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Latest News
November 2011
Dear friends
Warm greetings from Cape Town!
It has been a very busy couple of months for us, in August we arrived in Cape Town, found an apartment, unpack, buy furniture, travel back to Maun to collect more stuff, had surgery, travelled to Israel as well as itinerant preaching.
In Sept we had to make a trip back to Maun to finish off some paper work and collect our books and a few other things. On the way there we travelled through Johannesburg for surgery on my (Sid’s) bladder. This is the third one in a year and it appears that this time it was successful. After recovering we carried on to Maun. The believers are fine but we were informed that the McIlroys feel that they need to leave the mission field and return to Northern Ireland. We are disappointed but leave this in the Lord’s hands. On a positive note a young couple from the capital city Gaborone have relocated to Maun with their three children. They are a spiritually mature couple and we trust that the Lord will use them in His service. We returned to the Cape via Fort Beaufort in the Eastern cape to visit a young missionary couple who are pioneering there. They have just seen their first converts, three young men, after labouring there for over four years.
We returned back to the Cape where we have been seeing the Lord blessing in the lives of 9 people who recently followed the Lord in baptism and two who have trusted Him for salvation.
We were recently blessed with a tour of Israel. The group all started off from the States and we met them in Tel Aviv. What an amazing experience, we are actually lost for words to describe what that trip did for our appreciation of the scriptures and God’s earthly people. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem”
Lastly we want to make you aware that we are starting Missions Awareness South Africa M.A.S.A. This is a three-week event where gospel minded people from Canada the USA and the UK who want to have a short-term mission experience could come and join us here in Cape Town. Dates are June 24th to July 14th 2012. If you or somebody in your assembly would like to join us please contact us or see the details on our website www.sidandkarenhalsband.com
In the Master’s service,
Sid and Karen
October 2011
Dear Friends
It's very hard to believe that we have been
here in Cape Town for over 6 weeks now.
The time has gone so fast. We are
settling into our new place quite nicely but still need to take time to get all
our things here from Maun and to get unpacked and organized. We are enjoying life here very much… such a
difference from the desert. It is taking
a bit of getting used to the differences between Cape Town and Maun, colder
climates, waiting at street lights, the ocean, modern shopping as well as
proper health care. We really loved Maun but this place will not be hard to
love too.
Already we are feeling quite at home in the
assembly. Currently we are trying to get
involved here and feel a pull towards the young people's group. Sid has been asked to teach the bi-weekly
Saturday night youth group for the next several weeks as well as the past
several weeks. He is going through a
power point series entitled "After Conversion, Then What?" There seems to be a good interest as the
group listens well.
There have been several opportunities as
well, in visiting around to some of the other assemblies. He has been asked to share the gospel meeting
with another missionary here. His first
love is to preach the gospel and so he is enjoying these opportunities. We look to the Lord for further opportunities
to get involved in the preaching of the gospel.
Our house is open to entertain the Lord's
people. Often it is during these times
of hospitality when questions regarding spiritual issues are answered and
friendships established. We trust that
our place will be used for the Lord's glory to build up the saints.
We are thankful for the health
professionals and therapists that we have come across so far. Ironically our last visit to a doctor in
Canada was to a South African doctor.
Our first visit to a doctor here was to a Canadian doctor. We have found a biokineticist here who has
started working with Sid three times a week.
He seems to understand Sid's challenges in walking and is gearing his
approach specifically for Sid. As well
we are getting some of the other health issues that Sid has sorted out. At the end of this month Sid is booked for
more surgery. We will travel to
Johannesburg to see the same surgeon that initially did the first two
surgeries. We anticipate that this will
be the last surgery that is needed. We
value your prayers that all will go well and the operation will be a
success.
After recovery from surgery we are planning
on going to Maun to get the last of our belongings from there. Previously we had sold most of the things but
there are some personal momentos that we need to bring here as well as Sid's
books, photograph albums, etc.
The assembly in Maun has recently had tent
meetings in an area of the village that we first reached in 2009. There were good numbers of children coming
but some adults as well. Please continue to pray for the Lord's work in
Maun. Also, another young couple has
been transferred to Maun for employment so that is an encouragement to the
assembly. Pray for numerical and
spiritual growth for the assembly. We
are looking forward to our short visit there.
As the Lord brings us to mind please pray
about the things mentioned.
In the Master's service,
Sid and Karen
September 2011
Dear Beloved friends
Warm greetings from Cape Town! We
arrived safely in South Africa after spending four months in North America. It
was great being home again and being with friends and family. We have
decided that the thing we miss most on the mission field besides our sons is
being able to fellowship with believers from our own culture.
