Back in Africa

2 Timothy 2:1-2. "You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithfull men who will be able to teach others also."

On the road again….

After spending almost 7 weeks in the States, we are now back safe and sound in Africa. As sad as it was leaving our friends, families, and supporters behind it is good to get back in our “home”land and on African soil once again.

Our time in America was wonderful and God blessed in so many ways. Our time there saw us between three different States (Tennessee, Virginia, and Florida) and in a variety of climates (from 8 F/ to 70+ F/)(-12 to +24 degrees Celsius). We were able to speak and share in 4 different churches , 3 different home groups, one Adult Bible study group, a deacoms meeting and two children Sunday school classes. A ministry booth display allowed us to meet many more people and share with them the work that God is doing in Mukamba, Zambia. Thank you Exciting Idlewild Baptist Church, Lutz Florida, First Baptist Church of Woodbridge, Va, Parkwood Baptist in Alexandria, Va, and Exciting Central Baptist in Tampa Florida for allowing us to share and spend time with you and for your support over the years.

We reconnected with friends, loyal supporters, and former team members from the past 6 years and it really hit us how much things have changed since they had last visited. Many of the earlier team members came when there wasn’t even one permanent structure on our property (only 3 ½ years ago) and now it seems there is a whole compound! We were also blessed to make new friends, spend time with new team members that will be coming to visit us in July, and meet new ministry supporters. Oh how we covet the prayers and support that go out on behalf of the ministry. If we have not said it enough before, THANK YOU, for all that you do.

Apart from getting fed spiritually from the churches and worship there, God also blessed us with much cherished time with Amber’s family. A week away with them in the snowy mountains of Tennessee was just what needed. Not only was the family time great, especially being with the nephews and niece (as they grow up so fast), but getting to ski with them was an added bonus. We miss not being able to share in the day to day happenings in their life and just to be able to reconnect again was truly special. Thank you for the prayers for Amber’s mom and her health. Please keep the prayers coming as it is difficult road that she is on but God continues to give her strength for each new day and right now she is healthy enough to do just about anything she wants to do. God has truly been good.

All in all we return from the States spiritually, emotionally, and physically refreshed with a new energy and excitement to get back to the work God has for us in Mukamba. We arrived back in South Africa with enough time to spend a few days with my mom (Jako’s) and pick up a young man Nate from the airport. He is a young 21 year old man from the States eager to volunteer the next 2 ½ months of his time and efforts for the Lord. He should be a huge help in the efforts to complete the orphanage and getting it ready to house kids.

The drive from South Africa to Zambia was relatively smooth and uneventful (although I wish we could say that for the roads- boy had the rain made them bad) and except for a busted universal joint about 60 kilometers (40 miles) from Livingstone we and the vehicle arrived safe and sound on March 13th. We were sad to discover however that the night BEFORE we got there someone broke into/slashed through our tent and stole some of our electrical equipment, our phone and internet communications unit as well as our duvet and bed sheet. It seems our motion sensor alarm was out of batteries and did not go off and because it had been raining that night, neither our security guard or the dogs heard anything. There were over 10 burnt matches lying on the ground that they used to see with and minor burns on the carpet so we are VERY thankful that the whole tent didn't catch alight. We are also VERY thankful that that was all they took. They obviously knew what they were going for becuase they left a cell phone, a computer packed away in it's bags, all the books, DVD, and other items so we are really thankful it wasn't worse. Although our hearts are a bit sore at the thought that it was somebody we knew (as they knew what they were going for) God showed once again his ability to protect all that is His. Except for the communications system most of the things they took was “niceties” instead of necessities.

It did however slow things down for us as bit as we had to sew up the tent, alert the local headmen and village authorities, file a police report, and then go about trying to get another communications system which took many trips to town and about 1 ½ weeks to go. We are now glad to say though that we are up and running once again and VERY thankful for it.

Apart from that everything else in the village looked great! Praise God there seems to have been good rain, roads are nice and muddy and fun to drive but the crops are looking good. Cattle, goats, orphanage house and orchard all are looking good and everyone from the area seems to be healthy so thank you for your prayers for that.
In the past two weeks since we’ve been here we’ve been able to get the Land Rover running again, complete the roof for the orphanage bathroom and start on the roof for the kitchen, install the front and back door and weld discreet looking burglar bars onto the windows. Next week when the roads have dried up a bit more we hope to work on the ceiling and fascia boards. We’ve definitely felt the transition of working hard all day so please continue to pray that God will give us all the strength we need for each day’s tasks, grace and love towards each other and the community, and favor with getting our work permits renewed and learning the local language. Thanks for your prayers to date and to God be the Glory.

For more pictures please go to www.picasaweb.google.com/missionoflovezambia

Thank you and God bless

Jako and Amber Joubert

Mission of Love Community Orphanage

amberandjako@hotmail.com