Mission team news 6/10/08
Hey ya'll!! I'm not sure what day it is (tues.?), but we are in Kruger National Park tonight. We are waiting for supper! We saw elephants, impala, hippos, some birds, and a beautiful sunset today when we arrived. Yesterday we spent the day buying and taking things to the children whose parents have died of AIDS. It was very sad (one of the children's mom had just died 2 weeks ago and he was probably only 2 yrs. old), but the children sang to us, and they were very glad to receive our gifts. We met Linda's uncle and some friends. They fed us yesterday (very nice). We are getting up tomorrow at 5 to go on another safari, so I hope our meal comes soon!!
Love to all, Mary Ann
Good Evening from Kruger Park. We are waiting for our dinner. Things in Africa always take longer. We've been waiting awhile. We have a nice day tomorrow as we will be in the park all day. We needed it too. We have worked with over 1000 kids in different languages and we have also traveled pretty far to get to the orphanage. It's quite overwhelming here. God has so blessed our ministry that it is hard to describe. Today we have seen some beautiful sights. The last two days we have seen wild animals near the church where we worked and on the way here. We saw baboons and monkeys and impala. Today we spottedseveral antelope as well as many elephants, giraffes and even some rhinos. It is all good. We miss our families but we are glad to have this opportunity to serve the Lord and to experience His amazing world.
Blessings, Tim
Hello everyone from Freddie, Wow are these mountains and the ranges spectacular. We have visited some special places of God's nature today. Go
Hi again from LK. We are eating dinner now in Kruger area. It has been a nice break but early mornings. We had to get up around 4:45 a.m. So most of us are pretty tired. Ron, I hope you got my message about the bank card and were able to get the bank to fix it. I heard it was hot, I know you are busy Ron with work, but hoping you have been able to water my garden and plants. Miss you all. I believe most are ready to go home, but at the same time want to see Cape town. We fly there late afternoon tomorrow. The visit with the children that have been orphaned by parents dieng of aids was very good. We pretty well bought out the little store in the town. We all that went to the store, collected and bought I believe around 600 american dollars of food and hygiene things. We have some pictures of all the items being given to the children, and food that can be cooked for them. Well going to close. Love to all my family and church family. I have truly been blessed to be able to make this trip thanks to family and friends. Several of us are making plans of what all we can do on the next trip. Love, LK
Hello everyone from Freddie I will be on the plane home from Johannesburg at 6:40 pm Thursday. My arrival time at Nashville should be at 11 am Friday morning, Nashville time. I gain the 7 hours on return home. God bless you all . Freddie
Friday, June 13, 2008
News for the Team from the Youth
Dear Mission Team -- Here are a few photos from Youth Sunday. One of the Samson (Masin) and the bad guys (Matt and Justus); one of Preacher Coty; and one of the kids practicing the Everything skit – they were all laughing here, but they got serious during the worship services. Many people told the kids how good it was – we may have to reenact some parts of it just for you all when you return. It was a great day!
The Prayer Team prayed for all of you Sunday night, and sent a reminder for the church family to continue prayer for every aspect of the trip. God bless you all and all your work!
The Prayer Team prayed for all of you Sunday night, and sent a reminder for the church family to continue prayer for every aspect of the trip. God bless you all and all your work!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
LK
You will have to call Us Bank your self at 701-461-2300 they need to hear from you personally. Don't worry about your plants now for they are all dead. The good news is that we are saving lots of $$ on our water bill.
Love
Ron
Love
Ron
News from Rev. Botha's Wife, Adri
Hi Rob,
I just had a phone call from my husband, asking me to give some news to you, as they haven't had cellphone or internet connection for the past two days. I did not go with them to the north, although I will meet tham again in Cape Town on Thursday.
On Sunday, the group had a service in Wolmaransstad and after that, I heard, a very long service in Jouberton. The last one included some very primitive and shocking dances. They arrived at their destination at Orighstad at 11pm and I believe they were very tired by then.
Yesterday they visited the aids orphanage, I haven't got any details about that.
Today they were early on their way to the Kruger Park, looking forward to visit Drie Rondawels, Graskop, and Pelgrimsrus.
All are happy and well.
If I hear anything from them, I will let you know.
God bless.
