Christmas Letter 2013

Dear Family and Friends,

Warmest greetings to you all. For some this is the only contact we have in a year so it makes us more aware of the fact that the years fly past and soon we will pass on into the presence of the Lord. In retrospect we say with David in Psalm 108:4 “for your steadfast love is great above the heavens, your faithfulness reaches to the clouds” These two aspects of God spoken of here – steadfast love and faithfulness – we have certainly proved through the years.

Thanks to those who have prayed for us, and the ministry entrusted to us, – not forgetting those who have very graciously supported us financially. We are so grateful for all the financial and prayer support which enables us to continue. I have been thinking a lot, of late, about God’s words to Joshua. ‘My servant Moses is dead.’ God does not refer to Moses as a great leader, miracle worker or any other aspect of Moses but He refers to him as ‘my servant.’ Servanthood is the greatest of all gifts we can give expression to. ‘a servant is not above his master.’ No place for pride or any kind of self-exaltation. As servants of the Lord, God keep us low at His feet subjecting ourselves to His authority in all things and under all circumstances.

FAMILY : Glynnis is right here in Oudtshoorn. We visit her every Saturday morning and take her out of Eljada during the school holidays and also for occasional weekends. We are so grateful that the family and some local friends keep in contact and include her wherever possible. Ivor Madeleine and Nathan are still in the Cape. We were so glad of a visit from Ivor and Madeleine earlier in the year when they were able to visit Oudtshoorn over a weekend. Nathan has been working towards his honours degree while working fulltime and attending lectures in the evenings. Much to our delight all three will be spending a few days in Oudtshoorn over Christmas. In September, David and Lizelle came down from Johannesburg and brought Katelyn, so very precious at 7 months. to meet her Great Grandparents. (We do not know what her impressions were.)

Colin and Beatrice are in Bloemfontein and their youngest, Amy, completes her varsity studies this year. Phillip, Barbra and 1year old Aiden are also in Bloemfontein and they are expecting a second son about mid January. Sandra is to be married to Lambert on 7 December. God willing, we will be at the wedding and then stay on in Bloemfontein for a week before returning to Oudtshoorn.

OURSELVES: Like everyone else, we continue to age, but do still greatly enjoy seeking to fulfill the call of God in our hearts to ‘rescue the perishing.’ The Prayer Room ministry goes on. We have learnt to sort out the beggars for earthly goods, and those who desire to seek the Lord. Here we have opportunity to follow up spiritually those who have been released from prison. (We continue to hold weekly Bible Studies in four sections of the prison.) So few are able to get employment and this worsens their situation on a daily basis. It is so hard when we see men who were regular in the Bible Studies being imprisoned once again for varying reasons. The prisons are all hopelessly overcrowded. Those awaiting trial are increasing almost on a daily basis and with the courts being overloaded the cases get postponed over and over again.

OUR HEALTH: Phyllis goes for her annual checkup to the Cardiologist in Mossel Bay in February next year. She is keeping well and able to cope with normal duties. She does need help when walking outside the house because of a balance problem. End of November brings up our 55th wedding anniversary. How we thank God for His care of us throughout these years and graciously allowing us to see great grandchildren. As for myself I am undergoing a change in pain control medication. This came about after a certain lady prayed passionately for my healing from the debilitating chronic pain I have suffered following a motor accident 44 years ago. Initially the pain was completely gone, but now it keeps trying to take over again. Pray with us that the Lord will continue to keep the pain at bay.

The local Church to which we belong is a great blessing to us, through the proclamation of the Word of God and the fellowship with the people. We could not survive in a church that is not Bible based in every way and Christ exalting in all aspects.

From us to you – a very blessed ‘season’ that is almost upon us. As we remember His birth may it mean from each one of our hearts, a deeper devotion and practical commitment to the Saviour. He brought for each one of us, through His death and resurrection, full and free salvation and a life of consistent victory in the face of all that the enemy throws at us.

May 2014 be a year in which we daily put on the whole armour of God and may we be faithful in that to which He has called us. Loving greetings from us to you and may you and your family be blessed as you walk in His way.