Dear Loved Ones,
It is hard to believe we are into the last week of February.
Thank you for praying for Devin this week. The medication seemed to not bother his system and he has seemed to have a little more energy this week. He has another day on the meds and then we see the doctor next month again. We thank the Lord for what he did this week.
Several of you have said you are praying for Spencer. He was in church again today and came on his own. We continue to pray for his salvation. Joyce, the lady who was saved two weeks ago stood to give thanks to the Lord today for what He is doing in her life. It’s great to see things like that happening.
There are so many things to thank the Lord for we cannot name them all, but we praise Him. We thank Him for people who care enough to pray for us daily and others as God lays us on your heart.
Every once in awhile we have someone come in from Zimbabwe. So many are looking for jobs and are really destitute. Pray that God will intervene in Zimbabwe and its people can have jobs and food and health care again.
We have three students that are headed for the University of Botswana later in the year. It’s a great opportunity because the government pays for their education, but UB is literally a deadly place for many of Botswana’s youth. Pray with us for our youth that will be freshmen this year, that they will set their heart of God’s ways and His plans and they will be a shining light in a very dark place.
We do not know what this week holds for us, but our God does. We are working on refurbishing the hall where the church is meeting. We hope to have it ready for next Sunday, Lord willing. Pray for our physical strength as well as for creativity and passion in our ministry.
We appreciate your continued prayers for each member of our family. God knows each of our needs and we trust Him to work out His plan for our lives.
Reaching the Unreached,
Steve, Pam, Amanda, Derek and Devin
Monday, February 25, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
The Results are in
Dear Loved Ones,
Not many people rejoice over a positive blood test but today we did. We heard from the doctor in Johannesburg where the microbiologist was successful in finding something in Devin’s bloodwork that has defied all other tests. In fact, they found 3 types of bacterial infections.
Q-fever, mycroplasma and rickettsia. There is no indication of how long these have been at work in Devin, but we know that he has been sick off and on for at least three years. There is a treatment prescribed that has been successful in other patients.
Devin will begin tomorrow on a course of two antibiotics along with three other medications. These should work on the bacteria and make him feel pretty miserable. We will see the doctor again in a month and he will tell us what to do from there. From what we are reading, treatment can be anywhere from three months to two years, with most people being treated for eight months. Pray with us that Devin’s body will respond to this treatment. We would, of course, like to see the minimal timing on this, but we will trust the Lord for His direction.
Thank you for praying with us. We had a good week and Sunday 90 people were present to hear a message on God’s love. Please continue to pray with us that Spencer will be saved. He is drawn to the message of Christ and has already brought a friend to church with him.
Reaching the Unreached,
Steve, Pam, Amanda, Derek and Devin
Not many people rejoice over a positive blood test but today we did. We heard from the doctor in Johannesburg where the microbiologist was successful in finding something in Devin’s bloodwork that has defied all other tests. In fact, they found 3 types of bacterial infections.
Q-fever, mycroplasma and rickettsia. There is no indication of how long these have been at work in Devin, but we know that he has been sick off and on for at least three years. There is a treatment prescribed that has been successful in other patients.
Devin will begin tomorrow on a course of two antibiotics along with three other medications. These should work on the bacteria and make him feel pretty miserable. We will see the doctor again in a month and he will tell us what to do from there. From what we are reading, treatment can be anywhere from three months to two years, with most people being treated for eight months. Pray with us that Devin’s body will respond to this treatment. We would, of course, like to see the minimal timing on this, but we will trust the Lord for His direction.
Thank you for praying with us. We had a good week and Sunday 90 people were present to hear a message on God’s love. Please continue to pray with us that Spencer will be saved. He is drawn to the message of Christ and has already brought a friend to church with him.
Reaching the Unreached,
Steve, Pam, Amanda, Derek and Devin
Thursday, February 14, 2008
February 14, 2008
Dear Loved Ones,
I just returned from Johannesburg where we met with a specialist doctor who is doing some blood work for Devin. We will not know the results for a week. The doctor’s specialty is chronic fatigue. He is determining if Devin has some sort of bacterial infection which is causing his immune system to be depleted. Devin says he expects them just to say “we can’t find anything” like they have so many other times, but he is also a little nervous that they might find something! The doctor said those are normal feelings for someone who has been chronically ill.
Steve was unable to travel with us this time. Little did we know that God had other work for him on Monday. One of our school parents had begun attending our services immediately after we moved to the new property. They had been unchurched up until that time. Monday, she came to speak with Steve concerning a problem – potentially very serious- that she is having. In the course of their conversation, Steve led her to the LORD! We are just overjoyed at the fruit God is bringing.
