We travelled up into citrus country, a valley area north of Port Elizabeth, to a small but vibrant church in Addo, known for its large elephant and game reserve. The church is pastored by a vivacious fellow and uncontrollable tease by name of Chris Morley.
I can only say that God gifted us with many laughs at each others' expense. It all began in PE, shortly after picking us up for the trip north. We stopped off at a mall where he needed to get some things and where we decided to buy some pies for lunch.
He had just asked us what the definition of a Kiwi (New Zealander) was. The answer was an Australian who can read and write!
He had no longer finished saying it, when he panicked ... he'd put his wallet on the counter and it had gone - cash, ID, cards ... We acted quickly - he grabbed a security guard and headed off to the control centre to view the CCTV. I remembered that the only other person that had been at the counter was a biker, who had since disappeared. I raced out into the parking lot, looking to jump the guy, my newly acquired shock-gun at the ready (a contact version of a Tazer for self-defence back home).
Chris had no luck with the CCTV, the angle didn't show the counter. We reluctantly went back to the car, feeling bad for Chris and praying that the Lord would have him get his wallet back. The prayer was answered immediately - the wallet was where he'd left it ... in the glove box!
You can imagine how gracious and godly we were in helping him get over his embarrassment! It appears the ability to read and write didn't help him any! (We love you Chris!!!)
Judi and I stayed with Mark and Helen, a couple who founded the church a number of years ago (see below). Former citrus farmers, with family in that area that go all the way back to 1620's, they have sold most of their orchards and have built an Alzeimer's home on their property as a ministry and business. Please pray for them.
Wonderful folk and great little church.... we look forward to returning some day.
I can only say that God gifted us with many laughs at each others' expense. It all began in PE, shortly after picking us up for the trip north. We stopped off at a mall where he needed to get some things and where we decided to buy some pies for lunch.
He had just asked us what the definition of a Kiwi (New Zealander) was. The answer was an Australian who can read and write!
He had no longer finished saying it, when he panicked ... he'd put his wallet on the counter and it had gone - cash, ID, cards ... We acted quickly - he grabbed a security guard and headed off to the control centre to view the CCTV. I remembered that the only other person that had been at the counter was a biker, who had since disappeared. I raced out into the parking lot, looking to jump the guy, my newly acquired shock-gun at the ready (a contact version of a Tazer for self-defence back home).
Chris had no luck with the CCTV, the angle didn't show the counter. We reluctantly went back to the car, feeling bad for Chris and praying that the Lord would have him get his wallet back. The prayer was answered immediately - the wallet was where he'd left it ... in the glove box!
You can imagine how gracious and godly we were in helping him get over his embarrassment! It appears the ability to read and write didn't help him any! (We love you Chris!!!)
Judi and I stayed with Mark and Helen, a couple who founded the church a number of years ago (see below). Former citrus farmers, with family in that area that go all the way back to 1620's, they have sold most of their orchards and have built an Alzeimer's home on their property as a ministry and business. Please pray for them.
Wonderful folk and great little church.... we look forward to returning some day.
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