Adri
I just had a phone call from my husband, asking me to give some news to you, as they haven't had cellphone or internet connection for the past two days. I did not go with them to the north, although I will meet tham again in Cape Town on Thursday.
On Sunday, the group had a service in Wolmaransstad and after that, I heard, a very long service in Jouberton. The last one included some very primitive and shocking dances. They arrived at their destination at Orighstad at 11pm and I believe they were very tired by then.
Yesterday they visited the aids orphanage, I haven't got any details about that.
Today they were early on their way to the Kruger Park, looking forward to visit Drie Rondawels, Graskop, and Pelgrimsrus.
All are happy and well.
If I hear anything from them, I will let you know.
God bless.
Adri
Saturday, June 7, 2008
More News from Rev. Botha
Hi Robb,
The team ended their mission in Jouberton last night! We were expecting a bit more people that eventually turned up. There are a lot of reasons for that. One is that Jouberton is more like a city and decent people stay at home at night.
After the service we packed and left the premisses. Rev Moleme kindly took responsibility of some pots with left overs. He handed it out to poor people whom he invited to come and have the food. By this means the team served the community and especially the poor and needy.
After game drives for the team this morning and packing away all the stuff we used on site for the South Africans, they attended a festival at Ottosdal. Pastor Tim really enjoyed the lamb chops. Mary-Ann lost her second pair of glasses and the rest enjoyed walking around the booths and talking to locals. Pastor Freddie let the one booth make a drawing (type of tattoo) on his cheek.
The local Dutch Reformed reverend donated a huge cake to the group. Pastor Tim received it and after wishing them well he said that he believe the Springbok rugby team of South Africa will beat Wales this afternoon in a test match. The people loved it.
The group then left for a new mission site in Setlagole, part of the former Baputhatswana. The locals waited anxiously for two hours for the team to arrive. They handed out T- Shirts, soccer balls and donated a communion set to the MRCC Setlagle. They applouded the donation and were very pleased and grateful.
Afterwards a few members had a drive on a donkey cart around the area. We then left for Frikkie and Ellas farm where the group was entertained on lamb spitbraai. Pastor Tim received a farewell gift from our congregation. That was a DVD of the whole service and lunch at our church the previous Sunday. That was a historic moment for both churches to join in the same service.
Tomorrow after two services at MRCC Wolmaransstad and Jouberton the team will, God willing, leave for the Kruger Game reserve.
Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for commisioning them to RSA. We all here appreciate their efforts.
We pray for you and your church especially tomorrow when you gather in service.
Blessings!
Theuns Botha
The team ended their mission in Jouberton last night! We were expecting a bit more people that eventually turned up. There are a lot of reasons for that. One is that Jouberton is more like a city and decent people stay at home at night.
After the service we packed and left the premisses. Rev Moleme kindly took responsibility of some pots with left overs. He handed it out to poor people whom he invited to come and have the food. By this means the team served the community and especially the poor and needy.
After game drives for the team this morning and packing away all the stuff we used on site for the South Africans, they attended a festival at Ottosdal. Pastor Tim really enjoyed the lamb chops. Mary-Ann lost her second pair of glasses and the rest enjoyed walking around the booths and talking to locals. Pastor Freddie let the one booth make a drawing (type of tattoo) on his cheek.
The local Dutch Reformed reverend donated a huge cake to the group. Pastor Tim received it and after wishing them well he said that he believe the Springbok rugby team of South Africa will beat Wales this afternoon in a test match. The people loved it.
The group then left for a new mission site in Setlagole, part of the former Baputhatswana. The locals waited anxiously for two hours for the team to arrive. They handed out T- Shirts, soccer balls and donated a communion set to the MRCC Setlagle. They applouded the donation and were very pleased and grateful.
Afterwards a few members had a drive on a donkey cart around the area. We then left for Frikkie and Ellas farm where the group was entertained on lamb spitbraai. Pastor Tim received a farewell gift from our congregation. That was a DVD of the whole service and lunch at our church the previous Sunday. That was a historic moment for both churches to join in the same service.
Tomorrow after two services at MRCC Wolmaransstad and Jouberton the team will, God willing, leave for the Kruger Game reserve.
Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for commisioning them to RSA. We all here appreciate their efforts.
