God's Care and Love for His Children

I remember sitting in candidate class, as a single missionary, listening to a veteran missionary explain what it meant to be on deputation. It was not described as a journey that would be easy but rather a journey that would have me relying on the Lord more than ever before in my life.  Having grown up in a missionary family I understood about the faith you needed to have in the Lord in these unique situations. I was reminded that the Lord would provide you with all the grace that you needed to serve Him and that I had no need to worry. That part was not of a surprise to me.

The part of deputation that had me thinking was when that veteran missionary explained that it is not just about raising prayer and financial support but it is a time when the Lord can use you to minister for Him in the churches you visit. I had not ever thought of it quite like that before. Now as I serve the Lord alongside my husband, as missionaries to Malmesbury, South Africa, I’m reminded of those lessons - some time back - as we visit churches on deputation as a missionary couple.

This past month we visited two churches in the Western Cape Province. Although we had in mind to be of an encouragement to them, we were so thankful to have left each church knowing that they had encouraged us! Our time spent with Emmanuel Baptist Church and Baptiste Bybel Kerk in Macassar was one of spiritual uplifting for both Deon and myself. We would like to thank both of these churches for ministering to us that day and loving us by welcoming us into your church and reassuring us of your prayers!

Our little Jesse Dean was dedicated to the Lord on February 3.  We also see this as an opportunity to publicly say “Thank You” to the Lord and as a re-dedication of our family. It was such an honor to have my Dad lead the service and we are especially grateful that our friends and most of our family could be there to witness this special day. We are reminded what a great responsibility it is to raise our sons to love, honor and glorify the Lord. We are thankful to the Lord for giving us this privilege to be parents as well as giving us an opportunity to express our appreciation for everyone attending, knowing that they will be praying for our boys. We ask you all to pray specifically that our boys would accept Christ as their Savior and do please pray for us, as their parents, as we teach Ruan and Jesse the Word of God and as we demonstrate Christ love to them. In addition, this day was especially meaningful because we celebrated my parents 45^th Wedding Anniversary as well. What a godly example they have been to us not only in their marriage but also as parents.

Our Dearest Friends & Faithful Prayer Warriors
Mr. & Mrs.  Naudé
(Jesse's Dedication Service)

 We would like to thank all of our readers who faithfully prayed for the young girl in our church that was battling with cancer. The Lord graciously took her home to be with Him on February 4. Simoné was a wonderful testimony to those around her. She came to a place in those last months of her life where she could share the Good News to those she loved. Her Memorial service focused on this very testimony of the Gospel. Deon was privileged to preach the Gospel clearly to all in attendance that day. Our prayer is that many will accept Christ as their Savior through her testimony and through our follow-up of the Gospel message they heard at her memorial service. We are missing Simoné very much but so thankful that we will see her again soon!

Simoné