Training and Travel

Dear Friends and Family!

So much of this year has been focused on a very intensive training scedule for Christopher. He was chosen to compete at the KSI World Championships held in New Jersey in July.

In the lead up to the tournament, our morning sometimes started at 5am, as we headed off to train at the Dojo for an hour before school. At other times it encompassed most of Saturdays, many afternoons, weekends and some evenings. Finally, in June of this year the competitors were given their national colours. We watched with pride, as Christopher received his South African tracksuit and kit.

 Most of you know Christopher's medical history, and that he was born with kidney failure. Since the transplant in December of 2009, he has gone from strength to strength, grading for his black belt and now being able to participate in a World event like this.

Originally, Christopher was going to travel on his own with his Team. We did not have the means for me to be able to join him for this momentous occasion, but God knew about this as well. A friend and supporter said to me: 'Christopher is going to the US to compete with your kidney.....you need to be there to watch him'!! What a blessing.

The tournament itself was a huge learning curve for him, and while he did not medal, he held his own and did well. After our time in New Jersey, we flew to Arizona to visit with my parents and Andrea and Hunter. Christopher had not seem mom and dad since 2008, so it was great for them to be able to spend time together playing chess and catching up. My parents have invested greatly in our children, and we miss the time of fellowship together.It was a treat to be able to see where Andrea and Hunter live and to meet their cat 'Sherlock'.

Our good friends Ron and Jan, together with Susan and Don Parks arranged for us to be able to have a small get together with close friends. It was a special afternoon of fellowship and good food, and of having the chance to see loved ones we would not have had the chance to see. Our visit was short, but precious, and I am so thank full to have had the opportunity to be a part of this travelling experience with Christopher.

We celebrated Christopher's 17th Birthday on Saturday. For our breakfast of waffles, bacon and fresh orange juice, Andrea joined us on speaker phone and Peter read out a Birthday poem Granddad had composed for the occasion. It was great to 'have Andrea at the table with us' again.

Living internationally is my greatest heartache. I long to have my family close by.....but it is occasions like this that remind me that God knows our hearts desires and grants us our wishes when we least expect it. My heart is full.

Love to all of you,

gratefully, Lenora

Education

Dearest Friends!

For ten years, Peter and I have home schooled our children. Andrea was in grade five when we started, Daniela in grade two....and the boys started in pre-school and grade one. My constant goal with all of our children was to help teach them to LOVE the process of learning. I wanted to demonstrate to them in a variety of ways how to obtain information and knowledge and to savour this for as long as they live! There have been so many families who have, and continue to succeed in this worthwhile endeavour. They have been my role models and heroes.

In some part, we were successful. Andrea loved to read from a very early age, and is now studying at a Christian University for a degree in Journalism. Check.

Daniela is in her last year of High School, and while this year will be very very demanding on her, and while the workload is heavy, we have every hope of her succeeding. She really wants to start at an Art College next year ( our school year begins in January). Check.

The boys.......I discovered are an entirely different kind of species to educate. Not having any brothers myself, and having two daughters first......the art of getting boys to sit still long enough to finish a lesson was an exercise that taxed my patience to say the least. Of course then, we started down a long road of health issues, culminating in a renal transplant for Christopher. As I was the donor, this chapter was heavy. To say the least! But then most of you know our story. Six months later, my cancer diagnosis did very little to boost my energy levels........and after the months of Chemo.....our boys are now in an independent Christian school.

Off the hook? Not at all. I find my self busier now, but for different reasons. Calvin, our extrovert, charming socialite has settled in well. It took some time for him to adjust to all the rules, but he has coped, and is loving it. I pray he will soon take his studies as seriously as he takes his sport and friends!

Things have been very different for Christopher. He battles to cope with the workload and although he works harder than ever before, he is not happy with his results. He enjoys the school and has many friends. We really do feel that we have made the correct decision regarding the education of our boys......but would really appreciate your prayers as we journey on down this road.

Peter heads off to conduct a Biblical Worldview Summit near Johannesburg in April, and we are also celebrating 30 years in the ministry. It was April 1982 that Peter first crossed the border into his first war torn Mission field - Mozambique.

All of life is an education. I am so grateful for God's Word, good books, great movies and good fellowship. Pray with us please, that we would weather the storms in the school buildings right now, and that the right people would enter our lives to help with any tutoring necessary. Any advice or tips will be most gratefully received.

Thank you for your friendship and for your listening ear!

We love you,

Lenora

Time

There was a time when I thought my children would always be little. A time when my life was crowded with diapers, prams, sleepless nights and never ending unfinished projects. But that time in my life is part of history now.

Our family has experienced many ups and down, trials and troubles. We have had our share of health issues and times when we were just not sure if we would survive the year, the month or even the day. But through all of these times, God has been faithful. He has been just, loving, kind and caring. His sovereign plan for our family has unfolded before our very eyes, and I am ashamed now, at how often I despaired, or did not trust Him.

