Deeper Still Missions | Missionary Training | Ministry Mentoring - Donkey Stable

Report from Africa #2

9/12/2019

This photo is a snapshot of the vines only twenty feet from our front door. You are looking down on multiple clusters of grapes that have appeared in the last few days.

They have started to blossom with new fresh leaves. At the end of my thumb is a baby cluster of grapes. The very small and tiny grapes will grow and become a sweet rich wine when harvest time arrives.

It is a great symbol of what is going on in the Robertson Valley and the Roux Le Chasseur farm. Rolf and Lizzie Weichardt are busy bringing in new young volunteers from German and a new ministry community is forming. Construction is hectic just like a beehive.

Tonight, we will have a community gathering with everyone to laugh, eat, play games, share encouragement and get to know one another. It will be a sweet time of fellowship.

Johann Roux, the elder father of the farm family, came by our cottage yesterday to show us the Spring Bok (antelope) that was killed for a special Braii soon. That is a special cookout that would be like a barbecue in America. Not only do they grow grapes, apricots and peaches but they tend a herd of Boks also.

The Roux family members have brought by olive oil, fruit from the trees, bread and pies. It is what the Bible calls Koinonia! Each time we open the Word of God you feel the growth all around you. One volunteer said, you lit a fire in my heart with the Bible!

Koinonia is wonderful but it also brings challenges. Todd Vanderpool, chairman of Deeper Still Missions, was given a hard prognosis after his brain surgery. We ask you to pray for him and his family as they walk a difficult path.

Manu Sarjaduk and a group of young missionaries are now at their mission school training center in England. The SMS yesterday highlighted their Bible Study and compared favorably with what we did seven years ago at Amathunzi.

We covet your prayers for the hard things and praise God for so many blessings all around us. Thank you for bringing us to the throne of grace!

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
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Copyright © Danny Sartin and Deeper Still Missions. All Rights Reserved.
This on the field report is written for those who support Deeper Still Missions and our goal of missionary retention.
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

For Your Patience

9/5/2019

A Kingdom Leader is to provide a generous amount of patience to the issues they face. A good leader bears and contends with all conditions and all events that come his way. He honors God with his behavior.

Do you remain behind and help cleanup from an event? Do you stay until everything has been attended to? Do you remain under the daily trials and testings of leadership? This is not just an endurance of difficulties but a brave patience that models leadership and keeps you in the game.

2 Peter 1:5–6 (ESV)
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith iwith virtue,5 and virtue jwith knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control kwith steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness

Have the patience and endurance to do what is right. Remain under the pressure of leading and supplement your leadership with patience. Many opportunities will come today to step aside and let others face the difficulties coming. Only Christ could go to the cross. Only you can pickup and bear your cross as Jesus asks us to do.

We are praying for your patience today.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________

i Phil. 4:8
5 Or excellence; twice in this verse
j 1 Pet. 3:7
k See Heb. 10:36; James 1:3
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Pe 1:5–6). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. Photos taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Africa.
Kingdom Leadership is written for missionaries and ministers serving our Lord in various parts of the world.
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

Pray!

8/30/2019

Prayer Today!

Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
2 rBear one another’s burdens, and sso fulfill tthe law of Christ.

We just received word that Todd Vanderpool, Chairman of the Deeper Still Missions Board of Directors, has been admitted into the hospital. He will be having surgery tomorrow to remove a tumor or mass on his brain. We find this news alarming and would seek focused prayer from those who follow our ministry.

The word for burdens in Galatians means weight. It could be compared to a boulder that is too large for any one person to carry. We find ourselves over 9,000 miles away from home and unable to get by his side and to share our love and care. Would you join us in lifting this weight to the throne of our Lord? We would appreciate your participation in this request.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
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t 1 John 4:21; See John 13:34
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ga 6:2). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
________________________
Copyright © Danny Sartin and Deeper Still Missions. All Rights Reserved.
This on the field report is written for those who support Deeper Still Missions and our goal of missionary retention.
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

Who is Jesus?

8/29/2019

Report From Africa #1

This is the view outside our cottage on the Roux farm. The moon rises above the mountains in the distance.

The vineyards will be growing and full in a month or so just like the photo from a year ago. At this moment the vines have been "cleaned" (pruned) and prepared for the growing season. Young shoots are already coming out of the branches.

On the opposite side of our cottage are apricot trees in full bloom. Harvest will be coming after the flowers fall and develop new fruit. Workers are busy each day spraying and preparing the fields.

We will come to know each row of plants from the fruit that it bears. So we come to expect a certain fruit from our life that is the result of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

The new buildings are up and there is a beehive of activity on the mountain above the Roux farm. The new Khanyisa Retreat center is sitting majestically on a hill that gives a stunning view of the valley. Just to walk around among the series of rooms, lodge and special homes is a treat. The fruit of that labor will be open for service in late November. Missionaries will be able to come and refresh, renew and refocus their walk with Christ on this special place.

