April 2008

  

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

We had a blessed and extremely interesting time since the previous newsletter!!

 

Church

During Easter we started having church in the hall. The first Sunday was crazy with around 70 people showing up. Since then it settled down and we have around 20 regulars (of which most is kids & teenagers) showing up every Sunday. We had Lois here to lead the worship and it was a real blessing to teach the people the songs we all love so much. I know God is going to do something different and new up there, so I am excited!!

 

Visitors

This past month we had full houses on the mountain. Not only was Andrew and Jodanne still here, but we also had Lois from Australia visiting as well as Ans from The Netherlands. As I write this only Ans is still here and I want to thank all who visited for their help in making the future of our kids a better one. For loving our kids and for giving a part of themselves so children could feel special. I know God will bless you for that!!

 

Tractor

God provided last year for us to buy a tractor, but as soon as we had the funds together, finding a tractor became a problem. Time went by and the weeks turned into months and every single tractor we found was either in such a bad condition that it was not worth buying or was too far away. Then God provided a contact and we found the perfect tractor for the money we had in Bethlehem, the very next town!! That tractor now belongs to this ministry!! Praise God!

The next step is to construct a safe place for it to be parked in, and following that we need to have the brick machine delivered so we can start building houses, not only for the ministry, but also for people in our village who house their families in shacks.

 

Roof

The roof for the 3rd house was delivered last Friday, and we planned to start putting it up this week. Well this morning the guys on the mountain woke up to SNOW!! So, God willing, I will show you a house with a roof on next month!!

 

We praise God for a blessed month!

 

Wim, Hylien & Jnr

 

 

 Little did I know how brief the 5 week period would be here in South Africa. I am overwhelmed with all that I feel so privileged to have experienced; the friendships, laughter, praise of people, teaching, learning and mostly the glimpse of God’s great, good, pleasing and perfect work.

Living in the mountain was quite an experience. Luckily for the most of the time of my stay, we had electricity and water. I was impressed by thorough structure and running of the programs; care centre, bible studies, after-school and holiday programs but more than anything, in all that was being conducted I sensed comfort, genuine friendship and care for the village people and I realized they were established through staff members’ love, devotion and commitment. Thus I feel most blessed to be able to partner with Wim, Hylien, Chris, Mary and Taryn.

I had the opportunity to help the care centre and teach praise for various bible studies and Sunday worship. I must say it brings me sheer joy and gratitude to be able to witness the people, from children to youth, to adults and elders praising God in one voice. I can only expect and anticipate what is to come through the whole community and will always cherish my time in Qwa Qwa.

Lois, Sydney, Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we start a new term, we (Irene, Enny, and I) have focused our attentions on meeting certain goals for our kids.  Our older kids are at age when they can start learning to write their names, and we are going to start working more on teaching them the names and sounds of the alphabet.  Jodanne has been so integral in getting our program to where it is, we hope to continue with the good work that she has started.  Also, we are going to hold another parent’s meeting in a couple of weeks, and discuss with them the progress that their children have made, and what our goals are for this coming term.

 In particular, we have seen much progress in our little ones.  Puseletso would not stop crying when he first came, and refused to go into the classroom with the rest of the toddlers his age.  He has come around, and now the only problem we still have is getting him to take a nap in the afternoons (he’ll get there though!).  Nthabeleng, one of our smallest girls (who is not yet 1 year old) is walking, talking, singing, toileting herself (sometimes with help), and is all-around a joy.  Our small kids class, which we started at the end of 2007, now has about 10-11 children, and they are flourishing as a group.

Taryn

 

 

 

The Lord, through many unusual circumstances has blessed us with the opportunity to live in the village permanently.  This came through much prayer and has changed the dynamics of our ability to build  relationships with the people of Qwa Qwa.

 Wednesday Ladies Bible Study and Friday Teens Bible Study continue to study the word of God and grow each week.  The Teen Bible Study has brought 10 children form the bottom of the mountain.  These children walk 35 minutes up a mountain to partake in the study. 

 As a couple we have started spending more time in the Care Center on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, helping with the children.  It has been really fun to be able to get to know the little ones better.  Through support of our church and family, we are able to buy and give away up to 15 bibles a month..  Thank you!

Chris & Mary

 

**  English Class  **

English class is continuing, and we are nearly complete with our study in filling out forms that are in English.  We are going to move onto filling out real forms for practice, to ensure that they are comfortable doing so.  Right now we are studying modern kitchen appliances and how they work (unfortunately, at this stage many women have a limited range of jobs that they qualify for, many of which have to do with domestic work).  A few of our ladies have had to leave the class for awhile, but for a good reason—they have jobs!   We are so happy for them, as this is a definite answer to prayer.

Taryn

    

 
 

 

 

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