We pray for you and your church especially tomorrow when you gather in service.
Blessings!
Theuns Botha
Friday, June 6, 2008
News from Rev. Botha
Dear Robb,
The GCPC Team is just doing great! They had a wonderful three days at MRCC Wolmaransstad and they touched many hearts and lifes. Even the people living around the sanctuary that were not able to attend took notice of their presence and the good work they do. We changed sites from yesterday and moved all our equipment to MRCC Jouberton. It was an unbelievable experience to see in what short period of time all was packed by the team on Wednesday night! Everything is running smoothly and according to pogram. We are surprised by the energy and involvement of the children in the group. They help everywhere help is needed and they are a great asset. We are preparing for the service tonight in Jouberton and we expect about 500 people.
What I actually want to tell you is the life changing experience of the members of our church when they met yours during the evening dinner sessions. Last night was one of them. It started of quiet as our afrikaans people, mostly elder people that are quite scared to speek english with the Americans. Soon it was another story and it ended up in holding hands, singing and praying together - all fears and fences down! That was so wonderful. Please be assured that your people are not only involved in what they are doing on the mission field, but they are also changing the hearts and minds of my people with theit great example and spirituality!.
Except for sore feet and sore troughts and a complaint here and there they-and we- are enjoying every moment!
Keep well and God Bless!
Theuns Botha
(Rev)
The GCPC Team is just doing great! They had a wonderful three days at MRCC Wolmaransstad and they touched many hearts and lifes. Even the people living around the sanctuary that were not able to attend took notice of their presence and the good work they do. We changed sites from yesterday and moved all our equipment to MRCC Jouberton. It was an unbelievable experience to see in what short period of time all was packed by the team on Wednesday night! Everything is running smoothly and according to pogram. We are surprised by the energy and involvement of the children in the group. They help everywhere help is needed and they are a great asset. We are preparing for the service tonight in Jouberton and we expect about 500 people.
What I actually want to tell you is the life changing experience of the members of our church when they met yours during the evening dinner sessions. Last night was one of them. It started of quiet as our afrikaans people, mostly elder people that are quite scared to speek english with the Americans. Soon it was another story and it ended up in holding hands, singing and praying together - all fears and fences down! That was so wonderful. Please be assured that your people are not only involved in what they are doing on the mission field, but they are also changing the hearts and minds of my people with theit great example and spirituality!.
Except for sore feet and sore troughts and a complaint here and there they-and we- are enjoying every moment!
Keep well and God Bless!
Theuns Botha
(Rev)
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Another Update from the Missions Team
SA mission news 6/4/08
Hello to all. We are working hard but it’s all worth it as we are spreading the Word of God. The children are adorable and the most well behaved for their age that I’ve ever seen. They seem to be intent on listening and learning. The teamwork is amazing to have so many people working in one accord and getting the job done. Feeding hundreds of children in a matter of minutes put McDonalds to shame. I thought I would be losing weight on this mission but our hosts have been preparing wonderful meals and I couldn’t be more pleased.
More later
Mr Bill
This is Weds. A very long day. We had 300 elementary children yesterday. The preschool remained about the same count, HS over 100. Today we have regular VBS and then this evening we will have a revival. This whole trip can be tiring for us but once we are there and working, it is such a blessing. Ron hope you are remembering my garden, fish and plants. Hoping we are getting some rain there as well. We have been here a bit. Yesterday it rained a bit and last night. It has gotten a little colder, but not too bad. We hear the lions roaring every evening. When we go to see them early Sat. morning if Wayne doesn’t start behaving we may feed him to them..Sorry Wanda!! HA! Just think how quiet it will be then.
Love to all,
LK
Hey everyone, Hope all is well back home! It’s much cooler weather here than it is there for sure! As Wednesday morning is here, I know that our VBS at Wolmaranstaad is ending. We will wrap up all the teaching with the kids during the day, finish off with a revival tonight and then, bright early tomorrow, we’ll head to Jouberton for the second VBS. Continue praying for us as I know you all are (thank you Mom and Pat!). God bless and I will talk to you soon! Christin
June 4, 2008
Hi again, we are getting ready for revival tonight. But I wanted to take a moment and wish my mother happy 82nd birthday today, and my daughter Monica a happy birthday in a couple of days. I won’t mention her age since she is still at the age to care!!
