These Times April 2014 edition

 How can it be that 3 months has already passed since our last update!!!  As I talk to people tho, it seems like everyone is experiencing a similar shock at the speed with which time is passingJ

Ministering one sunday in Stanger with friends and supporters, Neil and Cheryl (Neil is on the left)

The first term of our 2014 has been full, fun and fulfilling.  Marks loved his times of teaching the Zion Bible School (ZEBS) in Umlazi and Durban Bible College, as well as, his trips to Lesotho as he and Eric consider if its time to start a ZEBS there.  He also enjoyed his weekly zulu lesson at the French Café here in Durban.  Gotta giggle at that oneJ  He is practicing all the time.  He ran regularly and was especially blessed to run a number of times with one of his best friends from Cape Town, Andre, who was in town a lot on business. 

Mark and J having fun with others from Durban Bible College (Brad is on the right)

A glimpse of the group growing in Lesotho, wanting a ZEBS to start

Barb and the kids saw some excitng times in school this term….tho its amazing how heavy the blankets are during the week compared with on weekends.    We’ve seen some lovely growth in both the children and are so thankful for their individualness.  They both celebrated their birthdays… J is now 15 and K 13!

Mark with some of his running buds

We have loved seeing Js creativity come out in his writing this term and enjoy seeing his natural bent in science.   J draws all the time, loves cartooning and gaming.  He plays the drums often and loves to listen to music (modern classical and heavy metal being his favorite).  He has been swimming regularly with Mark and continues scouts.  Our great news is that he has been taken off his asthma inhalers and we have been given the ‘go ahead’ to manage his chest symptomatically. 

The kids at a recent homeschoolers outing to uShaka Marine World

Kar has been enjoying a writing course which has her reducing her chapter book writing to concise short stories.  The way she puts words together is so fun.  She continues to gym 4 days a week and is loving learning her level 7 routines and her 2 ballet classes.  Her hip continues to remain painfree, tho she is careful to warm it up slowly.  She and Barb were able to go and watch the Africa Champs this year as it was held in Pretoria.  Africa sure has some lovely gymnastsJ

Barb remains busy with school prep, making sure everyones scedules are sorted and tries to get some exercise in too.  On mission ‘loose weight’… againJ  Have been priveledged to walk a difficult road with a friend.  Still walking …  Life can be messy and we all need the love of friends we can lean on.  Spoken from a place of personal experienceJ.

While in Pretoria recently, Barb had the opporutnity of spending time with Christa (who was her boss when she worked at Groote Schuur Hospital when she was an OT).  This was one of the people who has and still does impact her life greatly.  One of the gems the Lord blessed her with:)

Updates on folks mentioned in our last letter…

Andile’s mom is back and doing well.  PTL but continue to pray.

Godfrey lost his job (as the company did not want to process his visa).  So he is back looking for work. 

The 2^nd term promises to be full, fun and fulfilling as well. 

Mark wants to work one on one with a Zulu language helper this term, before going back to the French Café.  He needs a language helper. 

We are mindful of the requests for counseling training and are praying about how to fit that in.

Barb is planning a curriculum change for school.  Tapestry of Grace have given us a 40% discount and we’re looking at lowering cost by going electronic with the books. 

J still needs a regular and dependable drum teacher.

We’re trying to find a computer tutor or course that would meet the childrens needs. 

Mark will be teaching  ‘Sending Missionaries’ this term at Durban Bible College.

Umlazi ZEBS will continue on Monday nights.  Pray for safety in travels.

Mark will take over leading the young adults at our church this term while Brad is away.

We will need to make the decision about whether we can allow Kar to join a group from her club at a Gym display in Finland next year. 

And so life marches on, all completely within His sight.  Pray He’d find us always looking for His open doors, His will and leaning in His strength.  As you pray that for us… we’ll be praying that for youJ 

Till next time.

In Him

Mark, Barb, JJ and Kara