Our First Year in South Africa

Hello friends and family,
We are so amazed that we've been here a year already. Time has truly flown by so quickly and so much has happened in just a year. Michael just had his 3rd birthday today. We can't believe how big he is getting. I've attached a picture of him with his friends at the aquarium.

We've been so blessed here in South Africa this past year, the Lord truly has done so much more than we ever hoped or imagined. Misty and I would really like to thank you all so much for praying for us so faithfully and for supporting us financially and just being such encourager's to us in our calling here in S.A. We can honestly tell you that your prayers and support has produced much fruit in so many lives this past year including our own. That being said, we are convinced that the work here for us has really only just begun. There is a lot happening but there remains so much to be done.

The church has been started but it's in it's infant stage and needs much prayer and much care. We have begun Sunday morning services as of Jan 13 and the Lord is blessing. The youth outreaches and bible studies on the farms are going great. We have established some real meaningful relationships with many of the kids and now with a few parents as well. We have recently been asked again to preach at a school assembly here in Paarl at a different school than last time...so that's exciting (please pray Feb 11). The Lord has laid some cool and exciting things on our hearts for this new year that we are still praying about. Please pray that the Lord will show us how to reach this valley for Jesus and that He will open all the doors necessary to do so.
There are so many needs here and we really just want to know what God would have us put our hands to. Please pray that the Lord would show us what to continue with and what new things to step out into.

The Sexton family has found a house here in Paarl and they will be moving out this month. We are asking the Lord for a small bus or a van to pick people up for church on Sunday,
transportation is a huge obstacle here for the farm workers to get to church. We know the Lord will provide as He always does. The Sexton's need a vehicle too so a van or a bus would be a great thing for them too. Please keep that in prayer as well.

Misty and I would like to ask you to keep praying about continuing on with supporting us and this work financially. Though it is our desire to one day see the ministry here be self-supported...It's no where near there at this point. We really appreciate your commitment to pray for us and support us and the ministry here. Our sending church Calvary Chapel Tustin has been such a support and blessing to us.

We love you and miss you all very much....Please e-mail us to let us know how you are doing...we love it.

May the Lord bless you richly,
The Portland's