Johannesburg Newsletter, Number 34, March 22, 2012

De                     Dear Family and Friends,

                  Almost two months ago, I was able to come back to South Africa.  So much has happened and I am thanking GOD for all HE has done since my return.

                  The second week I was back my Pastor, Chad Naaktgeboren and Worship Leader, Deon Botha came to Mountainview with me.  It was important for us to see the area together for future planning. And praying.

                         Three weeks ago I was able to do an outreach in Mountainview with the CCCCC kids.  The children were so excited and my excitement matched theirs. We let them know that we are planning on coming back every other week and that we would be teaching them about GOD, playing games and providing a nice meal for them.  You may remember the building in the background was raw wood but now it has been painted pink and maroon as well as the rest of the school.  Even though this school is extremely poor, it is shaping up

                  Many of these children are orphans, raising themselves and their siblings which extremely difficult at such a tender age.  The vision, that I believe GOD has given for this area, and areas like it, is for these children to stay in their communities and be provided for and nurtured in “families” while they grow into responsible adults with hope for their futures.  Right now this is not a reality.

                  To digress for just a moment….Serving in the Mountainview area for over 3 years, working toward getting land for a “Center” &“Orphan village” has seemed halted in one way or another. Continued trust in GOD to open the doors, in HIS time, with HIS plans, now seems to be coming together. One day I was meeting with my friend Pastor Gibson from Vosloorus, asking him how I could get some land for the project. He explained that I needed to meet a street leader, then an area leader who would then introduce me to the councillor of the area.  We decided to go to Mountainview for Pst Gibson to see the area.  The first person that we met was the street leader.  He then took us to the leader of the larger area, who then gave the information to meet with the Councillor of the whole township and settlement areas.  I made an appointment with her for March the 17^th.  That was a GOD thing for sure!

                  On March the 15^th, I was in an accident, was injured and my car was unable to travel to the meeting.  Praying and not willing to be defeated that easily, I rented a car, picked up Pst. Gibson and went to the meeting that I had been waiting for over 2 years.  As it turns out, the Councillor is a follower of Christ and has a real heart for the orphans in the area.  We went over the vision and Pst Gibson closed us in prayer.  I am thanking GOD for this very special woman and her heart of love for the area.  She is looking into available areas that we might start working on the vision for the children.  To GOD be ALL the glory and honor and praise. I await the next step from HIM.

                  I am working on obtaining my South African Non Profit Organization status to be able to receive help here for the project. iThemba lo Mzantsi Afrika is the desired name but requires Government approval.

                         A team came out to CCJ from Southern California (mainly our pastors church) and we had a wonderful time together.  I was part of the driving pool and got the benefit of being blessed and encouraged.  Wanted to share that incredible African gold sky that I told some about! Hope it entices them to come back.

                        This picture is commonplace in Mountainview where shepherds herd their cows or goats down the roads.  You can see that there are electricity poles and many shacks now have electricity but most are lacking.  Also still no sewer disposal and most do not have an easy time obtaining water.  I had wondered why most of the community spigots were broken off and I found out that the city water only comes at certain times.  I believe the spigots are broken out of frustration.  There is one bank of 6 spigots for about every 350 shacks.

                  About the accident…I will be getting my car fixed and still am praying for a small truck as the area is really full of badly kept dirt roads with huge potholes. 

Please pray for:

·      Mat 9:38 The LORD of the harvest to bring HIS laborers

·      Government favor for NGO iThemba lo Mazantsi Afrika (Our HOPE Africa)

·      The right property for the “Center” (for a start) and then the “village”

·      Two bedroom cottage where I may also host visitors

·      Safer vehicle for use in the settlement area. preferably a truck for hauling as well 

·      Provision for South African mission for orphans and personal support base.

·      Healing of my ribcage and foot

 Pl