Bezaleel Newsletter November 2009

Dear friends

Five thirty on a Saturday morning saw myself and the seven younger children heading out the gate in the bakkie (van) for Kwa Zulu Natal for our longed for visit, albeit a short one to Salvador and Dianne. We left Allen in the capable care of Lizzie, Thoko, Rosie and Walter to spend a quiet weekend at home with Roxanne coming in to cook supper for them. Four and a half hours later found us at Vryheid after an uneventful journey including a long stretch littered with potholes and kilometers traveling behind lines of four to five trucks at a time ahead of us. Salvador and Dianne met us in Vryheid and we followed them out of town to the outlying farmlands about forty minutes away. We then turned down a sand road (actually a mud road) and a little way along arrived at their home.

It was such a joy to be with them again and the children were very excited. Soon after our arrival a couple came to have lunch with us whom I’d met at Elijah Ministries and put into contact with Salvador and Dianne and then we climbed into the 4×4 and went to another family who farm further up, for fellowship and supper. Before we left we were introduced to Phumulani’s mom and a family member and her baby who live in the kraal together. Phumulani was at work at the time and we saw him later. We were warmly welcomed when we arrived at the farmhouse and not long after, Dianne, Kim, Chanelle, myself and the children except Ruth and Precious climbed the mountain on their farm. It began to rain (it had been heavily overcast all the time) but that did not dampen our enthusiasm and the children climbed ahead. Benjamin who had gone ahead with the others began to cry and declared that they would never see mom again but Kim reassured him that I was right behind and I would find them. When we arrived at the top it flattened considerably with a dam before us. The view was magnificent and declared the glory of the Lord. Johnny fetched us at the top, taking another route in his bakkie and we went slipping and sliding down back to the farmhouse to hot baths and dry clothes for the children, kindly provided for by Kim. At about eight thirty that evening we negotiated our way back in poor visibility and very muddy roads to give the children their meds and sort out sleeping arrangements. I slept with five of the children in Salvador and Dianne’s hut and they slept with the two older boys in another hut graciously made available by Gogo.

When we had arrived earlier on, we all squeezed into the bathroom to have a demonstration from Dianne regarding the wonders of the porta-loo. We were instructed that once what needed to be done was done we were to press a lever twice to rinse the bowl. “Cool” exclaimed the children. Needless to say, in their enthusiasm I think the lever was operated numerous times and unexpectedly before leaving for church the next morning the loo began to leak and Salvador had to empty it in the long drop nearby.

Church takes place at Celani’s (Phumulani’s sister) home and we reach there by car. Phumulani preached in English and Salvador interpreted in Zulu. Later in the day Salvador went out with Phumulani for a bible study and Dianne and I went exploring with the children. We went down to the river, crossed it (it’s not very wide at the moment) and up the other side. It is truly beautiful out there with wide open spaces, very green and the clouds lying low over the tops of the mountains. Two scriptures came to mind while I was there which have encouraged me in difficult times.

Psalm 118:5.(NASB) From my distress I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me in a large place.

Psalm 121:1&2. (NASB) I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From whence shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

The simple act of physically looking upward and outward at God’s creation reminded me of the greatness and faithfulness of our God.

Bedtime is a lot earlier because as much as possible is done before dark as light is provided for by candles. Phumulani came over for a devotional that evening and by six thirty the following morning we were on our way home. I was greatly encouraged to see what the Lord is doing in and through Salvador and Dianne’s lives, their faithfulness to our Lord who has called them to serve him there at this time and also for the precious way in which the Lord provides and cares for them and their needs. For the things that still need to be done we look to the Lord with them for provision.

We are also thankful to the Lord regarding Clayton finding employment after about five months of no work in the UK. We would also like to thank Bernard and Carmel from Bridge Lane Fellowship where Clayton fellowships for their generous hospitality in being home away from home for him. Psalm 68 vs. 6 tells us that God places the solitary in families and thank you for being that family for him.

Looking back over the year we marvel at the goodness of the Lord. The children have been well with only Ruth having a bout of strep throat and Ben with shingles. Lily our granddaughter is cared for by us during the day. The children love her and she delights in being with them. Five of the girls started with choir this year and Rosie with ballet. The ballet has done marvels for Rosie’s disability and has been worth the time it takes to have her there. She performs in her first show on Saturday in a dance called the Teddy Bear’s picnic. We had the Music Star Evening last week and eight of the children performed. Lizzie continues to do well in her music and is very committed to practicing.

This week we go for the bi annual blood tests and check ups for the children. It has been a busy year but hopefully things should start slowing down which will allow for time to get other pressing things done. Allen has just gone through a difficult time with his Wi Fi to the point of wanting to throw in the towel. He has been up ’till all hours and at nine o clock one evening found him perched at the top of his 26 meter (about 80 feet) tower checking radio cards with a torch strapped to his forehead trying to figure out what was wrong. We thank the Lord for strengthening his resolve and giving him the ability to keep on.

We want to express our gratitude to the Lord for His love and provision and to all of you who have so selflessly been His instruments in making it possible. May the Lord bless you and may you grow in your love and knowledge of Him.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John15:4&5 (NASB).

I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know me. John10:14. (NASB)

Shalom
Allen and Sue
bezaleel@saol.com