1990 issue 7 - personal diary from south africa, part 3 - counsel of chalcedon
TRANSCRIPT
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8/12/2019 1990 Issue 7 - Personal Diary From South Africa, Part 3 - Counsel of Chalcedon
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quick exit . nto the next world, this world was
forgotten. The salt had become tasteless. Is
it
any wonder that when you have a blocked view
of
the future, goal-setting and strategic planning
for victory go out the window. Ted Baehr with his
Legion
of
Decency
is
attempting to get back into
Hollywood, and he is beginning to have some
success. Why don't you write and encourage him
and find out how you can help? He publishes the
newsletter Movieguide and can be reached at Good
News Communications. 2876 Mabry Road N.E.,
Atlanta, Georgia 30319., (404)
2 3 7 0 3 ~ 6 .
ersonal iary
from
South frica
Friday, March
2
1990:
One week ago today
we
left Atlanta for South Africa-what a
full week it has been. Compared
to
so many days in my past
which I have squandered in self-interest, this week, spent with
so many who are living out their faith consistently, has
humbled me. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for bringing me here-
thank you for the friends whose generosity made
it
possible
for me to come, for those here in South Africa who welcome
our ministry and receive us as family, for three children who
are good and trustworthy and who pray for us, for those who
are "stoking the home ftres" and praying faithfully.
Lord, especially, thank you for Joe--one, who
in an
ever
changing, immoral; unstable world, is constant, good and
true; a lode star in a darkening sky. You have given me a
noble man, Lord, with a heart for you and your earth. His
passion is to see your kingdom come in all its fullness. It
transcends all he
is
and does. After 25 years, Joe, you are still
my
example, my dearest companion,
my
best friend. I
am
sorely conscious that I do not deserve the honor of being your
wife but I am grateful.
Tonight we attended a banquet in Johannesberg
at
the Civic
Center. There were 2000 in attendance, black and white, to
proclaim C uist's Lordship over South Africa atld pray for His
mercy on their nation. The program
of
singing and speeches
demonsttated a sincere desire to resolve their struggles and
tensions. The theme of the evening was well-stated in a song:
"God bless Africa, guard her children,
guide her leaders, give her peace."
By far the highlight of the evening for Joe was meeting
President de Klerk He
admonished him to rely on God's
principles and not to "cave in"
to
pressures from within his
country or ours. A very popular and beautiful lady, named
Wendy Millen who is a TV producer and hosts programs on
the radio,
met
us afterwards and made plans to interview Joe.
We also enjoyed an elegant luncheon today with several
stimulating friends of Claude Moeller
at
the "Allegeo''
restaurant in the State Theatre building in Pretoria. Somerset
Markel (or "Somie"
as
his friends call him) was our excellent
host. Those present were as follows: Claude and Elna Moeller
of
"Family Focus"; their secretary Hanlie
du
Preez; Vallie
Gilfillan . a last year theology student at the Universtiy
of
Pretoria; Professor Johan POtgieter, a profes
sor in
Private
Law
at the University; Dr. Fanie (Stephen) Van Huyssteen, a
pastor who has studied nouthetic counseling under Jay Adams
at Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia; ol Nic Potgeiter,
Secretary
of
State Security; Rev. Chin Reddy, an Indian
(Asian) pastor whom we were delighted to learn haS preached
at a church in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, very near my
hometown of Haysi; and Somerset Morkel, with the
Departmentof Foreign Affairs. Affairs
of
state were discussed
up and down the beautifully appointed table
as we
enjoyed
our
wonderful meal; but the dominant theme on the lips and in the
hearts of all present was the Lordship of Christ as the
necessary hub
of
all
of
life--whether personal, family
or
state.
I can't imagine a luncheon conversation
of
this nature taking
place with people
of
like-status
in
America God, grant
us
repentance and a return to our godly roots.
It's now about midnight,
and
Joe
is
beginning to develop
chills and fever. I'm afraid he is going to be really ll by
morning
S a t u n l ~ ~ a r c h
3:
As predicted Joe is very s t c y ~ w e can't really pinpoint a
cause--maybe . fatigue combined with rapid changes in
temperatures and foods.
He
has started
on an
antibiotic we
.brought along. Lord, please make
him
well soon, according
to
your will, so that his nlission here can be carried out.
The Counsel of Chalcedon August-September, 1990 Page 19
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Saturday eyenim:: _
we drove about 2 hours from Pretoria into the "veld"
grasslands,
to
a lovely
fann
owned
by
members
of
Elna
Moeller's family. Claude, who
is
a superb cook, made us a
wonderful Afrikaans stew
and
"braie"
orharbeque
ofsausages.
The fresh fruit is wonderful-nectariries, peaches, grapes, guava
and guava juice--rich
and
thick Umm
I'm
eating with little
regard
to the weigh t-consciousness I've developed
over
the
past
six months To worry about gaining weight here would be
slighting
God
's wonderful provision We are
so
enjoying the
fellowship
of our
fellow-campers--the Gilfillan family, Vallie
and Ann
and
their 3 energetic sons, Maurits, George and.
Adrian all
of whom
(including
Heike
Moeller) are attempting '
to teach
me
a little basic Afrikaans Hemiette, also
came
tonight. Joe
is
bravely attempting
to
come out and
fellowship occasionally but feels Wretched.
I'm
so
sorry for
him. l wish I could take his illness--Lord, heal him soon, if
you will.
