We had a great day at the Soup Kitchen. Last week I had challenged them all to memorize John 3:30 and John 4:14 and to tell it to me this week. The man I had the privilege of leading to the Lord last week was able to say both verses today! Not only that but he then told everyone what the Bible study was about last week in great detail. It's incredibel to see the change in his life.
After the Soup Kitchen I took a man home that lives in a township that I would like to see a new church planted. It's awesome to see how God works because he approached me about wanting to start a Bible study there before I ever mentioned anything to him! We drove around the area trying to agree on a place to meet. We finally found find an area with a large tree that provides good shade. There was a group of men already under the tree so I suggested we go talk with them. They loved the idea of starting a Bible study there and want to meet next Wednesday at 4! Please pray that God's will be done and many will come to accept Jesus as their Savior.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Heaven is Rejoicing!
What an incredible day. We arrive at church and I see a man that has been coming to the Soup Kitchen sitting outside the church. I went up and started talking with him and he told me he accepted Jesus as his Savior last Sunday! He said, "I was looking for you last Sunday but you were not here so I talked with someone else." I rejoiced with him and assured him that was the best decision he will ever make and then told him that we were out of town the last week.
I sat by him during church and learned more of his story. He is married and has 4 kids, but they are all living with his wife's mother in another village because he does not have a job or money to buy food for them. I asked him how long it took for him to walk to church and he said 1 1/2 hours. I immediately told him we would gladly take him home after church.
When church was over I went to the market (tuck shop) to get some groceries for him and his family. We drove to the village where his wife and kids are staying and it was quite the cultural experience! He described how his wife was very negative towards him before he accepted Jesus because there is no food. Since he accepted Jesus she has been positive towards him. He asked me, "Do you have a word of encouragement to give my wife?" I told him that I was praying that the Lord would give me something to say that would encourage her.
As we approached the one-room house he said we must wait in the car. I was expecting him to get out or something but he just stayed in the car. He saw one of his kids and called them over to the car. Something was said in Zulu, but I'm not sure what it was. He then called another one of his kids over and said something to him. A lady then came out of the house and I asked if she was his wife. He said no but she will come out soon. She finally came out and as she approached the car, he said under his breath to me, "ask her if you can come inside." I told her I had some groceries for her and her family and would like to bring them inside. She agreed and said to come inside.
As I set the groceries down the man asked me where my Bible was. During the confusion in the car and carrying the groceries I had forgotten it in the car. I went and got it real fast and then came back and sat down. It was a bit awkward as his 6 year-old daughter was taking a bath in the middle of the room in a large rubbermaid-type container........
I explained to her that her husband is a new person because he now has Jesus in his life. I asked her if anyone had ever told her about Jesus. She gave an answer of 'not really.' I then asked if it would be ok if I shared with her about Jesus. She said that it would be ok. I opened the Bible to John 3:16 and spoke with her about this passage for about 15 minutes. I could tell that the Holy Spirit was working on her and asked if she saw herself as a sinner and would like to accept Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior. There was another lady in the room that I was not introduced to but I could tell she was listening very intently. I shared with them a little more and then they both prayed to accept Jesus! It was incredible to see the huge smiles that came on their faces.
As I left I assured her that her husband desperately wants her and the kids to come back home and be together again as a family. I told her that we would be praying for God to provide him with a job so they could have food. Please join us in praying for this young family and that God would provide for them in a mighty way.
As we were taking him back to his village he patted his knees and sighed great big. He then looked up and said, "God is so good! I have such peace in my life now and can actually go to sleep tonight." This man is very interested in beginning a Bible study in his home. I can't wait to see how the Lord is going to use him because he lives in a village that we have been praying for a new church to start there.
I sat by him during church and learned more of his story. He is married and has 4 kids, but they are all living with his wife's mother in another village because he does not have a job or money to buy food for them. I asked him how long it took for him to walk to church and he said 1 1/2 hours. I immediately told him we would gladly take him home after church.
When church was over I went to the market (tuck shop) to get some groceries for him and his family. We drove to the village where his wife and kids are staying and it was quite the cultural experience! He described how his wife was very negative towards him before he accepted Jesus because there is no food. Since he accepted Jesus she has been positive towards him. He asked me, "Do you have a word of encouragement to give my wife?" I told him that I was praying that the Lord would give me something to say that would encourage her.
