August 23, 2010

August 23, 2010
                                                       

One of the primary aspects of our ministry is to "come along side" churches and ministries, encouraging their work to the degree that they request and in the way the Holy Spirit is leading us to do so. One of our longstanding relationships is with a Xhosa pastor named Mqokeleli in Wellington, SA. We've worked with him since the church was planted and seen the Lord raise a bright light from almost nothing. On our most recent trip to work with his church it was clear that they have turned the corner and are really beginning to impact their community with the good news of Jesus. Trina and I have cried with this man on more than one occasion concering the work of the Lord and it is most satisfying to see this brother's ministry touching both individuals and leaders on a significant scale. 

Praying with Mqokeleli Mntanga of Harvester Community Church

We also had the chance to recently work with our son in the faith, Jeron Pearson, as he facilitates training through Youth With a Mission here in South Africa.

Ministry with Jeron Pearson at YWAM Muizenberg in Cape Town, SA

Finally, I wanted to let everyone know that while it is challenging for me, Bridget is growing into a wonderful young lady. It is difficult to "grow up" in a place far from where you were born, but Bridget is doing great and continuing to be a joy to us every single day.

Bridget at her friend Jessica Bouwer's sixteenth birthday party

Blessings in Christ Jesus............................Rodney, Trina, Bridget

July 2010 News

Rodney praying for the poor and oppressed in Kampala Uganda

Psalms 23:5 (NASB)
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.

Earlier this month we met a team from Texas in Kampala, Uganda for a Pastor's conference and preaching ministry to many in the city. It couldn't have gone better with many people saved, healed and delivered. This happened in the midst of a terrorist attack by muslim exstremists only four miles from where we were. While there were a number of people hurt and killed in the attacks, our estimates put the number touched by the Lord at ten times as much!

Bridget and Trina passing out toys and clothes to children

We've also just finished a toy and clothes distribution in the eTete area near our home in South Africa.It was awesome to see the presence of the Lord all around Bridget and Trina during the event. There was a lot of drunkeness and potential distraction during the work, but there was no noticeable effect and the children were so happy!

As I've considered these events in prayer I believe that there is a message not only to us but to Christians everywhere. If we will surrender to the Lord, He will use our lives to confront the despair and hopelessness that is so prevalent in the world. Christ's Love and power will literally be a "table before me (us) in the presence of my (our) enemies."

Blessings in Christ Jesus................................Rodney, Trina, Bridget

World Cup 2010

Holland - V - Slovakia

We had a great time watching all the goings on of the World Cup. Rodney even got to go to a game in Durban's new Moses Mabhida Stadium. It was a great time for Africa to shine. A lot of the local businesses had their staff wearing South Africa soccer shirts. I think there must be more South Africa pride in our area than before because the people are still wearing their soccer shirts and the games have been over for several weeks. We and many others spent countless evenings with friends huddled around a television screaming like the players and referees would really hear us and eating untill we just wanted to fall asleep. It reminded me of the many Texas Longhorn games we watched back home. It was all fun while it lasted now we will have to watch and see what comes next. Maybe the world got to see a different side of Africa. We do not all live National Geogaphic style. The economy here needed the boost that came with the tourism but in the end we all know that God is the only one that can turn a life or a country around.

June IRC update

June 21, 2010

We have had a very fruitful time of ministry upon returning to South Africa from being in the USA. Our time has been spent with several groups of Christians in both the Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal Provences of South Africa.

Battie Won-Goy reunited with his wife and child after 2 years

Our local work in the Tete area, near where we live, has seen a major prayer answered with the Lord finally bringing brother Battie's wife from the Congo to be with him permanently.

Johnny Willemse ministering at a meeting in Worcester, SA

The fellowships near Cape Town are continuing to find ways to influence their communities as the Holy Spirit leads them. The travel into the KZN provence has been great with Trina sharing her testimony and planning a ladies conference for Zulu speaking women later in September.

July will be a super busy month with a first trip to the nation of Uganda and several key meetings in the predominantly Indian area of Phoenix in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Please pray for us to do only what the Lord wants and not be distracted by anything that isn't part of His plan! We love and appreciate all of our Christian family and hope to hear from you over the internet whenever you get the chance.

Blessings in Christ Jesus,

Rodney, Trina, Bridget

Gifts of Love

 

The Congolese brothers and sisters here in Etete were very blessed with the Proclaimer in Lingala, their mother language. A Proclaimer is the New Testament on a solar powered audio device. The guys sit outside in a group and turn it up loud so that everyone passing buy can hear the Word of God. Thank you so much Randy and Gloria Moore of Lake Highlands Church in Dallas for making this possible.

There have been several donations come in this month to provide much needed beds, clothing, toys and  blankets for the families in our community. Everyone was excited when the truck drove up with the deliveries. As you know from the IRC news update,  Bathy's wife, Silvie and son, Perfect finally arrived form the Congo after two long years of waiting. Bathy says "now every day life is good". We know that God answers prayers.

There has been a new addition to our South African family. Levi and Kabibi had a baby girl on June 12th. Joy is a very appropriate name for this little bundle. The doctor told them they were having a boy but God had other plans. Now we are working on getting this little one some pink things to wear.

We will be doing a kids fun day in an area north of us in July. There has already been a donation of one hundred New Testaments in Zulu for this event. We would also like to provide each child with a blanket and a soft toy. If you would like to help with this please put a note in with your donation to let us know it is for the kids. Thank you all so much for you love and support.