Dec 2022 - Bobotie Recipe

 Merry Christmas!

What are your plans for the Christmas season?  My cookie baking is well underway and I keep praying for rainy days when it is cool enough to do more baking.  It is so hard to choose which kinds to bake each year!  One new recipe on my list to try is Melomakarona.  It is a Greek honey cookie that I first had at a small shop in Johannesburg.  Hopefully, I can make it as nicely as they did.  Chocolate covered is the best!

When I’m home in the US, my family often tries something fun for our Christmas Eve meal.  Shortly before I moved to South Africa, I made a South African dish called bobotie (pronounced bo-BO-tee) for our Christmas Eve dinner and it was amazing!  I now make it here for all my visitors.  If you feel adventurous and would like to try it for your Christmas Eve dinner (or any other time :), I’ll share the recipe.  It is like a really flavorful meatloaf.  There are lots of ingredients, and some seem really strange together, but the flavor is totally worth the work.  If you are missing a seasoning or two, don’t let that put you off.

Bobotie

• 1 kg (2.2 pounds) minced lamb or beef
• 30ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil
• 2  onions, chopped
• 2 ml (1/2 teaspoon) crushed garlic
• 15 ml (1 tablespoon) curry powder
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) ground turmeric
• 5ml (1 teaspoon) ground coriander
• 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
• 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) ground cumin
• 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) ground nutmeg
• 1.25 ml (1/4 teaspoon) ground ginger
• 2 slices of bread, crumbled
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) milk
• zest and juice of 1/2 small lemon
• 1 egg
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) salt, milled black pepper
• 100 g (3 ounces) dried apricots, chopped
• 1 Granny Smith apple peeled, cored and     chopped
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) sultanas (golden raisins – use regular raisons if needed)
• 50 g (1 1/2 ounces) slivered almonds
• 6  bay leaves (or lemon leaves)
• TOPPING
• 250 ml (1 cup) milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 ml (1/2 teaspoon) salt

Preheat the oven to 325F.  Grease a large casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Heat the oil in a skillet and fry the onions and garlic until translucent.  Add the spices (curry though ginger) and cook briefly until fragrant.  Remove from the heat.

Place the meat in a large bowl and add the cooked onions and garlic.  Mix together the bread crumbs and next 8 ingredients (though the almonds) and then add to the meat mixture.   Mix well by hand and tip into the casserole dish.  Press down gently and smooth the top.  Bury the bay leaves into the mixture at regular intervals.  Cover with foil and back for 75 minutes. 

Increase the oven temperature to 400F.

Mix the topping ingredients together.  Remove the dish from the oven and pour the topping over the meat mixture.  Back uncovered for 15 minutes until lightly browned.

(Adapted from Rainbow Cuisine by Lannice Snyman)

This recipe is usually served with rice (yellow rice is best) and, if you can find it, a dollop of fruit chutney adds the perfect vinegar kick. The recipe makes a good 8 servings so it’s great for a group or to have plenty of leftovers. 

Let me know if you try it!  It is still my favorite South African recipe and deserves to have a place in everyone’s recipe collection.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Nov 2022 - Acts 29 Outreach

We painted the town red! Well, perhaps not quite :)  Our Acts 29 outreach for 2022 was last month in the city of Durban on the east coast of South Africa.  Durban has a fairly tropical climate and we had moderate temperatures with very high humidity for our stay.  The Airbnb we rented for the team was on the ocean cliffs and we had a spectacular view watching humpback whales and dolphins from the deck.  Since many of the students had never seen the ocean before, they were all screaming when we arrived!

We partnered with a local church, Glenwood Community Church, in ministry activities throughout the week.  They were an amazing host and great friendships were developed since some of their members joined us in our outreach activities.

The team with Glenwood Community Church members

After an 11-hour drive from Mafikeng on Saturday, Oct 8th, the church hosted us for a quick meet and greet on Saturday night and then turned over their Sunday worship service to our team.  I was blessed to play the guitar for the worship and 4 of our students led the singing.  Timothy, a theology student at NWU, then gave the sermon on having “Beautiful Feet”.

Leading worship

During the week we spent time at a local university, Durban University of Technology, witnessing to their students, taught workshops at the church on sharing the gospel and developing a personal testimony, helped serve at a sidewalk soup kitchen and shared the gospel/prayed with those coming for a meal, and went on outreaches with Durban Inner City Mission.

