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.

Against All Odds - We Need Your Help

For the past 1 ½ years our family has been living in South Africa by faith.  We never asked people to support us financially, nor do we have a church that supports us financially.  Just us, the proceeds we made from selling what we owned and our trust in the Lord.  He has grown us substantially in our faith and trust in Him.  I’ve grown in surrendering my plans to the order of His steps, resting in His presence and being content in all situations.  With that said, the Lord has also spoken to me about fighting for things of importance with passion, conviction and commitment and ridding me of any attitude that might think, “Well, if it happens it happens.  If not, then I guess it wasn’t meant to be.”  I would say that during the past 3 years the Lord has been helping me to grow out of my passivity and truly fight for and have a voice in the things that matter to me.

As I’ve been in conversation with the Lord about our needs, the question that kept coming to me was, “Why don’t you want to let others know about your needs?”  My response, “Well, Lord, if others know about our needs then that’s like saying I don’t have enough faith for you to provide and that’s just not the case.”

That is when the Lord spoke to me and said, “Yes, it requires great faith to remain silent and expect a miracle, but it is no less faith to let your needs be known and still trust in Me to move on people’s hearts.  Either way, it requires trust in Me and I will receive the glory.”

You see, faith is faith and obedience is obedience.  It doesn’t matter what it looks like.  It matters how you react in the process.  He simply wants us to listen to His voice and follow His lead.  He told me that asking for help doesn’t mean we’ve failed or have less faith and trust in Him.  It means we’re allowing others to share in the glory of what He’s about to do through them and us!!

When Josh and I were talking about our needs this past month, I told him how I’d been pondering what it is the Lord wants to grow me in during this time.  Right away I knew the answer.  Trusting the Lord for a miracle doesn’t stretch me, but being vulnerable with my needs and asking people for help does.  I’ve always been this way.  I used to not even like to ask the Lord for specific things because it made me feel selfish.  I’m hardworking and have an independent spirit.  If I can do something, generally I will do it without asking for help.  If someone asks me what I need or want, typically the answer is, “Nothing.  I’m good.”  The Lord has spoken to us many times that in order for us to move forward with the things on our hearts for this farm and the community of Sonskyn, we’re going to need help from others.  Oh, the plague – asking for help from others.  I don’t like to do that, but there’s a reason for the Lord wanting to grow me in this area.  After many tug-of-wars with the Lord, He won!

I received a prophetic word from someone back in November about stretching.  “I got a picture of taffy.  The more taffy is warmed up, the longer it can stretch without ripping.  God said that He will stretch you and to hold on to Him so you won’t break.”

So, here is my (our) first attempt in asking for specific help…

WE NEED YOUR FINANCIAL HELP!!

The odds have been against us financially, yet it has been a miracle that we’ve remained in SA for this long.  Following is a quick snapshot of our current financial needs.

Monthly Expenses on Farm: $1,300 (minimum)

*We currently receive $430 in committed monthly support and have enough funds to sustain us through April.

Plane Tickets to America (roundtrip): $6,500

In order for our family to remain in SA, we must renew 3-year visas in America this year.  We are planning a trip for mid-May funds permitting.

Visas = $220

Passports = $400

*Kids’ passports need renewed before December.

LA Plane Tickets = $600

*Josh and I must travel to LA to turn in visa applications.

Advanced Payments: $1,650

*This will cover rent, power & maintenance on the farm while gone in America.

TOTAL NEEDED: $9,370 + monthly support

The Lord has been leading Josh and I to take some steps that seem backwards to us because we currently don’t have the resources to back these plans up, but yesterday I read a great article that really spoke to my heart about the odds being against us.

“When the odds are against you, God also may require you to act in what appears an unreasonable manner.  While God may seem to require what appears illogical on the surface, He will never instruct us to disobey His word.  We may not understand His actions, but He has His own divine reasons.  When the odds are against us, God will lead us to do that which brings Him the most glory.  When the odds are against us, God will strip us of all dependence on anything or anyone else other than Himself.  When the odds are against us, God is always at work in another area.  Finally, when the odds are against us, God will give us specific instructions for victory.

God sent Gideon with an army of 300 men to fight against an army of about 135,000 soldiers.  God’s strategy of attacking this vast encampment seemed ludicrous to some.  In the natural it didn’t make sense.  We, too, are making decisions that don’t make sense, and even at times, seem foolish or against all common sense.  But God!  All we can do is follow His lead, be open and vulnerable and then trust Him with the outcome.