We benefitted greatly medically from our
visit this time as we managed to find a therapist who was able to help Sid. He
was using a unique type of therapy that seems to be designed just for the type
of muscular problems Sid has. We have a therapy routine to follow but the
challenge now is to see if we can find some one in Cape Town with the same
training.
We arrived in Cape Town a little over a week
ago and started looking for a place to live. It seemed best just to rent for
now, we had sold all of our belongings in Botswana so we needed to start fresh
with everything. With in a week we had pretty much furnished the apartment.
Our first Sunday we were received by the
believers into the Hebron assembly. It is a lovely assembly with a nice
mix of races. We are trying to focus on some of the young adults and
Karen is keen to start using our home for the Lord. I have been asked to
speak at some of the assemblies in the region and so we will be doing some
itinerant preaching too. We are very excited about getting involved in
the work as well as continue seeing progress with Sid's therapy.
The work in Maun continues well with good
numbers coming to the meetings. Our colleagues the Ngulukas and the
McIlroys continue to reach out into the community with various gospel
activities.
We value your prayers as we make this
transition.
God bless for now as we close with Christian
love,
Sid and Karen
July 16, 2010
Beloved
Saints
Warm Greetings in the Lord’s name from Maun Botswana.
Moses wrote “And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of
a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them
light; to go by day and night”
It is a great comfort to know that in all the twists and turns of life
the Lord is there to guide His people. For
us we believe the pillar is moving, more about that a little later.
Once again we want to mention how much we appreciate the prayers
of the Lord’s people regarding our service. We have lots to be thankful for and
again lots to pray for too.
MAB
2010
The gospel tent was
once again set up for a two week period. This year we decided on reaching out
to a new area of the village on the other side of the Thamalakane River.
We had previously not done any gospel work in this area so it was a new venture
for us. Most nights we had over a
hundred in to listen to the gospel with the best night 170 coming. We have now established a foothold in that
area and have started collecting around 50 children for Sunday school. We are thankful that we now have enough funds
to buy a second flat bed truck to handle the transport challenges.
Despite having a
smaller team from overseas this year we believe it was a profitable time for
all and appreciated the ministry of Sandy McEachern.
Big
Changes Coming
For several years now we have
realized the need for physiotherapy and rehab facilities to be available to us.
Sid’s ability to walk has been deteriorating and we believe the time has come
to make some changes. The assembly has developed to the point that it functions
independent of us so we feel we can relocate. We have been praying whether we
should return to Canada or
move to South Africa.
Our desire is to be used of the
Lord in proclaiming the gospel to the lost and ministering to the saints. There is need everywhere but we sense the
Lord leading us to Capetown South Africa. We have shared this
exercise with our commending assembly and they have given us their blessing.
We are in the process of selling
our property in Maun and after a short furlough in Canada will be making arrangements
to move to Capetown.
In addition to these changes a
young couple Franklin and Jenny McIlroy who were commended to serve the Lord
here in Botswana
3 years ago have decided to move to Maun. They have four young children and need
to be in a place that has English medium schools.
Health
On August 11th Sid is booked
for surgery in Johannesburg. It is expected that he will be in the
hospital for four days and then several weeks convalescence. Although it is not considered major surgery
it is still stressful.
Prayer Requests
· Relocation to South Africa
· Surgery
· Furlough
· Franklin and Jenny McIlroy
May the Lord bless you and keep you and use you for His
glory.
In the Master’s service,
Sid and Karen
February 2010
Beloved Saints
Warm greetings from sunny and hot
Botswana!
It is hard to believe we have started another decade. We are reminded of the searching question of James 4:14 “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
Scottish missionary Keith Falconer wrote "I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light"
Thanks once again for your prayerful support for the Lord’s work here in Maun
Botswana. There truly are many things to be thankful for but also “there remains very much land yet to be possessed.”
Missions Awareness Botswana 2010
MAB. was started to introduce 1st world believers to the opportunities of evangelism in the developing world. It is an intense three weeks that will challenge the gospel minded believer. We use a variety of evangelistic techniques ranging from gospel meetings in the tent, literature distribution, sports outreach, prison ministries and personal conversations to name a few. This cross cultural event also includes the privilege of working with African believers as we together share the good news of Jesus Christ with the lost.
Preparations for MAB. 2010 is well underway and we are looking forward to another team coming in June. If you have any in your assembly who would like to be a part of this rewarding experience please have them visit our website and fill out the application form. Spaces limited to 15 participants. This year again we will have two weeks of evangelism followed by the safari week to
Victoria Falls. We anticipate Sandy McEachern again this year to help with challenging ministry.
