If you haven’t yet heard, we will be in the US in about 7
weeks from now. We will be there for just over 6 weeks. We are already preparing
for our trip and getting very excited to see friends and family that we haven’t
seen in a while.
A few weeks ago Piet facilitated our first business training course for the year. Eight students
graduated and are working toward improving existing businesses as well as
starting up new ones. We are always encouraged by our students and their
passion and drive. If you get a chance to hear us speak in July or August you
will hear that to take our business skills class costs each student about $20
(R260). If you are interested in sponsoring someone, please let us know! We are
running an additional 6-day course at the end of this month. The total number
of graduates is now over 40! We are so humbled to have helped so many that will
additionally help others.
The collapsed building |
Shortly after our business training course finished, our
church, AFM, hosted a mission’s
conference. Piet and many of the men from the church built an additional outdoor
toilet to accommodate everyone. Some people came from South Africa to preach
and encourage our church. It is quite rare to here Africans teaching and
preaching about missions. It’s just not a central subject matter in the African
church. To hold a mission’s conference in our church is very significant. We
are blessed with a pastor and leadership team that are passionate about
reaching out to the community and the rest of the country. On the Friday night
of the conference, about 15 people were upstairs having dinner when the second
floor of the church collapsed and everyone fell through. Multiple people were
injured and ended up in the hospital. We praise the Lord that no one was beyond
recovery. There were broken bones and stiches, but everyone is making a
recovery.
Big Sister reading to Little Brother |
As mentioned earlier, we will be in the US in July and
August. We will be giving presentations and sharing testimonies about the work
that we are doing here as well as fundraising for our future. We welcome all
visitors and hope to connect with as many of you as possible!
Loving Africa,
The Bakers
Loving Africa,
The Bakers