As you pray -11 April 2008

One of my latest struggles is that because of my bodily weakness I am finding it increasingly difficult to receive visitors. Most of you will remember how I just loved meeting and talking to people. In it all, one of the lessons the Lord is teaching me in my illness is to look back at past abilities, privileges and opportunities and not mourn my loss but to be thankful that I had them in the first place.

"Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—" (Psalms 103:2)

On Sunday Kjell said goodbye to Christian Goebel and his family who returned to Germany this week. Before they left they came by briefly and showed me photos and video snippets of a trip together with Kai Knieper to the Weenen outstation for the Sunday service. It struck me again that God is working in a special way amongst young people in that area. Let us remember Kai, the team that ministers in Weenen and the ministry.

Two brothers from the Solid Rock Quartet, Innocent Mabuyakhulu and Philani Majola, came by and sang one of my favourite songs. Yesterday Philani flew back to Ireland where he has been working for some years now. He and his family would appreciate your prayers.

Let us remember Onkel Friedel and Tante Rita in a special way. They flew to Europe this week where a heavy schedule awaits them.

Juerg Laederach has sent me an update on Onkel Friedel and the team. Yesterday they were in Thun (Switzerland) and this weekend they are in Wiehl (Germany), close to Bielstein.

The Kaltbrunn brethren are looking forward to services with Onkel Friedel and the team next Sunday, 20 April.

Our prayers are also with Kjell and Margrit Olsen as they prepare to fly to Europe next week. The main invitation is to the 2008 Conference of CFT Switzerland (26 April) but they will also be visiting the brethren in Romania and be able to attend the European Ministers' Conference (21 to 23 April).

It was good to hear from Georg Grau in Lindach. This weekend they will be having the wedding of Arthur Vogel and Debora Germer. We wish the young couple God's blessing.

On Wednesday Michael Ngubane and Thomas Maphanga drove up to Malelane from where they, John Powys together with Tom and Japie Fouche travelled to Mozambique for services at Carlos Vilanculos's place this weekend. Your prayers will be valued.

Greetings from Dr Francois Louw and his family in Namibia. This weekend they are expecting Andre Gerber from the Eastern Cape and a Korean brother. The visitors have been invited to address a meeting of the Christian Businessmen's Association in Windhoek on Monday. May the Lord be glorified.

The staff and students of Cedar College of Education will appreciate your prayers for their graduation tomorrow (Saturday) evening.

In a devotion during Radio Khwezi's German hour this afternoon the preacher, Horst Knabe, repeated the challenging statement to us as Christians,

"Every Christian - an evangelist.
Every non-Christian - a mission-field."

I was moved.