November 2003 Dear Friends This month it is my (Belinda's) privilege to write to you. The year is almost over and this is our last newsletter for 2003! Like all other years, this one also rushes to an end! Let me not add to the busyness of the year-end, but instead let me look back over the year and share some of God's work, provision and care for us. It is our sixth year of being missionaries here in the Lowveld and we can only testify that God has never failed us - He is faithful! Yes, He has allowed us to go through some rough patches, but we would not exchange the valuable lessons and tests of faith for a smooth path. This is after all how we grow!! Let us share a few stories from our lives - stories of a car, 3 boys, a computer and lessons of life� Our Isuzu:
About 5 months ago the Lord provided us a family car! We had to trust Him for the finances to buy a second-hand Isuzu. However, when we took the step of faith, He provided: someone gave us an interest-free loan. Over the next three days we received R25 000 towards the car! After we sold our old bakkie, 40% of the Isuzu was paid! Praise the Lord! We give Him all the glory! C, B en S:
Our three boys (4�, almost 3 and 1) quickly "helped" us to realize that we need Biblical wisdom to raise them as godly children! We thank the Lord for the course "Growing Kids God's Way". It's a very helpful and practical video course. Half way through, the couple facilitating the course left for England, but under Alfred's guidance ten of us completed the course in September. We learned many valuable lessons about ourselves, our children and God's ideal and standard for the family. Computer:
Another miracle is "our" computer! To say that we are daily dependent on our computer, is an understatement! Since the beginning of the year Alfred's younger brother, Hans-Dieter, lent us his laptop since he got one from his employer. Last month he phoned us and asked Alfred to help him (give advice) to buy a new computer and them we could have the loaned laptop! What a blessing! God indeed knows our every need, also for hardware! We really experience that we are not merely His workers, but also His precious children! Lessons Learned:
I guess one lesson God teaches each of His children is the lesson on control. Sometimes as a full time worker for the Lord one just learns it sooner and more often! To give the Lord control over my life is in theory quite easy, but in reality it costs a lot. A man once said that Christians from a certain country are very "committed". After some positive responses to his words he continued: "No, they have exchanged the word 'committed' with 'surrender'". If you are "committed", you can still remain in control, but if you "surrender" it entails a lot more� you give up control over many of your life's choices. Well, in short, this is one of the biggest lessons I (Belinda) learned this year - "surrender" in stead of "committed". Not an easy lesson, but glory to God for His loving care and guidance! Jesus-children:
One more thing that we are grateful for is that both Christiaan and Bernard have given their lives to the Lord Jesus! Last year one morning Christiaan woke up crying over his sins. After speaking to him, he said that it's only Jesus that can take away his sins. Then he prayed on his own asking for forgiveness and that Jesus would be his King! Last Tuesday Bernard talked to me about God and he said that all people are sinners. I asked him how we could stop sinning or get rid of our sins - his answer was that only Jesus can take away our sins. He then also prayed and asked Jesus to take away his sins and that He would be his King too! Thanks be to God for He gives His Holy Spirit to guide and teach us. Thank the Lord with us for His goodness during 2003! We give Him the glory that only He deserves! May you have a very special Christ-mas this year! Lots of love and greetings from Alfred & Belinda, Christiaan, Bernard and Stefan | 
