Walk with Us!

Report from the Field
Mpumalanga, South Africa

Cathy is holding one of the most interesting creations made by the Lord. He is called a chameleon. Cathy saved him from certain destruction as he walked slowly across the tar road seeking water here in Africa.

We have found ourselves in the middle of a declared national disaster area in Southern Africa. A severe drought has gripped this province and neighboring countries such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Swaziland. No rain is making planting of crops impossible and farmers are struggling to survive the heat wave that is coming without the rain.

We met with mom Numsa from Swaziland last weekend. Corn seed we purchased to feed orphans has been held waiting for the rains. If they are planted without the rains they will not grow. We talked alternative plans in case the rains do not come for several more months. Last year we had a bumper crop and return that is helping tremendously at this time. Unfortunately it will also run out by January.

In early December Ted Carr and I will travel into Zimbabwe to visit a pastor who feeds and cares for thousands of orphans in that devastated country. It is too hot for Cathy and will be quite a challenge for me. But I look forward to seeing the orphanages and feeding stations located around the parched countryside. God also allowed us to provide seed corn in these settings last year.

Last Sunday we attended Emmanuel Church in Graskop to see some good friends and share the Word. The children captured my eye. Lively, smiling and excited to see us again. Pastor Ken and his wife Sharon greeted us with warmth and sincere affection. What a joy to be home in a familiar congregation.

The children interacted with me and showed me the noise made by an elephant when it is alarmed. The small boy chased me across the front of the church with his arm raised and trumpeting his trunk. Their hearts and imagination had not dried up like the thirsty ground.

A very encouraging report was given to us by Pastor Ken. A church which we participated in planting five years ago has grown to become the largest church in the mountain escarpment. Moramela was nothing but a youth rally in 2010.Over one hundred young people came from the surrounding villages in a torrential downpour. I spoke through an interpreter in a tent that was coming down due to the heavy rain. Water rushed over my shoes the entire time I spoke. Amazingly God used the moment to lead many young people to himself. Next Sunday they have a celebration where eight churches come together and celebrate with this thriving congregation.

We are so thankful to have your heart walking beside us in these remote places. We are humble that God finds us useful. It is so nice to blend into God's plan in a world that is so deeply rooted in ancestral worship. Most importantly, it is a joy to watch the hearts of new believers mix with the Spirit of God. Then you no longer see the past but a new future intermixed with the wonder of God's glory.

Cathy and Danny

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