What's Happening

Some of you have been asking for updates on where we are at financially and how close we are to purchasing tickets for our return to America to renew visas this summer.  We will provide an update in this post but would also like to take a moment to share a few things that are beginning to emerge that we’re excited about.

The common struggles with many children born into poverty is that they are malnourished and often times drop out of school before graduating.  During our “extended time of rest” here on the farm, Josh and I have had a lot of opportunities to dream, brainstorm and seek the Lord’s heart for the children of Sonskyn and how we can become more involved in loving on and serving them.  We have been able to hone in on the vision He has given us in creating a place where “love looks like something.”  This vision is two-fold in the sense that God has placed us on this farm so that it can be a blessing to others but that He also wants to create an atmosphere of love in Sonskyn Valley.

Josh and the newest member of our family, Spokes, have been working hard this week to prepare the garden for more planting.  Spokes is an answer to prayer, and I will share more about him at a later time.  In addition to blessing those in the township with healthy, organic fruit and veggies from the garden, we’re pursuing the startup of an after-school program for the children.

After School Program in Sonskyn: Once a meeting place is determined and the planning phase is complete, we will be involved with feeding, tutoring, counseling and mentoring children on the weekdays after school.  For many children, the food they receive will be THE ONLY nutritious meal they have the pleasure and privilege of enjoying for the day.  In addition to asking for food donations and support from local markets, we will use the produce from our garden to make these meals.  This feeding and mentoring program will be geared more towards primary school-aged children (grades 1-7).  We will also implement Bible studies and relationship building activities throughout the month.

Facility – right now it looks like we may have two options: utilizing a church building in Sonskyn that is currently under construction OR negotiating with the owner of a tavern that was recently shut down.

Garden – we are still in need of funds to build a fence around the garden space in order to keep the porcupines from destroying certain crops.  We continue to plant seeds that they do not seem too interested in, but for now, potatoes are NOT an option to plant even though they are one of the most needed crops to make soups and stews for the children.

Bibles – we would like to have several children’s Bibles available for them to read during our studies.

Children’s Sunday School: In order to raise up an army of young warriors for the Kingdom, they need to be poured into with truth, love and power.  We are in conversation with our pastor friends, Duncan and Amanda, to see how we might be able to help with leading and teaching the children on Sundays.  Right now there is not much in place.  Our heart is to raise up a young generation that passionately loves and pursues the Lord with all their hearts in worship and with their daily lives.  Children that will walk in fearless love, knowing that they will always have a Father that loves them and is there for them, even if their earthly father has abandoned or left them.  We want to see the young generation in Sonskyn transformed, in turn, bringing transformation into their homes and families and community.

The Lord has given me visions of my involvement with the children in Sonskyn, and I personally am excited to see how things will unfold as our family becomes more involved.

Creche (Daycare/Preschool): A dream of ours and the pastors is to have a crèche available on the weekdays to those that cannot afford childcare.  This crèche would be Christian-based and instill godly values.  Right now it would have to be ran out of the church, unless we receive donations to build another structure on the church campus.  Many young children (ages 0-5) in Sonskyn do not receive proper love, attention, discipline and education, so offering this opportunity for that and more would be a dream come true and a huge blessing for these children.  They would also be fed a nutritious meal and snacks every day.  We want to provide a place within Sonskyn where “love looks like something”; a place of peace, joy and security, even if just for ½ the day!  We realize that it doesn’t remove these children permanently from their situations, but I am often reminded of how these children didn’t choose their circumstances and if we can give them a glimpse of hope, love, value and a bright future then it’s worth the investment!  We can’t rescue them all, but we can love them one child at a time!

As you can see, the Lord is leading us to take the next steps towards our vision that He gave us, and we’re excited to further grow in our love for these children.  Lack of a vehicle and finances has prevented us from moving forward up to this point, but on the bright side, it’s pushed us towards really seeking His heart and allowing Him to strengthen our foundation.  The Lord has been aligning us with key people that will run alongside us, encourage us, correct us, hold us accountable and simply do life with us as we continue this venture we’re on in South Africa.  We are truly grateful that He is aware and cares about every detail, every need and every desire of our heart that we have.

VEHICLE UPDATE: We have received $1,100 towards the purchase of a vehicle.  We’ve been told by knowledgeable people that a decent bakkie (truck) will cost a minimum of $4,000.  During the winter/rainy season, it is important that we have a bakkie in order to drive on the country roads….and to get off our own property for that matter, haha!

TICKETS TO AMERICA & VISA RENEWAL: We have received $1,400 out of $9,370 needed.  In faith, lots of prayers and steps of obedience, we are trusting the Lord for the remaining amount so we can leave on May 17^th.

MONTHLY SUPPORT: We now receive $530 in committed monthly support, praise God for increase!  Our minimal monthly cost to remain on the farm is $1,300.  We currently have $800 in our general funds to pay for May’s expenses.  We are so grateful for those that believe in us and are able and willing to financially support what the Lord has called us to do here.

Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit your work to the LORD, and then your plans will succeed.”  I was reading my study notes for this verse and it stated that we must maintain a delicate balance in trusting God as if everything depended on Him, while working as if everything depended on us.  The point is that some commit a task fully to the Lord but put forth no effort for themselves, and then they wonder why they did not succeed.  So……

Josh and I will continue to seek, ponder, prepare, plan, rest and wait on the Lord, trusting that He’s got this as we continue to do our part!

If you feel led to support the feeding program, children’s ministry, crèche, purchase of a vehicle, plane tickets to America to renew our visas or even provide monthly financial support, we would be truly grateful and excited in your involvement with what the Lord is doing here.  We know that without the help of others, it will not be possible.  A tax-deductible and secure donation can be made online at www.Four18.org by designating funds for Josh & Mindy Mason – Mossel Bay, South Africa.  You can also setup donations to be sent automatically every month.  Thank you for your prayerful consideration.