The Joys of Coming Alongside
It has been quite the busy time over the past several weeks.. We returned from the States and hit the ground running. We are settled back in and are mostly caught up with what is happening at WOLZA and we thank the Lord for that. A few weeks ago, we had an opportunity to go down to Potchefstroom to do a Satellite Camp for Teens with the church that we work with there. It is a great partnership that we are having with the church to help reach the community with the gospel. The exciting part of serving in Potch is that we need to always be prepared for the unexpected. Our slogan for these trips is always ‘Be flexible’. Even though the camp was for teens, lots of kids started coming so we had to split our team into two so that we could teach both groups. The first day we had around 40 kids and 25 teens come to the camp. The second day we had 65-70 kids and 45-50 teens. What a great time we had with both groups. 20+- trusted Christ as their personal Saviour and that is a great joy. The students did so amazing especially considering the fact that this was their first time counseling at a camp. For some, it was also their first time sharing the gospel after taking a class on personal evangelism over the course of the term. The interns also did a great job of taking the lead and setting an example for the students.
The goal in partnering with True Word Bible Church is to reach the older people as well because the church has so many young kids. We have been on this journey with them for the last 6 years and we have seen the Lord at work within the community. Every time we go and do camp, we also take the opportunity to do door to door evangelism to share with adults too. It is a joy to see Pastor Lance now having discipleship with the older people in the community and Bible study during the week. The children come every Friday for kids ministry and Sunday service along with the older people too. We know that it is a lot of work for Pastor Lance to do the follow up but he is pumped and excited about the gospel, reaching the community and teaching the truth. The Lord is working mightily through him in the community and his family too. Be praying for him that he would not be discouraged or lose heart but that he would continue with the same love for our Lord and Saviour Jesus and desire to reach the community at Potch.
After returning from Potch, we went to Etwatwa where we did 2 days of kids camp and 3 days of teen camp. We had about 45 -50 kids came and around 70 teens. There were many great conversations as we discussed what it looks like to be fearless. It was also exciting to see the fruits of our labour from past ministry with the church. About 3-4 years ago, we brought a team of students from the US to the church to help with some service projects. We painted the interior and started a garden on the church property. That same garden now feeds many of the church members as well as the community and has been a huge help during the pandemic. The garden is well looked after and keeps on producing. This is a true testimony on what God can do in small things.
A few weeks ago we kicked off youth group for the term and had a great time reconnecting with the teens and setting the groundwork for this new chapter with them. We are super excited to have two other leaders on our team who are as passionate as we are about seeing these students grow in their walks with the Lord. Please continue to pray that the Lord would grow both our team as well as the youth as we seek to create disciples who are passionate about Him.
We are so thankful for your love, care, encouragement and involvement in our ministry. It is such a blessing!
Please Pray...
- for wisdom, vision and intentionality in our various roles- for us to continue to grow in our marriage and as parents
- for discipleship relationships with students and interns
- that the Lord would continue to grow and add to our team
- that we would be faithful in all God has entrusted to us
- upcoming women's conference on June 5
- preparation for upcoming camps in July and that the rise in covid cases would not stop them
- upcoming women's conference on June 5
- preparation for upcoming camps in July and that the rise in covid cases would not stop them
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