“Even when the odds are stacked against you, put your trust in the Lord’s goodness and favor and see Him exceed all your expectations!” – A Woman of Faith

We’re excited about some opportunities that are developing on the farm and within Sonskyn and what role we’ll be playing in those, so please be on the lookout for our next blog post “What’s Happening.”

If the Lord tugs on your heart to help contribute in any way, we would be very appreciative.  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.

Restoring Brokenness

I just completed my 2nd read of a book called, "A Cry From the Streets."  It's about a missionary couple who began loving on street kids in Brazil many years ago.  The stories of the abuse, rejection and abandonment these children went through while living on the streets is incomprehensible and disheartening.  If you want your heart to be shaken and brought to life for the broken in this world, I would recommend reading this book.  If it
doesn't change your heart and cause an awakening in you to do something
about the broken and lost in this world, then maybe you need to check your pulse 
to see if you're still alive!  Although we currently are not working with "street children" to the degree that this couple is, it is the cry of mine and Josh's hearts to reach the lost, broken and rejected with the power and love of Jesus so that hearts will be transformed - not because of us but
because God becomes real to them!

The journey this couple has gone through really resonates deep in my heart.

"Every day we became more convinced we had made the right decision, because God 

was giving us, in spite of our many uncertainties, a deep peace." - A

Cry From the Streets.

There are many uncertainties that our family is going through right now.  We've been without a vehicle for 1 ½ months now. Our visas for South Africa and the kids'
passports expire at the end of this year.  IN FAITH we are feeling led to plan a trip back to America to renew our visas and passport
around mid-May - that's 2 months away!  We have NO IDEA how these needs are
going to be met, but the one thing we do know is that we serve a God who is faithful and trustworthy!  Our inability is His ability.  We have a roof over our heads, food on the table, great health and a wonderful family.  We are blessed!

"It seemed that God was teaching us to trust Him for larger $ amounts.  Hadn't He provided for us over and over again?  It seemed to be getting easier: the more we

needed, the more we dared to trust Him for.  In the future He would lead us to trust Him for things we couldn't even dream of."

- A Cry From the Streets

"Do what is possible, what lies within your limits; then God will do what's outside your

limits - the impossible." - A Cry From the Streets

The voice of the enemy whispers, "Just give up now.  There's no way you can stay in Africa.  No one cares about what you're doing.  You're not making a difference. It's 
selfish of you to believe for or ask God for this much money."  I'm thankful that the truth reigns in my heart and I can simply
silence these whispers by positioning my heart towards the Lord and asking Him what He's saying because His voice is the one I want to hear above all others. Even
though our hearts long to go love on people in Sonskyn Valley more often, that is why we are here, we have been physically hindered because of the absence of a vehicle. However, we know that God continues to move in that place, and he has been getting our family's hearts in the
position needed to continue this journey of faith and love we are on.

"You will be tested (in commitment and heart, how much do you trust God's

word to you when times don't go as expected?)." - A Cry From the Streets

Without a doubt, we know that our level of commitment and trust is being tested.  Our
heart wants to pour into Sonskyn Valley, but more importantly, we want our hearts pouring into God above all else.  If He were to close the doors on being in South Africa, would we still passionately love and serve
Him if it looks different?  Yes!  If He were to send us back to America sooner than we
expected for reasons we don't understand, would we still trust that He knows what He's doing?  Yes!  Trust should be relational not situational.  We make our plans, but He guides our steps.  We won't leave South Africa without a fight though, and we do believe that God still has a plan in us being here that isn't fulfilled yet!  I recently read part of a quote that said:

"Personally, I would rather stumble chasing a dream, than sit fearfully in

the seat of complacency."

We could give up now because things in the natural aren't going as expected, but we are
learning to live this quote out in our lives and trust that things are happening even though we cannot see with our eyes:

"See in peace, think in faith...learn to be vulnerable to God." - Graham

Cooke

On November 1st of last year, I had a vision of Josh and I speaking with a group of kids.
We were asking them questions to find how many lived with none, one or two parents
(mother/father) in the home.  I saw the group getting smaller and smaller.  The Lord told me not to be discouraged or
alarmed - that He wants to hone in on those He specifically wants us to reach right now. I saw Josh ministering to a boy.  He was very skinny, malnourished, and seemed kind of like a loner/outsider.  I saw myself doing the same thing with a girl - just getting to know her.  The Lord had spoken
to me about not being so quick to bring children or people to the farm for
"entertainment or social purposes" and that we needed to keep our eyes, hearts and
and availability open to the ones He had chosen for us to love on at this time - that
there was specific purpose to this.  He also gave me a picture of us continuing to reach children in Sonskyn, but then entire
families became involved.  The Lord spoke to me that as we bring children to the farm
families will also come.  Families will be restored!  The Lord reminded me of a prophetic word we had been given in Pemba, Mozambique.

