was able to look up the actual Scriptural reference to that song, I started giggling in spite of all the pressure. The word perplexed, even now, brings a smile to my face. There is no better description to how Derek and I have felt regarding certain pressures. Simply to know that God inspired that word to be used in the midst of this verse brings such peace and comfort to my heart. He is my Lord and never leaves me. He never forgets me. He never fails to speak to my heart. "Lord I ask for your peace in the midst of our pressing, for your joy to reign in our hearts, and for our eyes to forever be on You and Your glory. Thank you for all that you do in our lives. Amen."

Matt's student led seminar

2011-11-06T22:23:00.000-08:00

At our sons' school, there is one day each year designated for 'student led seminars'. The children get to take their parents around the campus to see all their class environments and show off their work. Matt had a great time explaining everything to us. We are so proud of him! He had a rough start to the year but has managed to settle in and is so excited about being a first grader in just a matter of weeks.

New Plants for Martha's House

2011-11-06T22:04:00.000-08:00

Thank you Vantage Point Church and Junction Church for joining the kids from Martha's House for a morning of fellowship, games, and planting some beautiful flowers.

REACH

2011-11-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

While Derek has been teaching in Cape Town I had the privilege of teaching a group of students from the REACH program of Reaching a Generation. The REACH program has been designed to equip people with skills for evangelism, counseling, and establishing their own community development programs while partnering with local churches. The program is directed by a friend of ours who asked that we teach the Foundations course so that she can be certain that a solid, Biblical foundation has been laid in the lives of the students. I got to spend about 10 days teaching this group and had a wonderful time. They were some of the loveliest people I have ever met and it was blessing to be with them. On the last day, one of the students said, "Imagine if this Foundations course was taught in every church in Africa. What a difference it would make for the lives of Christians." I wanted to shout "Hallelujah, that's the plan."

Derek in Cape Town

2011-11-04T00:41:00.000-07:00

Derek flies back from Cape Town today after two weeks of non-stop teaching and outreach. Each morning he, Matt, John, and Gill were sharing at YWAM Muizenberg and most afternoons they were teaching at a local church in Mitchell's Plain. Throughout the two weeks he also had a wonderful time visiting with several of our former staff members and enjoying the very different Cape Town lifestyle from the Rustenburg one. For those of you from the USA, he described it as "where someone might live in Denver, Colorado for the outdoor, relaxed lifestyle you would find that people live in the Cape for the same reason." Then he said, "with his type A/Red personality he would have a very hard time adjusting but would be willing to "suffer" through it if God ever lead us to move there." No such luck! We are so happy here in Rustenburg and are thrilled with what God is leading us to do right now.

The young men and women from the school were Derek was teaching are part of a Church Planting school and many will go forth into areas of Africa using the training they have received to bring together the body of Christ locally and to spread the gospel across the world. It has been a challenging, exhausting few weeks of preparing and then teaching, but Derek has loved it all and is so grateful to share with this school.

Junction Church

2011-10-11T01:47:00.000-07:00

Derek spent all day Monday at Junction Church in Fourways with the King's Cross Training Team. For two weekends in September this church received our Big Picture training course and loved the material. Now, they have asked for the Foundations course and Derek, Matt, John, and Gill will be traveling there every Monday for the next few months to teach the Foundations material for Pastors and Teachers. Derek was so excited when he got home to share about how the pastors and elders of Junction responded to the course. Every missionary or pastor will tell you they want to make a difference. Through the hours spent teaching yesterday and in the weeks ahead a church and a community will be blessed through God's Word. I don't think there is much of anything more exciting than that!

If you are from the area, this is an incredible church with a beautiful heart for the city of Johannesburg! They have an awesome facility with a cafe and a soccer field as part of their outreach to the community. Looking for a church in the Fourways area? Visit Junction Church on Sundays at 9am.

Updates on Prayer Request

2011-10-10T01:18:00.000-07:00

Well, it's nearly an hour later and I'm still working on uploading our newsletter so I'm going to the waiting time to give updates on several recent prayer request:

Immediate End - we are still waiting for the company to investigate. We've discovered we have no proof of anything and are simply resting in the Lord to handle this. Every week there is a new story from the company. We are praying for justice for us and honesty from the company. Thanks!

Deliverance - Martha is devastated with the turn of events in this case. She strongly feels the young man is guilty of the theft and assault has been added to the charges. Tomorrow will be another hearing to determine how things will proceed. Pray for Martha to have wisdom in how she handles things. Pray for salvation of the young man and repentance of his actions.

Drivers License - As of Saturday, I have an ID number. It couldn't be given to me over the phone but I'll go to home affairs tomorrow to get the number. From there I'm going to see if the traffic department will accept the number only and not the actual document. Pray for favor and speed in the process. In the next month, Derek will be away for two weeks to teach in the church planting school in Cape Town. At the same time I'll be teaching a group of youth pastors for a week in Rustenburg. I'm so thankful for all the friends we have to help, but I really need to be able to drive.

Khumo's House - This sweet lady definitely has the heart to run a home for children, but there is so much that needs to be put into place first. Our little D is currently with her, but the social workers want to move her to Mafikeng in the next few weeks to live in a girls home. This young girl is in such need. Please pray for God's hand upon D's life. Pray for His purposes for her and our hearts to be sensitive to the Lord and obedient to what He wants. Thank you!

2011-10-10T00:36:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of the year we said we would send out two formal newsletters and try to regularly post on this blog. I think we've done a pretty decent job with the blog, but our July Newsletter is now our October newsletter and I've been waiting for the last 20 minutes to login to our contact site to upload the information. To all our family and friends who wait patiently for the newsletters, thank you so much! Derek is away in Jo'burg today with Matt and John as they teach Foundations for Pastors and Teachers and I'm determined to get it done before he gets home, if I can just get the internet to co-operate:) Blessings from Rebecca!

Construction on Agnes' House

2011-09-16T04:07:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-15T02:18:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-12T05:21:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-05T03:44:00.001-07:00

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

2011-09-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-09-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

A Place to Bleed

2011-08-17T05:14:00.000-07:00

Several years ago I started a Bible study in our home with women from the community. It was a little different from ones I had led in the past because it was with women I knew from my children's school or from around town but didn't have a strong relationship with yet. It was also different in that I was not working through a translator but was able to speak easily from my heart in English.

When we first started I apparently shared that this group "should be a place where you can come to bleed." I know I said this because I was reminded of it this morning by one original member of the group as she said it to one of the newest women to join us. I sat and smiled as wisdom, love, and Godly counsel poured from her heart onto the new member, much of which has come from this being her own place to bleed. It was awesome and absolutely the right thing for the other woman to hear!! I am so humbled by this. My mission: "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." I got to see that played out this morning in more ways than one and I'm so happy. Thank you Lord! Thank you for using me here!

Praying for Martha

2011-08-15T05:36:00.000-07:00

Martha who runs Martha's House and cares for over 40 children every weekday from her home, 5 of which are in her full-time care as foster children lost her mom early Saturday morning. Martha is one in a million. She loves deeply and freely and gives to the fullest measure imaginable. Please join with me in praying for my dear friend who is in great pain over the death of her mom. Holy Spirit you are our comforter and we need you. We ask for your peace and comfort for Martha, her family, and all the children. Lead Martha in all the immediate decisions she must make and help her to remember your word of truth during these dark days. Pour out your Spirit on her. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Beautiful boy

2011-08-08T03:06:00.001-07:00

I was about 7 months pregnant with Malachi when this beautiful boy arrived at the Lighthouse Shelter. His mother was dying of HIV and he had no other family. He was skin and bones and covered in scabies from head to toe. Within 2 days of being at the Shelter we asked if we could take him back to his mother because we knew he was going to die and would be better in her arms than with us. She visited the Shelter but decided he should remain. That was an incredible moment to witness as she struggled to make the best decision for her son. There was such love and tenderness in her eyes for him. She barely spoke a word and after holding him in her arms for quite a while walked over and asked what she must sign to let me him stay. This beautiful boy was so weak we had to feed him through a syringe. Most of my work was in the office and dealing with social workers, but with this little guy everyone got involved with his care because it was so hard on the staff. He couldn’t cry but would moan all day. The only time he would stop was if we took him outside and walked around the property. So that’s what we did. One of the caregivers would feed him and then we would take turns all day just walking with him. I remember he was so light in my arms it was unnerving.