Another item of praise is a long time prayer answered. Some of you have also been praying that God would raise up servants to serve in our church. Sunday after service, a lady who helps to write the budget in Botswana, came to me saying that now the budget has been presented, she is free and ready to serve and could she help in SUNDAY SCHOOL!!!! Oh, I was rejoicing all the way to Johannesburg that day. This is the first time I’ve had an adult volunteer to help in the Sunday School.
It is so wonderful to partner with you in prayer for souls in Botswana. God is a prayer answering God and He is at work here. It is a privilege to join with Him. Please continue to pray for us to have strength, creativity and the heart of God as we work here. Thank you for continuing to pray for our adult children.
Reaching the Unreached,
Steve, Pam, Amanda, Derek and Devin
I just returned from Johannesburg where we met with a specialist doctor who is doing some blood work for Devin. We will not know the results for a week. The doctor’s specialty is chronic fatigue. He is determining if Devin has some sort of bacterial infection which is causing his immune system to be depleted. Devin says he expects them just to say “we can’t find anything” like they have so many other times, but he is also a little nervous that they might find something! The doctor said those are normal feelings for someone who has been chronically ill.
Steve was unable to travel with us this time. Little did we know that God had other work for him on Monday. One of our school parents had begun attending our services immediately after we moved to the new property. They had been unchurched up until that time. Monday, she came to speak with Steve concerning a problem – potentially very serious- that she is having. In the course of their conversation, Steve led her to the LORD! We are just overjoyed at the fruit God is bringing.
Another item of praise is a long time prayer answered. Some of you have also been praying that God would raise up servants to serve in our church. Sunday after service, a lady who helps to write the budget in Botswana, came to me saying that now the budget has been presented, she is free and ready to serve and could she help in SUNDAY SCHOOL!!!! Oh, I was rejoicing all the way to Johannesburg that day. This is the first time I’ve had an adult volunteer to help in the Sunday School.
It is so wonderful to partner with you in prayer for souls in Botswana. God is a prayer answering God and He is at work here. It is a privilege to join with Him. Please continue to pray for us to have strength, creativity and the heart of God as we work here. Thank you for continuing to pray for our adult children.
Reaching the Unreached,
Steve, Pam, Amanda, Derek and Devin
Monday, February 4, 2008
February 3, 2008
Dear Loved Ones,
Today we had to do the “slide over some” routine so everyone could find a seat! We had 80 chairs out and we think we had 75 today. Wonderful! One lady called this morning from the school where we used to meet to find us. When she arrived we discovered she was someone who had first visited with the TIME team was here a few years ago. She had been working in another city and now that she is back, she wanted to get back to church!
Best of all, Mookeetsi who has been here from Northern Botswana visiting his cousin, was saved during our youth meeting today. Our lesson was about God’s one rule. Love Christ and obey him in every area of your life. After the lesson, each person was saying how things were going in their life. When it came Mookeetsi’s turn to speak, he said, I really want to follow Christ. I was excited but wondering to myself exactly how to handle it because we always like for Steve to deal with the men, young men and boys. Almost as soon as that thought went through my mind, Steve walked in the room. He grabbed a Bible and led Mookeetsi to the Lord. It was so exciting for all of our youth to see that happen.
Our friend, Larry Davis left this past Thursday with a heart full of Africa. We were so thankful he was able to come and join in what God is doing here in Botswana. He led our chapel service on Wednesday and did a wonderful job.
Please continue to pray for all our loved ones in Kenya. We heard again from Isaka this week. Thankfully, where he is things are not as bad as in the town where we used to minister. We heard on the news yesterday of another church burned down in that area.
This past Friday, we were back at the Botswana Baylor Clinic for children living with HIV/AIDS When we visited there earlier in the week, they invited us again to be a part of their camp in April. Pray with me as I prepare for this opportunity. It’s just amazing to us how God placed us in that place and gives us the opportunity to witness as we are there.
We are so blessed to have such wonderful financial and prayer support, we thank you always for your faithfulness to us. We are thankful for your prayers for our family, Amanda, Derek and Devin, as well as for our ministry to reach the lost in Botswana. Someone asked us why we include the names of our grown children in our letters. They still remain a part of our ministry. The boys are with us and they often help us in the day to day things, and Amanda is on that side, helping with supplies, etc., but mostly mobilizing prayer for us. They are a vital help to us, each in their own way.