"You have a heart for the broken and God is going to use your blended-family situation 

to reach many children who have brokenness in their family, relationships, etc."

(July 3, 2012)

God showed me that the children in Sonskyn will be used as an open door into
restoring families.  The Lord has given me this verse for Sonskyn found in Malach 4:6, "His preaching (referring to Elijah) will turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the hearts of children to their parents."

The Lord then gave me 2 words as direction for our family this season: RESTORING BROKENNESS

Many children from the brown community in South Africa are absent of fathers, and in
some instances, parents altogether.  Drugs and alcohol run ramped in the townships,
even amongst the children.  Kids drop out of school early and never finish.  Many children are headed towards the same cycle of poverty that their parents are raising them up in.  They deserve hope!  They need
physical and spiritual fathers/mothers to love them, accept them, teach them, disciple them, be intentional and engaged with them...the list goes on.  To give you an example, we know of a father who is willing to give up his child like it's no big deal.  This is not acceptable.

How do you reach a fatherless community and restore brokenness?  One person
at a time!

On December 14, 2015, I wrote the following journal entry:

During worship my heart was torn between living here on the farm and being in Sonskyn.  My desire is to be in Sonskyn to live.  God, do you want us on this farm?  If so, why?  We

don't need "stuff" to bless people or shine

your light.  I'm willing to give it all up - sell it all again or give it away.  What is YOUR

purpose for this farm other than to feed people with??  How can we change the 

community of Sonskyn if we're not in it much?  What immediately came to my mind 

was, "Start with ONE."

Sooooo, we start with ONE!  We didn't come here with a specific agenda because it would keep us from being fully used by the Lord.  We came here to love - that is our agenda - no matter what love looks like. We'd like to have a home for abandoned children, and in time we believe we will, but until then we trust the Lord to guide our steps and use us however He wishes.  In the last month or so He's highlighted Psalm 127, "Unless the Lord builds a house, the
work of the builder is useless."  We are not here to build a ministry.  We want God to be the architect of what we do.  We are here to further the gospel by being the hands and feet of Jesus!

"Count the cost; give up your freedom to do whatever you want and decide instead to

live your life in obedience to God and allow God to use you." - A Cry From the Streets 

The Lord has connected us with a pastor in Sonskyn that has the same heart and vision
as we do - to bring transformation to Sonskyn.  To see captives set free.  To see people healed.  To see relationships restored.  To see people turn to THE Father. We will share at a later time what the Lord has planned with this connection, but we are very excited to partner with the local spiritual leaders here to bring the Kingdom of God to Sonskyn and nearby townships.

I will leave you with this post I recently saw on Facebook from a pastor and
friend of ours:

Luke 18:8 "I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly.  However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"  How many of you know it doesn't take faith to believe that things are getting

worse?  What does require faith?  Hope.  Restoration of families.  Sons and daughters

turning their hearts back to Fathers.  Freedom of captives.  Healing.  We have an

assignment!" - #creatingculture #meant4more -  Adam Cooke

What kind of culture are you creating?!  You have an assignment.  What are you doing to fulfill it?!

Faith Like Potatoes

“A farmer moves his family to South Africa and suffers a series of seemingly insurmountable losses.  Through unlikely friendships and much needed divine intervention, he discovers his life’s true purpose and it sustains his unwavering belief in the power of faith.  A moving life journey of a man, who, like his potatoes, grows his faith, unseen until the harvest.”

Faith Like Potatoes.  Based on a true story.  Just like our story.

This is the description of a movie that we first saw while in Pemba, Mozambique in 2012.  Wouldn’t you know…….it sounds very similar to what our family is going through in this season of our own lives with our garden here in South Africa.

As we prepared to move to Mossel Bay 1 year ago, the Lord said seek land and a garden.  Check.

