Churches in Mpumalanga! Our work among leaders in this Northern Province of South Africa has been very fruitful. The last two weeks of our time in this area is going to be very busy. Last Sunday I preached in the Calvary Church in White River among Afrikaans people and many missionaries who are working in the area. Cathy has been attending their ladies Bible Study each week that we have been here. When she emerged on Tuesday I could tell something had happened. The ladies were hugging Cathy and thanking her for coming to this group that is studying soul care. Yesterday I drove 2 1/2 hours South to the village of Elukwatini. Twenty-five pastors awaited a two-hour Bible Study session. This was our third meeting this month. Despite our language differences they were laughing, smiling and enjoying an honest walk through difficult scriptures. Our friendships started over four years ago and have deepenedeach time we have visited this remote area. Inductive Bible Study is a new concept to them and deeply valued with these poor pastors. Today, Ronas Marule and I met with Pastors in Nelspruit (now named Mbombela) and I had the joy to open God's Word with them. Comments of affirmation, excitement and thankfulness followed after our time. Then Ronas and I were off to new High School in the community of Tekswane South East of Nelspruit. Observing another ministry designed to reach out and give dignity to girls as they grow up. Tonight, I am preaching at a church in the community as they are conducting a revival. Pictured above (kneeling) is Bishop Israel Malele who set up this time at Sello's church. Saturday will be a day of training at a church in Moramela in the escarpment mountains. I will be teaching leadership and Bible skills to youth leaders and pastors. They wanted to go from 9 to 5 with the training. Ronas suggested a shorter time so the group would learn, apply and not forget. The exciting part of Saturday is the location. Six years ago I was the featured speaker at a youth rally in Moramela. No church existed at that remote village. Today it is the largest church on the entire escarpment. I can't wait to see it again. Sunday will find us three hours South speaking in Pastor Maxwell's church in Moraplass. It will be our first time to visit his congregation. He was my interpreter four years ago in Elukwatini. Through missionaries Ronas Marule and Darryl Mather-Pike we find ourselves involved in the lives of so many pastors, churches and other missionaries. Life on life transformation changes us from the inside out. Thank you for sending us area so we could pitch our tent and live among them. The fruit just seems to multiply. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com
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Report from Africa #6 We walked into Emmanuel Church on a special day for South Africa. This past Sunday was Heritage Day for the country. Many of the church attendees wore clothing to signify the tribal heritage of their family. There was a spectrum of colors, designs and styles. Pictured with Cathy and myself is one lady whose heritage comes from Swaziland (on the left) and another who has a background of Zulu (on the right). Cathy joined many other ladies by wearing a Siswati wrap. The joy of the experience was to open our Bibles to Revelation 7:9-10. John the writer looked and saw a multitude that no one could count. They were from every nation, tribe, people and language standing before the throne and in front of the lamb. (NIV) At that moment the multitude was praising God and the lamb. We shared those words in each person's original language for a small slice of heaven in front of the throne. It was nice to note that every nation and tribe would be represented before God. We have been reminded again of the deep thirst Africans have for the Word of God. Yesterday I taught inductive Bible study methods to nearly thirty pastors. At the conclusion of the lesson the elder pastor came up and took my hand. He then lifted it to his face and placed a kiss on my hand. A special recognition of the value he saw in the Bible study time. Thank you for sending us to serve missionaries and Christian leaders in Africa. It has been a great joy. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com One of the tactics of Deeper Still Missions is to “pitch our tent” in the lives of missionaries and those who affect their life. Over the last seven years we have become close friends with Ken and Sharon Scriminger in the escarpment area of Mpumalanga. He serves on Ronas Marule’s board of directors and has planted eight churches on the escarpment. Pastor Ken is one of the humblest men I know. I asked his permission to write this report and include the picture. Encouragement in ministry takes many forms. But nothing is more challenging than when a ministry family experiences a tragedy. Last week Ken’s son-in-law, Marcus, was killed in an automobile accident. He left his wife and ten-year-old son. We attended the funeral and graveside to love and care for our dear friends. Just a chance to hug their neck and whisper those words, I love you. Feeling their heartbreak, listening to their stories and meeting additional family members. Cathy and I had never been to a traditional African funeral before. It had elements foreign to Americans concerning death. They lower the casket into the ground and family members begin by filling the grave with a single hand full of dirt. Once all the immediate family has taken a moment to say goodbye and drop their hand of dirt on the casket, then friends and neighbors began to shovel the dirt into the grave. A group of ladies stood close by and sang hymn after hymn. They sang Portuguese, Shangaan, English and various other dialects. The heart-felt sound resonated over the hillside as everyone buried Marcus. It was a very touching scene. Pictured is the grave of Marcus. Cathy and I stood under a small shade tree in the hot African heat. Unknown to us was the grave right beside us. It was the grave of Ken’s brother and nephew who had been killed also in an automobile accident back in April. They were buried together. We seldom know the issues affecting the life of a ministry person until you come alongside and live with them for a while. Then you see and feel the issues that press on their heart, mind and soul. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (NIV) 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of Godt but our lives as well.u Thank you for helping us come to Africa over these years! Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com ________________________ t See Ro 1:1 u 2 Co 12:15; 1 Jn 3:16 The New International Version. (2011). (1 Th 2:8). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Report from Africa #4!
