Please pray for us as we start camp this morning! Our theme for camp this year is the end times. Teen Camp is from Sunday, Dec 7 through Thursday, Dec 11, and Children's camp runs from Friday, Dec 12 through Sunday, Dec 14!
I know we are expecting over 90 at teen camp! We are excited about the ministry opportunities God will place in our path this week.
Please pray for the youth that will be joining us this week. Pray that they are open to God's work in their lives.
Please pray, also, for our staff. Pray for wisdom, physical strength, and also for God to work in their lives, as well!
Most of us in the family have been experiencing sinus problems and the beginnings of colds. Please pray for our health.
We appreciate your faithfulness in praying for our ministry!
Love,
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Prayer Update
Thanks so much for your prayers! We are back in SA and settling in, getting adjusted to the time change and organized at home. Praise God we made it safely!
Unfortunately my laptop was stolen on our trip home, and communication may be slow for the next couple of weeks to a month while I get set up again. Fortunately, it is covered under insurance and we will be able to replace it! If you sent me an email and I haven't responded, it is probably because that email was on my laptop waiting for a moment to reply. Please re-send it to me and I'll be happy to respond.
Thank you to those of you that have been praying about our funds for a ministry car. All of the funds came in on time and we will have the car in our possession on the 27th of November! Thank you, God, for your provision!
Please pray that our integration back into our lives here goes smoothly! A lot happens in three months time, and there is always a bit of adjustment as we return home, as well as a bit of sadness at saying goodbye to family and friends in the US. Thank you for your prayers!
We are looking forward to some upcoming events! Brad will begin to travel to local churches to administer a verse quiz to those that are trying to win a scholarship to camp! The youth memorize verses all year and will be quizzed on verses from the beginning of the year until now. There are other requirements involved in earning the camp scholarship including faithfulness in church attendance and quiet times. If you'd like to be involved in sponsoring these camp scholarships, please let us know!
There is so much to tell, I will just have to send another update soon, as this one is getting long and there is much to get done! Thank you, again, for your prayers!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa
Unfortunately my laptop was stolen on our trip home, and communication may be slow for the next couple of weeks to a month while I get set up again. Fortunately, it is covered under insurance and we will be able to replace it! If you sent me an email and I haven't responded, it is probably because that email was on my laptop waiting for a moment to reply. Please re-send it to me and I'll be happy to respond.
Thank you to those of you that have been praying about our funds for a ministry car. All of the funds came in on time and we will have the car in our possession on the 27th of November! Thank you, God, for your provision!
Please pray that our integration back into our lives here goes smoothly! A lot happens in three months time, and there is always a bit of adjustment as we return home, as well as a bit of sadness at saying goodbye to family and friends in the US. Thank you for your prayers!
We are looking forward to some upcoming events! Brad will begin to travel to local churches to administer a verse quiz to those that are trying to win a scholarship to camp! The youth memorize verses all year and will be quizzed on verses from the beginning of the year until now. There are other requirements involved in earning the camp scholarship including faithfulness in church attendance and quiet times. If you'd like to be involved in sponsoring these camp scholarships, please let us know!
There is so much to tell, I will just have to send another update soon, as this one is getting long and there is much to get done! Thank you, again, for your prayers!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Hawkins' Car Fund Update
We are thrilled to share with you that we now have $5600 promised toward our ministry car fund! Please join us in praising God for His provision. "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Since we very first mentioned our need for a new vehicle, we have seen a significant change in the exchange rate in our favor, lowering the cost in dollars of a new vehicle daily. And now, we have been presented with the opportunity to buy a slightly used vehicle at a reduced price. It is amazing to see how God works!
Please continue to pray with us! We know that God will make it clear if this is the vehicle He wants to use for our ministry by providing promise of the remaining $4400 by the weekend. Please remember if you want to be involved in giving to this fund, please notify us by sending us an email at maryhawkins@wol.org so we know that the money is on it's way. We will keep you posted!!!!
Thank you for your prayers!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa
If you would like to give, you may do so by going to the Word of Life Online Donation Center, or by printing a response slip and sending it to Word of Life.
Since we very first mentioned our need for a new vehicle, we have seen a significant change in the exchange rate in our favor, lowering the cost in dollars of a new vehicle daily. And now, we have been presented with the opportunity to buy a slightly used vehicle at a reduced price. It is amazing to see how God works!
Please continue to pray with us! We know that God will make it clear if this is the vehicle He wants to use for our ministry by providing promise of the remaining $4400 by the weekend. Please remember if you want to be involved in giving to this fund, please notify us by sending us an email at maryhawkins@wol.org so we know that the money is on it's way. We will keep you posted!!!!
Thank you for your prayers!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa
If you would like to give, you may do so by going to the Word of Life Online Donation Center, or by printing a response slip and sending it to Word of Life.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Prayer Update
Thank you so much for your prayers as we travel! We are over 2/3 of our way into our trip, and we have had safety in travel and uneventful trips. Praise the Lord! Please continue to pray, as we will be traveling further South in Florida on Friday, and then heading back to Pennsylvania via stops in North Carolina and West Virginia October 25-28.
It has been such an encouragement to be ministered to by many in our supporting churches, and to have the opportunity to share the ministry with several new churches! It always renews our passion to review what God is doing in South Africa!
Brad has also had the chance to visit a few Pastors, hoping to encourage them in any way possible, and to again share God's work in SA.
We are really looking forward to getting back home to SA, jumping right back into ministry! We have been helping plan summer camp for the first week of December, and are looking forward to a Leader's Fun Day soon after we return, where we gather the Youth Leaders and have a day to encourage and enjoy each other.
Please continue to pray about the opportunity to buy a car for only $10,000. We have $4500 promised, and would need to have the balance of $5500 by the end of the week in order to buy this particular car. We know that if this is the car that the Lord would like us to have for His ministry, that He will provide! Would you prayerfully consider whether God would like you to be a part of our ministry in this way? If you would like to give, you may do so by going to the Word of Life Online Donation Center, or by printing the attached form and sending it to Word of Life. Please let us know, so that we can keep track of the progress that will be coming in toward the total amount needed.
Thanks, again, for your part in our ministry through prayer! Lives in SA are being changed by your prayers.
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya Hawkins
Word of Life South Africa
It has been such an encouragement to be ministered to by many in our supporting churches, and to have the opportunity to share the ministry with several new churches! It always renews our passion to review what God is doing in South Africa!
Brad has also had the chance to visit a few Pastors, hoping to encourage them in any way possible, and to again share God's work in SA.
We are really looking forward to getting back home to SA, jumping right back into ministry! We have been helping plan summer camp for the first week of December, and are looking forward to a Leader's Fun Day soon after we return, where we gather the Youth Leaders and have a day to encourage and enjoy each other.
Please continue to pray about the opportunity to buy a car for only $10,000. We have $4500 promised, and would need to have the balance of $5500 by the end of the week in order to buy this particular car. We know that if this is the car that the Lord would like us to have for His ministry, that He will provide! Would you prayerfully consider whether God would like you to be a part of our ministry in this way? If you would like to give, you may do so by going to the Word of Life Online Donation Center, or by printing the attached form and sending it to Word of Life. Please let us know, so that we can keep track of the progress that will be coming in toward the total amount needed.
Thanks, again, for your part in our ministry through prayer! Lives in SA are being changed by your prayers.