We were delighted with the turn out today, but disappointed in the fact that there were so many elementary students that we had to turn some away. We only had enough for 300. There were probably at least 100 that we had to turn away. Linda and the kitchen staff have been cooking all day long and still at it, mostly for tonight’s dinner right now.
Tomorrow bright and early we go to Rev. Moleme’s church for VBS for two days. It is approx. 1 hour away. The different churches associated with Rev. Botha’s have been so gracious to again provide us with lunch and dinner. We have not gone hungry! Will close for now. Love to all and my family.
Linda Kay
Hi all! Well, we’re still here at Saki’s church in Wolmaranstaad. VBS was packed today; we had so many kids! And now it’s almost time for the revival! Please pray that the Word will be received by many and that the hearts of the team and the church will be strengthened and encouraged in our faith throughout the rest of the week.
Love to all!
Christin Hey!!
It’s Mary Ann!! Our culminating church service is about to begin—we’ve had a wonderful day with the children. This is the last day in Wolmarranstad(sp?). Tomorrow we are on the move to another bible school in Juberton. Today we saw 500-600 children and we are expecting at least 600 in the church service!
We are busy, busy, busy!!! Miss you all—continue to pray for us.
Much Love,
Mary Ann
HELLO to all. As everyone has said we’ve been very busy and hoping the service tonight will be fruitful. It was a beautiful day, with rain last night. The lions are roaring early in the mornings---a good alarm!!!
Tomorrow we move on to Rev.Moleme’s church. That should be an exciting time. We are all well, but still covet your prayers.
With love,
Pam
Thursday Morning 7 a.m.:
Greetings. Yesterday we started at 7 a.m. and got home last night after 10. We served nearly 600 kids yesterday and our team did a great job. It was our smoothest day despite rolling blackouts and a record number of kids. Our kitchen team prepared around 1,200 meals yesterday in a shack with no electricity cooking out of black pots. We have been asking for your prayers and they have resulted in 330 decisions for Christ last night. So far, around 380 decisions for Christ have been made. We thank the Lord for choosing to work through us. The people have been great. Our hosts from the white churches have really appreciated us and fed us well. Our friends at the site have been really good to help and very loving. The kids are awesome. Today we start all over again. We will do another VBS in Jouberton. There is no break. We have to drive 1 hour and set up and get to work. Tomorrow will be another very long day as we will also have a community worship service in the evening. We look forward to many more coming to Christ.
Continue to pray for us.
Peace, Tim
Good Morning All, Last night was amazing, the crowd was pressing in at the gate and around the site, but with the help of some local security and our interpreters and especially Rev. Moleme’ we had a really nice orderly service and met we met with everyone in groups of ten afterwards (I got to go through the wordless book and pray with 4 groups and collected 39 response cards for the local church to follow up with) and then served a delicious meal of pap with stew that everyone enjoyed. We had to use a portable generator to power the lights and sound system and we lost the power a few times but everyone stayed calm and the Spirit of God was very good to us. I just had to leave for a second because the kitchen staff here at Buisfontaine asked us to come in and pray with them. Now that is pretty cool! It is an honor to be a part of this group and humbling to be appreciated so much by others. Gotta go, time for one more cup of coffee before Freddie’s morning devotions – likes to get us to do something a little silly to loosen up before reading a selection of scripture. Hope you all have a great day! -
Tom
Hello to all. We are working hard but it’s all worth it as we are spreading the Word of God. The children are adorable and the most well behaved for their age that I’ve ever seen. They seem to be intent on listening and learning. The teamwork is amazing to have so many people working in one accord and getting the job done. Feeding hundreds of children in a matter of minutes put McDonalds to shame. I thought I would be losing weight on this mission but our hosts have been preparing wonderful meals and I couldn’t be more pleased.
More later
Mr Bill
This is Weds. A very long day. We had 300 elementary children yesterday. The preschool remained about the same count, HS over 100. Today we have regular VBS and then this evening we will have a revival. This whole trip can be tiring for us but once we are there and working, it is such a blessing. Ron hope you are remembering my garden, fish and plants. Hoping we are getting some rain there as well. We have been here a bit. Yesterday it rained a bit and last night. It has gotten a little colder, but not too bad. We hear the lions roaring every evening. When we go to see them early Sat. morning if Wayne doesn’t start behaving we may feed him to them..Sorry Wanda!! HA! Just think how quiet it will be then.
