I, Kriek, have so much to blog about, and yet I haven’t done anything. (And yes, we are still in Swaziland; where else would we be?) We had an amazing, blessed time in the States. Visiting ‘newly involved’ churches, sharing about Swaziland, God’s work, God’s faithfulness, spending time with friends, doing fun things as a family. We enjoyed all of it, but we were also happy to return home.
During our time in the States I shared a couple of times my take on Isaiah 58 and how God uses this Scripture to encourage me and to sustain me. I was sharing that we are daily surrounded by death, desperation and despair, and that in all this hopelessness I need to hang on to the One who is my Hope and remind myself of His promises.
Boy, was I lying to myself …… Daily being surrounded by death? What was I saying? It almost was like after I made this statement, the crap hit the fan for real …..
My mom’s cousin, a dear, God loving woman, suddenly became a widow. Ministry friends in Mozambique were in a car accident and the husband passed away. My own cousin was shot and killed in his home in Johannesburg. And dear friends in the States (the ‘closer than family’ type of friends) lost their son and we are all still grieving his death.
And with all the suffering, and the grieving, and the crying, the enemy comes with his loads of lies and plans to steal, destroy, kill and distract and dumps that in there too.
So much sadness. So much heartache. So much evil in this world. So many questions without answers. Almost overwhelming, almost unbearable.
But God is faithful and He continues to speak, to bring truth and hope and comfort, and to reveal Himself in so many ways. In Him I still have HOPE. In Him is my SECURITY. In Him I have PEACE.
I can’t let go of these truths. I can’t stop believing in this. I can’t allow myself to loose hope. I don’t dare take my eyes of Him.
‘Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant in the trial and the change
This one thing remains:
It’s so good to hear from you two. Sorry we missed you on your visit to the States. I hope we’ll get to see you in August when our team returns, although we have a lot planned in Nsoko. You are in my prayers all the time. What you are doing is so, so important.
I continue to raise awareness and funds constantly for the Swaziland cause. I still long for a way to do more for this Mission. I continue to ask for God’s plan for me and Swaziland.
God bless you and your family.
My heart goes out to the both of you, Jumbo & Kriek.
His love NEVER fails, it NEVER gives up & it will NEVER run out on you! So true!
It was so good to get to know you a little while Riverwood was there! Love the work you and your team are doing in Swaziland.
Prayers & Blessings go out to you & the team!
Thanks for sharing!
Hi guys
I can’t tell you how much this post means. I think the older children are watch you guys and doing what you do! You guys are amazing roll models.
I fell in love with you guys three years ago when Bryan came back from Swaziland and told me all about you guys! He couldn’t stop talking about you guys! Now I have seen for myself. You guys are amazing! I see God through you. The way you care the way you act with the children the extra miles and miles you have gone.
Keep the posts coming. Kriiek when I read this I hear it with your accent!
Love you
Much
Cheryl Peters
I continue to lift you up in prayers, Kriek and Jumbo.
Sending love to you, friend.
xoxo