"Safe" in Johannesburg (Jozi)

Any ideas on how to move a one+ ton safe? Well, the three heftiest chaps in the office took it on as a challenge. That was a laugh for sure. We couldn't budge the thing.

The safe sits in a closet under the stairwell -- what we figured to be the safest place for a safe, not than any thief is going to come in and take it out on his back! Following the burglary of computers, we thought this might also be the saftest place for the network server. Although there is plenty of room in the closet, the safe needed to be pushed back to the back wall. The "man gene" in us led us to believe "this would be a breeze." All we did was lay cozily in the closet on our backs and grunt and groan. So l to r in the picture you've got Tim K, Russell Pratt and Tim Barrow. All with shattered pride!

So we decided to call in the "professionals". Now that was indeed a smart move because they took care of it in about 30 minutes. They had the right equipment, expertise and time! That was their job! Not ours. So now the safe sits in the back corner of the "safe" room. If ever we want to remove it, our first advice would be to "leave it to the professionals!"

Well -- all in a days work! The outstanding repairs and beefing up of security systems are all things we're waiting on others to do. We don't have the know-how even we did have the "genetic inclination!"

Speaking of safes -- safety is something we are daily cast upon the Lord for here in "Jozi". Crime in this city is high, in fact renown. We rest in the fact that God is here too and nothing takes him by surprise. Pray for us in this regard -- for safety, peaceful hearts that are at rest in Him.

Safely in Jesus!

Skype in Johannesburg

Ever heard of Skype.com? Man, it's the best thing since sliced bread with marmite and cheese! We've just been on the phone with family in Seattle. Already we've used it with our children in PA. What a blessing this is as it really cuts costs.

What is Skype you say? Well, go to www.skype.com and see for yourself. The download is free. Using Skype from computer to computer is just the cost of a local phone call. Calling Skpye to a land line (SkypeOut it's called) is just pennies. Last night we were on the phone with Carol's Dad in Portland, OR for about an hour and that cost about $3.00.

OK, enough computer talk. All that to say however how very blessed we feel to be able to "chat" with folks so cheaply. We've even had "conference" calls between our office leadership team here and the leadership team in SC, and all for the cost of a local call -- and that was a two and half hour discussion!

This reminds me though of the fact that communication with our Savior has got Skype beat hands down. We can talk to God at any time, from any where, about anything and for as jolly long as we please. WOW! And it costs NOTHING! I love Eph. 3:12 "Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come fearlessly into God's presence, assured of his glad welcome." (NLT)

Let's face it folks, COMMUNICATION is a gift! Thank God for the ability to do so!

Initiated in Johananesburg

This week our SIM ROSA (Region of South Africa) office was broken into in the middle of Tuesday night -- actually early Wednesday morning. This is something that one living in this city always fears happening, whether at home, place of work or in your car.

The thieves got away with several computers including the main network server. A fair amount of damage was done to the premesis in their efforts at getting inside. The security alarm did go off, but not until they were well inside the building.

The good news in all of this is that they dropped the back-up CD for Tuesday as they picked up the server. Our estimates are that it had automatically backed up Tuesday's work just minutes before being stolen.

Now we await the repairs, replacement of lost items, etc. The worst part of all of this is the nuisance of all that has to be done after the fact to "clean things up". Sort of feel like trying to put Humpty Dumpty together again!

This didn't take God by surprise either. So what is he trying to teach us? Or is he simply using this opportunity to reveal more of himself to us. Whatever -- may we see with our eyes and hear with our ears and understand with our hearts.

Blessings to you!

Summer in JHB

Today is a beautiful day in Johannesburg. A wonderful reminder of God's "brand new dose of faithfulness" just for TODAY! (Lam.3:22-24) WOW! How very rich we are to be blessed by Him every day of our lives. Jesus is "full of unfailing love and faithfulness" (NLT). And His faithfulness is demonstrated to us through YOU, our faithful friends. Thank you for being demonstrations of His goodness and grace to us personally. We love you and thank God for you!