Boxes Update

We are on our way!

Thank you again for supporting us. We will let tou know when we have arrived home on Tuesday. (It’s supposed to be a high of -2 in Minnesota!!!)

In Him,

The Boxes

Is that John Hardy’s BBQ I hear calling my name?! The packing is done (all 500 pounds), our tickets are in hand and it’s time to say “good-bye” to South Africa. In a way, it’s hard to  believe that our 5 months has already come to a close. When we first arrived, we were suprised  (and unprepared) for the cold that awaited us.  It has been a joy to be here long enough to watch the seasons change from winter to summer.

We are so thankful that the Lord gave us a clear calling to be here, and so thankful that we listened! There has been many lessons a long the way and we will come home forever changed. We have fallen in love with this place and these people, and pray that we will have the opportunity to serve Him here again some day.

Your love and support have been encouraging to us, and we thank you for your friendship. Your prayer support has been an intregal part of our ministry and a source of our strength.

I have found in my life that Christ has given me a hope and a joy  that I can not explain; it doesn’t come from anything that I have, or that I can buy, not even my friends and family can produce this love I have for God and others. Romans 10:13-15   ” …everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on Him whom  they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him in whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?”

God is good…ALL the time!!!

Jason

Happy New Year! We trust that 2009 will bring much growth as we seek the Lord for all our needs.

The work here is going well with brick walls going up at the PMR. Jason has enjoyed the work here, but more importantly he has enjoyed building relationship with the guys he’s been working with. Last week he had the opportunity to give a Xhosa Bible to a couple of the guys. Please pray that there will be someone else in their paths to step in and continue witnessing our Father’s love to them.

We were able to take some time off at the holidays, and were so thrilled to have Grandma Susie and John with us. We had a lovely time together and will have fond memories to share for years to come. Our time together made our Christmas and New Years truly special!

It’s hard to believe, but it’s time for us to start packing and saying our goodbyes. (To be honest, I think I may be a little overwhelmed, because I am having a hard time putting my thoughts together for you.)We leave for home 1 week from today, welcomed home by a bunch of snow and frigid weather. Happily that’s not the only thing waiting to welcome us back! We are so looking forward to seeing the smiling faces of our family and friends. 

On a much more serious note… Earlier this week we received very sad news that my cousin, Chris, had died. Chris was 27 years old.  He was a great guy who Jason and I loved spending time with and we will miss him. Our hearts are so heavy for our family and we feel so very far away. Please join us in praying for them.  

Prayer Requests:

·         Pray for the Kerr/ Lee family as they prepare for the funeral of Chris

·         Pray for Stephan (A church friend, who’s Mom was murdered last week. That funeral will be this Wednesday.)

·         Pray for travel mercies as we embark on our trip home

We are so thankful for your support! This has been an amazing journey, and we are forever changed.

We will touch base again before we go. Until then, be well.

In His Loving Hands,

Stacy & Family

It’s hard to believe that it’s Christmas already! It especially difficult to think Christmas when the weather is so beautiful. Where is all the snow?  Yet all around the world, in all weather patterns, our Savior is celebrated. We praise Him for the amazing gift He gave in Himself, coming to the world, for us. The best Christmas present ever given!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

In His Service,

Jason, Stacy, Brittany & Chandler

As you may remember, shortly after we arrived we learned that things were not as we had planned. Due to high amounts of rain, construction at the PMR was unable to begin.  Thankfully there was the construction of the Malmesbury church to keep Jason busy. The church is getting the finishing touches, and  at the same time the PMR is beginning it’s 1st phase. The kids and I have truly enjoyed having Jason here at the camp with us. He’s even able to come home and have lunch with us!

All work and no play?! Not when Jason is involved! He and Chandler had a  game of soccer with their new friends (fellow workers here at the camp.)

Lord bless!

Stacy

(Our sheperd is the one kneeling, wearing the brown head covering.)

Chandler played the part of a sheperd this past weekend in Mountain View’s Christmas program. It was a very well done program! Before the program began, a devotion was given reminding us to not get caught up in the material things at this time of year.  (Most all churches have their programs now because they go on school holiday from Dec. 5- mid Januray, and lots of people travel during that time.) It was a great joy to be a part of this celebration.   

