Saturday, February 21, 2009
The Ministry
Matthew 10:7&8
We spent four months, before our trip, studying this verse and many others that showed how Jesus shared, and how he instructed the disciples to minister. Is seems simple, but it was our plan. Before we left Ocean View, our prayer was to see three simple churches started, like in Acts 2:42-47 (or life groups, house churches etc.. ) We wanted to make them disciples, teaching them how to obey and baptizing them, Matt 28:18-20. We wanted to cast a vision for growth and multiplication. (Jesus first sent out the 12, then it was 70)
AND THAT IS WHAT WE DID!
Our first weeks were spent walking the streets looking for people of peace, people who were open to the Gospel, who would be the "soft soil". Everyone we met, we would share the Gospel with and ask if we could pray for them for anything. When we prayed we saw miracles take place.
People lame with arthritis....... walking!
People suffering from asthma........ breathing!
People burdened with unemployment....... working!!
People blind ..... seeing!!!
Over and over again we saw God move in mighty ways!! In one meeting, a man needed a job. So our team prayed, not 5 minuets after they finished praying..... the phone rang. It was the man's former employer, giving him his job back!!
Belinda - had suffered from arthritis for years, it was a long painful process to stand up and walk. She spent most of her time on her front porch because it took to long to walk anywhere else. We prayed, and God healed. We immediately encouraged her to find someone else who needed prayer. (Freely you have received now freely give) Her husband's eyes had been injured in an accident years ago, they were in constant pain. We guided her through praying for her husband, and HE was healed. So we asked for more... Her neighbor had horrible asthma problems, it would take him 30+ minutes to walk up a single flight of stairs because he had to stop and rest every other step. So we encouraged BELINDA to pray for him, she did and he was healed. When he left, it only took him 5 minuets to walk up the stairs to get home!!!
Over and over we saw God move. These "power encounters" opened up the door to share God's love and mercy. Not every one accepted. Several times we would have to remind ourselves of
the parable of the soils, our job is not to make them grow, but to sow the seeds broadly!
As the trip went on, we began moving from seed sowing to discipling. We would meet with those who were hungry for more of Jesus. We would walk them through, bible studies and teach them how to share how they had become new creations.
As they began to share their faith and as we continued to share as well, we started forming groups that would meet together for prayer, worship and study. We were seeing our goals met!! It was amazing!
This trip has given us more clarity as to what our roll in Uganda will be. We are filled with more passion to see a Church Planting Movement take place. To raise up local believers and teach them how to be disciples, and watch them catch the vision of taking the name of Jesus through out the region.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Simon's Town
Simon's Town's history is closely tied to OV's, but I will save that story for later. Simon's Town is now known for it's quaint shops and great dining, not to mention the Naval base.
We thought that while the boys were out having an adventure, we would have one too. A quick relaxing trip in to town, via the train, for lunch and shopping, would be perfect. Our journey began in Capri at the top of a LONG, STEEP hill where the house was. Traveling that day were Linda (the team mama), Summer, Carrie and her two boys, plus the girls and myself.
In order to get to ST we had to take the train. In order to get to the train, we had to take a taxi. In order to catch a taxi, we had to hike down the hill. So that is what we did.
We walked dooooown the hill with 6 kids, and two strollers, crossed the street and then waited for the taxi. When it finally arrived, we piled on board and asked the driver to take us to the Fishoek Train station. When we inquired about him taking us all the way to ST, he said that it would be 150 Rand and a 7 min drive, or we could take the train for R5 and have a 15 min ride. We opted to stick to our original plan and take the train.
We bought out tickets and waited for the train to arrive. And we waited, and waited, and waited. When the train finally arrived, we all hopped on and began to enjoy the ride. While riding I started a conversation with the lady next to me that went something like this:
ME : What is the next stop?
Lady: Kalk Bay. Where are you going?
ME: Simon's Town
Lady: OHHHH your on the wrong train!!!
ME: Girls..... get your stuff, we're on the wrong train!
Yes we never even considered that there might be another train, and that we might want to go the other direction. So we once again had to wait, and wait, and wait. When we finally made it on the right train.... the view was amazing!!
By this point, our fifteen minuet ride had become and hour and a half journey. But we pressed on, the our growling stomachs leading the way. In ST there aren't near as many taxis as other areas, so in order to get to all the shops we had to walk. Once again we tackled a hill only this we walked up.
We ate at a nice restaurant/pizza place. In stead of giving the kids coloring sheets while they wait, they bring out trays with pizza dough, rollers and cookie cutters, too FUN! I'm sure there are restaurants in the states that do that too, but I have never been to one. The kids enjoyed the rest and the play time, while the women decided that shopping with 6 kids might not be a good idea, so we came up with a plan "B".
Penguins! Seeing penguins would be a much kid friendly alternative to shopping, right?
