Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Kaitlyn's Doll House
Pop-Pop (Grandpa Gault) built Kaitlyn a doll house for Christmas. He made it out of leftover scraps from the bunk bed and closet he made. Kaitlyn (and Thabiso) love it! Our family sent the furniture over from America.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Hi
Dear Everyone,
It's Sunday afternoon. We have been having so much fun with family that we haven't taken time to e-mail. Sorry! I'll try to catch you up on the highlights.
Jon Stratton arrived on Tuesday in Bloemfontein. We picked him up at the airport about 9:00 am. From there we did several errands the rest of the day. Mid afternoon Nt. Kali called me saying something was wrong with the wheel on the truck that he had used to go to a Bible Study at Ha Motheho. On the way home from Bloemfontein, we had to stop at the van der Merwe's then as soon as we got to Matukeng and unloaded the truck, Daddy and I loaded up an assortment of tools to go see if we could some how get the Isuzu truck back. I think it was after
nine by the time we got to the village. The lower ball joint had completely worn out until it came apart and the wheel fell out sideways. I just replaced all the ball joints within the last year. I didn't buy from the Isuzu dealership, but I thought the brand I bought was good quality. I guess it wasn't. We took out the ball joint and with the help of some sledge hammers beat it closed enough to limp the truck home very carefully. The next day I bought a new one from the Isuzu agent and put it in.
Wednesday Jon and I went into the mountains to pick up Nt. Pheko and a tent. He held a
week-long meeting in the village of Nokong near the Mapoteng congregation. Daddy stayed home to finish up the doll house he made for Kaitlyn for Christmas. Mama and Steph spent the day cooking, packing, and preparing for our vacation.
Thursday morning early we left to go up into the mountains of Lesotho for a little vacation. We drove up along the NE edge of Lesotho to Butha Buthe then up into the mountains over Moteng Pass. In the village of Moteng, we stopped to visit Rev. Maliba who used to be a pastor with the Church of the Bible Covenant but is now independent or with some other church. In typical Basotho hospitality, they invited us into the house and with in a few minutes had a meal for us of papa (corn meal mush), moroho (boiled spinach), and sardines in spicy tomato sauce. We all appreciated their generosity but Mama was more than happy to share her sardines with Kaitlyn! :-) I also enjoyed visiting with them and catching up on each other's lives since I hadn't seen him for several years.
After crossing several high mountain passes (around 10,000 feet above sea level,) we got to the "lodge" where we were to spend the night. The place was an old Fraser's trading post that someone is trying to make into a self-catering lodge for tourists. The owners live in South Africa, but several village people are manage the "lodge." There is an old style house, two or three rondavels (round houses with grass roofs,) and the bunk house where we slept. Nothing was in tip-top shape, especially the bunk house where we stayed. Though it was fairly clean, the place could best be described as rustic. The ceiling was saggy, the furniture was worn, the mattresses were tired, and the hot water heater wasn't working. Our first impressions weren't good, and I think Steph and Mama were a bit disappointed. In the end everything turned out all right except we had to take "bucket baths" with water heated on the stove. Fortunately there were no signs of either bed bugs or
mice, for which we were all thankful!!!
The last couple hours before we arrived at "the lodge," we drove through light rain. Some places it had really hailed a lot and it was quite cool. The rain pretty much stopped when we got to "the lodge," but it was still a chilly evening. My clothes had gotten wet, so I was cold and in the mood for a cup of hot tea. Since it had been hot in Maseru before we left, we hadn't packed either tea or sugar. I asked the caretakers if their was a shop near by in the village. They said yes and pointed up the mountain. I asked if it was far, and they assured me that it wasn't. I should have known better since the people who live in the mountains of Lesotho are accustomed to walking great distances on a regular basis. I set off on foot and a mile later and much higher up the mountain, I found the shop and bought tea and sugar.
The next morning we set off before 7 for Sani Pass. Sani Pass is the only road that goes fro
m the high mountains on the eastern side of Lesotho down into South Africa. It was very impressive, but hard to describe. I'll put some pictures on our blog. In a few miles, the road drops from the alpine regions of Lesotho into the tropics of Zululand through a narrow chute surrounded by sheer cliffs. Though I grew up in Colorado and have been privileged to cross several pretty rugged passes, I've never seen so many switchbacks in such short succession. To top it all off, there was an ancient 10 ton four wheel drive lorry hauling huge bales of wool down. I'm sure the driver had nerves of steel!
We didn't go clear to the bottom; but we did go down the steepest part down to where the road went into a narrow valley. We ate lunch beside clear
stream then started back up the hill. Thaba Ntlenyane, the highest mountain in Southern Africa, was only about 2 hours walk from the road we were on, but by the time we got back to where the trail took off, it was too late in the day and there were already dangerous thunderstorms moving across the mountains.
We spent the night back at "the Lodge" again. About the time we got back, a rain showers came through and started home about 7 the next morning. We drove down through the central mountains of Lesotho through a little government outpost town called Thaba Tṥeka. The road wound in and out, up and down endlessly. We crossed some high mountains, drove through flocks of sheep and goats grazing in beautiful alpine meadows, skirted along the top of deep ravines with rivers hundreds of feet down sheer cliffs, and crossed several rivers. It was a beautiful drive and we all enjoyed the time very much.
Monday morning we left early to take Daddy and Mama to the airport in Bloemfontein. We were all sad to see them go. We had such a wonderful time while they were here, and we really appreciated everything they did to help us out. Kaitlyn really enjoyed them both, and we are so glad that she got to know them better.
As always, the week of Christmas is a busy one for us. Nt. Kali has been a huge help to me this year by doing most of the transport for preparation for the conference. I did mechanical work yesterday and got our Golf running again. It seemed to be running hot, so I had the radiator cleaned. That seemed to fix the problem.
As you enjoy Christmas this year, please remember to pray for this special prayer request: Bro. Tilo, one of the young pastor from here in Lesotho was given an opportunity to study to be a doctor at a university in Nigeria. His expenses and a small living stipend are to be paid by the
government of Lesotho, and in turn he will have to work in government hospitals for a certain number of years after he graduates. Since they sent him there in November, he hasn't received any money at all. Last night he called us and said he and the other students from Lesotho with him there are literally starving. Since he doesn't have a bank account there, he sent me the banking details of the university. Supposedly he can receive money that way, but our bank in Ladybrand can't send money until I have his personal address. I'm also very concerned that the money will just disappear into the university. I'm going to call him again tonight to see if there is a better way to send him money, but bank will be closed now until Monday. As you sit down with your family for Christmas dinner, will you please pray for this young man who is far from home and has nothing to eat.
Have a blessed Christmas!
It's Sunday afternoon. We have been having so much fun with family that we haven't taken time to e-mail. Sorry! I'll try to catch you up on the highlights.
Jon Stratton arrived on Tuesday in Bloemfontein. We picked him up at the airport about 9:00 am. From there we did several errands the rest of the day. Mid afternoon Nt. Kali called me saying something was wrong with the wheel on the truck that he had used to go to a Bible Study at Ha Motheho. On the way home from Bloemfontein, we had to stop at the van der Merwe's then as soon as we got to Matukeng and unloaded the truck, Daddy and I loaded up an assortment of tools to go see if we could some how get the Isuzu truck back. I think it was after
nine by the time we got to the village. The lower ball joint had completely worn out until it came apart and the wheel fell out sideways. I just replaced all the ball joints within the last year. I didn't buy from the Isuzu dealership, but I thought the brand I bought was good quality. I guess it wasn't. We took out the ball joint and with the help of some sledge hammers beat it closed enough to limp the truck home very carefully. The next day I bought a new one from the Isuzu agent and put it in.Wednesday Jon and I went into the mountains to pick up Nt. Pheko and a tent. He held a
week-long meeting in the village of Nokong near the Mapoteng congregation. Daddy stayed home to finish up the doll house he made for Kaitlyn for Christmas. Mama and Steph spent the day cooking, packing, and preparing for our vacation.Thursday morning early we left to go up into the mountains of Lesotho for a little vacation. We drove up along the NE edge of Lesotho to Butha Buthe then up into the mountains over Moteng Pass. In the village of Moteng, we stopped to visit Rev. Maliba who used to be a pastor with the Church of the Bible Covenant but is now independent or with some other church. In typical Basotho hospitality, they invited us into the house and with in a few minutes had a meal for us of papa (corn meal mush), moroho (boiled spinach), and sardines in spicy tomato sauce. We all appreciated their generosity but Mama was more than happy to share her sardines with Kaitlyn! :-) I also enjoyed visiting with them and catching up on each other's lives since I hadn't seen him for several years.
