Andy Woodall and David Selvey arrived safely in Cape Town, South Africa after over 9,000 of travel and 29 hours after departing from Faith Baptist Church in Lafayette, IN. Veteran missionary, Marc Blackwell picked us up at the airport and drove us to our hotel where it was nice to get a hot shower, set up internet access and Skype and email our wives.
After a good night’s sleep, we ate a delicious breakfast, went for a walk in the warm sunshine and then went back to our rooms to study. Missionary Marc Blackwell picked us up just before noon and took us to lunch. Then the highlight of our day was attending the ordination council of two men for the gospel ministry. Upon arrival at Blue Downs Baptist Church, where Marc Blackwell, Jr. serves, a flood of memories came to me. Memories of a week in 2004 when Victor Pereira and I worked with a CWE team to complete the final phase of their church building. The building was filled with people from various churches who had come to observe the ordination council. The two men had prepared thorough doctrinal statements and presented themselves well.
There was just enough daylight left to go and see the camp that the Blackwells have developed over the years. They have a beautiful location and facilities that serve their campers well. Andy and I then enjoyed taking Marc, Jr. and Marc, Sr. out to dinner returning to the hotel about 10:30pm.
Sunday morning Andy will preach in one of Marc, Sr’s churches and I will preach in Marc, Jr’s church at Blue Downs. The last time I preached there was for the dedication of the building and the ordination of Marc, Jr. I am looking forward to fellowshipping with their congregation again. The know me as the man who installed the lights in the church building.
My wonderful wife is celebrating her birthday without me today. I thank God for friends who will make her day special.