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya Hawkins
Word of Life South Africa
Attachment: email response slip.pdf
Friday, October 10, 2008
Hawkins' Car Clearance Sale
We have a unique opportunity to buy a practically new used car from a close friend that is leaving South Africa! We would have to raise the funds quickly, but if we can do so, we would only have to raise a total of $10,000, of which we have already raised $2400!This would leave a balance of $7,600 in funds needed. Please pray that if it is God's will for us to purchase this specific vehicle that He would provide the funds needed!
Thank you for sharing in our excitement!
Will you pray about whether God would like you to be involved in our ministry in this way? Any gift of any size would help us reach our goal!
If you would like to contribute, you can do so through one of two ways. To give online, follow this link to the Word of Life Online Donation Center and write "Hawkins' Car Fund" in the additional comments.
Or, you can print the attached page, fill it out and mail it with your gift to Word of Life, PO Box 600, Schroon Lake, NY 12870.
Thank you for considering your part in our ministry!
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya Hawkins
Word of Life South Africa
Attachment: email response slip.pdf
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Hawkins' Car Fund
We have been experiencing many difficulties with our car throughout the last year or so, breaking down and requiring much time and many dollars in repair. As well, we have increased our family size by one, and could really use some extra space! We are trying to purchase a vehicle that seats more people, and will be able to transport a few more people for ministry events! In order to do so, we still need approximately $17,500. Will you pray about whether God would like you to be involved in our ministry in this way? Any gift of any size would help us reach our goal!If you would like to contribute, you can do so through one of two ways. To give online, follow this link to the Word of Life Online Donation Center and write "Hawkins' Car Fund" in the additional comments.
Or, you can print the attached page, fill it out and mail it with your gift to Word of Life, PO Box 600, Schroon Lake, NY 12870.
Thank you for considering your part in our ministry!
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya Hawkins
Word of Life South Africa
Attachment: email response slip.pdf
Friday, September 26, 2008
Prayer Update
It's been a while since our last update! We have had less access to the internet in the US than anticipated, so please forgive our lack of communication.
We have been in Pennsylvania almost 3 weeks now - boy does time fly! We have this last weekend here, and then we're on the road for a month!
This Sunday we are speaking in the am service at Community Baptist Church in Montoursville. After the evening service they will be having a fellowship for us. It will be great to catch up with everyone!
We leave Mon, September 29, and head South to visit Jimmy & Rebecca Barrs in Alabama. After about a week with them, we move on to Florida to see Chris Cartledge and his family for approximately another week. At both of these places we will have opportunities to share the ministry of Word of Life with several individuals, and possibly a few pastors.
Then we will spend a few days in Sebring, Florida with Todd & Susan Patterson, and speak at their church. It's exciting to catch up with these old friends!
We will then meet up with Mary's mom & sister for a week of family fun!
Then back up to Pennsylvania, stopping on the way to visit Dave Kelly & his family and Brad's cousin Rebekah & her husband Mike.
Once back in PA, we have a missions conference at Memorial Baptist Church Nov 1-2, hope to meet up with Mike & Beth Snedeker for dinner, and after LOADS of packing, head back to SA on Nov. 7 to arrive Nov. 8.
SOOOOO, needless to say, please PRAY for our family as we travel! Pray for safety in travels, health of the family, and our sanity as parents! :) We are still trying to do homeschool in the midst of all of this as well.... God is our rock and refuge!
Please pray as well, as we do have a need for new monthly support as well as one time gifts toward the purchase of a new vehicle ($20,000). So far we have received $50 in new support pledged, as well as approximately $700 toward a new vehicle.
Thank you for your prayers! We would love to hear from you - or even see you if we'll be close to you! Just let us know if you'd like to get together.
Love,
Mary for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
We have been in Pennsylvania almost 3 weeks now - boy does time fly! We have this last weekend here, and then we're on the road for a month!
This Sunday we are speaking in the am service at Community Baptist Church in Montoursville. After the evening service they will be having a fellowship for us. It will be great to catch up with everyone!
We leave Mon, September 29, and head South to visit Jimmy & Rebecca Barrs in Alabama. After about a week with them, we move on to Florida to see Chris Cartledge and his family for approximately another week. At both of these places we will have opportunities to share the ministry of Word of Life with several individuals, and possibly a few pastors.
Then we will spend a few days in Sebring, Florida with Todd & Susan Patterson, and speak at their church. It's exciting to catch up with these old friends!
We will then meet up with Mary's mom & sister for a week of family fun!
Then back up to Pennsylvania, stopping on the way to visit Dave Kelly & his family and Brad's cousin Rebekah & her husband Mike.
Once back in PA, we have a missions conference at Memorial Baptist Church Nov 1-2, hope to meet up with Mike & Beth Snedeker for dinner, and after LOADS of packing, head back to SA on Nov. 7 to arrive Nov. 8.
SOOOOO, needless to say, please PRAY for our family as we travel! Pray for safety in travels, health of the family, and our sanity as parents! :) We are still trying to do homeschool in the midst of all of this as well.... God is our rock and refuge!
Please pray as well, as we do have a need for new monthly support as well as one time gifts toward the purchase of a new vehicle ($20,000). So far we have received $50 in new support pledged, as well as approximately $700 toward a new vehicle.
Thank you for your prayers! We would love to hear from you - or even see you if we'll be close to you! Just let us know if you'd like to get together.
Love,
Mary for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Prayer Update
Wow - how time flies! It has been 12 days since we arrived in the US, and we have been really enjoying ourselves, visiting family & friends and sharing about the ministry of Word of Life South Africa. We have done a lot of traveling and have a whole lot more to do before we head back to SA!
Upcoming events -
Tomorrow we head to Western MI to visit friends - Eric & Kim vonOeyen, Dave & Amy Majeski, and Jeff & Becky Montie. We are looking forward to sharing what God's doing in SA and catching up on what's happening with them! We will return to Davison on Saturday.
Monday, 9/1, we are hoping to head North to East Tawas to visit family.
Next Wednesday, 9/3, we have a meeting with the missions committee at Life Fellowship Chapel.
On Thursday, 9/4, we travel to meet Mike & Fran VanBruggen, a family raising support to join our ministry in South Africa.
Saturday, 9/6, we are having an open house in Lapeer, MI at Life Fellowship Chapel (the Old Ponderosa). It will be from 1-4 if you want to join us! Once again we will be catching up with family and friends and sharing about the work of Word of Life in South Africa.
Sunday, 9/7, we will be sharing about the ministry of Word of Life South Africa at Life Fellowship Chapel.
Monday, 9/8, we head back to PA! Please pray for us as we say goodbye to Mary's family for a couple of years. We will leave with mixed emotions of saying goodbye and looking forward to spending a few weeks with Brad's family.
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya Hawkins
Word of Life South Africa
Upcoming events -
Tomorrow we head to Western MI to visit friends - Eric & Kim vonOeyen, Dave & Amy Majeski, and Jeff & Becky Montie. We are looking forward to sharing what God's doing in SA and catching up on what's happening with them! We will return to Davison on Saturday.
Monday, 9/1, we are hoping to head North to East Tawas to visit family.
Next Wednesday, 9/3, we have a meeting with the missions committee at Life Fellowship Chapel.
On Thursday, 9/4, we travel to meet Mike & Fran VanBruggen, a family raising support to join our ministry in South Africa.
