FEBA, wat deur NG Kerk Groot-Brakrivier Gemeente ondersteun word, se internasionale bestuur het die afgelope week vergader op die tropiese en skilderagtige Daebu Eiland, vanwaar een van hulle groot mediumgolf stasies die hele Asië dek. Menige mense word bereik in dosyne verskillende tale. Die kleurvolle geleentheid is ook gedek deur die Koreaanse televisie.
Die was ‘n geseënde geleentheid met die feestelike optrede van Christene wat baie melodieus hulle Christenskap uitleef. Ook die FEBA kinderkoor van Korea, wat optree tydens fondsinsamelings funksies optree, het dit ‘n luisterryke geleentheid gemaak. Die Konferensie is baie goed bygewoon.
We said goodbye to Thesi on Tuesday. It was a time of refreshing for us to be together. She will always have a very special place in all of our hearts.
The rest of this week, we shall have to fire on all cylinders. The work team arrives next Sunday and I have so far two days worth of the menu written down. It will be camp style living and cooking…so if any of you have good ideas for tasty meals for ten people, don’t hesitate to share. 😉
Dries seems to be way ahead of me with getting his tools and repair stuff ready. I think when we leave for the boat on Saturday morning, the Landy will be filled to capacity and more.
Please pray also for the seven men who are willing to come and help us. Pray for their travelling, getting used to the heat and humidity of the island and that we’ll also enjoy a time of fellowship.
Our time at Lovako School reminded me again of the fact that God gave His Son Jesus so that all people who believe in Him could have eternal life. From the most advanced and developed countries in the world, to the small fishing village of Ampamata where people are mostly illiterate and live in tiny houses made from palm leaves, God does not exclude anyone on the basis of background or position. Christ welcomes you as long as you come to Him in repentance and faith. This was the focus of the morning devotions and Euphrasie brought the children and teachers back to the profound and life giving message of John 3:16.
We quickly settled into a routine for the days to come after our arrival on Sunday; the hike to school across the hill in the morning, teaching and training until lunch time, the walk back to the house while the afternoons were used for making visual aids and helping the teachers with specific problems. Norbert had his work cut out for him as he had to strengthen the one wall of the school. We were usually exhausted by the end of the day because of the heat and humidity. I don’t think that I have ever perspired so much! It rained the last night we spent there and the final hike to school was a tough one. The footpath became muddy and treacherously slippery and with the humidity my glasses kept on fogging up causing me to be half blind. At least I had Thesi leading the way to make sure I made it to school.
Thesi did her part although I think she ended up with the unglamorous jobs; painting blackboards and making visuals. At break time, the children were entertained by her with some games and songs and I started sweating just by watching all the jumping around.
We were blessed with an exceptional high tide which created a pool in the shade of the mangroves in the afternoon where Euphrasie, Thesi and I talked about our day while cooling off. We ate lots of fish and crabs. The simple life.
There were disappointments. Norbert needed some help with the wall, but none of the parents turned up to help. He managed to find someone not connected to the school. The spiritual input at school is not what it should be and the teachers still need a lot of training. Norbert was absolutely right when he remarked that Gabriel needs to put down anchor at the school once again. With Gabriel sailing into the bay each time, the light of the Gospel dispels the darkness. I was touched by this fitting picture of Gabriel’s ministry.
That is why we are eagerly awaiting the work team’s arrival in two weeks time. These men have a tough time ahead of them, but it will give us a much needed boost in the repair of the boat. Please pray for all that still needs to be done before their arrival.
Argen, 21, is ’n universiteitstudent van Almaty en die jongste van drie kinders wie se ouers geskei is. “My ma het haar bes gedoen om ons groot te maak terwyl my pa heeltemal uit die prentjie was,” skryf Argen. “Ons het nie altyd geld gehad vir goed soos verjaardaggeskenke of vakansies, soos ander kinders by ons skool nie. Ek probeer nie hier kla nie, aangesien daardie uitdagende tye ons baie geleer het… In jul uitsendings praat julle daarvan om aan diegene wat in nood verkeer, te gee, en ek identifiseer baie hiermee. Ek voel God seën my en nou is ek mal daaroor om verjaardaggeskenke aan minder bevoorregte kinders te gee.”
