Back to Africa - August, 2009

Entrance to our lodge in Johannesburg. Great location.

After four days back in Africa, we are still trying to adjust to so many changes.  We have changed hemispheres, temperatures (40-50′s at night; 70-80′s during the day), very dry climate,  and 7 hours time difference.  We are still waking at 2:00 in the morning!  Eventually, we fall back to sleep, but I get alot of praying in during the wee hours.  God always surprises us each time we come back here.  People here and back home have asked us what we are going to do.  It’s always different, based on the needs of those  to whom we minister.  We are so blessed to meet new fellow christians and also to catch up where we left off with our old friends.  It’s hard to describe  how amazing it is to meet christians from so many different parts of the country.

Yesterday, out of eight people sitting with us at lunch, seven of them spoke a different language, as well as English.  It’s so wonderful to share with each other what the Lord is doing in each of our ministries.  God has provided a beautiful place to “Be still, and know that I am God’” as well.  We didn’t expect this gift but are truly grateful.

We are staying at Goodnight Guesthouse which is owned by Ernest and Betsy Nel.  They are such wonderful christian people, who truly use this place for the Lord’s purposes.  It’s been great getting to know them.  We have been able to spend  quiet times with the Lord, reading scripture together and praying  for you all  back home and for those we will minister to here.  We always find that whenever we encourage others in the Lord’s work,  we get just as much encouragement ourselves.  This has definitely been the case already.

Tomorrow, we will travel to Lusaka, Zambia to meet with a missionary there.  There are other missionaries there who are longing for pastoral care, as well.  Please pray for God to use us in whatever way He chooses.  We are looking forward to seeing Him work in our lives and the lives of all those we meet.  We will keep you informed, as you continue to pray for us.  We deeply need and appreciate God’s protection  and guidance.  Thank you for faithfully praying.    Cathy

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