After crossing several high mountain passes (around 10,000 feet above sea level,) we got to the "lodge" where we were to spend the night. The place was an old Fraser's trading post that someone is trying to make into a self-catering lodge for tourists. The owners live in South Africa, but several village people are manage the "lodge." There is an old style house, two or three rondavels (round houses with grass roofs,) and the bunk house where we slept. Nothing was in tip-top shape, especially the bunk house where we stayed. Though it was fairly clean, the place could best be described as rustic. The ceiling was saggy, the furniture was worn, the mattresses were tired, and the hot water heater wasn't working. Our first impressions weren't good, and I think Steph and Mama were a bit disappointed. In the end everything turned out all right except we had to take "bucket baths" with water heated on the stove. Fortunately there were no signs of either bed bugs or
mice, for which we were all thankful!!!The last couple hours before we arrived at "the lodge," we drove through light rain. Some places it had really hailed a lot and it was quite cool. The rain pretty much stopped when we got to "the lodge," but it was still a chilly evening. My clothes had gotten wet, so I was cold and in the mood for a cup of hot tea. Since it had been hot in Maseru before we left, we hadn't packed either tea or sugar. I asked the caretakers if their was a shop near by in the village. They said yes and pointed up the mountain. I asked if it was far, and they assured me that it wasn't. I should have known better since the people who live in the mountains of Lesotho are accustomed to walking great distances on a regular basis. I set off on foot and a mile later and much higher up the mountain, I found the shop and bought tea and sugar.
The next morning we set off before 7 for Sani Pass. Sani Pass is the only road that goes fro
m the high mountains on the eastern side of Lesotho down into South Africa. It was very impressive, but hard to describe. I'll put some pictures on our blog. In a few miles, the road drops from the alpine regions of Lesotho into the tropics of Zululand through a narrow chute surrounded by sheer cliffs. Though I grew up in Colorado and have been privileged to cross several pretty rugged passes, I've never seen so many switchbacks in such short succession. To top it all off, there was an ancient 10 ton four wheel drive lorry hauling huge bales of wool down. I'm sure the driver had nerves of steel!We didn't go clear to the bottom; but we did go down the steepest part down to where the road went into a narrow valley. We ate lunch beside clear
stream then started back up the hill. Thaba Ntlenyane, the highest mountain in Southern Africa, was only about 2 hours walk from the road we were on, but by the time we got back to where the trail took off, it was too late in the day and there were already dangerous thunderstorms moving across the mountains.We spent the night back at "the Lodge" again. About the time we got back, a rain showers came through and started home about 7 the next morning. We drove down through the central mountains of Lesotho through a little government outpost town called Thaba Tṥeka. The road wound in and out, up and down endlessly. We crossed some high mountains, drove through flocks of sheep and goats grazing in beautiful alpine meadows, skirted along the top of deep ravines with rivers hundreds of feet down sheer cliffs, and crossed several rivers. It was a beautiful drive and we all enjoyed the time very much.
Monday morning we left early to take Daddy and Mama to the airport in Bloemfontein. We were all sad to see them go. We had such a wonderful time while they were here, and we really appreciated everything they did to help us out. Kaitlyn really enjoyed them both, and we are so glad that she got to know them better.
As always, the week of Christmas is a busy one for us. Nt. Kali has been a huge help to me this year by doing most of the transport for preparation for the conference. I did mechanical work yesterday and got our Golf running again. It seemed to be running hot, so I had the radiator cleaned. That seemed to fix the problem.
As you enjoy Christmas this year, please remember to pray for this special prayer request: Bro. Tilo, one of the young pastor from here in Lesotho was given an opportunity to study to be a doctor at a university in Nigeria. His expenses and a small living stipend are to be paid by the
government of Lesotho, and in turn he will have to work in government hospitals for a certain number of years after he graduates. Since they sent him there in November, he hasn't received any money at all. Last night he called us and said he and the other students from Lesotho with him there are literally starving. Since he doesn't have a bank account there, he sent me the banking details of the university. Supposedly he can receive money that way, but our bank in Ladybrand can't send money until I have his personal address. I'm also very concerned that the money will just disappear into the university. I'm going to call him again tonight to see if there is a better way to send him money, but bank will be closed now until Monday. As you sit down with your family for Christmas dinner, will you please pray for this young man who is far from home and has nothing to eat.Have a blessed Christmas!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving greetings a day late. I sat down three times yesterday to write this, but got interrupted every time.
We have so much to be thankful for! This morning we were talking about a few of them when we had devotions together. I think Stephanie and I are especially thankful for our parents who have prayed for us and modeled the Christian life consistently as long as we can remember. We are blessed to have my parents here helping us right now! Daddy is still working in the apartment. Yesterday he finished grouting the tile in the first room, and did the baseboards. Today I think he plans to finish up the bed. It's really looking nice. Steph and I keep joking (or are we serious??) that because it's so nice we'll move back into this efficiency apartment and leave the rest of the house for guests! Mama has been a huge help to Steph around the house.
We have so much to be thankful for! This morning we were talking about a few of them when we had devotions together. I think Stephanie and I are especially thankful for our parents who have prayed for us and modeled the Christian life consistently as long as we can remember. We are blessed to have my parents here helping us right now! Daddy is still working in the apartment. Yesterday he finished grouting the tile in the first room, and did the baseboards. Today I think he plans to finish up the bed. It's really looking nice. Steph and I keep joking (or are we serious??) that because it's so nice we'll move back into this efficiency apartment and leave the rest of the house for guests! Mama has been a huge help to Steph around the house.
Here's a couple pictures.
Kaitlyn really enjoyed making and decorating sugar cookies!
Kaitlyn really enjoyed making and decorating sugar cookies!
Printing E-mail Messages from Thunderbird
This post is on a different topic than we've ever written about before, but variety is the spice of life! I (Glenn) am fond of Mozilla's Thunderbird e-mail application, but I always hated the way it included most of a page of non-essential header information whenever I printed an e-mail. I just found the solution to this problem. Maybe it will help you out too. Go to this link.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Monday, November 17, 2008
The Apartment
We are really enjoying having Daddy and Mama Gault with us! Daddy and I have been working in the little efficiency apartment at the back of our house. Daddy is making some custom furniture that will make the best use of the small rooms. Together we have been putting down tile.
Is that a table saw?
Is that a table saw?
Kaitlyn has been enjoying all the activity. She calls the tile cement peanut butter!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Rain!
Dear Friends and Family,
Hi! I trust you are all doing well. I see that it's a month at least
since we wrote to you all. Sorry about that.
I don't know what all we did in that month--must not have been that important!
Glenn has had quite a few meetings in the last few weeks--school board, executive committee, pastors' meetings, etc. Then of course he preached quite a bit at the tent.
The tent services in our area ended this last Sunday night. Now I believe Life Ministries (an organization in Lesotho) is showing the Jesus film in 5 or 6 villages in our immediate area this week (one a night). I think Sunday night they will show it in our village. They use a big screen that people can see the film from either side.
I did want to tell you about one night that Kaitlyn and I went to the tent meeting. The tent was still up at the top of the village, and it was fairly windy up there. That night was a bit cold too--people were wearing their sweaters and blankets. As we were all singing some
choruses before the testimonies and choir, I looked down and to the left at the bottom of the tent where I saw a dog cowering beside the tent. I guess it was cold. I pointed it out to Glenn, who poked and kicked at it unsuccessfully. I think he did finally get it to go away a bit, but
then it came back in under the tent and lay beside a child. In a little bit a lady come up to the front and beat at it with a bottle (I think). Finally it went away, and I think the lady went outside and beat it some more and chased it away. In the meantime I think most people were laughing about the dog, somewhat ruining the chorus. But the service went well. The wind was very strong, so finally Glenn stopped and prayed that the wind would die down. God answered prayer
and the wind did die down, and when it did blow, it was coming from the opposite direction so that it didn't blow into the door and the cold and dust did not come in.
One answer to prayer is that we finally got rain this Sunday and have had quite a bit of rain then, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Now tonight it's mostly clear. I don't think we'll have any rain tonight.
The biggest news in our lives right now is that Glenn's parents are with us. They arrived in Jo'burg on November 5. Glenn needed to pick up a tent for tent meetings in Pretoria, so we left very early that morning to get that. Because they were arriving at 10pm, we decided to sleep at
the Baptist mission that night. We came back Thursday, stopping in Ladybrand on the way. We visited the Geises a little bit and saw some other missionaries, then went to the vdMerwe's for supper and to pick up Munchkin.
Glenn's father is working in our "apartment" to put tile down on the floor and make custom beds and some other furniture. That's a big help. Glenn's mother is doing all kinds of things to help me. We're worried that they're going to do too much, but they said they don't want
to just sit around!
This last Saturday we all went to the tent meeting. Then Sunday therewas a funeral in our village, so the church service was there. I stayed with Kaitlyn since little children don't go to funerals here.
Kaitlyn turned 3 on Monday. She enjoyed her Curious George cake (her choice) and all the presents that family from America sent. Then on Tuesday we took Ntate Kali, his wife 'Me Manthabi, Thabiso, and Ausi Mastefan ('Me Manthabi's sister) with us to Bloemfontein for the day. We had a doctor's appointment that day, in addition to getting a new tire and several other errands. We got most of them done in the morning (we left at early), then we met Steve and Gwen Geise and their family for lunch at McDonald's. After lunch we all went to the zoo for a
couple hours. The children really enjoyed it, and I think our friends from Lesotho had a very good time too. The two ladies and Thabiso had never been to a zoo before.
Last night Glenn and his father went to HaHlalele (on around the mountain) for their tent meeting. I think they started this week. Then tonight Glenn is at Mazenod for an education committee meeting. Tomorrow we will all go to Ladybrand for the day.
Thank you for all your prayers! I trust God will bless you all. I know that things are not going well in America right now. Here things are about normal, although the rand has weakened a lot and it is about R10 to the $ instead of R7 to the $. If it stays this way, however, prices
will start to go up again. We are thankful that fuel is some cheaper right now though.
