Hello Ladies,
Wow, it’s been such a long time since I’ve actually sat down and wrote out an update. I think of you all often and you hold a special place in my heart. Blessed be the tie that binds.
You know the feeling at the end of a busy day where you cannot write on paper what you did but you were super busy all day? Well sometimes that is the way it feels when I sit down to write an article! I want to share a glimpse of our lives – personal & ministry so that we can stay connected. Sometimes though I don’t know where to start – or how to articulate it!
September is the start of summer for South Africa. Though they are very different, I absolutely love spring in both hemispheres! There is nothing like the bright African sunny mornings. The cool breeze is thick with the scent of the flowers in bloom. To awaken to the sound of exotic birds is a gift (I remind myself of that when they start by 430am in the summer)!
It is our heart’s desire is to be steadfast unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. We live in world where few find hope. But now more than ever before, we must be “ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” Where is the anchor of your hope? We treasure seeing God at work in those that He’s given us to help. There is very much darkness in the area where we serve. It has been a long time since we have seen someone trust Christ as their Savior and trust in the Word of God over culture and tradition. The god of this world has blinded their eyes. But God is greater and there have been many answers to prayer this month. I am so thankful for the prayers of our home church, and other supporting churches. We cannot do this alone. The real work is really done on our knees in intercession. Aside from Bible studies, counseling, and other ministry things, we have had so many opportunities for hospitality this month. As always, there are lots of people popping in for coffee or tea. I love it that coffee is part of the culture here!
Our family is well. The kids are enjoying school. We have been graced with Kristen Nadaskay who has been with us for the past month. She has been such a big help and blessing in all areas, but especially with school! Thanks Kristen! Joel loves to read. I cannot keep enough books available to read. Thankfully he loves rereading books, or I’m not sure what we’d do! He also loves sports. He’s always outside playing rugby, baseball, soccer, or tennis in our yard. Anna is in love with our dogs, her favorite past time is to spend time with the new puppy Ginger. She is a 5 month old Rhodesian Ridgeback. I have to be careful or she has the dog wrapped up in blankets. Luke just likes to have fun. He loves puzzles and play dough right now. His ultimate favorite thing is playing Uno. Who knew you could teach a preschooler his numbers and colors with Uno? He never tires of it. We are really looking forward to a few days with Pastor Roland, Allison, and the cousins as they visit all the missionaries here.
This month, it’s been 19 years since the Good Shepherd found me. I’m so grateful He came seeking for me – a sheep in danger that didn’t even know how lost she was. My life has been forever changed. Thank you for Your faithfulness to me. I deserve none of it. Thank you for Your grace. It is amazing. Thank you for all You’ve taught me. I am a tough student. I fail every class at least once. Thank you for paying every sin debt. Thank you for making me free. Thank you Father for Your care for me! I’ve been so comforted to meditate on Him as my Shepherd recently. Phillip Keller writes in his excellent classic, “The Lord is my Shepherd…immediately implies a profound yet practical working relationship between a human being and His Maker. It links a lump of common clay to Divine Destiny – it means a mere mortal becomes the cherished object of Divine Diligence. This thought alone should stir my spirit, quicken my own sense of awareness, and lend enormous dignity to myself as an individual. To think that God is deeply concerned about me as a particular person immediately gives great purpose and enormous meaning to my short sojourn upon this planet. “ (From A Shepherd’s Look at Psalm 23).
With Love, Kristin
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Miss you all!