Return to Africa

Team members gather for a Bible study with Danny & Cathy.

This first week in Africa has been a real joy. We are back with some of the missionary couples who we have mentored from the beginning. We are also meeting a large number of young missionaries who are training for a year of ministry. We are back at Cyara in Magaliesburg, South Africa.

We began by speaking to the South African Leadership Team (SALT) and challenging them to build volunteer ministry. The top ministry leaders from around the country were there and deeply engaged the topic. Rolf, the National Director of YFC, called the meeting inspirational. Each of the leaders asked that Cathy and I come to their respective city and teach staff, board and pastors.

Cathy got up Wednesday morning early and walked up the hillside with her coffee. She sat on the stone steps and looked up to the mountains. My heart wanted to go on up the mountain but I knew it was too dangerous alone. Between the cobras and baboons I knew I might not make it back down. I believe the Lord has put the desire in my heart for his creation. My soul breaths peace when I am walking with him up in the mountains away from all the troubles of life. He feeds my spirit.

I filmed the group as they sang the blessing before breakfast. We both love that.

Cindy (not her real name), a girl volunteer with Ika geng team, sat with us at breakfast. She is extremely lonely and says she hates men. She was quite open with us. When her father died six years ago his first two wives came to the funeral. Her mother and she had no idea he had even been married before. She feels deeply betrayed that her father lived a lie for so many years. She wants to continue talking with us as she struggles with God. We are praying God will use us to help her.

Each day we meet with several teams to conduct a Bible study and challenge their spiritual walks. Today everyone shared what God is teaching them and what they are thankful for. Then Danny asked them observe the verses in March 6:45-50. It was the story of Jesus walking on the water. It was so exciting seeing those young people finding their own answers in the Scriptures by using the observation, question, answer and application method. It made the Bible come to life for them. We really want them to succeed in their walk with Jesus. We never cease to be amazed that God gives us this privilege to give to others. Even at lunch time several came still hungry for more information on God’s Word.

Also we met a missionary couple from Mozambique who came to visit the camp. They asked if we would come and visit them. It seems God sends a new missionary that needs encouragement each time we come. It also lets us know that God does see the needs and that we are on the right track. We hope to see them next month.

We know that Satan does something back home to discourage us every time we are away. Please pray that God will keep us in his care and protect us from evil. There are current cases of demon possessed people who come to the camp. It has happened every time we have been here. But the Lord’s power wins over the struggle. We trust in Him alone.

Thanks for caring and praying with us on the front lines. We don’t take it lightly.

Cathy and Danny

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