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Enfrentando Un Doble Golpe Con Resiliencia Y Esperanza En 2020

Noticias sobre el nuevo Corona Virus

Fue por esta época en enero de 2020 cuando me estaba relajando y preparándome para volver al trabajo a pleno rendimiento cuando concluía nuestro descanso. Debo admitir que una de mis debilidades es escuchar las noticias de actualidad de todo el mundo. Escuché rumores de un virus mortal en China que el Partido Comunista de China ocultó al resto del mundo para que no lo supiera. Estuvo en todos los medios de comunicación en muy poco tiempo. Inmediatamente pensé en lo resistentes que tendríamos que ser para que este virus no nos alcanzara. No tuvimos ninguna infección en Sudáfrica. ¿Tenía una falsa esperanza de que no llegaría aquí? ¿Cómo prepararse para la resiliencia y la esperanza?

Doce meses después, hemos pasado por todos los niveles de restricción y hemos retrocedido al nivel 3 mientras hablamos de la segunda ola.

La esperanza no decepciona

Sí, quiero hablar de la segunda ola, no en una perspectiva de desespero, sino de esperanza.

Esta esperanza no frustrada se basará en la premisa de que la forma en que nos reunimos podría repetirse. Un mayor grado de mentes resueltas haciendo comunidad con lazos de amor es todo lo que necesitamos. Amor respondiendo a la esperanza. Esperanza haciéndose eco de la fe. Acción proclamando fe. Acción basada en el amor.

Tenemos numerosas historias de esperanza, pero aquí contaremos sólo algunas.

Por ejemplo, cuando recibimos un inmenso apoyo en oración para uno de nuestros estudiantes diagnosticado con una enfermedad cardíaca y debía someterse a una cirugía cardíaca.

Hoy podemos hablar de la provisión milagrosa para sus gastos médicos que fue totalmente cubierta por el gobierno de Sudáfrica. A pesar de que la operación aún no ha podido ser realizada, se mantiene visiblemente sana.

De manera similar, cuando nuestra ciudad se vio duramente afectada por el bloqueo debido al COVID-19, amigos de todas partes intervinieron. Teníamos nada menos que un envío constante de alimentos para compartir más allá de nuestras familias de Beats and Books. Fue increíble presenciarlo.

Nace una nueva asociación

Cuando nos enteramos de que nuestra colega Grace no podía regresar (desde Australia), nos enfrentamos a una enorme montaña que escalar ya que no teníamos un reemplazo inmediato. Grace dirigía el departamento de música. En consecuencia, suspendimos el programa de música parcialmente porque todavía estábamos aprendiendo y adaptándonos para trabajar en una pandemia. El cielo nos iluminó cuando nos asociamos con la Fundación Internacional de Música Samuel Vargas. Esta organización con sede en EE. UU. tiene el corazón para elevar a las comunidades y la sociedad a través del poder y la influencia de la música. ¡Fue un ajuste perfecto! Desde entonces, los alumnos del proyecto Violines contra la violencia (VAV) han disfrutado de recibir instrucciones a través de Zoom.

¡Agradecidos por Conexión Wifi!

Aprender en línea significaba que teníamos que tener wifi en las instalaciones de Beats and Books. ¡Estamos en deuda con los amigos que patrocinaron la instalación!

Cuando las asociaciones hacen que la resiliencia parezca fácil.

A través de nuestra organización colaboradora local, The Butterfly Foundation (Fundación Mariposa), fue posible arrendar la casa de nuestro ministerio por 12 meses. Eso permitió dar una respuesta positiva a las nuevas condiciones impuestas por causa del Covid.

Por otro lado, la comunidad de Grace Klein de Birmingham, USA, nos apoyó mediante el uso continuo de sus portales de donación; por lo que propició para nosotros recibir donaciones deducibles de impuestos de los EE. UU.

La Organización Experiencia de Liderazgo (LXP) proporcionó una cobertura sin precedentes de nuestro ministerio y ha sido fundamental para mantener nuestro bienestar como organización.

Global Challenge Expeditions, (Expediciones Desafío Global) ofreció una asociación cohesiva a tener en cuenta.