We have met several new volunteers from Germany and opened God's Word to ask profound questions of Jesus Christ. Who is Jesus? What do you expect of Jesus? Are you surprised by what Jesus does in your heart, mind and soul? Is there a gap between your knowledge of Jesus and your understanding of Him?

Each day is a special opportunity for a new season in your life! Cathy and I are thrilled with our personal Bible Study and the new insights we get each day!

Pray as there are challenges with a particular farmer who is making the access road to the facility a difficult issue. I know we plan . . . but God directs the steps.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com.
_________________________
Copyright © Danny Sartin and Deeper Still Missions. All Rights Reserved.
This on the field report is written for those who support Deeper Still Missions and our goal of missionary retention.
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

High - Speed

8/22/2019

The Most Feared and Respected
Black Mamba!

I remember the first time we saw a Black Mamba in the wild. It was unnerving! The speed of the snake was shocking. It went so fast that is was a challenge to follow its movements. They say it can go over twelve miles an hour!

It was approximately five yards long. It is second in size to the King Cobra of India. But it is considered one of the most deadly snakes in the world and with good reason. Two drops of venom can kill a human being.

When he opens his mouth it is inky black. He turned and squared up to our vehicle as if he would attack the odd animal with wheels. His head waved slowly back and forth as if to size us up before turning and slithering away.

You know God sent snakes among the people to punish them for their sin in the book of Numbers chapter 21. I can imagine the terror that would come in the hearts of the people if hundreds of Mambas raced into a crowd.

But God gave Moses a simple solution to the situation. He told him to make a bronze snake and lift it up on a pole for all to see. All people had to do was look to the snake and they would be healed.

Jesus compares his crucifixion to the snake in the desert. The deadly consequences of sin can strike with lightening speed. But all it takes is a glance at the cross through faith and the power of sin is overcome.

Have you glanced to the cross today? Is your faith centered on the snake (tools used by God) or on Jesus Christ?

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions@gmail.com
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Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. The photo was taken by us in South Africa.
Spiritual Safaris are written for those who support Deeper Still Missions and its goal of missionary retention.
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

Holding You?

8/2/2019

A Kingdom Leader is keenly aware of self-control. He holds himself in like an athlete who is self-restrained and self-disciplined. Paul talks about this in 1 Corinthians 9:27 where he makes his body a slave through discipline. Then he will not be disqualified.

Are you holding your desires and passions in a safe place? Is your life controlled by your sexual desires? When you are self-controlled then you can be gentle, thoughtful and considerate with others. Your self-control would be a clear manifestation of the Holy Spirit working in your life. It is an event that clearly shows the work of the Holy Spirit.

Peter says to add these items to your faith. 2 Peter 1:5–6 (ESV)
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faithi with virtue,5 and virtuej with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-controlk with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,

Discipline requires attention by you as a leader. Others will be guided and influenced by your self-discipline. Be that leader today! Control your thoughts, your tongue and your behavior.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________

i Phil. 4:8
5 Or excellence; twice in this verse
j 1 Pet. 3:7
k See Heb. 10:36; James 1:3
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Pe 1:5–6). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. Photos taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Africa.
Kingdom Leadership is written for missionaries and ministers serving our Lord in various parts of the world.
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

Eyes Only

6/20/2019

The Greyhound of the Cats

I remember the day we saw our first Cheetah in the wild. He was at Renosterpan in the South West corner of Kruger National Park. Our guide had heard of the cat from another person who spoke Afrikaans. She turned our car around and moved to the water hole quickly. There it sat a short distance away.

The beautiful and majestic feline was panting and quietly resting. Then to our surprise only twenty yards away stood an Impala buck. He was snorting and stomping his feet on the ground. The Cheetah barely took notice of him. I thought to myself, this Impala is crazy! That cat is one of the most specialized animals in the world. It is the fastest land animal anywhere. He can run up to 70 miles an hour!

What we did not understand is that the cat had been in a chase only minutes ago and had not caught his prey. The body of a Cheetah can only sustain bursts of speed for about 100 yards. It the prey can outlast that burst then it can escape. It requires the cat to rest for thirty minutes so that its body can recover from the chase. Many times other carnivores will take a Cheetah's kill because she is too spent to fight for the food.

The picture above is a Cheetah looking for a potential target. He jumped up on a fallen tree seeking to identify potential prey in the distance. Then a slow stalking will ensue until the Cheetah is close enough to spring at the target. Usually it is within a few yards when the chase begins.

The Bible speaks of numerous predators who have their eyes on us. Satan is compared to a roaring lion who seeks someone to devour. Not nibble or play with! He wants to consume our heart, mind and soul! Where are the eyes of the Lord?

Psalm 33:18–19 (ESV)
18  Behold, ethe eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, fon those who hope in his steadfast love,
19  that he may gdeliver their soul from death and keep them alive in hfamine.