Transport of Children
Over half of the population of
Botswana is under the age of 15. All of the assemblies in this country were started as a result of children’s work. Most children are keen to come to Sunday school but transport has been a challenge. Maun is a big village with approximately 45000 residents some of which are 10 km away from the chapel. With out transport the distance would prohibit the children from coming. With the help of the Lord’s people we have bought the first of two flat bed trucks which we are using to safely transport the children. We can get up to 60children in one load. It’s quite fun and turns a few heads when you have 60 children singing at the top of their lungs as they are transported to the chapel.
The Assembly
We have had the joy of seeing two middle aged men trust the Lord recently. They have been coming and listening to the gospel for a few years. Their wives are both in fellowship and it is fantastic to see these families being united in the Lord. They have recently inquired of baptism so we anticipate doing that in the near future. We also have several older people showing quite an interest and we are just waiting to see what will develop as they listen to the preaching of the gospel.
Health Concerns
Sid’s legs have been a concern of late. The muscles are quite spastic and his walking has deteriorated in the last year. We visited with our doctor here in
Botswana and he referred Sid to a neurologist in
Johannesburg. There he underwent a lumbar puncture to rule out the possibility of recurrence of TB meningitis. He also had two MRI’s of the spine and pelvic area and some blood work. The results of the lumbar puncture were negative for anything sinister. However the MRI revealed pressure on the sciatic nerve caused by an abnormal bladder. We will pursue appointments with a urologist to see what can be done about this. The doctor has also started Sid on a new medication to decrease the spasticity and we trust this will give help in walking. We obviously would appreciate your prayers in this regard.
Prayer Requests
November 2011
Dear friends
Warm greetings from Cape Town!
It has been a very busy couple of months for us, in August we arrived in Cape Town, found an apartment, unpack, buy furniture, travel back to Maun to collect more stuff, had surgery, travelled to Israel as well as itinerant preaching.
In Sept we had to make a trip back to Maun to finish off some paper work and collect our books and a few other things. On the way there we travelled through Johannesburg for surgery on my (Sid’s) bladder. This is the third one in a year and it appears that this time it was successful. After recovering we carried on to Maun. The believers are fine but we were informed that the McIlroys feel that they need to leave the mission field and return to Northern Ireland. We are disappointed but leave this in the Lord’s hands. On a positive note a young couple from the capital city Gaborone have relocated to Maun with their three children. They are a spiritually mature couple and we trust that the Lord will use them in His service. We returned to the Cape via Fort Beaufort in the Eastern cape to visit a young missionary couple who are pioneering there. They have just seen their first converts, three young men, after labouring there for over four years.
We returned back to the Cape where we have been seeing the Lord blessing in the lives of 9 people who recently followed the Lord in baptism and two who have trusted Him for salvation.
We were recently blessed with a tour of Israel. The group all started off from the States and we met them in Tel Aviv. What an amazing experience, we are actually lost for words to describe what that trip did for our appreciation of the scriptures and God’s earthly people. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem”
Lastly we want to make you aware that we are starting Missions Awareness South Africa M.A.S.A. This is a three-week event where gospel minded people from Canada the USA and the UK who want to have a short-term mission experience could come and join us here in Cape Town. Dates are June 24th to July 14th 2012. If you or somebody in your assembly would like to join us please contact us or see the details on our website www.sidandkarenhalsband.com
In the Master’s service,
Sid and Karen
October 2011
Dear Friends
It's very hard to believe that we have been here in Cape Town for over 6 weeks now. The time has gone so fast. We are settling into our new place quite nicely but still need to take time to get all our things here from Maun and to get unpacked and organized. We are enjoying life here very much… such a difference from the desert. It is taking a bit of getting used to the differences between Cape Town and Maun, colder climates, waiting at street lights, the ocean, modern shopping as well as proper health care. We really loved Maun but this place will not be hard to love too.
Already we are feeling quite at home in the assembly. Currently we are trying to get involved here and feel a pull towards the young people's group. Sid has been asked to teach the bi-weekly Saturday night youth group for the next several weeks as well as the past several weeks. He is going through a power point series entitled "After Conversion, Then What?" There seems to be a good interest as the group listens well.
There have been several opportunities as well, in visiting around to some of the other assemblies. He has been asked to share the gospel meeting with another missionary here. His first love is to preach the gospel and so he is enjoying these opportunities. We look to the Lord for further opportunities to get involved in the preaching of the gospel.
Our house is open to entertain the Lord's people. Often it is during these times of hospitality when questions regarding spiritual issues are answered and friendships established. We trust that our place will be used for the Lord's glory to build up the saints.
