Together, we can make a difference!

Update from our missionaries in South Africa…

After celebrating Christmas, marrying off a daughter and visiting spiritual and financial supporters, Ronnie and Janet Vehorn returned “home” to South Africa in April to begin their 19th year. We probably won’t see them in the U.S. again for 2 or 3 years. 

You will recall that rather than continuing to plant additional new churches, their focus is now strengthening the churches already planted. The month of May found the Vehorns making contact with the primary local church leaders in Whittlesea, Tentergate and Thornhill. In June, Ronnie was part of a group of 14 who visited the Ivory Coast for preaching and leadership training. 

During July a mission team of 18 visited from Beaufort, SC. During their 3 week visit a children’s camp was held in three villages and Christmas in July was staged for 2000 children. While the children were entertained and trained their parents receive instruction from the Bible. Also in July, leaders from the 9 churches related to the Vehorn ministry agreed to a “radical and historical” step. They will raise funds to build churches in the 7 villages without church facilities. The cost is $6,000 each and the first $3,800 has been raised with hopes to start building the first church in November. Their goal is for the 7 to be built before the 2010. The year (2010) is significant because the World Soccer Cup will be in South Africa and while the world builds stadiums, the Vehorn’s plan is to build churches (permanent brick structures). How great would that be?

Please continue your prayers and financial support
for these 2 dedicated missionaries serving God in South Africa.

Give a child a gift and raise money for local missions

Surprise your child or grandchild with a popular Children’s Book, personalized with his/her name as the main character. Your name can appear on the title page as the person gifting the youngster and you can even play a supporting role in the book. Books are $15 - $18 each. All proceeds will go to the Mission Committee for local outreach.

Details, available titles and order forms can be picked up in the Church office, at My Sister’s Books, or from Linda Beale ( 235-0501, ). Sample books can be viewed at My Sister’s Books.

Friendship Place

Friendship Place is an ongoing mission opportunity, where we provide volunteers to serve lunch on the 2nd Monday of every month. One of Friendship Place’s functions is to serve as many as 75 lunches per day, 5 days a week to Georgetown County men, women and children in need of a helping hand up-not a hand out. If you would like to join the team of volunteers or find out more about this opportunity to serve, please contact Jim Reitano or Anne Lawrence. 

St. Paul’s Waccamaw UMC Literally Helps Save Lives

At every Street Reach graduation, several Disciples tell those gathered that the program they have gone through over the previous 6 months saved their lives. Here is a one story from the daughter of a local resident.

Before I became a disciple at Street Reach and before many years of active addictions, which brought me here, I had always had it in my heart to help people. With two years of college and an Associates degree in business, I never thought it was possible. Ever since stepping foot in Street Reach I have felt like I was home. The discipleship program has helped me much more than any of the rehabs that I had tried in the past ever could. I’ve learned about recovery, who I am deep down, but most importantly about the very God who has led me to where I am now, all the while being in the position to see past my own problems and reach out to people in need. Learning what Jesus Christ has done for me truly does make Him my personal Savior. He has saved me from myself and my past. Since graduating this program, Miss Libby has hired me as an employee. By helping out with the computer and office work. I feel that God has blessed me by putting me right where I belong at just the right time where I can use my administrative skills in a ministry that helps people. My only hope is that I am able to pay back just some of the blessings that I have received since I have been here.

Suzy

Your gifts and $4,500 pledged from St. Paul’s Waccamaw UMC
Mission Budget help Street Reach help those like Suzy.