IRC News Update, November 2, 2010

November 2, 2010

A young man gives his heart to Christ at Point Road

Recently we concluded a four day conference in the Point Road area of Durban, South Africa. We were able to accomplish a number of objectives such as:

1) Reach out to pastors in a part of Durban that we haven't yet done any leadership development.
2) Encourage both the lost and Christians with the transforming Gospel of Jesus
3) Consider future ministry by getting to know the spiritual climate of the Point Road area.

What a pleasure it is to announce that all three goals were more than met during our time. I was impressed with Zechariah 4:8-10 (NASB) which says,

8 Also the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

9 "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will finish it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you.

10 "For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel�these are the eyes of the Lord which range to and fro throughout the earth."

These meetings have come out some of the "small things" we do with the bible study in the Etete area near our home. Several people who attend the bible study expressed an interest to see some of the things we teach communicated on a broader scale. Many of those that we work with had previously lived in the Point Road area and knew several pastors that had served the Lord in the area. As we prayed and reached out to the pastors, the Holy Spirit took over and everything fell into place. The area is heavily populated with immigrants to South Africa from other African nations and it is known for drug activity. Inspite of these things we were overwhelmingly encouraged by the presence of the Lord and the response of the people. Many were redeemed, restored and found Christ for the first time during the conference. The pastors were overwhelmingly supportive and inquiring about future events. Please continue to pray for unity among the leaders in this area and our part in encouraging the Church here.

We are leaving South Africa soon to visit the Church in Brazil and the USA. We are especially excited about the opportunity to get back to Brazil and South America. It has been several years since our last visit and this one is long overdue. We will visit old and new relationships in the USA. Please pray that we are led by the Holy Spirit in all that we do during the next three months.

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

IRC News update for October 25, 2010

October 25, 2010

Preaching with Emmanuel Kittay of Gilgal Assembly in Durban, SA

As many of you know we often find ourselves serving pastors and churches in the Indian areas around Durban. I cannot thank Jesus enough for the many open doors He has provided in these amazing communities. We were greatly encouraged while recently working with a church in the Claire Estate section of Durban. They were not only hungry for the word in the message but they also had an aggressive plan to share Christ in their community. After reflecting on our time and conversation I was impressed with Hebrews 13: 7-14 (NASB) which says,

7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

9 Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.

10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat.

11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp.

12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate.

13 So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.

14 For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city whichis to come.

The burden of Christ was never reserved for a select few, as scripture plainly tells us that He loved the entire world. To often the Church today sits in a "camp" of comfort zones that reproduce the same religiously exclusive culture that Jesus openly despised. We are praying for every church, ministry and individual believer that we are associated with to hear His voice and go "outside the camp" to show Christ's love!

Over the next two weeks, we will have a set of meetings in Durban with a number of churches and then host another missionary from Capetown. After this, please pray for our upcoming trip to Brazil and the USA. We will be gone for nearly 10 weeks and we would really covet your prayers concerning the many expenses and details associated with the travel. Please also pray that we will be able to raise the funds for a new vehicle. This is our most pressing need in the ministry.


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

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.