Para resumir en lo que respecta a nuestros colaboradores, cada uno de ellos juega un papel integral en nuestra misión de crear entornos donde los niños prosperen musical, intelectual y espiritualmente. Su impacto atraviesa generaciones, fronteras geográficas e impacta a nuestros estudiantes, sus familias y nuestras comunidades eternamente.

Líderes hoy y mañana

En 2020, algunos de nuestros estudiantes fueron seleccionados para formar parte del centro de alumnos en sus escuelas: dos de ellos eran del cuadro de honor de sus escuelas primarias (intermedias), respectivamente. Algunos otros fueron nominados como embajadores y prefectos. Con mucha alegría, les contamos también que otros dos estudiantes recibieron becas en el prestigioso Colegio de Enseñanza Media llamado Liderazgo Global – JBay (GLA) y otro estudiante más ha sido beneficiado para este año.

Isabella va a Los Estados Unidos

Isabella Isaacson (hijos de Carla y Jonathan) logró obtener una beca en la Universidad de Kuyper, en el estado de Michigan, EE. UU. Continúa obteniendo buenos resultados en sus estudios académicos. Estamos muy agradecidos por la beca que recibió hace unos años en GLA y todo el apoyo brindado durante y más allá de sus estudios. Gracias a todos los que hicieron que la universidad fuera una posibilidad para Isabella.

Simamkele termina la escuela secundaria

Simamkele (una de nuestras primeras niñas en egresar del programa) se graduó de la escuela secundaria en 2020. Decidió servir durante un año con nosotros antes de continuar sus estudios. ¡Qué regalo! Estamos emocionados de viajar con ella a través del desarrollo de liderazgo.

Golpear el progreso

Nuestros estudiantes han continuado mostrando progreso en lectura, escritura y habla, cálculos matemáticos y destreza musical. No estamos donde queremos estar, pero estamos seguros de hacia dónde nos dirigimos. Problemas de comportamiento son parte atribuible al impacto negativo del encierro, algunos de nuestros estudiantes exhibieron comportamientos desafiantes. Hemos retenido a

más del 78% de nuestros estudiantes que han mostrado un crecimiento positivo y se adhieren a nuestros valores.

¡Tanto que buscar en 2021!

2021 nos plantea multitud de obstáculos. Sin embargo, el retrovisor nos da una perspectiva positiva del camino en el que nos encontramos. Tu apoyo es invaluable. Es una de las fibras de nuestra resiliencia. A medida que nos adaptamos, seguimos aprendiendo que cuando alguien te anima, nada es inalcanzable. Gracias por ser esa persona que nos ha animado y empujado en oración. Estamos agradecidos de que te hayas asociado con nosotros en más de una forma. Este año, te necesitamos aún más que nunca. También nos gustaría saber de usted para orar por usted y su familia. ¡Apuesto a que no es demasiado tarde para decir que tenga un 2021 saludable y bendecido!

01/02/2021
Facing A Double-whammy With Resilience And Hope Out Of 2020

The Novel Corona Virus News

It was around this time in January 2020 when I was relaxing and getting ready to go back into work full swing as our break was concluding. I must admit that one of my weaknesses is listening to current affairs around the globe. I heard rumours of a deadly virus in China which the CCP concealed from the rest of the world from knowing about it. It was all over mainstream media in no time. I immediately thought of how resilient we would have to be if this virus was to reach us. This intrigued me so much that I even added a banner on our website for people to find live stats. We had zero infections in South Africa. Did I have false hope that it wouldn’t get here? How could one prepare for resilience and hope?

Twelve months later, we have gone through all restriction levels and pushed back into level 3 as we talk about the second wave.

Hope Doesn’t Disappoint

Yet I want to talk about the second wave, not of despair, but hope. This hope undeferred will build on the premise that how we rallied around each other could be repeated. A higher degree of resolute minds weaving community with strands of deeds corded in love is all we need. Love responding to hope. Hope echoing faith. Faith blaring action. Action based on love.

We have numerous stories of hope, but to tell just a few over here. For instance, when we received immense prayer support for one of our students diagnosed with a heart ailment and was to undergo heart surgery. Today we can tell of the miraculous provision for her medical expenses which got fully covered by the South African government. Even though she is yet to go back for an operation, she remains visibly healthy.

