The past two months have held a bit of everything—from meaningful milestones to some very unexpected moments with Michael breaking his nose! Through it all, the Lord has been bringing a growing sense of clarity to our calling. As we’ve been in this season of sharing and fundraising, we’ve found ourselves wrestling to put words to the vision God has given us. And in that process, something has been quietly taking shape: what once felt difficult to express is becoming clearer. It has been both stretching and encouraging to see how the Lord is using this season to sharpen our sense of call, particularly toward Mongu and the Western Province of Zambia.

Greetings from Cape Town!

Over the past few weeks, we’ve had several opportunities to share about the ministry at a number of different churches, some smaller events, and at the Bible Institute of Southern Africa. It’s been so busy, but we are thankful for the opportunities that have helped us to think more clearly about the vision the Lord has given us.

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
Proverbs 16:3

Birthday Month

February was a special one for me (Renee) as I turned 43. I am so thankful to God for giving me another year to serve him and enjoy the life He has given us. It is truly a gift and I never want to take that for granted.

It was especially fun getting to celebrate here in Cape Town (and making the most of a birthday freebies that Cape Town has to offer!).

One of the highlights was going up Table Mountain together as a family—it felt like a proper “Cape Town moment.” On my actual birthday, I took Caleb to the Two Oceans Aquarium, and he absolutely loved it—especially the sharks and all the “Nemos.”

A Special Day for Caleb

One of the real highlights of this month was Caleb’s baptism on the 22nd of March. It was such a special day for us. As we stood there on stage, it felt a bit like a wedding, where you vow to love your husband/wife. This time however, we were vowing to raise our son in the ways of the Lord and to set an example of Christ-like behaviour so that he too may one day come to know and accept God’s Love for himself. The weight of that responsibility was very real to us. May the Lord be our helper!

We were especially thankful that dear friends and neighbours from Zambia were able to be with us for it. They have been our mentors and have also taken on the role of being a spiritual grandparent to Caleb. It meant a lot to share that moment with people who have been part of our journey with Caleb from the beginning.

It was a simple but significant time—publicly committing Caleb to the Lord, and reminding ourselves again of our responsibility to teach him about the love of Jesus.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8

Exploring the Sights with Friends

Our neighbours from Zambia had come a week before Caleb’s Baptism and we had the awesome privilege to show them all the beautiful sights of Cape Town. We took them around the Cape Peninsula with a visit to Cape Point. They loved experiencing Table Mountain and the spectacular views from the top. We took walks in the forest and on the beach and had a wonderful time of fellowship and fun together in the lead up to the Baptism.

Graduation at GWC

I had the unexpected privilege of being part of the official GWC graduation where I received my certificate for completing the Explore Course (Correspondence Bible Course).

Last year in April I completed the Explore Course in Zambia along with Mr. Paul Ngoma and Mr. Felix Mulenga. We had been trying to get our certificates sent to us there in Zambia but there were so many delays. But as it turned out, this was a blessing in disguise because it gave me the opportunity to be part of the official graduation ceremony and receive my certificate in a gown on the stage. It was unexpected but really special to be able to celebrate that milestone here in Cape Town with friends.

I broke Michael’s Nose!

And then… a slightly less celebratory moment 😬

In a rather unfortunate early-morning incident, I managed to accidentally (?) break Michael’s nose. Caleb had woken up, and as I usually do, I brought him to our bed and gave him a gentle toss into the middle—except this time, Michael’s face happened to be exactly where Caleb landed. We heard a crack, followed by a roar of pain, and our peaceful morning quickly turned into chaos.

Thankfully, after a visit to the doctor and some X-rays, it seems Michael’s nose, though broken, is still relatively straight and should heal well. He is still quite sore, but we are very relieved it wasn’t worse!

A Change of Pace

On the 5th of April, I (Renee) will be heading back to Lusaka for two weeks to coordinate another Entrust training. I’m really looking forward to being there and reconnecting with people, but it will feel a bit strange going on my own this time.

Michael and Caleb will be staying on in Cape Town, so this will be our first stretch of being apart like this. We would really value your prayers for all of us during that time—for smooth travel, good health, and grace in the change of rhythm.

Life in the Background

In the midst of everything else, we are still in the waiting for Caleb’s South African birth certificate. We have submitted the application and we’re waiting to hear back. In the meantime we’ve also applied for an extension on his Zambian visitor’s visa. We were told it could take over two months to get a response, but thankfully we are able to remain here legally while we wait.

We would really appreciate your prayers for favour in all of that admin—it often feels like a small thing, but it carries a lot of weight in this season.

Looking Ahead

As we head into April, much of our focus will be on the upcoming Entrust training in Lusaka, as well as continuing to visit churches and build on the connections and clarity the Lord has been giving us during this time.

We are so aware that this season is one of both being stretched and strengthened—and we are deeply grateful to be held and supported by you in it. Thank you for praying for us and supporting us as we serve God even here while we are in Cape Town.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
1 Peter 1 : 3

May you have a wonderful and Christ-filled Easter celebration as we remember Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross and his powerful victory over sin and death through his resurrection from the grave