1 August

Marilyn continues in the ministry in which she became involved in 2001 – that of sharing the gospel and a substantial meal with around 500 children in Leseding, the township near her of about 70,000 with approximately 70 per cent unemployment. This began as a ‘soup kitchen’ in which we actually served soup. But when summer came and it was too hot for soup, the menu was changed to peanut butter and jam sandwiches and fresh milk. Lethabo Kid’s Club is where the children know they will hear God’s message, sing praises, and have a substantial meal. You should see them running to get there!

The youth are a special part of her weekly ministry. God is at work in their lives, and many are developing into leaders in His work.

Hospitality has always been a major part of Cook’s ministry and Marilyn continues to host the youth, visiting missionaries, others who have come to help her and work in the ministry. For this, Grace Place, her home is ideal in providing a quiet place to draw near to the Lord and experience His beautiful creation.

Dear Ones, Highlight of this past month has been hosting Dorothy Cheung from Hong Kong. We met on e-mail after Al Corson, who knows us both, suggested she come and visit Grace Place and see the work we’re doing with the children. She was here for two short weeks, but we squeezed a lot in – especially discussing Stu’s book ‘The Thought that Counts’ and the IBS Bible method of study which Ken Smyth was using along with Stu’s seminar material on ABC Thinking. As I also knew Ken, we had a lot of discussing to do. She taught some of our youth the IBS method of study. The exciting thing about Dorothy is that she and her colleque, Kitty Ho from Hong Kong have translated ‘The Thought that Counts’ into Chinese. Dorothy and I and Richard and Cathie did some brainstorming to come up with the right title which can be translated into Chines. They are nearly finished with the translation and we’re excited about that! Another highlight of the month was the revival which was held in Vaalwater with Stephen Lungu as the preacher. He has an incredible story of God’s grace in his life and is straight talking about sin and being in a right relationship with the Lord. If you go to Amazon.com you can access his books. I promise you a good read – an amazing story. Our younger youth (10-14) and the older ones participated in marching through town to help advertise the meetings. They loved being there! Another issue of The Source is out and you can read it on my website: mission2sa.org. This one is entitled “Father” and has some great teaching about our loving heavenly Father as well as some testimonies that will make you cry – in sorrow and in joy! I guess the biggest thing this month was making the decision not to drive – I have seen this coming and feel my eyes are too unstable to be driving, so I have been surrounding myself with drivers. I now have two with licenses, one with a learner’s who is driving well, and another one ready to get his learners. I’m so fortunate to have so many who are willing and ready to help me. The Lord has also blessed me with a qualified bookkeeper who know the program I have on my computer. I’m so thankful as reading and doing figures are increasingly difficult with my eyes as they are. But, in most ways, my vision is good – I can see the trees and the small leaves on them, the grass, the sand, the birds on a wire and identify them, the stars. As far as ministry, I can still do all I have been doing except driving for myself. I can plan and organize and teach and work on the computer, host many people, counsel, pray and love! I pray that you have been and are being blessed by the Lord! May He keep you in His care! Love in Jesus, Marilyn