Similarly, when our town was hit hard by the lockdown due to COVID-19, friends from far and wide jumped in. We had nothing short of a constant consignment of foodstuff to share beyond our Beats and Books families. It was incredible to witness.

A New Partnership is Born

When we learnt that our colleague Grace wasn’t able to return, we were faced with a huge mountain to climb as we had no immediate replacement. She directed the music department. Consequently, we suspended the music program partially because we were still learning and adapting to work in a pandemic. Heaven shone a light on us when we entered a partnership with the Samuel Vargas International Music Foundation. This US-based organisation has a heart to uplift communities and society through the power and influence of music. A perfect fit it was! Our Violins Against Violence (VAV) project students have since enjoyed receiving instructions via Zoom.

Thankful for Wifi!

Learning online meant we had to get wifi at the Beats and Books premises. We are indebted to friends who sponsored the installation!

When Partnerships Make Resilience Look Easy

Through our local partnering organisation, The Butterfly Foundation, it was possible to rent for 12 months. That enabled our Covid-Response efforts. Among other ways, the Grace Klein Community supported us by continued availing of their donation portals; making it conducive for us to receive tax-deductible donations in the US. The Leadership Experience (LXP) provided an unprecedented covering of our ministry and has been instrumental in sustaining our well-being as an organisation. Global Challenge offered a cohesive partnership to reckon. To sum it up concerning our partners, each of you plays an integral role in our mission to create environments where children thrive musically, intellectually and spiritually. Your impact traverses generations, geographical boundaries and affects our students, their families and our communities eternally.

Leaders Today and Tomorrow

In 2020 our students were selected for leadership at their schools: Two of them were head girls at their primary (middle) schools, respectively. A few others got nominated as ambassadors and prefects. Gladly, another two students received scholarships at the Global Leadership Academy – JBay (GLA). Also, another one is starting there this year.

Isabella Goes to America

Isabella Isaacsons managed to scoop a scholarship in Michigan, USA. She continues to do well with honours in her academics. We are so grateful for the scholarship that she received a few years back at GLA and all the support rendered through and beyond her schooling. Thank you to everyone that made going to university a possibility for Isabella.

Simamkele Finishes High School

Simamkele graduated from high school in 2020. She decided to serve for a year with us before she pursues further studies. What a gift! We are excited to journey with her through leadership development.

Hitting Progress

Our students have continued showing progress in their reading, writing and speaking, mathematical computations and musical prowess. We are not where we want to be, but we are sure of where we are heading.

Behaviour Issues

Partially attributable to the negative impact of the lockdown, some of our students exhibited challenging behaviours. We have retained more than 78% of our students who have shown positive growth and ascribe to our values.

So much to Look for in 2021!

2021 poses a multitude of obstacles for us. However, rearview gives us a positive perspective as to the path we are on. Your support is invaluable. It’s one of the fibres of our resilience. As we keep adapting, we keep learning that when someone is cheering you, nothing is unattainable.
Thank you for being that person who has cheered us on and nudged as in prayer. We are grateful that you have partnered with us in ways more than one. This year, we need you even more than ever. We would like to hear from you too so that we can carry you in prayer.

I bet it’s not too late to say have a healthy and blessed 2021!

09/01/2021
Six Reasons To Appreciate Our Most Encouraging Student
Here was the leanest little girl I had ever known in Jeffreys Bay. When she came amidst intimidating friends that could sing like angels straight out of heaven, she wasn’t bogged down by the imminent talent that surrounded her. She knew what she wanted and she knew she had to stay. Like any wise person would do, she did!

Today I look back to 2012 when Sima came to Beats and Books for the first time. That imagery is engraved in my memory. It’s true what they say that dynamites come in small packs. At all the rehearsals, this little girl wouldn’t sing even if she tried. Why didn’t she just leave at once and for good? Why didn’t she simply give up?

She found gold. She found treasure and she knew how to tap into it. While so many gifted singers came through our program, no one could compare to Sima who had grasped the heart and soul of Beats and Books.

Today, yes today, we celebrate her because every day is a birthday! She just turned 18 a few days ago. There are many reasons to be jubilant about her life. To us, she is a heroine. Among many, here are a few reasons to brag about her.