We are thankful for the health professionals and therapists that we have come across so far. Ironically our last visit to a doctor in Canada was to a South African doctor. Our first visit to a doctor here was to a Canadian doctor. We have found a biokineticist here who has started working with Sid three times a week. He seems to understand Sid's challenges in walking and is gearing his approach specifically for Sid. As well we are getting some of the other health issues that Sid has sorted out. At the end of this month Sid is booked for more surgery. We will travel to Johannesburg to see the same surgeon that initially did the first two surgeries. We anticipate that this will be the last surgery that is needed. We value your prayers that all will go well and the operation will be a success.
After recovery from surgery we are planning on going to Maun to get the last of our belongings from there. Previously we had sold most of the things but there are some personal momentos that we need to bring here as well as Sid's books, photograph albums, etc.
The assembly in Maun has recently had tent meetings in an area of the village that we first reached in 2009. There were good numbers of children coming but some adults as well. Please continue to pray for the Lord's work in Maun. Also, another young couple has been transferred to Maun for employment so that is an encouragement to the assembly. Pray for numerical and spiritual growth for the assembly. We are looking forward to our short visit there.
As the Lord brings us to mind please pray about the things mentioned.
In the Master's service,
Sid and Karen
September 2011
Dear Beloved friends
Warm greetings from Cape Town! We arrived safely in South Africa after spending four months in North America. It was great being home again and being with friends and family. We have decided that the thing we miss most on the mission field besides our sons is being able to fellowship with believers from our own culture.
We benefitted greatly medically from our visit this time as we managed to find a therapist who was able to help Sid. He was using a unique type of therapy that seems to be designed just for the type of muscular problems Sid has. We have a therapy routine to follow but the challenge now is to see if we can find some one in Cape Town with the same training.
We arrived in Cape Town a little over a week ago and started looking for a place to live. It seemed best just to rent for now, we had sold all of our belongings in Botswana so we needed to start fresh with everything. With in a week we had pretty much furnished the apartment.
Our first Sunday we were received by the believers into the Hebron assembly. It is a lovely assembly with a nice mix of races. We are trying to focus on some of the young adults and Karen is keen to start using our home for the Lord. I have been asked to speak at some of the assemblies in the region and so we will be doing some itinerant preaching too. We are very excited about getting involved in the work as well as continue seeing progress with Sid's therapy.
The work in Maun continues well with good numbers coming to the meetings. Our colleagues the Ngulukas and the McIlroys continue to reach out into the community with various gospel activities.
We value your prayers as we make this transition.
God bless for now as we close with Christian love,
Sid and Karen
July 16, 2010
Beloved Saints
Warm Greetings in the Lord’s name from Maun Botswana.
Moses wrote “And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night”
It is a great comfort to know that in all the twists and turns of life the Lord is there to guide His people. For us we believe the pillar is moving, more about that a little later.
Once again we want to mention how much we appreciate the prayers of the Lord’s people regarding our service. We have lots to be thankful for and again lots to pray for too.
MAB 2010
The gospel tent was once again set up for a two week period. This year we decided on reaching out to a new area of the village on the other side of the Thamalakane River. We had previously not done any gospel work in this area so it was a new venture for us. Most nights we had over a hundred in to listen to the gospel with the best night 170 coming. We have now established a foothold in that area and have started collecting around 50 children for Sunday school. We are thankful that we now have enough funds to buy a second flat bed truck to handle the transport challenges.
Despite having a smaller team from overseas this year we believe it was a profitable time for all and appreciated the ministry of Sandy McEachern.
Big Changes Coming
For several years now we have realized the need for physiotherapy and rehab facilities to be available to us. Sid’s ability to walk has been deteriorating and we believe the time has come to make some changes. The assembly has developed to the point that it functions independent of us so we feel we can relocate. We have been praying whether we should return to Canada or move to South Africa.
Our desire is to be used of the Lord in proclaiming the gospel to the lost and ministering to the saints. There is need everywhere but we sense the Lord leading us to Capetown South Africa. We have shared this exercise with our commending assembly and they have given us their blessing.
We are in the process of selling our property in Maun and after a short furlough in Canada will be making arrangements to move to Capetown.
In addition to these changes a young couple Franklin and Jenny McIlroy who were commended to serve the Lord here in Botswana 3 years ago have decided to move to Maun. They have four young children and need to be in a place that has English medium schools.
Health
On August 11th Sid is booked for surgery in Johannesburg. It is expected that he will be in the hospital for four days and then several weeks convalescence. Although it is not considered major surgery it is still stressful.
Prayer Requests
· Relocation to South Africa
· Surgery
· Furlough
· Franklin and Jenny McIlroy
May the Lord bless you and keep you and use you for His glory.
In the Master’s service,
Sid and Karen
February 2010
Beloved Saints
Warm greetings from sunny and hot
Botswana!
