A series of "lasts"

The "few days" mentioned in the last post has turned into 2 weeks, but we do want to backfill on some things we never had a chance to post.

During our final couple weeks, we went through a long parade of "lasts" - last time for this Bible class, last time to see these people... It was hard, saying goodbye over and over, but we certainly wouldn't have wanted to miss any of them! And in a way, the prolonged farewell helped ease the pain of parting.

After returning from Sodwana Bay and St Lucia, we plunged into transition to Cam and Kim Beeler, who arrived in South Africa from Arkansas the day before we got back to Durban. It was a whirlwind, and we apparently neglected to get any pictures of them! We pray that God is blessing their work. Cam has taken on the management of the Bible Education Centre and related activities, and Kim will be home-schooling their 3 children. She will also get involved in the work, of course. As far as we know, they are still house-sitting for a family who is out of the country, but will move into the flat above the Durban hall soon.

Among the "lasts":

Last Sunday afternoon class with students from the BEC and others, mostly newly baptized. The top picture shows many of the regular attendees, but unfortunately doesn't include Boniface and Mary Wilondja, who are the anchors of the African contingent of the Durban meeting.



Last visit to Mariannhill, where we saw the newest BEC to open for business. We had helped provide young Bro Kwanda with materials, Bibles, and training in a visit a week earlier. At this visit, it was all set up and operating. Paul led a Bible class for a smaller-than-usual group (it was a holiday week), and we said goodbye to Bro Phinda and Sis Sylvester, the key anchor couple in the ecclesia, as well as Kwanda and all the rest.





















Last Lamontville study day. We had leafleted in the community the Saturday before. The talks were give by Tom Farrar (from Canada, in SA working for Africaid), who sprinkled his talk with Zulu, and Dumisane Qwabe, who sprinkled his with English! Then it was goodbye to Sis Rose, Sis Lungile, Dumisane and Nonhlahla, and young Andrew, who is one of the most faithful attenders and helpers; we pray we may hear of his baptism before long.






Farewell dinner and last meeting in Durban. On Saturday evening the Durban ecclesia hosted a going away feast for us. Many from the area ecclesias attended--the one picture shows just a small portion of the group. Bro Barry van Heerden put together a slide & music presentation, and we were given parting gifts. Most moving was the Zulu crown for Paul, and necklace & bracelet for Jane, presented by Bro Mhloli Malunga. None of our eyes were dry. Then Sunday morning we were at the Durban meeting for the last time, and said goodbye to so many. Barry and Wendith, Anthony and Pat, Boniface and Mary, Mhloli and Buyiswa, Ryan and Rose, the whole Wilcox clan, Dieudonne, Charlotte, Terrance, Clement, Serge & Mary, Nick and Gill, Eddie and Olive...we should list the whole directory! We grew to love you all so much!





Last meeting in Westville, which was a "witness" meeting Sunday night, where Paul gave his last talk in the Durban area. Sorry, no pictures. We said goodbye to some, but didn't have to say goodbye to some others, because on Monday morning we attended our...

Last 2010 weekly meeting. This one was tough. We were literally on our way out of town, and it was the last time to see some of the people we had worked with the closest: Cathy Strachan, Matt and Petru Blewett, Craig and Nicky Blewett, Tim and Ilse Genders, Yvette van Rooyen, David White, Christy Beyers, Carmel Woodman.

It was a bittersweet couple of weeks. Many invited us to their homes for meals during this time, and we so enjoyed the fellowship, made all the more wonderful by the knowledge that we would soon part.