Happy New Year dear friends! Currently we find ourselves in Durban, in the beautiful lush greenery and the sticky humid heat. We set out on a road-trip from Cape Town on 9 December in a borrowed car God provided for us to use. We thank God for this!
The main purpose of this visit to Durban was to meet with current supporters, raise up more support and visit with my (Renee) family. Our journey had turned into quite a road-trip as the list of friends and supporters we wanted to meet along the way grew.
Driving through the beautiful scenic garden route we reminisced on the trip we did at the beginning of this year to Zambia via Durban. So much has happened this year and we are so grateful to God for his protection and provision through it all.
Grootbrak
Our first stop was an exciting one in Grootbrak with the Colemans. It was the first time we were meeting but the story of how we were connected is so interesting that we have to share it with you. The Coleman’s attended the online services at Tokai Community Church. They happened to join the service where we were introduced as mission partners of TCC and sent off to Zambia. They had also served in Zambia in their younger years, distributing Bibles all over the country. The Lord moved the Coleman’s to support us through TCC before even meeting us. This road-trip afforded us an opportunity to stop over to meet and build relationship with them. We chatted long over a cup of coffee and home-made muffins and what a wonderful time of fellowship it was.
Nature’s Valley to Port Elizabeth
After a night’s rest at Nature’s Valley (thanks to the Sheriffs) we moved on to East London. We made a quick stop for coffee and watermelon with the Kritzingers in Uitenhage near Port Elizabeth. I have known Joey since high school days. It was wonderful to now meet her husband and three children for the first time. We had so much to catch up on but the time was too short. Sadly, we had to say our goodbyes and move on to our next stop: East London.
Glen Garriff
In East London we visited the Ledgerwood family who have become more like family to us than friends. They hosted us in Lusaka Zambia earlier this year (2022) when we were stuck there. Some of you may remember meeting Arthur in one of our video updates.
It was wonderful to spend time with the “growing” Ledgerwood family and see all that the Lord has done in their lives. All Glory to God! After a very special three days with the Ledgerwoods, we had to say our goodbyes. Our next stop was Kokstad.
Kokstad
In Kokstad we visited with the Malan family who have been part of our lives almost from the beginning of our missionary journey. The Malan family have stayed in regular contact with us and prayed faithfully for us. Their love for God is almost tangible and our fellowship together was so uplifting. We stayed with them for 2 nights and had very special catch-up time with the whole family. We thank God for how they hold us up in prayer, love and encourage us every step of the way.
Hillcrest
Sadly we had to eventually move on from Kokstad. Durban was our destination and we were going to visit with my (Renee’s) family. But we couldn’t possibly pass through Hillcrest without making a stop with the Mabugana family. We have known each other since childhood and have been through many adventures and challenges together. It was lovely to spend some time with them and the children.
Umdloti
Michelle Coetzee has blessed us immensely by opening her home in Umdloti for us to stay. Umdloti is a holiday town right on the beach front so we are enjoying the ocean sounds and beautiful sea-views. This apartment gave us space and opportunity to meet up with the family. It was a very unique and special time. This was the first time in about 11 years that the whole Denysschen family was together in the same place. (Denysschen is my maiden name)
My sister and her husband and children live and work in the UK. This was the first time in 5 years that we saw them all and it was especially valuable to connect with them a bit.
Christ Church Umhlanga
We received a very warm welcome at Christ Church Umhlanga. Although we had arrived a bit late that first morning, we were spontaneously called onto the stage to share with the church about our missionary call to Zambia and our most immediate needs(which are financial support and a vehicle). We were so blessed by the many people who came up to us afterwards to talk about Zambia and the mission work there.
We distributed many of our prayer cards and asked that they prayerfully consider partnering with us financially. Please pray that they will be generous and consistent with their support.
We thoroughly enjoyed watching the World Cup Final with the Church family that evening while we braaied and fellowshipped with one another.
We are praying for you’ll in Jesus Name