Reaching the Unreached,
Steve, Pam, Amanda, Derek and Devin
Today we had to do the “slide over some” routine so everyone could find a seat! We had 80 chairs out and we think we had 75 today. Wonderful! One lady called this morning from the school where we used to meet to find us. When she arrived we discovered she was someone who had first visited with the TIME team was here a few years ago. She had been working in another city and now that she is back, she wanted to get back to church!
Best of all, Mookeetsi who has been here from Northern Botswana visiting his cousin, was saved during our youth meeting today. Our lesson was about God’s one rule. Love Christ and obey him in every area of your life. After the lesson, each person was saying how things were going in their life. When it came Mookeetsi’s turn to speak, he said, I really want to follow Christ. I was excited but wondering to myself exactly how to handle it because we always like for Steve to deal with the men, young men and boys. Almost as soon as that thought went through my mind, Steve walked in the room. He grabbed a Bible and led Mookeetsi to the Lord. It was so exciting for all of our youth to see that happen.
Our friend, Larry Davis left this past Thursday with a heart full of Africa. We were so thankful he was able to come and join in what God is doing here in Botswana. He led our chapel service on Wednesday and did a wonderful job.
Please continue to pray for all our loved ones in Kenya. We heard again from Isaka this week. Thankfully, where he is things are not as bad as in the town where we used to minister. We heard on the news yesterday of another church burned down in that area.
This past Friday, we were back at the Botswana Baylor Clinic for children living with HIV/AIDS When we visited there earlier in the week, they invited us again to be a part of their camp in April. Pray with me as I prepare for this opportunity. It’s just amazing to us how God placed us in that place and gives us the opportunity to witness as we are there.
We are so blessed to have such wonderful financial and prayer support, we thank you always for your faithfulness to us. We are thankful for your prayers for our family, Amanda, Derek and Devin, as well as for our ministry to reach the lost in Botswana. Someone asked us why we include the names of our grown children in our letters. They still remain a part of our ministry. The boys are with us and they often help us in the day to day things, and Amanda is on that side, helping with supplies, etc., but mostly mobilizing prayer for us. They are a vital help to us, each in their own way.
Reaching the Unreached,
Steve, Pam, Amanda, Derek and Devin
Monday, January 28, 2008
January 27, 2008
Dear Loved Ones,
We have always been busy in our missionary life, but seems like at least we had time every week to take a breath. Those times are rare right now. School is in full swing and our church is growing – it is amazing to see what God is doing every day.
This week I (Pam) started teaching our high school students a class in doctrine. I was amazed that they did not know how many books are in the Bible and could not say the books of the Bible. I pray that when they are finished with this class, they will know much more than that. There are four Hindu youth in that class, one Sikh boy, and about five Chinese students, plus all the Africans. Please pray that all who are not yet saved in this class will be drawn to the Saviour and the TRUTH of God’s word.
Steve has been busy with school finances, and preparing materials for the church building’s refurbishment. But on Thursday evening, he had the joy of leading two souls to Christ. Thursday morning, he left his Bible at home and while he was out felt the Lord saying, go back to the house and get your Bible, something is going to happen today. He obeyed but most of the day was just day-to day stuff until he got a call from Kwame saying he and his girlfriend would like to meet with him. They came in and as they talked, their need for a Saviour was so pressing, they did not wait any longer to call on the name of the Lord. After they were saved, they told Steve, they had really come to talk about their struggles with alcohol and how could they get help, “but”, Kwame said, “Now we are SAVED!” This morning, it was a real joy during our prayer time for Kwame to raise his hand and announce to the whole church that they have given their lives to the Lord. It is VERY unusual for a man to do something like that in Africa. Tears of thankfulness just rolled down our faces. Pray for them as the Lord changes their desires that He would strengthen them and use us and our church people to encourage them. Kwame was one of the men mentioned in our update last week.
This morning Steve’s message was on Salvation. He used several people as “props” during his illustration, and apparently the message was crystal clear. One lady who has been coming for about three months now was saved! It has been such a pleasure to watch as Christ has gently drawn her to himself. Now we want to pray for her husband Craig. Also pray for them. They are white Africans and work here is very hard to find for that particular people group. They need God to provide a good steady job for Craig.
Three souls in four days! How we are rejoicing in the Lord! Plus, we have had a friend from the States out for a visit. It’s so nice to have someone to talk to that cares and with whom we can share the burden the Lord has given us for Botswana. He will be here til Thursday, so please pray for continued safety and that God will bless and use him while he is here. He is a lay person who specializes in children’s ministry. We look forward to chapel this week as he speaks.
We are so thankful for your prayers. We say that often, but it is so true. ONLY GOD can do what is happening in Botswana right now.
