As we enter the holiday season, we have much to be thankful for. Our children are healthy and transitioning well into new stages of life. Even though we live on the opposite side of the globe, we can communicate with each of them regularly. We are blessed by family, co-workers and ministry partners who have willingly stepped into new roles to cover for our absence both in America this year, and in South Africa next year. And we are blessed to be a witness to God working in people’s lives.
Kyle is living with Carlene’s family who have graciously, without any hesitation taken him into their hearts and home. We are so thankful for each one who has been gracious and flexible in these new circumstances. Corbin and Madeline are both happy in their jobs. It’s been a blessing to see our son and his bride live and grow together. Ryne and Amy are expecting another baby boy in May, and Tyler chatters away on Skype telling us about ….well, we haven’t figured that out yet! In the many circumstances of our family, we are thankful for God’s provision, health and new life as He moves us forward day by day.
Greg completed photocopying all of the lessons that will be needed for our Zion Evangelical Bible Schools (ZEBS) in 2016. We are thankful Pastors Khuba, Shobede, Mbonambi, and co-workers, Marius & Nozipho Swart, Eric deLange, and Dan & Beth Hoffman have each stepped forward to run, or assist with the running of these schools in our absence.
Over the past few years, Greg and I have been privileged to share in the lives of a few couples through mentoring relationships and studying the word of God together. It is a blessing to see God build communication skills and understanding, as seeds of truth from the Bible become relevant and practical in their lives and marriages.
One of these couples has been Marius Swart and Nozipho Zincume. We have known Marius since he joined ZEMA and began his ministry with the amaZioni in 2011.
Marius and Nozipho’s wedding ceremony at Sunbury in October. See more wedding pictures in our Photo Album.
Nozipho graduated from ZEBS and then agreed to continue as a translator for the Umlazi school where Marius was teaching. Eventually, a spark ignited between translator and teacher. We have gotten to know this couple over the past year and are blessed by the times we have shared together. In October, we were privileged to witness their vows, and what was a really beautiful joining of families and cultures.