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11/15/2018

Pruning your life!

Remove the dead wood. It was very instructive for us to live in a vineyard this past June and July. The farm workers pruned the vines in preparation for next years crop. You notice in the picture that the vines seem almost naked. They have been cleaned of all the dead wood. You can see on the ground branches that have been removed to make room for new growth in the spring.

This pruning process goes on each year. There is also a time when the vines become unproductive and have to be removed and replaced by new vines. The whole procedure was fascinating. It breathes new life into the comments by Jesus Christ about vines, branches and abiding in Him in John chapter 15..

It causes us to ask what items in our life are fruitful and useful? What needs to be cut out of our life so we are valuable for the Kingdom of Christ? Notice that some branches become so productive that they become a part of the vine. I think that would be a goal for all of us who follow Christ!

Maybe the season has come for you to prune and cleanse the many activities that consume your life. The vines almost feel scalped. Maybe we need to seek the simple life that lets us abide in Christ more of the time. Pray for guidance from the Lord!

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
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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 email in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.

Our Heart!

10/29/2018

Reflections from Africa

Our hearts are full and sad as we leave the Dark Continent again. It has been almost six months of joy, challenges, spiritual battles and humility watching our Lord God do His work. Many moments in churches, homes, neighborhoods and missionary lives have left a clear memory on our hearts!

The spiritual, mental and physical challenges are hard to put into words. Lurking below the surface in Africa is a spiritualism that is very deadly. Cathy and I saw several ZCC congregations, while riding the bus to Johannesburg, gathered in open fields wearing white robes and sitting for hours listening to leaders. The people are not aware of the twisted truth from the Bible.

We visited Kruger National Park and captured the picture above as a herd of Zebra came to a water hole to drink. They seemed timid and unsure. Cathy said, watch. There is a crocodile in that area. I saw him go under the surface when the Zebra approached. The thirsty Zebras drank for several minutes and started to pull away and the crocodile jumped out of the water trying to get them.

That is such a clear snapshot of the spiritual battles that Satan is just below the surface waiting for the moment to take us. We saw many salvation decisions in various churches around Mpumalanga. We also saw many eyes opened to the dangers of false prophets twisting the Word of God for personal gain.

Thank you for sending us and we look forward to seeing many of you when we get home and recuperate from the time zone changes. Be blessed as you serve Him today.

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.

New Life

10/18/2018

I recently had the pleasure of loving on these two pups and watching them grow until they were ready for their new homes. Newborn and innocent, they were such a delight each day at my missionary friends’ home. I watched them grow and follow me everywhere I walked.

It was hard not to hold these two new lives every time I was with them. They would run and play, joyfully until they just dropped from exhaustion and immediately fall asleep.

They especially liked to chew on my shoe laces and try to growl. One of them, the brown and white one, was born with a hernia that made one side push outwards. It didn’t bother him, though. He would run a little clumsily, but nothing stopped him. He would fall off the steps and keep on running. I just had to hold him after those times which he loved.

Both pups loved chewing on the plants, herbs and flowers in the garden and trying to dig holes. These tiny little puppies climbed all over their big “brother”, Malachi, the giant great Dane. There were five dogs around in all, including a poodle, so there were lots of laughs.

As the pups grew, it was funny watching them chase their mother to drink milk. She let them know she would feed them when she wanted to feed them.

When the day came for them to go to new homes, I was sad for me but glad for them. They had brought joy and fun for all of us on the farm and made the hardest days a lot easier and comforting.

We get the same joy from watching new spiritual births in the village churches of Mpumalanga. What a joy!

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com
_________________________
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.

Need Help?

10/4/2018

A Kingdom Leader is fully aware of the hazards of ministry. He knows the pressures and difficulties that push a leader in each ministry setting. Sometimes it can feel like the world is closing in on you.

Do you feel distressed and anxious? Have you been harassed and struck down by people? Each leader has moments like that. We need one another so that we have hope. Sometimes we need another, so we won't fall apart or be left behind. We need the buffer of ministry partners who keep us from being damaged irreparably.

