Feeding the body, mind, and spirit of vulnerable children in South Africa Quarterly Update Men’s Retreat 2013 Watermarks Camp in Scottsville, VA hosts a Men’s Retreat that benefits Abba’s Pride. In addition to men being spiritually encouraged and challenged the retreat benefits the ministries of Abba’s Pride. Men from across Virginia are changing the lives of children in South Africa! Thanks Watermarks Camp & staff!
Summer 2013 Abba’s Pride Benefit Dinner June 7th over 90 people attended the annual benefit dinner. A big thank you to the many volunteers that made it happen! Also, thank you Thalia Lynn Baptist Church for hosting the dinner. 14 new partners! $5100 in one time gifts towards $ 6000/ year for fuel! Thank you, All!
Summer of Emotions We geared up to leave South Africa the middle of May for a quick 6 week trip to the states. We had not planned on returning for another 6 - 8 months but that changed in December with Rebecca’s engagement. The June 28th wedding was the catalyst. The Lord had far more than that in store for us. Upon entering the states the quick pace to reconnect began. Seeing family, catching up with old and new friends. Deb was able to enjoy bridal showers and wedding preparations. We visited Michael in Quincy, Missouri to see the college Josiah and Rebecca where he is the Jones Men’s Volleyball Coach and help him move to his first apartment. Lonnie was able help with church renovations, do home projects and when possible early morning fishing.
Honor Your Mother and Your Father Lonnie’s mom had been battling cancer for several years. During our stay it became apparent that we had fewer days with her. The week before the wedding Lonnie said, “I just can’t get on that plane and leave my mom.” We made the decision to delay our return. We sensed the Holy Spirit’s reminder, www.abbaspride.com
Mission Team Impact
Virginia Baptist Support Thank you to Virginia Baptist and Jerry Jones, for lunch, encouragement, and an amazing financial gift. Lives are being changed through your partnership. Curriculum Purchased
Eleven people traveled to South Africa this summer to minister to children in under-resourced churches. Through the teams over 400 children and teens heard the gospel, and over 3000 meals were served. Way to go Missionaries!
While in the states we have purchase a preschool faith-based curriculum for the children in the Abba’s Pride churches early childcare centers.
“Honor your mother and your father.” We are thankful that the Lord in His timing allowed us to stay in Virginia Beach the additional weeks. We spent precious time with Lonnie’s Betty Sue Warren mom, dad, and family. On July 31st “Nanny Sue” met Jesus face to face. It was heart breaking to see her body so tired and in pain. It was heart warming to be able to be with the family and celebrate her life together. Our travel agent booked us to leave on the earliest possible flight. The amazing piece is that we were able to be here for another family celebration. Debbie’s Mom celebrated her 80th birthday. We are so thankful we Sherleen’s 80th Birthday! were able to honor her with a birthday celebration.
It’s More Than You Can Imagine
Change for Changed Lives One website estimates the average cost to feed a pet in the U.S. is $20/ month. In South Africa $5/month feeds a child 2 meals a day for 5 days/week. $45/month can feed a family of 4. Your change matters! Pick up a cup and start collecting your change to change a life! Return on the 1st or 2nd Sunday of each month to the Abba’s Pride table at a Sunday Service.
establishing Abba’s Pride as a non-profit 501c3. Our ministry connections with Coastal, Virginia Baptist, The Bridge Network (NABA), and Eastside remain the same. This step broadens the mission ‘s partnership potential; thereby, we will be able to include partners outside of our current pool with greater ease. The 501c3 status requires us to have a Board of Directors. This will assist us to stay laser focused on God’s purposes for Abba’s Pride and to maintain accountability to our donors.
Time to Return “Home” The Lord has been so good to us. The things we were grieving that we might miss while on the mission field the Lord has provided a way for us to be a part. The joys and the heartbreaks of life. The opportunity to tell God’s story, welcome new ministry partners and strategically prepare for Abba’s Pride’s future has been invaluable. But, we are ready. As much as we have been blessed to be in the States, we are ready to return to our heart’s mission to bring hope to the hopeless and a Father to the fatherless. We miss our South African family and the opportunity to serve the Lord in such an amazing way. Summer has come to a close. We are returning to South Africa September 7th and anxious to see what the Lord has in store this year. Please continue to pray for the ministry of Abba’s Pride. The Lord hears and honors each prayer.
Over the past year we recognized that God has bigger plans then we ever dreamed. With that being revealed to us we have begun the process of Like Us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/abbaspride
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