1. She Is Consistent

Sima has been exemplary in all her dealings. There is yet to be another child model like her. She came for the after-school program consistently. We have no doubt even in her walk with the Lord. It’s evident that she loves and adores Jesus more than anyone else. Her confessions and her testimonies are literally aligned with Gods word.

2. She Is Generous

Sometimes Sima shares to what some may say it is to the detriment of herself. Let’s put it straight. She is selfless and a cheerful giver.

3. She is Joyful

There is no end to the amount of joy she exudes around her. Sometimes I wonder whats going on, but then I am reminded that the joy of the Lord is her strength.

4. She is Thoughtful and Considerate

When I think of Sima, what comes to mind is how considerate she is of others’ needs. She always puts others first.

5. She Is Outgoing

Sima is social and enjoys being around people. Her love for people makes people connecting look easy. She is fun-loving and always a good company with a youthful vibe. This young lady can’t wait to explore the world to meet new faces and discover new places.

6. She Is Observant

She is attentive and mindful of other people’s lives. She ponders on things that she learns ranging from biblical stories and values. Does she stop there? No! She lives to live out the good that she has learned.

In a nutshell, Sima has amazing qualities of a servant leader with core values of seeking God, loving and honouring others and has interest to travel nations. I see so much potential in this young lady and I know that she will go places and impact people immensely.
27/09/2020
One-of-a-kind type of friend

“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to a new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.”
Flavia Weedn

Grace Wong…

Is one of those people. Today we celebrate the lady you are. A god-fearing woman and a pursuant of His righteous. In all our interactions, there is never a moment I can recall that she didn’t look at things through our Lord’s looking glasses.

Time has passed and has passed well. We look back and recall the first time we ever met Grace in Jeffreys Bay. She heard about Beats and Books, but had to take it to Jesus before she made the decision to come and join us.

It is no surprise that even when she had to cut short her mission back to Jeffreys Bay we were all filled with peace because we knew that wherever she goes she will be under the shadows of the Almighty.

Grace, today is your birthday. You have been busy campaigning to feed people who are less-resourced to go through our lockdown here in South Africa. You are selfless and exemplary. Your leadership echos the very words of Jesus and his lifestyle of putting others first.

You have left a legacy in Jeffreys Bay. We will never be the same after serving with you. Your command for excellence in music and your intolerance to mediocre is an attitude and value we will strive to uphold.

Beats and Books will not be the same without you. Yet with your involvement in the past few years, it is also true to say that Beats and Books will never be the same.

We love you and will dearly miss you. Grace, you will forever be our sister, our friend and our companion in more ways than what we may say.

From all of us at Beats and Books and Jeffreys Bay, we say A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a one-of-a-kind type of friend! And our sincere gratitude to all your friends and family who relentlessly supported your mission with us.

28/04/2020
If We Could Repeat A Decade…
If We Could Repeat A Decade…

This past decade would be one we would use as a template for lessons learnt and we wouldn’t hesitate to call on many of you our friends and partners who have stood by us through thin and thick. As we look back and highlight some events, projects and especially people, one needs to note that there are lots of significant players who without their support Beats and Books wouldn’t be where it is today. So the highlighting of names here has nothing to do with how the people mentioned have preeminent importance over those not mentioned. Our existence, growth and sustainability is owed first and foremost to the Lord and everyone he has appointed to stand by us in prayer, through financial backing and by moral support. If we could repeat a decade, we would repeat this one with you all in it again.
- 2010
  
  Birth Of A Vision
  
  The strong conviction and the pointed direction in what was to become known as Beats and Books has it’s roots in what Cornelius witnessed in many countries around Africa. The poverty, illiteracy levels, corruption, lack of servant leadership, infiltration of false religion and the list goes on made him realised that the time to act was not tomorrow. It was as urgent as yesterday.
- 2011
  
  Ministry Genesis
  
  Upon return to Jeffreys Bay from a mission trip around Africa under the Global Challenge’s Explore Africa. He had a new found burden for the child of Africa. One day, about 8 young girls from the township showed up at 6 Salamander – LXP House then. God called them to us. This was an answered prayer that saw us investing time to influence their lives for Jesus. Our LXP students, Shalendah Bunga and Carol Sithole were instrumental in the formation of our new children’s ministry.
- 2012
  
