Hi friends
Let me give you a little peak into on of our greatest battles as missionaries.
A friend of mine recently reminded me of the change in our economy – Just take a look at this:
Rand against the $
5 year depreciation
20/01/11 R7,04
22/01/16 R16,44
Depreciation: R9,40
% Depreciation: 134%
Yes thats right! A 134% depreciation of our South African income against the dollar!
1 Year Depreciation
25/1/15 R11,48
22/1/16 R16,44
43,2%
Yes thats right this last year there was a 43% depreciation of our South African Rand against the dollar which means our income fell with 43% just this last year!
Its not going to get better.
Apparently the future even looks worse. Its so easy here in the remote jungle to start worrying about these things. We are not thinking about ourselves as much as we are thinking about the future of the work. As I was praying over this I thought what would my strategy be? I was thankful this morning as I studied Psalm 23 again, it says:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
This does not mean that we must not be unwise with our finances, no we must work hard and invest well if we can – But I will have to rest in the Lord and thats enough as He will prepare a table before me and my cup overflows!
Thanks for each and every one of you supporting us and praying for us!
Lots of blessings
Lourens