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1Peter 4:8 - "Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins."
Dear Family and Friends,
It seems incredible that over a month has gone by since our last update. Congratulations to all those reading this who may have graduated from high school or college during this past month. With the academic year here running from January to December, May and June graduations sneak up on us!
Dear Family and Friends,
It seems incredible that over a month has gone by since our last update. Congratulations to all those reading this who may have graduated from high school or college during this past month. With the academic year here running from January to December, May and June graduations sneak up on us!
Dear Family and Friends,
We just wanted to give you all a bit of an update on the refugee crisis here in Cape Town and South Africa. We mentioned in the newsletter a few days ago that there has been an outbreak of violence directed towards Africans from other nations who have come to South Africa in search of a better life. There have been over 50 people killed and hundreds of thousands have been burned out or run out of their homes and communities. The government has done almost nothing to address this situation, though they have set up a few makeshift refugee camps. Churches throughout the country, as well as individual citizens, have opened their doors and their hearts to take in people who are fleeing for their lives. Our church (Pinelands Methodist) is currently providing food and shelter for 102 primarily Congolese (i.e., French-speaking) refugees. We have received generous donations of food, clothing, blankets, mattresses, toys, and other supplies, but this is not a long-term solution. We are asking that you would join us in praying for viable long-term solutions for these people and the thousands like them. For many, returning to their home country is not an option due to political instability or worse. Many are willing to go to other countries if they would be welcome there. Some have been severely traumatized and are unwilling to return to the townships where they had been staying. While the churches and other shelters do provide a reasonable measure of security, there are health risks. Some shelters have reported cholera outbreaks and other health problems.
If you have questions or ideas, please feel free to contact us. In the meantime, here are some specific prayer requests:
Thank you for standing with us.
in Christ,
Tim and Leslie
We just wanted to give you all a bit of an update on the refugee crisis here in Cape Town and South Africa. We mentioned in the newsletter a few days ago that there has been an outbreak of violence directed towards Africans from other nations who have come to South Africa in search of a better life. There have been over 50 people killed and hundreds of thousands have been burned out or run out of their homes and communities. The government has done almost nothing to address this situation, though they have set up a few makeshift refugee camps. Churches throughout the country, as well as individual citizens, have opened their doors and their hearts to take in people who are fleeing for their lives. Our church (Pinelands Methodist) is currently providing food and shelter for 102 primarily Congolese (i.e., French-speaking) refugees. We have received generous donations of food, clothing, blankets, mattresses, toys, and other supplies, but this is not a long-term solution. We are asking that you would join us in praying for viable long-term solutions for these people and the thousands like them. For many, returning to their home country is not an option due to political instability or worse. Many are willing to go to other countries if they would be welcome there. Some have been severely traumatized and are unwilling to return to the townships where they had been staying. While the churches and other shelters do provide a reasonable measure of security, there are health risks. Some shelters have reported cholera outbreaks and other health problems.
If you have questions or ideas, please feel free to contact us. In the meantime, here are some specific prayer requests:
- For an end to the violence that is being directed at Africans from other countries
- For the health and safety of those who have been displaced
- For emotional healing for those who have been traumatized and for emotional protection of the children who have been suddenly uprooted
- For viable, long-term solutions for the people
- For continued supply of resources to meet the needs of the refugees while solutions are being sought
- For our youth group as we seek to minister to the refugees at our church this Friday evening through music, skits, testimonies and a presentation of the gospel. Many of the Congolese refugees are Christians, but they could certainly use spiritual encouragement. Pray that in the midst of this crisis God would be glorified and that the refugees would sense His love, comfort, and provision.
Thank you for standing with us.
in Christ,
Tim and Leslie
Leviticus 19:34 - "The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God."
Dear Family and Friends,
Winter has officially arrived in Cape Town, with plenty of wind and rain. It's always nice to see the rains come and begin filling up the reservoirs, but it makes it a lot harder to stay warm! For the thousands who live in rough tin shacks winter weather is quite miserable.
Dear Family and Friends,
Winter has officially arrived in Cape Town, with plenty of wind and rain. It's always nice to see the rains come and begin filling up the reservoirs, but it makes it a lot harder to stay warm! For the thousands who live in rough tin shacks winter weather is quite miserable.
Proverbs 21:1 - "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes."
Dear Family and Friends,
We pray that you all had a wonderful and refreshing time during Holy Week and Resurrection Day. It's amazing that it has been a month since we celebrated Jesus' resurrection.
Dear Family and Friends,
We pray that you all had a wonderful and refreshing time during Holy Week and Resurrection Day. It's amazing that it has been a month since we celebrated Jesus' resurrection.
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
Dear Family and Friends, It's amazing to think that another month has gone by and that Resurrection Day is just around the corner. We hope that you have the opportunity this week to reflect on the depth and significance of the truth found in the very familiar words of John 3:16.
Dear Family and Friends, It's amazing to think that another month has gone by and that Resurrection Day is just around the corner. We hope that you have the opportunity this week to reflect on the depth and significance of the truth found in the very familiar words of John 3:16.
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