FEBA Kazakstan se pad was tot nou toe nie maklik nie. Buiten die uitdaging van evangelisasie in ’n hoofsaaklik Moslemland, het hulle ook te kampe met ’n dralende anti-godsdienstige sentiment onder ouer mense… ’n oorblyfsel van Kazakstan se jare as deel van die Sowjet-Unie. Amptelik erken die Kazak-regering godsdiensvryheid, maar tog stipuleer die 2011 Godsdienswet onder meer die volgende: … Lees die res van die artikel hier
Totdat almal gehoor het, Dr Jurie Vermeulen Nasionale Direkteur
\ Wil u ’n aangrypende aanbieding beleef waarin ons vertel wat God alles rondom die wêreld doen deur die media? Nooi ons dan gerus hierdie jaar na u gemeente!
Greetings from Kobe, where the Sakura (cherry blossoms) charmed us once again! The dawn of a bright spring was, as always, introduced by (Japanese) Nightingales’ energetic melodies all-around. Our long-awaited departure is coming up soon, so I share just a few snippets about our recent work. Please click on available links to read and see more.
Great gathering in Okayama
The gathering of 250 Christian believers in Okayama—representing 54 RCJ congregations from the broader West Japan region—was a real privilege and joy to experience (20-21 March). After an inspiring time of worship and sharing eucharist, we were reminded (by our main speaker Prof. Takashi Yoshida) of the grace that we are created by God for embodied, in-person fellowship. So that Christ’s body can flourish, for the sake of the world. We discussed many topics, e.g. how to make the church a safe, welcoming space for everyone where people are cared for holistically, often starting from enjoying a meal together. A shared vision, which includes shared resources, vulnerabilities andknowledge/experience was also part of small group conversations. The church embodies the Kingdom of God in a unique way in (whatever) town/city. No other social organization can fulfill this calling!
Deeply encouraged by Hoopstad visit
We all need a healthy dose of encouragement, don’t we!? It’s exactly what we gratefully received through a blessed and strengthening time of fellowship with supporting friends—Johan and Elsabé du Plessis from Hoopstad—during the last few weeks. Together with co-missionaries Tobie and Annalie de Wet from RCJ Niihama, we shared our thoughts on Christ’s suffering from the Bible, sang, prayed, and enjoyed some delicious meals together. We also shared some tears and a lot of laughs. This was a very special (first ever Mission Japan) ‘Retreat’, made possible with NGK Hoopstad’s huge contributions and support. We experienced that the suffering and glory of Christ brings new hope in each of our unique situations while we celebrated Easter together.
Niihama ministry feedback
The ministry at RCJ Niihama has had its ups and downs since the De Wets started there a year ago. Keeping the focus on the basics of building community trust and evangelizing when opportunities arise, can be easier said than done. The recent visit of our Hoopstad supporting friends was a significant one at a challenging moment. Read more here and see photos of the events and interactions as Tobie and Annalie share about their experiences.
Graduation and Initiation @ KRTS
In Africa we say: you need a village to raise a child. Well, in Japan, at Kobe Reformed Theological Seminary (KRTS) it’s much the same: you need a faith community to raise and support a theological graduate. As we celebrated and congratuled those who graduated, we also recently welcomed a new team of four students who start a fresh journey to know God deeper and serve His Kingdom wholeheartedly. Please pray for them to have a dynamic and meaningful start.
New book released about Mission Japan
We are excited to share the good news about a new book that was recently published by CLF, coinciding with the 50th celebration of Mission Japan’s work. The book is titled: “Die liefde van Christus dring ons – Missie Japan”. The author of this book is dr. Pieter van Jaarsveld (previous Moderator of the DRC Free State), who serves on the management team of Mission Japan. Pieter visited Japan numerous times and, as pastor of DRC Bothaville congregation, received many guests from Japan. He continues to support Mission Japan as an enthusiastic, retired pastor. Click here to find our more about or, even better, to buy and read the book.