Reaching the Unreached,
Steve, Pam, Derek and Devin
We have always been busy in our missionary life, but seems like at least we had time every week to take a breath. Those times are rare right now. School is in full swing and our church is growing – it is amazing to see what God is doing every day.
This week I (Pam) started teaching our high school students a class in doctrine. I was amazed that they did not know how many books are in the Bible and could not say the books of the Bible. I pray that when they are finished with this class, they will know much more than that. There are four Hindu youth in that class, one Sikh boy, and about five Chinese students, plus all the Africans. Please pray that all who are not yet saved in this class will be drawn to the Saviour and the TRUTH of God’s word.
Steve has been busy with school finances, and preparing materials for the church building’s refurbishment. But on Thursday evening, he had the joy of leading two souls to Christ. Thursday morning, he left his Bible at home and while he was out felt the Lord saying, go back to the house and get your Bible, something is going to happen today. He obeyed but most of the day was just day-to day stuff until he got a call from Kwame saying he and his girlfriend would like to meet with him. They came in and as they talked, their need for a Saviour was so pressing, they did not wait any longer to call on the name of the Lord. After they were saved, they told Steve, they had really come to talk about their struggles with alcohol and how could they get help, “but”, Kwame said, “Now we are SAVED!” This morning, it was a real joy during our prayer time for Kwame to raise his hand and announce to the whole church that they have given their lives to the Lord. It is VERY unusual for a man to do something like that in Africa. Tears of thankfulness just rolled down our faces. Pray for them as the Lord changes their desires that He would strengthen them and use us and our church people to encourage them. Kwame was one of the men mentioned in our update last week.
This morning Steve’s message was on Salvation. He used several people as “props” during his illustration, and apparently the message was crystal clear. One lady who has been coming for about three months now was saved! It has been such a pleasure to watch as Christ has gently drawn her to himself. Now we want to pray for her husband Craig. Also pray for them. They are white Africans and work here is very hard to find for that particular people group. They need God to provide a good steady job for Craig.
Three souls in four days! How we are rejoicing in the Lord! Plus, we have had a friend from the States out for a visit. It’s so nice to have someone to talk to that cares and with whom we can share the burden the Lord has given us for Botswana. He will be here til Thursday, so please pray for continued safety and that God will bless and use him while he is here. He is a lay person who specializes in children’s ministry. We look forward to chapel this week as he speaks.
We are so thankful for your prayers. We say that often, but it is so true. ONLY GOD can do what is happening in Botswana right now.
Reaching the Unreached,
Steve, Pam, Derek and Devin
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The first harvest
Today as Steve left for the school, the Lord prompted him to go back home and get his Bible that he had left behind. The Lord seemed to say, “I’ve got something for you today.”
The day was full of just stuff. Samaritan’s Purse began to offload their containers at the school today and the truck (semi) got stuck in the mud....just normal stuff. Then he got a call from Kwame and Thabo, the Batswana couple we wrote about Sunday. They wanted to see him.
They came about 5:30 and before they left they were both SAVED! They are 27,28 years old and their big struggle, what led them to church was that they like so many young Batswana are basically alcoholics. They said, well, we came to ask you how we can stop drinking, but now we are SAVED! Pretty great. Steve said, “I guess that’s why God wanted me to take my Bible!” First two for God’s harvest on the new property.
It is unbelievable what God is doing. We found out today that our books are still 30 days out but there are enough to copy or use until the big supply gets here. We have done some dumb things, like I ordered 0 teacher’s books. But, God is blessing, every day there is a new student. I teach all of our secondary students Bible Doctrine. They do not even know the books of the Bible. Today I asked if anyone knew any promises of God and one girl said that he promised to make us heads and not tails........(prosperity stuff I believe) I told her she would have to show that one to me... But anyway... Just wanted you to know we are thankful for His work and acknowledge that without Him we can do nothing.
It’s a lot of work, but remember we prayed that God would establish us here soon. - He is answering and we are just walking by faith.
Love you,
Pam
The day was full of just stuff. Samaritan’s Purse began to offload their containers at the school today and the truck (semi) got stuck in the mud....just normal stuff. Then he got a call from Kwame and Thabo, the Batswana couple we wrote about Sunday. They wanted to see him.
They came about 5:30 and before they left they were both SAVED! They are 27,28 years old and their big struggle, what led them to church was that they like so many young Batswana are basically alcoholics. They said, well, we came to ask you how we can stop drinking, but now we are SAVED! Pretty great. Steve said, “I guess that’s why God wanted me to take my Bible!” First two for God’s harvest on the new property.