Blessings,
Stephanie
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Hi
Hi everyone!
Hope all is going well for you. We're doing fine. Summer is definitely
here, but the rainy season hasn't started yet. It is very dry, dusty,
and windy! We got about 1/4 of an inch of rain over a week ago, but
since then nothing. The livestock in the village is really showing the
drought. Their ribs are showing!
I think Stephanie already told a lot of you that we sold our ancient
white Golf. We felt like God definitely opened up the door to sell it.
Even though it served us well for 2 1/2 years it was showing its age
badly. The suspension and body were really worn out from the dirt roads
in Lesotho. One of the nurses at the clinic wants to sell their Honda,
but at the moment it is in the body shop to repair the damage from a
rear-end accident. This is the third accident that it's been in and
they are afraid of it. I want to really check it over carefully before
I make a decision. Please pray that God will give us wisdom for this!
If we don't buy the Honda, we'll probably by another Golf that I found
for sale in Ladybrand. It is also old, but in a lot better shape than
the one we sold. It would be a cheap car to maintain, but it's not as
nice or big as the Honda.
We are still holding a tent meeting here at Matukeng. I've lost track
of time, but it must be getting close to 8 weeks that we've been having
services every night counting the tent meetings and the prayer meetings
we had before we pitched the tent. I think everyone is getting tired,
but it is exciting to see God working! Several people have really
gotten saved, and many people have been awakened or got spiritual help.
Lots of young people are walking nearly two miles from Ha Teko where we
first pitched the tent to where it is now every night. I think we're
about to close the meeting. We need to begin holding Bible studies and
discipleship classes for those that have gotten saved.
Last week Nt. Kali and some of the people from the church went several
days to pray for a man who was very sick. The man clearly got saved and
died a day or two later. It was one of those "eleventh hour" victories.
Monday we went to Ladybrand for the afternoon and then I went to a
school board meeting. Steph and Kaitlyn visited Gwen, Issac, Micah, and
Titus while Steve and I were at the meeting. The meeting went well.
Yesterday Steph and Kaitlyn planted flowers in some pots and the little
flower garden in front of our house. Right now they look a little
wilted from the heat, but in a day or two they'll perk up again (we
hope!) I spent the day working on the headlight wiring of our Isuzu.
For a few months it has had an intermittent problem that made the
headlights blink off at the most inconvenient and dangerous times. I
thought I had found the problem and fixed it once, but it started
happening again last week. I'm not good at auto electric, so I never
found the problem. I gave up looking and completely rewired the head
light circuit. It's a little jerry rigged with relays, fuse holders,
etc., but hopefully it won't leave us in the dark again!
Today I went to a TEE committee meeting. All the books are translated
now, but two of them still have to be edited, and several still need to
be formatted. Seven of nineteen are now in print! The biggest hold up
now is between finances and the publisher. I think if we really had
money available, the printer would make it a priority. It is exciting
to see the results of these books in the lives of the students from our
little weekend
Bible School. Several of them are really doing well spiritual and in
ministry.
Well, I need to get ready to preach at the tent. Take care!
Glenn, Steph, and Kaitlyn
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Lesotho Update
Just a quick prayer request:
Please pray for the tent meeting at Matukeng. Some young men have been
disrupting the services and harassing people as they walk back to their
homes afterwards. Please pray that God will prevent them from being a
hindrance to others' spiritual progress. Also pray for their salvation!
Thank you!
Glenn, Stephanie, and Kaitlyn Gault
Hope International Missions
The Long Lost Blog
Well, we're finally back to our blog. I don't have a lot to say, but here's a few pictures.
Last week we took three days off and camped at a little game farm a few miles from Uncle Piet and Aunt Hester live. It was short, but we really needed the break! We had a lot of fun together as a family.
We saw zebra, wildebeest (gnu) blesbok, eland, hartebeest, gemsbok (oryx), springbok, impala, and ostrich. 
This is a hartebeest. I don't know if it has an English name or not.
Last week we took three days off and camped at a little game farm a few miles from Uncle Piet and Aunt Hester live. It was short, but we really needed the break! We had a lot of fun together as a family.
We saw zebra, wildebeest (gnu) blesbok, eland, hartebeest, gemsbok (oryx), springbok, impala, and ostrich. 
This is a hartebeest. I don't know if it has an English name or not.
The owners of the game farm have this meerkat as a pet. It's similar to a weasel or a prairie dog. Kaitlyn liked it, but Munchkin (our dog) was not so fond of it after it viciously attacked her!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Lesotho Letters
You can view our most recent newsletter by clicking the link on the right to our web site and going to the newsletter archive, or just click here.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Lesotho Update
Dear Praying Friends,
We appreciate your prayers and interest in our lives so much! Thank you for every time you pray for us!
Praise:
May God bless you!
Glenn, Stephanie, & Kaitlyn Gault
Hope International Missions
We appreciate your prayers and interest in our lives so much! Thank you for every time you pray for us!
Praise:
- Bro. Marais sent us a text message from Zambia two days ago saying that he had arrived in a place where there was great need and demand for the remaining Tonga Bibles that we had. Help us praise God for leading him to the right place! We haven't heard from him definitely yesterday or today, but we believe that they are on their way back to South Africa by now.
- God has been at work here in our village of Matukeng! People have invited pastor Kali to start a prayer meeting in one of their homes. They meet twice a week, and attendance keeps growing. Several people seem very near to salvation! Please pray that many will surrender their lives to Christ! Also pray that God will give us strength to follow up these many opportunities to spread the Gospel.
- The pastors held a very profitable tent meeting last weekend where we have started a new congregation. The name of the area is Sehlabeng. We praise God for what He is doing there!
- Please pray that the three thousand people who have new Bibles in the Southern Province of Zambia will find spiritual help through God's Word.
- Intercede for souls to be saved as we pitch tents, hold house prayer meetings, and make evangelistic outreaches. As you pray, also thank God for giving us a mild winter. Normally it is too cold to hold tent meetings this time of year, but God has blessed us with warmer weather than normal. Global warming isn't all bad. ;-)
- Pray much for all of HIM's missionaries in Southern Africa. Some are carrying very heavy work loads, and we all feel Satan's resistance. Please pray for us in a special way right now!
May God bless you!
Glenn, Stephanie, & Kaitlyn Gault
Hope International Missions
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Bibles for Africa Report
Hi,
I just got home form Zambia last night about 11:30pm. Today's Sunday. After church and lunch, I played with Kaitlyn for a while. Now she's supposed to be taking a nap, but she's not doing to well. I'll try to fill you in on a few details from the trip.
This year our Bible work was a little different than it has been for the past few years. We feel that for the time being, the Lozi people's great need for Bibles has been satisfied. Over the year we have met missionaries, shop owners, and even South Africa Christians who buy Bibles from us at Katima Molilu, Namibia and either sell them or distribute them through this area. We felt God leading us to explore the Southern Province of Zambia which is dominated by Tonga-speaking people. We ordered 2,000 Tonga Bibles and about 1,000 English Bibles to take to this area. We also had around 300 Mbukushu New Testaments and over a thousand Scripture portions. Uncle Piet left a week before I did to take these Testaments and Scripture portions to the Kavango region of Namibia (the western part of the Caprivi Strip.) He had a team of 5 other people--Aunt Hester, Andrew Glick (intern from God's Bible School), Ntate Sam, Ntate Boomo, and Ian. They sold the Testaments and gave the Scripture portions to the high school seniors in this area. In my truck was Nienka (a veterinary), Sonya (also works at the same vet clinic), and Malan (a plumber from Johannesburg.) Since all of the people with me have jobs, they could only be gone for two weeks. The plans was that my team would join Uncle Piet's team and sell Tonga and English Bibles in Livingstone, Zambia. Then I would bring them back to South Africa, and Uncle Piet's team would move further north with the remaining Bibles.
Friday night before I was to leave on Monday, we got a text message from Uncle Piet. The timing belt of his truck had broken, and the head was ruined on the engine. He needed parts to fix it. Saturday morning Uncle Johan and I made a quick trip to Bloem to buy a complete head, gaskets, and other parts. Saturday evening I packed, Sunday I preached at Matukeng, then Monday we left. We spent Monday night in a little town called Zeerust on the border of Botswana. Malan, the young man from Johannesburg drove there to meet us, and we slept at his uncle and aunt's house. As always the hospitality of the Afrikaans people was exceptional.
Tuesday morning we left for Botswana about 5:30am. Normally the border crossing into Botswana is quite simple, but not this time. There was no change when I paid the fees, some of the needed permits were unavailable, etc. I think we were there around an hour and a half and finally left without one of the perm
its. We traveled northwest from Lobatse across the Kalahari desert through Khanye up to Ghanzi. The only game we saw was ostrich and steinbok, but the vegetation in the desert was very interesting. It was also the first time I've seen ostrich chicks. The further north we drove the more rainfall there is, so the bushveld gradually changes from acacia (thorn trees; see picture on right) to mopane (a group of trees that stays green year round). The southern part of the desert only gets 4 inches of rain a year. The northern part gets 12 or more. North of Ghanzi we were looking for a place to spend the night beside the road. In the middle of nowhere we came across a side road that had a sign offering camping. We decided to check it out. A Christian farmer had decided to set up a little campground catering to people traveling from Cape Town to Botswana's game preserves. When he found out we were missionaries h
e gave us a 50% discount. A hot shower in the beautiful bathrooms that he built himself was very welcome! Water was heated by a very effective homemade water heater that burned a mixture of kerosene and used motor oil. The picture on the right is sunrise in the Khalhari
Wednesday we proceeded north skirting the western edge of the Okavango delta. This delta (certainly one of the seven wonders of Africa) is where the Okavango river disappears into the sands of the Kalahari desert creating a beautiful tropical paradise that extends a hundred miles or more into the desert. Within this delta are some of the finest game preserves in Africa. Most of the time we were several miles away from this paradise, but we did catch a few glimpses of the river. We crossed into Namibia at the sleepy Mohembo border post, and found Uncle Piet and his broken truck 35 miles further west on the banks of the Kavango river looking into Angola.