On Sunday afternoon, we sat in the volunteer house opening the Word of God and conducting Bible study. Our focus was on Jesus healing a paralytic in Mark chapter 2 verses one through 12. Four men came bringing this paralytic at the home where Jesus was living. We were making observations, asking questions and looking for an application to life today. Our discussion focused on verse five where it said Jesus saw their faith. Whose faith was he talking about? Was it the four men who came prepared to dig through the roof and lower this man to the feet of Jesus? Was it the paralytic? Apparently, Jesus was talking about more than one person when he saw their faith. Jesus forgives the paralytic for his sins. But then astoundingly Jesus told the paralytic to get up take your bed and go home. It appears that it was the faith of the four men that moved the Lord to forgive and heal the paralytic. Then Snowey began to remember the experience they had as a volunteer team. His eyes got wide and he became very excited as he recalled the incident. He said I remember the little boy who came to our kid’s club last February. He was always in a wheelchair and limited in his ability to be involved in the activities. The young missionaries discussed what to do to help in this situation. That day the volunteers had a prayer session asking God to heal this young boy. The week after their prayer the boy showed up without the wheelchair. His walking was labored and slow. However broken and unbalanced, he could walk! He recalled from the club meeting the day before how little boy was now running during the meeting. The faith of the volunteer team had brought the Lord to touch and heal him! Snowey said, we’ve never talked about this but I will never forget the experience. Maybe our faith contributed to his healing. It is nice to see the spirit of God move among these young volunteer missionaries! Cathy and Danny Sartin God's Story See what He has done! I am pictured with Ronas Marule of Mpumalanga YFC along with Bishop Israel Malele of the Word of Life Bible Churches in Northern South Africa. Israel is a true pioneer of the Christian church in the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Over the last thirty years he has planted fifteen churches in various villages around Bushbuckridge. Amazingly he comes from a family where his father was a pastor in the ZCC. That is called the Zion Christian church and is a mixture of Christianity and the Bantu ancestral worship. Israel stepped away from the cultural roots of Africa and elevated the Word of God to its appropriate position. Thus, came the Word of Life Bible Churches. Ronas guided those contacts and selected places for me to preach and share the Word of God. In my mind’s Eye, I can see the growth of those churches in the northern section of Mpumalanga. The first year I visited a village where the church was under a tent. The second and third year I visited the building was little more than a shack. Gumtree poles were used to construct the frame, roof, joists, windows and doors. Random boards and a tin roof completed the structure. I’ll never forget the Sunday morning when a rooster landed on the open window while I was preaching. He began to crow and announce the rising morning sun. The fourth time I had the privilege to open God’s word at this location, I arrived at a completed building that had been constructed on the original site of the tent. Unfortunately, the night before heavy winds and a strong storm came through the area. The roof had blown away in the uncontrolled gusts. I walked into the shell of a church structure and thought to myself. . . how amazing! Jesus knew that I would be preaching on John the disciple whom he named Boanerges or Son of Thunder! Jesus nicknamed James and John with this unique label. The word meant wild, stormy, emotional, passionate and uncontrolled. God provided the damaged roof to illustrate the nature of John! What a joy it is to come beside such great pioneers in the Christian faith. Our friendship, respect and love has grown by leaps and bounds. We thank you for sending us and allowing us to share the Word of God in so many remote places! Cathy and I are deeply grateful. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions Report from Africa # 2 Pictured above is a fireside chat with pioneer pastors of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, South Africa. God has used these leaders in unique and powerful ways over the last forty years. One Bishop has planted and is operating fifteen churches. Another has done the same with eight churches. We brought them in for several days of rest, relaxation, renewal and vision casting for the future. The Word of God became the center of our discussions and sharing sessions. There biggest struggle was clearly the prophets who have descended on their country promising prosperity, miracles and a special Word from a Man of God! It became clear that we need to get alone with God and allow Him to speak His Word to us. We need to contend for the faith with the truth of God's Word. But it must be done with a gracious and learned tongue. We need to speak the words that sustain the weary hearts of hurting people. Each day seemed to swell above the thoughts of the day before! Stories were shared that cause you to pause and praise our wonderful God! I wish you could have been here to experience those electric moments. Thank you for your prayers that brought this gathering to the throne of God. It has surpassed all of our hopes for this week. We can't wait to see you face to face and share some of the incredible stories. Much Love, Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com Prayer Focus! Today begins our first pastor retreat in Mpumalanga, South Africa and the anticipation is very encouraging. We will spend several days helping those church leaders and missionaries relax, refresh and reconnect with the Lord in an intimate manner. Renewal and refocus is always needed among leaders in the ministry. So many pressures, concerns and issues can make a ministry heart weary. Meanwhile. . . other issues push for our attention and our prayer focus. Pictured above is the building used by Euro Relief on the Island of Lesvos in Greece. Cathy and I have walked among these refugees and volunteers from all over the world at this location. Friendships have been forged and their concerns weigh heavy on our hearts. Pray for Kim and Jenny Garrity as they seek to replace the destroyed container and supplies that were ruined. This is a difficult setback that will pressure the relief agencies resources amid a global tragedy. Pray for Pastor Bonface of Zimbabwe as they face the consequences of marauding raiders who steal corn planted for starving orphans. The famine they face from the staggering rain drought over the last year is creating desperate circumstances. God’s miraculous feeding of the five thousand is certainly reflected in these circumstances. In the book of Isaiah chapter fifty God the Father wakens Jesus the Son to give Him an instructed tongue. He taught him the words that sustain the weary. Those words are spoken in the presence of the fatigued. But they are also spoken at the throne of God the Father. Thank you for the prayers. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com Report from Africa! Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.i How many times have we made plans and watched God alter the steps. We found ourselves coming to Africa almost a month early. God took our plans and flipped them from October to June. A planned visit to Mpumalanga was moved from July to late August. A later visit to Amathunzi was moved from October to June. We find ourselves filling a void while Rolf Weichardt and Buyela are ministering in America. Volunteer students from Germany need training, Bible Study and guidance. Cathy assists Lizzie Weichardt with various duties around Amathunzi and we blend in as if we were members of the family. Old friends come and greet us. The zebras, elands, dogs, workers and neighbors acknowledge our presence. The little Cottage, that has become a second home to us, was a warm welcoming sight as we walked in. One of the workers brought us a loaf of freshly cooked bread. Several times a week we are investing our lives, our understanding of God’s Word and experience in ministry with a group of young people who are experiencing a mission experience for the first time. They minister to farm children at the local schools. Their hunger for the Bible has been heartwarming. Their questions seem endless and their desire to meet has grown. This week we sat in the Cottage at Amathunzi with the wind blowing, rain blasting and a cold that seems to sink all the way to the bones. Winter is here blowing from the Cape of Good Hope with a relentless fury. There is no fireplace but there is a nice warm blanket! We sat and smiled at one another and watched an old black and white detective movie from the thirties on our computer. Understanding the steps of God can confuse the most astute gumshoe like Charlie Chan. Thank you for your prayer and support. You have made us flexible as God establishes our steps. The warmth of being in God’s will radiates from our hearts! Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com _________________________ i See ver 1; See Job 33:29; See Ps 90:12 The New International Version. (2011). (Pr 16:9). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Report from the Field Mpumalanga, South Africa Today we are on a bus riding to Johannesburg, South Africa. Tomorrow we will catch our flight to Atlanta. Then we will be home within twenty-four hours. It all happens so quickly. The last two months have been filled with beautiful sunrises, stunning sunsets and precious moments with friends and co-workers in the vineyard. Words seem to fall short as we consider all of the ways it has impacted our lives. Yesterday was a microcosm of these last two months. We felt the thrill and joy of a new birth. We also felt the agony of the death of a granddaughter. Two meetings yesterday reflected those themes as we met with close friends and missionaries serving on the field. Lunch was a time of heaviness laced with joy at each others presence. This couple had buried their first granddaughter that come prematurely. Issues in the ministry compounded the sadness and left us with heavy hearts. But the laughter and joy of sharing together lifted our spirits. The value of looking into each others eyes and encouraging one another is eternal. The afternoon was punctuated with a special meeting. Eight day old Nathan nestled in the arms of Cathy. The little gentleman only weighs 1.8 KG. She touched his hair and spoke about its softness. Oh he is so cute, she remarked. This missionary family had gone through a similar time of great stress but thankfully the little one made it. Timing has been perfect as the author of eternal life has appointed each meeting and opened the windows to people's hearts, minds and souls. It seems almost uncanny that the creator of the universe is placing us in the correct places to sit, actively listen, thoughtfully question and lovingly encourage missionaries and pastors. Going deeper still into the lives of ministry people on the field is such a privilege. You have put us in the perfect position to love, support and uplift others. Thank you for that vision. May you see today His touch behind the tears and smiles of your life. Cathy and Danny www.deeperstillmissions.com 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. |
Danny SartinFour decade veteran of youth ministry in churches, Youth For Christ and now is the Founder and Executive Director of Deeper Still Missions. Danny and his wife Cathy spend most of their time mentoring missionaries in Africa, Europe, Central America and North America. Future opportunities include South America and the Asia Pacific area. Archives
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