As we approached the one-room house he said we must wait in the car. I was expecting him to get out or something but he just stayed in the car. He saw one of his kids and called them over to the car. Something was said in Zulu, but I'm not sure what it was. He then called another one of his kids over and said something to him. A lady then came out of the house and I asked if she was his wife. He said no but she will come out soon. She finally came out and as she approached the car, he said under his breath to me, "ask her if you can come inside." I told her I had some groceries for her and her family and would like to bring them inside. She agreed and said to come inside.
As I set the groceries down the man asked me where my Bible was. During the confusion in the car and carrying the groceries I had forgotten it in the car. I went and got it real fast and then came back and sat down. It was a bit awkward as his 6 year-old daughter was taking a bath in the middle of the room in a large rubbermaid-type container........
I explained to her that her husband is a new person because he now has Jesus in his life. I asked her if anyone had ever told her about Jesus. She gave an answer of 'not really.' I then asked if it would be ok if I shared with her about Jesus. She said that it would be ok. I opened the Bible to John 3:16 and spoke with her about this passage for about 15 minutes. I could tell that the Holy Spirit was working on her and asked if she saw herself as a sinner and would like to accept Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior. There was another lady in the room that I was not introduced to but I could tell she was listening very intently. I shared with them a little more and then they both prayed to accept Jesus! It was incredible to see the huge smiles that came on their faces.
As I left I assured her that her husband desperately wants her and the kids to come back home and be together again as a family. I told her that we would be praying for God to provide him with a job so they could have food. Please join us in praying for this young family and that God would provide for them in a mighty way.
As we were taking him back to his village he patted his knees and sighed great big. He then looked up and said, "God is so good! I have such peace in my life now and can actually go to sleep tonight." This man is very interested in beginning a Bible study in his home. I can't wait to see how the Lord is going to use him because he lives in a village that we have been praying for a new church to start there.
Monday, October 31, 2011
The Power of God's Word
I was reminded this past Friday of the power of God's Word. It is so incredible to see the Holy Spirit move. A typical Friday at the Soup Kitchen has us sharing a Bible story that is translated into Zulu, eating a meal, and then having a Bible study. This past week we decided to change things up. I had noticed a change in the men's demeanor the past couple of weeks during the Bible study and wanted to see where the Lord would lead.
This past week we only had a Bible study that was done in English. It's almost as if the men sat on the edge of their seats when they saw the Bible and I began to read from it. They were hanging onto every word and taking it all in. Usually when I hold a conversation with them either before or after the Soup Kitchen, it is difficult for me to understand them and vice versa. Durnig the Bible study there were no problems at all with them comprehending what was being taught! I just want to praise God for working in this way and opening the ears of 35+ men to hear His Word in a language that is not their own.
I felt led to give an invitation at the end of the study. In an African culture, if they can tell the answer you want them to give you they will do so, so as to not be rude. If you asked them to raise their hand if they wanted to accept Jesus, every hand would immediately go up. Same thing if you asked them to come forward. I decided to have them close their eyes and then asked them to look up at me if they wanted to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. About 6 or 7 men immediately looked up. I said a prayer and told them to say it in their heart if they truly believed it. I encouraged them to come tell me afterwards if they accepted Jesus. This is another big deal in African culture to admit you have become a follower of Jesus because it may mean you are shunned from your family/community because you have turned away from ancestor worship. No one came to me afterwards but I know that the Holy Spirit is working on many of them.
Please join me in praying for these men. Pray that they would see their need for salvation and how Jesus is waiting for them with His arms open wide.
This past week we only had a Bible study that was done in English. It's almost as if the men sat on the edge of their seats when they saw the Bible and I began to read from it. They were hanging onto every word and taking it all in. Usually when I hold a conversation with them either before or after the Soup Kitchen, it is difficult for me to understand them and vice versa. Durnig the Bible study there were no problems at all with them comprehending what was being taught! I just want to praise God for working in this way and opening the ears of 35+ men to hear His Word in a language that is not their own.
I felt led to give an invitation at the end of the study. In an African culture, if they can tell the answer you want them to give you they will do so, so as to not be rude. If you asked them to raise their hand if they wanted to accept Jesus, every hand would immediately go up. Same thing if you asked them to come forward. I decided to have them close their eyes and then asked them to look up at me if they wanted to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. About 6 or 7 men immediately looked up. I said a prayer and told them to say it in their heart if they truly believed it. I encouraged them to come tell me afterwards if they accepted Jesus. This is another big deal in African culture to admit you have become a follower of Jesus because it may mean you are shunned from your family/community because you have turned away from ancestor worship. No one came to me afterwards but I know that the Holy Spirit is working on many of them.