Love to all,
LK
Hey everyone, Hope all is well back home! It’s much cooler weather here than it is there for sure! As Wednesday morning is here, I know that our VBS at Wolmaranstaad is ending. We will wrap up all the teaching with the kids during the day, finish off with a revival tonight and then, bright early tomorrow, we’ll head to Jouberton for the second VBS. Continue praying for us as I know you all are (thank you Mom and Pat!). God bless and I will talk to you soon! Christin
June 4, 2008
Hi again, we are getting ready for revival tonight. But I wanted to take a moment and wish my mother happy 82nd birthday today, and my daughter Monica a happy birthday in a couple of days. I won’t mention her age since she is still at the age to care!!
We were delighted with the turn out today, but disappointed in the fact that there were so many elementary students that we had to turn some away. We only had enough for 300. There were probably at least 100 that we had to turn away. Linda and the kitchen staff have been cooking all day long and still at it, mostly for tonight’s dinner right now.
Tomorrow bright and early we go to Rev. Moleme’s church for VBS for two days. It is approx. 1 hour away. The different churches associated with Rev. Botha’s have been so gracious to again provide us with lunch and dinner. We have not gone hungry! Will close for now. Love to all and my family.
Linda Kay
Hi all! Well, we’re still here at Saki’s church in Wolmaranstaad. VBS was packed today; we had so many kids! And now it’s almost time for the revival! Please pray that the Word will be received by many and that the hearts of the team and the church will be strengthened and encouraged in our faith throughout the rest of the week.
Love to all!
Christin Hey!!
It’s Mary Ann!! Our culminating church service is about to begin—we’ve had a wonderful day with the children. This is the last day in Wolmarranstad(sp?). Tomorrow we are on the move to another bible school in Juberton. Today we saw 500-600 children and we are expecting at least 600 in the church service!
We are busy, busy, busy!!! Miss you all—continue to pray for us.
Much Love,
Mary Ann
HELLO to all. As everyone has said we’ve been very busy and hoping the service tonight will be fruitful. It was a beautiful day, with rain last night. The lions are roaring early in the mornings---a good alarm!!!
Tomorrow we move on to Rev.Moleme’s church. That should be an exciting time. We are all well, but still covet your prayers.
With love,
Pam
Thursday Morning 7 a.m.:
Greetings. Yesterday we started at 7 a.m. and got home last night after 10. We served nearly 600 kids yesterday and our team did a great job. It was our smoothest day despite rolling blackouts and a record number of kids. Our kitchen team prepared around 1,200 meals yesterday in a shack with no electricity cooking out of black pots. We have been asking for your prayers and they have resulted in 330 decisions for Christ last night. So far, around 380 decisions for Christ have been made. We thank the Lord for choosing to work through us. The people have been great. Our hosts from the white churches have really appreciated us and fed us well. Our friends at the site have been really good to help and very loving. The kids are awesome. Today we start all over again. We will do another VBS in Jouberton. There is no break. We have to drive 1 hour and set up and get to work. Tomorrow will be another very long day as we will also have a community worship service in the evening. We look forward to many more coming to Christ.
Continue to pray for us.
Peace, Tim
Good Morning All, Last night was amazing, the crowd was pressing in at the gate and around the site, but with the help of some local security and our interpreters and especially Rev. Moleme’ we had a really nice orderly service and met we met with everyone in groups of ten afterwards (I got to go through the wordless book and pray with 4 groups and collected 39 response cards for the local church to follow up with) and then served a delicious meal of pap with stew that everyone enjoyed. We had to use a portable generator to power the lights and sound system and we lost the power a few times but everyone stayed calm and the Spirit of God was very good to us. I just had to leave for a second because the kitchen staff here at Buisfontaine asked us to come in and pray with them. Now that is pretty cool! It is an honor to be a part of this group and humbling to be appreciated so much by others. Gotta go, time for one more cup of coffee before Freddie’s morning devotions – likes to get us to do something a little silly to loosen up before reading a selection of scripture. Hope you all have a great day! -
Tom
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