  The Year Of Reckoning
  
  Cornelius met Gogo Hester Ntombana for the first time. A lady of peace that quickly embraced us and welcomed us into her home and family. She gave up one of her backyard shacks (make-shift house) for us to use as a meeting place where children would receive vocal instructions and get help with their homework. She enabled our work by allowing us to partner with her in community transformation. During this year, our ministry transitioned from being nameless, to Sweet Melodies and eventually Taletha Koum amidst strong collaboration with Gogo Hester. Other people who were instrumental this year were Tamara Vilane and Howard Plaatjie.
- 2013
  
  Coming To America
  
  Our long-standing partners and friends, Grace Klein Community (GKC) extended an invitation for Cornelius to travel to the US and share about our ministry.This was in partnership with the Duncans’ family who initially invited him to a wedding. Through GKC, Cornelius was granted entry into USA. That door has since remained open to date. Numerous vital relationships were formed during this trip that have facilitated the growth and sustenance of Beats and Books.
  
  Also, this was the year we received a good donation of musical instruments from Poetice International.
- 2014
  
  The Book Drive
  
  Prima and Cornelius, with the help from Grace Klein Community began a book-drive that extended from Alabama to Florida, USA. Over a couple of years, various schools, churches, non-profits and individuals contributed to this amazing project. Three years later, a container would be shipped to South Africa packed to the brim with at least 12,000 books, clothes, music instruments and computer equipment among other goods.
  
  The the Library Dreams Project was launched. Gayle and Joel Gilbert rented out a storage for all the books that would be collected.
- 2015
  
  The Library Project
  
  With lots of excitement and pain, we traversed this project. Cornelius and Prima travelled across the US to create awareness for Beats and Books. The ministry had just changed names. In the US most people new it as the Library Dreams, back in South Africa it was known as Taletha Koum.
  
  We renamed to Beats and Books and launched our website under the same name. Felix Mwaula and Edify Mudenda played a major role co-leading the ministry with support from Henry Penjani Kabaghe.
- 2016
  
  The Valley
  
  This was a year of reflection and experimentation too. Our Numeracy program kick-started with our friend Elizna Loots championing it. Charnè Vorster also came and generously shared her time when she introduced the phonics to our literacy program. We were blessed with international volunteers from across the World. With more than a handful of volunteers coming through to serve at our after-school program, we got a glimpse of things yet to come.
  
  Our friends, Zani Stoffberg and Madeleine Viljoen from Living Water ministry, helped us with regular volunteers including themselves.
- 2017
  
  Violins Against Violence
  
  The Lord began replacing all that the locusts had eaten. This was a turn-around year. Our music deparment gained momentum when we were joined by Grace Wong who came and initiated the Violins Against Violence Project. Raytheo Afrika joined us on staff and instructed piano lessons. They both are gifted and annointed. Violins Against Violence project was launched and a successfull concert was held.
  
  Earlier this year, we were asked to vacate our after-school program venue. God opened up a new house. The shipment of 12,000 books plus extras arrived just after Cornelius and Prima gave birth to their first son – Liron Nehemiah.
  
  Our Numeracy Department got a facelift with Evelyn Lotz providing a developed curriculum and weekly lessons. Cornelius and Prima went through her Sophakama program the previous year to get more equiped in how to work with children with remedial learning needs.
- 2018
  
  Team Expansion
  
  Our Chilean friends, the Isaacsons (Jonathan and Carla), joined Beats and Books after serving in Brazil for 8 years. Through their hardwork, leadership, creativity and servant-hearts, they had the freedom to run Beats and Books without much supervision.
  
  Cornelius and Prima took a six month sabatical in the US where their second son, Yosefe, was born.
- 2019
  
  Change of Decades
  
  Our Team spent at least 1500 hours combined teaching and mentoring our children musically, intellectually and spiritually in the afternoons alone. We got our first local corporate sponsorship from The Butterfly Foundation who sponsored our Kids Nutrition and Stationary for the the last semester of the year. Grace Wong came back to continue with Violins Against Violence project yet ended up being our Music Director. Our music and worship hit the roof. We are ready for more. We had two Spelling Bees, continued with Numeracy and introduced a computer-based literacy program that we will roll-out in 2020. Our children have enjoyed access to the library and the ability to borrow books every week. We hit a record high of bringing in 50+ volunteers per week for most of the year who made it possible for our kids to enjoy one-on-one attention.
- 2020
  
  A New Dawn
  
  It’s a new era with a lot of possibilities.
  