Earthquake disaster’s damage continues to challenge many
We stay involved, albeit more indirectly this time with the aftermath of the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula on January 1. The disaster claimed 245 lives and injured 1,545 people; 27,661 houses were totally or partially destroyed and 7,484 people are still living in evacuation centers in Ishikawa Prefecture. Water supply is still cut off in many places and its restoration is still in progress, causing many challenges to those who have returned to their homes from the evacuation centres.
Mental health care for those affected by prolonged evacuation has become a major issue, with people experiencing sleep deprivation, fear of strong aftershocks, worsening dementia, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts. Several churches were in the worst affected areas. Two churches in Wajima, which were particularly close to the epicentre of the earthquake, were completely or partially destroyed. Worship services must be held at evacuation centres and other places. Many elderly members of these churches especially feel the deep loss of not having a place of worship. Please pray with us for God’s comfort and encouraging presence amidst their fear.
England and Scotland visit enroute to South Africa
I started teaching Missiology as a subject at KRTS in 2023, as part of our training of theological students for church ministry. Mission Japan, in collaboration with KRTS’s faculty in Kobe, approved a research opportunity (which already started in April 2022) to help me prepare a curriculum for this. During May I will visit the Oxford Center for Mission Studies (OCMS) for research (study leave), discussions and giving a lecture, as part of OCMS’s Guided Research Programme. This visit, and the three-year long research program, is primarily made financially possible by a generous scholarship from KRTS, as well as by my own research funds (through publications). It is also supplemented by contributions from Partners in Mission (DRC Free State Synod) and a benefactor friend. All the support is humbling and sincerely appreciated.
This visit will happen along with Carina and our children and we’re looking forward to a unique educational and formational opportunity. We will also make a short stop in Scotland at the Edinburgh Theological Seminary to meet a colleague in Mission Studies. I am also very grateful to have received two preaching opportunities on the Isle of Arran, and a free manse to utilize as a family for a couple of days.
Other ministries, encounters and events
The past month or so included quite a few other events, encounters and other work that I only briefly list here below. The photos tell the stories further.
l I recently completed an article titled Proclaiming and Embodying Peace in Pacifist Japan. Click here to read about its background, and the article itself.
l Some of our Mission Japan leaders and RCJ Shikoku leaders discussed a review of the existing MOU which aligns our missionary partnership.
l We (as a family) received many other guests, from New Zealand, Netherlands and USA at different occasions (Carina’s plate was full with hospitality responsibilities over and above her work at RCJ Kita Kobe and as homeschooling teacher).
l I attended the RCJ Western Presbytery meeting (9-10 April) where many new church leaders were welcomed and reports on the presbytery’s relationship with churches in South Africa, South Korea, USA and Hungary were reported on.
l I joined the RCJ Diaconal Study Tour group members, who held a meeting in Takarazuku recently. We discussed and finalized some important issues, in preparation for our upcoming visit to South Africa at the end of August. I will introduce the group members in a next newsflash.
l Thankful for opportunities to preach at RCJ Niihama and Otokoyama (Kyoto) congregations in March. This weekend (14 April) a last opportunity awaits at RCJ Shiga-Setsuri.
l We also shared the joy of Annlie’s ballet concert for which she trained very hard, as well as being part of two beloved (Japanese and Korean) KRTS students’ engagement ceremony.
We deeply appreciate your ongoing support and involvement and eagerly look forward to meeting you in South Africa (from 24 May) or elsewhere in person soon. We request and value your prayers for the ministry opportunities mentioned, for God’s grace, protection and blessing in everything.
May the joy and peace of Christ direct your every step.
Stéphan, Carina, Annlie, Cornelius, Lodewyk, Stephan
# Okayama Gathering # KRTS Graduation
# KRTS New Students # RCJ Kita Kobe Sunday School
DRC hoopstad’s encouraging visit
# RCJ Diakonia Tour Group # RCJ Shinkō Worship
# Annlie’s Ballet (3rd from left) # Engagement Jubilation
The joy of spring in the air!
