Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God is doing remarkable things here at NTC, but the internet connection is NOT! We apologize that we have been unable to update the blog more frequently, but the connection here to the college is totally wireless and unreliable. We are praying to find a better means for the college to keep in touch with the outside world, as their internet and phones are not always available and when it is, it is painfully slow. As our fierce leader keeps reminding us when the water stops running, power goes out, or the technology fails... "We are not in Kansas anymore!"

As I am praying that I can get this communication to upload, I confidently hope to convey to all of those lifting this team up in prayer, that God is doing unfathomable and unexpected things as this team works diligently to serve here at NTC. One of the most important has to be the relationships that we are making with the students here. It is amazing how much encouragement they need as a result of the trials they have been through to get here, as well as the ones they continue to face. Many are losing family members left and right to disease and crime. Many have no family left! Some came only with the shirt on their back, expecting in faith that if God called them here, He would find the means to provide for their education that they might be fully equipped to go out and feed the people of South Africa. Not to just feed them their body, but to give them a kind of water where they would never thirst again! Praise God?!?

As I have interviewed students here, many on tape, I have witnessed second hand the incredible miracles and faithfulness of God! These students, although poor to a measure we cannot comprehend, have EVERYTHING... because they have a faith that is unshakeable!!! The enemy has done everything to tear them down and try to prevent them from being here learning the Word of God. God however has been victorious and faithful and has saved them even from death because He has a plan for their life. A plan whereby generations will come to know Him because of HIS faithfulness and THEIR perseverance regardless of the circumstances!

You ask, "So what is the TEAM doing there to help NTC?" Whew! Let me tell you. This team has worked incredibly hard and very diligent to accomplish as much as we can during waking hours to restore this facility. Here is a partial synopsis of what we have accomplished:

The sanctuary and two major classrooms: Painted walls, scrubbed and cleaned carpets, replaced light fixtures, sealed rock walls, scrubbed down every inch of space, and repaired the small air conditioners. We were also able to get all the windows functional so that they can be opened to allow fresh air in during the cooler evenings.

The bathrooms: Bathrooms all over the campus are being scrubbed, painted, curtains made/hung for the windows and skirts for the cabinet sinks.

The numerous repairs: Outside of fixing the air conditioners, God has blessed us with a few handy men who have been repairing all of the broken/weak chairs on campus and in the dining hall. Also, in honor of Rev. Lockard, we have purchased new lights for the dining hall and are hanging them today while he is away. The existing lighting was so dark and dreary, you struggled to even see the food on your plate. Praise God for His mighty provision!!!

The list goes on and on... hours upon hours are being poured into repairing and restoring the many needs of this facility and God IS blessing it. The staff and students feel incredibly blessed as they thank us upon every greeting. They feel so loved by God because of the work He has accomplished through this team. Both physically and spiritually.

I must tell you that this team is only scratching the surface! There is so much to be done here! Many part of the existing facility cannot be used because they are falling apart or there roofs are caving in. The potential is great, but the needs many! Continue to pray for God to bring more teams here to partake in the work needed for this campus to grow, and to equip more and more pastors to spread the gospel to a much needy people.

I will share with you that I learned this week, there are at least 35 churches here in this Province alone that are without trained pastors. God has gone before this college and caused the harvest around it to be ripe. NTC is so needed! Unfortunately, many of these young people who need training and are being called to shepherd these flocks, have no money! Please pray for God to bring the resources not just for the "bricks and mortar" here at NTC, but also for scholarships!!! Students are ready and willing... they just need financial help!

I will share this one story with you and will try to make it brief... Yesterday, we had the privilege to go and worship in Soweto at Pastor Praise's church. I could write pages and pages of the incredible experience we had and of the culture that exist here, but for now I want to share with you one of those unexpected blessings that seems to be around every corner. As we stopped in a town on the way home from Pastor Praise’s church to see a historical monument, some of our team had the blessings to bring someone on the street to Christ. After bartering over the price of a key chain, this vendor noticed one of our team with a Bible. When he asked if this was the Holy Bible, the team member asked him if he knew Jesus. The man responded, "I know he is on my skin, but I want him in my heart!" Several of the team quickly gathered around and shared the gospel with him just prior to him accepting Christ. The man was changed before their eyes - his entire disposition became one of great joy!!! His immediate bonding with his brother’s and sisters in Christ was so sincere that one of the team members gave him his own personal bible!!! Praise God... this is what it is all about! Continue to pray for blessings such as this, blessings that will last for eternity!

We will continue to update you as much as technology will permit. Please know how much we pray for all of you as well. We miss you and look forward to sharing with everyone at home the amazing stories and lessons God has taught us here in South Africa. Love to all.