May 3, 2011

 

  Our friends Bruce and Lil Dickson of Salt Rock, SA   One of the things that is difficult to explain to people who aren't in a missions context is the blessing we get from true relationships. Bruce and Lil are some of God's gifts to us in this area. To be able to spend time with friends like them takes a lot of the challenge out of being away from our natural family! The Dickson's, along with several other families, supply us with second hand clothes and other items that we are able to give to those in need.

 Some new additions from Congo to the Bible Study group in Etete  Here are two recent testimonies from a distribution of goods to some of the people we minister to in Etete: 1) A recent Congolese immigrant arrived with just enough money to buy a sewing machine. After attending our meeting the Lord touched her heart and she gave us a 20 rand ($2.5) offering (all she had). As we started going through the goods we had, there was a significant amount of unused fabric that we gave to her. We estimate that she'll be able to make 100 times what she gave from her heart. 2) One of the single mother's had a son that had been crying for shoes for more than a week. We had no idea, but the Lord obviously did because in her parcel of goods were three pairs of shoes that fit her young son!

It is very gratifying to simply serve people, but when you see the Holy Spirit truly organizing things it is awesome! Please pray for our trip to the Western Cape Provence this month and anything else the Lord lays on your heart for us. Blessings in Christ...........................................Rodney,Trina,Bridget





March 29, 2011 IRC Ministry News

March 29, 2011

A local spiritist cult who conducts their worship only outdoors

For several years now we have conducted a bible study/outreach in the eTete area near our home in South Africa. Our route to the site of the gathering has many noteable pictures that speak a lot about the nature of our ministry and the spiritual climate of much of South Africa. Spiritism is a major form of worship in most of Sub-saharan Africa. Groups that fall into this category seek guidance from the spirits of their own dead ancestors, animals and other forms of nature.

One of the most prominent buildings in ShakasKraal, the Mosque

More recently, Islam has become a significant presence. Much of this rise is due to their ability to provide financial opportunity for the poor in Africa. We have seen the love of Christ break these strongholds off of many through our meetings. We want you to pray for the Lord's direction to expand the work that He already has us involved in.

The location in the community of eTete that we hold bible study

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

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.