August 2015

Dear Ones, One of the fun things this past month was the 4th of July parade which came past the church while we were having Bible Study in the morning. There was a police van, then some ‘majorettes ’- small girls with white shirts and blue skirts and skinny legs followed by a cart that had the American Flag on the side – all complete with marching drums. It’s the first 4th of July parade I’ve seen here in all these years and I appreciated their gesture as I was the only white person and only American around! I have had a lot of preparation to do in order to be gone nearly two months to the States. Lance and Jo and their grandson, Christian arrived on the 15th July and are now in charge of the dog and farm and ministry as I am in Joburg finalizing things here in order to be gone. Kyle Carlisle arrived with Lance and Jo and has been having a ‘crash’ course in driving in Joburg and Soweto nearly every day. He’s doing very well and has been a great help to Connie. Godfrey and the youth are carrying on with Kid’s Club on Wednesdays and Bible Studies on Saturdays with Jo there to give a hand. The other day, Baby Isaac discovered that my face was different and kept reaching to touch my face, then his mothers. It’s so good to see him developing so well. I had surprise guests this past Sunday. The landlord of the four students we have in Brooklyn College in Polokwane came to meet me and see how he could help. We had a great time of fellowship in the Lord and he has already sent us some very helpful websites. He had with him a mother and her two daughters, Eunice, Johanna and Sanna. They also are very active in serving the Lord. Johanna has been on dialysis since 2013 (just as she was registering for college); but she is passionate about starting a home for elderly people where they will be comfortable and have good care and also a youth center. I am so impressed that with her illness she still has such a vision of helping others. Photos are of me with Adam, displaying his driver’s license – a big accomplishment; Johannes and William – the two most recent youth to be registered in Brooklyn College studying Police Management; and The Parade. It’s been cold here and we wear layers of clothes and have layers of blankets at night as the houses are unheated. I think I will be ready for summer when we get to Virginia in the next few days! The Lord bless and keep you! Marilyn

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.