By Thanksgiving, we were broken. We sat under a tree in the front garden, Derek led worship and we all prayed together. Someone mentioned this boy and we asked the Lord to take him. We just couldn’t handle it anymore and asked God to intervene and end this child’s suffering. And God responded. Within two weeks the baby was drinking from a bottle. Within four he was getting his first two teeth. That was over 8 years ago and this young man is just as beautiful as ever. Lord God you have a plan in mind for this young boy and we stand in amazement at what you do to accomplish your will. Bless him, protect him, keep her near you, open his eyes to see your hand upon him. Thank you God!

Update on drivers license

2011-08-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

Progress? Well, I don't know if I'd call it that really but apparently my actual ID has been printed and on the 2nd of August was sent to the 'checkers' department of Home Affairs to be examined for quality sake. From there it will be sent to my hometown and I can go pick it up. I started to get really excited on the phone thinking "hey, how long can it be the 'checkers' department?" When she told me up to 6 weeks because they have backlog right now I laughed out loud.

I miss driving:(

Weekly Bible Study

2011-08-04T05:13:00.000-07:00

This year YWAM Rustenburg has been serving our local church with a Foundations Course based on Hebrews 6:1-3. As a team we strongly believe in this material to transform the lives of both the new believer and the mature and and to challenge and change the life of the church itself. Our desire is to bring this material into YWAM Discipleship Training School as well as serve our local church by taking it into other churches in the area. Many people hear the word "foundations" and they think that it is only for new believers, but we as we keep digging deeper and deeper into His Word we are constantly in awe of the greatness of God and how everything He does fits so perfectly together. We've all done the course and are now doing the course for preachers and teachers. By next January, we will be ready to start teaching it YWAM DTS around the country as well as anywhere else God has in mind.

The Ladies Bible study decided we wanted to do it as our next study so I'm teaching it in my home. We've always chosen to do studies that give weekly assignments to keep everyone digging and staying in God's word, but this Foundations Course didn't really have one to fit our needs. So, I'm writing one. Every week is a different subject based on the Hebrews verses. I've written the 5-day study for the first two and am now writing the one on faith. Writing this as be the single most frightening thing I've done in my adult life. So much of my heart is coming out on the pages and I find myself feeling extremely vulnerable. I am extremely grateful for our church elders who have written the Foundations Course and can oversee what I'm doing. I'm loving every minute of it, but never imagined it would be this hard to do. I have much more compassion now for Derek who has been asked to rewrite the course for teens. Please join with us in prayer as we serve the Lord in this way. May He be glorified over and over again and my the lives of His children be greatly transformed!

Lighthouse Update

2011-07-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-07-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-04T04:20:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-04T01:01:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

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!

Sight

2011-06-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-11T23:34:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-06-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-04T03:39:00.001-07:00

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!!!

Good News

2011-05-16T22:49:00.000-07:00

Last night at Foundations we were discussing repentance from dead works in comparison to repentance from sin. Many Christians in South Africa have grown up in a denomination that focuses on works and performance to gain salvation from sin and continued relationship with God. After reading several key verses such as Romans 3:20-28 and 2 Timothy 1:8-9 one of the young men in our group settled back into his chair and with an expression of utter peace said, "Wow, this is genuinely good news." My reaction was to tear up and giggle at the same time.

Thank you Jesus that you loved us before we ever loved you and that you had a plan to save us from the very beginning. Your grace is amazing!

Foundation Stones

2011-05-01T08:17:00.001-07:00

We had our first meeting today with everyone involved with Foundation Stones for Teens. There is such talent in the body of Christ!! The content is decided and now we seek the Lord for the concept and let the Spirit guide us. I'm so excited and expect God to give some big ideas in the next couple of weeks. Pray for Derek as he drives this and for everyone we are working with to keep our hearts sensitive to God's leading.

I'm so thankful my mom is here. Last week the kids were out of school for Easter holidays so Mom kept the kids for us so we could work with the Kings Cross team to finalize Foundations Stones (for adults). Tomorrow we continue, but we have to be finished by Wednesday when everything needs to go to print. This process is all so unfamiliar to us, but the elders of our church who have written it are wonderful. We love our time with them and are learning so much. This curriculum is incredible! I'm amazed to see how God is already using it in His church and know it will be a blessing to believers the world over.

Decisions, decisions

2011-04-30T02:50:00.000-07:00

Things with Martha and Agnes are wonderful. The Mengs and the Stubbs are serving Agnes is such incredible ways that I am constantly overwhelmed by their hearts. My relationship with the ladies is probably deeper than ever and our love for each other more sincere. The children's immediate needs are being met and the love of Christ is being shown daily. Some things have changed with the proposed community projects that make certain decisions irrelevant now. Thank you Lord! Now it's just to decide if they want to tackle the tasks that would be assigned to them. Praying for wisdom and direction.

Champions

2011-04-26T02:35:00.001-07:00

Last Monday I took Martha and Agnes to breakfast with the women in my life. (If you read this blog much you know these are my fellow missionary friends that hold me up, make me laugh, and shine the Light of Jesus on me.) Martha and Agnes in many ways fit that description as well but on this particular morning I wanted to get everyone together to celebrate the GM commitment to Agnes's House. On the way my mom, who is still driving because I still don't have a license, nearly hit a small boy as he ran from one taxi to another. Before my brain could even register the event Martha is yelling to unlock the doors, tossing handbags aside, and climbing out of the car. Agnes is quick on her heals doing the exact same thing and all at once they are yelling at this taxi driver about taking better care of the boy and in full view of everyone on the street giving him the scolding of a lifetime. Shortly the police arrive and ask us to clear the road, but not before Martha takes the drivers name and license plate number so she can report him to the taxi commission. The police ask the drivers to take better care of the little people in their charge and everyone gets settled back into their own cars. As we drove away I could not help but giggle about the whole scene. Is it any wonder that children come running to these women for love and protection, knowing they will fight for them if they need to?

Pardon?

2011-04-26T02:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of post lately. I've been sick with a head cold for a little over a week and then on Thursday my ear drum burst. Such fun! I'm on the mend but it feels like my left ear is permanently under water. On Sunday Malachi felt the same pain and although his didn't burst, we are walking around each other saying, "what?, pardon?, please repeat that, sorry I can't hear you" all day long. Praying for health in the family as we move into winter.

GM to support Agnes's House

2011-04-12T09:49:00.000-07:00

Big news today! As of May 1st GM South Africa will add their support to Agnes's House as well as Martha's house, our two partner programs caring for over 120 orphaned and vulnerable children daily!

God you continue to amaze us. Thank you for your favor. Thank you for letting us witness the incredible love you have for your children. Thank you for your perfect care of Martha and Agnes. Thank you for using us in this place. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You are awesome!

4 am

2011-04-11T00:03:00.000-07:00

Up at 4 am worrying about decisions. Took me a good fifteen minutes to stop thinking and start praying. Martha and Agnes have been asked to join a program that would open incredible doors for them in the community, but it would require a very specific agreement so that they could continue doing what they are currently doing. The paperwork is tricky and the relationships are fragile. Praise the Lord, not my relationships with them but with the ones proposing the program.

Lord, you know best. I have no idea at this point how things will work out. I know you have always, always had the very best interest of the children in your heart. I know you adore both Martha and Agnes and that daily they represent your arms to so many children and families. Jesus, your are our source. We submit these projects into your hands and ask for your favor and wisdom. Holy Spirit counsel us through each step. Speak to our hearts as one so that we can confidently move forward together. Where change is difficult please prepare everyone for your will and purposes. Bring healing to old wounds that have been stirred up. Lord, we want you to use this time to speak to our hearts and help us to grow in you. We love you. We trust you. We need you. Amen.

Martha

2011-04-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned lately how much I love Martha?

Hot dogs for lunch is not a normal occurrence, but Martha serving the children is something that happens everyday in countless ways. She is loving and kind and gives everything she can to the children. Right now we are discussing a proposal that will greatly enlarge her work, but will drastically change some of what she currently does. Nothing about these decisions are easy, but working with Martha through it all is such a blessing to me. Yesterday as I left her house she smiled and said, "God is testing us to see if we are praying people."

Lord thank You so much for this incredible woman and all her family. Bless her life in every way. Father, show her more of Yourself, more of Your truth, more of Your plans, more of Your greatness, more of Your favor, more of Your kindness, more of Your love. Keep our eyes open and protect us from stepping out of Your will. Thank You so much for our relationship and the privilege we have of knowing her. I am blessed. Amen.

