Mmabatho Moments: February Update

Well, it is almost the middle of February before we get this update off. God is so good and again I am learning that things happen in His perfect timing. Things are off and running in Extension 39. This is the area of about 2500, 3-room houses – probably 600 sq. ft. each. Now, that is not much for 2 or 3 people, but for some it more than what they had previous. These are cement floor, brick wall, metal-tile roof houses. They do have running water, but not electricity, yet. It is necessary to say that it has running water because there are a lot of houses or dwelling places still in South Africa that do not have running water much less indoor plumbing. They have to get water each and every day. However, they should get electricity in the next couple of months.

This Monday will start the first night of visitation in that area. I have a young, untrained pastor that lives in this area. He was in an accident a couple of years ago and receives some kind of pension from the government. Apparently, it is enough to live on because he can devote his time to this church plant. The ‘mother’ church and I will be pairing him with a retired pastor that is not yet retired. So, this last Monday, five of us meet together just to pray and dedicate this work to the glory of God. It is so refreshing to see them see the need and take the lead. I am just a resource for them to use as they need me.

This last weekend, Jody and I were a part of a “Lead Like Jesus” training weekend. It was nice to be a student instead of the teacher. We learned some valuable concepts relating to leadership and being a servant and encourager and not just a leader that tells everyone else what to do. I don’t think that is a leader, but it is a concept that many people have.

My calendar is filling up fast for these last four months here. Of the 6 Sunday’s this year, counting tomorrow, I will have preached 4 on of them. That looks to be like the rest of our time here along with a couple of seminars, weekly leadership training times, preaching a couple of times at the International School on Sunday evenings, and a weekly Bible study at the Hotel School (Vo-Tech). These young people are eager to learn.

Our calendar for our time in the States is filling up fast also. If you desire for us to come to your church, let me encourage you to get in contact with us. I don’t want to presume on any invitation. We look forward to seeing you when we come – in 131 days – if I was counting!!!

Hello everyone! – Jody here - It’s been so long since I’ve written anything in the newsletter! I first of all want to say thank you to all the churches that sent boxes for my little Christmas stocking project. Everything went off great! The people were so thankful and excited to receive the stockings. It was fun to see their faces. I think Dennis has told you thank you, but I wanted to add mine as well.

We are busy here trying to get things in order before we return to the States. I am still going to the same village. I’ve been trying something new in the last couple of weeks that I hope will help the ministry continue even after we leave. I’m teaching the women the story first, and then we have them teach the children. We have some ladies in the group who have no trouble at all teaching the children. It has really been exciting to watch.

The lady whose house we meet in is expecting a baby in March so we will continue until then. Culturally, only certain people are allowed in someone’s house after the birth of a baby until the baby is about three months old. We will probably continue to visit out there, but our Storying class will end when Maboka has her baby. Please pray for her. Pray also that we will be able to have time to tell all the stories that God wants us to before we have to stop.

The kids are doing great. Melody is growing so fast. She has started rolling over and laughing out loud a little. Bethany is a little live wire who loves her baby sister and her big brothers. She likes to boss the boys around. Caleb is adjusting well to his new class at school. He’s not real detailed about what he does at school each day, but aren’t most kids like that? Josiah is doing well also. He started clarinet lessons this week. Don’t ask me how he chose the clarinet, but we let him choose what he wanted to play, and that was it! He had a cricket match today. He enjoys all the sporting activities that he gets to be a part of at school. Andy is doing well in his home schooling. He has started tennis lessons again with a new teacher. He seems to enjoy it.