Saturday, 9/6, we are having an open house in Lapeer, MI at Life Fellowship Chapel (the Old Ponderosa). It will be from 1-4 if you want to join us! Once again we will be catching up with family and friends and sharing about the work of Word of Life in South Africa.
Sunday, 9/7, we will be sharing about the ministry of Word of Life South Africa at Life Fellowship Chapel.
Monday, 9/8, we head back to PA! Please pray for us as we say goodbye to Mary's family for a couple of years. We will leave with mixed emotions of saying goodbye and looking forward to spending a few weeks with Brad's family.
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya Hawkins
Word of Life South Africa
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Prayer Letter
Here is a copy of our most recent prayer letter.
You will need Adobe Reader to open the file. Click here to download free.
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa
You will need Adobe Reader to open the file. Click here to download free.
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa
Attachment: aug 2008.pdf
Monday, August 4, 2008
Re: Mya Coming to America
Join us in praising God for His faithfulness!
Mya's visa was approved today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now we just have to wait for her passport with the visa in it to arrive via courier, and we'll be on our way. It should be here by Monday at the latest and we fly out on Wednesday the 13th.
Thank you for your prayers!
Today we are to collect our home study report and deliver it to the children's court. This is the last item needed for her adoption to be finalized here in South Africa. Once we deliver it to the children's court, it has to go through Pretoria, and they will send us the details in the mail once it is approved.
Mya's visa was approved today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now we just have to wait for her passport with the visa in it to arrive via courier, and we'll be on our way. It should be here by Monday at the latest and we fly out on Wednesday the 13th.
Thank you for your prayers!
Today we are to collect our home study report and deliver it to the children's court. This is the last item needed for her adoption to be finalized here in South Africa. Once we deliver it to the children's court, it has to go through Pretoria, and they will send us the details in the mail once it is approved.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Prayer Update
Life has been so busy, that we're not keeping up well with updates regarding the ministry. Please forgive us!
SMASH went well with a total of over 60 youth coming together to serve Him over their school holidays! We were able to do ministry through many different avenues, and saw many come to Christ as well as many that were serving with us committing their lives to serving Christ in full time ministry.
Please join us in praying for Natashia and Cindy, two wonderful young ladies, who are considering attending the Word of Life Bible Institute in Hungary. Pray for wisdom, reassurance of God's plan for them, and finances, should they feel this is the path that God has in store for them.
We are thrilled about the upcoming arrival of a team of 5 people from Sinking Springs, PA. They will be spending a week with us, and it is jam-packed full of ministry! You can read about it here if you want to pray for us!
We now have 20 days left before we leave for the US and there is so much to do! Keep us in your prayers that in our busyness, we keep God at the centre of our focus.
Love, Mary for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya Hawkins
SMASH went well with a total of over 60 youth coming together to serve Him over their school holidays! We were able to do ministry through many different avenues, and saw many come to Christ as well as many that were serving with us committing their lives to serving Christ in full time ministry.
Please join us in praying for Natashia and Cindy, two wonderful young ladies, who are considering attending the Word of Life Bible Institute in Hungary. Pray for wisdom, reassurance of God's plan for them, and finances, should they feel this is the path that God has in store for them.
We are thrilled about the upcoming arrival of a team of 5 people from Sinking Springs, PA. They will be spending a week with us, and it is jam-packed full of ministry! You can read about it here if you want to pray for us!
We now have 20 days left before we leave for the US and there is so much to do! Keep us in your prayers that in our busyness, we keep God at the centre of our focus.
Love, Mary for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya Hawkins
Ministry team from Sinking Springs!
We are thrilled about the upcoming arrival of a team of 5 people from Sinking Springs, PA. They will be spending a week with us, and it is jam-packed full of ministry!
Here is a copy of our schedule so far, so that you can pray with us more specifically!
Monday - team arrives
Tuesday - morning, To Be Confirmed
afternoon, Place of Safety - ministering to needy children
Wednesday - Thsolofelo (means "hope"), a small orphanage for 12 children where we found Mya - we will be doing some maintenance, housework, playing with children and holding babies
Thursday - morning, Open Air Evangelism with Mike Neilson
afternoon, Place of Safety - ministering to needy children
Friday - evening - Word of Life Olympians, Sandton Bible Church
Saturday - afternoon - Micro F1 (racing Hot Wheels cars) Evangelistic meeting at Joe Slovo Community Centre - expecting approximatey 100 children
evening - Teen Youth Meeting, Bosmont EBC
Sunday - morning - Church at Bosmont EBC
evening - Church at Grace Baptist Church
Monday - team returns to US
Here is a copy of our schedule so far, so that you can pray with us more specifically!
Monday - team arrives
Tuesday - morning, To Be Confirmed
afternoon, Place of Safety - ministering to needy children
Wednesday - Thsolofelo (means "hope"), a small orphanage for 12 children where we found Mya - we will be doing some maintenance, housework, playing with children and holding babies
Thursday - morning, Open Air Evangelism with Mike Neilson
afternoon, Place of Safety - ministering to needy children
Friday - evening - Word of Life Olympians, Sandton Bible Church
Saturday - afternoon - Micro F1 (racing Hot Wheels cars) Evangelistic meeting at Joe Slovo Community Centre - expecting approximatey 100 children
evening - Teen Youth Meeting, Bosmont EBC
Sunday - morning - Church at Bosmont EBC
evening - Church at Grace Baptist Church
Monday - team returns to US
Re: Mya Coming to America
We now have a temporary passport in our hands!!!!!!!!!! 
I was able to schedule an appt. for a visa interview on the morning of August 8, leaving only 3 business days to get a visa. It is only supposed to take 2 business days to process a visa.... In the meantime we are going to try to get an earlier "emergency" appointment.
During the phone call for the visa appt, we were told we would need to bring Mya's unabridged birth certificate to the appt. This creates a problem for us! We applied for this in early March and were told it would take 6-8 weeks. It has now been almost 5 months, and still nothing.
They say that her registration of birth has been misplaced. We know that she was registered because we have a short form birth certificate and it has an ID number on it! They are trying to say that we need to re-register her birth, but that's not something that Brad and I can do.
There is a slight possibility of getting a visa approved without this form (we know that has happened before), but it is a form we need in the long run anyway, so it would be nice to have it sorted out now.
Anyway, it's not over yet, so keep on praying!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
I was able to schedule an appt. for a visa interview on the morning of August 8, leaving only 3 business days to get a visa. It is only supposed to take 2 business days to process a visa.... In the meantime we are going to try to get an earlier "emergency" appointment.
During the phone call for the visa appt, we were told we would need to bring Mya's unabridged birth certificate to the appt. This creates a problem for us! We applied for this in early March and were told it would take 6-8 weeks. It has now been almost 5 months, and still nothing.
They say that her registration of birth has been misplaced. We know that she was registered because we have a short form birth certificate and it has an ID number on it! They are trying to say that we need to re-register her birth, but that's not something that Brad and I can do.
There is a slight possibility of getting a visa approved without this form (we know that has happened before), but it is a form we need in the long run anyway, so it would be nice to have it sorted out now.
Anyway, it's not over yet, so keep on praying!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Friday, July 18, 2008
Re: Mya Coming to America
Thank you for your prayers!!! We have been granted permission to bring Mya to the US!
