Political tension. Flooding in Houston. A difficult pregnancy for Loren. Jack engaged in the gritty work of writing a 100-page thesis. All while maintaining part-time ministry roles with East Mountain -- whew! This year has been full of challenges and the unexpected.
It's hard to live a life split between two continents. The sad irony was not lost on me that while Houston has experienced historic flooding, the ongoing drought in Cape Town (the worst in over a century!) has become a desperate situation. The area relies solely on rainfall for its entire water supply, and levels in the reservoirs are sitting at ___%.
The government has imposed a water restriction - each person is only allowed 16 gallons of water per day - that includes showers, drinking water, laundry, cleaning, everything! It has been a huge challenge for our friends and team members there. Fines for exceeding the water allotment exceed $500!
The truth is, the local government has no back-up plan for when the area runs out of water. We know those most deeply affected will be those who live in poverty and have limited access to resources. They can't pay a private company for bottled water.
Please pray with us that God would end the drought in South Africa.
Throughout this year, the Lord has been teaching us patience - and reminding us that we walk by faith, not by sight. There have been moments I'm tempted to feel like we are in exile, not unlike the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. I'm thankful for the lessons and warnings we read in Scripture: that God provides water in the desert and a way in the wilderness ... and He does not take kindly to grumbling when things don't go our way. How I long to be like Abraham, faithful and sure of His goodness even on a journey full of the unexpected!
Thank you to you, our supporters and friends, who have faithfully stood with us through it all. Thank you for your partnership, your generosity, and your care!
Reflecting on 2017:
It has been a strange year to be back in the U.S.!
Political tension. Flooding in Houston. A difficult pregnancy for Loren. Jack engaged in the gritty work of writing a 100-page thesis. All while maintaining part-time ministry roles with East Mountain -- whew! This year has been full of challenges and the unexpected.
It's hard to live a life split between two continents. The sad irony was not lost on me that while Houston has experienced historic flooding, the ongoing drought in Cape Town (the worst in over a century!) has become a desperate situation. The area relies solely on rainfall for its entire water supply, and levels in the reservoirs are sitting at ___%.
One of many dams near Cape Town - the only source of tap and wastewater for the region. (The water level is usually up to the top of the bridge pictured, or slightly below.)
The government has imposed a water restriction - each person is only allowed 16 gallons of water per day - that includes showers, drinking water, laundry, cleaning, everything! It has been a huge challenge for our friends and team members there. Fines for exceeding the water allotment exceed $500!
The truth is, the local government has no back-up plan for when the area runs out of water. We know those most deeply affected will be those who live in poverty and have limited access to resources. They can't pay a private company for bottled water.
Please pray with us that God would end the drought in South Africa.
Throughout this year, the Lord has been teaching us patience - and reminding us that we walk by faith, not by sight. There have been moments I'm tempted to feel like we are in exile, not unlike the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. I'm thankful for the lessons and warnings we read in Scripture: that God provides water in the desert and a way in the wilderness ... and He does not take kindly to grumbling when things don't go our way. How I long to be like Abraham, faithful and sure of His goodness even on a journey full of the unexpected!
Thank you to you, our supporters and friends, who have faithfully stood with us through it all. Thank you for your partnership, your generosity, and your care!
