Certain in the midst of uncertainty!

Hi Guys,

I don't know about you, but I am so thankful on this Good Friday for the Cross. We live in such perilous and uncertain times. Whoever imagined we would live in a world where there are suicide bombers and  shootings in city parks, churches, and elementary schools. Who knows what will happen next with Russia, North Korea, or Syria. In my country of residence, which is knee-deep full of corruption, there is great uncertainty as to what will happen if our president gets his hands on the national treasury. Everywhere you look, there is uncertainty, fear, apprehension of the future.....

And that's why today I pause to say I'm so thankful for the Cross and for the Empty Tomb. Had Jesus not given His life to change all of our futures, had that tomb not been empty and had there not been a God powerful enough to raise His son from the dead - then all we would have is uncertainty.

But praise be to God! Jesus did sacrifice His own life for mine on the cross, and that tomb was empty because God did have the power to raise Him from the dead. Therefore, my story does not end here amidst a sea of uncertainty. I have faith in a powerful God who is Sovereign above all powers, all rulers, and who will have the final say. Yes, we live with uncertainty, but our future is not uncertain. We will truly live in eternity with  God because of what Jesus has done. This world is not our final destination. There is more to come!!! So I live with Certainty in the midst of all the uncertainty. Of this I am certain - God is Good on this Friday- the 14th of April, 2017, and this uncertain world won't  be where my story ends.

Happy Good Friday! Know that we love you very much.
Sincerely,
Jodi & Marius

Out of Ashes!

Hi guys!

Here is what has been happening for the past several weeks. I want to use more pics and less words this year to keep you interested, so here goes…..

One of the workers, Leslie, who has been working for us at the restaurant was reading his Bible one night last week and fell asleep, and the next thing he knew his shack was on fire! This was all that was left the next morning…

 We got the word out to the community around us, and within two days Leslie had begun rebuilding! He lost everything in the fire, barely escaping with his life!  People generously have given clothes, a Bible, pallets, tin for the roof, a new bed and mattress, nails, and food. It is awesome to see the Body of Christ in action when we simply give what we have. This has really impacted Emi to be even more involved with social justice and to be more aware of the needs of those around her.

 

      

Emi’s Closet Vitamin Project continues to rock on. We delivered 40 liters of multi-vitamin syrup last month!! And that is helping strengthen 700 little immune systems! Thank you to all of you so very much who continue to help us in this endeavor. We also want to thank our local pharmacist at Poli Clinic Pharmacy who gives us such a great discount to make it possible for us to help even more kids!  This project is making a difference in a lot of little lives. THANK YOU

   

Another really cool thing is how well the Little Oaks students are doing who received scholarship money in December in the States! Achuma just won the silver in the whole Eastern Cape regional Gymnastic Championship. She is excelling in her academics as well. Thank you so much for donating money for her studies and her extracurriculars  She is a little star! And our tiny little school, Little Oaks Christian Learning Centre, that we started only 2 years ago, has grown from 11 students to 45! The recent athletics day gives you a picture of how much it has grown. We are going to have to re-locate soon to have a bigger facility - exciting times! More news about that next month....

Here is a pic of our little Valentine on a Valentine's date with her daddy. Aren't they so cute? I love this picture. We’re very proud of Emi as she continues to grow and learn. Parenting is not for the faint of heart, but it is so worth it!! We love our little treasure. She is doing well in school, and in her hip hop and kickboxing classes.

And here is our dog Zoe with Emi's hip-hop rapper puppet Hopscotch.

Thank you for your prayers, financial support and love!  We are in our ninth year here in Africa! This would not have been possible without the support from back home.  We're coming to the States  as a family for the month of July, and we’re super excited about that!! Marius hasn’t been back in four years, so he is especially looking forward to some nice visits, some Cracker Barrell breakfasts, and some much deserved r&r.

I want to ask you please - if you are a supporter of ours - don’t forget us this summer. June-July are generally months that many people forget to send donations, and last July we received half of our normal monthly support. This year Trinity Church has blessed us with flight tickets to get home, but we will still rely on the monthly support of our donors financially when we’re home,  so as a loving reminder in advance….. please don’t forget us in July! Thanks so much for your support! You’re making a difference in many lives.

Love,

Marius, Jodi, & Emi Deetlefs

J-Bay, South Africa

P.S. If you would like to help us care for vulnerable children in South Africa you can give a tax deductible donation online at

www.WorldOutreach.org/donations  or checks are payable to World Outreach Ministries with Deetlefs #490 in the memo

    World Outreach Ministries, Inc.

    P.O. Box B

    Marietta, GA  30061