It is hard to believe we have started another decade. We are reminded of the searching question of James 4:14 “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
Scottish missionary Keith Falconer wrote "I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light"
Thanks once again for your prayerful support for the Lord’s work here in Maun Botswana. There truly are many things to be thankful for but also “there remains very much land yet to be possessed.”
Missions Awareness Botswana 2010
MAB. was started to introduce 1st world believers to the opportunities of evangelism in the developing world. It is an intense three weeks that will challenge the gospel minded believer. We use a variety of evangelistic techniques ranging from gospel meetings in the tent, literature distribution, sports outreach, prison ministries and personal conversations to name a few. This cross cultural event also includes the privilege of working with African believers as we together share the good news of Jesus Christ with the lost.
Preparations for MAB. 2010 is well underway and we are looking forward to another team coming in June. If you have any in your assembly who would like to be a part of this rewarding experience please have them visit our website and fill out the application form. Spaces limited to 15 participants. This year again we will have two weeks of evangelism followed by the safari week to Victoria Falls. We anticipate Sandy McEachern again this year to help with challenging ministry.
Transport of Children
Over half of the population of Botswana is under the age of 15. All of the assemblies in this country were started as a result of children’s work. Most children are keen to come to Sunday school but transport has been a challenge. Maun is a big village with approximately 45000 residents some of which are 10 km away from the chapel. With out transport the distance would prohibit the children from coming. With the help of the Lord’s people we have bought the first of two flat bed trucks which we are using to safely transport the children. We can get up to 60children in one load. It’s quite fun and turns a few heads when you have 60 children singing at the top of their lungs as they are transported to the chapel.
The Assembly
We have had the joy of seeing two middle aged men trust the Lord recently. They have been coming and listening to the gospel for a few years. Their wives are both in fellowship and it is fantastic to see these families being united in the Lord. They have recently inquired of baptism so we anticipate doing that in the near future. We also have several older people showing quite an interest and we are just waiting to see what will develop as they listen to the preaching of the gospel.
Health Concerns
Sid’s legs have been a concern of late. The muscles are quite spastic and his walking has deteriorated in the last year. We visited with our doctor here in Botswana and he referred Sid to a neurologist in Johannesburg. There he underwent a lumbar puncture to rule out the possibility of recurrence of TB meningitis. He also had two MRI’s of the spine and pelvic area and some blood work. The results of the lumbar puncture were negative for anything sinister. However the MRI revealed pressure on the sciatic nerve caused by an abnormal bladder. We will pursue appointments with a urologist to see what can be done about this. The doctor has also started Sid on a new medication to decrease the spasticity and we trust this will give help in walking. We obviously would appreciate your prayers in this regard.
Prayer Requests
-
Transport for Children
- M.A.B. 2010
-
More Labourers with a heart for the gospel
-
Local work for the believers
-
Health Concerns
May the Lord bless you and keep you and use you for His glory.
In the Master’s service,
Sid and Karen
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 2009
Beloved Saints
Greetings in the name of our soon coming Lord.
We are often reminded of those encouraging words of 2Cor 12 "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Sometimes we get discouraged when we feel we are unable to meet the demands of being on the mission field. Then those words come to mind “My strength is made perfect in weakness” The Word of God is a great source of comfort, strength and encouragement.
Thank you once again for your prayers for the Lord’s work here in Maun Botswana.There truly are many things to be thankful for and also much to bring before the throne of grace too.
Missions Awareness Botswana 2009
Missions Awareness Botswana (MAB) was a new endeavouron our part as we could see the need to expose 1st world believers to the opportunities of evangelism in the developing world. It was an intense three weeks using a variety of evangelistic techniques ranging from evangelistic meetings in the gospel tent, literature distribution, sports outreach, prison ministries and personal conversations to name a few. This cross cultural event also included the privilege of working with African believers as we together share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the lost. Following the weeks of outreach we went to the world famous Victoria Falls, quad biked on the Makgadikadi Pans and had great opportunities to witness a lion kill, hundreds of elephant and zebra all in their natural environment.
The Tent Meetings
Before the team arrived we scouted around for asuitable location for the tent. We came across an area that we had never reached before. Our custom is that we approach the chief and ask permission if he would allow us to preach the gospel. He would have no right to refuse us but the African way is to be very respectful in these sorts of matters.
The afternoon of the first night the team went around to the neighbouring huts and invited the villagers to come and hear the gospel. We were also armed with Seed Sower texts donated from Canadaand our own local tracts. In the evening we met at the tent not knowing for sure what to expect. What a thrill to see so many people wanting to come and listen to the gospel. The first night we had approximately 210 in the tent, the next night we had 190 then the third night we had over 300. We continued for two weeks, what a fantastic opportunity it was to sow the precious seed of the word of God. Please pray that the Lord will bring forth fruit in His time.
