Return to USA and GFA Conference

" The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places . . .Psalm 16:6."

The Lord gave us a good return trip from South Africa.  Our oldest daughter, Amy, and her three children met us at the airport and brought us home to a wonderfully prepared brunch.

It was a joy to renew fellowship with our dear friends, Bradley and Krischa McKenzie.  We enjoyed becoming better acquainted with their 6 youngest children, some of whom we had never yet met.  They came from Germany where they have ministered since 1993 for the wedding of son, Devon, on June 1.

We enjoyed becoming better acquainted with their 5 youngest children; four whom we had never yet met.  

 Our mission organization, Gospel Fellowship Association Mission, held its annual Family Conference at  The Wilds on May 27- June 1. 

We traveled up on Memorial Day and I was able to take time away to attend one day with Tony before returning to care for Mama, who is in rehabilitation after repair of a hip fracture.

We are thankful for all who serve to make this week a real blessing to the furloughing missionaries and the deputees.  The preaching of men like John Monroe, Marshall Fant, Gary Reimers and Robert Vincent blessed and challenged us.

Here, furloughing missionary to Cameroon, Randy Studdard, seems to be getting technology tips from Cameroon deputee, Ruley.

The times of fellowship after the evening services allowed opportunity to renew acquaintances and make new friends.

Each day several missionaries gave testimony of how God is working in their lives and on their fields.

"Royal Women" Retreat

"Keep your heart with all diligence  . . . . Proverbs 4:23."
Thirty-eight ladies from four sister churches traveled to Montagu for a two-day retreat on May 17-18.  Some traveled by car, others by van, and some even crowded into the back of a bakkie (pickup truck), all the while enjoying the fellowship and singing for almost 200 kilometers!

I was privileged to speak three times on the general theme of "Royal Women." The first night, I spoke on "Guarding the Castle of Your Heart."

 We enjoyed delicious meals together around the lovely tables with decorations provided by Gina Magarah and Holly Gilbert. 

Many hours of work before and during the retreat were contributed by the team of fellow missionaries: Judy Blanton, Kristie Elmer, Katie Graham, and Sue Knipe.

 Being a "team player" sometimes means participation in a skit that is far less than flattering.

 I took my husband's counsel, "to be a good sport," which means I got into the character of  being the grumpy camper!  (You would have to have been there or seen a video to know what "getting into character" entailed!)

 The ladies enjoyed warm times of fellowship around God'sWord, in spite of the very cold weather.

The second and third sessions were "In the Presence of the King" (having meaningful quiet time) and "Living in the Kingdom" (getting along in God's family).  I was able to provide the notes in Afrikaans for those whose language preference is Afrikaans.

Pray that the Lord will help each lady to daily spend time in His Word and model biblical womanhood in their homes and churches.