the Cottages at Injesuthi

We are 4 ½ acres on the Injesuthi river near the “Gourton” intersection in the township of Loskop. If you look at a map of South Africa-- find the land-locked country of Lesotho, put the tip of a pin at about 2:30 of that country, then move it directly east so its about ¾ of the way to the N3 freeway… that’s where we are. Loskop is a community of about 50,000. Most of the husbands of Loskop are in the cities because jobs are hard to find in townships. Our 4 ½ acres are bordered by two roads and the river. On it we have a few rows of block buildings, painted white, with detached communal plumbing (I haven’t measured it, but it’s got to be nearly 200 yards to the john from my room!). These buildings were built by an industrious man who was murdered in the days of Apartheid. Some men reasoned that since he owned a block business he must have some money. When he denied it, they shot him. Now, years later, I think his hard-work is being redeemed-- there are four Americans, a family of five Canadians, six Zulu South Africans, and twenty-six kids living in the block buildings now.
My particular portion of it sits on the end nearest the hiway. That’s where I live as a dad to 3 boys ages 13,13, and 17. The schools here require uniforms and swat you on the knuckles if you’re late. So our mornings begin early as they dress in the clothes they’ve ironed and laid out the night before. When they finish that, and just before breakfast we re-visit the previous nights devotions. Each night before bed, the boys and I get together for devotions and prayer. While the children are all gone to school, we adults clean up the dining room and kitchen then assemble for devotions led by the site manager. The routine of the day is hardly routine- we may be in the middle of interviewing potential newcomers, driving to town to do the shopping, taking someone to the doctor, or meeting together to develop the latest necessary administrative improvement. As a whole however, concerning what goes on at the village, there is not a lot to say… we are a low-key operation raising children.
That’s not to say that our lives are uneventful. Easter is a widely celebrated holiday here, and, I’m happy to say the day came and went and I didn’t see a single easter egg. Instead here and there churches were planning trips to the city where they would get to enjoy three days of resurrection celebration. I took a group from our village to the town of Estcort where Pastor Moses has sent a member of his church to “pioneer” a new following. This young man had a tent filling his front yard and inside was an electric piano, chairs and lots of people. Other pastors typically aid a pastor in this work, so we heard from a visiting pastor that evening after about two hours of singing and dancing in praise of Jesus. The next days services started at ten a.m. and concluded at ten p.m. That day we sang together, danced, and ate together… however, at one point I did break away with my kids and took them to town because two months ago I promised the girls I’d buy them ice cream. With that accomplished we returned to a wonderful lunch of beef and vegetables and then resumed the services. It was a long day, but a refreshing one. Many friendships were formed for me and I look forward to being a part of pastor Moses’ work in the days to come.
He is a man who has shared with me his vision which God has given him-- a river which goes out from his own church. Somehow he believes I can aid him in this and has asked me to his house for an extended visit. I’m planning at this point to go the first week of May. A couple weeks before Easter I had given Pastor Moses all the bibles he said he needed for his congregation. Then, at the Easter service, I brought as many as the pioneering pastor needed. To this they were very grateful and I extend the “thank-you’s” to those of you who contributed to the purchase of those bibles. I have a collection of bible reference books to bring to Pastor Moses which he is eagerly anticipating. It is amazing for me to know the importance of interpretation of the bible and sound doctrine, but to see the lack of availability of resources to these who are pastoring the flock of Jesus. Outside of caring for the children at the cottages, I would say that aiding the pastors is my great passion. Your prayers in both areas will be greatly appreciated.