The bearings in one of the idler pulleys for the timing belt had failed causing the belt to break. Normally these timing belts and bearings are to be replaced every 100,000 km, but this one didn't even make it to 90,000. The valve guides were warped, and the valves were so badly bent that they couldn't be pounded out of the head. We set to work about 2:00pm, and by
God's help had the truck running before 11:00pm that night. The parts store sold us the wrong idler pulleys and bearings, but in God's providence, I happened to have a set of used ones in a box of spare parts that I always take with me on these long trips. It was a clear miracle. The nearest part store was 130 miles one way, and the parts might not have even been available there.
Thursday morning we left early to drive back to Katima Molilu. On arrival there, we noticed an ugly rumbling sound in the front end of the engine of my truck. That night and early the next morning, Ntate Sam (a Christian from Ladybrand) I replaced the water pump which solved the problem. Besides camping gear for 10 people, we loaded nearly 3,000 Bibles on two trucks, a trailer, and in a camper Friday morning. The camper trailer or caravan, as it is called here, is one that we took to Katima Molilu several years ago to serve as a "home away from home," and a storage place for some of our gear. We kept it at a business owned by a Christian where there was a security guard at night. Earlier this year, that business was moved to Windhoek, so we no longer had a safe place to leave it. We decided to take it back to Ladybrand rather than leave it to the thieves. We put all of our lighter camping gear and clothes in it to make room for the load of Bibles on the trucks and trailer. Because the vehicles were overloaded, we took it really easy as we drove from Katima Molilu, Namibia to Livingstone, Zambia. We arrived there about dark on Friday and camped at one of the large Seventh Day Adventist churches in that area.
Saturday we attended the Sabbath services at the church where we camped. I certainly can't agree with some points of the Seventh Day Adventists' theology, but I'm convinced that in this part of Zambia there are many serious Christians in this denomination. The Bible Study/Sunday School hour and the morning worship service were a blessing to me. The part I enjoyed the most was the music. A trio of young ladies sang several special songs throughout the service. I don't think I've heard a finer ladies trio anywhere in the world. They sang beautifully, with humility and sincerity. The church is very large, but their voices reached to the back without any amplification. I estimate that there were around 700-800 people in the service, but by adding more benches, they could comfortably accommodate over a thousand.
After the service, 6 people on the team went to see Victoria Falls. I would have loved to go again, but I've been there three times at least, and there wasn't space so I stayed with Uncle Piet. We moved our camp to the site of one of the Paris Missionary Society's early mission stations. It is now used by the United Church of Zambia. They let us camp there the rest of the time we were in Livingstone. We were comfortable enough there, but especially the first few days we were quite short of water. By the time we left, there was a full 50 gallon barrel, but the first few days we were on fairly tight rations when it came to bucket baths.
Saturday afternoon at 5:00 we went back to sell Bibles at the Adventist church after their Sabbath was over. (Their sabbath is from 5:00pm Friday to 5:00pm Saturday.) As usually they are our best customers. They put great emphasis on personal and corporate Bible study.
Sunday we attended the United Church of Zambia's English service which was from 8:30 to 10:30. They are much more formal and structured than the SDA church. After the service we relaxed, went to meet the pastor of another church, and got to know the layout of some of the suburbs of the city.
Monday through Thursday we divided into several teams and sold Bibles on the streets and in
the markets around Livingstone. We quickly sold out all our English Bibles, but the 2000 Tonga Bibles aren't in great demand in that area. The city is quite a melting pot for Lozi, Tonga, Bemba, Nyanga, and Ntebele people. Most of them seem to still speak their mother tongue to one another, but I don't think I met anyone who couldn't communicate in English. It seems that the tribal languages are still commonly spoken, but seldom read or written. As a result we sold very few Tonga Bibles until English ones were completely gone. In fact, Uncle Piet went back to Katima Molilu to get the rest of the English Bibles we had in stock there. By Thursday word had spread about the availability of Tonga Bibles, and several people approached us about buying a box or a few boxes to take out into more rural areas where the language is still commonly read and used in churches. We are confident that these Bibles are still needed, but not in Livingstone. Still we were left with a dilemma--too many Bibles to fit on Uncle Piet's truck after I left.
Selling Bibles is always rewarding but tiring work. The memories of the years when Lozi Bibles were unavailable are still quite fresh to many of the Lozi people. For some of them a Bible is a very precious treasure. One afternoon when sales seemed a bit slow, we asked directions to another market. We finally found the place--about a dozen open shops or stands in the middle of a village. As I was walking from shop to shop, a lady spied the green cover of a Lozi Bible. She hurried to where I was to ask the price, starting to count her money before she even knew how much it would cost. She hugged her new Bible and asked, "Who sent you to me today?" I started to telling her about our Bible distribution work, but she quickly interrupted me and said, "God sent you to me. I've been wanting one of these (pointing to the Bible) for a long time!"
Perhaps you are wondering why we sell Bibles. There are several reasons. First, we sell the Bibles at a subsidize price. We try to find out what the average person can afford, and then we subsidize the rest of the price. Second, if we just gave them away, everyone would take one, but many of the Bibles would never be read. If someone pays a little something for a Bible, then it shows they really want it and will probably use it. Third, when we sacrifice for something, we are much more likely to appreciate it and take care of it. If we meet people who don't have money or don't have enough money, but they really want a Bible, we give them one or sell it for what they can afford.
Friday morning I started back to South Africa with the half of the team who needed to
be back to work by Monday morning. We crossed the Zambezi river into Botswana by pontoon at Kazungula. As we were waiting our turn to board the ferry, we met a Baptist missionary who lives between Livingstone and Lusaka in Zambia. It was almost my turn to get on the ferry, but I quickly told him about the Tonga Bibles and where to find Uncle Piet. He seemed interested, but then they motioned for me to come on to the ferry, so I had to go. The next day Uncle Piet sent us a text message saying this missionary purchased 300 Bibles. This was God's answer to our dilemma--a another miracle and a big answer to prayer! Uncle Piet can easily transport the remaining Bibles to more rural villages and cities farther north in Zambia now.
After all the customs and immigration formalities at the Botswana border, we started the long journey south. For about 40 miles between Pandamatenga and Nata, the road was in terrible condition with DEEP potholes. Many of them were easily 6 inches deep, and some close to a foot. The edges were very sharp and abrupt. Along the road we saw 5 broken trucks, mostly tires, or bent wheels, but one had a broken axle. Some of the road was just full of potholes and people were driving in the sand beside the road. Other places you would just get up your speed for a mile or two as you swerved around small pot holes then have to slam on your brakes to go off the edge of the road into the sand or crawl through a huge hole. In daylight, these potholes were easily visible by the long skid marks made by heavy trucks trying to get stopped. At night the road would be absolutely treacherous. I think we averaged less than 25 miles an hour through that section.
Through the rest of Botswana, the roads were in good condition, but our progress was still slow because of the huge caravan we were pulling. It is heavy (nearly a ton), taller and longer than my truck, and over two feet wider. It has a LOT of wind resistance, and with diesel and $6.00 a gallon, I took it pretty easy. We drove just under 50 mph. The top speed on level ground was around 55 mph!
We spent Friday night at a little campground place in Palapye in central Botswana. It is neat and clean, has lots of good African character, and we slept well in spite of the noise from the surrounding village. Because it was Friday night (I suppose) the music at the local bars was still going strong when I woke up at 4:30 the next morning!
After changing a leaking tire, we headed south again about 6:30 Saturday morning. This part of Botswana always seems very long and monotonous to me. It is flat with low mopane bush and sage brush. Occasionally there are interesting natural rock piles, donkey standing in the road, or a few cows that help to break the long monotony. We crossed into South Africa after passing through Gaborone, the capitol city of Botswana. From there we continued south to Zeerust through much more hilly terrain. This area has lots of wild aloes that were in bloom this time of year. They are very interesting and unusual.
At Zeerust we left Malan (the plumber from Johannesburg) and Ian (a school teacher who also lives near Johannesburg) at Malan's relatives house. They were going to spend Saturday there and then drive home Sunday afternoon. Since we took the caravan to Namibia four years ago, South Africa made a law that all trailers have to have a yellow reflective tape along 80% of of their length and across the back. We bought and installed this tape to avoid hefty fines. Then we left about 2:00pm for a long but uneventful trip down through South Africa to Lesotho. I got home about 11:30pm.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support. These trips always test our faith, but because of the many people praying for us, we are blessed to see God's providence in special ways. Your financial support is also so important. As prices of everything rise both here in Africa and where you live we know that giving becomes more of a sacrifice. I wish that all of you could see the results of your sacrifice as people's faces light up and they hug their new Bibles. It truly is rewarding to have a part in building God's Kingdom!