Orphaned and Vulnerable Children

2011-03-31T07:54:00.000-07:00

An amazing opportunity has come up for both Martha and Agnes that would be incredible for them and the children of our OVC projects but would also bring a lot of adjustments that could be very difficult too. At this point nothing has been decided but the opportunity has been presented and we must now sort out the details and pray through the decision. This morning I was encouraged by Isaiah 46:8-11 and am reminded again now that "God's purpose will stand and He will do as He pleases". How awesome is that!

Please join us in prayer for the following:

God's will and purpose for the programs and children of these OVC projects

God's direction for Martha, Agnes, and me(Rebecca)

Godly wisdom and counsel from us to these women & others involved in the decisions

God's favor where we need it

Thank you so much for partnering in prayer with us!

Drakensberg Mountains

2011-03-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

School holidays started last week and we took off to the Drakensberg Mountains with Mom and Dad for a week of fishing, hiking, swimming, horseback riding, golf, and whatever else looked fun to do! It was a fantastic week. Mom and Dad sure know how to make the most of our time together and the week was full of memory making.

We rented a cabin for the week with several fishing ponds on the property. On day 1, the boys and Kyla fished while Mom and I drove to a nearby town to grocery shop. Travel to the grocery store was 2 hours. We made sure we only had to go once!

The spectacular view from our bedroom window. The Drakensberg has officially become my favorite place in South Africa.

Day 2 was horseback riding and more fishing. Malachi would have fished the entire trip if possible. He loved every minute!

Matthew's quote for the day: "This is the best day of my life."

Day 3 was hiking in the Royal Natal National Park. Derek stayed back to watch the World Cup Cricket games. We don't TV at home and Derek was thrilled with watching sports for a few days, that is until South Africa lost and he didn't watch another game. Sorry honey:(

This hike was so much fun. The kids hated the paved portion and said it was only a hike when we had to climb over rocks.

Now the boys are happy because it's all rock!

The water was beautiful and freezing!

My mom loves to see the baboons and was disappointed that we weren't surprised by one during our hike. I was quite grateful we only saw them on our way out of the park.

Day 4 was more fishing, sightseeing into a nearby town, and afternoon swimming for the kids.

Kyla Joy taking our picture.

Day 5 was golf for the guys and more hiking for Mom, me and the kids.

Day 6 we took the men back to the waterfall we found.

The boys couldn't stop giggling as they soaked Derek!

More of day 6 was hiking to a cave with Bushman paintings on the wall.

Kyla Joy taking the picture again. This trip was more fun than I could have ever dreamed. Thank You Lord for providing for such an experience for all of us. Thank You for these incredibly blessed moments with our loved ones and these gorgeous mountains you made!

Part of the local family

2011-03-18T00:46:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed to live and serve God in Rustenburg. Over the years we have known many wonderful families from around the world who have felt God's call to come here. Several of those have been American missionaries, who like us have been here for quite some time. The families in this photo make up our American family in Rustenburg. They are the people who fight our daily battles and celebrate our victories with us, the people who see firsthand our flawed lives, the aunts and uncles and cousins to our children, and the first people to tell us when Dr. Pepper is being sold in town. We are with different organizations and come from varied denominational backgrounds, but we are brothers and sisters in the Lord and have a genuine love and respect for one another. God has been so good to us with true and deepening relationships in the community we serve but also with bringing these beloved friends to walk with us on this missionary journey.

Am I 15 again?

2011-03-17T05:48:00.000-07:00

Took the kids to school. Mom driving my car.

Derek called to say a friend at the traffic department will meet me.

Drove home to get my passport.

Drove to the traffic department and met the manager for the licensing department who said I can convert my TX license if I have a SA ID.

Drove to the bank to draw money for the fees.

Drove to meet our friend's contact at Home Affairs.

Stood in the "Registration of Death" line (not comforting) and learned I need my birth certificate, two ID photos, and original Permanent Residence Permit I received in 2004.

Drove back home to get the forms which were actually were they were supposed to be. Awesome!

Drove to the mall for copies and ID photos. Mom now driving Derek's truck.

Had coffee and breakfast with my mom at the mall. Yeah!!

Drove to GM to meet our partners for Martha's House and Agnes's House where they asked me to resubmit the latest proposals while asking for more money than I did a few weeks ago. Their idea to ask for more money -that's always a good sign!!

Drove back to Home Affairs.

Turned in my forms, first time applications are free (good news), got my fingerprints taken (they've upgraded the soap since last time and it actually worked - more good news), signed the application and was told it could take 1-3 months to get back. (slight groan from me)

Drove back to the Traffic Department but my friend was gone for the day. I'll go back tomorrow. Praying they convert the license with just my receipt of application for ID without the actual ID.

Drove back home.

Tonight we head to Phokeng for the opening ceremony of our children's school which is a resource school to the community. Should be fun!

Life in Africa "The license story"

2011-03-16T13:11:00.001-07:00

Discovered today that my drivers license is no longer valid in South Africa because of my status as a permanent resident. Apparently it hasn't been for the last 2 years and therefore I'm not covered by our car insurance. Crazy! God's timing never ceases to amaze me but this time it's cracking me up. My parents arrived in South Africa last Saturday for a six week stay. As visitors their Texas licenses are accepted here by both the traffic department and our insurance. So today, mom drove me around for activities with the kids and a trip to the grocery store. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I cannot believe this is happening, but know having my parents around to drive me was God's way of saying He's got it handled. I'm off to the department tomorrow to see if they will kindly let me apply for the SA license or to sign up for my first lesson and test for my learner's permit.

Lord, I am so frustrated and a little overwhelmed by this but Your kindness and care of me cannot be ignored. Please give me favor tomorrow when I need it and grace to handle whatever comes. You are a good God and I love You.

Update from today's meetings

2011-03-15T13:52:00.000-07:00

Outstanding day! It's hard to put into words how incredible it was to see what we have dreamed for so long clearly laid out on city plans to reach an entire community. And more amazing to see how we've played a small part it in with Martha's House and Agnes's House. Still much to be decided and prayed through, but such exciting possibilities. Pray for God's will to be done and hearts to be ready for whatever He plans.

Regarding the young woman and the nursing program: We're making slow, steady progress. We've got the right contact involved to set things up and will pray and wait. Expectantly!

Thanks for praying!

Big possibilities

2011-03-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

We have an important meeting tomorrow to discuss the future of the orphan care projects and how they might work together with the Royal Bafokeng and the Tapologo Clinic. We're not sure how these meetings will go or what possibilities lie ahead, but we know God is faithful and that He loves these children deeply. We also know His plans far exceed our dreams. We're praying for God's will to unfold and for His wisdom for the key decision makers involved.

One of the girls at Martha's House wants to study nursing. She is an outstanding young woman who can light up any room. She's strong, independent, focused, and entirely lovable. Through a contact with our son's school we might be able to get this young woman enrolled in a nursing program right away. Praying for God's favor, purpose and plan for this young woman's life.

And heaven welcomes her home...

2011-03-12T07:05:00.000-08:00

Last week I shared with you about a dear friend who's domestic worker had suddenly taken ill with pneumonia. After one day in the hospital we learned that Lerato also had TB and HIV. It was our hope to move her to the Tapologo Clinic immediately to receive her counseling and treatment course. My friend visited her everyday in the hospital and spent time with the nurses and doctors in charge and everyone was pleased with her progress regarding the pneumonia. Last Friday at 2:30 am Lerato passed away. She was laid to rest this morning surrounded my family and friends. She was 31 years old with a 5 year old son who will now be raised by his grandmother. Lerato was a beautiful, strong, loving woman who left a lasting impact on those who knew her. My friend is struggling with deep grief and is crying out to the Lord for understanding and comfort. There is genuine joy in knowing Lerato's eternal place with Christ but great sadness for a beautiful life lost far too soon. Please pray for Lerato's family and friends has they walk through this process.

Martha and my Mom

2011-03-08T09:38:00.000-08:00

After working together for so many years, Martha knows and loves my parents, my aunts, and my sister. They've all visited her on one or more occasions and she gets almost as excited as I do about their visits. The kids at Martha's House are still playing with the marbles from my mom and aunts last trip in 2008.