Yesterday we applied for a passport. We must have a passport number in order to make an appointment to apply for a visa. Our flight is in 26 days. Please keep praying that things fall into place smoothly so our little girl is on that plane with us!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya Hawkins
Word of Life South Africa
Yesterday we applied for a passport. We must have a passport number in order to make an appointment to apply for a visa. Our flight is in 26 days. Please keep praying that things fall into place smoothly so our little girl is on that plane with us!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya Hawkins
Word of Life South Africa
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Re: Mya Coming to America
We are still waiting for a Section 52 to be approved to bring Mya to the US to visit, BUT we were able to find out today that she can travel on a temporary passport! These usually take about 5 business days to process after we get permission, then we will have to apply for a visa, which usually takes 2-3 days. This is looking more plausible again!
Keep praying!!!!!!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Keep praying!!!!!!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Sunday, June 29, 2008
SMASH/YRO
Youth Reachout arrived from the US yesterday with 15 teens and 5 leaders, ready to jump into ministry! They rose early this morning to lead the morning service at Grace Baptist Church.
After the service they headed back to camp to greet 41 teens and young adults from South Africa, ready for a week of service! It was a great day of training, learning an evangelistic rope trick, the evangi-cube, and a few dramas. We are looking ahead to a great week of ministry! We will keep you updated throughout the week!
Please keep us in your prayers - for health, safety, smooth running events, and most of all, lives impacted for Christ.
Love,
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
After the service they headed back to camp to greet 41 teens and young adults from South Africa, ready for a week of service! It was a great day of training, learning an evangelistic rope trick, the evangi-cube, and a few dramas. We are looking ahead to a great week of ministry! We will keep you updated throughout the week!
Please keep us in your prayers - for health, safety, smooth running events, and most of all, lives impacted for Christ.
Love,
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Prayer Update
I am sitting here curled up in my quilt trying to keep warm! 
There is so much going on now as we prepare for Youth Reachout to arrive on Saturday and S.M.A.S.H. to begin on Sunday!
Youth Reachout (YRO) is a short term missions team of 20 teens and leaders from all over the US that are coming to South Africa. They will be in South Africa from June 28 - July 6, and will be joining up with our annual S.M.A.S.H. camp.
S.M.A.S.H. (Students Ministering And Serving Him) is also a short term mission team, comprised of youth from South Africa.
All of these youth, from US and SA, are giving up their school holidays to further the Gospel of Christ.
We will be ministering together in MANY capacities, including church services, orphanages, open air evangelism, etc. We will be using drama, music, hand bells, evangelism cube, rope tricks, and sports, among many other resources as a means to share the Gospel of Christ.
Please pray that we will be an encouragement to those we are ministering with, as we try to come along side local churches and existing ministries, and that our message will bring many to their knees before Christ, seeking His grace.
We will keep you updated throughout the week, as our mission trip is based right here in Joburg this year. Thanks for your prayers!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa
There is so much going on now as we prepare for Youth Reachout to arrive on Saturday and S.M.A.S.H. to begin on Sunday!
Youth Reachout (YRO) is a short term missions team of 20 teens and leaders from all over the US that are coming to South Africa. They will be in South Africa from June 28 - July 6, and will be joining up with our annual S.M.A.S.H. camp.
S.M.A.S.H. (Students Ministering And Serving Him) is also a short term mission team, comprised of youth from South Africa.
All of these youth, from US and SA, are giving up their school holidays to further the Gospel of Christ.
We will be ministering together in MANY capacities, including church services, orphanages, open air evangelism, etc. We will be using drama, music, hand bells, evangelism cube, rope tricks, and sports, among many other resources as a means to share the Gospel of Christ.
Please pray that we will be an encouragement to those we are ministering with, as we try to come along side local churches and existing ministries, and that our message will bring many to their knees before Christ, seeking His grace.
We will keep you updated throughout the week, as our mission trip is based right here in Joburg this year. Thanks for your prayers!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Prayer Update
Thank you, again, for your faithful prayers! Life sure is busy, both in ministry and on the home front, and your prayers give us strength.
Please pray for Jonathon and Rebecca, two short-term missionaries that will be arriving on Friday. Pray for safety in travel, and smooth adjustments to both the time change and the culture. They will be in South Africa for approximately 2 months. We are excited to get to know them, and grateful for more hands in the ministry.
We have just over 2 months before heading to the US for furlough! Please pray for us, as our calendar gets busier and busier. This is what it looks like so far - a few days in Pietermaritzburg (4 hour drive) doing ministry as a family, a short term mission trip (SMASH) with approximately 30 South Africans and 20 from the US with Youth Reachout, at least one Micro F1 outside of SMASH, a trip to Polokwane, again to do ministry as a family (3 hour drive), and a short term mission group of 5 from Sinking Springs, PA. Most of this is added on top of our normal ministry functions of visiting clubs, contacting youth leaders, organizing materials, studying for teaching God's Word, etc. Please pray for strength and faithfulness in the little things.
Please pray for our trip to the US, as well. Pray for a full schedule to present the ministry and refreshing time with family and friends. Our calender will continue to be filled with travel and events, as we spend 3 weeks in MI, 3 weeks in PA and 6 weeks traveling to FL and back to PA. Please let us know if your church might be interested in hearing more about our ministry!
Last but not least, please keep Mike & Fran VanBruggen and their family in your prayers as they travel and raise support to come to South Africa. We could definitely use more hands in the field to further the Gospel of Christ!
Thank you for your prayers!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa
Please pray for Jonathon and Rebecca, two short-term missionaries that will be arriving on Friday. Pray for safety in travel, and smooth adjustments to both the time change and the culture. They will be in South Africa for approximately 2 months. We are excited to get to know them, and grateful for more hands in the ministry.
We have just over 2 months before heading to the US for furlough! Please pray for us, as our calendar gets busier and busier. This is what it looks like so far - a few days in Pietermaritzburg (4 hour drive) doing ministry as a family, a short term mission trip (SMASH) with approximately 30 South Africans and 20 from the US with Youth Reachout, at least one Micro F1 outside of SMASH, a trip to Polokwane, again to do ministry as a family (3 hour drive), and a short term mission group of 5 from Sinking Springs, PA. Most of this is added on top of our normal ministry functions of visiting clubs, contacting youth leaders, organizing materials, studying for teaching God's Word, etc. Please pray for strength and faithfulness in the little things.
Please pray for our trip to the US, as well. Pray for a full schedule to present the ministry and refreshing time with family and friends. Our calender will continue to be filled with travel and events, as we spend 3 weeks in MI, 3 weeks in PA and 6 weeks traveling to FL and back to PA. Please let us know if your church might be interested in hearing more about our ministry!
Last but not least, please keep Mike & Fran VanBruggen and their family in your prayers as they travel and raise support to come to South Africa. We could definitely use more hands in the field to further the Gospel of Christ!
Thank you for your prayers!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Mya coming to America
I know many of you have been praying about Mya's paperwork for adoption and our trip to America. I'm going to give you some specifics, so you know a little better how to pray for us....
3 months ago, we tried to apply for Mya's passport. We were told that we must have a letter of permission from the Social Development department or have the adoption finalized in order to do so. When we approached the Social Development department, we were told that the adoption will be finalized ANY time now, and it would be easiest to go that route, so we waited....
Now we have run into some complications with the paperwork for the adoption, and the adoption cannot be finalized until at least August 2, making that WAY too late to apply for a passport to fly on August 13! So on to the permission to take her out of the country as a foster child....