After much preparation of digging out grass, clearing rocks and tilling soil, Josh asked the Lord what to plant in our larger garden space.  Potatoes came to mind, even though seeds are difficult to find here.  He questioned the Lord and asked again.  The same answer remained.  A neighbor helped us out by locating some seed.  Approximately 400 hills of potato seeds planted.  Check.

Irrigation dilemma solved (not for lack of water) when Josh figured out how to maintain water pressure for the sprinklers.  Check.

We’ve been told the way we’re gardening won’t work here in South Africa, yet our garden has produced lavishly thus far.  We’ve been told that the soil isn’t right, yet we have some of the richest soil locals have seen around here.

Pull weeds.  Water.  Pull weeds.  Water.  Clear rocks in between.  Check.

We have watched with excitement and anticipation as our garden began to grow and produce beautiful crops.  We’ve been able to enjoy an abundance of cucumbers, lettuce, carrots and cabbage, the first of our harvest to be ready.



Then the porcupines arrived and arrived and arrived and arrived and arrived…..  I think you get the point.  These porcupines have been relentless in “killing, stealing and destroying” our crops.

The way our garden was doing so well, we’re guesstimating that our potato plants would have produced well over 3,000 potatoes, but the porcupines have shown up night after night after night for the past 2 months!  Here is a picture of what we’ve been able to harvest as of today.

Yes, that’s right, the porcupines have eaten or destroyed most of our potato harvest.  It’s the sad truth.  The porcupines are a problem.  Just imagine how many people could have been fed if the crops were protected!!  Josh bought a gun in hopes that he’d be able to eliminate this problem, but the porcupines have stopped showing up almost entirely at night while he’s outside waiting for them.  Once he comes inside, sometimes around 1-2am, they then decide to make their appearance.  BUT, he continues to hunt them without giving up!

It’s been a tough battle, especially for Josh, as he has worked very hard in getting our gardens up and running so that we can bless others whom are without food and meet the needs of our own family.  Today as he was outside working in the garden, he spent some time chatting with the Lord about our situation.

The question on his heart, “Why, Lord?  Why did you ask me to plant potatoes just so the porcupines could destroy them?”
The Lord began to tell him that planting potatoes was part of His plan but the porcupines were not.  The Lord has used this opportunity to teach Josh a valuable lesson about perseverance.  Many times Josh wanted to stay inside and sleep instead of hunt for porcupines, but he has allowed the Lord to grow him in patience, commitment and perseverance.  I am proud of him!  Even though his presence outside hasn’t stopped the porcupines, the Lord has done a deeper work in his heart.  The Lord then began to equate this situation with the work we’re doing here in South Africa and Sonskyn.  We may plant hundreds of seeds but only see a small harvest to begin with, sometimes because the enemy comes and steals the “intended” harvest or destroys seeds before growth occurs.  The Lord reminded him that the small harvest is just as important as the big.  He doesn’t measure quantity but quality.  He doesn’t measure sacrifice but obedience.

The Lord began showing him the different seasons and how we won’t/shouldn’t always be weeding, watering and harvesting.  There are times when more preparation is needed.  This is the season we’re in now.  Preparation.  God asked him and our family to work the next 7 consecutive days in the garden to prepare for planting again.  On the 7th day, God will tell us what to plant!

If you feel led to join with our efforts in feeding the hungry, specifically in Sonskyn Valley, a tax-deductible donation can be made online at www.Four18.org by designating funds for Feeding the Hungry– Mossel Bay, South Africa.  We will set aside these funds to build a fence around our garden space, costing around $1,000 US, as we know this is the long-term solution in protecting our crops from wildlife.

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!

The Life & Death of Tyron

It is with great sadness that I am writing a blog announcing the death of my buddy and friend, TYRON.  He was no ordinary 11-year old boy.  He was special!

My heart was excited and anticipating our visit to Sonskyn Valley on Saturday, January 2nd.  I remember the drive.  Thinking about our friends, Edwin and Ronel, whom we hadn’t seen since Christmas Eve.  I couldn’t wait to give them hugs and smile and laugh with them!  I had been looking forward to a warm welcome from my buddy, Tyron.  He was always around or close by when our car pulled up into the township.  If he saw us driving down the street or parking our car, he’d come right over to us with a big smile on his face.  Yes, that contagious smile that I came to love and adore!

Leroy with his brother Tyron. Christmas Eve.