Yesterday Martha asked how many more days before my parents arrive and hugged me with delight knowing how excited I am. Then she giggled and said "Just four more days and I've got something nice coming." It cracked me up. Keep in mind she didn't ask for anything, she just knows my mom and knows if mom is coming to South Africa, that she's obviously bringing something for Martha. Which of course Mom is.

Foundations

2011-03-07T12:37:00.001-08:00

Derek, Mitch, Sarah, Roger, Mary, and Lynette have been spending 6 hours a week for the last month working through a Foundations Course. It's been an amazing experience as they discuss concepts they've known for years as believers but have somewhat lost the ability to adequately express to others. This foundation is exactly what Derek has felt our DTS programs have been lacking and it is our hope that these hours of study will prove to be a tremendous asset to YWAM South Africa and all those we minister to.

Following in line with this, Derek has been asked to rework the course with an emphasis on teens to be used in schools in our region. What an incredible opportunity to reach the young people in our community!!! Biblical foundation is a passion for Derek, but teens... well, that's more of an exercise of faith. He will have a team to work with me (including me - yeah!) but Derek will be the driving force. Please pray for God's anointing on this work and that Derek will have ears to hear God's voice for the material.

Beautiful People

2011-03-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

Today I witnessed love shown in such sweet and tender ways and tonight I am in awe of what God can do when we love the one in front of us.

One friend has formed a ladies social club with 7 women whom every month will give R1000 (currently that's about $150) towards a project one of them chooses. R1000 towards any project or charity is a great donation, but R7000 can get a lot done and will be a huge blessing to countless ministries and charities this year. Amazing idea!

Another friend has started collecting donations of cash and products for the specific purpose of providing young women monthly toiletry needs to allow them to play sports without embarrassment. Derek once broke down in the mall as our young orphan girls asked him to buy feminine products and he was struck with the realization of how many months they go without. My friend had the same realization and is now working to make a difference in what seems a small way, but shows such love and compassion.

Two women I met today during a prayer meeting had scrounged their homes looking for any money they could find after hearing of a family nearby that lost their father two years ago and whose mother recently had a stroke. The children have been without food or support and these women, being complete strangers immediately set out to do something about it. After our prayer meeting (where our hostess also scrounged her cupboards pulling out whatever she could give) they were heading to the children's home to give food and see what they could do about helping.

And lastly another sweet friend learned today that her domestic worker (maid) and dear friend Lerato (not her real name) has been diagnosed with TB and HIV. My friend called me and was sobbing as she shared the news in shock and heartache. Where so many people would immediately think of how to dismiss Lerato or find a new maid, my friend was asking what we can do to help her. I phoned Dr. Neil who we worked with at the Lighthouse Shelter and with his help and the Lord's favor tomorrow at the government hospital we can get Lerato moved into the amazing Tapologo clinic to receive her care.

I know this has been a long post, but each of the women I've mentioned are our sisters in the Lord and they have beautifully demonstrated what it means to love the one in front of you. I can just see God cheering His girls on! Thank you Lord for moving in their hearts and for the blessings that will keep trickling down because of the love and kindness shown in these beautiful people of South Africa.

Praise Report concerning Matt

2011-02-23T23:18:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for Matt and the spreading wart like/molloscum spots on his face. Because they were so small the doctor couldn't be sure what they were and thought they were more likely warts than molloscum. He gave me a cream to help with the itching but basically said we would have to wait them out. In just a few days, they have almost completely disappeared. Thank you Lord for your kindness to remove these spots. I prayed and you heard my heart and answered me.

Life in Africa "The church monkey"

2011-02-23T23:09:00.001-08:00

Might be a bit tough to see but this little guy was in the parking lot at church this week. I had my camera in the car and was able to get this picture but once he saw me he kept climbing higher and higher into the trees. Small monkeys and baboon are pretty common around here. Last week I saw about 5 baboon running through the mango orchard near the YWAM base.

When Derek and I got married in Texas it was the first and only time his family had traveled to the US. One of his mom's first questions while driving through Katy was "where are all your monkeys?"

Trust in the Lord

2011-02-23T22:50:00.000-08:00

This is what the Lord says; "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert; in a salt land where no one lives. "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:5-8

This is what the Lord has been speaking to me this last week. When I look at the blessings found in trusting God my heart feels such peace. I don't know about you but I need more peace in my life. And I know I need to trust God more with all the hidden places in me, all the hidden worries. I've been reminded lately by words from my own mouth and from our team that God cares more about my heart, my character, my relationship with Him than He does about what I can do for Him. How gracious He is. How patient. How loving.

Valley Christian STAK is back!!

2011-02-20T12:36:00.000-08:00

Angela and Matt are hosting the Valley Christian High team this week. Last year we had the privilege of hosting this team for what we thought might be a one time trip. As you can see with what they arrived with they have hit the ground running. Lots of energy, beautiful smiles, loving hearts, and ready hands!! This week will be an incredible week of outreach for Agnes's House focused on lots of physical labor on the property and a VBS in the afternoons. Praying for blessed hearts and spiritual growth! By the way, this team project began with one young teen's heart to make a difference in the lives of children in Africa. We were blown away last year and expect incredible things in the coming week! These kids are seriously motivated!! Thank you Lord!

2011-02-19T12:59:00.000-08:00

I am a highly detailed person. Derek is totally visionary. At times we are like worlds colliding, but gratefully what we see most often is how God has joined us together to make a difference through our own giftings. Aside from Bible study Wednesday and a class I'm participating in at church, the last week was full of driving my kids to and fro, meetings at the bank, the church, the school, the doctors, planning, praying, and office administration. I finished Friday with nearly all the financial records for YWAM complete for the year (our year end is Feb 28th), all the laundry in the house done (although now its Saturday and the basket is full again), and a possibly fantastic opportunity for one of girls in Phokeng. Thank you Lord for a great week!

Prayer Needs

2011-02-09T21:57:00.000-08:00

We have 3 specific prayer needs this week. Please join with us as we seek the Lord about them.

- Our funding with GM is under review. We knew this day was coming but a recent email suggest there is uncertainty regarding the whole of the funds and not just the possibility of adding Agnes's House to the program. We are praying God would have His way in all this and that we would receive whatever He sets aside for us.

- Matthew has small bumps on his face that seemed to appear overnight. I found something online called molluscum contagiosum that fits the description. We're going into to see our GP as soon as we can to see if they have any suggestions. The treatment for MC is basically to leave it alone and it will go away, but it spreads with scratching and it's on his face. We are praying God will remove it quickly.

- We've been praying for a long time to have more local influence, accountability, and wisdom offered to us (Derek and Rebecca) has we serve the Lord in missions here. We've got incredibly godly, supportive friends in the area and a dedicated staff but not since our days with David and Janis at the shelter have we had the oversight/mentoring we long for. In the last few months the Lord has opened up a relationship with one of the eldership couples in our church who understand our hearts for mentoring and as former YWAM missionaries understand the call on our lives. Today is another of several meetings with them to talk about how God might be leading us to partner for the sake of His glory in our mission but also in our personal relationships with Christ, marriage, and family.

Sick Week is Over!

2011-02-05T03:11:00.001-08:00

I'm hoping this was our one and only family sick week this year. Derek had German Measles, Matthew had a sinus infection, Kyla had tonsillitis, and Malachi and I both fought off just feeling tired and weary. Today we are trying to get our lives back together from a week of laying low and waiting expectantly for the week ahead.

Some good things going on around us this past week were:

We've got an outreach team from Orlando that is busy working at our orphan care projects, Freedom Park, and other areas of Rustenburg. They are doing a great job!

A friend of mine took over my Bible study this week on extremely short notice. Abby in the words of Vanessa, "You did a stunning job". Thank you!

In my feeble attempts to do laundry I didn't clean out Derek's pockets and washed his ipod with the clothes. That's not good, but a friend sent us a message saying they want to replace the one I ruined. Gifts like that, ones just for our enjoyment or in this case the health of our marriage (haha) do great things for our hearts. Thank you H&K!

Matt only made it to school two days this week, but both times were without incident and he came home happy and encouraged by the school day. Lots of prayers being answered!