Sunday. March 4:
Anne Elizabeth Morecraft is 16 today How
1
wish I could be
with
her
to celebrate this very special anniversary. Annie-girl,
I hope you feel in your heart the special love I've had for you
since I fust
saw that
strawberry-blond
head
appear and that
. adorable dimple crinkle up at the corner of your o u ~
We
r e t u r n ~ from the fann tonight--Joe is feeling rotten. A
doctor actually made a house call
to
check him He can fin
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pilgrims came to America. They left France during the
persecution of the Protestants, when godly Protestants were
being slaughtered by the thousands. Many fled to Holland and
from there came to South Africa, bringing their stalwart faith
and their knowledge of winemaking, combining the two to
God's glory. It was a delightful day, spent with the Theron
family (Hugenot descendants themselves ) under bright blue
African skies. We stood in silence and respect as we visited
the monument to the Hugenot people who so bravely faced
life in South Africa and fought to establish lives honoring to
God here. We also visited a unique monument erected to
honor the Afrikaans language. The modem design of the
monument depicts in its varied lines and curves the integration
of
the various roots
of
the language-German, French, Dutch
and Malasian, etc. into the most modem language in the
world.
March 12;
We were escorted around
the
school sponsored by "Family
Focu
s
at Crossroads black township by Hanta Theron. I was
impressed with the materials being used and the attitude of
students and teachers- the children lined up and sang for
me
and then I sang one of "Miss Judy's" songs for them. They
couldn't get over Joe's size
We enjoyed a delightful visit with the family of Prof. Danie
Louw who teaches
and
authors books at the University of
Potchefstrom. He has a heart for God and wants to come to
America to do further studies. He lives in a beautiful old
home with wonderful gardens around
t
He is also a
wonderful artist.
March 13;
How delightful to renew our friendship with Dr. Victor
d'Assonville, his wife Therese and their son Victor.
We
grew
to
love this precious family when we were here last time. Dr.
d'Assonville is associated with the University ofPotchefstrom
who sponsored
our
last trip to South Africa. Therese teaches
music to gifted students and always has lovely things to share
with me in this field of mutual interest. I must tape more
of
Dr. Karl Haas "Adventures in Good Music" for her.
Joe spoke at the University to a group of theological students
and Army Chaplins. I sang at Victor's request but before I
sang, I took out my camera and asked all those single,
unengaged men in the room to raise their hands so I could take
a picture back to my beautiful daughter and give her a chance
to choose a prospective husband They cooperated nicely,
Anne, with a big laugh, so you can see if anyone interests
you
Victor drove us back to Pretoria after an exciting visit to an
army base where Joe spoke. He then drove a big cannon,
called the G-5, around. I got a bit nervous that he might find
the button that fired t but we survived unscathed On the way
back, we stopped by the home of Victor's lovely sister where
we enjoyed an exchange of stories--she writes histories as
much as you, Mama: and her wonderful pastries and tea"
Rockssiters (like syrupy French Cruellers) and Rooibos( red
bush) tea Ummm. I m spoiled and I freely admit it
We
enjoyed a unique experience today, thanks to Anne
Gilftllan. Joe
spoke, ftrst to the faculty, then the student
body, and I sang at a public school. We spoke unreservedly
about Jesus Christ and life lived according
to
His
Word
for
His glory and received commendation and applause Not only
that, but the students themselves sang gospel songs for
us
which they had learned
in
school. Amazing It was a thrilling
experience.
arch 15:
Only two days left. I cannot believe the time is nearly up.
This trip has been so wonderful. The only improvement
would be for you, dear friend, to come, too. Joe speaks today
to an important meeting of military leaders
and
will tour a
building that houses military equipment. I opted to stay here,
rest, pack and shop a little.
Tonight
we
met the world record-holding shot-put champion,
John von Reenen, a real giant of a man. He makes Joe look
tiny and me like a speck
of
dust He is a committed Christian
who has lived in America. done movies in Hollywood and is
now back in South Africa working in sculpture and art
We
also met a man who brought tears to our eyes and stabbing
guilt to our
hearts
for our cowardice at life's inconsequential
problems.
He
was literally blown apart in the war in Angola
and through 30-odd operations, though having lost his arms,
faces life with a warm smile
and
firm testimony
of
God's
gracious dealings with him. He has a lovely wife and two
precious children. God, give
me
the grace to trust you as this
servant does, whether you send joy or grief.
March 17:
It's time
to
bid farewell to South Mrica. I have left so much
unsaid. This has been not only a journey to minister, but for
me, a journey to be ministered unto by those who were
unaware of my need and their supply.
Thank you, Almighty Father, for the grace bestowed on this
people. Please rend the Heavens and come down to South
Africa, Lord Jesus. And from here, extend your coming to our
needy land. But please, keep coming till your great kingdom
covers the earth as the waters cover the sea.
E p i o ~ e :
God gave Joe and me more in South Africa than we knew.
Far more.
For
in his grace
and
mercy we were delighted to
learn that we
had
"smuggled back" a new child, conceived in
South Africa. to
be
born to us, by His mercy in early to mid
November This baby will be here to help me celebrate the
41st year
of
my life and our 21st wedding anniversary at the
end of November. "His mercy endureth forever."
We
all
covet your prayers.Q
The Counsel of CbaJcedon August-September, 1990 Page 21