Safari in Kruger National Park

The bull elephant that charged our bus.

Last week we had a scare when an enormous bull elephant charged us with only a meter to spare. All Cathy could see in the back window were gigantic tusks and flapping ears. The bull was startled by a school bus that revved his engine and changed gears as he passed by. He raced at the bus that moved and we were sitting on the other side of the road. We were the next target as Darrryl Mather-Pike cranked his engine and pulled away. I was laughing while Cathy was scared and very upset for a while. Cathy was in the back seat with Janine and closest to danger. The elephant chased about five cars away and raced down the road after all of us. He was not happy that his mid day had been disturbed by the big bus.

This week has been fast but less demanding. We spent our last two days in Mpumalanga with Ronas and Busie Marule. They took us to a reptile exhibit several hours north of White River on the holiday after Easter. We saw black mambas, green boomslangs, cobras and many others. Again the Lord gave us favor and let us see different snakes fed rats, mice and rabbits. That only happens every few months. Cathy even got to feed a chameleon meal worms. She also had her picture taken with a python around her neck. She loved it! We will show you pictures when we return.

We left Nelspruit on Wednesday and traveled to Magaliesburg with Mark and Les Harper, missionaries from Mozambique. We had a great conversation about Mozambique and their mission work. They want us to come there next time we visit Africa. We will see what God allows. It continues to amaze us that God brings people into our paths that desire our attention.

We attended an African wedding (Blessing Mpofu) in Magaliesburg and flew to Cape Town on Thursday with Rolf. We are taking the weekend to rest with the Weichardts in Yzerfontein and catch up on our individual life issues. Yesterday a six foot mole snake appeared in the yard and we took pictures. He is very large and has obviously been eating well.

Next week will go quickly as we spend time with the Weichardts and Emelio Gassibe. What a joy to impart past experience and share encouragement with others. We are now on the last leg of this mission trip and deeply gratified as we look back on six weeks of intense activity, mentoring, teaching, speaking and sharing God’s Word. We have learned so much and God has given us favor in learning the heart of many Africans. I can’t wait to sit and share these lessons with you.

Oh by the way, over thirty people accepted Christ as their personal savior at Easter services. Dozens came forward for prayer on various issues. I continue to be amazed at how our Lord is using us. Continue to pray.

Cathy & Danny Sartin

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Janine and Darryl Mather-Pike, missionaries to Emoyeni in Nelspruit, South Africa.