I'm going to try to put this on our blog and add a few pictures. You might want to look at the pictures there. gaultsinlesotho.blogspot.com
God bless!
Glenn Gault
I just got home form Zambia last night about 11:30pm. Today's Sunday. After church and lunch, I played with Kaitlyn for a while. Now she's supposed to be taking a nap, but she's not doing to well. I'll try to fill you in on a few details from the trip.
This year our Bible work was a little different than it has been for the past few years. We feel that for the time being, the Lozi people's great need for Bibles has been satisfied. Over the year we have met missionaries, shop owners, and even South Africa Christians who buy Bibles from us at Katima Molilu, Namibia and either sell them or distribute them through this area. We felt God leading us to explore the Southern Province of Zambia which is dominated by Tonga-speaking people. We ordered 2,000 Tonga Bibles and about 1,000 English Bibles to take to this area. We also had around 300 Mbukushu New Testaments and over a thousand Scripture portions. Uncle Piet left a week before I did to take these Testaments and Scripture portions to the Kavango region of Namibia (the western part of the Caprivi Strip.) He had a team of 5 other people--Aunt Hester, Andrew Glick (intern from God's Bible School), Ntate Sam, Ntate Boomo, and Ian. They sold the Testaments and gave the Scripture portions to the high school seniors in this area. In my truck was Nienka (a veterinary), Sonya (also works at the same vet clinic), and Malan (a plumber from Johannesburg.) Since all of the people with me have jobs, they could only be gone for two weeks. The plans was that my team would join Uncle Piet's team and sell Tonga and English Bibles in Livingstone, Zambia. Then I would bring them back to South Africa, and Uncle Piet's team would move further north with the remaining Bibles.
Friday night before I was to leave on Monday, we got a text message from Uncle Piet. The timing belt of his truck had broken, and the head was ruined on the engine. He needed parts to fix it. Saturday morning Uncle Johan and I made a quick trip to Bloem to buy a complete head, gaskets, and other parts. Saturday evening I packed, Sunday I preached at Matukeng, then Monday we left. We spent Monday night in a little town called Zeerust on the border of Botswana. Malan, the young man from Johannesburg drove there to meet us, and we slept at his uncle and aunt's house. As always the hospitality of the Afrikaans people was exceptional.
Tuesday morning we left for Botswana about 5:30am. Normally the border crossing into Botswana is quite simple, but not this time. There was no change when I paid the fees, some of the needed permits were unavailable, etc. I think we were there around an hour and a half and finally left without one of the perm
its. We traveled northwest from Lobatse across the Kalahari desert through Khanye up to Ghanzi. The only game we saw was ostrich and steinbok, but the vegetation in the desert was very interesting. It was also the first time I've seen ostrich chicks. The further north we drove the more rainfall there is, so the bushveld gradually changes from acacia (thorn trees; see picture on right) to mopane (a group of trees that stays green year round). The southern part of the desert only gets 4 inches of rain a year. The northern part gets 12 or more. North of Ghanzi we were looking for a place to spend the night beside the road. In the middle of nowhere we came across a side road that had a sign offering camping. We decided to check it out. A Christian farmer had decided to set up a little campground catering to people traveling from Cape Town to Botswana's game preserves. When he found out we were missionaries h
e gave us a 50% discount. A hot shower in the beautiful bathrooms that he built himself was very welcome! Water was heated by a very effective homemade water heater that burned a mixture of kerosene and used motor oil. The picture on the right is sunrise in the KhalhariWednesday we proceeded north skirting the western edge of the Okavango delta. This delta (certainly one of the seven wonders of Africa) is where the Okavango river disappears into the sands of the Kalahari desert creating a beautiful tropical paradise that extends a hundred miles or more into the desert. Within this delta are some of the finest game preserves in Africa. Most of the time we were several miles away from this paradise, but we did catch a few glimpses of the river. We crossed into Namibia at the sleepy Mohembo border post, and found Uncle Piet and his broken truck 35 miles further west on the banks of the Kavango river looking into Angola.
The bearings in one of the idler pulleys for the timing belt had failed causing the belt to break. Normally these timing belts and bearings are to be replaced every 100,000 km, but this one didn't even make it to 90,000. The valve guides were warped, and the valves were so badly bent that they couldn't be pounded out of the head. We set to work about 2:00pm, and by
God's help had the truck running before 11:00pm that night. The parts store sold us the wrong idler pulleys and bearings, but in God's providence, I happened to have a set of used ones in a box of spare parts that I always take with me on these long trips. It was a clear miracle. The nearest part store was 130 miles one way, and the parts might not have even been available there.Thursday morning we left early to drive back to Katima Molilu. On arrival there, we noticed an ugly rumbling sound in the front end of the engine of my truck. That night and early the next morning, Ntate Sam (a Christian from Ladybrand) I replaced the water pump which solved the problem. Besides camping gear for 10 people, we loaded nearly 3,000 Bibles on two trucks, a trailer, and in a camper Friday morning. The camper trailer or caravan, as it is called here, is one that we took to Katima Molilu several years ago to serve as a "home away from home," and a storage place for some of our gear. We kept it at a business owned by a Christian where there was a security guard at night. Earlier this year, that business was moved to Windhoek, so we no longer had a safe place to leave it. We decided to take it back to Ladybrand rather than leave it to the thieves. We put all of our lighter camping gear and clothes in it to make room for the load of Bibles on the trucks and trailer. Because the vehicles were overloaded, we took it really easy as we drove from Katima Molilu, Namibia to Livingstone, Zambia. We arrived there about dark on Friday and camped at one of the large Seventh Day Adventist churches in that area.
Saturday we attended the Sabbath services at the church where we camped. I certainly can't agree with some points of the Seventh Day Adventists' theology, but I'm convinced that in this part of Zambia there are many serious Christians in this denomination. The Bible Study/Sunday School hour and the morning worship service were a blessing to me. The part I enjoyed the most was the music. A trio of young ladies sang several special songs throughout the service. I don't think I've heard a finer ladies trio anywhere in the world. They sang beautifully, with humility and sincerity. The church is very large, but their voices reached to the back without any amplification. I estimate that there were around 700-800 people in the service, but by adding more benches, they could comfortably accommodate over a thousand.
After the service, 6 people on the team went to see Victoria Falls. I would have loved to go again, but I've been there three times at least, and there wasn't space so I stayed with Uncle Piet. We moved our camp to the site of one of the Paris Missionary Society's early mission stations. It is now used by the United Church of Zambia. They let us camp there the rest of the time we were in Livingstone. We were comfortable enough there, but especially the first few days we were quite short of water. By the time we left, there was a full 50 gallon barrel, but the first few days we were on fairly tight rations when it came to bucket baths.
Saturday afternoon at 5:00 we went back to sell Bibles at the Adventist church after their Sabbath was over. (Their sabbath is from 5:00pm Friday to 5:00pm Saturday.) As usually they are our best customers. They put great emphasis on personal and corporate Bible study.
Sunday we attended the United Church of Zambia's English service which was from 8:30 to 10:30. They are much more formal and structured than the SDA church. After the service we relaxed, went to meet the pastor of another church, and got to know the layout of some of the suburbs of the city.
Monday through Thursday we divided into several teams and sold Bibles on the streets and in
the markets around Livingstone. We quickly sold out all our English Bibles, but the 2000 Tonga Bibles aren't in great demand in that area. The city is quite a melting pot for Lozi, Tonga, Bemba, Nyanga, and Ntebele people. Most of them seem to still speak their mother tongue to one another, but I don't think I met anyone who couldn't communicate in English. It seems that the tribal languages are still commonly spoken, but seldom read or written. As a result we sold very few Tonga Bibles until English ones were completely gone. In fact, Uncle Piet went back to Katima Molilu to get the rest of the English Bibles we had in stock there. By Thursday word had spread about the availability of Tonga Bibles, and several people approached us about buying a box or a few boxes to take out into more rural areas where the language is still commonly read and used in churches. We are confident that these Bibles are still needed, but not in Livingstone. Still we were left with a dilemma--too many Bibles to fit on Uncle Piet's truck after I left.Selling Bibles is always rewarding but tiring work. The memories of the years when Lozi Bibles were unavailable are still quite fresh to many of the Lozi people. For some of them a Bible is a very precious treasure. One afternoon when sales seemed a bit slow, we asked directions to another market. We finally found the place--about a dozen open shops or stands in the middle of a village. As I was walking from shop to shop, a lady spied the green cover of a Lozi Bible. She hurried to where I was to ask the price, starting to count her money before she even knew how much it would cost. She hugged her new Bible and asked, "Who sent you to me today?" I started to telling her about our Bible distribution work, but she quickly interrupted me and said, "God sent you to me. I've been wanting one of these (pointing to the Bible) for a long time!"
Perhaps you are wondering why we sell Bibles. There are several reasons. First, we sell the Bibles at a subsidize price. We try to find out what the average person can afford, and then we subsidize the rest of the price. Second, if we just gave them away, everyone would take one, but many of the Bibles would never be read. If someone pays a little something for a Bible, then it shows they really want it and will probably use it. Third, when we sacrifice for something, we are much more likely to appreciate it and take care of it. If we meet people who don't have money or don't have enough money, but they really want a Bible, we give them one or sell it for what they can afford.