In order to do this we had to get permission from her mother (granted last Tuesday) and then take that to the Social Development dept. to have permission granted from the minister. This is what we're waiting for now. We are hoping to have permission by Wednesday. Then we need to take this form to the Home Affairs dept. to apply for the passport. Once the passport is received, we need to apply for a Visa.
Now, if you have not lived in South Africa, you may not understand that we need God's hand to get this accomplished in time, but we do! Paperwork here is processed at a painstakingly slow rate. PLEASE pray that God orchestrates the steps of those involved to work together to get this done in time. We know that we have an ever faithful God that is all powerful! God can do anything.
We just can't imagine leaving our little girlie behind in SA for 3 whole months! Resting in the hands of our loving God, knowing that He knows best.
Thanks for your prayers!
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
3 months ago, we tried to apply for Mya's passport. We were told that we must have a letter of permission from the Social Development department or have the adoption finalized in order to do so. When we approached the Social Development department, we were told that the adoption will be finalized ANY time now, and it would be easiest to go that route, so we waited....
Now we have run into some complications with the paperwork for the adoption, and the adoption cannot be finalized until at least August 2, making that WAY too late to apply for a passport to fly on August 13! So on to the permission to take her out of the country as a foster child....
In order to do this we had to get permission from her mother (granted last Tuesday) and then take that to the Social Development dept. to have permission granted from the minister. This is what we're waiting for now. We are hoping to have permission by Wednesday. Then we need to take this form to the Home Affairs dept. to apply for the passport. Once the passport is received, we need to apply for a Visa.
Now, if you have not lived in South Africa, you may not understand that we need God's hand to get this accomplished in time, but we do! Paperwork here is processed at a painstakingly slow rate. PLEASE pray that God orchestrates the steps of those involved to work together to get this done in time. We know that we have an ever faithful God that is all powerful! God can do anything.
We just can't imagine leaving our little girlie behind in SA for 3 whole months! Resting in the hands of our loving God, knowing that He knows best.
Thanks for your prayers!
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Prayer Update
Greetings to all from cold SA
It has been way too long between letters and we are really sorry for the lack of communication. Let me tell you what has been happening and I think you will forgive us.
We were able to run 2 Micro F1’s in the last few weeks. The last one was so awesome because one of the parents decided to stay and he ended up receiving Christ as his Savior, along with several children. We are looking forward to a few others in the near future and pray that they go just as well.
We are getting ready for our Mid-Year Conference which is this Saturday. I am excited about getting all the leaders together and having some fellowship and training. This is one of my favorite times of the year. To have many of the leaders together and getting an opportunity to hear from them is such a blessing.
Some family news for you as well. I know many have been praying about the adoption of Mya. We ran into some trouble recently and won’t be able to finish the paper work before we furlough. But it should go through while we are in
1. Mid-Year Conference
2. Furlough Schedule
3. Paper work for Mya – We want to bring her to see you all.
4. Car Repairs – Our car seems to always be in the shop; pray for wisdom in this area as we consider what to do next with it.
Praise Items:
1. Micro F1’s over the last few weeks – many Salvation decisions
2. God’s provision in the everyday situations
3. Meetings already setup for furlough – still some openings though going quick!
|
Brad Hawkins
Word of Life South Africa
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Prayer Letter
Here is a copy of our most recent prayer letter.
You will need Adobe Reader to open the file. Click here to download free.
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa
You will need Adobe Reader to open the file. Click here to download free.
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa
Attachment: april2008.pdf
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Prayer Update
Greetings to all!
It has been a great few weeks here! We had a group in from Word of Life; they are students in the second year program at the Bible Institute. We were able to do some amazing things with them and to show them every side of
We then brought them back to Jo’burg for some work in the area. We took them to a “Place of Safety”, which is a temporary housing for children. Ryne House keeps children from 0 to 18 years there. We really had to pull everyone away from this place because the kids were in such desperate need of attention. Here again there were a few little ones we all wanted to bring home.
Their schedule had them flying out of here at 6:00 PM so we decided to run a Soccer Marathon that morning. We went into an area we have been in before. We have been trying to build relationships with the people there. It was a great morning of soccer and sharing. A local church donated clothes to give away and we provided lunch for all the players. It was a wonderful way to finish a great week of ministry.
Be praying for those students who came on this trip. We really gave them a lot to think about and challenged them on many different levels. They wanted to see what missions in SA is like and they really were able to see it first hand. Now they are back in classes and I know from experience that is a tough transition to make.
Prayer Request:
1. Students heading back to US
2. Furlough Schedule
3. Paper work for Mya – We want to bring her to see you all.
4. For our family as we try to get back to normal (not sure what normal is)
5. Trip to Pietermaritzburg to visit a church (Brad)
Praise Items:
1. Still loving the new computer
2. Safety while traveling around SA
3. Meetings already setup for furlough – still some openings, though going quick!
In His Service,
Brad Hawkins
Word of Life South Africa
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Prayer Update
Thank you so much for your prayers for the Missions Reality team that is here from the Word of Life Bible Institute! They have arrived safely and are having a great week of ministry.
It has been go, go, go from the minute they landed in Joburg! They have ministered in a settlement, practically by helping make bricks, painting, and visits to peoples homes. Brad's heart was broken by an orphanage with 11 children living in a shack smaller than one of our kid's bedrooms.
Today was a day of ministry in one of the local prisons. Mike Neilson, a national missionary, visits this prison on a regular basis, doing Bible Studies and discipleship with the prisoners. He visits one wing at a time, and with 38 extra people today they were able to visit 4 wings at once!
Tomorrow is a day of ministry at Norman House School and Reyn Place of Safety. These are homes for troubled or orphaned children of all ages. Please pray that God prepares the hearts of those that they will be ministering to. We will be sharing through drama, music, and gospel presentation in a group and one-on-one.
On Friday morning, we will be ministering at a local Primary school, and after a little sight seeing, splitting into three groups to visit three different Word of Life Clubs.
Saturday we will be running a Soccer Marathon in Diepsloot, a local settlement. This is a ministry that uses soccer as a draw for people in the area, with an opportunity to share the gospel. The soccer marathon should finish up around 1:00, and by 3:00 the team will be departing for the airport!
We are excited about the ministry that has happened this week, and about the ministry opportunities still available! Please pray for strength, endurance, and opportunities to lead souls to Christ!
Also, please pray that God clearly shows the students on the Mission Reality exactly what He has in store for them. It is exciting to see that they want to follow Him wherever He will lead, whatever that may mean.
Thanks again, for your prayers!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya Hawkins
Word of Life South Africa
It has been go, go, go from the minute they landed in Joburg! They have ministered in a settlement, practically by helping make bricks, painting, and visits to peoples homes. Brad's heart was broken by an orphanage with 11 children living in a shack smaller than one of our kid's bedrooms.
Today was a day of ministry in one of the local prisons. Mike Neilson, a national missionary, visits this prison on a regular basis, doing Bible Studies and discipleship with the prisoners. He visits one wing at a time, and with 38 extra people today they were able to visit 4 wings at once!
Tomorrow is a day of ministry at Norman House School and Reyn Place of Safety. These are homes for troubled or orphaned children of all ages. Please pray that God prepares the hearts of those that they will be ministering to. We will be sharing through drama, music, and gospel presentation in a group and one-on-one.
