Chronicles from Africa

Robert & Esther Marsh – March & April 2011

South Africa & Democratic Republic of Congo - Church planting and radio ministry & Bible School

Greeting from Africa:

WYLA GRINGS:  Continue to pray for “Aunty Wyla” (Esther’s mother) as she’s fondly called and known.  We have recently received quite a few personal letters from those of you who have known her over the years.  Thank you to all of you who have expressed your love and appreciation for her faithful service for her Lord.  Because of her dementia, names of people don’t mean anything to her, but we are able to convey to her your love and prayers for her, and of course they mean so much to us as well!!  She has taken a few falls recently and so they have moved her to the frail care section, in the home.  She is frustrated with being confined but has become so unsteady on her feet.  They are also feeding her now, as she won’t concentrate on eating otherwise. It is so hard to see her like this, but as soon as you sing to her, she immediately brightens up, or calms down. Pray that the Lord will continue to give her His peace and His word in her heart and mind!  We thank all of you who continue to support her financially and uphold her in prayer.  It is the reason we are able to put her in a good and competent home that can care for her needs!

ESTHER: is involved in quite a few personal discipleships among the teen and young adult girls, as well as putting a lot of time and effort into teaching the choir and giving piano and guitar lessons.  She spends Thursday afternoons at the church in order to be available to those who are interested in these things and just a time to get to know the young people.  Friday afternoons is “Olympian Club” and we are having about 30 – 40 children. She has 10 youth helpers. Pray for each part of the program. This includes: the joint singing- where important truths are taught in song (The children can take these simple choruses and songs home and witness to their families through them.). The game time- to teach good sportsmanship, and the message time- as we implant God’s truths and values, and then the discipleship time- where we meet in smaller groups to teach them how to have a daily quiet time and meditate and memorize Gods word.

ROBERT:  I would ask for your prayer in being a good steward of my time.  For the Holy Spirits continual guiding and filling and using me in this ministry.  One of my greatest prayer requests is for Christian men to lead Christian families.  I have such a heart’s desire to shepherd and grow our men in the spiritual leadership of their families.  Of course I need your prayer that I will be and do the same learning and growing and applying in my own family.  As the shepherd of this flock I feel strongly the need for your prayers that I would be growing and grounded in His word, filled with His wisdom, and kept by His grace!

FAMILY SEMINAR: was a blessing, with godly challenges in every part of family relationships, husband, wife and children

EASTER WEEKEND: too was a great blessing and encouragement, as we had a Friday service remembering our Saviour’s willing sacrifice and then sunrise service and morning service.  Our church enjoys watching the sun rise and reading about, and thinking of the women who went to the tomb only to find it empty, Hallelujah!  Esther was able to bring out her accordion to accompany us as we sang the resurrection songs.  Afterwards we all enjoyed breakfast and then we went into our morning worship service.  This year there was light rain and we saw a rainbow along with the sunrise.

BIBLE SCHOOL in South Africa:  Another prayer and praise is we were able to begin our first classes in our bible college.  We will be having different classes,  Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings, covering topics such as Book of Acts, Women teaching women, Church History, How to study your Bible and a few others. Pray for our students, that they will grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

OUR YOUNG ADULTS: The young adults plan on making a mission trip up to Venda, to run a VBS and serve however they can be used with one of the missionaries (Godfrey Ngomane) that our church supports. Do pray for the Lord’s continued direction and Christian growth in their lives, also for Christian mates.  They do a lot in our church and are heavily involved in serving the Lord.  Pray that each one will follow the Lord’s leading, and protect them from sin and the world!  We have two young ladies in College in Pretoria, and have been able to guide them to a good church while they are away from us.  Pray for the Mbingeleli & Lina Nthimkulu’s as they lead the Young Adults. 

OUR YOUTH GROUP:  We have a rather small youth group this year, as many moved on to the Young Adults.  Pray for a new outreach among the youth of this area.  They meet regularly on Friday nights for games, singing and message/discipleship time.  Pray for Geoffrey & Monica Bull as they lead the Youth.

FURLOUGH:  What is that? We really need to go to the States on furlough as a family.  Most of you, we have not seen as a family since 2002, but the Lord has seemed to put that on hold.  Travelling and re-locating a large family is expensive.  Also, we need to remain here for as long as Esther’s mom needs us, and so we continue to serve the Lord where He has placed us now.  We would appreciate your prayers and patience.

In Christ,

Robert, Esther (we are not over the hill yet, just have a good view), Aunty Wyla(82),  Joshua (15), Cherith (12), Jordan (11), Jeremy(8), Chelsea(5), Chaylee(5) and Winnie Pambo(23)