The Christmas that almost didn’t come!!

Drew, Matthew and Don’s mom were set to arrive in Cape Town on Sunday 19 December from London through Washington, DC. However, cold temperatures, ice and freezing rain paralyzed Heathrow Airport. The flight from Washington was cancelled so we rebooked them and rerouted them to New York. Every flight before and after was cancelled, but they took the one flight that got them to London. Once they got to London, suddenly their flight to South Africa was cancelled and they were informed that they would arrive in SA on the 26th after Christmas. Even though they were told it was impossible, they got on the only flight (flying standby) that left that night and arrived in Cape Town on Tuesday 21 December. The only way they got to South Africa when they did was the marvelous hand of the Lord. We praise the Lord for his kindness and wonderful care. We also were impressed at how the boys and Don’s mom handled the whole ordeal. God truly is good.

Thank You, Thank You and Thank You

Ten years ago, Pam and I and our boys were called to South Africa. It is because of the Lord’s prompting of your heart to give to the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas offering that we are able to be here. I cannot thank you enough for your sacrifice of giving and your sacrifice of taking the time to pray for us. In God’s eyes and also in our eyes, you are as much a part of the spread of the Gospel here in Southern Africa as we strive to be. We will all rejoice in what God is doing. Many Africans that you will meet in heaven one day will praise the Father for your faithfulness in allowing them to hear the Gospel that saved their soul. I have attached a portion of a document that we forwarded to many of the SBC churches to use as a bulletin insert or flyer. Once again, thank you, thank you, and thank you.

Whoa November; slow down.

This month has been very busy and it is not over yet. In addition to doing performance evaluations, making budget cut recommendations for 2011 and the many things that Pam and I have been doing, we did manage to squeeze in some fun. We saw the USA defeat South Africa 1-0 in a thrilling soccer game. We also were invited to a murder mystery based in the roaring 1920’s entitled “”Murder at the Juice Joint”. I dressed up at Notorious Nick Nementz, Northside Chicago mob boss, and my fiancée, Molly Moll was by my side. We also attended Sister Georgina Lewis’ 75th birthday party. She is a dear saint and a witnessing Christian who has led many to the Lord. She attends Eastridge Baptist Church in Mitchell’s Plain, where we worship, under the leadership of Pastor Bennie Dryer. In case enquiring minds would like to know: the cigar was never lit, the cigarette holder never had a cigarette & the bottle on the table at the 75th Birthday Party contained 100% bubbly grape juice :-)

Pam and I do wish everyone a blessed Thanksgiving. Eat a little turkey, stuffing and our other favorites with family that we will likewise miss and we will all thank the Lord for what He has done.

New Member of the Family; teeth and all- October 2010

On 14 October we brought a new 10 week old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy to our home. The Ridgeback is a dog that originated from a mixture and successive breeding of a Khoi-khoi semi-domesticated wild dog used to hunt lions and European breeds. As you may notice in the photos, there is a ridge of hair that is prominent down the back. The rose in the picture was destroyed a few seconds after the photo was taken. Also, she is an accomplished digger and rock, stick and root chewer. Chelsea is a beautiful sweetie, but is also a busy puppy.

New Missionaries- October to December 2010

Pam and I are so thrilled to have two new families to join our TVR (Town, Village and Rural) Teams to spread the Gospel and plant and develop churches. Chuck and Amy Barbour and their three kids (Caleb, Joy and Mark) will be moving to George to work among the Xhosa People. Todd and Deborah Hoskins just arrived in Swaziland for two years to teach and disciple the new and fledgling churches around Manzini and further south. Your faithful giving and powerful prayers are the catalyst that the Lord is using to spread His Kingdom and you have an integral part in that expansion. May the Lord continue to bless you as you serve Him. Thank you so much.

Birds of Kruger- October 2010

I do not want to forget the birds of the air that the Lord has created. The Fish Eagle was sitting on a branch eating a fish. It is awe inspiring to see him swoop down and catch a fish in his talons. The Saddle Billed Stork is very rare and we saw three by the river.

The Crested Barbet came close looking for a handout (he was disappointed) and the Southern Ground Hornbill walked along with a strut.

The Wahlberg Eagle drank water while the Cape Starlings gathered round and the Lilac Purple Breasted Roller paused in the road to have a look. We saw over 4 types of eagles and many other birds as well. We had a wonderful time and hopefully we will not wait 8 more years to go again.

Other Kruger Varmints-October 2010

Besides the Big 5, there are many other wonderful animals that God has created. The Honey Badger was going down the road and he turned to bare his teeth and growled. He was impressive and I kept my distance. The Nyala, Giraffe, Kudu, Zebras, Hyena pups and many more were just a demonstration of our creative and miraculous God.