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Thursday, August 26, 2010

Transition

Our family is in the middle of an exciting time of transition with our work here in South Africa.

The Lighthouse Children's Shelter has recently been transferred into the ownership of a local South African church.  This is a large church with many resources to invest in the shelter.  They plan to run the shelter primarily with volunteers from their congregation.  Having a local church take ownership has been the goal of all involved with the shelter since the very beginning.  In essence, we've worked ourselves out of a job.

Jeff and Abby Hunt, the other missionary couple we have been working with here at the shelter, will stay and help make the complete transition as smooth and seamless as possible.

The shelter is in capable hands, and after much prayer, consideration and wise counsel we've determined that this is the perfect time for us to move on to other areas of ministry where our time and skills are more needed.

It actually comes at a good time, because over the last several months I've been praying and seeking God's direction for our ministry here.  I've realized that I've been doing many things but I haven't done any of them well.  I feel that I should begin focusing more of my attention on the work happening in Phokeng with orphaned and vulnerable children living in child run homes.  

This transition will allow us to focus 100% of our energy on working with those children.  We are very excited to get more involved in Phokeng and can't wait to see what God does with that ministry.

The shelter has been our heart and soul for the last 4 1/2 years, but we have complete peace from God that it's time to move on.  We will soon be sharing more information here about what's happening in Phokeng.

We've been staying on the shelter property since we arrived back in South Africa in January.  Since we'll no longer be involved with running the shelter, we are moving into a 3 bedroom flat on a farm just outside of town.  The kids are excited to live on a farm.  I'll have to see if I can get them working shoveling manure!  Our plan is to stay at the apartment for a few months while we look for a more suitable home to purchase or rent.

Please pray for God's will and grace as we make this transition!

~Lincoln

4 comments:

  1. Will be praying for you guys.

    Sending you love, Jenny!

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  2. Praying for you. Know that even positive change comes with pain. May your transition be as painless and positive as possible. Fauche

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  3. I am praying that the Lord would orchestrate every detail of your transition and that His Holy Spirit would be with you every step of the way.

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  4. You are in our prayers. God has something very special lined up for you and your precious family.

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