Tete

The Saturday morning bible study in Tete is going very well. We are averaging around 15 people the majority of whom are men. Around eighty percent are French speaking Congolese refugees and twenty percent Zulu locals. Someone is always willing to translate for those who do not understand English. There is a continual request for more Bibles and it has been a blessing to give all that we have.

A month ago ninety percent of the men were without jobs but through prayer they are all now working. Praise the Lord! Most of the men are working nights as security guards for various businesses in the area. It is a real commitment for them to get up at 10:00 am and they are doing it faithfully. We are very blessed by their desire to know more and grow in relationship with Christ.

Entuthukwent Creche

Meet the children at Entuthukwent Creche and Preschool. We spent a fun morning with Angel and her children. They were all very happy to sing songs for us and show off their counting skills. Angel said fifteen of the children are orphans and live with her and her husband. They have a nice three room house and separate building for the school. This is by far the nicest creche we have seen. We are constantly made aware of the needs in our community. It is nice to see a place where some of these needs are being met.

Please continue to pray for the children in KZN and around the world that Gods love will reach each and every one of them.

Bridget's 13th Birthday

Bridget's 13th birthday was celebrated this weekend with a swim party. Last year we were visiting family in America so this was the first time she had a summer birthday. She thought that was very cool. It was a special treat to have Aunt Letha with us for this occasion. Bridget made homemade play dough for the young kids to take home and Letha made one of her famous cakes. I am still getting requests for the recipe, which of course is a family secret. Many members of our South African family were present for the festivities. We are very privileged to have friends all over the world who accept and love us as family.

HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY BRIDGET!

Democratic Republic of Congo

 November 2, 2009

Revelation 2:8-9 (NASB)

8 "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:

9 'I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Prayer for pastors in a rural Congolese Church

If there is a modern representation of "the church in Smyrna" it is the Body of Christ in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Many people asked me about the harsh difficulties this country faces. To respond accurately, I must say that while there is natural "poverty," they are truely "rich" as Saints of Jesus Christ. Christians have seen despotic rule, criminal explotation of natural resources, and war while continuing to faithfully serve the Lord and display His heart to the world. Our enemy has taken his best shot at destroying these wonderful people and he has failed.

Worship with "drums" in the Congolese tradition

The Lord is restoring the DRC and we had the privilege of participating in His work by encouraging pastors and other Christians in the cities of Lubumbashi and Likasi.

Please pray for the wisdom and finances necessary to return to these cities and new ones on a return trip in June of 2010.

Blessings in Christ,

Rodney, Trina, Bridget