Hurricanes and Christmas Parades December, 2009

In South Africa, field hockey is a popular sport and enjoyable to watch. It is also played in the U.S to a lesser degree. However, ice hockey (which resembles field hockey on ice has pads, helmets, and lots of bruising and vicious, bone jarring hits and slamming of bodies into the wall) is played on the professional level. We got to see the Carolina Hurricanes take on the NY Rangers. It was exciting!

Pam and I also got to watch the Cary Christmas Parade in the bitter cold. We saw the floats, the marching bands, the dancers and the performers along with Father Christmas (Santa Claus). We even got to see “Elvis” sing and greet the Chick-Fil-A cow. (We love Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwiches).

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering Time December, 2009

Pam and I had a wonderful December as we had the chance to share what God is doing in Southern Africa. We spoke to the brothers and sisters at First Baptist Church Cary, Forest Hills and Ephesus Baptist in Raleigh, Fellowship Baptist in Moyock, and Liberty Baptist in Thomasville. I am so encouraged at how these churches and others are being used by the Lord to bring the Gospel to the whole world. Thanks to all of you for your giving and praying. I have included some pictures from the outer bank of North Carolina. It is a wilder place than I had imagined. We also got to spend some time with Ron and Gail Davis who served in many places in Africa before returning to the States. We enjoyed visiting with them and Pastor David from Liberty Baptist.

A House Divided; Clash of the Titans November, 2009

All four of us have been able to watch American football and even attend quite a few games. However, since Don graduated from NCSU and Pam from UNC-Chapel Hill and Drew attends NCSU and Matthew attends UNC, the ultimate family clash was looming on the Horizon. UNC was nationally ranked and favored, but long-standing rivalries make for anybody’s game. In the photos, UNC is kicking a successful field-goal and NCSU is running for a good gain. After a long fought battle NCSU emerged with a one point win. We went to the game together and returned together knowing that bragging rights last until next year. The struggle continues.

Barcelona Church; a New Beginning

If you have looked at some of our previous blog postings, you have seen that Barcelona Township has been an important part of our work as well as on our hearts. Pam and I started in Barcelona and Betty Goeda also came along with us. Through door to door witnessing, Bible studies, help from other missionaries and nationals, and volunteers such as the folks from Kirby Woods Baptist, we have been ministering in this area. When we return to SA, we will be moving from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town and we have been praying about how the work in Barcelona would continue. Praise the Lord because Pastor Jonathan Gallant and the West End Baptist church have come alongside these new believers and this month the Barcelona Baptist Church had their first church service inside a garage. A couple of weeks later a baptismal service was held; ten youth, a mother of two and Sarah, an 82 year old grandmother (in red dress above), were baptized. Sarah’s son also made a profession of faith. It is because of your praying and your support of the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas offering that the Lord used this to grow his kingdom. It takes the whole church to reach the whole world. Thank you so much for doing your part.

More Conventions and Mission Conferences; We Love it!!

Really, we do. It has been a great joy to meet so many brothers and sisters who have a passion for the Lord and the lost. Pam and I and a South Asian colleague were the IMB representatives at the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia State Convention. It was wonderful to see the church planting that they are involved with in VA, North America and the world. We met many great folks. Norfolk has the "Hot Sign" as well.

We then traveled to Denver Baptist Church in Denver, NC for their 4th annual Missions Conference. We had the pleasure of staying with Bill and Carolyn Ratcliff and they frequently travel and minister in South Africa and Mozambique. The staff and the whole church were a joy to be around. Hickory also has my favorite bookstore and doughnut place beside each other. We fed our souls and our body. We love to tell about the things that the Lord is doing in SA. You are a big part of that as well, but He alone deserves the glory.

A Beautiful Fall Day in North Carolina!

We have not seen a Fall Season in North Carolina in over nine years. The evening air is cool and the leaves from the trees fall to the ground like the first good snow of the year. Falling leaves may be your pain, but we watch in child-like wonder. God is such an artist. On 31 October, Reformation Day, we got to watch the Cary Band Day Parade. I have not seen a parade like this in a long time. We enjoyed the floats, the bands, fire trucks and much, much more. Pam also carved a small pumpkin to greet any kids that may come to the door for goodies. That night, under the bright Carolina moon, we saw several high school marching bands compete in the Cary Band Day. Still the beauty and wonder of even this day will not compare with the beauty of that day when we will see the Lord. Tell someone about the Lord so that they may get to enjoy it as well.

The Old, Old Story is still new to many.

We had the joy, the honor and the privilege to share with God’s people about the work that is going on in our part of Southern Africa. Your prayers and giving are making a huge impact on the world. We tell the stories of changed lives due to the power of the Gospel and also what it is like to live, eat, and engage the many cultures in normal every-day life. We shared with the saints at Ca-Vel Baptist in Roxboro, and in Johnston County with St. Mary’s Grove and Pisgah Baptist. We also had a wonderful time with the WMUs of The First Baptist Church of Cary and Forest Hills Baptist. Your questions and encouragement and your desire to know what is going on is so heart-warming. It is good to see God’s people still focusing on the millions that have never heard. May God continue to bless you as you diligently serve him.