Dear Family, Friends, and Ministry Partners,

I am here. March 3, 2020 marked one month in South Africa. My journey in South Africa has begun. All praises and thanks to our Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is working things through me, in me, and around me. All I can say is Hallelujah!

Thank you, thank you, thank you all for your love, prayers and financial support. I could not be here without all of you supporting me as my faithful partners by covering me in prayers and are making tangible, sacrificial financial support through your ongoing gifts to International Ministries. I am following the charge from God given to me through Rodney Ragwam during my Assignment Orientation. The words came from Joshua 1:5-9 (NLT), with emphasis on verse 9, “This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” It helps to remember that this verse is a command from God. Saying yes is a daily yielding to the Holy Spirit and a daily following, not leading.

The Journey to South Africa ended with me getting my hugs and kisses from Grannie and my niece, Shatoi Monique, then traveling by plane for 21 hours to land in Johannesburg on February 3, 2021. The following morning, February 4, 2021, I caught a 1.5-hour flight to East London. The journey for me in South Africa started with the plane landing in East London. I knew right then that the Lord had already prepared everything ahead of my arrival. King William’s Town (Qonce) was just a short drive and God was guiding, telling me not to be afraid. He was with me. (Just a note of praise before I continue; The Netherlands to Johannesburg flight had a small number of passengers. The crew moved us all to business class seats. We were all able to stretch out and sleep for the 10-hour flight. Look at God making provision. This was definitely a Psalm 121 moment.)

The week of February 7, 2021, I met with the students (abafundi) of Teleios Christian School, along with the teachers and parents. School started in-person learning that week. I will be visiting with the students but not teaching or tutoring until I get the needed isiXhosa language skills to work with students, teachers, their parents, and the community at large.  Instructions are in English, but to have an effective ministry in Eastern Cape I need to learn isiXhosa. Praying that I reflect the light of Christ with all who I encounter. The students were more than willing to teach me isiXhosa but not willing to let me give my tutor the words they wanted me to learn. They all want to know about the USA and If I see movie stars and rappers since I lived in Los Angeles, California.

I am seeing the beauty of South Africa, both in the people, the scenic view of the mountains and the scenic beaches. I have experienced the power outages, municipal workers striking for Covid-19 pay benefits, the man selling 10 rand umbona (corn) from the villages coming to the city early in the morning daily.  There are a lot of schools around my apartment building so I see the students in their uniforms after my run/walk in the morning. Everyone says good morning/molo as we pass each other. I hope you enjoy the picture link I have attached. For those who will receive a hard copy, I have included some photos.

Daily I am trying to get into a routine of morning exercise, language study classes, settling into my new home away from home (apartment/flat) and getting some basic things done (opening a bank account, getting a cell phone, driving on the left side of the road and driving a manual 5 speed car). I have to give myself grace like the Lord has given me to learn and get things done. Miriam Noyes and other missionaries remind me not to rush into other ministries. Language study is a ministry. The Lord showed me that rushing things is going ahead of Him instead of following Him.

Faye Yarbrough

International Ministries Global Servant – South Africa

Praise Report:

• Moved into my home away from home for the next 5 years
• Car has been left for me by a former Missionary to drive while in South Africa.
• No cases of Covid-19 in the hospital in King Williams town.
• The Johnson and Johnson vaccine has been approved to use in South Africa.

Prayer Requests:

• Teleios Chirstian School teachers and teacher’s aids
• The children at Teleios Christian School and their families
• Persons who do not have extended family relationships during this pandemic
• Children who are suffering from severe anxiety during this pandemic. Some in South Africa have lost parents and grandparents due to Covid-19 as recently as December 2020 and January 2021.
• The ministry of letting Christ be known through Math and Science at Teleios Christian School
• Bethany Emmanuel Baptist Church, Project Dorcas, as they continue to help women and their families during the pandemic
• Our journey together, recognizing that God has brought us together to make a difference in the lives of children in South Africa, as well as in your local area.
• Missionary families, especially those with children all over the globe
• MPT (Missionary Partnership Team) Agape
• Pray for my family that I leave behind while I am in South Africa
• Partners and friends’ unspoken specific prayer requests

Video  King William’s Town Here I Come: https://youtu.be/0qTYcumK2o8

Connect with me by email: fyarbrough@internationalministries.org.

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