Keeping Busy

We have now met at the church property in Phokera 4 Sundays! It has been exciting to see the changes each week.

That first Sunday, Shadrick and I were dropped off at the old meeting place, and our old group of kids began to gather. Together we walked to the new property. I was so excited that many of the kids came to the new location. We have continued to see some come, but I’m missing some faces. That first Sunday, the adults met under a little tree and the kids met under the big tree.

That week, the people in Phokera worked together and put up a temporary shelter to meet under. We have had three services under it now. The children start there, then we move to the big tree.

This past week they put up temporary walls to help with shade and protection from rain. They will meet here until bricks are made and the new building is built.

We are continuing to evangelize in Phokera. One of those times we met with a family that had a new baby. The girls were so excited to hold the tiny baby! While they held her, I was able to witness to the family and the others who had gathered around. Many make professions and pray here – I don’t keep track of the numbers. I try to just faithfully witness, and I know that the Lord knows their hearts. I was excited to see this mother at the Bible study on Sunday though.

Eric and the boys went to a different area that week. While they were there, a group of kids gathered. Pastor Nelson wanted to witness to a particular lady, but he was afraid that the group of kids might make it difficult. He turned to Sammy and asked him to preach to the kids. Sammy was so excited! So with his Bible marked and Joseph, Pastor Nelson’s son, translating for him, that’s what he did! Sammy later shared that he had specifically prayed that morning asking for a chance to witness. He was excited about how quickly the Lord answered his prayer!

We weren’t able to go out one weekend as the mumps is going around, and poor Sammy got it. He is through it now. Thankfully, it was mild and no one else has gotten it yet…or if they did, they didn’t have any fevers or swollen cheeks.

If they haven’t gotten it, it’s only a matter of time as I had several children request prayer for it. They call it tonsillitis though. I’m always amazed how they continue on doing their normal things no matter what they have! I am not particularly scared of germs, but I am American in my philosophy that if you’re sick, stay home! Don’t spread it to everyone else. But that’s just not the way here.

The Lord occasionally brings His command to “take no thought…” to my mind. As missionaries often we have to “take no thought” about what we’re eating and drinking. We have to “take no thought” of tomorrow. There are sicknesses, snakes…and hospitals are far. I have moments where the worst case scenario pops into my mind. I know we’d have to travel 3 1/2 hours to the hospital, and that they might not even be able to help. Satan likes to bring that to mind occasionally. But the Lord says, “Take no thought! Trust me!” So, I pray, leave it in the Lord’s hands, and take no thought.

This past week we went back to the area where Sammy preached to the kids and adults who gathered. Again, a large group greeted us. This week Brother Shadrick and I did a children’s lesson.

A group of ladies also gathered and were very interested in talking with me. I had given each a tract and a John and Romans. I feel like I am very slow at the language, but I am able to greet them and share that God loves them, gave His Son to die on the cross for their sins, and a couple small talk things. I think this gave them the impression that I am able to talk more than I can! They began talking so much! One in particular I think was saying something about us being friends and wanting me to give her my hat.

I told her no, I only have one hat, but we can be friends. This got them going! They wanted a picture with me, so I said after we prayed.

After prayer I was surrounded by a group of ladies and kids. The ladies tried whacking the kids away with sticks, and also grabbing any part of me that they could for the picture. For one lady, that piece was my hair! First she held it up in the air. Later I saw that it ended up on a ladies head to look like she had blonde hair. I was definitely cracking up! And I was relieved when Moreen rescued me and pulled me towards the truck!

Between homeschooling and ministry, I have been working on finishing sheet music from my CD, A Friend Like No Other. The Lord has allowed me to finish two songs and one piano hymn arrangement. Those are now available on the website.