Friday morning I started back to South Africa with the half of the team who needed to
be back to work by Monday morning. We crossed the Zambezi river into Botswana by pontoon at Kazungula. As we were waiting our turn to board the ferry, we met a Baptist missionary who lives between Livingstone and Lusaka in Zambia. It was almost my turn to get on the ferry, but I quickly told him about the Tonga Bibles and where to find Uncle Piet. He seemed interested, but then they motioned for me to come on to the ferry, so I had to go. The next day Uncle Piet sent us a text message saying this missionary purchased 300 Bibles. This was God's answer to our dilemma--a another miracle and a big answer to prayer! Uncle Piet can easily transport the remaining Bibles to more rural villages and cities farther north in Zambia now.After all the customs and immigration formalities at the Botswana border, we started the long journey south. For about 40 miles between Pandamatenga and Nata, the road was in terrible condition with DEEP potholes. Many of them were easily 6 inches deep, and some close to a foot. The edges were very sharp and abrupt. Along the road we saw 5 broken trucks, mostly tires, or bent wheels, but one had a broken axle. Some of the road was just full of potholes and people were driving in the sand beside the road. Other places you would just get up your speed for a mile or two as you swerved around small pot holes then have to slam on your brakes to go off the edge of the road into the sand or crawl through a huge hole. In daylight, these potholes were easily visible by the long skid marks made by heavy trucks trying to get stopped. At night the road would be absolutely treacherous. I think we averaged less than 25 miles an hour through that section.
Through the rest of Botswana, the roads were in good condition, but our progress was still slow because of the huge caravan we were pulling. It is heavy (nearly a ton), taller and longer than my truck, and over two feet wider. It has a LOT of wind resistance, and with diesel and $6.00 a gallon, I took it pretty easy. We drove just under 50 mph. The top speed on level ground was around 55 mph!
We spent Friday night at a little campground place in Palapye in central Botswana. It is neat and clean, has lots of good African character, and we slept well in spite of the noise from the surrounding village. Because it was Friday night (I suppose) the music at the local bars was still going strong when I woke up at 4:30 the next morning!
After changing a leaking tire, we headed south again about 6:30 Saturday morning. This part of Botswana always seems very long and monotonous to me. It is flat with low mopane bush and sage brush. Occasionally there are interesting natural rock piles, donkey standing in the road, or a few cows that help to break the long monotony. We crossed into South Africa after passing through Gaborone, the capitol city of Botswana. From there we continued south to Zeerust through much more hilly terrain. This area has lots of wild aloes that were in bloom this time of year. They are very interesting and unusual.
At Zeerust we left Malan (the plumber from Johannesburg) and Ian (a school teacher who also lives near Johannesburg) at Malan's relatives house. They were going to spend Saturday there and then drive home Sunday afternoon. Since we took the caravan to Namibia four years ago, South Africa made a law that all trailers have to have a yellow reflective tape along 80% of of their length and across the back. We bought and installed this tape to avoid hefty fines. Then we left about 2:00pm for a long but uneventful trip down through South Africa to Lesotho. I got home about 11:30pm.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support. These trips always test our faith, but because of the many people praying for us, we are blessed to see God's providence in special ways. Your financial support is also so important. As prices of everything rise both here in Africa and where you live we know that giving becomes more of a sacrifice. I wish that all of you could see the results of your sacrifice as people's faces light up and they hug their new Bibles. It truly is rewarding to have a part in building God's Kingdom!
I'm going to try to put this on our blog and add a few pictures. You might want to look at the pictures there. gaultsinlesotho.blogspot.com
God bless!
Glenn Gault
Hello from Stephanie!
Just a quick note! You haven't heard from us for about 2 weeks I
think. That's because Glenn's in Zambia, and I haven't gone to
Ladybrand yet.
think. That's because Glenn's in Zambia, and I haven't gone to
Ladybrand yet.
I'm sure Glenn will have a report for you as soon as possible when he
gets back. I'll try to update you a little bit.
I think Glenn wrote that Uncle Piet's engine was damaged so he and Uncle
Johan had to go to Bloemfontein the Saturday before Glenn left. He was
able to get parts for Uncle Piet. Monday and Tuesday Glenn, and 3 other
people, drove through South Africa and Botswana. Then Wednesday they
went into Zambia and met Uncle Piet at Divundu to fix his truck. I
think they arrived at Divundu about 2pm and Glenn and Uncle Piet worked
on the truck got it running by 10:30pm.
Then they all went back to Katima Molilu, Namibia on Thursday. This is
where they were supposed to meet in the first place to get the Bibles.
On the way Glenn's water pump went out so he had to get a new one and
put it in Friday morning. From there they went up to Livingstone,
Zambia which is where they planned to work this year. They arrived
Friday evening. Saturday they went to the Seventh Day Adventist
church. I assume they sold some Bibles that day too. Sunday they went
somewhere to church. Then Monday through Thursday they sold Bibles.
Thursday morning Glenn told me that there were still 1600 Bibles to be
sold so we needed to pray that the Bibles would really sell that
Thursday. Usually they put 1000 Bibles on each truck. Glenn needed to
leave at 5:30am Friday morning (today) to start back to Katima Molilu,
Namibia to pick up the caravan/camping trailer and then come back
through Botswana and South Africa. So the rest of the Bibles will have
to stay with Uncle Piet. I haven't heard anything since Thursday morning.
Glenn is planning to be back to Lesotho Sunday night. The two ladies
that went with him (from Ladybrand) only had two weeks off work. That's
why Glenn is only gone for 2 weeks this time. I'm not complaining!
Kaitlyn and I have been just fine. I have been able to get some things
done around the house and some overdue correspondence done. We have had
a quiet time, but a nice time. Then yesterday (Thursday) the two of us
came here to Aunt Hessie and Uncle Johan's to spend a little time.
There's a house full with some other visitors too. Kaitlyn and I will
spend today here too, and then Saturday we will go to Ladybrand do some
shopping and send email from Michelle Asbell's house.
I guess that wraps it. We've had very nice weather the last week or so,
and I'm glad for that.
Thank you for your prayers and your love!
Have a good weekend,
Steph
Friday, June 13, 2008
News from Lesotho
Hello to all our friends and family!
I think it's been a while since you heard from us and it will probably
be a few weeks before you hear from us again! On June 17, we have a TLC
team coming until July 7 so I'm not sure how much time we'll have to
write.
Glenn has been very busy getting ready for the team. The toilet and
sink needed to be put into the apartment. The walls needed to be
painted too. We have decided to invest in a solar water heater so that
needed to put up and plumbed. I've been rearranging things in our house
to accommodate 10 people. (Yes, the house will be very full. I don't
think anyone will have to sleep in the bathtub though!)
Yesterday (Thursday) we went to Bloem to do some shopping before the
team comes. We spent the night with Aunt Hester and Uncle Piet. It was
nice to visit with them. Now we are in Ladybrand for some shopping.
Glenn needed a chest X-ray for our residence permits so he got that
today. We will also pick up some mattresses and maybe blankets to use
for the team.
Please continue to pray about our residence permits. Glenn may try on
Wednesday to get them. In the meantime our passports are getting full of
stamps. I joke that we'll have to add more pages before we even get our
permits, but it's not that far from reality either! We also have heard
that we can no longer get 6-month border passes on the South African
side unless we pay almost R500 per person every 6 months (about $75?).
If we don't get them, we'll have to stand in a line every time we go in
and out of South Africa. About two weeks ago, we stood in a line for 2
hours to get to Manyatseng where Glenn was supposed to preach. We
didn't get there till 12pm which is when the preacher starts preaching.
I guess once we have Lesotho permits we'll see what the truth is about
the South African side.
Some of you maybe heard that Kaitlyn's been sick again. She is doing
quite a bit better but still only eating soft foods. (She had strep
throat and a lot of mouth sores so that she wouldn't eat or drink.) So
far Glenn and I are doing alright.
Please remember us and the team in the next 3 weeks. They are very
excited about visiting South Africa/Lesotho and we're very excited to
have them with us. They will be doing some outreaches in Lesotho, a
VBS, some manual projects, and some sightseeing. Pray that God will use
them in a special way while they are with us.
Trusting you all will have a wonderful weekend. May God bless you for
your prayers and love!
be a few weeks before you hear from us again! On June 17, we have a TLC
team coming until July 7 so I'm not sure how much time we'll have to
write.
Glenn has been very busy getting ready for the team. The toilet and
sink needed to be put into the apartment. The walls needed to be
painted too. We have decided to invest in a solar water heater so that
needed to put up and plumbed. I've been rearranging things in our house
to accommodate 10 people. (Yes, the house will be very full. I don't
think anyone will have to sleep in the bathtub though!)
Yesterday (Thursday) we went to Bloem to do some shopping before the
team comes. We spent the night with Aunt Hester and Uncle Piet. It was
nice to visit with them. Now we are in Ladybrand for some shopping.
Glenn needed a chest X-ray for our residence permits so he got that
today. We will also pick up some mattresses and maybe blankets to use
for the team.
