October - December
Well, here we are again facing the end to yet another year and all I can bring myself to think about is the immovable nature and the faithfulness of God despite all my weaknesses and inconsistencies. It saddens me that I so often fail to see my sin as God sees it,often excusing sin in myself, and recognising it so easily in others. I've been reading a book called the “enemy within” and I was hit with the reality of this quote “The life of the disciple is not for the timid. Most would rather give in to sin than go through the painful work of picking up a cross and nailing their flesh to it.” My obedience to Christ is not going to be an easy task, I must follow Christ and to do so I must die to self. Oh may the Lord grant me the strength and the grace to do it! May this be true of us all as we press on towards the goal.....
In my last Newsletter I said that I was waiting for my results. It is with much gratitude and joy that I can say “ I passed, praise be to God!” I completed all my procedures with just my CPCA's left to do for the new year. There have been so many days where I have been tempted to throw in the towel but God is so faithful, it is really only by His grace that I am still persevering in this. I wrote my mid year exam and I was able to complete the two Theology subjects which I have been struggling to get through. I registered for another subject correspondence and have decided to continue doing whatever I am able to do, at my own pace. I must realise my limitations and be aware of the unnecessary expectations I put on myself. The Lord has been so patient with me, I am so thankful for His love and so overwhelmed by His mercy.
When I was in Jhb I was able to visit Midrand Chapel and got to catch up with a few very special families and that was a great joy and privilege. The Lord blessed me with summer clothes from the Newman's, providing once again for all my needs through His body (the Church)I was able to join the outreach to Olievenhoutbosch, it is so encouraging to see brothers and sisters in Christ reaching out to the community for the sake of the Gospel. I had the pleasure of looking after some of my favourite children. I was reminded again of the impact we have on them when we live out our faith and realised again the importance of teaching them about Jesus Christ. I was able to be a part of the Missions week which was probably the highlight of my year! I got to meet and get to know a couple from Brackenhurst Baptist who are missionaries in India. It was such an encouragement to see how God has lead them and been with them, through the joys and challenges of ministry. I learnt a great deal from them,even in the little time we had together but I am thankful to the Lord for them none the less and hope to be faithful in praying for them.
I'm currently back at work in the Hospital , we have not been all that busy so I have had lots of opportunity to share the Gospel, with colleges and patients alike. I am starting to see some fruit , God honours the work we do when we remain faithful to His word and stick to our convictions. There are a few people who come into the hospital on a regular basis who I am praying for, please pray that the truth of the Gospel will bring them to salvation.