Copyright (C) 2024 Mission Japan. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is: Shobu Ga Oka 3-1-3, Kita Ku, Kobe City, JAPAN, 651-1306
Thesi arrived safely and we have had a wonderful week of catching up and spending time together. The teachers were happy to see her and somehow it felt as if she never left. she will be here for one more week. We had a blessed Ranger meeting on Thursday and the kids were so excited to learn a new song. Thesi and I worked on the actions for the song earlier in the week and we felt as if we had a proper workout after all the jumping around.
The rest of the week was spent on preparation for our trip to Lovako School, Ampamata. Thesi and I, Euphrasie and Norbert will spend four days at the school. Dries wil use the time at home to work on the Land Rover. He came with us to put new locks on the classroom doors, but returned with the speedboat which brought us.
Please pray for us as we will be doing a lot of walking, because we live in the house of a friend on the other side of the bay for the next four days. There is also much work to be done at school, so we have to use every moment to get as much done as possible.
Alice was also here for the Easter break and we were happy that she could also spend some time with Thesi.
Some amazing news; a work team of seven guys will come and help us on the boat for two weeks at the end of April. This will give us a much needed boost. God provides.
We once again have a working kitchen and bathroom on the boat. Dries connected the boatyard’s water supply directly to the boat. So running water all around! The toilet flushes and is connected to the drain which Dries and Norbert finished this week. We had to buy some new batteries and the solar panels do their job which means lights and cold water in the fridge. It took a lot of scrubbing and manoeuvring in a small space and it feels as if I still smell of bleach. I am beginning to think that living on the boat might be more comfortable than our house. Now we just have to get the rest of Gabriel in the same shape.
One more week before Thesi arrives! She will only spend two weeks with us, but we are so excited. Remember that Thesi joined us for almost a year after finishing school some years ago. She is a Royal Ranger leader in Germany and was such a blessing to us. Joining the Bundeskamp in Germany more than a year ago was therefore very special to me as I had the opportunity to experience some of Thesi’s world. She has finished her studies last year and we feel very privileged to have been a part of her journey.
We celebrated 26 years of marriage. We appreciate the encouraging messages which we received. We feel blessed and privileged to be able to still work together in God’s Kingdom.
We have been working hard at the boat and I have to keep up with the Ranger lessons and meetings. As is so often the case, things break when it is least convenient. My quad is waiting for a part which we had to order from Taiwan and the Land Rover has parts coming from Antananarivo. The Landy is still going though, but the quad is out of commission for now. I have to take six different tuc-tucs to get to and from school. I still have trouble walking and doing everything at at a slower speed, is frustrating for me.
We’ll spend a couple of days on the boat from Thursday. The toilet situation at the boat is not yet completely functioning, so we’ll stay at a Malagasy ‘guesthouse’ down the road. We should be ready to live on board from next week.
All work happens at a slightly slower pace for now. March and April are the hottest and most humid months on our island. Dries goes through at least four T shirts a day and my little towel accompanies me wherever I go.
May you have a blessed week. We appreciate your prayer and support.
By KRTS leer ons nie net oor teologie in klaskamers nie, maar ook daarbuite deur saam-skoonmaak én saam-sorg vir ons omgewing.
Beste Ondersteuner,
‘n Laaste paar verdwaalde sneeuvlokkies word die afgelope dae rondgeslinger deur die winde van verandering. Vroeg-oggend hoor ek reeds (‘n paar weke vroeër as gewoonlik) die Japannese nagtegaal sing. Duidelike en helder tekens van die lente wat oppad is in Kobe. Hoe draai die seisoen aan jou kant, terwyl Lydenstyd verdiep?
Deputasie op die horison
Daar’s ‘n ellelange lys van onlangse ontmoetings en gebeure uit ons bediening, maar terugvoer daaroor sal moet oorstaan tot ‘n volgende nuusflits. Dan vertel ek in detail meer. Hierdie keer fokus ek net op ons opkomende deputasie besoek aan Suid-Afrika: 24 Mei tot 7 September.
