“Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.” (I Thessalonians 2:18) I would state (paraphrase) this verse in another way: Wherefore we would have written unto you, even I Tom, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
Last December, the government decided to withhold the monthly grant to the poor. They usually get double in November, but they changed it to January. Many of the children were eating with us for all three meals. Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” This is the verse we claimed, as this is our usual time to rest some, plan, and prepare for the new year. There was no rest in the day but extra work of love, and the night was full of noise—there were two stabbings on our street.
Our internet gave us problems again in December, January, and February. A technician came from the company in February, and then our solar power went down. We have tried getting it back up—with several electricians paid—but with no results. Then we decided to get connected to the NamPower grid. It took months to get connected; we just got it on Friday, July12.
To God’s glory, the work moves on despite the hindrances. Soul winning, the church, Teen Birgade, Adult Bible Study, Men’s Prayer Time, and Ladies’ Prayer Time all continued, even by candlelight and one solar- powered light.
We serve a great God Who cares for our needs—physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially. As you sent, we faithfully put the money in the bank for the Building Fund. Now we have enough to start the building of the church again.
The Lord heard your prayers for our safety, and the government had a special operation this last month, teaming the police and the army together. The gun shots in the night have decreased, the drunks sitting by our gate have stopped, the stabbings have decreased, and even the noise has decreased. We are so thankful for a good night’s sleep.
God never said we would not face adversity, but He did promise to be there with us in the midst of it. We would also like to thank all of you who have stood with us, stood faithful through this time in prayer and finances.
We saw 10 souls saved in December. We have seen 77 souls saved so far this year and 2 baptized. God is good!
In partnership for Christ,
Tom & Margo Dinius
