January 2004 Update

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Monthly Ministry Update

January 2004

www.equippersinternational.org

Vol. 2 No. 1

Jesus is Building His Church in DeAar

We were able to return to DeAar in January to experience what God is doing in the church there. There are many exciting things happening there since our ministry last September. Rodney Kirkpatrick from America joined us as Stephanie, the children and I traveled to DeAar where we spent five days ministering to and encouraging the body of Christ.

Many of the leaders in the city have really embraced what the Lord is doing to bring greater unity within the body in their city. I can't explain to you how wonderful it is to see men laying down selfish ambition and agendas to see the kingdom of God come instead of clinging to their own kingdom and the traditions of the past. The Lord has really given us an open door of opportunity in the city and we will be returning there from time to time to encourage and equip the body.

Most importantly, there are 3-4 men who God has really called to serve the body on a broader scale in South Africa who currently minister in DeAar. We will be spending more time with these men to help them grow in their calling and ultimately fulfill God's destiny for their lives. Pray for Danny, Vicus, and Rev. Van Sail, as they are key men in the city. They are humble men who want to see the Lord's purposes come in DeAar and throughout their nation. It is such a joy and privelege to be able to work with these men.

Pray that we will hear the Lord clearly on what needs to be done in DeAar and when we should return.

Being Led by the Spirit?

I have been thinking recently about what it really means to be led by the Spirit. Paul tells us in Romans 8:14, "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." These are probing words as we consider our activities and how we make choices everyday. I have asked myself, "Are you being led by the Spirit, or are you just doing what you think is best?" When I think of it this way, I am sobered and forced to look inward at the motives that drive me. Not only is it better to be led by the Spirit, it is the proof that we are children of God! I believe the Lord is raising the standard. Have we sold ourselves short? Have we compromised the purpose of God in our lives? Yes, we may be forgiven of our sins and going to heaven, but is that all there is. Isn't there an exciting adventure of being led by the Spirit of God every day that awaits each one of us as we take the time to hear His voice and follow. Jesus said something amazing in John 3:8 when describing for Nicodemus what it meant to enter the kingdom of God. He said you must be born of the Spirit and then He said, "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." This last part is what strikes me. While there is so much said today in the church about being accountable and really finding your place in the program, Jesus' words penetrate. Jesus tells us that those who are born of the Spirit will live a life that will be perceived by others as the wind. They will follow the Spirit's leading, but they will not know where they are coming or where they are going. This may sound a bit risky for some of us - even irresponsible. But this is the life we are all called to as children of God. As we completely surrender to the Spirit's guidance in our lives, we will go places and do things that we never expected. We may even be misunderstood by others who have not yet learned what it means to be led by the Spirit of God. Irregardless, we are called to be led by His Spirit. Only He knows best where we need to be and what we need to do. So we need to become more intimately acquainted with the Spirit of God and realize that He is wanting to guide us in everything we do. It is only by being led by the Spirit that we can bear fruit for the Lord and be assured that our labor is not in vain.

Family Update

Camille, Natalie and Wesley with "Ouma" (grandma), and her great-grandsons in DeAar. They were wonderful hosts for us during our five day stay.

We began another school year this month. Natalie started first grade and it is her first time in "big school." Now she wears a uniform and has reading homework every night. Camille is in 2nd grade and is starting to learn Afrikaans as a second language in school. We joined a carpool with another family so we don't have to drive both ways twice a day. That's a blessing since we're driving quite a bit more since we moved to the farm.

This year already feels like an important year of development and growth for us as a family. We believe God is maturing us in many areas. Please pray for God's grace to be upon us as we seek to grow in wisdom in our marriage, in raising our children and in relating as a family. Camille and Wesley have started occupational therapy to improve low muscle tone. This is very common among children and their therapy will really help in their development. We are very blessed to live on the farm, because the best therapy for them is horseback riding and our neighbors have given us unlimited use of their family pet, Skummel. She is a wonderfully gentle horse and the kids love riding.

As the Lord directs in the ministry, we believe this year will be a significant year of Cliff sowing into the lives of several men here in Worcester and Wellington as well as traveling more regionally in South Africa.

Pictures and Highlights

Corporate meeting of the body in DeAar

Girls in worship service in DeAar

Cliff and Victor Tshabalala in DeAar

Men's retreat in Worcester
Pictured left to right: Stefaan, Henzel, Anton, Rodney, Tony, Louis, John, Brian, Ivan, Cliff &
Johnny (seated)

Shannon Gray from America with the family less Wesley
Not sure where he was?

A kiss from Wesley! (This is his favorite "funny" face.)