  Watervall Church Necessary for the Kingdom! I arrived at a small village church in Northern Mpumalanga of South Africa. It was September 2018 and a special holiday was being observed. It was Heritage Day. People came dressed in traditional clothing representing their various tribes. Tradition was their focus. I was surprised when I drove onto the property. The structure had been partially destroyed during a storm that came through that week. I thought to myself, "Is there anyone here?" It didn't look as if any activity would transpire there. I got out of my car and walked to the open door and found a group of people under the final remaining roof. Stepping inside I was aware of a strong odor. I had not seen a floor mixed with dirt and dung to give it a finished look and stability. But I learned this is the "dirt floor" in their huts also. This group could not afford a nice wood floor. But their love of Jesus was contagious as the children sang a special song just for the pastor. It was in English! They captured my heart! I opened God's Word to Revelation and read the following description of saints in heaven.  Revelation 7:9 (ESV)
9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, John saw the diversity of tribes, peoples and languages before Jesus. I was standing in a place that was a snapshot of heaven. I was deeply humbled as more than a dozen responded to the invitation to accept Jesus. 1 Corinthians 12:22 (ESV) 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, I learned a valuable lesson that day. That church in Watervall is necessary! Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com ________________________ The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Re 7:9 and 1 Cor. 12:22). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. 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.
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 What is God teaching me?
Sharing Our Whole Life In South Africa we met a wonderful Afrikaans family; an older man and his wife and their only grown daughter. We had the privilege of staying with them as Danny worked with various missionaries in the local township and villages. Cathy and I stayed with this lovely family and got to know them. The father had dementia but she was able to develop a great relationship with him. They both bonded over their love for ice cream. He brought out his "big spoon" when the ice cream arrived. Cathy can be seen with her small spoon. His humor was contagious! They loved sitting and talking about his life. She also listened to another older woman who needed to talk.It was several weeks of interaction as we went deeper still into their hearts, minds and souls. Cathy learned a lot about the joy of listening instead of talking. When our time was done, these dear people were laughing and talking with one another. That is why we pitch our tent in the world of missionaries and spend time with their families. We have so much to learn! 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV) "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God abut also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." Covid 19 has been a challenge. But maybe God is giving you the opportunity to share with your family deeper still. Find your ice cream spoon and share your heart! God blessed our time there in 2011 and has many times since then. Don't miss it! Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com _________________________ a See 2 Cor. 12:15 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (1 Th 2:8). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. 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. Walking in Africa! Pictured above is the traveling pulpit of the well known evangelist Andrew Murray. He would ride a circuit of churches to preach to the farmers. His trails carried him over the mountains and valleys of the rural areas of Wellington, Worcester, Robertson and other towns. The people would build him a church of reeds and circle it with their wagons for the duration of his stay.
In the 1860's he was called to be the pastor of a church in Worcester. The noted writer was the pastor of five different churches in in the Western Cape area of South Africa.He prayed fervently for revival among the peoples of Africa.When it came he was somewhat surprised. He struggled to respond to all the changes he witnessed. Tomorrow Cathy and I drive to Worcester to run errands and gather groceries. We will drive by the church where that revival took place. We have experienced a similar feeling as we have walked into farmer's homes in the Robertson area. We have opened the Word of God and our discussions have gone deep almost immediately! Yesterday Johann the owner of the cottage where we stay dropped by and knocked on our door. He said, I just love looking deeper in the Bible and seeking to understand some difficult scriptures. I can't stop thinking about our discussion on Saturday. Two German volunteers came into our flat yesterday and asked Cathy questions for hours on relationships, the Bible and the church. What a joy to walk in the steps of others who have been used by our Lord. The next few weeks will speed up and we have a week with Darryl and Janine Mather-Pike at Amathunzi. Then we spend a week in Knysna teaching Bible and leadership to ministry leaders of the area. Pray that our hearts and mind are ready for all the opportunities that will come. We are so thankful for you. 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.  This photo is a snapshot of the vines only twenty feet from our front door. You are looking down on multiple clusters of grapes that have appeared in the last few days.