The eye of the Lord is on those who have reverence for him. Respect is what all of us want. If you give God that respect His eye will be upon you. Consider your posture toward God. Do you snort and stomp your feet because you are upset with Him? Are you willing to allow God to be God?

Where are your eyes fixed? On Christ. . . or yourself?

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
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e Ps. 34:15; Job 36:7; 1 Pet. 3:12
f Ps. 147:11
g [Acts 12:11]
h Ps. 37:19; Job 5:20
  The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ps 33:18–19). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.
Spiritual Safaris are written for those who support Deeper Still Missions and its goal of missionary retention. Photos are taken by Danny and Cathy Sartin in Africa.
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

To Know You!

6/6/2019

A Kingdom Leader knows the will of God to help guide his steps each day. Where does this confidence come from?

Do you understand what God wants you to do? Do you have the correct insight to make decisions as we flow down the river of life? Truth must be properly comprehended and applied to different situations.

Peter tells us to add knowledge to our faith. Christ taught his disciples the will of God because he shared all things he had heard from his father. (John 15:15)

2 Peter 1:5 (ESV)
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith iwith virtue,5 and virtue jwith knowledge,

John McArthur says, This virtue involves a diligent study and pursuit of truth in the Word of God. Unfortunately we feel that we know the Bible and it's stories. We have knowledge but do we understand?

What do you know of God's Word? Did you read and study this morning? Do you have a specific time set aside to know the Bible? Do you ask good questions and seek to find quality answers?

Go back to His Word today! Don't miss what Jesus has for you in His Word.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
________________________

MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (2 Pe 1:5). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

i Phil. 4:8
5 Or excellence; twice in this verse
j 1 Pet. 3:7
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Pe 1:5). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. Photos taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Africa.
Kingdom Leadership is written for missionaries and ministers serving our Lord in various parts of the world.
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

At the Summit!

5/23/2019

A Kingdom Leader is focused on making a maximum effort on each assignment and challenge. She knows that each step they take in leadership calls for total dedication. The Christian Life cannot honor God without great effort.

The Christian life is not lived without significant effort! Thus Peter tells us to add this to our faith. Bring it alongside everything God has given us. Moral excellence or virtue is added to your faith in copious amounts. There is an energy that a leader is to exhibit that provides beyond the need of vigorous activity.

The classical Greek word means the God given ability to perform heroic deeds. John McArthur says, It also came to mean that quality of life which made someone stand out as excellent.1

2 Peter 1:5 (ESV)
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith iwith virtue,5 and virtue jwith knowledge,

Are you striving for excellence in thought, behavior and feelings? Or are you content to just get by? Take a close look at what you have added to your faith. Would others look at your leadership and say that you reflect excellence?

Honor the Lord today with your excellence of effort! Others will notice.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
___________________________

1 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (2 Pe 1:5). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

i Phil. 4:8
5 Or excellence; twice in this verse
j 1 Pet. 3:7

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Pe 1:5). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. Photos taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Africa.
Kingdom Leadership is written for missionaries and ministers serving our Lord in various parts of the world.
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

With A Twist!

4/18/2019

Torture Rack
Twisting the Word of God

Cathy and I walked into a reformation prison in Italy and were captured by the things we saw. Pictured to the left is a small portion of the prison walls that were full of pictures and scripture written by the inmates. They used their own blood to write on the plaster. You see a picture of the cross of Jesus. They were being tortured for heresy that was outside the teaching of the church.

In one of the rooms was a torture rack used to gain confessions from the prisoners. I had seen many pictures of those tools but never saw one in person. I took a picture but it came out blurry.

I was transported back to the jail cell for Peter in Rome. I feel certain he had seen it many times during his time in prison. He used that image to warn us of people who will distort the Bible.

Peter ends his writing to the church with a powerful analogy. He talks of a torture rack that was commonly used in Roman prisons. The Greek word used is the name of the torture rack. The word is translated "twist" to leave a clear picture of what people will do to the Word of God.

2 Peter 3:16 (ESV)
16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. oThere are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, pas they do the other Scriptures.

Has it ever occurred to you that people would distort the Bible to make it say what they desired? Today has been very confusing as people take Bible verses and attempt to prove their view of a difficult issue. They twist the Word out of its natural position to get the result they want.

When we open the Bible together we are always reminded about the torture rack. We need to let the Bible say what it says without twisting the words to fit our personal desires. That means we have many scriptures to wrestle with and clarify. We are glad that the Bible is here and is able to speak clearly when we listen carefully.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
___________________________
o [Heb. 5:11]
p [Isa. 28:13]
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Pe 3:16). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.Copyright © Danny Sartin and Deeper Still Missions. All Rights Reserved.

Life Nuggets are written for those who support Deeper Still Missions and its goal of missionary retention.
Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.