July 2018 Newsletter

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. [1 Thess. 5:8-11, NIV]

Dear Friends and Family,

Grace and peace to you! We thank God for all of you and continue to remember you in our prayers. We have been reminded yet again of your love and care for us through your faithful prayers and kind gifts that sustain our ministry in South Africa.

Six Years in Africa!

On the 14th of June the girls reminded me that it had been exactly six years since we arrived in Africa. I think our family has made an amazing transition to living in Africa. For Katie, it’s the place that she remembers the most since she had just turned ten years old a few months before the big move.

Here’s a little excerpt from our June 2012 newsletter:

Our bags are nearly packed as we prepare to leave for Zambia on June 12… The reality of our upcoming move is starting to set in. Most of our belongings have been boxed, packed, or given away. We’ve also been busy visiting friends and meeting with our partners in ministry. We are thankful for the opportunity we had to share during several services at Faith Bible Chapel in May. We’re looking forward to the potluck supper that Calvary Baptist Church has planned for the Sunday before we leave…

I’m not sure any of us were really prepared for what we were about to face, but two things really stand out as I think about on the past six years. First, we have grown as individuals. We’ve met some incredible people, had some unbelievable experiences, and made many unforgettable memories. But second, and most importantly, we have grown in our faith as God has tested us and proven himself time and again.

Support Update

For the past few months we have reported rather large shortfalls in our ministry account and our ongoing monthly support commitments. This month we have good news: the deficit in our ministry account has been reduced to about $4,000, while our monthly shortfall is now $250. We are thankful to those who have given in support of our ministry, both in regular ongoing commitments as well as special gifts, and we give thanks to God for your generosity!

Prayer Requests

• Please pray for faculty and returning students of Bible Institute as classes resume on July 9. Pray also for incoming students as interviews have begun for about a dozen new applicants. Pray for the financial situation at BISA as several large projects have left the college in some difficulty.
• Please pray for our family: for Kristina as she oversees our household and also volunteers at iThemba; for Anna and Sarah as they continue their studies at the Bible Institute; for Katie as she has a short break before beginning Grade 11 in September; for me as I continue to labour at the Bible Institute; and for John (who has started a new job) and Rebecca in St. John’s.

Blessings in Christ,

Tim & Kristina Churchill