They have started to blossom with new fresh leaves. At the end of my thumb is a baby cluster of grapes. The very small and tiny grapes will grow and become a sweet rich wine when harvest time arrives. It is a great symbol of what is going on in the Robertson Valley and the Roux Le Chasseur farm. Rolf and Lizzie Weichardt are busy bringing in new young volunteers from German and a new ministry community is forming. Construction is hectic just like a beehive. Tonight, we will have a community gathering with everyone to laugh, eat, play games, share encouragement and get to know one another. It will be a sweet time of fellowship. Johann Roux, the elder father of the farm family, came by our cottage yesterday to show us the Spring Bok (antelope) that was killed for a special Braii soon. That is a special cookout that would be like a barbecue in America. Not only do they grow grapes, apricots and peaches but they tend a herd of Boks also. The Roux family members have brought by olive oil, fruit from the trees, bread and pies. It is what the Bible calls Koinonia! Each time we open the Word of God you feel the growth all around you. One volunteer said, you lit a fire in my heart with the Bible! Koinonia is wonderful but it also brings challenges. Todd Vanderpool, chairman of Deeper Still Missions, was given a hard prognosis after his brain surgery. We ask you to pray for him and his family as they walk a difficult path. Manu Sarjaduk and a group of young missionaries are now at their mission school training center in England. The SMS yesterday highlighted their Bible Study and compared favorably with what we did seven years ago at Amathunzi. We covet your prayers for the hard things and praise God for so many blessings all around us. Thank you for bringing us to the throne of grace! 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. Report From Africa #1 This is the view outside our cottage on the Roux farm. The moon rises above the mountains in the distance.
The vineyards will be growing and full in a month or so just like the photo from a year ago. At this moment the vines have been "cleaned" (pruned) and prepared for the growing season. Young shoots are already coming out of the branches. On the opposite side of our cottage are apricot trees in full bloom. Harvest will be coming after the flowers fall and develop new fruit. Workers are busy each day spraying and preparing the fields. We will come to know each row of plants from the fruit that it bears. So we come to expect a certain fruit from our life that is the result of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The new buildings are up and there is a beehive of activity on the mountain above the Roux farm. The new Khanyisa Retreat center is sitting majestically on a hill that gives a stunning view of the valley. Just to walk around among the series of rooms, lodge and special homes is a treat. The fruit of that labor will be open for service in late November. Missionaries will be able to come and refresh, renew and refocus their walk with Christ on this special place. We have met several new volunteers from Germany and opened God's Word to ask profound questions of Jesus Christ. Who is Jesus? What do you expect of Jesus? Are you surprised by what Jesus does in your heart, mind and soul? Is there a gap between your knowledge of Jesus and your understanding of Him? Each day is a special opportunity for a new season in your life! Cathy and I are thrilled with our personal Bible Study and the new insights we get each day! Pray as there are challenges with a particular farmer who is making the access road to the facility a difficult issue. I know we plan . . . but God directs the steps. 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.  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 _________________________ 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.  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.  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.  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. Rest in the Vineyard! This week marks two months in our current flat in the vineyard. It has been such a joy to live on the farm and watch the operations day by day. Currently the pruning process is going on and it is an amazing picture as you see above. They completely "clean" the vine for next years harvest. Hundreds of shoots are removed to focus future growth and make it more productive.
My personal picture of John chapter 15 has fresh meaning as we watch the process. It makes me think of my own life and the clutter of activity that can sometimes dominate my heart and mind. I can see why God the Father will prune each life so that the future fruit is better. But I must admit that we have had a special privilege to visit the homes of the farmers in the area. At their request we spend several hours opening the Word of God and giving them insight into the Bible. They had heard from the German volunteers about the substance of our studies and they wanted to hear also. That Saturday sparked a firestorm of questions about how to read the Bible. Almost every day Johan comes by our flat and asks additional questions from our study. He says, I see there is so much more in the Bible than I understood. I never looked deeper still until this exercise! I was skiing across the Bible. We plan another study this weekend. We only have two weeks left before we fly to Zambia. He wants to do as much as we can until we leave. This weekend we will look at the world before the flood of Noah and after the flood. What is different? Johan's discussions with other believers has surfaced a group who wants to know more. Johan said, you are coming back next year aren't you? We must plan to do more studies next time. Thank you for the prayers and support. We are being pruned in the vineyard. 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. |
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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