The Assembly
Recently the assembly has seen some of our own being transferred out of the village for employment. Also a couple who had been showing keen interest had to move back to their native Kenya. We had high hopes for them but needed more time to teach them. We have since put them in touch with missionaries there. All these transfers are a bit discouraging it seems like you make three steps forward the two back again. On a positive note, one of our young men has announced he will be marrying a young woman from the Gaborone assembly. They will be settling here in Maun so that will be good.
Short Term Missions
We felt that Missions Awareness Botswana 2009 was a great experience for all that were involved. We feel that we would like to offer this again in 2010. Several have already expressed an interest in joining us for that time.
The dates for this outreach will be Friday June 18 to July 12th, 2010. If you orve, Louie, your's" /> some one you know in your assembly would be a candidate for this rewarding experience with MAB please have them fill out the application form on our website www.sidandkarenhalsband.com Space is limited to 15 participants.
Children’s Work
Children and young peoples work is a field that has numerous opportunities and is often neglected. We would love to see an enthusiastic young couple catch this vision and join us in this work. Since we started using the gospel tent in outreach our Sunday school has more than doubled in size. The challenge remains as to how to transport them to the hall. Maun is a big village with approximately 45000 residents some of which are 10 kms away from the chapel. With out transport the distance would prohibit the children to come. We are still looking into the purchase of two used busses.
Prayer Requests
Sunday School Busses
Short Term Missions
More Labourers with aheart for the gospel
Local work for the believers
May the Lord bless you and keep you and use you for His glory.
In the Master’s service,
Sid and Karen
July 25 2009
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 2009
Update on the Missions Awareness Botswana team.
Dear friends
Warm greetings from Maun Botswana.
The 2009 participants of Missions Awareness Botswana arrived on Friday and Saturday last week. They have come from Ft Lauderdale Florida, Windsor Ontario, Waterloo Ontario and the Republic of Ireland.
On Saturday we set up the gospel tent in an area of the village that is relatively untouched with the gospel. The chief gave us permission to set up the tent near a public water supply. It is a busy thorough fare where people collect a bucket of water for their evening bath. Most people do not have running water so this is a great place to meet people and share the message of the gospel. It has also proven to be a tremendous opportunity to contact children. Dozens of children gathered to watch us as we set up the tent.
On Sunday the MAB participants had their first experience to meet with African believers in the assembly. What a joy it was to see the love and unity enjoyed by all.
Sunday afternoon found the team at the tent site armed with invitations for the meeting that evening, it did not take long for some of the team members to develop a huge following of children. The African children were intrigued by the fact that people from North America would actually show an interest in them and want to play games with them.
In the evening we met at the tent not knowing for sure what to expect. What a thrill to see so many people wanting to come and listen to the gospel. The first night we had approximately 210 in the tent, the next night we had 190 then the third night we had over 300 we look forward to see what the Lord will do.
Each morning the team has a devotional time together led by Sandy McEachern followed by some lessons on the culture and background of the people of Botswana.
This afternoon we went to the local prison. It was quite a moving experience for the team members to see these dear people so hungry for the Word of God.
Items to pray about:
- The Lord’s work in each participants heart
- The gospel as it is preached nightly in the tent
- Salvation for several young people who have been coming for several months.
- Two husbands of the sisters in the assembly who are not saved.
On behalf of the MAB team.
Sid and Karen Halsband
February 2009
Beloved Saints
Warm Greetings in the Lord’s name from Maun Botswana. What a privilege to be ambassadors for the King of kings. His blessings are innumerable and rewards eternal. Once again we want to mention how much we appreciate the prayers of the Lord’s people regarding the work here. We have lots to be thankful for and lots to pray for too.
Gospel Tent
In October 2008 we set up the gospel tent in an area of the village that had not been previously reached with the gospel. One of our believers lives in the area and we felt it was a good location. Most people there do not have running water so the government provides a communal stand pipe where people come with their buckets to collect their water. The chief permitted us to set up the tent next to the stand pipe. It proved to be a fantastic opportunity.
The first night the tent was full with about 110 in attendance and about 20 more listening outside. As a result of this effort we now collect about 60 children and young people for our Sunday School. It has stretched our vehicle situation to the max and we are considering purchasing a bus for this purpose. Pray with us about this endeavour.
Construction
As you know the bulk of the building on the chapel is done but we were left with the ceiling and a large room divider to separate the main auditorium from the foyer. Last year we were contacted by two couples from Ontario, Bob & Alice Hoover and Mike & Leona Bastiaansen who were exercised to help with these projects. In addition a father & son team from Port Colborne ON, Eddy and Nico Plett offered to come and help. As a result we have now completed the partition and the other two couples arrive next week to do the ceiling. The sacrifices that these dear believers have made in the service of the Lord have been a great source of encouragement to the local believers. Truly the Lord is honoured by the lives of such servants.