The sidewalk soup kitchen

Durban Inner City Mission is a ministry started by several local Baptist churches to serve those living in the city center as well as the sailors in the harbour.  Part of their ministry is through a free Christian newspaper called the Challenge. We were able to help deliver these newspapers to inner city apartment complexes and shops in one area and also used them to spark conversations with people at a local park.  Since most apartment complexes are not accessible for security reasons, the newspaper provides a way to reach those living there.

Sharing the gospel at City Hall

Also, every Thursday evening, they send teams out to do street ministry and visit homeless shelters in the city.  Our group joined with their regulars to visit the South Beach area to visit/pray with those living on the street there, help with a regular Bible study for the homeless in a park in North Beach, and visit with people at The Nest homeless shelter.   It was an eye-opening experience for many of our students.

But it wasn’t all work and no play.  We managed to visit the botanical garden and spend a few hours at the beach.  For most of the students this was their first time at a beach and swimming in the ocean.  Due to strong currents, sewage contamination, rocks, there are only a select areas where swimming is allowed.  They place two flags about 100 yards apart and you can only go into the water between the flags.  Most people don’t really swim, they just stand in the water and enjoy the waves. 

Part of the team enjoying the Indian Ocean - Merlicia, Kamo, Frank, Timothy, Wes, Beth, and Thandi

The sea also has a role in many non-biblical religious ceremonies and people were coming to the beach to “wash” in the sea for cleansing and protection.  They also take the sea water home with them to add to bath water, since they believe it is of benefit spiritually.  The traditional healers  (sangomas/witch doctors) also have many ceremonies at the ocean and we saw them several times. It aways grieves my heart to see people caught up in such bondage.

Our long drive back to Mafikeng the following Friday was filled with many sleeping students sprawled over the car seats and even a bit of snoring. 

It was such a blessing to see the Acts 29 students so eager to share the gospel in many different situations even when it was far out of their comfort zone.  Please pray that the experiences they had in Durban will continue to touch their heart and the hearts of those we met there.  

Sept 2022 - STM

The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity with an American veterinary student coming for 3 weeks, end of term exams, a 10-day holiday in the Eastern Cape province, and a short-term mission team.  Sheesh, I feel exhausted just writing about it!

The holiday (vacation) with my friend was wonderful, but we kept quite busy, driving over 1500 miles.  We spent several days in the central desert area of South Africa called the Karoo, and I had a chance to try astrophotography (star photography) since there is no light pollution.  The night sky there is amazing and the Milky Way is stunning in its brightness and detail.  

An old abandoned shop in Putfontein

A working windmill (windpump) near Hanover

The main reason for the trip came at the end, when I spent 4 days horseback riding along the eastern coast.  It is a stunning, almost tropical, area with white sand beaches, dense forests, and quaint towns.  Viewing it from horseback has to be the perfect option.  My horse, Tenna-sea, was very reliable and quiet, but loved to gallop on the beaches. I also brought home way too many giant seashells.

Just a week after I returned to Mafikeng, my short-term team from Christian Veterinary Mission arrived.  The trip had been postponed since 2021 due to covid restrictions, so everyone was excited to finally touch down in South Africa.  Unfortunately, two of the four team members had last minute family emergencies and were unable to come.  The two who did come were both veterinary technicians and spent most days in the clinic with me and the students. 

Thomas, Makayla, and me - Short-Term Mission Team 2022

In addition to spending time building relationships with the students, the team held an evening review session for the final-year students, helped with a rabies vaccine clinic (100 dogs and 2 cats vaccinated) in the local village of Lokaleng, and participated in an Acts 29 movie outreach.  They were both able to share their testimony during the movie outreach and the students were quite moved.  It really meant so much to the students (both in the clinic an in Acts 29) that people would come all the way from America just to spend time with them.

The Acts 29 team and STM team

The second rotation group and STM team

On a sad note, shortly after dropping the team off at the airport, I received word that one of our past Acts 29 members, Thato, had died.  He and his wife, Thandeka, had both been involved in our ministry on campus while they were students.  They were married a year ago, shortly after graduating from North-West University.  Thato’s death was sudden and unexpected and Thandeka has been left bewildered and grieving.  Please keep her and both families in your prayers.  Please pray especially that God will be glorified in this tragedy. 

My ministry partners, the Gestrings, with Thato and Thandeka at their wedding 

Jul 2022 - Evelyn's Story

 In our Acts 29 witnessing group, we have been working with the students on developing a personal testimony.  It is one of my favourite activities because we get to hear everyone’s story and how God has impacted their life.  Over the next few months, I will be sharing three of those stories with you.

