March 14, 2011 IRC Ministries News

March 14, 2011

Pastor David Banza of Harare, Zimbabwe visiting us in Durban SA

Today I spent most of the day with a beloved friend and co-laborer in the work of Christ, David Banza. We ere originally supposed to spend a bit of time together over breakfast, but it became clear during our conversation that I was supposed to help him in his quest to purchase a car for his family back in Zimbabwe. Here is a small list of our circumstances:
1) David has health challenges that cause him to fatigue quickly
2) The area where the cars are purchased is always very dangerous and more so when you are alone
3)Because of the banking situation in Zimbabwe, he had to carry thousands of US dollars in cash. To conceal this from greedy border guards and would be thieves, it was hidden in the soles of his shoes!

 John 13:34-35 (NASB)says,
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

While I could only offer my car, time and prayerful consideration, it was clear that this not only helped my rother but greatly encouraged him in general. You could see the "worry" that was very evident on my friend earlier in the day slowly dissapate until only confidence was present. I went from walking hesitantly to experiencing a peace that I could not explain. In this specific situation, it is my conviction that because "love" was present between us that the enemy of our souls was defeated. It is also my belief that part of our personal access to the presence of Christ in all situations is tied to how we love, honor and cherish fellow believers in Christ with all the means at our disposal.

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

Baby Dedication

Momma T, Sylvie, babies Raphael & Trina

There are many things we can do to make a good life for our children. One of the most important things is to keep them and ourselves before the Lord. Some things in our relationship with God are very private and some things are done publicly to make a statement and to help us stay accountable.

Proverbs 22:6 says "train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it"

This Sunday we took the twins to a baby dedication service at one of our local churches. Batti and Sylvie are committed to raising their children in submission to the Lord and they want the world to know it. By making this public statement they are telling their brothers and sisters in Christ of their desire to be held accountable to this task.

February 28, 2011 IRC Ministry News

February 28, 2011



A nice set of Giraffe at Hluhluwe Park near us.

We certainly consider it to be a honor to serve the Lord as missionaries in South Africa. We have completed three full years in this area and have been given permission to stay for another three. There is no possibility we could be here and work in places utterly foreign to our experience except that the Grace of God empowers us. However, even in the midst of walking out the path that Christ has given, sometimes there are trials and difficulties. The return to South Africa has been filled with challenges.

Our drive to the airport for the flight home took three hours (normally one) over ice and snow. We lost one of our bags (still not recovered) carrying approximately $1000 dollars worth of goods that are much more expensive here. The car was inoperable, the phone line/internet had electrical faults,the main computer crashed with everything on it, and one of our dogs died within one day of us being back.

 James 1:12 (NASB)says,

12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

We want to be people who "persevere under trial." Don't feel sympathy for what we've described, pray for us. Help us to get to the place of joy in the middle of these difficulties. We will not be detered from Christ's plan for our lives and are ready to go to another level of demonstrating His love, compassion and understanding for people. One of the biggest ways we speak to the world about Jesus is how we react to

trouble.

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

Update: Praise the Lord!!!! The bag was finally found on Friday, March 4th at the airport police department along with about 40 other missing bags. It was only missing a few things and we are very greatful to God for the retun of the bag.

IRC News Februray 9, 2011

February 9, 2011

Recent Ministry with Mission Fellowship near Sao Paulo, Brazil

What an awesome close to 2010 with our time in Brazil! It was long overdue to visit the leaders we love and work with in that area and many new relationships began. This was followed by a wonderful time with our family around the Christmas holiday in the USA. It had been too long and we were together with family members we hadn't seen in several years!



Family vist: Mother, Judy, Sister in law, Bethany, Aunt Celia



Much of the rest of our time was spent with our supporters and Church relationships. While many people find this a difficult part ofthe missionary experience, it was a joy for us to be around the people of God. Our relationships in the Body of Christ are an exstention of our natural family and do a great job of supporting and encouraging us. As we've prayed about 2011, we believe our focus will remain on discipling leaders in the countries we visit. While there is a considerable amount of public preaching associated with this, we always want to make time with the individual leaders a priority. We are also making time to author a book by the end of the year.

We pray that all of you have a great 2011!

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

A visit from family.

We were blessed to have my nephew Jeron and his girlfriend Hannah with us for two weeks in February. Hannah is on her first of hopefully many trips to South Africa. She has spent quite a bit of time in Cape Town working with one of the special needs orphanages, Sibongile. On her off time she is enjoying getting to know some of Jeron's friends at YWAM and seeing the sights of the Cape.



Jeron and Hannah



We took a drive up to Hluhluwe - iMfolozi game reserve and had a great time viewing all the animals from the safety of our car. It is a little unnerving when you stop for lunch at one of the picnic areas and hear a rustling in the bushes behind you as you munch a sandwich and think, "Will I soon be lunch?". 

iMfolozi Cheetah

If you would like to read more about Hannah's visit to South Africa you can check out her blog at http://frashabella.wordpress.com/ .    It was a real pleasure getting to know Hannah and watching her and Jeron explore the world around them. They will be greatly missed when they head off to Texas in March to start a new chapter in their lives. We send all our love with them.

Hannah, Jeron, Bridget, Rodney and Trina