Birthplace of the Blues-Memphis! - June, 2009

The team from Kirbywood Baptist Church has visited South Africa multiple times. We wanted to visit them! We had a wonderful time reconnecting with these wonderful folks on their home turf. We enjoyed times of fellowship, food and worship at their church; plus we got the grand tour of the city. We ate with the team at Rendezvous BBQ just off of Beale Street after watching the world famous ducks at the Peabody Hotel.

We visited Graceland (a first for both of us), the Civil Rights Museum (where Dr. King was assasinated) and Sun Recording Studio (where Elvis, Johnny Cash and others recorded and still record). We also had an opportunity to thank the church and the team for their wonderful support of missions around the world.

Our new Stateside home! (for a little while)- May, 2009

On 7 May, we arrived in North Carolina for our Stateside Assignment. It has been so nice to see family and friends and to make new friends. First Baptist Church of Cary has graciously allowed us to live in their mission house. We have enjoyed the church, the Sunday School and Don has even been able to sing in the choir (every once in a while). We have been able to spend time with both boys and even help them to start back to school. Our address in Cary is: 208 S. Harrison Ave, Cary, NC, 27511 and our cell phone number is 919-389-2339. Please feel free to call or visit us, and even visit the church!

Elephants and Mountains???? - April, 2009

Although we live in South Africa, we rarely get to do many things due to time and money. However, since Matthew would be leaving South Africa soon, we decided to do some exploring and be adventurous. We visited the Knysna Elephant Park where we were able to ride, pet and feed the elephants! They are awesome.

We also climbed the George Peak, elevation approximately 4500 feet above the starting point. It was a grueling climb and return, taking over 12 hours and a distance of 17kms (or over 10 miles). It has only taken 6 months for Pam's big toenails (which came off during the trip back down the mountain) to grow back! :-)

Kirbywood Volunteer Team spreads the Good News- March, 2009

Our dear friends from Kirbywood Baptist Church returned to share the Gospel with children, youth, women and adults. Yes, they were as busy as it sounds! They came as ambassadors and represented the King and His message. They led many children and adults in Vacation Bible School and worked in conjunction with a feeding project in Barcelona township. They also had time with the women in the township, teaching them first aid, cooking, planting vegetables and sowing the Word. The kids at the children's home remembered the team from last year and excitedly welcomed them back. These kids are often neglected, but the team ministered to them in songs and crafts, while sharing God's love through His word. Because of this team's ministry and the township, Pam and Matthew were able to share God's plan of salvation with the local tavern owner who accepted the Lord as His Savior. Please pray for him, as he has many hard choices to make to be true to his new faith in Jesus.

Matthew says "Go Heels!"- February, 2009

After much deliberation, Matthew chose the university he wanted to attend. He was accepted at the 5 universities to which he applied and accepted the invitation from UNC at Chapel Hill. He is adjusting well to life on campus and covets your prayers.

Namibia Trip - A visit with the Mbalantu!

In February, we (Don and Pam) joined a group from Texas on a trip to Namibia. The churches from the Bi-Fork Association in Texas have adopted the Mbalantu people group in Namibia. They have committed to send at least four volunteer groups each year to the heart of the Mbalantu people in Ovamboland in northern Namibia. We praise the Lord for their commitment to His calling! In preparation for their upcoming trips, we traveled with them to this area. What a blessing! We met so many people, learned so much about their lives, prayed and brainstormed about how to share the Gospel message with them. We even learned some phrases in Oshikwanyama and Oshimbalantu. For more information about our trip and more information about the Mbalantu and other unreached people groups in Namibia, visit our website, http://www.forgottenpeoples.info/

Pictures:

1. Boy with his donkey.

2. Mbalantu child in the market.

3. One night a jackal wandered in looking for food.

4. Don with baby boy. (He loved his bananas!)

5. Pam with the ladies.

6. We ended our trip in Etosha National Park (gemsbok).

A flash in time!

December came and went faster than we wanted! Drew came and was gone much too quickly. In the two short weeks that he was home, we had a team Christmas party, ate lots of food, had fun playing games, played football in the back yard and had some great fun at the beach!

It is always a sad time at the airport when we say, “Goodbye.” But, the good news is that we will see him again in May!

After Drew left, we departed for a meeting in Johannesburg. After our meeting, we visited a theme park called Gold Reef City. Some people have asked how we handle the stress of missionary work and issues such as crime; well here is a good look….


Matthew prefers to take out his stress in other ways…


Seriously, we had a great time of fun!