New… but not New Zealand “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” Romans 12:12 Throughout our time trying to get back to New Zealand during a pandemic, we have rejoiced in hope (somewhat), been (sort of) patient in tribulation, and been (sometimes) constant in prayer. Although we have struggled in these areas and been discouraged, God has continued to be faithful to give us hope when we needed it, lightened our tribulation from worse effects, and answered our prayers in abundance. As was mentioned in our last update, we cannot get back to New Zealand for the foreseeable future. We recently received communication from New Zealand immigration asking us to withdraw one of our visa applications because we no longer meet the new criteria. Although God allowed us to get so far with paperwork and requirements, we are disappointed and heartbroken we cannot return. Yet, we believe God has a divine plan. The bright side is that our future holds something new. It’s George, South Africa! We had a great survey trip last month and through counsel, different circumstances, and answered prayer, we believe God is redirecting us to continue church planting ministry there. We will be working with the “Inspire George” team who is already well established and striving to meet several goals. Below is an excerpt from the ministry team.   “In the past ten years, the Lord has blessed a team of church-planting missionaries in initiating seven church plants in the cities of George, Sedgefield, and Knysna. George is the largest and fastest growing city along the Garden Route with a population of over 300,000. It is the economic and political center of the Garden Route and is experiencing rapid growth. The church-planting strategy for the city of George is called “Inspire George”. The Inspire George team is part of a non-profit organization, Agape in Action, and is made up of North American and South African church planters. The mission of Inspire George is to evangelize non-believers and to disciple believers through a variety of ministry initiatives, including church-planting, theological training, ministries for children, teens, and young adults, sports outreach, and intervention and upliftment initiatives. All of the efforts of Inspire George point to this one goal: to plant Bible-believing, doctrinally-sound, indigenous churches in George and the surrounding areas. Currently, we have three church-planting projects underway in the city of George: the Agape Baptist Church, the Bybel Baptiste Kerk, and the Life Fellowship. We envision seven [additional] church planting projects during the period 2020–2030.” We are excited to be joining this team and they are excited to have us on board. We will assist in the efforts to start these new churches, along with being involved in the newest plant to teach, disciple, and establish national leadership.   Unless God moves things along more quickly than we anticipate, our goal is to be in SA by the end of March 2022. Over the last couple years our support has bobbed up and down as some donors dropped and we gained new ones. Others increased their giving which has helped balance the load. From our current support level, we need an additional $2,000 a month to get us to SA. Through one church, God has already graciously provided the tickets for our flights to SA and nearly half of our outfit and passage expenses. He is confirming His direction and we anticipate His further provision as He continues to lead us. Many of you gave graciously for our survey trip and we are thankful for how God used you. Thank you for your faithful support and prayers through this new transition. Praise: > Safety on our survey trip > God’s clear direction > Faithful supporters Prayer: > Quick, smooth transition > Collection of our things from NZ > Additional support