Please pray with us concerning her birth certificate. The local department responsible for issuing the Unabridged Birth Certificate has not issued one, after two applications. We do have the abridged version; however, the longer form is necessary for us to register her birth with the US Consular Office. This becomes critical when you realise that your child’s citizenship is ‘on hold’. Also, we are not able to prepare adequately for being in the USA in 2013.

Thank you for helping together by prayer for us (2Cor 1:11).

In February, we baptised three more believers. Clive and Corlene are so hungry to learn—they soak up Bible teaching…

Please pray with us about several ministry opportunities…

Katherine was born late last night (28 November) at 11:30pm. Weighing 3.79kg (8lb 5oz), measuring 56 cm (22in), and having a very full crop of dark hair! Her middle name is in honour of Julie’s Mom-mom, Barbara Jane, who is still living in Toms River, NJ. Her first name, Katherine, is just because we think it’s pretty.

Julie and Katherine are well, and they both should be arriving home on Wednesday morning.

       

This morning John Randall McCrum graduated from kindergarten, called “Grade Naught” in South Africa. He was awarded with “The Most Improved Student Overall” for both classes.

John has worked hard, and we are thankful for the Lord’s kindness to him and to our family.

More recently we have seen another variation. While we have a few millionaires in the church (it’s easier in our ZA Rands!), we are currently ministering to a homeless man. Tshepang (name changed) has been attending for five weeks, and was led to the Lord by Sthembiso on October 23. He has no place to sleep, no work, and is not able to dress well. How would you react to this type of person walking into your church and sitting next to you?

James 2: 1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Often I find that we invite people to church when we think, “He would make a good Christian.” Or, we like the individual and they have a nice personality. This is wrong.

Tshepang is faithfully attending church. We have provided more comfortable clothing, and have found very little work. Please pray for us to have wisdom in engaging and ministering to such a diverse people.

After paying off their church building last year, our South African church has been saving for a newer 10-seat church van. With half of the needed R256,000 ($39,300) saved, we started shopping. Within three months, our people raised the second half.  They paid cash!

We are using the vehicle for services, and are preparing for regular youth meetings again.

In African culture the groom’s family is not allowed to be involved when negotiating the bride price.  Each of these three men were requested to represent the Archie Nchabeleng family.  This was a whole day affair, consisting of three hours drive (both ways), three hours of negotiations, and a lovely African meal prepared for us.  And a reasonable price was settled upon!

Find out more about lobola here.

Khethiwe is an orphan, and last week we were finally able to locate several of her relatives!