New School

2011-01-27T23:33:00.001-08:00

Matthew and his new teacher

Our son Matthew started Kindergarten (Grade R in South Africa) in January and had a tough time getting settled. The teachers were great about letting me volunteer in the classroom for a few mornings and that seems to have helped a lot. Yesterday was his birthday so I got to be there for about an hour as we celebrated and the class had their first 'birthday ring'. Matthew got to sit at the front of the room and choose the songs and games they played. Then he called everyone's name and they came up to get their own cupcakes. This is a lovely group of kids!

Silly picture of the class

new friends and class mates

Matthew's our lion heart. He can be so stubborn but is also extremely soft. Words and actions are taken to heart and he carries them for a long while. We feel strongly that this is the school for him and the right teacher, but leaving him those first few days when he really didn't want to stay was tough on all of us. Our prayer is that he will gain strength this year in character and confidence while never losing that tenderness in his heart.

Matthew, you are the treasure of my heart and I love you dearly.

Me and Matthew, 6 years old!

School Ministry

2011-01-27T07:05:00.000-08:00

Several months ago Derek and the YWAM team ministered at a school for troubled kids. They were giving 3 hours to speak to the different age groups in the school sharing mistakes they've made and what God has done in their lives. Several weeks after the event we were told that one young girl was planning to commit suicide until the events of that day caused her to change her mind. Since then a student leadership body was formed to help shape the school into the environment where education can prosper and the students feel cared for and protected. Incredible changes are still happening in the students and staff starting with that one day of ministry. We're so proud of the transparency and honesty of our team and so thankful for the Lord and how He moves in our lives!

Kids Bible Club

2011-01-26T23:41:00.000-08:00

Wednesdays are my busiest day of the week. In the mornings I host a ladies Bible study in our home with an incredible group of women I have grown to love and respect more than I ever dreamed. At the start of 2009 two of the moms in the group asked how they could teach their children at home about the Lord and if I would be willing to show them what I do with my own children. From that the Kids Bible Club was formed. The ladies have study and fellowship together in the morning and then they come back in the afternoon with their children and we have Bible study again with the kids. I love it! It's a lot of work, but so exciting to see moms and kiddos growing together, moms gaining confidence to teach their children, and kiddos sharing the Lord together with their friends.

Yesterday was our first day back this year and we started with a review of the Ten Commandments which we began learning before school dismissed in December. We had only done the first 4 and I wanted to see what the children remembered. They did pretty well as far as recollecting the purpose of the law, how it was received, what the Israelites were doing while Moses was on Mt. Sinai and so forth. After reviewing the 4th commandment I said we would begin next week with the rest.

One 2nd grader said, "Auntie Rebecca, please teach us the fifth commandment today. We want to be able to tell you the verse next week." Like I said Wednesdays are crazy with two Bible studies, racing around to drop off and pick kids up, scrambling to prepare dinner, getting my little ones ready for swimming later in the day and Derek and Malachi off to Setswana lessons... but none of that craziness matters. A young boy asked me to teach him God's Word and my heart soared!! Wednesdays are best day of the week!

New Floors

2011-01-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

Matt, Lincoln, and Tebogo have completed the tiling project at Martha's House. The floors look great and will be so much easier to keep clean. We are so grateful for the fantastic job they did!

Bible Study

2011-01-19T03:21:00.000-08:00

Everything shuts down in South Africa during December and many families go away for nearly the entire 6 week school break. It's our summer time and there is so much to be enjoyed! January is the start of a new school year so life seems to almost pause in December and then come rushing back in full force by mid-January.

Our schedules are nearly back to normal and we've started meeting again for Ladies Bible study group. I have learned so much from these women and pray they have learned from me as well. Over the last few years we've done 3 Beth Moore study guides, worked through God's Redemptive Plan in an overview of the Bible, dug deep into the study of grace, and worked through 4 books of the Bible. This year we're beginning with another Beth Moore study on the life and ministry of Paul and I find myself almost giddy at what God wants to offer each of us in the group. I'm looking forward to every minute!!

Discipleship Training School

2011-01-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

Our upcoming Discipleship Training School begins in March and the YWAM base is all abuzz at what God has in store. We're praying daily for the Lord to send the right students in need of what our specific team has to offer. As a group we love teaching, discipling, and mentoring and are so excited about the coming months. DTS for both students and staff is an incredible time of growing in Christ and sharpening our characters to better portray Jesus to the world. This past Sunday I drove a DTS team from Orlando, Florida to Botswana as they prepare to outreach there for the next couple of weeks and what a blessing those two hours were for me. I love spending time with people in awe of Christ, waiting on His commands and ready to do whatever He asks!

Father I pray you would shape and prepare YWAM Rustenburg for the students You have in mind for the upcoming DTS. Bring them from far and near with willing hearts to learn what You want to teach them. It is impossible to study Your Word, worship You in spirit and truth, ponder Your majesty, sit in Your presence, and hear Your voice and NOT be dramatically changed. We ask for deep transformation in all of us during the coming months. We want to experience the depths of You Jesus as our friend and our Savior so we can step out into this world and be living witnesses for You. We love you Jesus. Amen.

Our very first DTS students and staff on outreach.

It's that time again!

2011-01-13T07:07:00.000-08:00

New school shoes for all the children at Martha's House!

Joy to the World

2011-01-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful holiday season this year! At the start of December the kids and I sat together and talked about peace and our desire that our home be filled with peace and that everyday we open our hearts to the Prince of Peace. The children started back to school today and on the morning drive we talked about how much peace we felt this season and how excited we are about what is to come.

To my darling three, I pray you learn from an early age to look to Him for all your needs and find contentment wherever He places you. We live in an uncertain world, but we have a very certain King and our place is always with Him. You are my sunshine, treasure, and song and I love you dearly.

Love the One

2011-01-07T23:23:00.001-08:00

Derek and I have never really thought about New Years resolutions, but each December we start reflecting on the previous year and seeking God's plan for the year ahead. It is incredibly humbling to see all that God has done for us and through us, taught us or tried to teach us, and quite simply loved us and those around us through His grace and purpose in our lives.

This past year has been an eye opening experience to how we, as the Body of Christ, should truly love one another. In recent months, we've looked more closely at how we and those around us respond to each other. Sometimes we've been overwhelmed by kindness and sacrifice, but all too often we've been disappointed in our own selfishness and fears to be truly abandoned to love as Jesus does.

As we've prayed about the coming year we sense that God is asking two just things from us. To love Him with all our hearts and to love each person He places in front of us. Sometimes missions can get so complicated with strategies, projects, finances and expectations but God has made it very simple. We are called to 'love the one'.

My prayer for myself and those I love and minister to this year is that we learn to love the one. To first love Jesus deeply and then to love freely and purposefully the one He puts before us everyday just as He would. We are expecting that love to cost us in time, money, energy, and emotions but we can sense there is something amazing just beyond our reach and we are desperate to walk in it. Thank you Lord for leading us on this journey!

Clear Vision

2011-01-01T04:41:00.000-08:00

A local optometrist is testing the kids in our OVC projects for free! So far two groups have gone in for testing and over the next few months everyone will have this very specific need met. So far, several children have been discovered to need glasses and one child needs surgery to correct a problem caused by a thorn when he was just three.

Lynette, on our YWAM team, is thrilled she was able to set this up. The local doctor is thrilled to be able to use his gifts to help the children. General Motors SA is thrilled to pay. The kids are thrilled to receive a gift that will literally change their view of the world!

Agnes's House Christmas party

2011-01-01T03:56:00.000-08:00

What an awesome day this was as we celebrated Christmas with the children from Agnes's House OVC project. Everyone worked hard to prepare a special meal for the kids and the day was as close to perfect as you can get. The children colored Christmas pictures, watched a nativity play performed by the MKs, ate great food, enjoyed popcorn and homemade cookies, and watched a movie! What a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of Jesus!

2010-12-02T23:14:00.000-08:00

Last night was our farewell dinner with Ryan. After nearly 3 years with YWAM Rustenburg, he is heading home to the Seychelles for a much needed break. We will miss him so much!

Ryan, THANK YOU for what you have done for our children in Phokeng and the impact you have made on their futures through your love and teaching. You have been a great friend to the whole team and we love you very much!!

Good News South Africa

2010-09-14T14:43:00.001-07:00

Derek and I just recently learned about the website www.sagoodnews.co.za and it is awesome! We are so excited about the news on the site which highlights all the great stuff happening in South Africa. Living in a developing nation such as this one, we often hear about the negatives. And there are a lot of negatives we can focus on, but God is at work here. We can and should believe for Him to do great things in our churches, our schools, and our government.

