What
a start to 2016 !!….and to think we have reached April already.
In
the 3rd week of January 2016, I had to undergo should surgery, on my
dominant side. The rotator cuff had a
100% tear and quite a bit of work was done on 2 bones in the joint. I was not prepared for the levels of pain or
the long-term recovery period. After a few
days, I was re-admitted into hospital because my blood sugar levels were too
low and I was not coping with the pain.
Thankfully, I am on the mend. I
am able to drive my car again and have become more independent. Physiotherapy is tough but necessary and I
hope to have full use of my arm within 12 months.
Family news:
My daughter, Roelene has an on-going battle
with health issues, due to her thyroid
having been removed 6 years ago. At that
time, she was treated for Thyroid Cancer.
Recently, she spent a week in hospital as further tests were done, as
her body is not absorbing the replacement thyroid medication correctly, and was
diagnose with Thyrotoxicosis. She has
also been tested for metal imbalances. The results have not been very good,
with very high levels of mercury and other metals. A new course of medication
has been added to detox her body and we have to research all foods to be sure
that she is not consuming too many metals
(goodbye Sushi!) Slowly, she is
recovering and has been able to return to her teaching position.
My grandson, Cullen, will be turning 1 year old
in April 2016. He is Granny’s heart-throb and came into my life at the
perfect time to fill the gap left by Peter. Another blessing is that he
will become a big brother later this year.
Ministry
News:
The shoulder
operation limited my typing abilities but at last I am managing to keep up with
the clerical work that I do for AFMIN (Africa Ministries Network).
In 2016, we will be holding graduations in the four countries where I am
involved. This means much updating of student data and reports. I
love this sort of clerical work which the Lord has allowed me to use in
ministry. As I am not a a pastor or evangelist, this is a wonderful way for me to be involved in
service to the Lord and the people who do go out and win/nurture souls.
Many of the pastors and church
leaders who are been trained by AFMIN, would otherwise not have the opportunity
to gain this type of knowledge. 37 subjects are offered over a 4 year
period. Further to this, Students who
graduate with an Advanced Diploma have the opportunity to register to do a
Degree in Theology at the South African Theological Seminary (SATS).
Currently, I am involved in ministry in Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania and
Uganda. The
year ahead:
There
are 4 more AFMIN Schools (Conference weeks) during 2016, which I am trusting the Lord that I can
attend. Due to the operation, I had not
been able to travel but have now been given the go-ahead by the medical
people.
During
the Schools, I am directly involved with interviewing each student so as to
ensure that they remain up-to-date with their studies and other practical requirements,
so as to aim for graduation. Considering
that 35 to 70 students attend each “School”, time is of the limit as we strive
to give each person quality time, during their interview. I continue with admin work at home which
equals a full-time clerical position.
This
ministry is extremely fulfilling and has been very beneficial in my searching
for purpose after losing Peter. The Lord
has a calling on each of our lives and it is up to us to seek His Will and then
put ourselves into 100% service, no matter where He leads us.
Prayer
Requests:
*For
the Pastors and Ministers of the Churches in Africa. Ephesian 4:11 – that the Lord will use them
to build up His People and to supply their needs according to His riches in
Christ Jesus.
*Afmin
staff and volunteers and each one strives to fulfil the vision (www.afmin.org)
*The
safe arrival of Simon and Melanie’s baby in August 2016.
*For
Roelene regarding her health issues. For
wisdom to be given to the medical people involved in her case, so that they can
treat and advise her positively.
*For
my health issues. I am Type2 Diabetic
and I have a constant battle as to whether it controls me or I successfully
control it! The diabetes affects my
eyes, kidneys and often is responsible for low energy days.
*For
my safety when traveling, protection on my belongings and that the Lord will
supply my financial needs both for travelling and daily living. As a volunteer, I am responsible for raising
funds through sponsorship.
Please
feel free to send any prayer requests through to me, so that I can support you
in your endeavours and the situations that life present you.
Thank you for taking the
time to read this newsletter.