Please continue to pray about our residence permits. Glenn may try on
Wednesday to get them. In the meantime our passports are getting full of
stamps. I joke that we'll have to add more pages before we even get our
permits, but it's not that far from reality either! We also have heard
that we can no longer get 6-month border passes on the South African
side unless we pay almost R500 per person every 6 months (about $75?).
If we don't get them, we'll have to stand in a line every time we go in
and out of South Africa. About two weeks ago, we stood in a line for 2
hours to get to Manyatseng where Glenn was supposed to preach. We
didn't get there till 12pm which is when the preacher starts preaching.
I guess once we have Lesotho permits we'll see what the truth is about
the South African side.
Some of you maybe heard that Kaitlyn's been sick again. She is doing
quite a bit better but still only eating soft foods. (She had strep
throat and a lot of mouth sores so that she wouldn't eat or drink.) So
far Glenn and I are doing alright.
Please remember us and the team in the next 3 weeks. They are very
excited about visiting South Africa/Lesotho and we're very excited to
have them with us. They will be doing some outreaches in Lesotho, a
VBS, some manual projects, and some sightseeing. Pray that God will use
them in a special way while they are with us.
Trusting you all will have a wonderful weekend. May God bless you for
your prayers and love!
Love,
Steph
Lesotho Update
Dear Praying Friends,
We are so grateful for your prayers! We have been quite busy lately, and haven't done well at communicating, but it has been a time when we needed your prayers especially. Thank you for being faithful!
Praise:
Glenn, Stephanie, & Kaitlyn Gault
Hope International Missions
We are so grateful for your prayers! We have been quite busy lately, and haven't done well at communicating, but it has been a time when we needed your prayers especially. Thank you for being faithful!
Praise:
- Kaitlyn was very sick last weekend, but with the help of antibiotics she is much better today. Today is the first day she asked for food and really ate it since a week ago!
- One of our last prayer requests was that you would pray for God's direction in choosing a new executive committee for the church in Lesotho. We clearly felt God's help in the annual meeting, and a very capable committee was chosen. As missionaries, we are looking forward to working with them for the next two years.
- We are looking forward to hosting a TLC team beginning Tuesday next week. Please pray that this team will be a blessing to us and Lesotho, and that we will be a blessing to them.
- Keep praying for our residence permits. Today I got the necessary x-rays and medical clearance.
- Please pray for outreaches and a VBS that the TLC team will be helping us with. Also Pastor Tsikane Pheko is holding a tent meeting in a village near his church. Pray that people will get saved!
- Soon after the TLC team leaves I (Glenn) will be headed to Zambia for our annual Bible distribution trip. Pray that the Bibles will be available at the right time, and that we will be able to get them into the hands of people who are "hungering and thirsting for righteousness."
Glenn, Stephanie, & Kaitlyn Gault
Hope International Missions
Monday, June 2, 2008
Lesotho Update
Dear Praying Friends,
Sorry that we haven't done well at communication lately. Things are
really going full speed here at the moment.
Please pray that we will be able to get our residence permits for
Lesotho. Because of African politics and bureaucracy we are having to
completely reapply even though we've lived here almost 8 years.
Thanks for your prayers!
Glenn, Stephanie, & Kaitlyn Gault
Hope International Missions
Friday, May 16, 2008
A quick note
Hi! This is really short because we're running late.
We're still in the process of getting permits. Yesterday we couldn't go
to town because someone was working to get our permits and had our
passports. Today we're in town to get a letter signed by Uncle Piet.
One more requirement for the permits. Please pray that we will get our
temporary residence permits otherwise we can't live in Lesotho.
Philip is coming to visit us this weekend. We're looking forward to that.
Last Sunday Glenn went to a funeral. I didn't go with Kaitlyn because I
don't think little children go to funerals. The funeral turned out bad
with a gang/political group running in and taking the coffin out of the
tent. It was rather strange and not respectful at all.
This Sunday Glenn will be going to the newest preaching point. Please
pray that God will work in that village and speak to hearts.
We're all doing well physically. The weather has been beautiful--a bit
cool in the mornings and evenings--but not like when we first came
back. We are enjoying it very much!
Thank you for your prayers! We'll be in touch.
Love,
Steph
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Lesotho Update
Dear Praying Friends,
We've felt your prayers as we've been settling back into life in Lesotho.
Answer to Prayer:
If you prefer not to receive this update, please send us a note. We'll be glad to take your address of the list!
Sincerely,
Glenn, Stephanie, & Kaitlyn Gault
Hope International Missions
We've felt your prayers as we've been settling back into life in Lesotho.
Answer to Prayer:
- In the last Lesotho Update, we asked you to pray for the political situation in Zimbabwe. Though not much obvious has changed inside the country, the shiploads of weapons from China had to return. None of the neighboring countries would allow them to dock. Praise the Lord!
- While we were in America, a new church was planted in Lesotho. The Lord willing, I'll visit this new congregation on Sunday.
- On the 31st of May, the church board will be meeting to choose new committees. Please pray that God's will be done as we make these important decisions
- Pray that we will be able to get our residence permits for Lesotho renewed. I was hoping that we would already have them, but I found out today that I have to get yet another stamped, certified letter!
- We have a special prayer request. It would be unwise to give any details right now, but as you bring this need to our Father, He will know what you are talking about.
If you prefer not to receive this update, please send us a note. We'll be glad to take your address of the list!
Sincerely,
Glenn, Stephanie, & Kaitlyn Gault
Hope International Missions
Friday, May 9, 2008
Another Week in Africa
Hi! Thought I'd write a little group email quickly. This week has been busy, but today we're relaxing a bit.
Yesterday we went to Bloem and came back for supper at the van der Merwe'
s and then spent the night. It's always so nice to be with them, and now we're just relaxing and visiting.
Glenn has been working on our vehicles. Monday he was grinding something and got a piece of steel in his eye. It wouldn't come out, so we went to Ladybrand Tuesday, so he could see a doctor. Kaitlyn ended up seeing the doctor too. She had a bit of a cold and then a very tight cough. Monday night and Tuesday she was wheezing pretty badly so I was glad she could see the doctor. She has bronchitis and is on antibiotic now. The doctor gave her a breathing treatment. Even last night she was wheezing, but I think she's doing some better today.
We were able to visit with Tannie Anna on Tuesday. We also saw Miss Carol and Michelle for a bit. After shopping, we ended up going to KFC to visit Philip and Jeremy so that was nice too.
We got almost 50 mm of rain last Saturday and Sunday. It was nice to have the rain, but it's hard to get used to a cold house again. Yesterday and today have been very nice though so I can't complain.
keep me busy too! She likes telling Thabiso what to do and not to do so that's a challenge for me. One of her 2 year molars came through about 2 weeks ago. Another one is about to come through and the others are on their way.Kaitlyn is having fun playing with Thabiso almost every day. They keep very busy and We'll be glad when that's over since she gets sick and keeps us up at night!
I can't think of a lot of news today. I guess we're still in the unpack, get back-to-normal mode right now. Glenn will go to a 7am meeting tomorrow. There is a funeral in Matukeng this Sunday. The family have asked our church to hold the funeral. Ntate Pheko will come also to help preach.
I trust you will all have a nice weekend! Thank you for praying for us. We really appreciate the prayers.
Love,
Stephanie
Yesterday we went to Bloem and came back for supper at the van der Merwe'
s and then spent the night. It's always so nice to be with them, and now we're just relaxing and visiting. Glenn has been working on our vehicles. Monday he was grinding something and got a piece of steel in his eye. It wouldn't come out, so we went to Ladybrand Tuesday, so he could see a doctor. Kaitlyn ended up seeing the doctor too. She had a bit of a cold and then a very tight cough. Monday night and Tuesday she was wheezing pretty badly so I was glad she could see the doctor. She has bronchitis and is on antibiotic now. The doctor gave her a breathing treatment. Even last night she was wheezing, but I think she's doing some better today.
We were able to visit with Tannie Anna on Tuesday. We also saw Miss Carol and Michelle for a bit. After shopping, we ended up going to KFC to visit Philip and Jeremy so that was nice too.
We got almost 50 mm of rain last Saturday and Sunday. It was nice to have the rain, but it's hard to get used to a cold house again. Yesterday and today have been very nice though so I can't complain.
keep me busy too! She likes telling Thabiso what to do and not to do so that's a challenge for me. One of her 2 year molars came through about 2 weeks ago. Another one is about to come through and the others are on their way.Kaitlyn is having fun playing with Thabiso almost every day. They keep very busy and We'll be glad when that's over since she gets sick and keeps us up at night!
I can't think of a lot of news today. I guess we're still in the unpack, get back-to-normal mode right now. Glenn will go to a 7am meeting tomorrow. There is a funeral in Matukeng this Sunday. The family have asked our church to hold the funeral. Ntate Pheko will come also to help preach.
I trust you will all have a nice weekend! Thank you for praying for us. We really appreciate the prayers.
Love,
Stephanie
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Hello from Africa!
Dear Friends,
We made it back to South Africa and Lesotho safely. Thank you for all your prayers! All of our luggage arrived on time and undisturbed.
Jeremy Howard picked us up in Bloemfontein Wednesday night and took us to Uncle Johan and Aunt Hessie's home. We stayed with them until Monday morning. It was relaxing to be able to sleep in as late as we wanted and visit with our friends. Thursday night we went to Uncle Piet and Aunt Hester's to visit with them. It was great to see them!
