1 Thessalonians 5:24 “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”

How often have we heard that we should be confident in God’s faithfulness and how we should put our faith in Him alone? It sounds easy when all is well. Paul tells us in Romans to “be joyful in Hope and patient in affliction,” but in our human nature we think we know better and we try to do things our way. It is only after our way fails that we remember our Father who is faithful. We thank God that even when we lack faith, He remains faithful. Sara and I are excited about the coming of our little boy in December. In April, I had the privilege to go to Mozambique. It was in the weeks following Cyclone Idai that devastated villages. While I was there, God was so near. Looking around and sitting with grandmothers and mothers and fathers who had lost everything, God spoke to me about his faithfulness and the hope I have in Him that remains constant no matter what is going on around me. At that same time, I sent Sara a message telling her that I had had a vision of us visiting the US and she was obviously pregnant. We were praying about starting a family but we were worrying about timing. and the world was telling us about all the things we had to worry about if we are to get pregnant, but God doesn’t operate that way. Deep in Mozambique I was in the middle of so much heartbreak, and He was so kind to talk to me and show me that vision. He said, “See how faithful I am. When I call you to go and you obey, this I have promised, I will do for you.” When God spoke to me at that time, we were already pregnant but we didn’t know it.

While Xolani was in Mozambique, there were a couple days that I had an uneasiness in my spirit. I found myself reading the book of Jonah. I knew immediately that the uneasiness was due to a worry about the depth of God’s call over our lives. I was worried that it would be tough and that I would want to run away from it to something easier. As I read, I saw God’s mercy to Jonah in not letting him run away. My dad once said that Jonah being in the big fish was the best thing that ever could have happened to him. God gave me such comfort and showed me that His mercy would always surround me and he wouldn’t let me run away. I know that He will hold me and be near to me when He asks me to do something difficult. He is faithful to those He calls.

God was speaking the same message to both me and Sara – that He has called us and He is faithful. We trusted in His promise. It was such a gift for us to hear the Holy Spirit, and for me to have that vision of Sara being pregnant while the prayer was already answered! God was showing us that He is true to His word. He always keeps His promises. We tend to worry, but since that time we have had peace. In the months following, we have faced difficult situations in our work. People we love are going through incredibly difficult times, and we have been called to love and serve them through these times. We have experienced loss and grief. But we have such peace in being here and knowing that this is God’s plan for us.

We just returned from the US, where Xolani’s vision was played out. Sara was obviously pregnant while we were there. We pray Sara’s mom’s prayer for our little boy – that His heart will be tender toward the things of God and the voice of God. We are so thankful that we can trust in His promises, and we are so thankful for the ministry that He has given us with Hands at Work.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Amen!

“Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace in this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16 : 31-33

On Sundays, we pause to anticipate the coming of Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. #40Days2019 #Handsatwork

Join us in prayer for the communities in which we work in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, which were affected by Cyclone Idai and are still being affected by floods. Pray for our children and families who have lost their homes, their harvest, and in some cases, the lives of family members. Pray for the other thousands that are out of our reach but still affected.

Psalm 103 “He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.”

As I watch Sara and Nozi together, I am filled with joy in the knowledge that His grace and mercy are true each day. It is by His grace that we are able to celebrate Nozipho’s birthday as family and friends. Our prayer is that she will find Jesus as her Lord and Savior and that she will not lose her way. We pray that she will know our Lord, full of Grace and mercy. We pray that she will play her part in growing His kingdom. We are all called to this ministry.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

As Xolani and I think about this year, we are filled with excitement and some nervousness. Last year held highs and lows for us regarding the places and individuals we serve. None of us knows what 2019 holds, but our Father knows. And he has promised to strengthen us, help us, and to uphold us. We trust him. We miss you and are praying for you.

22 The Lord’s unfailing love and mercy still continue, 23 Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise.