NEWSLETTER
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October 2006
Greetings from South Africa:
Time has continued to march on, and another month has come to a close. Though the month of September did not contain any adventurous African travels, it was still an action-packed, fun-filled month…
With school in full swing, life has begun to settle into somewhat of a routine. I have really enjoyed the teaching experience, as I have been assisting the Zakariasen children with their schoolwork. Looking back, it is amazing to see how God prepared me for this opportunity. Growing up, I attended a school that used the A.C.E. curriculum, which is the same curriculum that the Zakariasen family uses. Over the years, I have developed a high level of familiarity with and understanding of the A.C.E. curriculum. I have found this to be extremely helpful, as I work with the kids on a day-to-day basis. Only God could have known that my many years of education in the A.C.E. school system would prepare me for the ministry He has given to me here in South Africa. Even through such a simple experience, I am reminded that God knows best. Though, we may not always understand why God allows certain circumstances into our lives, we can be assured that He will use them to accomplish His good purpose.
Lest you think that all we do here in South Africa is schoolwork, let me share with you some other exciting things that have been happening… Last month, we received a shipment of approximately 400 Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, to be passed out at local primary schools. These shoeboxes have opened up a whole new door of ministry opportunity. Kevin Zakariasen recently visited a nearby government school, Boikhutsong Primary, to see if we might be able to pass out some shoeboxes to the children attending the school. The school principal readily agreed, and also invited Kevin to share God’s Word with the students and teachers each Thursday morning. Not only that, but when we pass out the shoeboxes in late November, each of the children will hear the story of God’s greatest gift to mankind - His only Son, Jesus Christ.
It has been exciting to see how God has opened up doors of opportunity for me, as I have prayed for them. Recently, I was praying that God would somehow allow me to get more involved in Central Baptist Church, the church the Zakariasen family attends on Sunday mornings. Well, this past month, Sarah & I began teaching a first-grade Sunday School class. It has been a tremendous blessing, and is exactly what I needed to feel more “at home” at Central Baptist Church. On Sunday evenings, I have the privilege of being involved in a recent church plant in the village of Gistaldi. Kopano Baptist Church was started by the Zakariasen family approximately four months ago, and has already seen tremendous growth. It is such a blessing to be involved with a church that has a passion for the Word of God and a desire to grow in their relationship with Him. Each Sunday night, we meet in an abandoned warehouse building, where we set out our homemade wooden benches and light our candles, as we enjoy an evening of singing praises to God and hearing His Word preached by men of God. On September 25th, Kopano Baptist Church had its first church work-day, as the congregation joined together to paint the inside of the church building. Though, I was not able to get involved in the painting, I was able to participate through helping Sarah prepare lunch for the 25 hungry workers.
These are just a few of the ministry highlights of the past month. However, we have also enjoyed three birthday celebrations, including one for Jacob Zakariasen as he celebrated his “golden” birthday on September 7th. Right now, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of new Jack Russell puppies, which are due to arrive any day. We are also anticipating the completion of the pool repairs, so that we can enjoy a refreshing swim, during these hot summer months.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and encouragement. I have been so blessed by the outpouring of love that has been showered upon me, over the past three months. God has continually been working in my life, showing me areas that I need to change, so that I can become more like His Son, Jesus Christ. The process is long, as my selfish will so often gets in the way, but God will “never leave me or forsake me,” and for that I am eternally grateful. We truly serve an awesome God!
Serving the Lord in South Africa,
Krista Smith
P.S. For current updates and pictures, please visit my website: www.journeytoafrica.org
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