Friday Glenn took our Toyota to Matukeng so Ntate Kali could use it. He was able to catch up with news in Lesotho. That afternoon we went to Ladybrand to do a bit of shopping and stopped by Miss Carol's place and Michelle's to say hi to them.
Sunday we went to Uncle Piet's place for their service. It turned out to just be a children's service. The rest of the people were going to Hobhouse for a special service (Uncle Johan and Aunt Hessie are helping the church there.) We thought we might need to help take people too but we weren't needed. To save fuel, we stayed for the children's service at Uncle Piet's.
Monday we went to Ladybrand again to get groceries to take back to Matukeng. It was good to be back in our house! Since then I've been getting our house back to normal (things on the walls, etc.) , unpacking our suitcases, figuring out where things will go, and trying to get back to normal.
Glenn has been working on our temporary residence permits, doing some odd jobs around our house, going to meetings and the Bible school, preaching, and butchering one of our pigs. The day we arrived, one pig tried to jump out of the pen, severing her tendon and breaking her foot. So the next day, Glenn, Ntate Kali, and some other men killed the pig. The next day, Glenn took it to a butcher who cut it all up for us. I think between us missionaries, we will buy almost all of it.
Today is Tuesday and we're in Ladybrand doing errands. Glenn has a meeting tomorrow. Thursday and Friday are holidays in South Africa (only Thursday in Lesotho) so we're doing our errands today.
Please continue to pray for us. We're still in a little reverse/reverse culture shock. Satan would love to discourage us.
1) Rats got into our new storeroom and chewed through boxes of juice which in turn ruined things in the cupboard, including child evangelism material. 2) Prices have gone up again while we've been in America--diesel is now $5+ a gallon, all food prices have gone way up, and we now pay R20 per time through the border (instead of R5).
3) Our Lesotho temporary residence permits and 6 month South African border passes expired while we were in America. Everything in Africa takes a long time, especially standing in long lines.
4) Kaitlyn was very sick this last week with a high fever. We think it was related to teething. She's doing better now but still fussy and teething. She's kept us up at night for most of a week.
But there have been encouraging news since we came back--another preaching point has been started, several good outreaches were held, and new people have been saved--all while we were gone. Praise God!
Thank you for your prayers and interest. We will try to send out a newsletter soon. Sorry no pictures this time. We'll try to get some ready for next week!
Bye for now!
Stephanie
We made it back to South Africa and Lesotho safely. Thank you for all your prayers! All of our luggage arrived on time and undisturbed.
Jeremy Howard picked us up in Bloemfontein Wednesday night and took us to Uncle Johan and Aunt Hessie's home. We stayed with them until Monday morning. It was relaxing to be able to sleep in as late as we wanted and visit with our friends. Thursday night we went to Uncle Piet and Aunt Hester's to visit with them. It was great to see them!
Friday Glenn took our Toyota to Matukeng so Ntate Kali could use it. He was able to catch up with news in Lesotho. That afternoon we went to Ladybrand to do a bit of shopping and stopped by Miss Carol's place and Michelle's to say hi to them.
Sunday we went to Uncle Piet's place for their service. It turned out to just be a children's service. The rest of the people were going to Hobhouse for a special service (Uncle Johan and Aunt Hessie are helping the church there.) We thought we might need to help take people too but we weren't needed. To save fuel, we stayed for the children's service at Uncle Piet's.
Monday we went to Ladybrand again to get groceries to take back to Matukeng. It was good to be back in our house! Since then I've been getting our house back to normal (things on the walls, etc.) , unpacking our suitcases, figuring out where things will go, and trying to get back to normal.
Glenn has been working on our temporary residence permits, doing some odd jobs around our house, going to meetings and the Bible school, preaching, and butchering one of our pigs. The day we arrived, one pig tried to jump out of the pen, severing her tendon and breaking her foot. So the next day, Glenn, Ntate Kali, and some other men killed the pig. The next day, Glenn took it to a butcher who cut it all up for us. I think between us missionaries, we will buy almost all of it.
Today is Tuesday and we're in Ladybrand doing errands. Glenn has a meeting tomorrow. Thursday and Friday are holidays in South Africa (only Thursday in Lesotho) so we're doing our errands today.
Please continue to pray for us. We're still in a little reverse/reverse culture shock. Satan would love to discourage us.
1) Rats got into our new storeroom and chewed through boxes of juice which in turn ruined things in the cupboard, including child evangelism material. 2) Prices have gone up again while we've been in America--diesel is now $5+ a gallon, all food prices have gone way up, and we now pay R20 per time through the border (instead of R5).
3) Our Lesotho temporary residence permits and 6 month South African border passes expired while we were in America. Everything in Africa takes a long time, especially standing in long lines.
4) Kaitlyn was very sick this last week with a high fever. We think it was related to teething. She's doing better now but still fussy and teething. She's kept us up at night for most of a week.
But there have been encouraging news since we came back--another preaching point has been started, several good outreaches were held, and new people have been saved--all while we were gone. Praise God!
Thank you for your prayers and interest. We will try to send out a newsletter soon. Sorry no pictures this time. We'll try to get some ready for next week!
Bye for now!
Stephanie
Thursday, March 13, 2008
From Ohio
Hi everyone,
Just a quick hello from Ohio. We're having services around New Philadelphia, OH and also enjoying visiting family in this area. Our next stop is in Indiana on Sunday. From there we go to Colorado spending a night with Steph's parents in Kansas on the way.
Bye.
Just a quick hello from Ohio. We're having services around New Philadelphia, OH and also enjoying visiting family in this area. Our next stop is in Indiana on Sunday. From there we go to Colorado spending a night with Steph's parents in Kansas on the way.
Bye.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Update to website
Hi! I've spent a couple afternoons this week working on our website. It used to just be an archive of our newsletters, but I added a little more content. It still needs work in the area of visual appeal, but we hope you have a look. Let us know what you think!
There's not a lot new going on in our lives besides deputation. This week we are in Alabama. Of course Stephanie is enjoying being with her friend Marrissa! I'm not enjoying a NASTY flu bug. (I almost canceled our Sunday morning service.) Yesterday I slept a lot and feel better today.
Bye for now.
There's not a lot new going on in our lives besides deputation. This week we are in Alabama. Of course Stephanie is enjoying being with her friend Marrissa! I'm not enjoying a NASTY flu bug. (I almost canceled our Sunday morning service.) Yesterday I slept a lot and feel better today.
Bye for now.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Lesotho Update
Dear Faithful Praying Friends,
Thank you so much for your prayers as we travel on deputation. It has been a joy to see some of you, and we are looking forward to visiting others as we continue our travels.
Praise:
Thank you so much for your prayers!
Glenn, Stephanie, and Kaitlyn Gault
Thank you so much for your prayers as we travel on deputation. It has been a joy to see some of you, and we are looking forward to visiting others as we continue our travels.
Praise:
- Pastor Tsikane Pheko reports that the work in Lesotho is going on well in our absence. He has been visiting all of the congregations recently and was encouraged with the progress.
- God has been helping us on deputation.
- Praise God for sending the required number of students for Hope Christian Academy to continue. We are also praising God for Jeremy Howard who went almost at a moment's notice to help get this new school year started. He has been a GREAT blessing!
- Please pray for Hope Christian Academy, both the staff and the students.
- Pray for us as we continue representing God's work in Africa here. Later this week we will be at a missions convention in Thomasville, NC. Then we go on to Alabama, South Carolina, etc.
- Please pray for the Pheko's. They lost the roof off their house in a terrible wind storm. Many of his precious books were damaged by rain.
Thank you so much for your prayers!
Glenn, Stephanie, and Kaitlyn Gault
Monday, January 7, 2008
Group E-Mail
Hi everyone,
After a long silence the one and only, the official group e-mail has
once again found its voice!
We had a really nice Christmas and thoroughly enjoyed time with our
families both in Colorado and Kansas. My parents live at 9,000 ft in
the mountains of Colorado so we enjoyed several beautiful snow storms
while we were there. We also had a white Christmas in KS. Of course
the best part of Christmas (besides celebrating Jesus' birthday) was
being with family. I also enjoyed a helicopter flight with my brother,
and Steph enjoyed a couple days of shopping with her sisters-in-law.
Kaitlyn has had a great time playing with her
cousins, but she hasn't
mastered the fine art of sharing toys yet!
Yesterday we started back into deputation. We had services in SE
Kansas. Next Sunday we'll be in northern Illinois and then move east
until we go down to FL for Sea Breeze Camp in February.
After a long silence the one and only, the official group e-mail has
once again found its voice!
We had a really nice Christmas and thoroughly enjoyed time with ourfamilies both in Colorado and Kansas. My parents live at 9,000 ft in
the mountains of Colorado so we enjoyed several beautiful snow storms
while we were there. We also had a white Christmas in KS. Of course
the best part of Christmas (besides celebrating Jesus' birthday) was
being with family. I also enjoyed a helicopter flight with my brother,
and Steph enjoyed a couple days of shopping with her sisters-in-law.
Kaitlyn has had a great time playing with her
cousins, but she hasn'tmastered the fine art of sharing toys yet!
Yesterday we started back into deputation. We had services in SE
Kansas. Next Sunday we'll be in northern Illinois and then move east
until we go down to FL for Sea Breeze Camp in February.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)