Romans 12:10-13 (ESV)

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

-Elna-

One of the things that made our decision to join the Finesterre Vision team very easy, is the fact that we will be planting a church. God’s wisdom is so clearly displayed in his design of the church – we are not left to work out our salvation by ourselves! When we are unified with other members of the body of Christ, we get to serve one another with  the gifts He has given us. We get to bless others and be blessed by them. Involvement in a local church body is critical for spiritual growth. This is where we are fed with the Word, taught and discipled, admonished, encouraged…

Colossians 3:16 (ESV)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Our trip to California the last two weeks was an example of how the extended church family can be just as great a blessing.

Sebastian put it very well when he noticed spoons at the table in Orland: “With the Whites you just know you’ll be getting desert!” This was true both in Orland and in Sacramento. Our host families and churches filled our bellies with delicious food. And they nourished our souls!  We are so thankful that we got to meet these dear fellow believers.

We met in the van Straatens’ house many years ago! Anton and Marietjie were members of Grace Fellowship Pretoria before they came to The Master’s Seminary. They hosted the young adult meetings where I (Elna) first heard Ryan teach. What a sweet reunion!

Pray for us as we have two more weekends away from home. And after that as we finalise things in Phoenix and pack! In just four weeks we return to South Africa.