Africa Missionaries
Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church
February report from the Vehorns, our missionaries in Africa
Hello from South Africa! The closest we come to a lull in activities occurs between alfalfa cuttings; two week gaps depending upon weather
and other chores. The February gap allowed me time to catch up on the eReports and I’m glad to be back on schedule.
The lull also gave us time this past weekend (Feb 9) to give Luke a hand with his first Children’s Day at the farm. Last year Luke decided to
focus on the youth and children of the Whittlesea church and attempt to be a channel of blessing for the youngsters. He envisioned special
outings/camps/events/field trips for them as well as a more structured use of time with art classes and learning.
On Saturday Luke and I went to the church at 9:30a to transport the children to the farm. We found 22 eager beavers and three youth/adult
leaders waiting for their ride to the farm. The day was already planned out from the “As Arrive” activities to the return trip to the church.
When the children arrived they were treated to a labrador retriever demonstration and a chance to “kiss Amber” (Janet’s canine shadow).
Doesn’t this sound like fun!!! There were squeals and tears as the dog show unfolded. The show took place near the apple trees where
the children next focused their attention. Injecting a bit of environmental wisdom (enhancing our environment) and spiritual wisdom (bearing
fruit) had the little guys spellbound. When I lifted one of the least of these to pick an apple from the tree he drew back his hand as he was
not really sure what was going on. He had never seen an apple tree and certainly never picked an apple for himself. The older children
were amused.
The parables of seed and fruit and grafting continued as we moved under the table grape trellises to the pear trees and almond trees and
into the vineyard where the grafting explanations were given. Once we completed the home and garden tour we settled the group onto a
trailer pulled by the tractor for a hayride through the larger lands and irrigation scheme. The tour included more lessons and larger eyes
as we inspected the yellow corn, the green corn, the alfalfa lands and storage shed. At every turn we hoped the children would be inspired
and enlarged by these new impressions so different from the sights and sounds of their villages.
Luke had promised to show them “how to have fun” once the farm tour was finished. This amounted to a proper “slip and slide” with tarp,
soap and water on the lawn. Even though the weather was overcast and cool for my liking the children stripped down to their undies and
gave it their all on the slip and slide! Luke had to give a demonstration at the beginning in a hurry as there was no mystery about what to do
with the large slippery, watery tarp laid out on the lawn.
While the slip and slide was in full swing Janet prepared the hot dogs and cake for the meal of the day. After lunch and a few traditional
village circle games each child was given a “Christmas In July” container (making them “Christmas In February” containers), returned by
tractor/trailer to the parking area and transported home.
No blood was drawn which is the first requirement for a successful children’s day in Africa. With that requirement met the wide eyes, wider
grins, and rapid chatter on the way back to the church let us know that “a good time was had by all.” The leaders told Luke “this is not the
last time for such a nice day!” We agree! The farm has played a role over the years in the ministry here and having the New Year event
followed by the February Children’s event gets the farm off to a good start in 2008. Such events show just how important the farm is as a
base not only for mission teams and visitors from overseas but for local ministry events as well. Expect more from Luke and from the farm as
2008 marches on.
As always we thank you for including the work and the workers of Africa in your global impact efforts for 2008. Pray that our joint efforts
and investments of life and resources will bear much enduring fruit for the Kingdom. Contact us when you can (ammo@eci.co.za) and
maintain your support through “THE VEHORNS”, World Outreach Ministries, Box B, Marietta GA 30061. God bless!
Hello from South Africa! The closest we come to a lull in activities occurs between alfalfa cuttings; two week gaps depending upon weather
and other chores. The February gap allowed me time to catch up on the eReports and I’m glad to be back on schedule.
The lull also gave us time this past weekend (Feb 9) to give Luke a hand with his first Children’s Day at the farm. Last year Luke decided to
focus on the youth and children of the Whittlesea church and attempt to be a channel of blessing for the youngsters. He envisioned special
outings/camps/events/field trips for them as well as a more structured use of time with art classes and learning.
On Saturday Luke and I went to the church at 9:30a to transport the children to the farm. We found 22 eager beavers and three youth/adult
leaders waiting for their ride to the farm. The day was already planned out from the “As Arrive” activities to the return trip to the church.
When the children arrived they were treated to a labrador retriever demonstration and a chance to “kiss Amber” (Janet’s canine shadow).
Doesn’t this sound like fun!!! There were squeals and tears as the dog show unfolded. The show took place near the apple trees where
the children next focused their attention. Injecting a bit of environmental wisdom (enhancing our environment) and spiritual wisdom (bearing
fruit) had the little guys spellbound. When I lifted one of the least of these to pick an apple from the tree he drew back his hand as he was
not really sure what was going on. He had never seen an apple tree and certainly never picked an apple for himself. The older children
were amused.
The parables of seed and fruit and grafting continued as we moved under the table grape trellises to the pear trees and almond trees and
into the vineyard where the grafting explanations were given. Once we completed the home and garden tour we settled the group onto a
trailer pulled by the tractor for a hayride through the larger lands and irrigation scheme. The tour included more lessons and larger eyes
as we inspected the yellow corn, the green corn, the alfalfa lands and storage shed. At every turn we hoped the children would be inspired
and enlarged by these new impressions so different from the sights and sounds of their villages.
Luke had promised to show them “how to have fun” once the farm tour was finished. This amounted to a proper “slip and slide” with tarp,
soap and water on the lawn. Even though the weather was overcast and cool for my liking the children stripped down to their undies and
gave it their all on the slip and slide! Luke had to give a demonstration at the beginning in a hurry as there was no mystery about what to do
with the large slippery, watery tarp laid out on the lawn.
While the slip and slide was in full swing Janet prepared the hot dogs and cake for the meal of the day. After lunch and a few traditional
village circle games each child was given a “Christmas In July” container (making them “Christmas In February” containers), returned by
tractor/trailer to the parking area and transported home.
No blood was drawn which is the first requirement for a successful children’s day in Africa. With that requirement met the wide eyes, wider
grins, and rapid chatter on the way back to the church let us know that “a good time was had by all.” The leaders told Luke “this is not the
last time for such a nice day!” We agree! The farm has played a role over the years in the ministry here and having the New Year event
followed by the February Children’s event gets the farm off to a good start in 2008. Such events show just how important the farm is as a
base not only for mission teams and visitors from overseas but for local ministry events as well. Expect more from Luke and from the farm as
2008 marches on.
As always we thank you for including the work and the workers of Africa in your global impact efforts for 2008. Pray that our joint efforts
and investments of life and resources will bear much enduring fruit for the Kingdom. Contact us when you can (ammo@eci.co.za) and
maintain your support through “THE VEHORNS”, World Outreach Ministries, Box B, Marietta GA 30061. God bless!
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