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Dean & Sheba Padayhag

Johannesburg, South Africa

For the sake of His call ... Serving the Lord together in love

Like any other foreign land: all things are different, people are new and places are unfamiliar yet the ultimate goal is the same: to save the lost and to edify the saints. As a young missionary, it is not just a mere adventure but a challenge of faith that should be responded to with wisdom and courage.

Having learned some of the interesting details of South Africa’s biological diversity, its wealth and treasure, its mountains and conservation areas, its toll roads and cities, all of which illustrate the riches and variety in this wonderful country, our hearts remain excited to go back there and be part of the rainbow country again. We believe that on this second term of our mission in South Africa there are big opportunities for us to reach to different kinds of people and introduce to them the wonderful message of Grace.

Our primary goal in South Africa is to be able to establish a strong urban church in Johannesburg city. We are equipping ourselves with some strategic plans and approaches to accomplish this goal.

Part of this plan is to mentor qualified individuals to help achieve this goal. Evangelism, indoctrination, training and discipleship are some of the few approaches that we have planned to use. Our music and evangelistic team will also contribute to the propagation and advertisement of our ministry. Another ministry that we are going to continue is the youth and children’s ministry.

As the Lord guides, it is our heart’s desire also to establish urban churches in other cities. Dean directs the work in South Africa and represents the South African ministry to TCM.

Email Update - July 17, 2010

Dear Ministry and Prayer Partners,

May the Lord our God fill your heart with more grace and joy as you read this email. We pray for you always and ask the Lord to keep you safe, away from any harm and danger. We also continuously ask the Lord to give you health and strength as you work and serve Him.

The three of us are in good health and doing really well in spite of the cold temperature. Most of the regular houses here have no built-in heaters like in the US. We use portable heaters and layers of thick clothes to keep us warm.

The ministry is moving forward and it has been both challenging and inspiring. Raising a baby and shepherding the “flock” at the same time can be very busy. Yes, we are busy…but not just busy… we are productive. We are bearing fruits. We are fruitful. Busyness wears us out but fruitfulness inspires us. We are so blessed to be able to see the fruits of our labor in the church, school and in the lives of the people we work with. We are still amazed how our members have grown in the Word and in the ministry. They are so involved in keeping the church going and they have a deep desire to learn and understand the Grace message.

We have now four Bible studies in four different locations. They serve as learning venues where we can teach and people can ask questions. The attendees are composed of believers and non-believers. We started with our doctrinal statements to refresh members’ knowledge of our doctrine and practice and to inform non-believers of what we believe as a church. Sheba and Shedea are with me in all of these programs even though they are in the evenings. Most of the attendees are working during the day. 

On July 14 we resumed our Campus Ministry after a whole month of no classes due to Soccer World Cup. We are teaching at Oxford Combined College four times a week. We might be able to open another Campus Ministry at Rhodesfield High School next month. Please pray as we gather together all our contacts and as we talk to the school in-charge. 

Shedea is growing just fine. She has started to stand and walk with aid. She has no teeth yet but we are expecting them anytime. On July 28 she will be turning 1 year. Please pray that we’ll be able to raise her in the ways of the Lord.

We have been traveling a lot this time. Please pray for traveling mercies and protection from bad people. Pray for our car also that it continues to run smoothly without any problem. We have no budget for the repair yet.  If we have extra money we use it to pay for the remaining car balance of $1300-to be paid until October. At least it’s not too heavy on us. The garage owner has been very kind to give us the car without any collateral. He is a Christian too and we have been sharing to him the message of Grace.  Please pray for more opportunities to minister to him and the whole family.

Thanks for your faithful partnership in our ministry through prayers/financial support.

Attached are some of our Bible Study pictures, Shedea and our car.

Dean, Sheba and Shedea Padayhag

South Africa

 

Shedea	The Padayhag's Car	Wednesday Night Bible Study
Thursday Night Bible Study	Friday Night Bible Study	Saturday Music Team Bible Study