In most situations the answer would be YES, but considering the fact that there were no taxis in ST, we would have to walk. (and walk and walk and walk.....) After lunch we continued our journey up the hill toward the penguins.
I realize that this is getting very long and drawn out, but I want you to get the full effect of how the day went. Never mind.... I'll try and wrap it up. We had to ask several people if we were headed in the right direction, and they all said "yes, just a little further." When we finally saw the sign we were elated, by that point I think we had walked almost 3 miles, all up hill.
We turned, and some where in the midst of the HUNDREDS of people trying to squeeze in one more weekend at the beach before their Holiday was over, we missed the next turn. So we had to back track a ways and try again.
We eventually made it, and 6 long hours (or more) later, we were desperately trying to get a hold of our dear husbands, so that they could rescue us from having to endure the journey home. OH and BTW once we were in a car...... it really only took 7 minuets to get from ST back home ;)
The Hike at Silvermine
Saturday we hiked in Silvermine. It was COLD and WINDY!! The area were we were staying gets blown away by the cold Atlantic wind, The girls were troopers. Sarah walked most of the way..... she had help occasionally ;) 
Here we are after the adventure. We went back to Fishoek for dinner that night. Our group at right on the beach.... we even had a "guest" in the restaurant. There was a pigeon that always cleans up crumbs in on the floor, I guess he is now a permanent fixture in the establishment. ( I forgot to take a picture :(
The First Ocean....
One evening we made a quick trip to Fishoek (pronounced : Fish Hook). Fishoek is on the bay side so the water is supposed to be warmer, but maybe that is during the day because the water was freezing!! This was the girls first trip to an ocean!! We had lots of fun freezing our toes and starting our shell collection.

Let the Stories begin.......
This is a view of the area from one of the mountains. Because the area we were in was infested with drugs and alcohol we were advised not to take cameras while we were out sharing the gospel. Towards the end of the trip we felt comfortable enough to take pictures of the people that we had established good relationships with.
These pictures were taken at Elizabeth's house. We spent a very gusty day cleaning up her yard and helping her get rid of A LOT of junk. (Above) this is the front of her house. There was a large mixture of homes in OV, ranging from one room (total) shacks to larger two & three room homes. And occasionally you would go into a home that was completely out of place and extremely nicer than the average.
The rent "house" behind of Elizabeth's
This is the view from Elizabeth's house..... hence the name of the Township. The box looking thing..... the future bathroom.
A view of some of the neighboring houses.
This is a bathroom in a different home..... it is nicer than most. Cedric and Silvia work faithfully serving the Lord through All Nations and the home that these pictures are of was given to them..... God is Good. even in Ocean View.
Views of their kitchen.... Silvia came and cooked for our team four days a week. It was a huge blessing to come home and not have to cook for 21 people! Thursday, February 12, 2009
We are Home!!!!
We have been home for two hours now.... It took us more than 30 hours to get home. We actually spent almost 20 hours in one plane - 8+ hr flight from Cape Town to Dakar, then a 2 hr Layover IN THE PLANE, then another 9 hr flight from Dakar to NY. After we arrived State side we flew NY to Atlanta and then Atlanta to Dallas, THEN we had a 2 hr drive!!!
Needless to say everyone, but myself went straight to bed EXHAUSTED!! I on the other hand had to check out all the wonderful things that were done while I was gone!! My wonderful mother-in-law and sister-in-law came to my house last weekend and cleaned, washed sheets, did laundry, filled the pantry and even cooked a few meals and put them in the freezer. Plus the girls all had cute Valentines on their pillows. WE are SOOOOOOOOOOO spoiled!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!
Currently, I am trying to fight jet lag by staying up..... My body feels like it is one or two in the AM, I am shocked when I look at the clock and it is only 9:00PM.
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GOD's BLESSING!!
Thinking about how spoiled I am reminded me of a recent discovery that I made.
In preparing our taxes for 2008, I went through all of our bank statements for the year. I added up all the deposits that were from Kent working and then I added up all the deposits that were gifts and blessings from our friends and family who are supporting us. What we "made" and what we were blessed with were almost the same. The difference was only $2000!!! But then I started to think about it....... and the total of what we were blessed with didn't include $ from my mom and grandmother or all the walmart cards that Kent's mom gave us!!
When you add that in...... the amount surpasses what we were able to earn on our own.
AND...... that doesn't include anything that was contributed to our trip(s) through the church!
My only purpose in stating any of this is to bring HIM glory! (and to say thank you to all those who allow God to use you in our lives!!!)
You would think that by now I would be used to God's faithfulness and provision, but it still blows me away at times when I think about ALL He has done in the last two years!!
HE IS A GOOD FATHER WHO IS ABLE TO IMMEASURABLY MORE THAN WE COULD ASK OR IMAGINE!!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
South Africa Part 2
I led my first person to Jesus today!!! It was really exciting. I was with my lady friends, (sometimes it is hard to get a word in if I am out with Kent ;) but they knew I wanted to pray with some one.... I just need a chance.
