August Prayer Letter

Here is a copy of our most recent prayer letter.
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Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya
Word of Life South Africa

Attachment: August 2009.pdf

Prayer Update

Here is an update from last week as some of you may not have received it through our facebook group. Sorry we didn't post this before now....
From Brad, Aug 13: We made it over 7 years here in SA before we had a security problem. Last night a group of guys jumped the wall, poisoned the dogs, and went to work on the cars. The dogs seem to be doing good so far, our black lab seemed to eat the most and he was pretty bad by morning. Mickey our other dog came around the house and ran them off but not before he was poisoned as well. The guys cleaned out my car and took one of the tires off the car. Brandon's golf clubs were taken out of the boot. He seems ok with it. Well, needless to say, tonight will be interesting, no dogs but the security company says they will drive by more tonight. Then tomorrow we work on the security system outside. Pray that we handle all this well!

And here is an update from today
Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers these last few days. God has given us a peace that passes understanding as we know that HE alone is in control. He has granted peaceful sleep, for the most part (as many of us are starting with a cold). The dogs are home and in good health!
Mary

Psalm 121:1-3 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;

New Pics

Check out the new pics we've posted! :)
Lesedi Cultural Village
Brad's Zimbabwe Trip
National Cultural History Museum
Our New Trampoline

Prayer Update

Thanks to all who were praying for our weekend in Zimbabwe! I joined the group as a last minute seat came available, so I jumped at the chance to head north. Just to give a bit of background on Zim, it is the country just north of us. They are having some real political and economic troubles. They have actually stopped using their own currency and only take US dollars and South African rands. There are many churches there that struggle to feed their people and have very few resources for the outreach in the community.

I went with a Church here in SA who has partnered with a church in Zim. They plan to make deliveries 3 times a year at this point. We were able to take a lot of food and supplies to them as well as literature for the church to use. We ended up delivering 2 trailers full of supplies and run a soccer marathon for around 60 youth!

I was amazed just how rough it is for the people there, the Pastor told us he didn’t have electricity for over a year. I spoke with a guy at a petrol station and he hasn’t had water for over 4 years! Yet they still seem so happy and were so thankful for our visit. I look forward to another visit!

Brad's going to Zim!

Brad was presented with a last minute opportunity to join a local church on a missions trip to Zimbabwe tomorrow and he jumped at it! He will be leaving EARLY tomorrow morning and coming back some time on Monday. Please keep the team in prayer as they travel and minister! There will be 14 people on the trip, including fellow WOL teammates, John Page & Miriam Ritchie.
Please, also, pray for us as a family as we hold down the fort. Praying for a weekend of fun and productivity to distract the kids and already lookin' forward to the Mexican menu, as dad's not a fan. ;)

Prayer Update

We have been super busy with family and ministry! Let me share a few highlights....

Just last week Brad visited the Junior Youth (Grades 1-6) at our church (Grace Baptist Church, Ruimsig) and had the opportunity to lead 3 young boys to the Lord!!!!! What an exciting opportunity anytime, but especially at our South African home church. :)

Thursday evening we had the privilege of attending a dinner at Sandton Bible Church for missionaries and pastors, and we were encouraged and challenged by Brent Meyers. He challenged us to be training up others to take our place! We were also very encouraged by the fellowship with friends! It was a refreshing time and a blessing.

In homeschool we are studying South African history. It has been a challenge as my friend and I are writing our own curriculum based on an awesome book, All About South Africa. While it has been a great study, it can take a lot of time. Please pray that I use my time wisely as a mom, teacher and homemaker.

Monday night I am starting a Bible Study on Daniel with some dear friends and am looking forward to the time of fellowship, encouragement and sharpening.

On the home front, the children are growing fast! Mya has moved out of the crib and into the bottom bunk Marissa's bunk bed this week. It has been a smooth transition so far! Brandon & Marissa have been practicing, along with a drama group of around 50 other children, to present The King and I in October. Today they will be performing one of the scenes at a drama day. Excitement reigns in the house this morning as they look forward to their first performance with these friends. :)

Thank you for your prayers for our ministry!

Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya

Prayer Update

We have been super busy with family and ministry! Let me share a few highlights....

Just last week Brad visited the Junior Youth (Grades 1-6) at our church (Grace Baptist Church, Ruimsig) and had the opportunity to lead 3 young boys to the Lord!!!!! What an exciting opportunity anytime, but especially at our South African home church. :)

Thursday evening we had the privilege of attending a dinner at Sandton Bible Church for missionaries and pastors, and we were encouraged and challenged by Brent Meyers. He challenged us to be training up others to take our place! We were also very encouraged by the fellowship with friends! It was a refreshing time and a blessing.

In homeschool we are studying South African history. It has been a challenge as my friend and I are writing our own curriculum based on an awesome book, All About South Africa. While it has been a great study, it can take a lot of time. Please pray that I use my time wisely as a mom, teacher and homemaker.

Monday night I am starting a Bible Study on Daniel with some dear friends and am looking forward to the time of fellowship, encouragement and sharpening.

On the home front, the children are growing fast! Mya has moved out of the crib and into the bottom bunk Marissa's bunk bed this week. It has been a smooth transition so far! Brandon & Marissa have been practicing, along with a drama group of around 50 other children, to present The King and I in October. Today they will be performing one of the scenes at a drama day. Excitement reigns in the house this morning as they look forward to their first performance with these friends. :)

Thank you for your prayers for our ministry!

Mary, for the fam
Brad, Mary, Brandon, Marissa & Mya