Newsletter April 2019

This is normally our pretty time with very pleasant weather- but we seemed to have gotten stuck in late October weather. Instead of mild days with lots of rain, it is extremely hot (38-39˚C) with no rain. Last proper rain was in January- this is the driest year anyone can remember, including those who record these things. Most harvests look very sad, again. And you wonder what will the people live off, and yet every year they do somehow survive. Lots of the very big farmers are in trouble too in our region, since there have been many dry years in a row now, and an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease certainly didn’t help.

What we are seeing though, is that as people’s physical wealth disappears, their spiritual treasure increases. We are all learning together what trust in God’s goodness looks like in difficult seasons, and it is beautiful. There is so much more space (and need) for God’s unexpected surprises of provision.  Also seeing how people share what they do have, and be much more thankful. Abundance tend to lead to unthankful wastefulness, none of that for us now.

In sharing, Africa is an example for us. They really care about their neighbours, and even us. So, for this last month, a nasty bug has been shared by everyone in our house. Carl has been the latest victim.


Sinusitis, we think. No medication did much to make it better. Carl’s first time to be self-conscious in his life. After he missed three days at the project, his volunteers were getting very worried. So, I was sent an sms to come pick them up. So, all together they came to see Carl, sympathize with him and pray for him. It really touched his heart that them he is not just an employer, but someone they deeply care for.

Carl has been delving deep lately, and this quote really touched his heart:

“will all depend on what’s filling your heart. Jesus said, ‘out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks’ (Luke 6:45). A critical heart produces a critical tongue, a self- righteous heart produces a judgemental tongue. A bitter heart produces an acerbic tongue. An ungrateful heart produces a grumbling tongue. The words you speak will all depend on what’s filling your heart. But a loving heart produces a gracious tongue, A faithful heart produces a truthful tongue. A peaceful heart produces a reconciling tongue. A trusting heart produces an encouraging tongue.”

It has led to some powerful discussions. Out of the hard road that he is currently on, much good is flowing- and for that we are grateful.

In the drought and many other factors- it has been hard to keep the vegetables up to standard. So, Carl has discovered a renewed passion for hydroponics. In the next month he wants to see if it is possibility for the project, Africa- style. We will keep you updated.

Here some Africa- style idioms to greet you with:

* No matter how many times the teeth bite the tongue, they still stay together in one mouth. That’s the spirit of forgiveness.

* Even though the eyes don’t see each other, they see things together, blink simultaneously and cry together. That’s unity.

* The razor blade is sharp but can’t cut a tree; the axe is strong but can’t cut the hair. Moral: Everyone is important according to their unique purpose. Never look down on others unless you are admiring their shoes.

Be blessed, till next month

Simon turned 7!