What an amazing trip!!! Numbers 6:25 tells the real story, “May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you.” From the beginning to the end, we truly sensed the favor, blessing and smile of the Lord on us. We arrived in Eastern Washington in mid-October and worked in and out of Grace Harvest Church (pastored by Doug and Peggy Sherman), our home church in Moses Lake. Over the next weeks (about 2 months), it was wonderful to have quality time with our family, our church family at Grace Harvest, and many long term friends in the Northwest. It was great to renew friendships with both family and ministry partners in Pendleton, OR, Portland, OR, Jefferson, OR, Tri-Cities, WA, Moses Lake, WA, Quincy, WA, Spokane, WA, Aberdeen, WA, Old Town, ID, Sandpoint, ID, several other places in Western Washington. There are two strong things that stand out to us. One is the love and warmth shown to us every where we went. The second is the great generosity to both us personally, and for the work of Zimbabwe. We so appreciate the great love we experienced, and the generous sharing of your homes and resources.
Family News Since a number of you have asked about our children and family abroad, here is an update. We are showing more pictures (since they are alleged to be worth 1000 words each) and minimize writing.
Tandi’s beautiful wedding to Bobby Jacob went well at the Oregon Coast in mid-December. Surprisingly, there were breaks in the normal rainy time and we actually got on the beach several times during the week, including a break to get photos done. It was so nice to have a few days of cherished family time to celebrate together.
Tandi & Bobby Ian & Abbi Ian is in his final year at the Bethel School of Supernatural Discipleship, in Eureka, CA. He and his fiancé, Abbi, plan to be married the weekend after school closes in May. We plan to be there for both milestone events.
The Dalton Family Danielle and Josiah Dalton live in Fort Worth, TX. They have two lovely daughters (Liberty 3 1/2, and Destiny 1). After Tandi and Bobby’s wedding, we traveled back to Moses Lake, then flew to Texas to be with Danelle’s family for Christmas and the Holidays. It was wonderful to have the 4 plus 3 weeks (3 added because of COVID) with them. Had lots of Grandpa and Grandma time to spoil the girls. An additional bonus due to the “Covid” extension, is that we got to be present with Danielle for her 40th birthday, and Destiny’s 1st Birthday. Michelle, Darren, Matthew & Andrea Michelle got married to Darren Gathercole in South Africa in January, just a short time before we arrived back in South Africa. They plan to have a celebration in late August when more friends and family can be present, including us. Her kids, Matthew and Andrea are doing well. Pleasant Findings 2 Timothy 2:2 “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Upon our return to Bulawayo, it was so fulfilling to see that the staff at Victory Learning Center has caught the vision and are running with it. Currently the enrollment is over 54 students. That's the highest it's been in several years. We are very happy to see it run without us and are so excited to see God’s faithfulness and the faithfulness of our awesome staff.
The Victory Fellowship Queenspark Church is also growing and moving ahead. This is a church plant we were given oversight to take care of and build up. The leaders left in charge have done a great job, so the church is growing. Well done, good and faithful servants
The SMILE Garden has struggled, yet we are doing adjustments here and there to see it really prosper. Please pray with us for the prosperity of the farm. The vision here is that single moms will have a safe and secure to see their lives built, restored and helped. The garden will be a place for work and support.
Building Going Forward Again If you remember, last year we started building the multipurpose building at the SMILE Village. Work on the toilet facilities was begun last year and we built until our resources were depleted. We have a great report. Thanks to generous sponsors on the trip, we are now starting to build again. It looks like there are enough funds (at least over US$40K) that came in, so we can totally complete the toilet block (as required by the city), then put up the steel structure and roof for the rest of the building. It will still be some distance to complete everything (about US$60K), but everyone is excited that we are on the way again. If you would like to make an investment into helping us complete this needed building, contributions can be made through the normal giving channels and clearly designated for “ZW Building Project.”
Gratitude Thank you so much for all your outpoured love throughout our trip to the US. We were so blessed and humbled by your love, honor and generosity. The hospitality shown to us was warm and welcoming. Thank you for such a wonderful trip. May the Lord repay your kindness 100 fold. Our prayer for you, Numbers 6:25 "May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you." AMEN!