Just in case you didn’t get our newsletter, here it is again online!
Running the marathon…
Highlights of last semester
This past semester we have experienced almost every emotion we could think of. It has been a roller coaster of culture shock, team unity, sickness, marriage challenges, spiritual growth, leadership development and even wildlife experiences. However, we have come to realize that this mission trip is not really a sprint, but it is a marathon.
I have never done a marathon, but as I think about one, I can only imagine the range of emotions and experiences that a person goes through. First is the excitement and nervousness. Then is the questioning of why you are doing this in the first place. I would imagine next comes the debate of whether to endure or to quit. Soon a rush of adrenaline comes as you push through the tough stuff and begin to pull ahead. The last mile is the hardest, because you have to finish strong but you are the most tired. Finally comes the thrill of finishing and celebrating your accomplishment. It must be an exhausting event, not only physically but also emotionally.
In many ways we feel like we are running this marathon. We have been through all of those emotions that a runner would experience. However, we are not quite at the finish line, but only at a resting point. We have finished only a third of this race, but when we look back, we see so much that has been accomplished and fulfilled. While we are ready for a short Christmas break, we also feel strong and able to endure the rest of the race because of what God has done for us already. Rejoice with us as we share some of the highlights of this past season in our lives.
• An amazing first anniversary trip that refreshed our marriage and strengthened our spirits.
• The help that God gave us to work through challenges of working together and being married!
• Spiritual growth both together and individually in our intimacy with God, our prayer life and our leadership skills.
• Starting to learn two new langauges – Afrikaans and Xhosa.
• Making new friendships in the South African culture.
• Working effectively with our ministry partners, Gail & Virgil.
• Many spiritual breakthroughs with the students on our team!
• Effectively running an after-school program in a different language –Xhosa!
• Building bridges with the upmarket and the townships through relationships at a local coffee shop called The Sunflower, and Jeffrey’s Bay Primary School.
• Many new houses built for families in the township through a ministry called Hands&Feet.
• Miracles of healing and receiving salvation in the townships!
It is because of all these things that God has done for us and our team that we are feeling strong and able to endure the second half of this race. It is exciting to think about what else God has in store for us next semester. Thank you for sharing in our victories and we look forward to sharing many more with you. We pray that if you have had a year in which you feel like you are running a marathon, this holiday season will be restful and refreshing. Know that God will give you the grace and endurance to keep running for the prize!
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. Run in such a way as to get the prize!” 1 Corinthians 9:24.
Top Ten Ways We Can Tell That We Aren’t Spending
Christmas in the States
10. Christmas carols are only played in every
fourth
store that we walk into.
9. We actually finished our Christmas shopping by December 15th!!!
8. But it cost more to send presents to our family than it did to buy them.
7. We see pictures of Santa with a bathing suit on carrying a surfboard.
6. We always pack suntan lotion when going out, as opposed to a hat and gloves.
5. We can’t find candy canes!!!
4. No chance of finding a real evergreen tree to put in our house.
3. No church offers a Christmas Eve service (only one on Christmas Day at 7am!!)
2. We bought our Christmas tree by the centimeter.
And the Number 1 Way we can tell that we aren’t spending Christmas in the States is…
Our Christmas Day plans include a braai (barbeque) with a Dutch family
and a colored woman in the township!
Even though our experience here will be extremely different from what we’re used to, we are very excited about all of these new traditions that we’ll be able to be a part of. We will also definitely miss being able to spend Christmas with our immediate families, but the Lord has provided us lots of “adopted” families that are taking us in for the holiday.
The Via’s Christmas Book Club
There are a few good books that we’ve read this semester that really impacted our lives. Maybe an extra stocking stuffer if you are low on presents this year!
Love and Respect
by Emerson Eggerichs
A book no married couple should be without. But watch out! This could really turn your marriage right side up!
Who I Am in Christ
by Neil Anderson
A book that gives a great list of all the different facets of our identity in Christ. We saw this do some amazing things in our students!
Searching for God Knows What
by Don Miller
One of our favorite authors writes one of our favorite books. If we like this theology book, then you will too!
Abba’s Child
by Brennan Manning
A classic book by an author who pulls no punches. A staple in anyone’s library.
Long Walk to Freedom
by Nelson Mandela
A book that’s good not just because we live in South Africa (though it definitely carries a certain weight here!).
A Beginner’s Guide to Intercession
by Dutch Sheets
If the whole concept of prayer makes you twitch, even a little, readthis great “what-to” and “when-to” book on how to unleash the power of prayer in your life.
Prayer Requests
• safe travel for us and our team over the holidays
• for 100% of our financial support raised
• for the town of JBay to be a witness for holiday visitors
• wisdom and discernment to prepare for an excellent second semester
Support Update
In a marathon, one of the most important people for a runner are those that are standing along the course to cheer him on. That’s how we see you as supporters. We couldn’t be here without your constant encouragement, prayer, and financial support. We are so thankful to those who have given either one-time gifts or are on our list of monthly givers. Right now, we’re at about 75% of our desired goal of $3500/mo that would allow us to serve effectively here and keep up with our regular expenses. If you haven’t quite embraced a role as someone standing on the side cheering us on, we would ask that you prayerfully consider supporting us in one of many ways:
Prayer partners
–
fill out the attached card and check “prayer” and send back to AIM.
Financial support
–
check out the red “Support Us” link on our blog:http://thevias.myadventures.org
Encouragers
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we love emails, cards, care packages or just friendly phone calls
Material donors
we are always in need of school supplies, Bibles, stickers, childrens toys, kitchen supplies, or candy giveaways.
If you would like to give a special Christmas Donation please send a check to AIM at the address listed below or click the red button to the left that says “support us”.
Thanks for partnering with us to see God’s kingdom come to South Africa
Contact Us!
Mailing Address Phone Email Address
P.O. Box 921
Jeffreys Bay
6330 South Africa
27-72-116-6239 [email protected]