Evelyn is a quiet, unassuming young lady who wasn’t at all sure she wanted to join Acts 29.  Acting on a God-given impulse, she committed to the program early this year and has grown in leaps and bounds since then.  Her growth this year includes being baptised and sharing her testimony with other students during our Easter movie outreach.  She even guest led our student Bible study this week!  I’ll let her tell her own story…

“My parents are Christians, we went to church almost every Sunday. I was not much of a believer because I did not know about Jesus, my church never talked about him, but only God. At the age of 16 I started experiencing severe chest pains, abnormal heartbeat and heart rate. Also swollen legs and constant tiredness. I did not know what was the cause of all this and neither did my mother. She tried getting me different medication, taking me to hospitals and traditional doctors to find out the cause and get me healed but they all did not work out for me or make anything better. I had anger issues and was always feeling pity for myself. It frustrated me because these symptoms have been occurring for more than 5 years but I don't know the cause. I thought perhaps it's better I just live with this and accept it even thou my mother did not want to.

“I was on a gap year when I met this Christian lady. She started by encouraging me about my gap year and I feel like God pushed me to her. I started going to her house, the first time she preached the gospel in the Bible I was astonished by how she knew different verses and scriptures. I didn't know that people can actually do that so I fell in love with it and wanted to know about God and Jesus too. I asked her one time how she understands and memorize verses, she just told me that you ask God for understanding and indulge in the word meditate on it. I went to her church during the weeks and I learnt so much from it that I had no knowledge of.

“My body had a breakdown because of my illness and I had to be admitted to the hospital. I had a low blood count so I had blood transfusion. The doctor suspected that there is something wrong with my heart and she recommended me a heart specialist. The specialist performed tests on me and he told me that my heart does not pump enough blood because of a valve that needs to be removed and replaced by a heart operation. He gave me medication to take in the meantime and come back after a few months. I was relieved to find my answer and few days later I did not feel those pains anymore, the chest pains where no longer that intense.

“I accepted Jesus at church because I understand his death and him as a whole. That was the best decision I've made. I am happy and at piece today. God gave a spiritual heart that can never be broken by anything. Even though I still have to do the operation, I am still and I know that God has already approved it successful so I don't worry about it. I enjoy getting to know him and following him where he leads me.”

May 2022 - Acts 29 is back!

 The Acts 29 team is back in action this year!  South Africa is resting at a level 1 Covid status and that means that most events and activities can begin again.  The university has also eased many of their restrictions and that has allowed us to start holding activities on campus.  Although there is still a lot of paperwork involved and signatures needed for approval!

For Easter, the Acts 29 team hosted two viewings of The Passion of the Christ movie in campus residences, and we had a great turnout.   For the second showing, we hit the allowed covid capacity with 60 people and had to turn some away.

The Acts 29 team for 2022 -  Timmy, Kamo, Wes, Mary, Evelyn, Given, Timothy
Me, Beth, Reneilwe, and Ompile

Five Acts 29 students had an opportunity to step out in faith during the movies by acting as MC for the event, sharing their testimony, and sharing the gospel after the movie.  We also had comment cards for those watching the movie to fill out that will provide opportunities for the team to visit later and share the gospel one-on-one.  You can see photos of both outreaches on my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/gospeakliveboldly

Over the next few weeks, please pray for our Acts 29 team as they use the comment cards to visit students in the residences and share the Gospel.  Pray for the students to share the gospel clearly and completely.  Please pray as well that the hearts of those they visit will be prepared to hear God’s word. 

For Easter morning, we had a great student church meeting at the Gestring’s house.  It was a special occasion as we baptized two of the Acts 29 team members and two Bible study attendees!   Afterwards we all shared an Easter lunch of chicken stew with rice, curried carrot salad, and chocolate cupcakes for dessert.

Evelyn newly baptized!

The Wednesday night Bible study has also continued with around 15-17 students attending regularly.  We are studying the book of James this term and the practical topics are really hitting home with everyone, including myself!  His section of the importance of the integration of faith AND actions is one of my favorite. 

Please keep our student home church and Bible study in your prayers.  Pray that the Lord gives them eyes to see and ears to hear what He has for each of them in His word. Pray also that they will be doers of the word and not just hearers; putting into action what they have learned and heading the promptings of the Holy Spirit in this regard.