Paul certainly had his struggles with ministry on the road. He also had his struggles with immature young workers, like Mark, whom he removed from his team. But he never lost sight of him! We see that John Mark was with Paul at his first Roman imprisonment. (see Col. 4:10) The aging apostle gives this young leader one of the highest compliments he can give during his second imprisonment!

2 Timothy 4:11 (ESV)
11 hLuke alone is with me. Get jMark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.

There is value in each of us. Never lose sight of other leaders who could be of help to you! All of us face adversity. Seek others who will give you a buffer zone for the pressures of leadership.

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmisisons.com
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h [See ver. 10 above]
j See Acts 12:12
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Ti 4:11). 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.

Thinking of you...

9/27/2018

Report from Africa #8

I am standing and opening God's Word with leaders from ten different Word of Life Bible Churches in Leroro, South Africa. Several hundred attended and engaged the story of the African, Simon of Cyrene, who carried the cross of Jesus. He was the first person to have the blood of Jesus flow down his back.

It seems that we have been going non stop in Mpumalanga since we arrived. I am speaking in village churches every Sunday! We have averaged two church services each Sunday. Bible teaching and training is scheduled in Bad Plass, Elukwatini and Bushbuckridge.

We are connected with four different ministries and coming alongside numerous missionaries. Their lives also are spinning at a high rate of speed. Pray as we address so many issues, hearts and minds.

In the midst of the busyness there comes a sobering moment every so often. One of our supports, prayer warriors and friends stepped into heaven. He has faithfully supported Deeper Still Missions since its inception. Then we are reminded that life goes on back home. It makes us miss home and you!

These moments make us want to speak with you and see what is going on in your world today. There are few things in life that are so important than friends and memories of our time together. It is sad when we can't honor our friend and attend his memorial.

Thank you for caring for us. We are so blessed by so many.

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.

Exciting Changes!

9/13/2018

Opening God's Word!

There was no piano or musical instrument being played with the singing. The boisterous sound bounced all through the little church of Graskop, South Africa.

The people sang and danced to worship the Lord! Half of the crowd was children from the neighborhood and the small orphanage established by the church and its’ pastor Ken Scrimnger.

At Ken’s invitation I stepped forward and opened the Word of God. Reading from the book of Numbers we introduced the story of Balaam and his talking donkey. You could see the children loved the story.

God wanted to kill Balaam and we focused on the change of heart he had through the whole experience. The donkey warned him, and the angel appeared to Balaam to let him know of the issue.

Our focus was chapter 24 verses 15-18. When Balaam finally spoke, God gave him a special glimpse into the future. He could see him, but not now. He beheld him, but not near. A star would come from Jacob and a scepter will rise out of Israel. Who was he talking about? It was the messiah to come, Jesus.

The star of Bethlehem would announce his coming and he would rule from Israel. Each person was asked to consider what change they needed to make. Pastor Ken invited individuals to come forward and seek prayer for their life and heart. Pictured above is the group who came forward and asked Cathy and I to pray with them and for them.

There is no greater moment than watching the Spirit of God move in the hearts of people. We were so humbled and excited to stand and pray with all of them. Thank you for sending us!

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.

Shields

9/7/2018

A Kingdom Leader is a safe confidant and friend during times of trouble. He provides a safe place for someone who is threatened and in danger. He is fully aware of the presence of Satan in the hearts of unhealthy leaders who try and take advantage of issues. He is open and willing to listen to a younger leader who is confused and overwhelmed by circumstances.

Would others come to you for safety to work through confidential matters? Who would you seek as a person of safety when you feel threatened? Can you be trusted with private matters that can be distorted and twisted to damage others? Each of us needs a place of safety to work through struggles and failures that will inevitably come.

David runs to Samuel for safety from Saul. The man who anointed Saul is now in the position of protecting a future King for Israel. Before long we see Samuel anoint the future king!

1 Samuel 19:18 (ESV)
18 Now David fled and escaped, and he came to Samuel at gRamah and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and lived at Naioth.

We pray that you will be that safe place for others. Most importantly we pray that you have safe people in your life that you can talk with. May you be blessed with a safe place!

Cathy and Danny Sartin
www.deeperstillmissions.com

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g ch. 1:19
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Sa 19:18). 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.

