Happy Birthday, Denzil!
Today was a good day. It started with a little birthday celebration breakfast at this hip place called Mugg & Bean – the coffee was good and bottomless. Denzil (Pete and Fran’s son) turned 12 today and although we weren’t able to get him anything more than a card with a few rand as an insert, it’s been fun filling in as an ad-hock spend-the-night-party for our new friend. Since 8:00 am this morning we’ve been singing Happy Birthday to him every hour, on the hour, until 8:00 pm tonight! Funny stuff.
The Sun Also Rises
Thank you for yours prayers and encouraging notes on the blog – our time at the Thembalethu VBS was like daybreak! Per last night’s debriefing meeting, we made some minor adjusts that yielded major results. We left tonight’s gathering more energetic and confident of our efforts. All of the children, save a few rowdy ones, were very compliant and interested in what was going on. Stefanie taught on Jesus being the only void-filler for our hearts…enough said.
Let us not give up in doing good…
Terri led us on a journey through Galatians 6:9 for morning devotions, encouraging the entire team to put faith in God that he will bring fruit from our labors. This is a very tough thing to do, being the instant-result people that we all are. Sometimes you can leave a township VBS, a small group, a Bible study or a conversation over coffee and wonder if anything mattered. Paul reminds us in this passage that God will work things together, whether we’re around to see it or not. Good stuff.
Pictures
There wasn’t really any time to take pictures today…sorry. VBS jumped another 80 tonight, topping out at 400 hundred! One more day to go!!!
South African Lingo:
Full Stop – phrase meaning the end of it; final say.
The Sun Also Rises
Thank you for yours prayers and encouraging notes on the blog – our time at the Thembalethu VBS was like daybreak! Per last night’s debriefing meeting, we made some minor adjusts that yielded major results. We left tonight’s gathering more energetic and confident of our efforts. All of the children, save a few rowdy ones, were very compliant and interested in what was going on. Stefanie taught on Jesus being the only void-filler for our hearts…enough said.
Let us not give up in doing good…
Terri led us on a journey through Galatians 6:9 for morning devotions, encouraging the entire team to put faith in God that he will bring fruit from our labors. This is a very tough thing to do, being the instant-result people that we all are. Sometimes you can leave a township VBS, a small group, a Bible study or a conversation over coffee and wonder if anything mattered. Paul reminds us in this passage that God will work things together, whether we’re around to see it or not. Good stuff.
Pictures
There wasn’t really any time to take pictures today…sorry. VBS jumped another 80 tonight, topping out at 400 hundred! One more day to go!!!
South African Lingo:
Full Stop – phrase meaning the end of it; final say.
posted by Derek Sweatman @ 12:14 PM
5 Comments:
At 2:03 PM,
Anonymous said…
Hey guys,
So glad to hear things are looking up. It is amazing how big an impact ya'll are making in the lives of these children. We appreciate your sacrifice for the growth of God's Kingdom. We can't wait to hear first hand your stories and the relationships built through Christ.
We're praying for you,
Chris, Melissa & Lilly
At 5:59 PM,
Anonymous said…
Hi Guys. you are all such an encouragement to me! The place God took you yesterday(to the end of yourselves) is what He is after with each of you. You can't, but He can and He will reap all that you are sowing. Thanks for letting us our prayers for you being answered daily.
Eddie S.
At 6:25 PM,
Anonymous said…
So excited to finally find a wireless network and be able to read the blog. It makes my heart ache to read of your adventure and difficulties and not be able to be there with you!
So cool to hear about Joy playing with Derek and leading worship - we're so proud!
The beach has been great but we miss Joy and not being able to communicate regularly!
We love you Joy and we are praying for all of you -it sounds like one truly amazing group of servants!
God Bless,
Mike & Lisa
At 11:29 PM,
Anonymous said…
I’ve been following your blog every day, sharing your joys and frustration. Derek, thank you for all the time you spend on the blog. You are a gifted communicator.
I know you are missing your families, and I think this Scripture is especially applicable: “Jesus said to them . . . everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much . . .” As I sit in the comforts of my home, I am thankful for each one of you, for your willingness to step into the unknown, and for the support and encouragement that you are to Pete and Fran. May the blessings from this trip truly be great.
Denzil, a very Happy Birthday to you! May your 12th birthday be one that you will always treasure because of these crazy guys who surround you on your special day.
One last thing . . . You’ve talked so much about the singing that I thought you would appreciate this quote. It’s from an article entitled Dear Missionary by Jon Weece:
“And oh, the singing! From Hong Kong, Sao Paulo, Nairobi, Berlin, and Paris to Beijing, Chang Mai, Kabul, Cairo, Johannesburg, Mexico City, Bogotá, Saigon, Baghdad, Manila, Moscow, Belfast, Singapore, Taipei, and Jerusalem, the sound of God’s global family clapping and dancing, smiling and weeping, declaring their allegiance and affection, their dependence and desire, their joy and love for Jesus! Does it get any better this side of Heaven?”
- Carole
At 10:30 AM,
Anonymous said…
Hello Everyone!
I just wanted to let you know how proud I am to say that I attend McDonough Christian Church. You have helped SO many children experience the word of God and even though your efforts seem hopeless, don't worry, because they aren't. You WILL be rewarded greatly in Heaven. I know that for a fact...I may not know alot of stuff biblically,(yet) but that is one I do know for a fact. Just keep your head up, and keep going along as you have, and I am sure these 2 weeks will be a major success! Just like the song, Move Along by the All American Rejects says, "And even when your hope is gone Move along, move along just to make it through!" I know its not a Bible verse or anything like that, but I, personally, think it is very encouraging to hear! Even if I might not be to you, I still think so...
Oh yes, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENZIL!!! I hope it is a fabulous one!!!!!!
Love,
Paige
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