Mar 2022 - Leaving Well

 What does it mean to “leave well”?  As I once again finding myself leaving friends and family in the US to return to my life in South Africa, I’ve been pondering that phrase.  The importance of leaving well is commonly discussed in many ministry contexts including overseas missions.  For me, it is something to keep in mind among all the busyness of the last weeks and then days before my flight.  To be more intentional about the things I do and don’t do with my time and energy. 

During the past few days, I have been working alongside my parents going though closets and boxes in their/our home in WA.  Lots set aside to give to charity, some set aside as keepsakes, some just reorganized.  It was finally time to get rid of all my notes from 10 years of college, old work paperwork, and clothes that I won’t wear again.  It feels good to leave with less clutter left behind.

While traveling around the US visiting many of my supporters, I stayed a few nights in Michigan and took the time to visit my undergraduate alma mater in Hillsdale.  It had been 21 years since I graduated, and this was my first trip back.  Although the campus has changed enormously on a physical level, the ethos and philosophy were still the same.  Many of my professors were still teaching at Hillsdale and I was able to meet with them and catch up.  Several will be retiring soon so it was good to be able to catch them this year while they were still there.

Just after I arrived home in Nov, I took advantage of some Michael’s coupons to get yarn for a new crochet project to keep me busy while I was home.  Somehow that got set aside unfinished when I had covid and then never got started again.  However, while watching the Olympics and Superbowl, I dragged it back out and managed to finish the shawl just in time.  It feels good not to leave behind unfinished projects.

Intentionally enjoying the beauty of my home in WA before I leave has meant taking several walks in the area and taking pictures of the swans who migrate though the area each year.  Several bald eagle sightings were also a blessing. It is good to take time to focus on what I love about Washington.

My last day at home in the US I changed the sheets on my bed, cleaned the bathroom, vacuumed, and generally organized and tidied my rooms upstairs.  It wasn’t necessary as my parents would be happy to have done it after I left, but again, it just feels good knowing I’m leaving everything clean and ready for guests to use.  

These seemingly little things can have such a big impact on how well we leave.  I find for me, taking the time to recognize and focus on these little bits of leaving well relieves some of the stress of leaving once again and allows God’s joy freer rein in my heart.   It also allows me to be more present when I am here in Mafikeng, rather than dwelling on home/the US.

Jan 2022 - Gifts of Grace

 Happy New Year!  Have you made any New Year’s resolutions?  Although I haven’t made any resolutions this year, I have been reflecting on God’s grace in my life over the past few years.  CVM’s verse for the year is Acts 20:24 with the focus on the gospel of the grace of God.  And it is a wonderful gospel (good news)! 

One the greatest gifts of grace has been the discipleship of students at NWU. Walking with them though their struggles and triumphs, praying with them, and studying the word together has been a joy and a source of growth for me as well. Many that were part of our witnessing group and Bible studies over the past 6 years have graduated, gotten married, and are working in jobs of all descriptions.

A second gift of grace is my little house and garden with my chickens and cats. Such joy can be found in the simple things in life: watching plants grow, playing with my cats and listening to the chickens clucking after they lay an egg.  It is such a blessing (especially during lockdown!) not to be in an apartment.  My home on campus also means the campus generator provides electricity during load shedding (when the government shuts off the power for several hours a day to compensate for low electricity production)! 

The Lord has also provided wonderful gifts of grace in the friends I’ve made in South Africa, both nationals and expats.  Friendships that will last long after my term with CVM are finished.  Friends to worship with, travel with, and bake with, friends who provided a place to stay when I needed to evacuate during student riots, friends who have rescued me when I’ve had car trouble, and friends who have helped me navigate the ins and out of life in South Africa.

Another gift of grace is the ability to return home on furlough and visit friends and family. This also includes the chance to meet up with vet students from various universities though the Real Life Real Impact student conferences and the talks I will be doing at the University of Minnesota.   Furlough also provides an opportunity to spend time with my parents.  They traveled with me to California last month to visit a few of my supporters and family who live in the area and we managed to have a bit of fun along the way. We even got out in the snow!

Finally, and most importantly, is the gift of grace in God’s salvation.  Last month we celebrated the birth of Christ, and in a few months, we will celebrate His death and resurrection.  Through Him we have been freely given the gift of restored relationship with our Creator and eternal life with Him. Praise Him for His marvelous gifts of grace.