Whetstone Conference and Simpsons' visit

"Iron  sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17"

The Lord provided for our dear "children-in-the-faith," Kevin and Lydia Simpson, and their twins to travel to America from Cape Town on June 3.  When LONG journey's destination was reached, everyone was ALL smiles.

The purpose of the trip was for this young pastoral couple to attend the Whetstone Conference at our sending church, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, in Greenville, SC.  The four-day conference was focused on how men and women in ministry are "AMAZINGLY GRACED" by God for their calling.

Kevin testified that the messages, fellowship, and encouragement from others' testimonies were such a help.  Below, Kevin and Dr. David Luethy were preparing to enjoy one of the many wonderful meals provided by the church.  

David and Ellie Luethy traveled twice to South Africa to minister with us in the Bible Institute, with women and with children.   The Luethys traveled from Virginia, where he pastors one of our supporting churches. They were blessed to meet the Simpsons and the twins and attend the conference.  For a number of years, the Luethys prayed with us for God to grant Kevin and Lydia the joy of raising a family for Him.

Lydia testifies that the seven years of praying for children taught them many valuable lessons. Noah and Sarah were delightful guests for their "Oupa" and "Ouma" and good travelers for their parents.

Here, "Oupa" and Sarah pose together.  What a lovely 6 month old daughter!

Handsome little Noah and I shared many happy moments together as well.

One of the outings we enjoyed was a day at The Wilds in Brevard, NC.

A meal and fellowship at Brian and Joy Collins' home was a real blessing.  Joy's sister and brother-in-law, Kristie and Daniel Elmer, have been ministering in Cape Town since December 2011. 

Our daughter, Amy, invited some friends for tea and Lydia shared her testimony with these young mothers.  

Our pastor's wife, Linda Minnick, one of Lydia's special prayer friends, invited us for a cup of tea. She also prayed for God to give the Simpsons a child. Everyone was delighted when God gave a double blessing!

The GFA Missions home office faithfully pray for Kevin and Lydia and Immanuel Baptiste Kerk.  A number of years ago, Kevin met  Dr. Mark Batory, director of the mission,  when he visited South Africa.

Could we allow the Simpsons return to South Africa without eating Mexican??  Not hardly, since the USA has the third largest Hispanic population in the world.

May the Lord allow the Simpsons and all of us who attended the Whetstone Conference to continue to reap benefits from the messages for years to come.