Die doel is hoofsaaklik: besoeke / terugvoer aan (soveel as moontlik) ondersteunende gemeentes en individue, strategiese beplanning en visionering saam met Missie Japan leiers, asook broodnodige rus en kuiertyd saam met familie en vriende. Tussen 22 Aug en 2 Sept sluit ‘n groep van ses Japannese besoekers uit die RCJ ook by ons aan vir ‘n diakonale studietoer. Ons besoek word voorafgegaan deur ‘n tyd van studieverlof en preekbeurte, onderskeidelik in Engeland (by OCMS) en Skotland. Meer daaroor ook volgende keer.
Voorlopige besoek skedule
Die besoekpunte / afsprake wat al vasgeknoop is in SA, is soos volg:
So. 4 Aug: Stellenbosch (Moederkerk) en La Rochelle
So. 11 Aug: Groot Brakrivier
So. 18 Aug: Welgemoed
Do. 22 Aug: Heroldsbaai (ontvang groep uit Japan)
Vr. 23 Aug: Heroldsbaai en George
Sat. 24 Aug: Buffeljagsrivier en Swellendam
Son. 25 Aug: Buffeljagsrivier, Swellendam en Stellenbosch (Kruiskerk)
Ma. 26 Aug: Wellington (Kaapkerk Diaconia by AMSS)
Di. 27 Aug: Wellington (Kaapkerk Diaconia by AMSS)
Wo. 28 Aug: Pretoria Univ. (Konferensie oor Diakonaat)
Do. 29 Aug: Pretoria Univ. (Konferensie) en Drie Riviere
Vr. 30 Aug: Bothaville en Hoopstad
Sa. 31 Aug: Botshabelo Diakonale Projek
So. 1 Sep: Bloemfontein (Berg-en-Dal en Pellissier)
Sa. 7 Sep: Vertrek na Japan (uit Kaapstad)
Ons sien uit om jou iewers by een/meer van die bg. geleenthede te sien! Ons basis is op Stilbaai te danke aan Carina se ouers wat hulle huis vir ons beskikbaar stel. Wat ons wel nog oor kopkrap is vervoer. Kan jy dalk help? (lees verder)
Bid asb. saam met ons vir als wat voorlê (meer gebedsversoeke hieronder).
Vrede en vreugde, Stéphan, Carina, Annlie, Cornelius, Lodewyk en Stephan
VERVOER PROJEK
Ons gaan ‘n groot motor moet huur in SA om as gesin saam te kan reis.
Daarom neem ons vrymoedigheid om te vra of daar dalk individue / kleingroepe / gemeentes is, wat hierdie uitgawes as spesiale projek wil aanneem voor ons koms.
I asked Dries which of the following scenarios he would choose: a – to be in urgent need of medical care and end up in a very bad hospital b – to be put in prison because of a false accusation
Let me just clarify, both prison and hospital on our island are indistinguishable from one another when it comes to hygiene and care. He struggled to choose between the two and opted for the hospital one where I leaned towards the prison what-if.
We have many horror stories to share about both hospital and prison, for the most part not concerning us, but somehow we always end up having to assist in a situation. An aquaintance who is a foreigner was arrested and her husband had a serious stroke. It is a complicated story, but I went to the hospital to see how he was doing, but they were already planning to evacuate him to Antanarivo. She got arrested, because of some business dealings and I tried to support her at the police station. The corruption is now so bad that as a foreigner you have to be very careful. So, the woman is in prison and the husband could not be evacuated to have proper medical care.
We are working through the book of Proverbs with the Saturday Rangers and there is so much wisdom to guide and shape the lives of the young people. Wisdom and righteousness go hand in hand. That is why the fool says in his heart that there is no God and lives according to what is right in his own eyes. The wisdom of God leads us to live in righteousness. That does not mean that life will be easy, but the comfort to know that God protects us and provides for us, will motivate the young people to strive for righteousness.
I started a sketching faces merit with this group. It is something completely different and they seem to enjoy this creative change. They put in a lot of effort and we look forward to see how they develop this skill.
Dries and Norbert put the wooden beams back on the toilets and Norbert will finish the roof. Dries and I hope that we’ll be done with all the preparations to start work on the boat by the end of next week. We had quite a lot of rain again, which slowed us down.
