“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
“And we know in all things God works for good for those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
Shalom, Shalom! We are so extremely blessed to finally be writing this update and exalting the greatness and goodness of our amazing Heavenly Papa! It has been one week since doctors confirmed enough healing to release Gloria Grace from the hospital. Both Gloria and I (Teisa) continue to struggle with the whooping cough, but we know this sickness is defeated, so join us in proclaiming perfect healing! Dear Gloria sometimes vomits due to the coughing fits, but at least she breathes the whole time J Regardless, she is gaining weight and strength. What a treasure of God’s glory…we can’t wait to see what He has in store for our Glory girl.
In the past week, we have been rejoicing and reflecting heaps. We are left astonished by the love of God! Not surprised…not at all… Just more overwhelmed by the greater revelation of His limitless, lavish love. Equally, we are astonished by the love from His bride! We felt the global family carry this burden…loving and praying for Gloria Grace…we never felt alone for one minute. Each day, we drank in the words of life on FB/emails, often reading the words and scriptures over GG. In our weak moments, the Body of Christ lifted our arms in the battle till His victory was/is manifest. We could never thank Him and you enough…
Another area of His miraculous glory is in His provision…and another area we are astonished by the Body of Christ. Anyone who knows us knows we never ask for ourselves (we will ask all day long for MCV, Iris, other missionaries, etc); so it was very humbling for us to communicate the financial need (no medical insurance) and prayerfully insert that one line “we need your help” in our last email. We are so incredibly blessed to say the medical bills are almost all covered. Over $20,000 has been sent in or on its way…generous, sacrificial gifts from dear people around the world…and along with our savings, all the bills should be paid. How magnificent is that…a missionary saying, “You can stop sending money!” Yeah God!!!
Thank you again for ‘stopping for the one.’ As missionaries set apart to defend orphans and widows, we cannot help chuckle on how the one is our own biological pale African. We hope to send another newsletter out soon about the countless other amazing things He is doing here in SA- the newest ‘princess’ of MCV (not GG!), the newest church plant in Nelspruit (you will never guess where), the newest missionaries joining the SA team (very exciting) etc.
During this challenging, but glorious time, we have been living in Romans chapter 8. Many verses spoke to us in new ways, so we leave you with another favorite-
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship…No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:35,37. Did you know the name “Nicole” means overcomer/conqueror/victorious one? It does. And the newest addition to the Nicole tribe might only be 6 weeks old, but Gloria Grace is leading us in some major Kingdom insight right now, aye!
PS. Just to be accountable, any additional support that comes in Gloria’s name- we will use it to get some affordable health insurance here in SA and/or sow it into MCV
