Inesa's Heart

How does one combine being a home schooling mom with being a part of a vibrant multicultural ministry?

In our almost 2 years with All Nations we have experienced 3 different “seasons” – a season of “pioneering out of nothing”, a season of very intense involvement (in running outreach programs, catering, setting up logistics for CPx etc) , and a season in which we are now – consolidating. It is still very busy for Nelis although the All Nation’s team has grown to 36 full time workers in Cape Town.

I guess the question I was asking myself was – “what is a sustainable pace for me & can I be involved in ministry and give 100% to my children?” Having gone to the Lord for answers, I have felt that though home educating our children is a priority, my purpose and my heart were also in the ministry and in what we do.

The Lord calls us all to obedience, but through it all He also provides us with help. I now have the help & support of 2 intern couples who are assisting me with projects as well as a wonderful lady who helps with All Nations catering. The Lord has made it possible for me to do both and I am grateful for that.

The other tool the Lord has given us is the house we are renting now. We love to extend hospitality, but although opportunities were plentiful we struggled for space. And then came our miracle. It has a guest room and a school room and the layout is ideal for group gatherings.

I’m very grateful for our new home – it is a great tool for touching people’s hearts, offering encouragement & comfort. My heart is overflowing with thanks and gratitude for God’s goodness!

Love
Inesa

June Newsletter

Dear Friends,

We trust you are all doing well and are enjoying cosy fireplaces on this side of the world and lovely sunshine on the other side. =O)

Below we describe little fractions of what the Lord is doing, if you would like to read more, please go to our blog www.nelisandinesa.blogspot.com (there are some nice family photos there also)

We’ve had a few eventful weeks in the van Rooyen household – the move to our lovely new home, Nelis’ birthday that was closely followed by Stefan’s birthday. They both had lots of fun & enjoyed their special days, sharing them with friends and family.

We want to thank all of you who were praying for Nelis’ brother, he is doing better and it looks like he might be able to regain vision in his eye. (He was violently assaulted a few weeks ago) Please keep him in your prayers.

Masi - xenophobia impacted this community recently. All Nations offered to house & feed those refugees we have relationship with. This was a wonderful opportunity to show practical love & care. We had great times of sharing, worship & laughter! We believe something wonderful was birthed by God as we shared life with our brothers & sisters in need.

Two weeks ago I (Nelis) visited the Bo-Kaap (central Cape Town) where one of our teams is working. As we were serving soup to the refugees on the street the words of John, a Zimbabwean, touched my heart deeply. He said to me: “I’m so tired, my own country does not want me, people in South Africa do not want me here – where can I go where I’ll belong? I just want to look after my family.”

There are no easy answers – what we DO know is that Jesus is worthy of our lives and we can trust Him to bring life, hope and change as we all follow and obey Him. He is our motivation!

With all our love,
Nelis, Inesa, Tanya & Stefan.