Hello

           Greetings from cold Johannesburg. I know that this goes out to many folks in the USA and you are experiencing a hot summer in many places. In South Africa we are in the midst of winter and the temps have been very low and are expected to stay low for some time. As I write this I am sitting in my flat with heaters on and multiple layers on to stay warm. Snow is being found in the mountains of South Africa and the country of Lesotho.

             The past several weeks have went by in a fast pace for me. There have been several folks from all over Africa here in town undergoing medical care. I am blessed to say that surgeries have gone well and folks have gotten good news from medical tests. The cold weather here is hard on folks who live in hot areas otherwise and they are learning to deal with the cold while here.

              In past Jabberings, I have told you about some cultural aspects of living in South Africa. Once again I want to tell you about a very important aspect of Learner Drivers here. I brought this up as just about 10 days ago my only niece got her learners permit in the states. Here is South Africa Learner Drivers are required to only drive in vehicles that have a large red “L” on the back windshield of the car. Also, drivers here can’t get a license until they are 18 years old, this would put a lot of kids in the states out of driving before they get out of high school! Isn’t it amazing how different things are from one country to another!!  We Americans who live overseas often find things in the country we are living that are from the USA. Just recently I found Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup that was made in the USA! Oh what memories of eating Chicken Noodle Soup with crackers. I do have to admit that we pay a lot more for these imported items but I do splurge and buy them sometimes.

               Each time I have written you, I have talked about the Hospital Visitation Ministry at Edenvale Hospital. I have been blessed to have been about to go almost every week recently. It does break my heart to see so many folks at the point of death but then I rejoice as I see those able reading the gospel tracts that we share. Continue to pray for those of us who go that we would be a light for Christ in sharing His love.

                I wrote last time about my possible trip to Zambia. Well, I did get to go from June 12-20. I had a terrific time with my friends there as we went for 2 nights to a game park in the country. That was so much fun as we got up close and personal with lions, warthogs, elephants, hippos and buffalo. Wish I had the time and space to tell you all the details but if you want more details, just ask me and I can send you an email. Lets just say I was so close to a lioness that I could have petted it!! The rest of the visit I got to rest and relax which is what I needed.

What’s Happening Next?

                 Our mission compound in Johannesburg is undergoing many changes. There is a second story being added to our office building and many folks moving this way in all the transitions. I do ask for prayers in all the transitions and changes. We don’t want to lose our focus on the reason that God has called each of us here. In future correspondence, you will see me refer to my missions organization as “IMB.” The organization has chosen to use this acronym in light of security and ease of sharing the goals set forth.

                For me personally, the next several weeks are quiet. Just coping with the cold weather at present can be challenging. The homes here do not have central heat so you get creative on where to put heaters and personally I use lots of candles for their warmth. With all the candles lit I am ready just in case the power goes out!

                 Our medical office continues to operate the same way even with all the changes. We have folks coming and going from all over Africa in the next few months. Pray for Drs appts and surgery that are coming up. We anticipate being back into our main office in December this year.

Prayer Requests

  1. -          Safety on the roads as I travel place to place taking missionaries to appointments
  2. -          Denise and I as we minister to folks
  3. -          Edenvale General Hospital Ministry
  4. -          Surrounding African countries who are in crisis situations, especially Zimbabwe
  5. -          Missionaries who are in South Africa now or are coming here for medical care
  6. -          My family in the USA as we deal with finances, etc from far away
  7. -          Many upcoming changes in Johannesburg with IMB’s restructuring

Praises

  1. -          God’s protection over me as I drive all over the city
  2. -          Freedom in worshipping God ( I pray I don’t forget the blessing)
  3. -          Missionaries who have been here and gotten answers to medical problems
  4. -          Good holiday time away recently

As I conclude another Jabberings, just let me say Thank you for all your prayers and financial support. God continues to bless our organization through the giving of His people to the ministry work even with the recession that is going on around the world. Pray for God to work mightily in the hearts of folks around the world as they join Him in His work. I am blessed to serve those who are out there in the bush, villages and towns sharing Christ. Thanks for praying for my support ministry.

God’s Servant to Servants

Jane Lawson RN

IMB SubSahara Africa Peoples Group serving in South Africa

Psalm 91
 

 

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