Melvins on the move November 2007

Happy Thanksgiving to our Family, Friends, and Prayer Warriors

Although our Thanksgiving celebration will be very different this year, we have much for which we can thank God. He has been our sure foundation as we have faced constant change and adjustment over this past year. His promises are true and He has shown Himself faithful again and again. We are truly thankful for those of you whom God has called to bless us through prayer and encouragement. Our hearts are grateful.

We have made many new Basotho friends here in Lesotho. Since Thanksgiving is purely an American holiday, we have been sharing with some the origin and present day traditions of this special day. We asked a few to tell us three things they are thankful for. Here are their responses:

‘Me Berlina has been a housekeeper all her life. She is 67 years old and walks at least 4 miles a day to catch a taxi which transports her to and from an 8hr. work day. She cares for her very old mother, disabled brother, two daughters, and two orphans. She is our current language helper. “I thank God for another year of life, ability to work to provide for my family, and for the life of my mother.”

Ntate Teliso is a general contractor. He’s up at 4:30a.m. to boil water for the family baths. After a long trip by van to Maseru, he works until 5:00P.M. returning home after dark. He works six and seven day weeks. “ I am thankful for God’s presence in his life, His protection, and a job.

Tahlo Mahau is a general laborer. He has a wife and 4 children. He works from 8:00 – 5:00 when he can find work. He makes $6.00 a day. “I am thankful to God for a new baby boy, life… because so many are dying, and food for myself and my family.

Although these friends seem to have “good answers,” we have shared with them enough to believe they do not have a personal relationship with Christ. We are here for the many just like these. This is why your prayers are so important to us and the Basotho.

Praises: Near completion of Baptist office renovation, Continued rain, Interpreter for new work area, Little boy who shared newly learned Bible stories with his mom, potential new work area, video Skype that allowed family to see us for the first time since arriving in Lesotho, interest of volunteer team for 2008, Zachary’s 17th birthday, Health/safety

Prayer Requests: Opportunities to work and build relationships with youth during summer break. (December)… Accurate interpreters…More language learning… Fruitful training in new work area…Discernment in finding where God is at work…True Love Waits teaching for new school year beginning in January.

You have heard of Where’s Waldo?
Now there’s the all new…Where’s Zachary?

Zachary and Eli enjoyed representing The United States of America at their school on International Day.

Eli presented the United States flag to the Queen of Lesotho.

You know you’re in Africa…when the kitchen stove has only one burner.

Praise and worship in new work area

There are always smiles or laughs when attempts are made to use the new language.