Monday the last day :’(

Well folks it’s our last day on the blessed continent of Africa. We’d like to thank you for your support and prayers for our ministry. We’ve all had a stupendous time going to churches, schools, poorer areas, and beautiful sights. God has truly opened South Africa up to hear his word.

Friday was truly inspiring. Earnest, Alex, and Megan were able to go to a Full Gospel church youth group meeting just up the road from where they are staying. While there they engaged in a mixed up game that involved cricket and baseball. They enjoyed hanging out with the youths that were present, which numbered in the high 40s. The rest of the team stayed behind for some much needed rest.

Saturday was full of beautiful scenery. The team had the chance to drive down through the area known as Chapman’s Peak. All of the rich people live there in spectacular houses tucked into a  mountain side. IT WAS AMAZING! God’s handiwork truly shines through in that wonderful area.

Sunday was packed with morning, afternoon, and evening services. The Doyles, Alex, and Megan went to King of Kings where Kieth preached. Megan and Alex went around during Children’s Church to help where they were needed. You’ll never guess what they were talking about during Children’s Church…Missionaries! So they were able to be used as examples. The rest of the team went to Silvertown for the morning service where Lee preached.

In the afternoon the whole team met up and went to the squatter camps for a traditional African church service. Lee preached while another pastor translated and let me tell you it was almost as if we were at a play. Lee was dancing, making  joyous noises, and generally being very energetic. The congregation loved it. During that service 14 people gave their lives to Christ, and 23 people rededicated themselves. PRAISE GOD!In the evening the team was again split up for more church.

This brings us to today, Monday, and as we reflect back on these glourious days we want to turn the praise back to God. For he has truly shown himselves in our lives and in the lives of others. We thank HIM for showing us his love, mercy, grace, patience, and kindness. Finally keep us in your prayers as we travel back. Please pray for our health, both mental and physical, to be able to hold up on this last push of traveling. Thank you and God Bless!

Staceys Update

So far we went to many different places and have done different things.  The Lord has placed on my heart to testify about my shyness.  God has given me strength to get out of my comfort zone and I was able to testify twice.  Both times one person thanked me for my testimony.  That helped me see that God wanted ME to go on this mission trip.

We went to the camps Tuesday and observed a sea of tiny shacks.  There are over 2 million people in this camp all living on top of each other.  No floors, just sand.  No walls, just a piece of plywood.  No drywall, insulation or boards.  Wires strung from shack to shack and none have circuit breakers or are run behind walls.  No indoor plumbing.  They must go to the main area for water next to the toilets for their water and carry it back to the shack.

We went with Pastor Charles on that day and arrived to children dancing for us.  It was amazing.  The ages ranged from 4-12 yo.  They took turns leading the dance.  Each child had an opportunity to lead, even the 4 yo’s!  There were about 20 children dancing.  It was so cute to see the younger ones that gathered as they joined in the dance on the side of the main group.  The smiles on these kids!  They go from ear to ear and it touched my heart.  The mothers with their babies would wrap them up, sling them on their back with a towel to hold them up.

Pastor Charles introduced us and Pastor Lee gave a Gospel message and we then passed out sandwiches, oranges and juice.  We then place approximately 100 pairs of shoes on the childrens feet.  We had them organized – small, medium and large – I asked Earnest to help me and he stayed with me, but when we handed them out it was a stampede.  They were all in line and all of a sudden the mothers were shoving childrens feet in our face.  It did not matter if the shoes fit or not.  Anything was better than nothing.  So sad!

For the kids that did not receive shoes, we gave them candy.  We ran out of everything we had, but we pray it helped.  When we were leaving, there were two women that gave their lives to Christ!  Praise God!

Bill’s Update

Hello Church!

The Lord is Great and greatly to be praised!

His Word has gone out.

He has said it will not return void.

Praise His name!

It is Friday morning here in Cape Town and we are preparing to go one last time to the school in the suburb, Ottery.  Please pray for us as we minister to the little ones in Grades 3, 4 and 5 today.

We are using a song we sang in VBS years ago, “I will make you fishers of men if you follow Me!” (Remember that one Jeannette and Tim?)

The Lord has allowed us to minister to many people thru song, witnessing and preaching.  One of the things we have been focusing on as a team is “why am I here today?”  We were doing a HHH feet ministry in the camps this past week and was blessed to be allowed to lead two young ladies to the Lord.  Please pray for Salena and Amanda as they are new Christians.  We are bringing Bibles to them on Sunday.

The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock and let the God of my salvation be exalted!

On behalf of the team, we apologize for the lack of news. Please forgive us as have no internet access at the place we are staying, have been extremely busy with ministry commitments and have been exhausted…!

Thank you for your prayers and support. CP2010…

Earnest’s ministry

Ottery Farms-
Wednesday was the highlight of our Trip thus far. Bill, Alex, Pastor Danny (FBC) and I went door to door. Our mission was to go to the people of the community to see their need and introduce them to Christ. Their needs were great, from toilets to water, better homes. One woman didn’t have her own house and therefore couldn’t have her children (ages 14 and 9) stay with her on this farm where they live.

