​Report from Africa
Amathunzi, South Africa

We open our curtains early in the morning to a group of birds sitting in the trees and on the ground beside the cottage. Out front is always a Southern Red Bishop chirping and waiting for Cathy’s bird seed.

These beautiful little birds look like an eleventh century bishop with the bright red cap of feathers on their head. Once Cathy broadcasts her seeds the birds gather by the dozens. It is like a scene out of the fairy tale movie Snow White. I think if we were here longer they would eat out of her hand.

Almost every morning there are two Southern Red Bishops who measure themselves against one another. They lift their heads high to see who is the tallest. Unfortunately, the other birds are getting the seeds while they spar with one another. We chuckle as they posture for a position as king of the hill.

The eagerness show by the birds for Cathy’s garden seeds is also shown by the young missionaries who are living at Amathunzi and ministering to farm worker children in the nearby farm schools. In seventy days, at their request, we have conducted thirty-five inductive Bible Studies. They have even requested to sit in on several of the missionary retreats as we opened the Word of God. It is like they don’t want to miss any seed of God’s truth.

No observation is too small! No question too trivial! Their enthusiasm seems to never be satisfied. What a joy to serve them and share with them.

There are times when we wish their excitement would be present in many others. Our world has become so marred with twisted truth and struggles for power. People have become lovers of themselves and lovers of money. Christ told us what the end times would be like.

It is nice to see the power of the Word of God change lives today! Thank you for sending us on the mission field so these studies would be possible. The seeds are falling on fertile soil.

Many see the Word of God. . .few observe!

Guidance from God the Father is called the law! But it is also called His testimony, His precept, His commandment, His judgements that come from fear of the Lord. Certainly God's law is perfect and can restore your soul. He can make wise the simple. Most importantly the commandments of God have an affect on the heart of leaders.
 
Psalm 19:8 (NIV)
8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.1

• 7. The law is described by six names, epithets, and effects. It is a rule, God’s testimony for the truth, His special and      general prescription of duty, fear (as its cause) and judicial decision. It is distinct and certain, reliable, right, pure, holy, and true. Hence it revives those depressed by doubts, makes wise the unskilled (2 Ti 3:15), rejoices the lover of truth, strengthens the desponding (Ps 13:4; 34:6), provides permanent principles of conduct, and by God’s grace brings a rich reward.
• 12. The clearer our view of the law, the more manifest are our sins. Still for its full effect we need divine grace to show us our faults, acquit us, restrain us from the practice, and free us from the power, of sin. Thus only can our conduct be blameless, and our words and thoughts acceptable to God.2

In the dark days of the end times confusion seems so prominent. People have become lovers of themselves! There is no natural affection. Division, strife, danger seem to lurk everywhere. How are we to respond in these violent times? What is missing?

Consider the Word of God today and the light it is shining on your personal path. His comfort will give joy in the midst of these violent times.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
Deeper Still Missions
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2 Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 1, pp. 352–353). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
 
1 The New International Version. (2011). (Ps 19:8). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

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Report from Africa
Amathunzi, Robertson, South Africa

Pictured here are Jessica and Kristina from Germany. We first met these young ladies almost two years ago at the Amathunzi Game Reserve in South Africa. They came and gave fifteen months to be missionaries to little children at the farm schools nearby.

This picture was taken on May 3, 2015 on a game drive. Cathy went along and enjoyed all the fun. Jessica calls this one of the happiest days of her life. The laughter, joking, playing around and smiles reflect those thoughts.

What happened to make them so happy? Is it just youthful exuberance or is it something deeper?

Jessica says that Amathunzi was cool from the beginning. It felt like home! Yes, it was a different culture and they lived in community with other students. But I learned the power of prayer here! The story of Amathunzi excited me! I realized the importance of prayer personally. This changed my spiritual life. Now I expect more from God!

This experience helped her find the future. She wants to be here and build schools for these poor farm worker children. She wants to reach out and show the love of Jesus!

Kristina came up with the idea of them returning recently. They had both returned to university for studies but a six-week break was coming. Kristina said let’s go back for those six weeks! Jessica initially said no because she didn’t have the money. God provided the funds and they came.

I see so many changes since we left last December. The group has grown and is now reaching so many schools. The smile on her face said it all.

Cathy asked Jessica about how the children were doing at school since their first visit? Do you see any change? Has there been any change in the boy’s behavior since they were beating on all the volunteers and the girls at school? The boys only see their father’s beating their mothers and getting drunk. They follow the examples of the adults around them.

Jessica can see a significant change in the behavior of the kids. The boys no longer beat anyone. They are now experiencing the love that these young missionaries have been showing them and it is having a powerful effect. The change is spreading to teachers and other volunteers.

Cathy and I see two changed lives in these young ladies. What a thrill to see them here for a school break instead of going on a holiday or vacation. This is the kind of change Jesus makes in our hearts, minds and souls.

We praise God for His mighty work among all of us! We pray that he is working in you also and that you will experience the same joy today.    

                . . . For the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

Cathy and Danny