Lord, I know you love this nation and its people far more deeply than I could ever imagine. Help me to love that deeply. Empower us with Your love, compassion, grace, and wisdom to reach this continent for You. Amen.

Nelson Mandela Day

2010-07-21T02:07:00.000-07:00

To honor Nelson Mandela Day on July 19th this year, everyone was asked to give 67 minutes of their time to someone else. The idea was to serve, bless, support, befriend, or assist someone else for a specific amount of time. It was a great idea and celebrated across the country.

A local Rustenburg school, Kloofview Primary, dedicated their 67 minutes to our orphan care feeding program, 'Agnes's House.' Derek and Agnes along with several children and two of our staff members were there to receive the gifts the school had collected for the program. It was wonderful! The gifts were amazing! Agnes and the children were very blessed! Agnes was also given time to share with the school children what the program is about and how they can help in the future. We are so thankful for these gifts, for the contacts made with the school for Agnes, and the kindness of Kloofview during these 67 minutes.

Thank you Kloofview Primary!

Non-Profit Status

2010-05-25T02:27:00.000-07:00

Since 2006 YWAM Rustenburg has been part of a larger non-profit umbrella in South Africa but due to the growth of our organization and involvement in multiple projects we have needed to apply for our own non-profit status. We started this process over a year ago and today we have finally received the number we need. AMEN! And specifically thank you God for Lebo who was so kind and helpful today! Lord, you knew exactly what I needed. Bless You!

Our new non-profit name is

Mission Overflow

NPO #080-249

Agnes's House

2010-05-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

This is the new jungle gym built by missionary friends of ours for Agnes's kids. Isn't it amazing?This team flew in last week and hit the ground running. Look at all those smiles. It's awesome!! They also purchased for Anges a new gas stove. No more fire cooking!!

Daddy's girl

2010-05-10T14:40:00.001-07:00

For the last 18 months Derek and Kyla have had a weekly breakfast date while I host a Bible study at the house. It started as just a practical solution, but has ended up being a very special part of Kyla's week. My hope and prayer is that this will continue from many years to come.

Happy Birthday Hermina!

2010-05-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

On May 3^rd, we got to share in the 91^st birthday of Hermina, Agnes’s mom. It was very special to be able to bring her cake and presents. The boys and I have just finished The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and reading this book together brought out some really interesting conversations about apartheid in South Africa, slavery in America, human rights, and the sinful hearts of mankind. At one point they were pretty emotional about the character of Jim and how he was going to be “sold down to New Orleans.” Their young eyes are just beginning to open to the way man has sinned against man and truthfully it makes me a bit sad to see them learn these harsh realities. It made them ask questions like, “Was Agnes treated badly because she has brown skin?” And after the birthday party they wanted to know what life must have been like for Hermina over the years and how she must feel about all she has seen. I am so thankful for the opportunity to live in South Africa and be part of YWAM where we are constantly encountering new cultures and people groups. I am so thankful that my children believe whole-heartedly in the basic truth of loving their neighbor. And I am extremely thankful for Hermina and the children she has raised and the love she brings to her family.

Roger and Mary

2010-05-10T06:32:00.000-07:00

Beth Moore Bible studies are some of my favorite ways to dig into Scripture. In addition to some truly incredibly teaching I think it is the Southern, Baptist, Houstonian, and Texas A&M connections that make me feel at home with the author and bring quite a bit of my roots over to meet me in South Africa.

The beautiful couple you see in this picture are Roger and Mary Kunene. We had the privilege of meeting and mentoring Roger during our first year of marriage in Swaziland. Over the years we have stayed in touch and in 2008 he and his fiancé, Mary, attended our DTS program here at YWAM Rustenburg. Since that time we have all tried to figure out a way to get them back, but know that God is using them in incredible ways in Swaziland. We hope in the Lord’s timing there will come a day when we can all work together again.

That brings me back to Beth Moore. During my time in the US, a very generous member of Waller Baptist Church shared with me her video, audio, and leader guide for one of the Beth Moore studies. My Bible study here had just completed it and we knew that it would be handy to have around. A few weeks ago Roger and Mary came to visit for a few days and she shared that it was one of the studies she was hoping to share with the women in her study group so she packed it all up and took it back to Swaziland. I know my friend at Waller Baptist would be thrilled by this. So thank you my friend for sharing this material with me and thank you Beth Moore for writing it in the first place!

Our hope as missionaries is ultimately to share Christ and help people to grow in their faith and understanding of God. Our relationship with Roger and Mary is one area where we feel incredible joy and privilege firstly that we know them, secondly that we have been able to invest in their lives and marriage, and lastly that we get to see how God is using them to bless others!

New Cars!!

2010-05-10T04:59:00.000-07:00

April 20^th was my 35^th birthday. I love birthdays! Psalm 139 says that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made. And I know that full well!” In the depths of my heart and mind, I KNOW that God has created me. He fashioned me just as He wanted and has created me with a purpose that is unique to who I am. He does that for all of us. The Lord knows the number of my days and if I submit to Him fully, He can lead me down a path that although will not always be easy, will be the very best for me! And I want His best for me!

A week before my 16^th birthday I was at a track meet in College Station, Texas. As usual, my parents were in the stands to cheer me on. Just before the final relays a huge rainstorm blew over the stadium and several hundred teenage girls began squealing and scrambling to the buses. I remember stepping into our bus laughing hysterically because we were all drenched from head to toe. Then everyone started yelling my name and I had no clue what was happening. Parked directly in front of the bus was a small blue car with my parents sitting inside. They too were soaked from the rain but they were smiling and laughing and pointing to a sign in the car that said, “Happy Birthday Becky! Hope you like you new car.” The rain and lightening kept me on the bus while my parents sat in the car, but I could not stop smiling. My mom and dad had sat all day in those bleachers knowing that at the end of the track meet I would find that car. They were so happy to be able to give it to me and deeply wanted me to enjoy it. Thanks to my dad’s mechanical skill, that car lasted me through high school, university and my first two years of ministry service. I loved that car!

Derek and I have been serving the Lord in missions now for 10 years and have been through several cars. We recently sold our ministry truck and have been praying (and quite honestly, worrying) about how we would replace it. Last month on the morning of my birthday we woke up to an amazing email. A dear friend and supporter wrote to say that God has directed his family to give us $30,000 to purchase 2 new vehicles. To say we were overwhelmed would be a ridiculous understatement. I spent the day in a daze as I would move through emotions of thanksgiving, joy, and humility. Oh Lord, that we would be worthy of your gifts.

I’ve been thinking a lot about my parents and how they sat all day at that track meet knowing what was waiting for me. And I’ve been thinking of the Lord and how He knew what would be waiting for me on that Tuesday morning last month. In both cases I’m struck by His kindness, His delight in His children, His generosity, and His timing. And I feel incredibly blessed to know Him!

Jungle Gym

2010-03-08T09:19:00.001-08:00

Here are a couple of pictures of the new jungle gym going up at "Martha's House". The materials have all been purchased by Valley Christian High School in California. We are so grateful to Lincoln, another missionary in the area and good friend, for his tools, his time, and his expertise in the area of building. Lincoln and Jenny have sent so much help our way on this project and we are extremely thankful. There is a lot of work to be done still on the jungle gym and we hope it will be finished soon.

Phokeng Fun Day

2010-03-04T01:27:00.001-08:00

What a blessing it was to host the STAK team for one week in February. We love high school teams because the impact on the team is sometimes greater than the impact on the outreach community and this group of young people was awesome!! We were so blessed by their hearts to serve and their eagerness to love and share with the people of South Africa.

In addition to the spiritual ministry the team did in Freedom Park, the Hospice, and Phokeng they brought with them generous funds to bless the orphan care project. Our after care centre, now officially called "Martha's House" was given a new refrigerator, deep freeze, stove, bunk bed, and dresser. In addition, the team supplied materials for a new jungle gym and desk for the students. We were amazed at the gifts that seemed to never end. One afternoon they hosted a "Fun Day" at the centre and everyone had a wonderful time!

What a blessing you were to us Valley Christian! God was glorified through this team in countless ways and we were privileged to witness it.