We thought this day was another ordinary, yet extraordinary, day of loving on children, but that particular day we arrived to some heartbreaking news.  We had parked our vehicle in the same spot we always do – across the street from the park at our friend, Eddie’s, house.  That way the children at Sonskyn would always know where to find us.  Last Saturday was no different.  As we parked our car, children saw us and came to gather around, but no Tyron was in sight.  In fact, many of the “normal” children were gone that day.  Sometimes we have food or sweets to hand out, which often times attracts the crowds, but today I didn’t feel like we were supposed to do that.  Our friend, Eddie, walked towards us and asked if we had heard the news about Tyron.  We said, “No.  What is it?”  He matter-of-factly said, “He’s dead.”  Josh questioned him to make sure he heard right, and again Eddie said, “Ya, Tyron died yesterday.”  Immediately tears were spilling down my face and I turned away to try and “be strong” in front of the many children gathered, but I felt like the Lord said to me that it was okay to show my emotions in front of the kids – that they needed to see how much Tyron was loved.  I was speechless and could only cry.  I could feel a respectful reverence surrounding me, and one girl came to give me a hug.  I just held her.

After the news sunk in, we went to go find Tyron’s parents: Martha and Andres.  We found them walking alongside the road.  They were in shock.  We knew this because Andres could barely speak English, but when we’ve spoken to him before he’s had no problem.  Sweet mama Martha was sad and angry.  At times she wanted to withdraw from us, but we were persistent in showering her with love.  What can you say to a mom when her 11-year old son has just died?  The truth – that Tyron was loved and is with Jesus now.  That he was special.  That it’s okay to be sad and angry.  That God loves her.  That she needs to turn to God and not alcohol during this time of mourning.  That God can give her strength.  As the tears flowed down her cheeks, we knew she was being touched by the Father’s love.

They went on to explain as best as they could to us in their broken English and state of shock that Tyron was rushed to the hospital by ambulance.  He had been vomiting profusely and had severe diarrhea.  She found him collapsed.  He passed away at 3pm on New Year’s Day.  There is an investigation being done as to the cause of his death.  It’s possible he was poisoned, but we do not know for sure at this point until the results of the autopsy are complete.  No one wants to celebrate the beginning of a new year with the death of a child, but I am praying and believing that God will use this situation for good to bring about an awakening in their hearts to turn their lives over to Jesus and begin a new life in Him!!  Not every death or situation is part of God’s plan, but He does know all and He will use every situation for good to those that know and love Him.

This I know, that Tryon is now perfectly healthy, whole and free of his down syndrome; that he no longer has to suffer physical, verbal and emotional abuse from those that were ignorant of his condition and did not understand or know how to love him; that he is happily rejoicing with angels in the presence of his Father in Heaven; and that he knew he was loved by his family and mine.  Christmas Day was the last time I saw Tyron alive.  The day prior we had delivered food and gifts to his family, and then they asked if we’d take them to church on Christmas Day.  These were the last words I remember speaking to him as he climbed out of our car, “I love you!  God loves you!”  He doesn’t speak or understand English, but he nodded as if he knew what I was saying.  I believe he did!

Leroy, Martha, Tyron & Andres. Going to church on Christmas Day.

Almost every time we left Sonskyn for our drive home, Tyron would be around us.  I would sit in the passenger seat and he would grab onto my hand and run (laughing hysterically) as Josh slowly drove away.  I never wanted to let go.  I wanted to bring him home with us.

Mindy & Tyron. Look at the mirror. :-)

I will miss my tickle wars with him and listening to him laugh freely at our silliness we shared together.  It was special.  He had a great sense of humor.  I will miss him running and jumping into my arms while we both spun around in circles full of giggles (yes, me wanting to throw up).  He was special. I will miss laughing as I muscled the strength to try and give him a piggyback ride, only to fall flat on my behind.  That boy was solid!  He was special.  I will miss our dance contests and weight lifting competitions with a simple stick that weighed only ounces, haha!  The theme, that boy was special!!

Our family began loving on people in Sonskyn Valley on July 15, 2015.  We met Tyron for the first time on August 15th when we provided tinfoil dinner meals for the children to eat in the park.  Tyron said it was “lekker”, which means “good” in Afrikaans.  My love for this child was instantaneous.  Every time we’d go to Sonskyn and see Tyron, I’d leave saying to Josh, “That boy blesses my heart!”  It was true.  I saw him for who he was.  Not a boy with Down Syndrome that is a lost cause and has no hope or contribution to this world.  No, I saw him as a normal boy that needed love and attention and to simply be seen for who he was – Tyron, a boy full of love, life and joy!  He was a light in my world and a joy to be around, even if we couldn’t speak each other’s languages.  We spoke the language of love from the heart!

