Hi All,

          Since we last spoke with you, we have been to our annual mission team meeting in Johannesburg and enjoyed our Easter break from school.  It was a long trip to Jo’berg, about 14 hours, but was well worth the trip.  The worship times were wonderful and very meaningful.  Seeing old friends again was fun.  Participating in seminars was often educational.  There were over 400 of us, with kids, at the meeting so it was a BIG meeting.  In addition, I want to say a BIG thank you to all of you for supporting us.  Without your gifts to Lottie Moon and the Cooperative Program, we would not be able to have these meetings.  Your gifts provided the money for all our travel, lodging and meals.  But more than that, it provided us with a chance for personal spiritual upliftment.  Thank you!

          In other news, the ministry with the car guards is continuing.  It was a bit of a struggle at the beginning of the year as the men were discontent and grumbly a lot.  But, I guess if you look at their situations, they have reason to be grumbly.  But, it sure made it hard to minister to them when all they wanted from us was food and money.  However, persistence, love, good listening skills, and lots of prayer won out.  As of last week, another guard has become a Christian.  He is regularly attending a local Baptist church and the pastor’s wife has asked him to join a cell group.  He is very excited about this possibility and even talked to Gail about it and just about being included.  Thank you for continuing to pray for these men.  We ask that you pray concertedly for Thulani and Smiley.  Thulani knows the Gospel with his head but needs to accept it with his heart.  Smiley is holding out but I think it is more to do with Thulani not making a decision for Christ.

          Be also in pray for Ronnie as he continues to teach a full load at the seminary as well as the preaching engagements he does around the Western Cape.  Continue to pray for the Vision, 4th-7th grade, group that meets on Friday nights.  There have been up to 20 children coming to this along with four leaders.  Many of these children do not attend church but they like this program so much that they bring their friends.  Please pray that they would hear the call of the Lord on their hearts. 

          Along this line, please pray for our church, Claremont Baptist, as we change our Sunday Schools to be more of an outreach to unchurched children and their families.  The format is more open and vibrant in ways that would appeal to those who do not like the regular structure/format of church.  Pray for each of the teachers and helpers.  And pray that each of us in this congregation will be attuned and open to the new people who enter the church’s doors.

          Finally, please be in prayer for Gail’s father.  He had his pacemaker replaced 2 weeks ago and is on oxygen at night.  He has chronic pulmonary obstructive disease and heart disease and emphysema.  Pray that God will ease his discomfort.

          Thank you so much for being a part of our family and our lives.  We have felt your prayers and seen the answers to them over these months and years. 

          By His Grace,

          Ronnie, Gail, James, Sydney, Simeon, and Samuel