The sights, the noises, the smells

2010-02-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

One day last week our friend Esther from the Middle East visited us. She has been in missions in the 10/40 window for 14 years now and has the sweetest heart for the people in our region. It is easy to see how God can use her as he does. We pray God will continue to do a might work through Esther and that the right doors will open for her next season of missions. She also invited us to visit and spend some time in the area. Derek and I met and fell in love in the Middle East so it is so hard for us to know if our calling to the area is still so much alive in our hearts or if we just love the city so much because of what God did in our own lives there. For those of you who have visited the region, you probably feel as we do. The smell of spices in the air and the noise of the people rushing around and the colors everywhere!! Oh, it makes me homesick for the City!!! There is just something about it all that makes you want to go back.

Friends

2010-02-11T19:29:00.000-08:00

This is Sergie, a YWAM base leader in Russia. He came to visit us last week for a couple of days to travel around with Derek to scout out the possibilities for bringing mission teams to SA and receiving teams in Russia. He shared his heart for the Lord and what his country is experiencing. The people in Russia are hungry for the God and in need of our prayers. What a delight he was! Derek thoroughly enjoyed his time with Sergie and we are looking forward to what God might do with this connection.

This is my new Bible study group in Phokeng. I'm praying for these ladies and the growth God has in mind for all of us. One woman this week was shocked to learn that she sins. She believes all sin is forced upon us by Satan and that we are not responsible for any wrong we do. I asked her "have you lied?have you stolen? have you hated someone in your heart?" She answered yes to all three but I couldn't tell if she was grasping that the desire to do those things is within her and that it is God alone who makes us free. She is currently in a church that does not preach the truth of Christ and their is a lot of corrupted theology in her head. Language is also a problem for us and my prayer each week is that God will go beyond my weaknesses to reach the hearts of the women. I believe revelation is coming and ask for your prayers that the women keep coming to the study and keep seeking. Last week they asked for notebooks and pens to write down scriptures so that they could learn them at home and and pray using them. Yeah!! I pray the Word of God will wash over them and make them new!!! I know it can!

There is nothing like a new pair of shoes!

2010-01-22T00:47:00.000-08:00

Martha and I shopped this week for 26 children in her orphan care program. The children needed new uniforms for school plus new stationery. We always have a lot of fun doing this and the Lord definitely stretched our dollars to get as many goodies as possible. In the end I spent about $50 per child on new shoes, uniform, and school supplies. Thank you Lord for making that possible! Next week we will purchase for the 50 plus children at Agnes's program. We are getting back into the swing of things with the kids back in school and will start our after-school programs with the children next week. Please pray for God's wisdom as we plan and for His help in reaching these children for Jesus.

A day for Rebecca

2010-01-20T22:05:00.001-08:00

A common question for me, Rebecca, in the States was, "what does a typical day look like for you?" so I thought I'd give you a run down of Wednesday:

5:30 Up and at 'em

6 Kids up for breakfast and getting ready for school

Derek drove the boys to school for me so I could get ready for Bible study

7:30 Cooked Breakfast for Bible Study ladies and spent time with Kyla

8:30 Bible Study with the ladies (Derek & Kyla have a 'date' every Wednesday, but because this was largely a breakfast she stayed home with me)

10:30 Played with Kyla in her room

11:15 Meeting with Accountant

12:15 Replaced my dead plant with a new much smaller one, hoping to keep this one alive!

12:30 Picked up Matthew from school

1 Lunch and nap time for Matthew and Kyla

2 Picked up Malachi and his friend from school

3 Did homework with the boys and finished the dishes from the Bible study breakfast

3:45 Took Matthew to swimming lessons

4:45 Hung out with kids

5:45 Dinner with family (leftovers from morning's Breakfast casserole & fruit salad)

6:15 Played with Kyla in her room (she loves her new kitchen set!)

6:45 Derek & boys back from taking friend home

7 Bed time routine with kids

7:45 Checked emails and facebook

8 bath

9 Hung out with Derek

9:45 Bed

Pretty good day! Thursday will be much the same but instead of my Bible Study meeting I'll be shopping for food for Phokeng kids. My Tswana ladies Bible study will be on Thursday mornings beginning in February.

Seeking You First

2010-01-10T19:43:00.000-08:00

We are finally back from the States and getting settled into our house again in South Africa. Today we officially start back to work and I'm anxious to visit the children in Phokeng and see our caregivers, Martha and Agnes. Three months is a long time to be away.

Our trip to the States was wonderful. Before we left, God clearly spoke to us about why we were going. He made it clear that during our speaking engagements our focus was not to be on raising funds but to be a testimony of what the Lord is doing in this nation and amongst these people. He wanted us to challenge others to get involved in what He is doing in their own communities and the world around them. During our first church service, the worship leader had chosen only music with a missions or evangelism focus. Derek and I found ourselves crying through the whole thing. From that first Sunday, God began to refresh our hearts and remind of us why we do what we do. During the message that Sunday we saw the footage of our video, which we had prepared in advance for the services, but we saw it through the eyes of the congregation and were caught off guard at the emotion that overwhelmed us. This is a sad place at times and there is heartache all around us, but God is so amazing and the work that He has done here and is continuing to do is awesome. We are humbled to be a small part of it.

The second reason for our trip was to bring us rest and refreshing and to bless us with experiences outside our normal, everyday life. I, Rebecca, wanted two things for my children during this trip. To play in the snow and to go to Disney World. While visiting a group of supporters in Colorado we saw beautiful falling snow. A full 8-10 inches of it! It was amazing for me. The kids got to go sledding and build a snowman in our friends' backyard. A few weeks later it snowed in my hometown of Katy, Texas. For those of you from Katy, you know how rare this is and it was another experience God used to bring joy to my heart. For Christmas, my parents took my family and my sister's family to Disney World. Wow! What an incredible experience for all of us. Derek and I had the most amazing time watching our children react to all they saw and did. We didn't tell them where we were going until we approached the entrance to the park and they were thrilled! It says a lot about how much we traveled during our visit, when you have a 7,5, and 2 year old in the car for 16 hours with a one night stay in a hotel and no one asks "where are we going?". Until we visited the Magic Kingdom, my kids didn't know that the castle was actually a real place. Enchanted doesn't begin to describe them!

Lord, I am so grateful to You. I am so grateful for each service and speaking engagement we had. We know from the feedback from each that You were glorified and that hearts were touched and hopefully challenged as well. Thank you for giving us that opportunity. And thank you so much for the rest you brought us. Thank you for the time away from our everyday lives and the many joys we experienced with our family and friends.

When I woke up the morning of our flights the first thought I had was of the security systems here in South Africa and the bars on my doors and windows. I thought, "Oh Lord, here we go. Am I ready for this again?". Then when we left the airport to drive back to our house in Rustenburg, all the challenges of everyday life started coming back full force. Malachi starts first grade at a new school on Wednesday. I need to start getting the orphans ready for school next week. We have a new Discipleship school starting in March. Derek needs to start visiting the pastors who will take part in the audio training programs. I need to start up the Bible studies in Rustenburg and Phokeng in a couple of weeks. Overwhelmed can become the everyday experience if we let it. Father, I pray that we will be overwhelmed by nothing but You. Please help us to keep You first in our sights. Your word says that if we seek You and Your Kingdom first, that all things will be added to us. Let that be our motivation in all things.

We want to thank all of you for your support and encouragement. Thank you for your prayers for us and this nation. We are so excited to see what God has planned for the year ahead!

I've never been so happy to see a toilet!!!

2009-12-17T00:10:00.000-08:00

We are thrilled that the Royal Bafokeng Family has helped the program through this very special project. The after care centre at Martha's now has 2 flush toilets!!! Thank you Royal family for this gift and thank you, thank you, thank you Lord for your incredible grace and favor.

First Two Months in USA

2009-12-16T20:27:00.000-08:00

We've been having an incredible time while visiting family and friends in the US. There have been many great experiences for us as a family and we are thankful for each one of them and for all the beautiful people in our lives. The Lord provided us with so many opportunities to share about our work in South Africa and our hope and prayer is that with each event we brought glory to Him. We've got just three weeks left before we head back to SA and are looking forward to actually doing all we've been talking about these last two months. Thank you to everyone who has made this so special for us.

Our first purchase in Texas!

Colorado/Kansas border. The kids got used to jumping out of the car to take photos and at this stop as we opened Kyla's door to climb out she was already saying, "cheese."

A wonderful day with family. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Roommates from Texas A&M and forever my sisters in the Lord.