Our first born child, Andrea, seemed to spend very little time being young. I always say to her 'you were born old'. It has been a saying in our family for years. She has always been level headed, mature and able to handle life's challenges. Six months ago, she and her 'significant other' came down to Cape Town for our Biblical Worldview Summit, for the Great Commission Course, and ultimately for an internship with Frontline Fellowship. Hunter asked for Andrea's hand in marriage and it was granted. So for the last few months, time has taken on new adventures and tasks that have been at times overwhelming and filled with challenges, but at other times have demonstrated God's provision for us so very clearly.

Planning the wedding for Hunter Combs and our daughter Andrea has been, by far, the most challenging project I have ever undertaken, but also the most rewarding. What a beautiful event a wedding is. On our morning walks, Andrea and I spent time planning each and every detail of her big day. From the dress, to the flowers, the cake, the theme and all the decor, every aspect was a reflection of her personality and taste. We were aided by Sonja van Wyk's able decorating skills and her husband Charl was the MC for the day. Peter preached a very moving sermon titled 'A Great Love Story'.

So December 17th was a testimony to the faith Hunter and Andrea have in our Lord and Saviour. It was a day to enter into the covenant of marriage in front of family and friends. Andrea was composed and altogether calm! It was a day blessed with great weather, a beautiful venue (which God had provided at no charge), great friends, good food and vibrant fellowship. Andrea was the first baby born into Frontline Fellowship and is the first to get married as well.

Thank you to all of you who prayed, supported, invested your talents and time and just generally encouraged us along the way. We are privileged to have added a son to our family and rejoice in the family formed.

Andrea still has two years left of studies at ACU before she finishes, so they are both back Stateside now. Hunter will be looking for a job, and will hopefully be taking some classes at Phoenix Seminary. Both of them want to return to the Mission field.....starting as early as June 1012 if the Lord sees fit.

As we have come through the time when we celebrate His Incarnation and as we count down the days to a New Year, may His blessings be upon you and yours. And may we always be conscious of the time He has blessed us with, to use it wisely and in His service.

With love and appreciation,

Lenora Hammond

Preparations, Plans and Patterns

The wedding preparations are in full swing. The girls recently chose the pattern for the Bridesmaid dresses, and these will be made by a friend. We have had such a fun time designing the wedding invitations and these should be winging their way across the ocean in a few days time. Hardly a week goes by when Andrea and I don't discuss the covenant of marriage and how it is the second most important decision you make in life. Andrea and I walk every morning and it has been a great time for us to catch up on things and to discuss the various new things she will be encountering in this next chapter of her life. This time with her has been an unexpected blessing.

I am discovering that the key to planning a wedding is in the balance of it all. How to make it beautiful, but meaningful; tasteful, but not extravagant; a testimony to all witnessing the wows; a declaration of their commitment to the Lord and each other; and an expression of thanks giving to all concerned. God has provided so many aspects of the wedding already and things we did not think we would be able to do are falling in to place. People are helping with contacts, flowers, the venue and many other aspects. God is good.

I hosted Andrea's wedding shower last week, and we had a lovely Vintage Tea party. Our home was filled to the brim, but an enjoyable time was had by all.

I participated in a 10km walk in aid of Cancer awareness last week as well, and it was quite overwhelming to walk amongst thousands of others who either have had cancer themselves or have family members battling the disease.

Our Team is still in Southern Sudan and the reports of opportunities they have had are wonderful to read. There is so much more that needs to be done in this needy area and we pray that we will be able to send more Teams soon.

Christopher and Calvin have been involved in their respective sports, winning medals at competitions. Christopher has been invited to join the team for Worlds which will be taking place in July next year.

This busy time of the year makes it even more important for us to pause and consider God's word. Slowing down enough to be able to hear Him speak to us is what keeps us keeping on.

Thank you for your support and encouragement. We are grateful to the Lord for His provisions just when we need them.

May His rich blessings be upon you and yours,


Lenora Hammond

Opportunities

The Continent of Africa gives a Missionary a platform upon which to serve the Lord in so many ways. Virtually in every one of the Countries on this vast Continent, there are opportunities to teach, bless, disciple, replenish and encourage. Southern Sudan has received its independance, and we have more invitations and requests for help than we can cope with. It is our fervent desire to send out three teams, but at this moment the resources for such an undertaking are not available.

We are trusting the Lord to supply us with everything we need to send out at least one Team. The cost of fuel is the most expensive aspect of this adventure, and we are in faith preparing for the first team to leave within days.

Pray with us please, that we would be faithful, fervent in our prayers and diligent in the many preparations. We trust He is sovereign and that He will bring this about if it is His will.

In the meantime......the wedding plans are taking shape. Peter and I are meeting this after noon with the owner of a possible venue for us to use. She is willing to help us in whatever way possible. The venue is in the midst of wine farms and has a Chapel on the site as well. Truly, a beautiful place. Andrea and I are finalizing decisions on a dress, we are looking at patterns for the Brides maid dresses, and the invitations will be forthcoming soon.