This family has nothing.  It is our heart to love them as Jesus would and make the invisible God visible.  We only met Tyron’s parents 1 month ago on December 5th. After much praying and asking around as to where they lived, God finally introduced us to them for such a time as this!  God put it on our hearts to take care of Tyron’s funeral expenses so we are trusting that He will provide.  We have located a pastor that will conduct the funeral service and help us plan the arrangements.  There will be a viewing at their home on Friday, January 8th @ 8:30am. The burial will be immediately following.  If the Lord tugs on your heart to help contribute in any way, 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.  I am printing off pictures of Tyron and his family to give to his parents.  I believe this will be a treasure to them, as they don’t have any pictures of him.  We are taking care of their youngest 3-year old boy, Leroy, for a few days at the farm.  He is a joy!!  We took the family to church yesterday after THEY asked us to.  God is up to something.  They were sober and in better spirits.  Thank you Jesus for your strength, comfort and peace!  The church body came together as family and prayed over them, even though it was the first time they had ever attended.  Now that’s the Kingdom of God in action here on earth!  Others spoke comfort to Martha, but her heart is still hurting and probably will for some time.  I showed her pictures of Tyron on my phone and her face lit up.  She took off with my phone to show others.  Priceless!  The seeds have been planted in her heart.

God gave me the words “restoring brokenness” as direction for our family in 2016.  What this means for us ………… loving others back to the Father, one family at a time!

Love Looks Like Something

Living amongst the poor has really opened up my heart to give more generously.  Before living in Africa, sometimes my thought process would take me to a place where I felt like I could only give to others when I had more than enough to give.  It’s easier to give when it doesn’t require any stretching or faith, right?!  Then I think about the poor widow in Mark 12:41-44.  While many rich people put in large amounts of money into the collection box, Jesus observed a poor widow drop 2 coins into the box.  It was everything she had. In the Lord’s eyes, this poor woman had given far more than all the other rich people put together even though her amount was smaller, because she gave out of a spirit of generosity.  All the others gave what they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford – she gave her all.  That is where I want to be!

Being out on the mission field overseas has been very stretching when it comes to finances, but it has also broken off the mindset that I can only bless others when I have excess.  I’ll touch more on that in a minute.  Mine and Josh’s heart is to have homes for abandoned children and to feed the poor, but on paper we barely have enough money to sustain our own family for the next couple of months.  We also recently found out that the owner of our car will be coming to get it on January 25th.  He has been so gracious to us, allowing us to keep his car much longer than expected, so we are truly grateful.  We are being placed in impossible situations where only God can get us through.

We fight to take captive every negative thought that would try to discourage us or get us to doubt why the Lord sent us here to Africa.  We cancel the lies of the enemy that tell us we’ll never have enough resources to do what God has put on our hearts to do.  If we listen to those lies, then the enemy wins.

So, rather than retreating to the old mindset, I am choosing to keep my mind and heart focused on the Lord and His promises.  In our family, I’m the budgeter and bill payer so when the enemy says, "You can't use your money to buy food for the poor. That is foolish. You need it for rent next month," I remind myself of the truths found in James 2:14-17.  It reads:

“What’s the use of saying you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions?  That kind of faith can’t save anyone.  Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing and you say, ‘Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well,’ but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing.  What good does that do?”

In visiting the townships, God has put people in our lives that have very little.  Their food for the day sometimes consists of nothing or porridge.  We were just informed the other day that one of the boys we minister to, Tyron, was seen scrounging for food out of the trash and a dog dish.  This is NOT right!  I cannot sit back and think, “Poor me.  We have little monthly support coming in; not enough to meet our needs.  What are we going to do?” when I see others who are far worse off than I am that have no hope.  No, I will NOT sit back and do nothing and ignore God’s word!

LOVE LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING!