On Friday morning, we will be ministering at a local Primary school, and after a little sight seeing, splitting into three groups to visit three different Word of Life Clubs.
Saturday we will be running a Soccer Marathon in Diepsloot, a local settlement. This is a ministry that uses soccer as a draw for people in the area, with an opportunity to share the gospel. The soccer marathon should finish up around 1:00, and by 3:00 the team will be departing for the airport!
We are excited about the ministry that has happened this week, and about the ministry opportunities still available! Please pray for strength, endurance, and opportunities to lead souls to Christ!
Also, please pray that God clearly shows the students on the Mission Reality exactly what He has in store for them. It is exciting to see that they want to follow Him wherever He will lead, whatever that may mean.
Thanks again, for your prayers!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya Hawkins
Word of Life South Africa
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Prayer Update
Greetings to all!
Last week we had a group in from the
Just wanted to let you know we are beginning to schedule our furlough for later this year. I have included a tentative schedule below. If you know of a Pastor who might be interested in having us come share please let me know and I will contact them. We are looking for “new churches” to share what God is doing here. See you all soon!!! Aug thru Nov.
MI – Aug 16th – Sept 7th
PA - Sept 8th – Sept 28th
PA Oct 25th – Nov 7th
Back to
Prayer Requests:
1. Group from WOL coming for visit
2. Furlough Schedule
3. Paper work for Mya – We want to bring her to see you all.
Praise Items:
1. New Computer
2. Great week with group from TKCS
3. Meetings already setup for furlough – still some openings though going quick!
Brad Hawkins
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Update after Battlezone Camp
Here is an update from Mike Neilson, the speaker at our BattleZone Camp! Best news this week: At the Word of Life, Battle Zone Camp I taught Sowers, Level 1. In the counselling section there is a place where we challenge the student to write down who they will share this counselling booklet with. One of the young people, from Donavan May’s Church in Chloorkop, lead his mom to the Lord when he got home from camp. Wow is that not great!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Prayer Update
It's hard to believe that it's been 2 weeks since our last update! Time flies when you're busy!
We had a group of 14 students and 3 teachers visit from The Kings Christian School in NJ for a short term mission trip. They arrived on March 20 and departed March 30, and every day in between held a new adventure.
It was amazing to see God's faithfulness as we/they were able to minister in so many different areas and cultures! We visited places from settlements to a deaf church to affluent areas - we all worship the same God! South Africa is definitely a world in one country. If you'd like to learn about their adventures, follow this link to the TKCS blog.
While they were here, we held our annual Battlezone Camp. In addition to the team from the US, we had 28 South African teenagers join us! The goal of this camp is to prepare the youth to be ready to share the gospel. This year we had a special speaker, Mike Neilson, and part of his family join us at camp. We were excited to see Mike's passion for ministry and for the lost come across clearly as he taught the Sowers training course in soul winning and Open Air Evangelism. Thank you, Mike, for helping us all become better equipped to sow the seed of the gospel! I was also very encouraged by the time I spent with Mike's wife Mandy. It was great to glean wisdom and have fellowship with a fellow homeschool mom in the ministry!
We are excited about the continued progress toward Mya's adoption. Please continue to pray that all the paperwork is approved and finalized before we need to leave for the States in August. She is growing and changing, with new developments every day. She is barely crawling, but will be running tomorrow if she has her way! She is so ready to keep up with big brother and sister. She is a ray of sunshine to our whole family.
Brandon and Marissa are doing well! They are growing and changing, too quickly for my taste!
Brandon loves learning about fractions, as is ecstatic when he knows all his spelling words and doesn't have to study them. It is hard to believe that he will be 9 years old in 11 more days. (The countdown is on! 
) Marissa has finished her first Math book and her first handwriting book this week, and is on cloud 9. She loves to write and color and would "do school" all day. If she only learns to read more fluently, she would be over the moon! She just can't wait. I think maybe we'll start working on some Dick & Jane books tomorrow.
Please keep the Page family in your prayer. Christy and the kids have been in the US visiting her family, as her father was diagnosed with lymphoma. John remained her in SA to continue in the ministry. Christy's dad is just finishing up his second round of chemo, as far as I understand, and Christy and the kids will be returning to SA on Saturday. Please keep the whole family in your prayers.
We are looking forward to our time in the US from mid-August to mid-November and we'd love to see you! Please pray that our schedule fills quickly to share about the ministry of South Africa so that we can return to SA with our needed funds and continue the ministry! Also, please let us know if your church would be interested in having us come and share the ministry of Word of Life South Africa with them.
Love,
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa
We had a group of 14 students and 3 teachers visit from The Kings Christian School in NJ for a short term mission trip. They arrived on March 20 and departed March 30, and every day in between held a new adventure.
It was amazing to see God's faithfulness as we/they were able to minister in so many different areas and cultures! We visited places from settlements to a deaf church to affluent areas - we all worship the same God! South Africa is definitely a world in one country. If you'd like to learn about their adventures, follow this link to the TKCS blog.
While they were here, we held our annual Battlezone Camp. In addition to the team from the US, we had 28 South African teenagers join us! The goal of this camp is to prepare the youth to be ready to share the gospel. This year we had a special speaker, Mike Neilson, and part of his family join us at camp. We were excited to see Mike's passion for ministry and for the lost come across clearly as he taught the Sowers training course in soul winning and Open Air Evangelism. Thank you, Mike, for helping us all become better equipped to sow the seed of the gospel! I was also very encouraged by the time I spent with Mike's wife Mandy. It was great to glean wisdom and have fellowship with a fellow homeschool mom in the ministry!
We are excited about the continued progress toward Mya's adoption. Please continue to pray that all the paperwork is approved and finalized before we need to leave for the States in August. She is growing and changing, with new developments every day. She is barely crawling, but will be running tomorrow if she has her way! She is so ready to keep up with big brother and sister. She is a ray of sunshine to our whole family.
Brandon and Marissa are doing well! They are growing and changing, too quickly for my taste!
Brandon loves learning about fractions, as is ecstatic when he knows all his spelling words and doesn't have to study them. It is hard to believe that he will be 9 years old in 11 more days. (The countdown is on! ) Marissa has finished her first Math book and her first handwriting book this week, and is on cloud 9. She loves to write and color and would "do school" all day. If she only learns to read more fluently, she would be over the moon! She just can't wait. I think maybe we'll start working on some Dick & Jane books tomorrow. Please keep the Page family in your prayer. Christy and the kids have been in the US visiting her family, as her father was diagnosed with lymphoma. John remained her in SA to continue in the ministry. Christy's dad is just finishing up his second round of chemo, as far as I understand, and Christy and the kids will be returning to SA on Saturday. Please keep the whole family in your prayers.
We are looking forward to our time in the US from mid-August to mid-November and we'd love to see you! Please pray that our schedule fills quickly to share about the ministry of South Africa so that we can return to SA with our needed funds and continue the ministry! Also, please let us know if your church would be interested in having us come and share the ministry of Word of Life South Africa with them.
Love,
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Prayer Update
Greetings from Me
Word of Life South Africa
What a weekend!!! I was gone over the weekend down to
I was able to stay with the Wilson Family for the entire visit. They are such a delightful family and I look forward to seeing them again. Mike Wilson is the Teen Leader for the church and we spent several late evenings going through some training and working through the teen ministry. I believe he is a bit more ready for the ministry God has called him to.
