Bye Bye Car!

It’s been a great 11 months with this car, but today it was time for us to say goodbye to this beast mobile.

We were beyond blessed to have this car for much longer than expected – thank you to our dear friend, Mulder.  What was originally supposed to be 5 months turned into over 11!  For those of you that may not have been following along on our journey this past year, here’s a little snippet from a post I wrote back on February 8, 2015, when the Lord was leading us to move to Mossel Bay…….

February 8, 2015:
“Speaking of needs, we weren’t sure how we were going to get around Mossel Bay once we moved down there.  Right now we’re homeless, carless, jobless……..but rich in the sense that we are so fulfilled with living for Jesus and doing what the Lord’s asked us to do.  I think about the disciples and how they left their jobs, everything, to follow Jesus.  Our family has a lot of growing to do, in fact that will never end, and the Lord continues to teach us what’s important in this life and what things we can continue to let go of to follow Him.  A couple drove us to the police station, and on the way there they nonchalantly asked us if we needed a car once we go to Mossel Bay.  We told them yes.  Immediately the guy said we could have his car and use it however needed.  I honestly didn’t know if my ears had heard right or if he was serious….turns out he was!  He is leaving the country from March-July and said we can simply work out arrangements for when he needs it back after that time.  It’s a little car but big enough to squeeze our family into, and it gets around 45mpg and 600 miles per tank fill-up!!  And get this, he and a friend are driving to a conference which is located ½ way between Pretoria and Mossel Bay.  They leave on Wednesday and offered to drive the vehicle the rest of the way to Mossel Bay so that we could have it.  What?!?!  Our dilemma - how do we get the vehicle to Mossel Bay?  Problem solved!  They will arrive with the car next Sunday evening, and then we are taking care of their transportation back to Pretoria via the bus.  As I read in Acts about people selling their belongings to help others in need, I’ve seen that same generosity in this house we’ve been living in.  I am observing and learning a lot about giving without being stingy, and I’m not just talking about money here either.  You know the saying, “Me casa es su casa….”  Well, people here literally live that out.  They are so selfless and full of love for each other.  It’s not a sacrifice but a blessing for them to give to others with no reservation or hesitation.”

Current Day:
So, there you have it.  God came through back then and He will again!  We believe and trust the Lord to provide us with a new vehicle to continue on with the work here, specifically in Sonskyn.  We have such great peace about our situation and are excited to see what God is up to!  I wonder how He will fill this empty parking spot?!?! We'll be happy with anything, except maybe a cow, horse or donkey, haha! Just kidding!

In the meantime, we have been blessed with friends that have offered to help us with transportation or bring us food as needed.  In fact, some friends are bringing Edwin and Ronel (from Sonskyn) to the farm this weekend so they can celebrate their 2-year anniversary at the farm….that was their desire!  The Lord has put some great things on our hearts for this family, and we will be talking with them about those things this weekend.  We would appreciate your prayer covering as we step out in greater boldness and faith – that the Lord’s wisdom would be our guide always.

Ronel asked us to drive her to the hospital on Friday, February 26th for one of her final doctor’s appointments.  This is when she will find out when the baby is due – sometime in March.  She asked this of me before we knew we’d be without a car, so of course I said “yes” without hesitation!  AND I’m still not hesitating.  The Lord says to make our requests known to Him.  He knows our heart.  He knows our need of a vehicle.  I’m being specific in my prayers in asking him for a vehicle before this date because I want to honor my commitment, as it truly is from my heart that I want to help and bless this family.  When we first met Ronel, we also offered to drive her to the hospital when it’s time to deliver the baby.  After getting to know us more, she asked if we’d still be willing to do that.  Why, of course!  So, the Lord has a date to work with, haha!

If the Lord tugs on your heart to help contribute in any way to fulfill the work He is doing in South Africa, we would be very appreciative.  A tax-deductible donation can be made online at www.Four18.org by designating funds for Josh & Mindy Mason – Mossel Bay, South Africa.  Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

Our greatest desire - to be the hands and feet of Jesus where He has planted us today!