God is at work

Sorry, I thought this blog had posted on Monday...seems like I am slacking in getting posts out. We have had internet issues...it goes down for a day or two at a time or it can be really slow. Here you go. Another one soon.

Earlier this week Susie helped Lois and Amber host a Christmas party/lunch for the hospice children. They had a blessed time as they ministered to these children.

It is truly amazing how God works out so many details... We experienced that today and in anticipation the first day of services for the first multiracial Bible-believing church in Thabong, an all black township of 250,000. It is amazing how God provided just what we needed as far a location, equipment, people and helpers. Louis preached an awesome message. There were 25 people in attendance, praise God! About half of them were unbelievers.

Construction on the house is going well. The ceiling and walls are painted and trim work begins tomorrow. Brian & Lois are on a much needed holiday until Thursday so work will progress a bit slower without him, we expect.

The zucchini and yellow squash in the garden have come up and the rest of the plants should soon follow. Last week 45 trees were planted on the property and it is obvious they will make a great impact (shade and decor) as they mature. 18 of those trees are fruit trees to provide food and nutrition for the children who will be living at Restoring Hope Village.

Cultural Moment...

Bob & Susan were at a little outdoor breakfast place at a strip mall and a normal looking armored truck drove up along with a small sedan like a Honda Accord. Out came a guy from the car and walked up to the ATM machine about 15 yards from us. He unlocked the secure door of room behind the ATM and then locked himself inside the area to load money into the machine. Next a guy wearing a bullet-proof vest carrying a machine gun (finger on the trigger) jumped out of the armored truck and scoped out the area 100 feet each way of the ATM. He stood a ways off and signaled a third guy who jumped out of the armored truck with the money bag on a hand truck. His hand was firmly on his revolver which was strapped to his chest as he walked up to the ATM and handed over the money bag to the guy behind the secure door. He guarded the ATM for the 10 minutes that they other guy was filling the machine. Brian later told us that the armored truck guys have the most dangerous job in South Africa. People actually knock off these trucks and rob them. I cannot imagine and am glad no one tried while we were there. Everyone went about their business as usual except us "Americans" who rather enjoyed (in retrospect) the diversion.

Have a great week.