One last thing I wanted to let you know about the trip down. I knew before I was going that the Teens were having an ALL NIGHTER on Friday. I just didn’t know how involved I would be. They asked me to share a devo/gospel presentation, which I was excited to do. I shared a simple gospel message with them and we saw 4 of them accept Chirst as their Savour. Then there were 8 who made decisions to do a better job at developing their relationship with God. That is what it is all about and I was so excited to see Mike (Youth Leader) begin to talk with them through out the night.
1. Group from US coming for visit March 20-30
2. Christy Page and kids in the
3. Battle Zone Camp March 26-28
4. Paper work for Mya – We want to bring her to see you all.
Praise Items:
1. Great weekend of ministry
2. Provison over the last few weeks
3. Meetings already setup for furlough – still some openings though going quick!
Word of Life South Africa
Friday, March 14, 2008
Prayer Update
There is so much to share! We have had a busy few weeks, and nothing is slowing down - something we consider to be a good thing! :)
We have now had many successful Micro F1's (micro formula 1) in local churches! The track has worked great, and there have been many children come to know Christ as their Saviour as a result of these meetings! Thank you for your part as we have had donations from some of you toward hot wheels cars, as well as your faithful prayers.
Last Friday night was our annual T-Junction! This is an all night event, 6 pm to 6 am. The name is to symbolize the choice that we have to make in our lives once we learn about what Christ has done for us on the cross to pay for our sins. We have to choose to accept Him and follow Him, or go our own way. We have held this event the last two years at an Aqua dome, with indoor pools, water slides, rock climbing, miniature golf, basketball, soccer, volleyball, video games, game cube, bowling, etc. We had 145 in attendance at this event, plus staff and volunteers! A local pastor, Pastor Trent Aeyrs, shared the gospel message. It was a night of fun for all!
Yesterday Brad left for Capetown. He flew in on Thursday and is spending the majority of today visiting local youth leaders. The majority of his weekend will be with Mountain View Baptist Church in Somerset West. Tonight he has an all night lock-in with the youth, Saturday he will be teaching a college course, Sunday morning he will be preaching at church, Sunday afternoon he will be running an orientation for Word of Life Clubs, and then he will be flying home on Monday!
Next week we have a group of students from King's Christian School coming in from NJ, and we are excited about the many ministry opportunities coming up. Please pray for the teens, that God would use this trip to impact their lives for him. Please pray, also, that God would prepare the hearts of those people that that will be ministering to here in South Africa. God can use these youth to win others to Christ!
Thank you, again for your faithful prayers for our ministry! God is using you to change lives in South Africa.
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa
We have now had many successful Micro F1's (micro formula 1) in local churches! The track has worked great, and there have been many children come to know Christ as their Saviour as a result of these meetings! Thank you for your part as we have had donations from some of you toward hot wheels cars, as well as your faithful prayers.
Last Friday night was our annual T-Junction! This is an all night event, 6 pm to 6 am. The name is to symbolize the choice that we have to make in our lives once we learn about what Christ has done for us on the cross to pay for our sins. We have to choose to accept Him and follow Him, or go our own way. We have held this event the last two years at an Aqua dome, with indoor pools, water slides, rock climbing, miniature golf, basketball, soccer, volleyball, video games, game cube, bowling, etc. We had 145 in attendance at this event, plus staff and volunteers! A local pastor, Pastor Trent Aeyrs, shared the gospel message. It was a night of fun for all!Yesterday Brad left for Capetown. He flew in on Thursday and is spending the majority of today visiting local youth leaders. The majority of his weekend will be with Mountain View Baptist Church in Somerset West. Tonight he has an all night lock-in with the youth, Saturday he will be teaching a college course, Sunday morning he will be preaching at church, Sunday afternoon he will be running an orientation for Word of Life Clubs, and then he will be flying home on Monday!
Next week we have a group of students from King's Christian School coming in from NJ, and we are excited about the many ministry opportunities coming up. Please pray for the teens, that God would use this trip to impact their lives for him. Please pray, also, that God would prepare the hearts of those people that that will be ministering to here in South Africa. God can use these youth to win others to Christ!
Thank you, again for your faithful prayers for our ministry! God is using you to change lives in South Africa.
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Prayer Update
Greetings from Joburg!
We have had 2 very successful Micro F1’s these last two weeks, and we have two more this Friday night. We are heading to
Our next big event is T-Junction, an all night event on March 7. We have been talking to the leaders of the churches here and it is going to be a great night for us all. This event is geared towards sharing the gospel with the lost. We are having it at an Aqua Dome that has indoor heated pools, mini golf, a climbing wall, basketball, video games, and so much more for them to do. I look forward to being able to play all the games as much as everyone else! Please keep this night in your prayers.
My new laptop – I am sure many of you are wondering about that request. First let me say the Mary and I are overwhelmed at the response from all of you. Many people have been praying and pledging towards this project. It looks as if we will have enough not only for the laptop but a few accessories to go with it. Here again, I am continually amazed at how God provides. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOU PRAYERS AND GIFTS!
1. Micro F1 for Olympians and Students - Evangelical
2. Christy Page and kids traveling to US to visit family
3. Several Youth Leaders going through some trials
4. Paper work for Mya – We want to bring her to see you all.
Praise Items:
1. Gifts for purchase of laptop – thanks again!
2. Those who accepted Christ these last few weeks
3. Meetings already setup for furlough – we still have openings for meetings. Please pray that we have a full schedule! We would love a chance to share about what God's doing in South Africa with those in your church! Please contact us if you think they might be interested.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Youth Reachout comes to South Africa!
South Africa trip: June 22 - July 7 2008
Join a team of people like you from around the US for a 10-14 day trip that will be a life changing experience. To go you must be 15 years of age by the trip dates. Our trips give you opportunities to experience new cultures and other countries while ministering and making a difference in the lives of others.
So, why don’t you consider taking a fresh dive into a world of ministry opportunity with Word of Life Reachout!!!
Parents or teens, follow this link to have your questions answered.
Contact me for more details! Act quickly, as time is running out!
Join a team of people like you from around the US for a 10-14 day trip that will be a life changing experience. To go you must be 15 years of age by the trip dates. Our trips give you opportunities to experience new cultures and other countries while ministering and making a difference in the lives of others.
So, why don’t you consider taking a fresh dive into a world of ministry opportunity with Word of Life Reachout!!!
Parents or teens, follow this link to have your questions answered.
Contact me for more details! Act quickly, as time is running out!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Prayer Update
Thank you so much for your prayers! We have had a wonderful time in ministry over the last couple weeks, and it looks like, after bouts of sickness through the new year, we are all on our way to recovery.
We asked you to pray about the Micro F1 evangelistic outreaches. Last Friday night we held our first one at Honeyridge Baptist Church with their Junior Youth, grades 1-5. It was a great night! We had around 100 children in attendance where the normal attendance is approximately 35-40, and there were more than 15 salvation decisions! Praise the Lord!
We are holding another Micro F1 tonight at Honeyridge for grades 5-7. It starts at 6:30 pm (11:30 am EST). Please join us in praying even now that many children will come that are not regular attenders, and that God will work in the hearts of these children to bring them to Him.