The Assembly
The Lord has been really good to us. Even though we have seen no new additions recently we do see growth and maturity in many of the believers.
As a result of the new building there have been a number of new visitors coming in to listen to the word, some have moved on again but some have continued to come. We are getting to know them better and finding out where they stand spiritually.
We are looking forward to setting up the gospel tent again in June in connection with the Missions Awareness Botswana team. Pray for this endeavour.
Short Term Missions
While on furlough late last year we came across many young adults who were interested to be involved in a short term evangelistic visit to Botswana. It has been our burden to expose these exercised young people to the mission field and give them an opportunity to work with our African brethren in reaching the lost.
The dates for this outreach will be June 27 to July 17 2009. We will spend two weeks reaching out into the village with various gospel efforts. The gospel tent will be employed in the evenings with opportunities for the young men to preach. The young women will also have an opportunity to work with the children. All will have an opportunity to use the Seed Sower texts as well as Setswana literature in hut to hut visitation.
The team will complete their visit with a safari to the Chobe game reserve and the world famous Victoria Falls. We have tried to make this adventure as affordable as possible and further information can be obtained by visiting our web site at www.sidandkarenhalsband.com. There are still a few spots open so if you would like to join us now would be a good time to contact us.
Children’s Work
One of the greatest sources of encouragement is the work with children and young people. The opportunities for evangelism with these dear souls are boundless. We are only limited by the lack of labourers. Since we started using the gospel tent in outreach our Sunday school has more than doubled in size. Our big challenge now is transport. Maun is a big village with approximately 45000 residents some of which are 10 kms away from the chapel. With out transport the distance would prohibit the children to come.
Prayer Requests
Construction Party Installing Ceiling
Transportation of Children
Short Term Missions with Gospel Tent
More Labourers with a heart for the gospel
May the Lord bless you and keep you and use you for His glory.
In the Master’s service,
Sid and Karen
September 2008
Beloved Saints
Warm greetings in the name ofour soon coming Lord! Well we made itback to Botswana once again, this was the 17th time we’ve travelled this journey and it doesn’t seem to get any easier. We were able to spend 4 months furlough in Canada and the US.
Our primary purpose for returning home was to receive some much needed physiotherapy. A very kind brother offered to see me twice a week for this and did it as a service to the Lord. Also I had to take out a gym membership and workout every day. If one compares the way I was walking before the furlough to after you can see that there is some improvement. The challenge now is to try and keep up the workout routine. I have some gym equipment here in Botswana but I can see that this will have to be replaced as it is inadequate. Karen also took a bit of informal training in order to replicate some of the therapy that I had been receiving.
Being home also gave us the opportunity to spend some time with our two younger sons Jonathan and Nicolas. It was great to see them again and be a little part of their busy lives.
We were privileged to speakin several assemblies as well and give a report of the Lord’s work here in Botswana. We met many young adults who are exercised toserve the Lord and we can only pray that the Lord would clearly guide them.
Some other things we accomplished this furlough was to setup a webpage www.sidandkarenhalsband.com and firm up the plans for two short term evangelistic teams in 2009 and 2010.
Construction
The bulk of the building isdone now but we are still left with the ceiling in the main auditorium, a largeroom divider to separate the main auditorium from the foyer and a host of smallfinishing jobs.
The Assembly
Maun Christian Assembly carried on well in our absence, our colleagues Dan and Stella Nguluka were kept busy as the bulk of the responsibility was on their shoulders. They were conscious of the prayers of the Lord’s people from North America.
There have been a number of new visitors who have come in to listen to the word, most have moved on again but some have continued to come. We are looking forward to getting to know them better and finding out where they stand spiritually.
Just prior to the Easter Conference we held two weeks of gospel meetings in a different area of the village. Since then there are about a dozen people who come from there on Sundays.
We anticipate setting up the gospel tent in the end of Sept in another area again and trust that the Lord will work in the hearts who hear His word.
Children’s Work
Work with children and young people is really the backbone of the assembly work here in Botswana. Since the completion of the new building we have seen an increase in our numbers and now that the construction is mostly finished we will be able to focus on what we are really here for. We feel the need for a couple of small buses or large vans that we can use for the transportation of people who are wanting to come to the meetings. We are confident they would be filled every Sunday with children who other wise would not be able to come due to distance.