  We look forward to creating an environment where our children will excel musically, intellectually and spiritually through unity in purpose at staff level.
- Thank You!
  
  From the Ngosas, on behalf of Beats and Books
  
  You are our village. Even for the mere fact that you have read this far, your support is far-reaching than you may ever know. Our work is made possible through in-kind donations. Would you consider supporting our ministry financially today? To give, click the button below. God bless you!
Donate

“It takes the whole village to raise a child.”

African Proverb
03/01/2020
Yielding

2019 has been a year of searching and knowing, of brokenness and yielding, of finding and standing still on promises of God.

I remember that my first day as a volunteer at Beats and Books was almost fairytale-like. The ministry captured so much of what I had dreamed of doing. I was immediately enchanted by the vision and fell in love with the children. Then reality set in. I started to see more of the deep-rootedness of sin, the inequality that seems insurmountable, and my smallness in the bigger issues of the culture. Many months this year were spent wrestling with the challenges of the ministry as I contemplated a longer-term commitment. In the process of taking more ownership in the mission and feeling the weight of responsibility, my instinct can be to seize control and to have a critical attitude, overcome with zeal to do things correctly and with excellence. I am slowly coming to a deeper knowledge that only Jesus makes the broken whole.

Jesus reminds me that, “My ways are not your ways, neither are My thoughts your thoughts.” He thinks differently, moves differently, and my responsibility lies not in “getting it right” (how difficult it is to write that!) but in knowing the Author of the Story more intimately in order to see what He is doing. His grace is sufficient. His power is made evident in our weakness. And his work is beautiful.

May I give way for His way.

May we who follow Christ give over all that we are and all that has been given us, and be as living sacrifices to Him – yielding to whatever He wants to do in and through us.

20/11/2019
Excerpts from my Journal – No.1
30th July 2019

“All Your promises are yes..and Amen.” The promises Jesus has in store for those kids are inexplicably good and far beyond our thinking capacity. He’s good…and yes…His promises are ever yes and Amen!

13th August 2019

Love is Beats and Books’ language…
As Jesus leads us in His love to those around us, we don’t want to build walls as a cover within ourselves or close our eyes in order to be in solitude. But…our eyes bulge out to see and treasure the essence of someone’s presence near to us; where now we hold hands in recognition of that person next to us and pray in unity.

Isn’t it mind-blowing to listen to an eight-year-old child with her hands beating the djembe, heavily proclaiming,
“Heaven comes to fight for me, My weapon is a melody”
These are not just mere words…Because indeed Heaven’s army is on her side.
And yes…her weapon is the melody… She might not stand bravely in the presence of the giants to fight for her freedom, her rights to education, shelter etc. but she can use a limitless, powerful weapon which is music (!) to break through and have her voice air out. And on top of that, she is a gift and a reward from God.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Psalm 127:3-5
08/09/2019
Big Shoes, Big Heart
Since arriving back in South Africa, it has been exciting to see the growth that is happening at Beats and Books. Two significant game players in that growth have definitely been our beloved Chilean staff members, Jonathan and Carla Isaacson. The Isaacsons have now been at Beats and Books for over a year. Over the past few months of working alongside them, I have learned so much. They are joyful, loving, and brimming with hopes and ideas for bettering the lives of those around them.

Just this morning, we received the good news that Carla landed safely in South America. She received an unexpected opportunity to travel to Chile to visit her elderly father. After the past year of hard work at Beats and Books, we are so glad that Carla can have a break and spend a few weeks with family and friends on the other side of the globe.

We all knew that Carla would leave behind some big shoes to fill. At Beats and Books, Carla is officially head of our literacy department, running daily tutoring groups and homework help. She also manages Beats and Books’ library borrowing system, coordinates meals / snacks for our kids nutrition program, works alongside our volunteers in the mornings and afternoons, connects all the dots in the daily program, presents memorable Bible stories with graphics, costumes and props on Fridays, communicates with the students’ parents, does community outreach and home visits, and takes care of countless details in between. Oh, and did I mention that she is a mother of four? During the past week, we began to realise just how huge those shoes are!