Please join me in praying for these men. Pray that they would see their need for salvation and how Jesus is waiting for them with His arms open wide.
Fun at Suikerbosrand!
We had such a great time this past weekend camping. It was nice to get away and just enjoy God's beautiful creation. 2 other families went with us and one more family joined us for the day on Saturday. It was nice to get to know our new friends better.
The boys loved getting to sleep in a tent! They keep asking when we get to go again. This was Erin's first camping trip and she really enjoyed it as well so I think we will be going again! Great memories were made that we won't forget. One of them being the baboons greeting us each morning by knocking over the trash barrels and going through whatever we left outside the night before! Luckily they would scare off easily. I was amazed at how large they are.
The campground had a great swimming pool and 2 large water slides that provided hours of entertainment. Kaleb also got to ride another horse so he was thrilled.
It did rain on us each night but that didn't spoil our fun. We got the kids down pretty early each night which left a lot of time for the adults to play games and talk around the bonfire.
The boys loved getting to sleep in a tent! They keep asking when we get to go again. This was Erin's first camping trip and she really enjoyed it as well so I think we will be going again! Great memories were made that we won't forget. One of them being the baboons greeting us each morning by knocking over the trash barrels and going through whatever we left outside the night before! Luckily they would scare off easily. I was amazed at how large they are.
The campground had a great swimming pool and 2 large water slides that provided hours of entertainment. Kaleb also got to ride another horse so he was thrilled.
It did rain on us each night but that didn't spoil our fun. We got the kids down pretty early each night which left a lot of time for the adults to play games and talk around the bonfire.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Soup Kitchen Update
The Soup Kitchen began dwindling in numbers about a month ago. The Pastor spoke with me about canceling it during the summer months here since there is typically more work available so less men would be available to come. I told him we needed to pray about it.
Well, God answered that prayer and showed us His will about 30 minutes later! We had gotten down to only around 7 men coming but that day over 25 men showed up and they all stayed for the Bible study! This pattern has continued over the past month and we have had anywhere from 25 men to 40 men each week with maybe only 1 or 2 having to leave before the Bible study.
It is incredible to see them soaking up God's Word. They all have Bibles now and are beginning to ask for Bibles for their wives. Most of them can't share their Bible with their wife because they speak different languages.
We are going through the book John and have made it through the first 2 chapters now. I'm amazed at how much they remember from previous weeks. They really enjoy hearing about the miracles Jesus performed. Please pray for them as next week we will begin chapter 3. My prayer is that their eyes will be opened and they will see that God truly sent His only Son to die for everyone, which includes them. I pray that the story of Nicodemus will show them how we can be born again when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Many of the men have expressed interest in coming to church and some of them have started coming. There is one man that I just love seeing the smile on his face that shows the transformation that has happened in his life! Pray for them that the Holy Spirit would give them what they need to overcome the pressures and temptations that they face daily.
Well, God answered that prayer and showed us His will about 30 minutes later! We had gotten down to only around 7 men coming but that day over 25 men showed up and they all stayed for the Bible study! This pattern has continued over the past month and we have had anywhere from 25 men to 40 men each week with maybe only 1 or 2 having to leave before the Bible study.
It is incredible to see them soaking up God's Word. They all have Bibles now and are beginning to ask for Bibles for their wives. Most of them can't share their Bible with their wife because they speak different languages.
We are going through the book John and have made it through the first 2 chapters now. I'm amazed at how much they remember from previous weeks. They really enjoy hearing about the miracles Jesus performed. Please pray for them as next week we will begin chapter 3. My prayer is that their eyes will be opened and they will see that God truly sent His only Son to die for everyone, which includes them. I pray that the story of Nicodemus will show them how we can be born again when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Many of the men have expressed interest in coming to church and some of them have started coming. There is one man that I just love seeing the smile on his face that shows the transformation that has happened in his life! Pray for them that the Holy Spirit would give them what they need to overcome the pressures and temptations that they face daily.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Excitement in 2012
We are so excited that my parents get to come in February! Can't wait to see the look on the boy's faces when we pick them up at the airport. It will be a lot of fun to spend time with them and show them our life here in Africa. I hope we can see the Big 5 on one of our adventures!
