Dear Praying Friends,
In last month’s update, we highlighted the needs of Sivuyele School for the Deaf and our ministry there. We are so thrilled to report that as of about two weeks ago, we have seen sponsorship commitments for all 11 children for one year! Thanks to all who are participating with us in this effort! Your generosity has given us the chance to testify of God’s grace and compassion to many parents of these children, as well as a handful of representatives from the department of education. Please pray for further opportunities for witness among all those involved.
For this update, we thought we’d give you a break from the long epistles you’ve been getting and instead just give a brief update, with prayer requests, from each of us . . .
George: Opportunities for preaching/teaching continue to grow. From preaching/teaching in church, to BLI classes, to Bible studies, to small devotionals for various groups . . . I find myself communicating God’s Word more times per week than I ever have. I love it, but I am regularly struck with the heaviness of this task. James 3:1 regularly rings in my ears – “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” Please pray I’ll preach and teach faithfully, correctly handling God’s Word (I Tim. 3:15).
Amy: The past few weeks I’ve been teaching another computer class two mornings a week. As I get to know my students and hear of some of the needs and the struggles they face I see their even greater spiritual need. Please pray for M, N, and Z that they might see their need for Jesus as a result of the Bible lessons they hear during each class. For the month of November I’ll be teaching the children at our church for children’s church. We currently have four when they all come, and I’m enjoying this ministry more than I thought I would. A personal prayer request would be regarding my elbows. I was recently diagnosed with tennis elbow in both elbows (much worse in my left), and at times it has been quite painful. If I do my physio exercises and limit use specifically in things like chopping, stirring, whisking, etc. I have far less pain, and I’m thankful for George and the kids being willing helpers anytime I ask.
George David: Thank you so much for your support in prayer! The year-end is bringing some busy, yet exciting events for me, and I would appreciate your prayer in these areas: (1) University exams are right around the corner! South Africa takes exams quite seriously, as they contribute at least 60% toward my final grade, so the pressure is definitely on. However, God has blessed me with a successful semester, which has kept me in high spirits heading into exams. Please pray for the motivation to keep studying and finish the year strong! (2) I have the opportunity to make some US dollars over my November-January university break and will be traveling in early November and late January; please pray for safe travels and success in finding a job! I will be staying with my girlfriend’s family in VA, which leads me to . . . (3) Sarah and I have been dating since August 2 of this year and are extremely excited to see each other for the first time since dating. Long-distance dating is certainly not ideal, but definitely worth it (awww…). Please pray for us to continue growing together as we grow closer to God!
Ashley: The last ten weeks have been busy with going to classes, doing homework, working in the library on campus, meeting new friends, making memories, and growing in my relationship with God. Over all, I am enjoying college life, although most days I wish my mom was the campus cook! After volunteering at Knysna Christian Mission School, it has been so helpful to see connections between my time there and what I am learning in class. Having that perspective has given me far more motivation than I would have had otherwise. Outside of school, I am attending Pequea Baptist Church, where I recently joined the worship team and now play piano almost every Sunday. I am enjoying being back in music ministry, and it has been the perfect way for me to be involved in the church. The biggest lesson God is teaching me is being content with and making the most of the here and now. It is so easy to wish these college years away, since I am so looking forward to being home again, with my family, my boyfriend, and my friends. However, I know that God has me across the ocean for a reason, and I know that He knows what is best for me. Please pray that God will continue to help me to be content with the here and now, and please pray that I will continue to set my focus on Him.
Alyssa: As the school year here comes to an end and I look ahead to my final exams beginning on Monday, I’m thankful to be able to say that this school year has been a great year, both academically and for personal growth. I’ve been able to deepen and strengthen my friendships as well as form many new ones, as well as have an influence in the lives of several classmates. Please pray that I would be able to continue to be a testimony to them and that they would see Christ is me, and please pray for these upcoming exams! A lot of pressure is put on final exams for grades 10-12, as they count for 75% of our final grade for the year.
As always, we are thankful to each of you who pray for us and support us. Send us a note to let us know how you are doing and how we can pray for you.
With love,
George, Amy, George David, Ashley, and Alyssa