It is unbelievable what God is doing. We found out today that our books are still 30 days out but there are enough to copy or use until the big supply gets here. We have done some dumb things, like I ordered 0 teacher’s books. But, God is blessing, every day there is a new student. I teach all of our secondary students Bible Doctrine. They do not even know the books of the Bible. Today I asked if anyone knew any promises of God and one girl said that he promised to make us heads and not tails........(prosperity stuff I believe) I told her she would have to show that one to me... But anyway... Just wanted you to know we are thankful for His work and acknowledge that without Him we can do nothing.
It’s a lot of work, but remember we prayed that God would establish us here soon. - He is answering and we are just walking by faith.
Love you,
Pam
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Flu, School, and Church!
Dear Loved Ones:
What a week! Steve woke up Monday, the first day of the new school year here with a terrible flu that kept him down and out until Thursday. Thankfully, he is much better and the Lord blessed today’s message mightily in people’s life. When I asked one of our youth, how the message was, she said “ummmmm” I said, “was it not good?” She said, no I was trying to think of a word much better than GOOD!” We have also heard from others that God really moved in their hearts during the service.
As usual, God has gone before us in our work with the school. People just keep on coming to enroll their children. Friday’s count, we were at 297 students. We had our first chapel on Wednesday. We need you to pray on Tuesday evenings before bed for our chapel service. We really desire to see souls saved and lives changed for HIS glory during this year. We know how important prayer is and we are thankful we can call on you to pray.
Today, people began to come back to church after being away for Christmas. Those of you who have been praying for men, God is answering that prayer. Eric who had attended our church but had a financial reversal and lost his transport, lives closer here and he has been in church again for the last two Sundays. He is SO happy to be back at our church. Another couple has begun attending, they are Batswana and seem excited to have found a church like Desert Streams. Spencer has also visited the last two Sundays. We are excited about these three men joining into fellowship with us.
Please continue to pray that God will burden our people to serve Him and sacrifice their time and efforts to do so. Every Sunday our attendance grows a little more. We have not yet even put up a sign because the building needs refurbishing before we have a “Grand Sunday”, yet God is bringing visitors each week, and they are staying!
So many things to praise Him for. We thank Him for allowing us to serve Him. Thank Him for the strength each day brings. We are thankful for the skills Derek has been bringing to the set up of the school. Plus he can cook and often has a nice dinner prepared for us when we come home late. We are thankful for his loving care of us. Devin is doing okay, he is still tired a lot and we hope to get into a doctor that can really help him. We are so glad he is here with us. Thank you for praying for our children. Amanda is also doing well in Dallas. We praise the Lord for His watchcare over her.
Reaching the Unreached,
Steve, Pam, Derek and Devin
What a week! Steve woke up Monday, the first day of the new school year here with a terrible flu that kept him down and out until Thursday. Thankfully, he is much better and the Lord blessed today’s message mightily in people’s life. When I asked one of our youth, how the message was, she said “ummmmm” I said, “was it not good?” She said, no I was trying to think of a word much better than GOOD!” We have also heard from others that God really moved in their hearts during the service.
As usual, God has gone before us in our work with the school. People just keep on coming to enroll their children. Friday’s count, we were at 297 students. We had our first chapel on Wednesday. We need you to pray on Tuesday evenings before bed for our chapel service. We really desire to see souls saved and lives changed for HIS glory during this year. We know how important prayer is and we are thankful we can call on you to pray.
Today, people began to come back to church after being away for Christmas. Those of you who have been praying for men, God is answering that prayer. Eric who had attended our church but had a financial reversal and lost his transport, lives closer here and he has been in church again for the last two Sundays. He is SO happy to be back at our church. Another couple has begun attending, they are Batswana and seem excited to have found a church like Desert Streams. Spencer has also visited the last two Sundays. We are excited about these three men joining into fellowship with us.
Please continue to pray that God will burden our people to serve Him and sacrifice their time and efforts to do so. Every Sunday our attendance grows a little more. We have not yet even put up a sign because the building needs refurbishing before we have a “Grand Sunday”, yet God is bringing visitors each week, and they are staying!
So many things to praise Him for. We thank Him for allowing us to serve Him. Thank Him for the strength each day brings. We are thankful for the skills Derek has been bringing to the set up of the school. Plus he can cook and often has a nice dinner prepared for us when we come home late. We are thankful for his loving care of us. Devin is doing okay, he is still tired a lot and we hope to get into a doctor that can really help him. We are so glad he is here with us. Thank you for praying for our children. Amanda is also doing well in Dallas. We praise the Lord for His watchcare over her.
Reaching the Unreached,
Steve, Pam, Derek and Devin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)