In order to stay on the farm your husband must to work on the farm or you would be kicked off. Another woman was down because she was the only one without electricty. Of the four houses we were able to visit, fill out a  questionaire and give tracks to, seven adults and five children came to the worship service that night after being invited during the questioning. PRAISE GOD!

Alex’s

I would like to take the time to tell all you wonderful folks just what has been happening in my life. I have been able to share my testimony with several different churches. Some of those churches included FBC (Fellowship Bible Church), Dock’s Mission, and Strandfontein. i had been approached by many people after my testimony to say that what I have been doing in my life inspires them to live a life with Christ. That’s why i believe i am here, to inspire people through God’s word.Along with testimonies i have been able to help with the setup of what we would be teaching to the kids. This includes tying tires together with wire after punching holes in the tires with screwdrivers. This was very hard work. That’s it for me, hard work and testimonies. Thank you for your prayers.

P.S. I love you mom, dad, and Stacy.

Thursday 10/07/10

Monday provided a wonderful time to take in a vast amount of South Africa. Also known as a tourist day. Stacey, Bill, Alex, Megan, and John the driver all went to Cape Point. While there we took in the spectacular views and battled the fierce Southern wind. Later they went to barter at a local street market. Earnest, John, Kieth, and Lee decided that they needed to defend their homelands in a good old fashioned golf game, sorry folks the Brits took the win by two points. Once back at home everyone met up for a steak grill-out, unfortunately Lee and the Doyles were not able to make it as they had studying and preparation to do. The other half of the team also tried to start up the hot tub in the front of the house but were unsuccessful in getting it to heat up.

Tuesday allowed part of the team to go to FBC. Megan and Alex went to a bird sanctuary with some of the kids, while the rest stayed back and helped the teachers. They also ministered to the kids. Later that night the whole team went to Khayelitsha, which is a squatter camp, to hand out shoes and to do a small feeding. This was a heart wrenching event. At the beginning the kids danced all in sync for the team as they arrived.

October 4, 2010

Good morning America!
Well after making it to South Africa safely with all of our luggage, we have been quite busy. Being in another country, continent even, has left some of us weary in the night. However we have been adjusting to the sleep schedule slowly and surely. Friday was an awesome day, with a spaghetti ending. Barbara is an excellent cook and we really appreciate her hospitality. FBC and Koinonia cafe in the early part of the day.  Saturday provided the unique opportunity to go to Docks Mission. While there Earnest sang his heart out and Alex gave a slightly nervous testimony.

They really know how to break the ice in the beginning of the youth service. They had a game called house and tennant, which involves putting your hands up with another person to create a house when music that is playing in the background stops. That is where Earnest’s inner youth came out, he nearly won the game! We were also treated to a dance team called the Venoms. THEY WERE FANTASTIC! Coordination knew no bounds for them, dancing is incredibly popular here.

Sunday was an experience that all of us will never forget.

Bill and Alex went to FBC where Bill preached out of Jude about the apostacy in the pilgrim, prime evil, and patriotrical ages.  He exhorted the Church to Contend for the Faith!

Keith, Megan, Barbara, and John went to Full Gospel where Keith preached about the Second Coming. Megan gave her testimony and many came up to her after to thank her for  sharing it with them.

Earnest, Stacey, Lee, and John (our fantastic driver) went to Durbanville where Lee preached out of Job.

Sunday evening involved Stacey, Earnest, Megan, Bill, and our wonderful driver John. Stacey poured her heart out in her testimony and Earnest sang. Earnest also preached about are you saved, where six points were made.

Keith and Barbara went to Strandfontein where Keith preached. Also a wonderful man named Smiling Joe was met by all.

Lee and Alex went to Eastridge where Lee preached out of Job again and Alex gave another testimony.

CM2010 Team.

“”Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ – this Jesus whom you crucified.”  Acts 2:36

Team News – Saturday, October 2

Greetings Church!
The Lord is Great and greatly to be praised!

The team arrived on time and tired late Thursday night. After settling in, we slept for a couple of hours, then Ministry at FBC in Ottery. We had an impromptu soccer match (Ernest still thinks he is a teenager…) Upon completion of the match, we brought a Gospel message to the children and then had lunch with them.

Saturday (today) is a day of sightseeing and then ministry at Docks Mission Youth group meeting tonight. We look forward to worshiping with these teens.

We covet your prayers! In Him!

Bill and the CM2010 Team.

Bon Voyage

Our bags are stuffed with soccer balls, candy and the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are filled with the Spirit and look forward with anticipation as to what He will accomplish.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:17

Tuesday – one day to go!

We praise the Lord for providing us this opportunity to minister to those in desperate need of a Savior.

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,  To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever.  Amen. Jude 24, 25

Bill and the Cape Town 2010 Team.