To end on a positive note concerning the lack of good medical care here. Umi, Euphrasie’s first grandchild who is 3 months old, developed an abcess in her under arm area. Euphrasie came back from the hospital and said that she did not trust the doctors nor their diagnosis. They wanted to operate after diagnosing a tumour! So, we took some pictures, asked for help and advice promptly came from a doctor friend in Germany. We managed to find a decent private doctor here who drained the abcess. We followed the instructions about the care of the wound and little Umi is doing fine.
The story of Umi is an example of how God takes care of His children despite the bad circumstances.
Hiermee Timon se maandelikse nuusbrief en gebedsversoeke vir julle inligting en voorbidding asb. Die jongman dra ywerig by om die Evangelie onder skoliere te versprei.
I have wondered this week if the constant smell of rotten fish can cause permanent damage to one’s sense of smell. The fact that it rains often, leading to the drying process to start all over, adds to the stink.
I started a merit on Madagascar’s lemurs with the Discovery Rangers this week. It is important that our children understand that most of the lemur population in this country is critically endangered. The fact that there remains very little forest, is of course the main reason. The Chinese also consider lemur meat a delicacy as they do with most endangered species and they pay good money to the local people to satisfy their disgusting habits. It is important to teach the children that God expects us to care for His creation and to preserve it. Many of the ‘fady’ or beliefs concerning lemurs are to the detriment of their survival and are rooted mostly in ancestral worship and fear. The aim is that our boys and girls can change the way people think.
Dries constructed extra supports for the roof at school in the event of strong wind. The disappointment about the poor job of replacing the roof is still an issue. The gutters also need to go back on, but once again, ‘too much to do, too little time’.
Please pray for us:
Dries is very tired and he carries a big burden to hold everything together. The focus will now be on the boat, but he also loves spending time with the kids at school and they never get enough of the attention he gives them.
We give God glory for Alice’s walk with Him. She was baptised yesterday and to hear her proclaim publically that Jesus saved her and that she wants to live for Him, is so encouraging.
Thank you for praying for the healing of my foot. I appreciate all the advice and the medical input. It was established that no bones were broken. I have since removed the cast and I am almost as good as new.
I fell a week ago. Not heroically, ‘in the line of duty’ as Dries did, but I simply got up from my chair too quickly, became dizzy and found myself on the floor with my right foot in agony. I bandaged it up and hopped along the next couple of days.
The Malagasy people have this belief that you can massage any ailment or pain away. As soon as I arrived at school and people noticed that I could hardly walk, the advice started rolling in. “Have you been for a massage?” The question was accompanied by some vigorous hand movements. I cringed inwardly, because I have seen that even broken bones get massaged with obvious disastrous results. The other problem is that everyone seems to be a specialist and yes, the first one to offer her massaging talents, was the lady who sells vegetables next to the school. And from there it continued, I could have had my foot massaged by the tuc-tuc driver, the gardener and the security guard at the bank. After a while, all signs of sympathy seemed to have disappeared when I did not agree to submit myself to this ‘miracle cure’. I lumbered along until a week after my mishap.
On Monday afternoon, on my way home from school, I stopped at the Italian clinic to see if I could have an X-ray done. I was the only patient at the time. So far, so good. I limped into the X-ray room and wondered how I would position myself onto the little platform. Well, the operator promptly gave me a demonstration. He lowered himself down on to the floor, lifted up his one leg and placed his foot on the screen. Honestly, I thought he was joking. Apparently not. After lowering myself to join the guy on the floor, I frantically struggled to keep my skirt from sliding down with one hand while balancing on the other elbow, simultaneously with one leg in the air. I gave up on maintaining any kind of dignity when I noticed how muddy my toes were as I placed my foot on the screen.
So, the operator busied himself in front of the computer screen while I managed to get back up. I asked him whether he could see any broken bones. “I don’t know, but maybe madame can have a look and tell me.” My response was to ask him to go and find a DOCTOR who might be able to interpet the X-ray. The doctor did not want to commit to a diagnosis, but said that a cast might work. My level of confidence faltered at that point to ‘whatever’. Just put the cast on and let me get out of there, but please could I have something to wipe the mud off my foot. I was assured that that would not be necessary. Seriously! I was having none of that. I dragged myself to the shower I saw at reception and washed my feet which I had to then dry with my skirt.
