Awareness and Stats... September Newsletter

Johannesburg Newsletter September 24, 2011

WALKING HOME!

Dear Family and Friends, 
      

The main reason I came back to the USA was to raise awareness of what is happening in South Africa and to gain support for the mission and orphan project.  Thinking that this would be easy to convey to people, with obvious and urgent needs of the plight of the multitude of orphans, I have found it a very slow process.

Some statistics that I would like to share:

AIDS orphans: 1.9 Million  (closer to 2.5 million)                            Another Statistic states 70% children have lost their mothers. (by Avert)

Eyes of Hope

Meanwhile, I have shared with several pastors and a couple of church bodies and any person who would be open to hearing.  There are still a few more left.  This has been a good learning trip and I have gleaned from people that know Africa and the plight of the people there in many different arenas.  I am thankful to these people, some who are old friends renewed.

There are things that you can only learn by being there for a time, listening, learning and jumping into the community to understand needs and solutions.  What I have personally learned is that native Africans, in the settlements, have a lack of hope and have lost dignity but just need encouragement, a little help and knowledge to go forward in community helping community.  This with a bit of support would make a huge difference. 

The main scripture that I came to South Africa with is “My people are being destroyed by lack of knowledge” Hosea 4:6a.  JESUS, the WORD, gave us the TRUTH that will set them free and HOPE needed to carry on and LIFE that can be lived in HIM. Please pray to this end.

I would like to thank you that have supported this mission this far with prayer and monetary support.  I know that the children are thankful as well.  Thank you to those that are still working to bring necessary shoes, blankets, school uniforms, and socks.  Thank you for those who are praying to come along side the mission. We can trust the LORD and know that HE has a plan…be encouraged.

Personal Information: I have enjoyed learning “Simply the Truth”, a great method to teach the Bible to people that are illiterate.  I went the “Harvest Crusade” for the first time in 15 years…I had been a counselor for 3 years prior.  Visited a very dear friend who has been quite ill.  Have seen old friends and made new ones. This last month I was in an automobile accident where I broke my foot and now have it casted, This has set me back a bit but still have made appointments that I needed to. Have been able to visit with 2/3’s of my immediate family again.

Prayer Requests:

•  More opportunities to share/communicate  S.A.         
•   Housing, provision, transportation while I am in the USA
•  That I would not miss meeting with all I need to while here….friends, family and church family….Cell phone is 707-327-6404. Please feel free to contact me.
• CC Johannesburg church plant in children’s’ ministry and prayer.
• LORD to lead the opening of doors for HIS vision for SA orphans and vulnerable children
• The LORD of the Harvest to bring HIS laborers Mat 9:38 
• Provision for South African mission personal support base. I am in need and I believe the LORD wants us to make our needs known.
• Increased trust in LORD’S leading
• Pray for healing of my foot and man in accident and GOD’S closure to this accident