On Sunday we held an Associates Day, inviting three South African couples to get more involved in our ministry in a practical way. It is great to see their excitement about what God is doing in the lives of people through Word of Life, and their desire to be a part of it!
We would like to thank those of you that have given toward Brad's laptop! Thank you for your generosity.
We will be in the US this fall, from approximately Aug. 12 to Nov. 7. We will be in MI, PA, FL & AL. If you think your church would like to hear about what God is doing here in South Africa, please contact us! We would love to have the opportunity to share with them!
Thanks again for your prayers!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya Hawkins
Word of Life South Africa
We asked you to pray about the Micro F1 evangelistic outreaches. Last Friday night we held our first one at Honeyridge Baptist Church with their Junior Youth, grades 1-5. It was a great night! We had around 100 children in attendance where the normal attendance is approximately 35-40, and there were more than 15 salvation decisions! Praise the Lord!
We are holding another Micro F1 tonight at Honeyridge for grades 5-7. It starts at 6:30 pm (11:30 am EST). Please join us in praying even now that many children will come that are not regular attenders, and that God will work in the hearts of these children to bring them to Him.
On Sunday we held an Associates Day, inviting three South African couples to get more involved in our ministry in a practical way. It is great to see their excitement about what God is doing in the lives of people through Word of Life, and their desire to be a part of it!
We would like to thank those of you that have given toward Brad's laptop! Thank you for your generosity.
We will be in the US this fall, from approximately Aug. 12 to Nov. 7. We will be in MI, PA, FL & AL. If you think your church would like to hear about what God is doing here in South Africa, please contact us! We would love to have the opportunity to share with them!
Thanks again for your prayers!
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya Hawkins
Word of Life South Africa
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Prayer Update
Dear Friends,
Here we go again! I have so much to tell you and so little space to put it in. If you remember from a few weeks back we asked that you pray about giving towards a new computer for me, well we had someone donate $200 towards that project. That leaves us with $1000 to go. We have a group coming over from the
I have had a dream for many years to be able to produce a QT that we could either sell or donate to students that are living in the “Informal Settlements” of
As for Local Church Ministries, we are continuing with orientations and visits all the time it seems. More churches have been calling us to use the material and that is just amazing. I have been meeting with a leader of church new to WOL these last few weeks and this Sunday will be their kick-off for using the WOL material. He is so excited about trying to make a difference in the teen’s lives. Keep praying for all the new churches and the Students as we all make a difference for the LORD!!!
1. Evangelistic events coming up for Olympians (calendar)
2. My (Brad’s) laptop needs replaced ($1000) – Thank you for your donation!
3. New churches getting ready to startup
4. Paper work for Mya
1. Orientations with new Leaders
2. New QT printed for informal settlements
3. God’s provision these last few weeks
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Prayer Update
The new year has started with a bang! We have been delivering materials and doing orientations.... It is exciting!!!
Micro F1 is an evangelistic tool that uses Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars to reach many children for Christ. Three youth groups have already scheduled this event at their churches! We know God is going to reach many for Him using this fun outreach! Please pray for us as we run this event 3 Friday nights in a row, Feb 15, 22 and 29.
The kids are continuing to grow and change! Brandon is enjoying cricket, math & spelling. Marissa has started gymnastics and loves to walk on the beam, jump on the trampoline and is dying to learn to read. Mya is rolling over, has 2 more new teeth, is giving kisses, and said Mama for the first time! (After dada, baba, gaga, and nana, Mama was starting to feel a little left out!)
Please pray for us, that we take advantage of every ministry opportunity God places in our paths, whether it be within Word of Life, our local church, our community or in our own family.
Love,
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Micro F1 is an evangelistic tool that uses Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars to reach many children for Christ. Three youth groups have already scheduled this event at their churches! We know God is going to reach many for Him using this fun outreach! Please pray for us as we run this event 3 Friday nights in a row, Feb 15, 22 and 29.
The kids are continuing to grow and change! Brandon is enjoying cricket, math & spelling. Marissa has started gymnastics and loves to walk on the beam, jump on the trampoline and is dying to learn to read. Mya is rolling over, has 2 more new teeth, is giving kisses, and said Mama for the first time! (After dada, baba, gaga, and nana, Mama was starting to feel a little left out!)
Please pray for us, that we take advantage of every ministry opportunity God places in our paths, whether it be within Word of Life, our local church, our community or in our own family.
Love,
Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Sunday, January 20, 2008
A way for you to be involved....
Micro F1 is an evangelistic tool that uses Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars to reach many children for Christ. Three youth groups have already scheduled this event at their churches! We know God is going to reach many for Him using this fun outreach! Just as in NASCAR, we are looking for “car sponsors.” Each child is to have their own “race car” and many children in the townships cannot afford a Hot Wheel or Matchbox car (they cost more here due to being imported). You can sponsor a car by either mailing one to Word of Life South
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Prayer Update
Dear Friends,
John and I will be leaving for Polikwane on Friday afternoon. It is about 3 hours from Jo’berg and is northeast of
We had one of those scary moments over the weekend with my computer. On Saturday it gave us a critical error message and just shut off. If you don’t know that is a VERY bad sign! We thought the hard drive crashed and I lost everything on it. However, I played around with it and found that one of the Ram chips went bad. This is the second one to go in the last few months. We had a few left from an upgrade before and were able to replace it. This is not encouraging for the computer. We recently put out a request for a new one, we were hoping to wait for furlough but now it may need to be done sooner. Be praying for the funds needed to replace the computer. If you want to help with this project, there are a few ways to do so. You can visit Word of Life's online donation center and put Brad Hawkins, South Africa, Laptop Project in the additional comments area. Another option would be to send the donation to Word of Life. You can contact us for details!
1. Traveling safety over the weekend
2. My (Brad’s) laptop needs replaced ($1200)
3. Orientation at
4. Meeting with new Youth Leaders
1. Great Leaders Conference last week
2. New Churches starting with the New Year
3. Family and the time we had over the holidays
In His Service,
Brad Hawkins
Prayer Update
Dear Friends,
John and I will be leaving for Polikwane on Friday afternoon. It is about 3 hours from Jo’berg and is northeast of
We had one of those scary moments over the weekend with my computer. On Saturday it gave us a critical error message and just shut off. If you don’t know that is a VERY bad sign! We thought the hard drive crashed and I lost everything on it. However, I played around with it and found that one of the Ram chips went bad. This is the second one to go in the last few months. We had a few left from an upgrade before and were able to replace it. This is not encouraging for the computer. We recently put out a request for a new one, we were hoping to wait for furlough but now it may need to be done sooner. Be praying for the funds needed to replace the computer. If you want to help with this project, there are a few ways to do so. You can visit Word of Life's online donation center and put Brad Hawkins, South Africa, Laptop Project in the additional comments area. Another option would be to send the donation to Word of Life. You can contact us for details!
1. Traveling safety over the weekend
2. My (Brad’s) laptop needs replaced ($1200)
3. Orientation at
4. Meeting with new Youth Leaders
1. Great Leaders Conference last week
2. New Churches starting with the New Year
3. Family and the time we had over the holidays
In His Service,
Brad Hawkins
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Praise Update!
Thank you for your prayers regarding our temporary residence applications! We were approved to stay in South Africa until January, 2010! We are excited, as we were given the full length allowable, and will not have to reapply for 2 more years. :)
Please join us in praising God for this answer to prayer.
Please join us in praising God for this answer to prayer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)