I have a bright yellow cast on my foot which was applied by two very friendly young people while we chatted about our school and ministry. Unfortunately, the medical skills simply did not match up.
Some crutches were lent to me by a friend, but getting around is almost impossible because of the uneven ground. Please pray that my foot will heal quickly.
Maybe I should have listened to the ‘experts’. Massaging your troubles away, doesn’t sound so bad after all.
The week has been filled with a variety of tasks as the full focus on the boat during the last couple of weeks, put other things on hold.
Dries and Norbert removed the outboard motors from the boat as well as all the batteries which need to be checked and charged. Dries went to school to see how the roof has been replaced and he was not happy, because much of it was not done straight. It is one of our continous struggle; to get people to deliver good work. Dries could not be there to keep an eye on the roof job, with the result that the one side has basically been botched and looks like giant sharks teeth, zig-zagging along instead of lined up and straight. That doesn’t seem to bother anyone and all the classrooms are up and running. Dries would have to replace the gutter system and do some work on the Land Rover, therefore much of February will be spent on that and Gabriel will have to wait.
I have been busy preparing Ranger lessons. Discovery Rangers will start on the books of Joel and Jonah and Adventure Rangers are digging into the book of Proverbs. We run a three year cycle with the Royal Ranger lessons and I seem to keep on adding to the existing lessons as there is always more to discover. Our children’s insight anf love for the Word of God would surpass that of many adults.
It is the time of ‘tsy misy’…’there isn’t’. Most of our vegetables and supplies come from the mainland of Madagascar and with all the rain that we had and the damage to roads and bridges, shops and markets are quite bare. You don’t buy by kilogram now, but rather per carrot or tomato because of the high prices. Nobody can cook without tomatoes, myself included, so the price of tomatoes is a hot topic.
Jammer dat ons so stil is aan ons kant. Reeds twee weke tuis. Ons het baie hard gewerk deur verantwoordelheid te neem vir die troue van Phumlani en Esther hier by ons in die tuin. (Phumlani en Esther is beide studente by die bybelskool te Baberton) Phumlani kom vanuit n heidense agtergrond en Ester vanuit n sterk christen huis in Zambië. Ek is so dankbaar dat Phumlani nou deel kan wees van n christen familie. Die familie vanuit Zambië het hier gekuier vir sowat n week. Ek en die pa van Esther (nl Lawrence) het soveel in gemeen, daar hy sy MTh graad by UP behaal het. Jeanne en die ma van Esther (nl Susan) het net so baie in gemeen, daar sy hul kinders die grootste deel van hul skooljare tuisskool aangebied het. Dit is een van die mees geseënde gesinne wat ek nog ontmoet het. En die Here het alles voorsien vir die troue…. (storie op storie) 🙌🙌🙌
We are enjoying the third day of uninterrupted sunshine. Everything, from carpets, walls even the Land Rover needed to be dried out and aired. We are very thankful for this respite of sunshine in the midst of the rainy season, because Gabriel will be moved to its ‘parking spot’ tomorrow. We spent Saturday morning on the boat, mostly drying and airing and the mud in front of the boat was not yet completely dried out.
The glorious sunshine also meant that work to replace the school’s roof, continued. We trust that all the classrooms will be up and running this coming week.
Nosy Be is traditionally not a rice planting area, but we noticed as we now regularly drive up north to the boat yard, that little rice paddies have appeared everywhere. And with the amount of rain we’ve had, I think that it will be a good harvest.
Please pray with us for the final move of Gabriel tomorrow. We also started to make notes of all that needs to be done on the boat. Dries and I agree that it will take longer than the anticipated six months as there is much more damage which revealed itself on closer inspection. On our way home, feeling somewhat overcome by what lies ahead, we stopped off at a new art village, freshly opened for the bus loads of tourists which until now have yet to show themselves. We looked and felt a bit out of place with our dirty work clothes, but nevertheless were served a very good iced coffee.
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