Special friends. DFW, Texas

First jet ski experience, Wichita Falls, Texas. Thank you Inman family!!

Winter snow weekend in Denver, Colorado with dear friends and fellow missionaries. The Smiths are coming back to SA this year and we are thrilled! Not only because we love them so much, but because they love the Lord with all their hearts and have so much to offer the people of South Africa.

Stuck in the snow, but only for a moment.

First time in the snow. Denver, Colorado.

Cousins

2009-12-16T19:39:00.000-08:00

One day while visiting the Lighthouse Children's Shelter, I took this photo at the very moment when my sons were greeting their friends. The sheer delight they all showed for one another brought tears to my eyes. The reality of a life in missions means that my children don't always known their extended families very well, but God is so faithful to provide family wherever He places us. The two little ones pictured here with my sons are the closest cousins my children have. In the last few weeks there have been major changes happening in their lives. Please pray for them. I can't write their names but the Lord knows who you are praying for and exactly what they need. Thank you!

Graduation June '09

2009-07-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

What Mask Do YOU Wear????

The long awaited day arrived, Friday June 5^th. After an outreach of incredible ministry, adventure and bonding everyone returned to base for a week of debriefing where we took a hard look at the last five months; what we’d arrived with, what we’d learned, what we’re looking ahead to. After any major experience and especially one abroad, debrief of what we learned, opportunities we had, and emotions we felt is a really valuable experience. We really want to allow our experiences to NOT just be ON us but instead be IN us, to effect everything we do. We need time to relive the amazing things God has done in the last five months, things we can’t keep to ourselves and stories that must be shared with those back home. We laughed a lot and even cried some. And on that special graduation day of June 5th, the same happened again.

We went to a really cool restaurant/ resort type place called Kedar Lodge. We had a wonderful South African style buffet lunch and then we sat and shared. The staff shared how much we’ve seen growth and discussed the strengths of each student. Everyone took turns sharing their heart. Rebecca shared a comment made by one of the students during debrief. Through the DTS, one student learned that “growth behind a mask, isn’t real growth. ” Rebecca talked about "masks" and how we all have them and wear them at times to hide our own flaws, our fears, our insecurities and to protect ourselves. She then handed each student a white expressionless mask. She shared how during the last five months she has learned a lot about her own "masks" and how she has seen these masks, worn by both students and staff, come off to reveal the precious gift of God that we each are. It is sometimes a scary thing to let others see us for who we truly are without our masks, but part of growing is taking that risk. We are all so grateful that YWAM Rustenburg has provided such a great place for this to happen so that we, student and staff alike, can grow into all that God has called us to. It was a powerful moment.

We then gave out the YWAM Certificates and an african keychain as a memory of us. It was a tearful day and even the next few days as we said goodbye to the students. I don’t doubt that any of us will ever forget these specific five months and the growth we all have had in them. As staff, we love these students and continue to pray for them as they have gone home and are starting a new journey in their lives.

Outreach May 09 - by Sarah H

2009-07-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

A view from an African village church

Outreach Village

Sin Chair Skit

Team Building

Preaching in a church

There were many stories of God's Grace and Mercy while we were on outreach to three different locations. Here is one story of one lady whose life has been changed...........

During our debriefing recently, our leader asked us all what was one of our most memorable moments of Outreach. That is a difficult question because for me personally it was amazing. God did so much in that short time that moved me and stirred up a stronger passion of Him and his call on my life. I felt rejuvenated and motivated. Looking back I see that sometimes, God has to call us into a time of painful growth so that He can stir up in us HIS passions. Even though, door to door evangelism isn’t easy for me, I found it strangely exciting because you just don’t know what God will do next.

So one day we looked on the very busy schedule to see that we were supposed to do “House to House Evangelism” with a local church. The pastor, Pastor Mark, is a student in the School of Missions which is a 2 month school that we were working with. He took us to his village called Shashe (sha’ shay) and it was a hot day and the African sun can be tough on pale skin. So no one was really looking forward to walking around a sandy village in the hot sun. But with water bottles in hand, we went to Pastor Mark’s house and stopped at the first house we came to. Many of us were able to share with the family there but there were obvious resistances and so sharing was not easy. After praying with the mama of the house, we walked on. Somehow, a group of ladies saw us coming or heard we were coming or something because they wanted to meet with us. Seven or eight ladies with their small children in tow met us under the shade of a tree and wanted to just hear from us. So we talked about God’s love and salvation through Jesus. They had some questions and even what seemed like strange questions, led to exciting stories of God’s power and grace in our own lives and these ladies really responded to that. We were able to pray for many of them.

One lady named Elizabeth said that she knew Jesus but wanted to know the Bible better and to do more with her life, to live for Him more. Her friend beside her said she didn’t want to read the Bible and asked that we pray that she would want to. We realized that these ladies were really hungry for discipleship. And we felt God was leading Elizabeth to start a Bible study time with these ladies under the direction of Pastor Mark and his wife. At first Elizabeth seemed scared of the idea. But as we prayed for her, you could almost feel the power of God pouring over her anew. That morning in our prayer time as a team, we’d prayed and ask God to show us things that could help us know where to go and to whom to speak with, to show us things to guide us and build our faith. I had seen the picture of a lady in a long dark blue polyester skirt. I had forgotten that picture until we were praying for Elizabeth and in the middle of someone else praying, I opened my eyes and saw her skirt and it was a navy polyester skirt and God reminded me of my vision and I felt He was saying this is the one. How encouraging. Elizabeth seemed timid but said she would try.

Later in the week, we prayed for all the many people we’d met and asked God to protect the seeds we’d sown. On Saturday of that week, a day or so before we were to leave, we were scheduled to speak at two different youth groups. I thought it was teenagers and that we’d be playing games. We were asked to give a few words of encouragement to them. So we split our team up and prayed about who should speak and what we should share. I was very tired and spent. I wasn’t sure I could share anymore. However, as I prayed I knew that if the team was hearing from God that I should speak, I would. Of course, I was the one and we felt like forgiveness was the topic. So we went back and I was so surprised. Four of us went back to Pastor Mark's church and sure enough not only teenagers came but many of the women we had met earlier were there. Elizabeth was there. I was able to speak what I felt the Lord asking me to share about my own life and my own unforgiving time and the difference in my life it made when I was able to forgive. After I spoke, other team members got up and shared and then Elizabeth, she got up to speak and she was clear and confident and spoke with a quiet authority. She was stepping into her destiny. She didn’t run from God’s call on her life and she was willing to embrace it. I felt that God was so pleased with her obedience. I was able to talk with her afterward and encourage her. We even exchanged mailing addresses. I know that God will continue to grow her into the woman He created her to be that shows His glory and His truth to her entire community. I will continue to pray for her and her ministry in her community.

It is so exciting to know that many lives are being changed and many people are coming to know Jesus as their personal Savior.

Elizabeth and other ladies we met

The Start of Outreach- by Sarah

2009-05-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

April 09 (Sarah)

The Students began their outreach right here in Rustenburg. Our local church was hosting a conference called the Zeal Conference for the broken and hurting. I understand that it was a great conference with wonderful speakers. Our students provided the children’s ministry so that the parents could participate in the sessions. There were about 25 children ranging from ages 3 to 13. The students assisted on Friday night and Sunday Morning but they planned, organized, and handled the program on Saturday. The four students planned well but also had to improvise depending on what they found when they arrived. As with most ministries, flexibility is the key. And the students did an excellent job. The children really enjoyed them and the games and crafts they did with them. I was very proud of the students for adapting to a different culture than what they are used to at home. There were a few children who did not speak English and that was a challenge but our students, Joyce, from the Netherlands was able to pick up some words since Afrikaans is similar to Dutch. Two of the staff helped with parking as well. The students were exhausted but did very well for their first assignment on Outreach.

After those three days, the students packed up and deep cleaned the base apartment and got ready to leave for the rest of outreach in Botswana. The trip was delayed by two days because our ministry vehicle is older and it is sometimes difficult to find parts to repair it. We are grateful for the vehicle but believe for a new vehicle for the next school. The Students and two staff left on Friday the 24th of April and arrived 10 hours later at the home of Pastor Peter who is hosting them for the first week and a half while the team and staff assist with a conference there.

We are praying for God’s mighty power to be shown to the people of Botswana and that they will receive all that God has for them. Please keep the team, staff, and people of Botswana in your prayers.