After Mom and Dad leave we will be preparing for our first volunteer team coming in March!! We are very excited to see how the Lord will use the team from Broadway Baptist. We will be holding a VBS during the afternoon in a township that we would like to see a new church planted and then having a revival each night at our church! Please be in prayer that God would be preparing the hearts of the volunteers as well as the hearts of those we will be serving.
After the volunteer team leaves we will be preparing to spend a month in Zambia for training. We will gain a lot of African culture on this trip that we are not exposed to everday.
We look forward to an exciting and busy start to 2012 and can't wait to see what else God has in store for the rest of the year!
After Mom and Dad leave we will be preparing for our first volunteer team coming in March!! We are very excited to see how the Lord will use the team from Broadway Baptist. We will be holding a VBS during the afternoon in a township that we would like to see a new church planted and then having a revival each night at our church! Please be in prayer that God would be preparing the hearts of the volunteers as well as the hearts of those we will be serving.
After the volunteer team leaves we will be preparing to spend a month in Zambia for training. We will gain a lot of African culture on this trip that we are not exposed to everday.
We look forward to an exciting and busy start to 2012 and can't wait to see what else God has in store for the rest of the year!
Craving Mexican
So we both have been craving Mexican since we got here but salsa is ridiculously priced and if you can find tortilla chips they are very expensive too. There is a restaurant up the street from our house that has 'Kids Eat Free on Wednesdays.' We had noticed on the menu before that they had nachos. So we thought this would be an excellent way to satisfy our Mexican craving and not have a big bill.
The description for the nachos sounded really good. It mentioned, 'zippy salsa with guacamole.' We both ordered the nachos from the starters (appetizers) menu and then ordered the chicken nuggets meal for both boys. The waitress had a funny look on her face and asked if we realized that tonight kids eat free. We both agreed and said that's why we came! She then informed us that we would each have to order a meal in order for the kids to eat free. I told her we needed a few more minutes. She came back and asked if we were ready. I saw on the menu that the nachos were also available as a meal. I verified with her that the nachos would work and she said they would. In the meantime Erin decides she wants a quesadilla instead of nachos. As the waitress walks away she gets another funny look on her face and comes back and says, "this will still not work." She said both items are still considered starters. I pointed out on the menu that we ordered the 'meal' portion of both dishes under the 'meal' category and not starters. She stood there for a minute and then decided she could make an exception.
The food finally comes and I just had to smile when the nachos were set in front of me. The tortilla chips mentioned on the menu are miniature cheesy Doritos and the zippy salsa is spaghetti sauce!! It was an interesting combo that somewhat satisfied our Mexican craving!
On Saturday we actually found tortilla chips at the market. We bought 2 bags since this is the first time we have seen them and they are just slightly larger than a small individual bag. Those 2 bags cost us $10 but it was well worth it!! We made some homemade guacamole that afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed our high-priced Mexican snack!
The description for the nachos sounded really good. It mentioned, 'zippy salsa with guacamole.' We both ordered the nachos from the starters (appetizers) menu and then ordered the chicken nuggets meal for both boys. The waitress had a funny look on her face and asked if we realized that tonight kids eat free. We both agreed and said that's why we came! She then informed us that we would each have to order a meal in order for the kids to eat free. I told her we needed a few more minutes. She came back and asked if we were ready. I saw on the menu that the nachos were also available as a meal. I verified with her that the nachos would work and she said they would. In the meantime Erin decides she wants a quesadilla instead of nachos. As the waitress walks away she gets another funny look on her face and comes back and says, "this will still not work." She said both items are still considered starters. I pointed out on the menu that we ordered the 'meal' portion of both dishes under the 'meal' category and not starters. She stood there for a minute and then decided she could make an exception.
The food finally comes and I just had to smile when the nachos were set in front of me. The tortilla chips mentioned on the menu are miniature cheesy Doritos and the zippy salsa is spaghetti sauce!! It was an interesting combo that somewhat satisfied our Mexican craving!
On Saturday we actually found tortilla chips at the market. We bought 2 bags since this is the first time we have seen them and they are just slightly larger than a small individual bag. Those 2 bags cost us $10 but it was well worth it!! We made some homemade guacamole that afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed our high-priced Mexican snack!
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