Family

Our children have really enjoyed visiting and playing with their little cousin, Antonie, during the past week.

White, fluffy stuff

This is what it is like in central PA today!

Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? Job 38:22

From East to West...

We are now back on US soil! The final weeks before our departure from South Africa were VERY full! There were many things to fill our days: the last minute visits and goodbyes; sorting, packing, and repacking; as well as packing and moving another missionary families' things as well.  The final details were worked out to make the transition in the churches, Bible school, Christian day school, and mission.

We visited several friends before we left, but the farthest we drove was nearly 1,200 miles round trip to see the Blignaut family.  Gwen's brother, Billy, came to spend a few weeks with us before we left and he was with us for the visit to the Blignauts.

We haven't decided what to do with this Blog, but we'll see....

Rev. Sidney Grant

This week-end we sat under the anointed teaching of Rev. Sidney Grant, president of Hope International Missions.  He spoke for a gathering of pastors both from Lesotho and South Africa.  His ministry was deeply appreciated.  Everyone present experienced the Holy Spirit working in their hearts.

The sessions were closed with a time of united prayers!

On Monday evening all the missionaries gathered for a time of fellowship with Mr. Grant.  The children really enjoyed his iPad!

We were also honored to have Mr. Grant in our home for a meal.  When a neighbor boy asked who our visitor was one of our boys said he was a president! After asking his name the neighbor said, "Wow! I'm going to Google it!" 

Sunset

We've recently moved in order to sell our things as we prepare for our departure in January.  The landscape where we now temporarily reside is absolutely the most beautiful of any place we've lived during our years of marriage.  This sunset the other evening was the "icing on the cake".

Transition

For those who do not receive our newsletter or e-mail communications this is for you!  In January we will be moving back to the US. For some time we have felt God was leading us in this direction.  We have a good working relationship with the leadership of HIM and they have been very supportive in this transition.

Though there will never be an end to work we are very happy with the progress in the churches here in South Africa.  Pray for those who remain and continue in their labor for the Lord Jesus. 

GOD THOUGHTS...

Please allow me to share some Scripture verses and song lyrics that have been on my mind this morning.  Forgive me for being a bit lengthy.

“God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.” Psalm 75:7

“He (God) changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings…” Daniel 2:21

THERE ALWAYS WILL BE GOD

They cannot shell His Temple

Nor dynamite His Throne

They cannot bomb His City

Nor rob Him of His own.

They cannot take Him captive

Nor strike Him deaf or blind

Nor starve Him to surrender

Nor make Him change His Mind

They cannot cause Him panic

Nor cut off His supplies

They cannot take His Kingdom

Nor hurt Him with their lies.

Though all the world be shattered

His Truth remains the same

His righteous Laws still potent

And Father still His Name

CHORUS

Though we face war and struggle

And feel their might rod

We know above confusion

There always will be God.

Words adapted by Ester Hobbs

 THIS LITTLE CHILD

(To save space I've only included a couple of stanzas of this song.)

Many years have come and gone

Yet this world remains the same

Empires have been built and fallen

Only time has made the change

Nation against nation brother against brother

Men so filled with hatred still killing one another

And over half the world is starving

While our banner of decency is torn

Debating over disarmament

While killing children before they’re born

And fools who march to win the right

To justify their sin

Oh every nation that has fallen

Has fallen from within

Yet in the midst of all this darkness

There is a hope a light that burns

This little child the King of kings

Someday will return

Scott W Brown   (I don’t know much about this artist but I like the words of this particular song.)

I also thought about posting the lyrics of A Mighty Fortress Is Our God but decided you could look it up and sing it yourself.  I’ll simply include the closing words of that great song by Martin Luther: “God’s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever.”

Hang in there...

I thought you might like to see a picture of a Southern Masked Weaver bird and it's nest that it is building just off our front porch.

Perspective

The golden beams of sunlight shone through the azure sky striking the young leaves of the oak behind our house illuminating the tender pea-green foliage.  The blossoms of a crab apple danced in the breeze above us while their pungent fragrance wafted on the wind.  The birds in their songs were heralding the arrival of spring.  As we sat there drinking in the atmosphere it almost seemed ethereal.  I suddenly realized why the world seemed so perfect.  The recent spring showers had scoured the coating of grime from all the leaves and washed the dust and smoke from the air.  Though the temperature was still a little cool the sun was warm and inviting.

Later as I meditated on the scene I was reminded that life can often be reminiscent of what is described above.  Sometimes we go through long winter-like months where the atmosphere of life is clouded with the dust and smoke of problems and the color of life fades when viewed through the challenges glaring in our face. It’s amazing how difficult decisions or conflict can cast long dark shadows over all of life.  But then how wonderful it is when the spring-like day dawns and the conflict is past; the problem solved. Life seems new; the outlook is bright!

Life is actually a matter of focus or perspective! While it is true we cannot see past the dust, smoke, and grime with our physical eyes yet with spiritual vision God has made it possible for us to look above, beyond, and behind the hazy atmosphere that engulfs us emotionally and spiritually.  Read the words of Isaiah the prophet which so adequately describe this conflict of perspective:

"Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, You people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, Nor be afraid of their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool; but My righteousness will be forever, and My salvation from generation to generation.  I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and of the son of a man who will be made like grass?  And you forget the LORD your Maker, Who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth…”   (Isaiah 51:7, 8, 12, 13a)

That is the right perspective! The beams of God’s light and power illumine the darkest of days!

“I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” Matthew 28:20b