Carla, we love you and are so grateful for you! We pray that you will be rested, refreshed and recharged in your time away.

Also…we can’t wait to have you back!
Photo Credits: Moriah Deane
@moriahdeane
28/07/2019
When you have the right people at the right time…
Wow!!! When you have the right people at the right time, it’s never a waste of time but indeed a huge priceless privilege. This goes to the World Race volunteers who have been of great impact to Beats and Books children for two weeks now (including the staff). The golden voices of Beats and Books children were able to sing “Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Ti Do”. It may sound simple but trust me, if you witnessed them you would experience an inexplicable melody coming from the mouth of a little child. Isn’t it mind-blowing? If you have three loaves of bread and two fish…which are your talents and gifts….then Beats and Books is just the place where you can keep the ball rolling. It is a place where we glorify Jesus through our individual talents and gifts.
- Yes Lord, You are the amazing God.
- Holding hands – a sign of unity.
- Taking inventory of books.
- Teaching solfege with enthusiasm.
- New friends. Or is it sisters?
- Thank you for holding my hand. I am uplifted.
- Demonstrating dance moves.
- Helping out with numeracy.
- Learning how to use a dictionary.
Photo Credits: Moriah Deane
@moriahdeane
26/07/2019
Where are the Ngosas?

It’s no surprise that one may ask where we are or where we have been. For that reason, here is a short update.

Firstly, at the beginning of the last year 2018, Prima and I were exhausted and needed much time to rest. We ran Beats and Books, among other things, for two consecutive years without stopping. Through our loving Global Community church fellowship, we got treated to a classy condominium right on the Dolphin Beach.

Moreover, close to the end of the year, we got invited to two weddings in the States. It was an answered prayer that our leadership would bless us to travel not only for that but also for a much-needed sabbatical.

Where did the flights come from?

Quite recently, I started tent-making web-design freelance jobs. I was so sure that we would buy our flights if I struck a deal with one big client I had in mind. However, that deal didn’t materialise. Our hosts and very good friends decided to fund our return trip to and fro the USA with every cost in-between fully taken care of.

What did we do in the US?

We attended our friends’ beautiful wedding in Maryland. Thereafter we got treated to some much-needed time alone at a family cottage by the Potomac River. Loaded up with all manners of goodies imaginable, we were indeed spoilt rotten!

The second wedding was scheduled to take place in Alabama. Our time in Birmingham was unusual. The time we spent there was mostly with families that we have in the past become close to. The Grace Klein Community blessed us with a date to a fancy Italian restaurant for our 4th Anniversary. Meanwhile, we led Monday worship sessions at one of the GKC community houses. We experienced the American Thanks-Giving for the first time around was right there.

Back in Maryland, we had a time like no other with our hosts. Out of bonding, we felt incredibly loved and considered as a family by the Duncans. A good 5 months were spent there.

Who are the Duncans?

Dave, Valerie, Sarah and Cameron came to Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa in 2007 with a group of youth from the Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church. We have become close friends over the years. Every time I have been to the USA, their house is my first and last stop. It’s our overseas home. At least that’s how we feel. Dave and Valerie have four amazing daughters and one intellectual son.

The Duncans flew us to and fro and within the USA. They fed us, accommodated us and went far beyond what we could have possibly imagined. They provided us with the opportunity to give birth in the US. There is no way we would have been able to do that by ourselves. We are in awe of the Lord and what He accomplished for us through Dave and Valerie. These two phenomenal people took us out on dates to renowned restaurants with absolutely international cuisines to spoil our palates. We watched how they love each other and love others. Our lives are richer today because of them.

Are we moving to the USA?

So many people have asked, but as far as we are concerned, we have not heard the Lord say we must move to the US now.

So where are the Ngosas now?

We are in our South African at the time of writing. Prima and the kids are going to Zambia this Wednesday, July 24. She and Yosefe need to get new passports. Also, they all need to renew their South African visas.

My 90-day visitor’s visa expires this September 2019. Therefore, we opted for a work permit. Our application process started a few months back. The waiver process should be complete in hopefully a month. We consider Jeffreys Bay home. Consequently, we choose the Lord’s report above all else. We find serving here a great delight and privilege.

22/07/2019