I am so grateful that we can trust God for every detail of our lives, and that nothing comes as a surprise to Him. When I feel overwhelmed, I look to Him for comfort and focus.

Thank you for your friendship and prayers in all of this. May God bless you and yours,

Lenora and family

A Growing Family

Dear Friends!

Our July training Camps, the Biblical World View Summit and the Great Commission Course have come and gone. We had a dedicated group of people for both courses and it was good to see people motivated to serve the Lord in full time Missions.

One of the attendees was a young man by the name of Hunter Combs. Hunter and Andrea have been good friends at Arizona Christian University for quite some time now, and he graduated with highest honours in May this year. Following the GCC, Hunter joined one of our Teams and headed for his first African Mission trip to Zambia. Upon his return, Peter asked if he would like to be a part of several Teams traveling up to Sudan and Hunter now finds himself getting ready for a very complicated and intense overland Mission to Southern Sudan. The journey begins this week.

In the midst of these courses, camps and travels, Hunter requested permission to ask for Andrea's hand in marriage, and Peter said 'yes'. Hunter had already fullfilled all the many application forms, book reviews, questionaires and now Camps that Peter had required of him. Andrea said 'yes', and so Lord willing, it looks as if we will be having a wedding in December here in Cape Town!!

Andrea is taking off a Semester from ACU , to join her dad on a South African Mission tour, to prepare for the wedding all the while Hunter will be on his Mission to Sudan. So the plan is to have the weding in December, and then for them to spend Christmas here. They will both then return to Arizona and Andrea will commence her studies at ACU. She still has two years left. Hunter plans to take classes at Phoenix Seminary while working and raising support to continue coming out to Southern Africa for missions.

We know you will be glad to join us in prayer as this young couple plans for a life together, dedicated to Missions in Africa. We are very proud to have Andrea being the third generation of Missionaries in our family!

Needless to say, we have never planned a wedding and I stand amazed at all the things that are involved. Wow. There is no end to the things you can hire, purchase, plan, arrange for and pay for! There seems to be a plethora of things you 'need' in order to get married. It is our earnest desire to plan a wedding that is God honoring and yet celebrates the union of a young couple desiring to serve the Lord.

Cape Town is a premier wedding destination and December is peak season! It is therefore quite difficult to secure wedding venues, but we trust the Lord for just the right place, the right date and that all the other things will fall into place.

We earnestly seek your prayers as we embark on, not only a 2 month Mission to Sudan, but also as we prepare for the wedding of our oldest daughter. Thank you for your good wishes and for blessing us with emails and encouraging letters.

We are grateful to be serving the Lord and for your part in this journey!


Lenora Hammond

Change of Season

Dearest friends!

What a blessing it is to know that God's will for us is not a mystery. My very wise mother gave me my first copy of "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers when I was in College. This devotional has been one I have returned to over and over again. He writes 'The disciple who abides in Jesus is the will of God, and his apparently free choices are God's fore-ordained decrees.'

Peter and I have home schooled our children for 10 years now. What a blessing this has been. Andrea has just finished her Sophomore year at Arizona Christian University with four A's and two B's (the two B's were for Science and maths!, not our strength)! Daniela hopes to finish High School by the middle of next year and is doing very well in her chosen path in Fine Art. Christopher and Calvin are our two children who have embarked upon a new educational journey. We started the school year by placing Christopher into a Christian based independent School within walking distance from our home. This has been very successful and he has adjusted well. After much prayer and deliberation, I have met with the Principal of the Primary school and we have now enrolled Calvin into grade six there. There are 12 children in his class and offers so much variety that Calvin is kept challenged constantly. At the end of each day he is exhausted, but by morning he is ready for more.

My stamina is still at quite a low level, and my increasing fear was that I was not able to offer Calvin the instruction and guidance he needed academically. Both boys are very involved in sports as well, and Calvin continues to enjoy Scouts each week. I am so grateful to have been able to share our educational responsibility with this fine institution. I am confident of God's guidance and trust Him for His provision for school fees.

Peter has had a very productive time of ministry in Zambia as well as in America, but we are grateful to have him home for a while now. We are gearing up for the Summit starting June 24th, followed by the Great Commission Course for potential Missionaries. We expect people from far and wide. Andrea will be joining us for this, and in fact all of our children look forward to these Camps and Courses every year.

Christopher is doing well physically. His body seems to have adjusted to life with a graft kidney. Being immunosuppressed and now being at a school means he picks up colds and flu much more readily. He has been to the Doctor twice in the last few weeks.

Daniela has her Learner's licence now and is gaining more and more confidence on the road. She skates with the Senior Synchronized Skating Team now, and they are preparing for the World Championships next year in Sweden.

I look forward to a new Season of good health and vitality. I continue to paddle with the Dragon Boat Team, which keeps me fit and each time we paddle out into the Harbour I am reminded of what a beautiful City we live in.

Thank you to all of you who pray so regularly for us. We appreciate so much hearing from you and knowing that we are not in this alone. May God grant you many blessings as you faithfully serve Him.

Love and hugs,

Lenora