ShortTerm Missions
Missions Awareness Botswana is planned for June 27th – July 17th 2009. We are looking forward to having 15 young adults from the
US and
Canada to join us for a gospel outreach in the village. This will be a great experience for those wanting to see what life is like on the mission field. For further information about M.A.B. check out our website’s page Short Term Opportunities. We will use the gospel tent, hut to hut visitation, Christian book table, tract distribution and the Seed Sower Texts. The young men would have an opportunity to preach and all would be exposed to missionary life. Of course a safari to
Victoria Falls and a game drive would part of the package too, but the emphasis would be on evangelism.
Anybody want to join them for this life changing adventure?
Family Life
As mentioned, we were able to spend some time with our two sons who are in Canada. As the Lord brings them to mind, would you please pray for their spiritual well-being. They, as well as us, do find it a challenge being separated like this especially during the various holidays throughout the year.
Health Concerns
We have also mentioned health in regards to walking. We are thankful for the help received. Our general health is good. Karen maintains the gluten-free diet and many of her digestive problems have settled down.
Prayer Requests
- Family in Canada
- Self-discipline in exercise
- Sunday school prize-giving coming in November- pray for many parents to come out
- Short Term Missions with Gospel Tent
- Many of the believers in fellowship have employment several hours outside Maun. - pray for local employment
- Health Concerns
- More Labourers with a heart for the gospel
May the Lord bless you andkeep you and use you for His glory.
In the Master’s service,
Sid and Karen
April 2008
Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: Psalm 127:1
Beloved Saints
Warm Botswana greetings in the lovely name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Since October last year we have been working flat-out to get the new building finished for the Official opening at our National Easter Conference in March.
What a privilege it was to have Arnot and Ross McIntee and Bill Yuille come and minister the word with various local brethren too. We had about 200 believers come from various parts of the country to join in the conference. The assembly in Maun provided all the meals and most of the accommodation during the conference. It was a huge undertaking but every body was spiritually refreshed and encouraged though physically exhausted.
Dan Nguluka a faithful brother and elder in the Maun assembly and myself served as contractors and we hired all local labourers to do most of the grunt work. We had several visitors who came from Canada to
volunteer as well. Ross and Joan McIntee and Peter Dent from Ontario, Timothy Reeve and Vic and Renee Reimer from Manitoba, Peter, Justin and Joel from Alberta.
We thank the Lord for the many who have contributed and the many who have faithfully prayed for us. Many in the community shake their heads in amazement to see this building erected and we just want to give the glory unto the Lord.
The Assembly
We thank the Lord for the little company of believers gathered in the Lord’s Name at Maun.
Just prior to the Easter Conference we held two weeks of gospel meetings. The first week was held in a tent in an area of the village that seemed unreached with the gospel. We were thrilled to see the tent filled, we averaged around 40 unsaved each night. The first night a fellow who had been working for me for 7 years trusted the Lord. The second week we moved the meetings to the new building and transported a truck full of people from the tent site.
This was the first time we tried the tent and are very encouraged and are looking forward to doing this again. More about this in the “short term” section of the letter.
Since the completion of the new building we have seen an increase in our numbers. We must confess that we have been preoccupied with the actual construction of the building and any growth in the Sunday school has been in spite of us. We are wondering about the possibility of buying a bus, we are confident that it would be filled every Sunday with children who other wise would not be able to come due to distance.
Short Term Missions
What would you think if a group of young men and women came over from your side of the world and spent two to three weeks working with the gospel tent? There will be hut to hut visitation, Christian book table, tract distribution. The young men would have an opportunity to preach and all would be exposed to missionary life. Of course a trip to Victoria Falls and a game drive would part of the package too, but the emphasis would be on evangelism.
We have had one assembly express interest in doing this with their young adults for 2009 and another assembly interested for 2010. Anybody want to join them for this life changing adventure?
Family Life
Our family at present is still spread between Canada and Botswana. Andrew and Tanya are enjoying married life here in Botswana and it is so nice to have them near by. Jonathan is graduating this year from Wilfred Laurier University with a History degree. He is not sure of what he will be doing yet. He would like to move back to Botswana but is planning on working the summer first. Nicolas, our youngest, is completing his second year at the Royal Military College.
We are planning on having a short furlough. We are due to leave April 15 and will be spending most of our time in Ontario.
Health Concerns
One of the reasons for this furlough is to undergo some specialized rehab for Sid’s legs. We came in contact with a brother who is trained in this type of therapy and so we will be working hard to gain some lost ground in muscle strength and nerve revitalization.
The Lord has been truly good and faithful to us and we are so grateful for friends like yourselves who have laboured with us in prayer.
Prayer Requests
- Family in Canada
- Short Term Missions with Gospel Tent
- Health Concerns
- More Labourers with a heart for the gospel
May the Lord bless you and keep you and use you for His glory.
In the Master’s service,
Sid and Karen