Journal Entry for April 22-29

"Redeeming the time . . . . Ephesians 5:16"

Tony desired to be fully occupied and God opened the door for Tony to begin teaching the Acts' course at a second venue, in the Strand, on Tuesdays evenings.  He also preached  for this assembly two Sundays.

I made an appointment to spend a morning with my friend, Aneesa, encouraging her to listen to Jesus invitation to come to Him.

 On April 24, I spoke to the ladies' Bible study at Macassar Bybel Baptiste Kerk in Macassar.

These ladies were eager to learn to use God's Word to put on strength to follow and obey Him.

Two special friends, Charlotte (Pastor Cyril's wife) and Patricia were a blessing to spend time with again.

Dear friends, Lucas and Elzyla, shared tea with us and also gave their help with proof reading the tract translation project.

Our dear "daughter," Liz and her husband, Ross, met us for tea and shared what God was doing in their lives in the details of their wedding and their lives as newlyweds.

I had the privilege to teach Chanelle at the teen girls' Sunday School class on the topic of modesty and purity.

We traveled to Genadendal after church on the last Sunday in April, arriving in time to attend the afternoon Sunday school at the ministry of our friends, Isaac and Sheila Balie.

The next day Tony and Isaac had some good conversations at the Genadendal Museum and that evening Tony spoke to the men at their weekly meeting . We are thankful God recently spared Isaac when he had two stays in ICU.We look forward to seeing how God will further use him when he retires from the museum.

On Tuesday I taught a lesson to the little group of ladies who met together for prayer.  It is a joy to have these opportunities to redeem the time by sharing encouragement to God's people.

Journal Entry for April 15-21

" . . .  see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently.  I Peter 1:22"
My recent time in South Africa highlights the love we share with those we have been privileged to serve and share in serving with .

 Theresa offered us hospitality in their "Lavender Cottage" which Tony was able to enjoy for a number of days between different accommodations after my departure.  I cherish the morning I fellowshipped with her over a cup of tea!

 

Can any fellowship be sweeter than a "cottage" prayer meeting?  Eindhoven Baptiste Kerk holds its midweek service in homes each Wednesday.

On Good Friday we visited the work in Northpine where we ministered for a year in 2008.  Among the many we grew to love there are Cedric and Caren's children, J.P., Micah and Azura. They have a big spot in our hearts.

After the Good Friday service, we were invited for a traditional pickled fish and hot cross buns lunch with Kevin and Lydia and the twins.  We LOVE pickled fish.  Why do we only eat it on Good Fridays??

 

Sixteen month old twins, Noah and Sarah, didn't seem to mind at all that 'Oupa"Tony was continually taking pictures of them!

 The next day, two of "my girls, " Oriel and Caren, took me for a breakfast at Spur!  We stayed SO long the "bottomless coffee" ran out!! SERIOUSLY!!! :-)  These girls feel like daughters. It is a privilege to share in their lives--the joys and the trials.

On Easter Sunday, Tony preached "Verskillende Reaksies op die Opstanding van Jesus Christus" (Different Reactions to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ) from Acts 17 for Pastor Kevin at Immanuel Baptiste Kerk.

 

Afterwards, Bill and Sue Knipe and the four children shared their Easter feast with us!  We love this family and thank God for them!

On Easter Monday, known as "Family Day" in South Africa, it is tradition to braai (barbecue).  We fortunate to be able to find ONE package of chicken at Pick N Pay to take to the "bring 'n braai" at Immanuel Baptiste Kerk.

 Does it look like everyone is waiting for something??  They are!

The men grill, while the ladies talk and the children and teens play.  The anticipation only makes the chicken taste even better.  Don't ask me to name all the different salads that were brought for sides!  Then, to top it off we had Auntie Willa's "rooster brood" (bread baked right on the grill)!

Journal Entry for April 8-14

". . . Behold, a sower went forth to sow . . .  Matthew 13:3"

Missionary children, Anna, Johnathan and Hannah helped with balloon for decorating for the ladies' retreat. Katie and . . .

.  .  .  Kristie and Sue were very busy behind the scenes with preparations for the retreat over many months.

All forty ladies enjoyed the wonderful meals and tea times we shared together during the retreat.

The theme of the retreat was "A Godly Woman's Adornment."

I taught four sessions on the topics of strength, dignity, purity and mentoring.

Kristie brought a session on health as it relates to caring for our bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit.

From Melkbosstrand, where the retreat was held, provided a wonderful view of Table Mountain.

On April 13, Tony preached in the morning service in Macassar and that afternoon under the canvas for Gavin at his 50th birthday celebration.

That evening, Tony preached at the monthly Gemeenskapaanddiens (Fellowship Evening Service) at Immanuel Baptiste Kerk,

where Tony's son-in-the-faith, Kevin  Simpson, has been pastoring since 2007.

The Simpsons' 16th month old twins, Sarah, and

Noah, are getting to know their missionary ouma  (grandma) and oupa (grandpa)!

Irain, another son-in-the-faith, began attending the church plant as a 5 year old in 1998.

Tina is a young believer whom we have counseled and encouraged for about 8 years.  

We enjoy hearing the young men, like Jason, whom God is allowing us to work with; they preach at the prayer meeting.

Journal Entry for April 1-7

". . .  one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father" knowing it.  Matthew 10:29

Just outside the little flat we stayed in during the five weeks I was with Tony, this little bird perched where we often sat for breakfast outside at a patio table after our morning walk of 9 kms.

Walking with such beautiful creation to enjoy and seeing Table Mountain each morning as we walked 9 kms averaging a 14-15 minute mile, all uphill for the first 45 minutes!  We work on Scripture memory each day as we walk together.

Tony's little study corner in the corner of the little patio out back worked well unless the sun was shining too brightly to see the computer screen.  Here he prepared sermons for Sundays and went over sessions for the Acts course in the Bible institute.

The Oostenberg Bybel Instituut second term began on April 3, just 3 days after our arrival.  

Tony enjoys teaching God's Word to these students.

On April 2, we were back with our dear people in Eindhoven, Delft.  Tony has a full schedule for preaching each Sunday at the various church plants.

We thank the Lord for the co-workers He brought to South Africa.  The Elmers arrived in late 2011.

Bill and Sue Knipe arrived in March 2012.  

Bill and Sue opened their home for the church's braai (barbecue) to welcome us on our first Sunday back.

The Lord orchestrated some time for Tony to talk to Jeffery about salvation. Jeffery attends regularly.

I had the opportunity to join several of the young people in a game of Phase 10.

After the meal, we had a time of singing before Bill brought the Word and we observed the Lord's Table.