Jeremiah Jude

 

 

 

I know that a lot of you already know that Amber and Jako’s second son was born on December 14th around 3 am, South African time.  His name is Jeremiah Jude Joubert and he entered the world to find a very loving father, mother, and brother waiting for him.  Unfortunately, he came after I had already left South Africa and was in the states, so I had to be patient and wait to meet him until I flew back to South Africa.  Luckily enough, I had Jeremiah and Jakob waiting for me as I arrived with all 4 suitcases in the Johannesburg Airport last week.  What a beautiful boy Jeremiah is and Jakob absolutely loves having a little brother, he cannot go more than a few minutes without giving his “bhuti” a kiss.  Welcome Jeremiah to Mukamba and into the ministry God is doing through us all…including you!!  

Here are a few photos that attempt to catch the “cuttestness” of Jeremiah, however, it is much better in person!! 

6 Days and 275 lbs. Later

 

As most of you know, I spent a lot of time collecting donations and supplies for the preschool while I was home.  Everyone was so generous and ready to help in big ways…I had people make name tags for me; set up job boards and morning meeting agenda; donated several educational toys, books, money, and other misc. supplies; find luggage to get everything over to Zambia; donate time to getting things ready; packing bags; shrink wrapping the bags; and a whole bunch of other things.  I did not deserve all this help, but I a ever grateful for the time people invested into God’s children who are the ones that will reap all the benefits.  After all of this, I am certain that this will be the best preschool anyone has ever seen in the bush!! 

As I collected supplies, the spare bedroom at my parents house was over flowing with educational toys and other supplies for the preschool.  I assumed that everything would magically fit into the suitcases I had planned to take over, but to my surprise my plan flopped, so on to a new one.  After packing and repacking for about 6 days, I had finally had everything in order to get as much over as I could which was immediately needed to get the program up and running.  Once everything was where it needed to be, my luggage weighed over 250lbs.  I had three ministry bags full of supplies and a personal bag that as stuffed to the rim with supplies as well.   Praise God that he provided all the funds to get my luggage back to Zambia and I was able to meet up with Amber and Jako to drive everything through the boarder instead of trying to fly it in through airport customs. 

I am most excited that everything made it to South Africa and the drive up back home.  I can’t wait to get the school cleaned and ready for everything to get set up.  I will be sure to post pictures as soon as everything is ready at the school…I know you all will love to see all the supplies you donated waiting for children to manipulate them and jump start their learning process. 

Thank you again to everyone to generously helped out and joined in the ministry through prayer, encouragement, donations, and personal time.  I could not have done this without all of you and of course our Savior. 

 

A Taste of Tonga

After taking some time to rest in December, January was full of speaking engagements and opportunities to share what God is doing through me in Zambia.  Not only was I able to meet one on one with supporters, I was also privileged to speak to a couple middle school classes, Sunday school classes, and I even got an evening service.  God used each of these opportunities to glorify himself in what he is doing over in Zambia.  Thank you to everyone who took the time to meet with me and hear about the ministry God has placed on my heart. 

 
              
 

Every moment was special and unique, but I would have to say that the most interactive moment was the evening service I got to speak at.  After the service, with some help, I had set up an event called “A Taste of Tonga” where people were able to walk through and experience some of the life of a Tongan village person.  There was a table set up with facts and pictures about the culture (i.e. HIV statistics, poverty, hunger, orphan stats, water availability, etc.); a water carrying station where each person had to carry a 5 gallon bucket filled with water a short distance; a corn grinding station to experience the effort Tonga’s go through to prepare a meal; an opportunity to balance a large bag on corn on their head; a table set up with the local food ‘nshima’ to taste and information on how much different families around the world eat in a week compared to the village people in Africa; and finally there was a table set up to give them the opportunity to get involved with the ministry through updates. 

 

 

Everyone really seemed to enjoy the experience and I hope that it helped them gain a little more insight into the people group that God has called me to serve at this time in my life.