A few weekends ago we invited a precious family from Sonskyn to come stay at the farm with us for the weekend.  You’re going to read about this family a lot, as the Lord has created a special place in our hearts for them.  Edwin and Ronel brought their 9-year old son, Renaldo, and 2 cousins with them.  They slept in the extra flat while the children slept in the main house with us.  They enjoyed healthy meals.  They enjoyed eating at a kitchen table.  They enjoyed taking a hot shower and would have probably even been happy with a cold one.  I don’t know of anyone that has a shower in Sonskyn.  They simply wash with a rag and water bucket, so washing in a shower is priceless.  These things might seem simple to you, but to this family they meant a great deal.  Edwin was diagnosed with TB and HIV about 2 years ago.  He is at a stage 4, which is the highest.  The virus has caused blindness in both eyes.  His wife led him to the Lord almost 2 years ago where he was freed of alcoholism.  She married him even after he became blind.  She has a heart of gold!  Edwin used to have a good job but can no longer work because of his eyes.  Ronel just started working again and is expecting a baby in March.  She also has TB, which often times leaves her tired.  Now, before I continue, some of you might be thinking, “Oh my goodness.  Don’t you know TB is highly contagious?”  I will respond with this, “How are we to show the love of God to others (the sick) if we’re afraid of what they have?!”  We pray and use wisdom in certain situations but are not going to stop loving the ones God places before us.

We’ve been able to bless this family with food and fresh produce from our garden.  After their weekend at our farm, Edwin had a check-up and the doctor said his numbers look great.  Edwin shared how we’d been feeding him healthy foods that will help to strengthen his immune system to fight off sickness.  The doctor said he was lucky to have people like us helping him.  Edwin gave all the glory to God and said it was God who has blessed him.  Edwin has such a humble heart.  We are praying for and believing for a miraculous healing in his body!  Please join us in prayer for that.

We also invited 6 boys to stay at the farm for a night.  That was great fun.  We enjoyed time down at the river, hanging out and watching movies together.  They, too, enjoyed fresh showers and eating well-rounded meals.  Josh was presented with a teaching opportunity on “what love looks like”.  One boy, in particular, gets picked on a lot.  It also seemed like he hadn’t eaten in days by the way he devoured his and others’ food.  In this culture, boys have learned to respond physically to each other (throwing punches).  It happened on a few occasions at the farm, but Josh put that to a stop quickly.  Seeds being planted.

Ronel lives out James 2:14-17 and Matthew 25:35-40.  Even when she has little to eat, she offers what she has to a sweet, little boy whom I’ve come to love named Tyron.  He is 11-years old with downs syndrome.

I’ve shared about him before.  He has a younger brother, 3-years old, named Leroy.  Their parents are alcoholics.  Tyron frequently begs for food and often smells from uncleanliness.  The week before last Josh invited their family to attend a Christmas church service with us in Groot Brak.  Andres, the husband, said he’d like to come.  We didn’t know if he was sincere, sober enough to remember or would actually show up.  On Christmas Eve we delivered some food and gifts to them.  It was great fun to see the excitement on Tyron’s face when he unwrapped his new ball.  Every time we come to Sonskyn he asks us for a ball.  Now he has his own!  Martha, the wife, asked me if we were still going to church the next day on Christmas.  I told her yes!  I was ecstatic that she was approaching me about it.  That showed me that her desire was there.  Josh made arrangements for us to meet in Sonskyn the next morning and ride the bus together.  When we showed up on Christmas Day, no one was home, but eventually Martha came walking down the street all dressed up and ready to go.  My heart soared!  She and her husband smelled of alcohol and had hangovers, but we still got to spend the day loving on them and their children.  During the church service, I sensed that the boys hadn’t slept well.  As I was holding Leroy, I prayed that if he was lacking rest, that the Lord would give him peace and rest and silence out any noise.  Immediately his eyes closed and he went right to sleep, yay God!  A simple prayer.  Of course, I took advantage of the situation and began to pour out blessings over his life in prayer and declarations!

We are believing that seeds were planted in this family – seeds of hope, love and truth.  We will be frequenting their house often.  One lady said we need to adopt the children – take them away from their parents.  My heart is that the parents will come to know the Lord and be set free from their addictions so they can take care of their own children.  We want to see the community of Sonskyn changed, one family at a time!

If the Lord places it on your heart to join efforts with us in blessing those in Sonskyn and throughout South Africa, 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.

Many people make life so complex, but it’s really quite simple – love God, love people!  Today, what are you going to do to make the simple gospel known to others?  Here is a quote from a story I read today, “The world has enough people that look the other way.  What the world needs is disciples of Jesus that can follow His teachings and live as He did.  When will YOU decide to become disciples?”