LEGACY.
I am finally able to sit in front of our computer and type this letter. As I type the words my heart is in a very tender space. My mind and my heart have been restless and at peace, all at once, as I process my dear friend, Donnae Thomas’s death (13 Nov). Reflecting on the past 4 months, I am aware of Father God’s everlasting arms beneath us as a family.
Two days before Donnae passed away, I was telling her that she needed to stick around, as she was a huge part of my support structure, and she was also a safe space to be. When things felt overwhelming I could have a cup of coffee at her kitchen table, sitting across from her, and we would solve the problems of the world. She would always remind me to look after myself and we would pray about every situation.
Barry and Donnae Thomas have been a wonderful team as our pastors here at Westway Community Church and their friendship has been such a support and encouragement to us in our lives and ministry with ZEMA. Please pray for Barry T, his family as well as our church family.
GOD’S GOODNESS ALWAYS.
Peta-Jade has had a difficult semester with so many challenges that she has courageously taken on and has fought for herself when wrongly accused. It has been such a good, heart happy time to see her growth. She has passed her second year BA Psychology with three distinctions out of her four modules.
Nathan has sold His chicken business to me (Louise) and is looking at other ways to make a living. Please pray for him as he grows and learns, he really struggles with fear of the future. He tends to look at the waves and forget that Jesus is in the boat with him.
Barry’s wrist rehabilitation process of twelve weeks has been slow and hard but also good. The x-ray of his wrist revealed that his arteries are filled with what looks like cholesterol and so he will see the cardiologist as soon as he can get an appointment.
He damaged his shoulders when he fell and broke the wrist. And so, on the day after Donnae’s memorial service, he had left shoulder rotor-cuff surgery. Recovery is once again painful, slow, and hard, appreciate your prayers.
I (Louise)have been struggling with my health as my body has been taking strain. I have an appointment with the Cardiologist today as I have been having scary symptoms and so we are checking out my heart to see if everything is okay. Please pray that we are able to find the cause of my symptoms and treat them so that I can be healthy again.
ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS.
Ministry has been good over the past four months. The Lord has added another ZEBS Alumni and Mukhanyo student to my life and I look forward to doing life with Mrs. N as we process some hard things together. I still meet weekly with Miss N; we have been meeting for a year now. We pray together over God’s Word and encourage each other in our faith.
We had the wonderful privilege of hosting Geff and Katy Lee (dear friends who live in America. Geff is a member of the USA ZEMA Board) as well as Mike and his precious wife Jill (Mike is the current Chairman of the ZEMA Board)
Barry went to ZEFA conference and found it interesting being there without being able to help much with the physical setting up of the tent because of his wrist. The weekend was so encouraging as he remembered God’s faithfulness and the excellent work Jesus is doing in various places amongst the AmaZioni churches.
The Monday morning Bible study has been going for 9 years now. It has morphed into an additional day as they have now decided to meet on Saturday mornings to discuss theological issues. Barry cannot get to all of these meetings as he has ZEBS every second Saturday.
However, when he does get there, it is so good for him to be able to take part and He reminds the members to follow Jesus with their hearts as well as their minds. Please continue to pray as God does beautiful things through His Spirit and Word.
We ended our ZEBS year with a beautiful graduation on the 29th of Nov. It was so encouraging seeing the students organize the event and pull everything together even as Barry and I were weary from grief and recovering from surgery. It was also such a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with some of the students, getting to hear their stories and encourage each other. It was such an enjoyable time of celebration.
SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS.
This Christmas has come so quickly, and we have mixed emotions about it.
Even so, we will take the time to be grateful and praise the Lord for His Son, provision, kindness, and comfort in the midst of the mess.
We will remember Jesus is coming back again as we “Consider Him!”
We love and appreciate you all, thank you for being part of our journey.
God bless you all.
Barry, Louise, and children.
Giving in South Africa:
Bank details.
Standard Bank Current Account; Acc name: ZEMA; Acc no: 081047401;
King Williams Town; Branch no: 050419; Ref: “Your name/ Adkins
