We recently painted the Manyatseng church ceiling for the first time since the church was built more than six years ago. After Lester Bump arrived he started doing the patching and finish work on the drywall. When he was done we were able to start painting. The first picture above is of Lazaro, a young man who was saved just a few months ago. We are really happy to have a white ceiling now instead of the ugly brown drywall. A special thanks to Lester for all his hard work.
Many people here walk wherever they want to go. If there is something to transport, it is likely to end up being carried on their heads. I took the picture above, of the lady carrying firewood on her head, the other day as I was waiting for some friends in Manyatseng. I have seen both men and women carrying things on their heads.
Wheelbarrows are also used quit often to transport things. If someone has a wheelbarrow they will push it to town in the morning when they go to work and in the evening they buy the things they need and then push the wheelbarrow back home with their purchases.
A taxi is also a very common means of transport. If people have a few extra Rand they will take a taxi to and from town.
This week I helped Bro. Tankiso and his wife move from the place they were renting to Bro. Tankiso's grandmother's house. I spent about two hours moving their things about a mile up the road. Bro. Tankiso has been very sick so lately I have spent quite a bit of time taking him to the doctor, the hospital, the clinic, the pharmacy, etc.
You can see the progress on the new school building. I believe this week they will be putting the roof on. 
Things are gearing up here in South Africa for the elections this year. Nearly every light post in town is cluttered with political signs.
So many people want to know about food in other countries and different cultures. I think most people expect to hear of strange and exotic fare. Here in South Africa because of the multi-cultural influence we can enjoy a wide variety of culinary delights including American foods and drinks. (I heard this week that Mountain Dew is on sale at our local grocery store.) There are a few dishes though that are specifically South African. One of those is "potjiekos", literally translated "pot food". The photo above is potjiekos in the making. It is basically stew cooked in a big black kettle and typically served over rice. We as a family look forward to the times when we can enjoy "pot food". If your up to trying new foods come for a visit and we'll arrange for you to try potjiekos. 
On Monday morning I left for a two day pastor's conference at the Kwasizabantu Mission in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. From Ladybrand it is an eight hour drive. The route we took winds up through the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains. (See the picture below. Note: I did not take the picture. I got it online.) I rode with Pieter Marias, Gert Louw and ten other people from our churches in South Africa and Lesotho. The history of the Kwasizabantu Missions is truly amazing. This my second time to visit the mission. You can learn more about the mission at www.kwasizabanto.com . 
Last year the huge auditorium where previous pastor's conferences were held accidentally burned down. Now the mission is in the process of rebuilding the auditorium. It is a beautiful structure that can see ten thousand people (The number may be higher. I just can't remember for sure.)
Rev. Leonard Sankey and his wife were at the conference. Dr. Sankey was one of the speakers for the conference. Picture below is Bro. Piet Marias on the left, Dr. Sankey in the middle and myself on the right. Rev. John Parker was also at the conference. It was nice to see these Brothers from America. 
We heard many deeply moving and challenging messages. Our hearts were stirred to go back to our local congregations and keep building the Kingdom of God. I am very thankful for the opportunity I had to be a part of the pastor's conference.