We have prayed for several people that were healed!! Ashma, affects from stroke, injured arms.... GOD IS AWESOME!!!
The people here are wonderful!! I wish I had the words and the time to describe them and their city. They are very friendly, they all invite you in, and once we were even offered tea!!
It was really exciting to come blog and see that there were so many encouragements ( aka comments) from you all! Keep them coming.
Kent may add his own blog post one day... We want you to hear his experience as well!!
Be blessed until next time!!
Monday, January 12, 2009
South Africa Part 1
The girls traveled well. Actually they did a lot of sleeping, so it went really smooth. Emma was walking down the breeze way in Atlanta with her hands in her pockets and she tripped and fell. She started screaming and bleeding (and got blood on my shirt), but it didn't last long, and then we were able to get on the plane. That was the most traumatic event that happened during our travels.
After a Long flight from Atlanta to Dakar and another flight from Dakar to SA we arrive and immediately had an opportunity to minister and stretch our faith. When going through the pass port lines, we saw a woman that was receiving CPR from the local EMS team. Kent went out and asked to pray over her with her husband. I was so proud of him going for gold the minute he got off the plane!! Unfortunately the woman didn't make it, and Kent has had to work through some of that. but GOD is good!!!
On the ride to our house Emma got car sick and threw up on my shirt. (It went well with my shirt). Kent at this point was still at the airport because 1 of our 3 pieces of Luggage was missing. Can you guess who's was missing??? OURS. I had to sleep in a Funky, bloody, vomit, well traveled shirt the first night here. BUT is could have been soooooo much worse. The bag finally came a few days later, I couldn't wait to put on CLEAN clothes.
We have had some great times of meeting people so far. WE are working in a little township called Ocean View. There are lost of Christians and Muslims living in the area. We are trying to meet with the Muslims to share with them the "Signs" that Alla says they should follow. It is fascinating to use their own bible to lead them to Christ.
The Christians that we have met are all strong believers. However, the people of Ocean View need to see revival. There is lots of drug use and drinking in the community.
Pray that people would be open to the Gospel and would realize that there is more to God than a Sunday service.
I will try and write more in a few days!! WE love you all and are so thankful that you are praying for us!!!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Brain Dead!
I am absoultly amazed at how draining class is for me right now! We are ONLY in class from 8:30 - 12:30 in the morning with several breaks.
The result.... I am not near as orginized, creative or thoughtful! To think that is has almost been a month since my last post is, well I want to say shamefull, but really it isn't, maybe dissapointing is a better word.
We only have 7 more days of class, and then it is ..... Christmas break. Whooo HOOO!
Please don't get me wrong the class is AMAZING!!!! I wouldn't NOT change the class for anything, just maybe the schedule.
There have be so many "posts" that I have wanted to write.... but I just never had the energy or creativity. Some of them would have been ( and might still be - in 7 days :) the following:
- Up date in the fish and Kent's Malaria
- Girls at thanksgiving.... playing in leaves and making oreo turkeys.
- More of Emma's potty training adventures
- Reflections on the awesome things that God is doing in my heart!!
- South Africa status
And from today....
- Mekala's birthday party! (this will be a definant post later!)
Well that is all for now..... Don't give up on me. I "blog" while I am trying to go to sleep!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
You Might be a Red Neck IF....... (2)


I did it....
We went to Walmart and bought the best pair of scissors they had ($14.95). Before I even put them in the basket I showed them to each child and said... "You are not to cut anything with these scissors." I don't want any one getting the idea that they can cut their own hair.
Hannah was first. I trimmed off the ends, and tried to keep the layers. I need to learn how to check and make sure I trimmed all the ends and didn't miss anything.
Next was Emma, actually she "went" several times. She likes getting her hair brushed in the mornings and this was no exception. I trimmed off the a tiny little bit off the back, where it got tangled all the time. now it is relatively even all the way around.
Then came Sarah. Her hair is cute, and we get more comments on that feature than anything else in the whole family! HOWEVER it is a nightmare to cut. I'm not sure I really helped it at all. I needed to clean up the frizzy ends, and I might have done that in the back..... but I'm not even sure how to cut it. All one length, layers, long back, short front??? ARGHHH, It might be worth the money to have a professional cut her hair.
Lastly was Mekala, she like her hair, and didn't want much cut off. However by the fourth head I thought I was fit for the Paul Michell Salon, so I didn't hold anything back! I came out shorter that we had planned on, but is has some cute layers and she likes it.
All in all I think that the 14.95 investment was well worth every penny. I would have spent at least $45 dollars to have the three big girls hair cut, and then I would still have to leave a tip. How I have the scissors and the confidence to do it myself. Next time it won't cost me a dime.


