Each day in South Africa has been different and has provided an unique look into the many languages and cultures that make up South Africa. What hasn’t changed has been the wonderful weather. South Africa has several climates. The area I am staying and working is a Mediterranean climate. The summers are generally dry unless one is close to the Mountains. The winders are generally rainy and in the 50’s. However, just north of us the rain drops off to half of what is received in Cape Town and is a part of the Savanna.
During the day we have spent time together with Mattie who was here 20 years ago with Dave. This trip she has braved alone to see the work both her and Dave have so generously helped over the many years. It is also a good time to spend a few hours each day seeing some aspect of South Africa. Steve has said you could be here all your life and still not see everything there is to see.
Steve and I both start our day early. He is up around 5 am to prepare material, read and write. I am up with the sun as well which is before 6 am. I spend time reading, writing class material and Steve has given me so excellent material to read. Afterwards we have some excellent tea and a breakfast. Then it is off to juggle the details of the details of classes, the Bible’s for Africa project (the building is a key part of this effort) and the BCC ministry. Steve has helped countless numbers of adults and children by his efforts with key people who are really geared up to serve.
One of Steve’s goals has been to train, equip and encourage people here so that when he is finished the people here won’t need America to do the work here. It should be the goal of every missionary to work themselves out of a job. Steve and I have talked and our shared vision is that his work be completed in 15 years. The ongoing work would only include sending Bibles as long as they are needed in South Africa.
We have seen numerous people with languages from all over South Africa as well as many from around Africa. The mission here is primarily to the South Africans but make no mistake the impact is Continent wide. Many of the Bibles and those reached do make it back to their home and the gospel is able to spread.
The last few days we met with several different groups. One is a small church that meets on the farm at Anathoth. Brother Robbie is going to be set aside a week from Sunday by his congregation and it looks like Steve and I will be able to participate. Brother Robbie has been a Cape Bible Seminary student for some time. It is exciting to see the growth of a whole congregation through the life of one taught.
Tomorrow will take Steve and I on a much longer journey from Cape Town. I will be preaching at the invitation of the Xhosa Elders (through Ntobie) to preach in a Xhosa congregation. Each opportunity brings new challenges and opportunities. Nothing is quite the same as the last one. Being a more rural congregation the length of the service is unknown and depends on the Elder leading the service that day. I anticipate that the sermon itself will be at least an hour or two. This trip will require the entire day and will have some photos and stories to share.
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