The second day...

8/30/2018

Report from Africa #6

Cathy and I were sitting on the bus riding from Johannesburg to White River in Mpumalanga. We were leaving the limits of Johannesburg when I noticed a familiar scene. In an open field beside the highway was a snapshot out of the history of Africa.

A group of thirty to forty people were sitting in a circle wearing all white robes. I had come to learn of the ZCC and the Bantu religion practiced in many parts of Africa. This ancestral worshipping group make use of Sangomas (witch doctors) and Inyagas (medicine men) and blend their faith with some parts of the Bible. Its anchor of thinking has become the cornerstone of the African world view.

We saw the same thing in Zambia each time we drove to town in Livingstone. I had become accustomed to seeing the Sangoma mud house on the dirt road in and out of the community. A short distance away from the missionary home was another Sangoma that actively could be heard on occasion beating drums and chanting. Local people visit them as they would a doctor, fortune teller and spiritual guide.

We have been reminded many times that we are in a different world. Africa is deeply rooted in ancestral thought and influence. Yes, you see modern cars and trucks, but you also see donkey carts and oxen pulling wagons made from a car axle. When we visited a local Shoprite grocery in Livingstone you never knew what would be available on their shelves. You could only buy the stock that was available.

This Sunday I will be visiting two churches in small village areas and preaching the Bible. Africans love the Bible. They will sit for hours and listen to God’s Word. Unfortunately, many of the pastors have no formal Bible training.

It is a great privilege to provide glimpses of the Holy Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. Pray as we open the Bible and teach over the next two months. We covet your thoughts and prayers during this time!

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.

Special Gifts!

8/23/2018

Getting up close and personal with one of God’s creatures can give you a new perspective. Cathy and I were at an animal rehabilitation center in South Africa several years ago. I was intrigued that the center had a rescue pen for vultures. There were very few positive thoughts I had about this scavenger.

They sought a volunteer to feed one of the vultures and I was chosen. You see pictured the vulture that landed on my arm and took the fresh meat that was between my thumb and index finger. I remember the strength of it’s talons on my arm. One talon slipped between the joint in the thumb and rested on my skin. I thought, I hope he doesn’t squeeze too hard or he will pierce my skin!

God created this bird with a special function. They will remove dead carcasses. They are on a list of animals like lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas. But they can clean up a bio hazard situation that would kill those other scavengers. Their stomach acid is so acidic that they can digest bacteria that is lethal to others. The dead animal can be infected with cholera or anthrax and the vulture can remove these bacteria from the environment.

When you see a committee of birds around a kill you can see them patiently waiting for a larger vulture to open the carcass. Each bird consumes a specific portion of the animal. We watched during a week’s period scavengers removing an elephant who had been struck by lightning. Nothing was left but a skull when we left Kruger National Park.

The bird jumped from my arm and scurried back to his perch. I was relieved but also fascinated by this massive bird. God’s creativity seems endless and filled with wonder. It seems that God has a special purpose for everything and everyone.

Cathy and Danny Sartin

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Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.
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.

A Thousand Words...

8/16/2018

Zambia!

Next to our home compound with the missionaries there is a farmer in the field beside us. Twice a day he walks his herd a few hundred meters to the river for water. The river boarders his land on one side but it is infested with Crocodiles. So the cows must walk to a safer spot for water.

Cathy and Janet Berner look over the vegetables at the local Green Market in Livingston. There are no food preservatives used so regular trips to the market for fresh items are necessary down a bumpy and dusty road to the paved roads.

The people are so humble and kind. I shared Bible with a small group of pastors on Monday. What a responsive, excited and engaging group! Their love of Christ is so evident! Their desire to know more seems to have no bounds!

Life is so different in this small town of Zambia. But it is also clear that God has touched this place in a special way. Victoria Falls screams the majesty of God. It is a waterfall that is over a mile wide! It drops over 300 feet with a huge volume of water. The natives call it Mosi-oa-tunya which is the "smoke that thunders".

This is our first trip to this magical land. This is where David Livingstone established ministry and infected the African continent with the Gospel of Christ.

Please remember to pray for us physically as there are problems with mosquitoes and malaria.

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.