Dear Pastor and Friends,

It’s hard to believe 2018 is over. Every year seems to go by more quickly, and every year I probably say that same thing. I am reminded again of a famous quote from Missionary C.T. Studd, “Only one life, twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” As I reflect on the past 12 months, I stand amazed at how the Lord has worked in and around my family. I am blessed!

We are busy getting ready for camp. Honestly, the work has been a little therapeutic for me. With church planting, and specifically training young men, a lot of times you don’t see change and it can get a little discouraging, even though you know it’s happening. That’s not the case with building bunk beds, human foose ball games, gaga pits, etc. It’s something you do, and at the end of the day see and understand that you have had a productive day.

Josh Sullivan and family arrived safely last Thrusday. We are assisting (when possible) in helping them set up their home and getting settled in. Jens Looney, a six month intern from the Our Generation Training Center, arrives from the states this week. Also, a group from Camps Abroad, led by Dan Brooks, will be arriving this week to help us host Camp Rhino next week. Saturday and Monday, Dan will teach two eight-hour training sessions to camp counselors and staff.

All of this is happening and my wife is scheduled to be admitted into the hospital tomorrow morning. She will be there for at least the next 9 days. Our son will be given injections of steroids and she will be monitored for the next 7 days before delivering (c-section) on the 13th. This means I also have to play mom’s role for next two weeks to our other 4 kiddos. As if life wasn’t hectic enough already!

At Soweto Baptist Church, we are continuing to progress and get ready for our formal organization of the church. We have been systematically teaching through Bible Doctrines and Church responsibilities for the past three years. My hope was to be able to organize the church last month, but it’s not going to happen until after the new year. It is finally on the schedule for February 3rd. We are excited to take this next step.

Other Prayer Requests:

• At the end of February, I plan to begin a new work in an area called Zwide. We have a couple of people who have moved to this area from Soweto, which hopefully gives us an open door. Pray the Lord will begin to prapare hearts now.
• Pray for Aphiwe Maboma, our song leader at Soweto Baptist Church. He has been away for two weeks now in the bush going through the cultrual process of “coming of age.” There are many sinful temptaions during this time. Please pray he would remember who he is and continue a walk controlled by the Holy Spirit.

Thanks again for all that you do. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sincerely,
Jeremy and Rebekah Hall