Here we are already in the third term of 2024. At missions ablaze we are heading into summer, hot days, wind and no rain yet, well September can bring us all 4 seasons, and we are having them right now, snow in many parts, torrential rain and 70 m p h winds! Our friends in America are in the fall season and heading into the colder days.
Well, whatever the weather your side, the son of righteousness will never stop to shine in our hearts and lives and make us an example for those around us!!
2024
2024 has been a very challenging year so far but Jesus is Lord of Missions Ablaze and we put all our trust in Him.
Our Missionaries completed the David Watson Course of Discipleship and 3 asked to be Baptised. We pray that the Lord will guide their path forward and that they will stay forever in His care.
In April, Tinus was seen by Dr Dirk Pretorius a cardiologist in Umhlanga. He together with his partner, successfully inserted 3 stents in the heart arteries. Tinus had to take it easy for 6 weeks, almost impossible! He now sees the Drs again at end of October. Please keep him and the state of his health in your prayers.
During February we had a visit to the Mission Station of Tinus’ Grand- and great-grandkids. We thoroughly enjoyed the 2 little ones with visits to the Animal farm and the sea, while we put Dad Francois to work helping to make a “donkey” hot water system for our kitchen.
Hennie and Hester treated us to a week in the Cape with them end February, we rode the Hop on/Hop off busses and enjoyed the sights, and wind! and the fellowship.
We then celebrated our 4th Anniversary down at Port Edward Natal South Coast. This was a gift from Pat and Ian (sister and brother-in-law)
We love to take some time out of our busy schedule and just have some time alone with one another and away from the hustle and bustle of Missions Ablaze
On 3rd June disaster struck our village of Tongaat, a tornado tore through at about 5pm. There was devastation to the East,North and West of us, but Missions Ablaze was spared any major structural damage.
Over 700 homes were destroyed and many families were left with nothing. The community from all over KZN rallied around. Tents and Halls were made available for immediate housing, water and food trucked in by the various NGO’s. Our Missionaries jumped in and cooked meals for over 250 people daily at a time while still going out to the Shops to collect provisions and supplying our regular NGO’S. We had extra food, clothing etc donated by the NG Gesins Kerk Ballito and Umhlanga, Grace Family Church, Food Forward SA, Checkers Distribution Centre, Freshmark Verulam and various individual supporters. Ballito Garden club sponsored 50 blankets for distribution. Many of our usual sponsors and our Friends sent monetary donations to ensure we had diesel and gas to handle the extra load. It was a heartbreaking time for all and for many their lives are not yet back to normal as they suffered huge losses.
The Missionaries handed out bundles of clothing, cooked meals, made up fruit and bread parcels and used the opportunity to talk to the people about the life with Christ. You know, if we do not use the opportunity to share the Good News, we will be wasting golden opportunities. Our team worked far into the nights helping to alleviate some of their hardships.
Missions Ablaze was Blessed to have our team of Missionaries with us during that time.
The Boys and Girls came through at an unexpected time and did not flinch but poured themselves out with many extra hours worked, Bless them!!
Thank you to all who saw the video I sent out requesting assistance and heeded the call. We appreciate you all.
Thank you as well to Into Africa Ministries, our Vito van worked overtime!
In July we also assisted at a Sustainability Drive in La Mercy supplying clothes, fruit, vegs, soup to those back in their homes
Mandela Day in July, saw us out and about again, handing out loaves of sandwiches that had been donated by Grace Church Ballito. It was gratefully received .
NG Gesinskerk Ballito also donated rain jackets to our Missionaries who were very happy to receive this gift as they often have to load and unload vans in the rain .
August is Women’s Month in South Africa so together with House of Life in central Durban, we collected clothes to be handed out during a Women’s Meeting of Praise and Worship
August was a bittersweet month for Missions Ablaze and our Family as we said “Au revoir” to Hein and Carina. They have left to spend time in Hangzhou near Shanghai in China. Hein is going to teach English to Junior Children. Hein came down from Pretoria when both Meisie and Tinus got sick to assist in the running of the Mission in 2015 and has been here ever since. We wish them well and know that God has a special plan for them over there. We will miss them terribly.
Shoprite Distribution Centre and Freshmark in Verulam has also been generous in donating vegetables and fruit to us on an adhoc basis. This has helped to fill a pot of soup, an evening meal, fruit for the kids. We appreciate that call to collect when it comes through.
We were able to refurbish and hand out 2 wheelchairs to NOCCA in Tongaat as well recently.
Tinus was invited to the Missionaries Conference at the KCF in Johannesburg at the end of August. It was great to meet up again with fellow Missionaries and a Congregation that has supported Missions Ablaze and many others over the years. Blessings to Pastor Morgan and his Team
Prov. 22:22+23 “DO not rob the poor because he is poor, nor oppress the afflicted at the gate; for the lord will plead their CAUSE, and plunder the soul of those who plunder them”
You do not always know or see what it is that you mean to this ministry. We are forever thankful and aware of the fact that your part in the calling God has placed on our lives, is immense, and we cannot thank you enough for all you have done!
If you are reading this and are not yet involved with us, we would love you to be part of it. Join the Monthly Partners or get in touch to help however you feel you can.