Why Are We Here?

"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16 MSG)

This past weekend our Thrive Africa family headed to Durban for a staff retreat. It was a wonderful! A time to have fun together, chill at the beach, worship and pray, and set our sights on an amazing new year of ministry. We’re so excited for what the Lord has in store. Please pray with us as we challenge ourselves to first be who God called us to be, and then do what he has called us to do.

This year’s theme is Live the Light and it's all about living as Salt and Light in the world. Salt seasons and preserves, and is also comprised of elements we all need to survive. Light shines into dark places and illuminates our paths. As individuals and as a ministry, we are called to be God’s Salt and Light. Please pray with us that we live out this calling – that we do so humbly, courageously, and brightly for the world to see.

Praise Report - Thank You

You may know that a huge prayer request has been for the Lord to provide me with a vehicle. Praise God for His answer to my prayers and for His provision!

-Provision through praying friends and family.
-Provision through generous financial supporters.
-Provision through the savings that made-up the difference.
-Provision in that one of our missionaries who returned to the US offered me a well-maintained vehicle for a good price.

I’m so thankful for all these things!!

So here I am with my new-to-me bakkie (pronounced “buckey” aka truck). I love that is has an extended cab for passengers, and can haul things around the mission base. It already came in handy as we moved our houses around over the holiday break, and I know it will be useful if we need extra vehicles when hosting mission teams. I’m also getting used to the diesel engine and manual transmission. Learning to drive a manual has been an interesting experience, especially given that we drive on the opposite side and that there are a lot of hills around here. You should see our new driveway!

So thank you for your prayers and support. I’m grateful that the Lord used you to bless me and our ministry in this way!!

The Greatest Christmas Present of All

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas - I sure did! I must admit, however, it was a bit strange for me being so far from home. I missed family and friends. I missed the awesome Christmas service at Kensington. I even missed the Christmas shopping chaos and cold, snowy weather. But while I have been feeling a bit homesick lately, I’m also so incredibly thankful to celebrate with my new South African family. Christ is the greatest gift this world will ever know. And Christ is the reason we are all here together.

Folks have asked how we celebrate Christmas in South Africa. It’s not really all that different than back home, except that it’s summer. When I was shopping at Game (like a small Wal-Mart) they were playing Christmas songs including “Let It Snow”. No chance of that here. Stores have “decked their halls” but just on a much smaller scale than I’m used to.

On Christmas morning we all met for breakfast and a white elephant gift exchange. I got a crocodile raft for my next day at the dam (lake). Very cool! We even had a fireplace for Santa to come down thanks to Katie’s creativity. Later that afternoon, we gathered again for a braai (bbq). Abram opened with a Christmas teaching from Luke and a prayer of thanksgiving. Then we celebrated with way too much food and way too many desserts – just like at home. The day was topped off by two Skype calls home to see my family which did wonders for my homesickness.

So all in all, I’m thankful for old traditions and for new ones, but most importantly for the reason behind both – my Savior Jesus Christ, the greatest Christmas present of all.

On Top of the World

I’m movin’ on up…up the mountain that is. The past few days have been a whirlwind as several of us have changed housing to make room for our changing Thrive Africa family. June and I have moved up the mountain a little ways to Arendskop Chalet. While this means we’ll now have to drive a few minutes to get to our main housing and offices, the chalet is really nice and the views are spectacular!

We’re so thankful for the mission base and ministry staff who helped us move. Especially Dave and Abram who were real troopers!! And you should have seen the giant farm tractor pulling the giant flatbed trailer up the steep, winding road – then backing it in the last part of the way. The driver did an amazing job!!

I’ve included some pictures of the drive, the house and the views in the slideshow on the left. One of the best features is a huge wrap-around porch overlooking the mountains and the wide-open fields. It’s a great place for morning devotions and coffee, reading a book, or catching some hot South African rays.

So for the past few days, I’ve enjoyed cleaning, decorating, arranging and re-arranging our new home. I pray you have a blessed Christmas and New Year!

Beautiful Contrasts

Lesotho is a beautiful country full of many exciting contrasts. And we have the 1000+ pictures to prove it! Over Thanksgiving break, June, Amanda and I headed to Lesotho for a 4-day adventure.

As we crossed the border and traveled towards Maseru we saw the contrasts of modern homes and traditional Basotho huts, modern businesses and rolling hills of farmland and pasture.

We experienced simple but modern conveniences, and also visited a weaving shop where the ladies make beautiful mohair yarn and tapestries by hand. We were amazed to learn that the large ones take 2-3 months to complete.

We stayed near where the current king, King Netsie, lives, and also hiked to the top of Thaba Bosiu to see the original home of King Moshoeshoe and the current site of the royal graves.

We saw rugged, rocky mountains contrasted with lush greenery and crystal clear waters as we drove the winding mountain roads to Mohale Dam, and the next day to Semonkong and the Maletsuyane Falls.

And best of all, we met warm, friendly people who are proud of their culture, history, and traditions, and happy to share them with us. What a wonderful trip! Enjoy the pictures!