A couple from Mountain View invited us to stay in their cottage for the weekend, which was a true blessing. It allowed us a bit of down time and saved a ton of driving back and forth from Paarl to Somerset West.

Jason spent Friday and Saturday helping to remodel Pastor Tom’s kitchen. What a mess! This is what I saw as I came onto the scene

In other happenings this weekend…

Brittany went to the beach with the kids in the youth group and got one of her first ever bad sunburns. Of course where I would peel and turn white, she will just tan. (Not fair!)

(Brittany, Kirsten, Anke, Justin and Robin- ready for the beach)

Chandler had a ton of fun with friends. Swimming, ping pong, and running.

I (Stacy) went to a going away tea for some ABWE ladies. It was a lovely time together. I am suffering from an out of whack equalibrium, which is making me nauseated. Not to mention I have a hard time walking straight. I have no idea what is causing it, but it’s very annoying! I thought going to the beach would make it worse, but it actually seemed to help some.

God is good! ALL THE TIME!

In Him, Stacy

Happy Thanksgiving! It is with thankful hearts that we greet you from South Africa.

We have so many things to be thankful for! As we begin our list of gratitude, we pause to thank our Lord for all that He has done for us. We praise Him for the freedom that we have to worship and serve Him.  

Later today we will go to Pastor Dave’s for a Thanksgiving feast! It’s sure to be a Thanksgiving to remember. J

Thank you for your love and support! Enjoy your day, and consider telling those around you what the Lord has done for you.

Jason & Stacy

“Happy Turkey Day Everyone!!! I am thankful for a family that loves me and is always there for me.” Brittany

“I am thankful that we are in Africa. And I am thankful for my friends and family.” Chandler

 It’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through November, and over ½ of the way through our time here.

Jason and I celebrated our 15^th wedding anniversary this past weekend. We stayed in Rooi Els at our friend’s cottage on the beach. It was lovely! We had beautiful weather and plenty of time for relaxation and reflexion on our years together. Jason and I discussed how grateful we are to be in South Africa and how thankful that we didn’t let our fears stop us from being here.  It’s hard to imagine missing out on all of the many blessings enjoyed and lessons learned. 

We came back Sunday night for Bible study. The study is focusing on the Christian World View and how we are the image bearers of Christ. Much of the talk last night was on the fruits of the Spirit (the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control… Gal. 5:22) and how each of them begins with our attitude, which I had never thought of before. We also looked at the cooperation of the Spirit, (2 Peter 1: 5-8) and how it is so essential to an abundant life. This study is very encouraging as well as convicting. 

Our email is out again. It may not be a quick fix this time, we will just have to wait and see. For now we are emailing at a friend’s house. Please be patient with us as we work to resolve the problem.

In other news…

The work team has left and we are busy cleaning and getting things back to “normal”

The church construction is coming along well

We continue to make new friends and grow deeper relationships… praise God!

Brittany had a nice weekend with friends… lots of laughing, sharing, talking and getting to better know each other

Chandler also had a nice weekend with friends…lots of swimming, playing with snakes (their new pets) and more swimming. Oh, and a broken toe, poor guy

Please continue to keep the Weinbergs in your prayers. Their son in-law has been given 6 months to live and is not doing well with the chemo. Pray for wisdom (in knowing when they should return home) and peace (being so far from home when their daughter is going through something so difficult.)  We are so thankful that we can be here to support them. Please pray that we will have encouraging words and actions. 

Sending love and hugs your way!

In His Service,

JSBC

Hilary, Cheryl, Brittany and Diane took me out to the sweetest little restaruant for my birthday. It was really the most special day! Later in the evening, Jason and the kids took me to Moyo’s for dinner!! Oh, what fun!

Hi to you all! I know that it’s time for some new pictures. To be honest, I have been struggling with which ones to share. I don’t want it to seem like we are on some big holiday. The ministry work is what we are here for, and the sight seeing is just a bonus. A very nice bonus. With that being said, here are some of the highlights from the last several weeks.

Here we are (Boxes and Weinbergs) at Cape Agulhas, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. It’s also the southernmost tip of Africa.