Tuesday, April 10, 2007

"Then you will know that I am the LORD, For they shall not be ashamed who wait for Me" (Isaiah 49:23)















First of all...Misty and I hope you had a wonderful Resurrection weekend. We had a great Easter here in S.A. Truly we worship the One who conquered death! We missed our family and CCT family, but the Lord gave us the grace we needed to not focus on that and just rejoice in our risen Lord. We would ask you all to please pray for a place for us to live in Paarl, We had a house open up to us at one point in Wellington (small town near Paarl) then it fell through. That was actually just the conformation we needed that the Lord wants us living in Paarl.
The Lord has really led us recently into a season of prayer and waiting upon Him. We have been driving out to Paarl several times a week just to hang out with and meet whoever He wants us to meet, and we just drive up to Paarl rock (a huge rock/mountain above the town) and spend time praying over the city and for the people. Misty and I are convinced that revival is coming again to this valley and thus is going to spread throughout the country. All of us Calvary guys here in S.A. are quite certain it's coming and many other churches here are convinced as well. There was a time a few generations ago when a man named Andrew Murray was raised up here in this valley as a leader and Pastor in the midst of a great revival and we believe that another day of grace is coming to the country of South Africa. The Lord gave me a verse it's Isaiah 49:23 it says "Then you will know that I am the LORD, For they shall not be ashamed who wait for Me" the Lord showed me that the best thing I can be doing now is to PRAY, PRAY, PRAY and wait upon Him to unveil His awesome plan and I don't have to stress or strive because "they shall not be ashamed who wait for Him". It's God's way in God's time that we desire. Much is happening here in the city of Capetown, the bible study we're doing on Wednesdays at the shelter is being blessed greatly, and the body here at CCCapetown is doing much to reach this city for Jesus. Pastor Demitri and his wife Karen have become great friends and encourager's to us, Please pray for them for wisdom and that the Lord would just bless them as they are currently needing a permanent church building and also searching for a building to start a CCbible college ext. campus. This area is so ripe for souls right now, People are getting saved every week. However the reality is that most people here still have not yet been born again or are not walking with the Lord as they should be. Please pray that Misty and I would remain faithful and flexible as there is still so much work to be done.

We would also ask that you would please be in prayer about how the Lord might want to use you and your support to further this work here in South Africa. There are many expenses for us to be able to live here, driving, housing etc. We know that the Lord will provide all our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus, and He just might want to use you in doing so. Thank you most of all for praying for us (Nothing is more important and effective than that) and Thank you all who have or currently are supporting us while we serve here in SA.

We miss you all and pray for you often. Misty and I have added some pictures so you don't just have to imagine whats happening.

God Bless You all,
The Portlands

Michael after a hard day of ministry















Andrew Murray Center (Wellington)
Woodstock shelter bible study










Calvary Chapel Capetown Baptism service













It's so hard to find a good mechanic !










You never know who might show up at the door.

















Matie, Karen, Misty, Sandrine, Engela

3 comments:

Robert & Noelle said...

We miss you guys!
I just wanted you to know that we are with you in prayer and thought. We are blown away at how evident Gods' providence is in what you have put your hands to.
There is NO force that can hinder the momentum of His purpose on that magnificent nation; and how beloved you are of Christ to have been chosen to be a first hand witness of His soon coming showers over the very grouds your feet are standing.

Zech 10:1
ASK the LORD for rain

In the time of the latter rain.
The LORD will make flashing clouds;
He will give them showers of rain,
Grass in the field for everyone.


We love you guys, and God willing, will see you in September!

Robert & Noelle

Alan and Kat Piercy said...

Hi Guys You put a smile on your Father in Heaven's heart. May God overwhelm you with His Peace as you transition to your new "home". You are thought of and talked about much here. It's great to hear how God is using you. Pastor Barry gave an update and it's modern day New Testament stuff. Don't grow weary in doing good. Keep your eyes on the prize and lay every hindrance aside. God's Peace doesn't mean having the answer, but surrendering all over to the authority of Christ. You are loved and being prayed for. Alan/Kat Piercy

Lorie said...

People should read this.