The next chapter

It feels like a new chapter for us, with a different focus in ministry for both Ian and Judy. 

Dr Seuss with Olivia and Emily 

We are co-leading a course called Life Plan for Couples, which is proving to be deeply impactful for the participants. We continue to mentor a few people and couples.  

The beautiful couple in the picture below, Andre and Elze, asked us to prepare them for marriage. What a privilege. We attended their wedding in Bloemfontein in early January and will continue to walk a journey with them.


Beats and Books

One of the local ministries to the under resourced is Beats and Books, headed by friends of ours, Cornelius and Prima Ngosa. The journey we have been walking with them as a couple has expanded into Ian spending a lot of time assisting with the reshaping of the ministry for 2026. Ian feels the need, in this case, to move from hands-off mentoring role to the practical assistance of building capacity. In line with their motto, "Empowering children and youth to thrive musically, intellectually and spiritually", we have already done the following:

- Found a volunteer head of music

- Implemented a learner management system

- Interviewed and accepted eighteen additional learners from the community, mostly in Grades 1 to 3. 

- Beats and Books has the been nominated as recipients of eight Social Economic Empowerment staff. They have been registered and due to start in a week or so. 

There is still a lot to do, with fundraising, and the development of new premises for the ministry. Yes, the land has finally been transferred into our name. 

Cameron from Michigan  

It is strange how the Lord works. We usually think of Americans doing mission work here in Africa but... due to a 'strange' series of events, Ian has been mentoring a young leader in Pontiac, Michigan weekly online. It seems that there is a need to implement coaching and mentoring principles into one of the local Christian Universities, and Cameron would like Ian to be part of it. 

Please pray for us as we consider a trip to the States to both visit Cameron and his wife Lyndee, and also to raise funds for Beats and Books.  

Visits

Sandy and Patrick Black came from Pretoria for a few days, and Riana vd Merwe, a friend and colleague from Hatfield Christian School came for a visit while on holiday in Jeffreys Bay. We were enjoying ourselves too much to remember to take photos. 😎

Handiwork

Judy made 10 unique Christmas placemats, four of which are shown below. It was great fun to do, and sooo good for her wellbeing.


She also made a quilted wallhanging for our bedroom, which Sandy Black helped to finish off with hand-sewing. It was a fun time together.


Fishing

The season has begun again, and Ian has been out in his kayak and done well.

Family visit

In early December, Heather and family came down, and for a few days, everybody else joined us. What a feast of fun with the girls and close moments with each family member.

Amy teaching Emily to do handstands

The Benecke family at Cape St Francis lighthouse

Robynne (David's wife) enjoying a moment with Emily (Heather's daughter)

Abby has smiles for Granny.

David enjoying time with William (Amy's husband) on the beach


The video above is a skilful method that Emily and Olivia found to eat blueberries. 🤣


December holiday

We had a week in the Baviaanskloof at Speekhout farm (highly recommended). Four nights with David and Robynne and her parents, Michael and Glynis and then three nights with our dear friends, Peter and Joanne Grenfell. Judy managed two hikes, and thoroughly enjoyed them.

Judy at Organpipes cave on Speekhout Farm


Jigsaw puzzle fun with the Baudins

Time with Peter and Joanne👫👫

Church camp

Our annual Global envisioning camp at Eersterivier was a glorious time with 'family' in the most exquisite place. We were reminded of the five core values of Global Challenge in a refreshing and fun way. In the photo below, we are right at the back of the line.

Our house church family (life group) 

Unmatchable Eersterivier

Judy's health

Take a 👀 at this video! In Nov 2024, I banked my voice. A company called Elevenlabs used AI to create a voice for me. Whatever I type on my tablet with Grid 3 software, it will speak in my voice.


Prayer pointers
Give thanks for the huge number of blessings 😇😁
Pray for:
  • Beats and Books to flourish in its God-given vision. 
  • Doors to open for the trip to the USA. 
  • Judy to settle into a new way of connecting and communicating - for courage and vision.


Comments

  1. Celine1 February 2026 at 20:25

    So good to hear and see you living so happily.
    Lots of love, Celine

    ReplyDelete

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