Wilhite Updates
January 4, 2010
A college man in his mid-20’s Richard was saved the middle of last year while visiting his sister in our town. He returned to Cape Town 1200 miles south to finish a course, and from there he journeyed 24 hours back to Gaborone, Botswana, where he lives with his mother. With joy we send you his unedited letter which reads…
Compliments to the new year Moruti, i m using internet cafes this side that is why it takes me some time to reply. The new year begins with me having been to huech on the first sunday of the year and want not to miss any sunday in 2010. I have been accepted for degree at my school and i want to find financers for that. I also want to see my self saving souls this year. Many people carry a bible but they don't really use it the way i understand not meaning they are wrong but i think they can add more, i really think they need bible studies. Moruti I m thakful for the Lord for all the archievements since i have been able to notice that God is working on me. There is a lot. I don't know if i have told u that i get a little punishment for the wrongs that i do, i fear the the Lord Goddly Father. Talk to you later, bye.
Your continued prayers for African souls blesses our hearts,
Brother Wilhite
For South Africa in North America
December 21, 2009
For the past two weeks we have been working feverishly on the bus rectifying some problems incurred the last four years of setting idle.
One of those issues involved starting the 220 volt diesel generator, and that was on the docket for today’s work. Earlier this morning I procured a five-gallon plastic container and later ran to the gas station to get fresh diesel. In opening the cap, the long plastic tube to enhance filling fell into the empty container. No problem? Right! I worked for 10-15 minutes trying to get that thing out but to no avail.
Meanwhile, a guy pulled next to the diesel pump on the other side. “I’m on pump #9,” I told him, and then proceeded to explain why I was delayed in filling my yellow plastic five-gallon container. Now folks, you’ve got to visualize this scenario at the station…There I was…at the pump nearest the road (PA State Route 29)…for 10-15 minutes…erratically waving a bright yellow jug like a maniac…with all of the other customers staring and driving wide of my vehicle to avoid me like I had the swine flu. Then to make matters worse, I heard over the loud speaker, “Pump 9, come to the front desk!”
Anyway, the guy on the other side of the pump said, “Here’s what you need,” and sticking his hand back into the cab of his panel truck (bearing an advertisement for upholstery) he whips out an old fashioned tool my mom used to use for catching chickens. You know, a three-foot-long stiff wire with a small hook on the end for catching a chicken’s leg. Ever see one of those? Just the thing I needed to rescue that little plastic tube from the “now dizzy” yellow jug.
Mike went on to inquire why I was using the diesel since he is really a “diesel” man. His attempts to tell me how to start a diesel generator after setting four years were futile since I told him I was not a mechanic and had just returned home from Africa. I said, “Hey, I’ll hire you to come look at my generator; it’s only a minute down the street.” So, Mike jumped in his upholstery truck, scooted one block west, and in 15 minutes had my gen set up and running. Oh, and all he would take was a very grateful “thanks.”
It wasn’t until after he left that Jon asked, “Dad, why didn’t you ask him to do the bus cushions?” Duh!! So we found his name in the yellow pages and are set to have him do some much needed bed/seat cushions for the bus.
Can you believe it? God is just too good to me…well…to all of us. (I guess acting like an idiot by the side of the road does get some folks to feeling sorry for you—smile)
Merry Christmas to each and all,
Bro Wilhite
October 28, 2009
Busy, busy days have been ours in winding down ministry here in Africa and in gearing up for ministry there in America. Thanks to the many of you who remembered my birthday two weeks ago in some way.
On the 15th Nathan Heinz and Andrew Castner flew in from Chile to spend some time with us. In the midst of ministry we were able to do some sightseeing and even an 18-hole round of golf.
Two adult ladies were baptized in Dikgale a couple of Sundays ago, but I failed to find a picture of Rejoice and Ruth. Sorry. This last Sunday the nucleus of believers made some good, good decisions about the ongoing work there.
Our home pastor and wife, Dr. and Mrs. Doug Hammett, arrived to spend a night with us prior to moving into the harvest fields of Botswana where they will be the next two-three months with Jonathan and several other young men for some intensive discipleship and ministry training.
Our studies at the University are going great, but sadly, tonight will be the last one for some time. They are entering exams, school break is just around the corner, and we, of course, are going on furlough.
We leave on Monday planning to arrive on Tuesday in JFK.
See pix and explanations below and do please continue to pray for us,
Bro Wilhite
IMG_8773.JPG--Nathan, Jon, Andrew sang in several church services.
IMG_8780.JPG--SS Teacher Maria walked quite a distance with these children to church on Sunday.
IMG_9003.JPG--Jon trying to fish out keys he inadvertantly locked in the door. Think he would make a good crook?
IMG_8613.JPG--Jerry, Deb, Mrs. & Pastor Hammett.
IMG_8241.JPG--One of the problems with furlough is trying to give away our pets, especially this kitty. Any takers?
October 12, 2009
Two adult ladies in Dikgale asked for baptism. Ruth (65?) is Piet’s wife and was saved around a year ago. Joyce (35?) was saved about a year ago too. We look forward to baptizing them this next Sunday. Olga (17) also expressed a desire, but for some reason is waiting.
Piet has also been witnessing to a couple of other adults and is requesting Bibles for them.
Maria (19) was also a first time visitor and asked for an English Bible. Not until after we left did I suspect her to be a Zimbabwean for several Zim folks are living in and around. Roy (18) who was saved about two months ago was the one to bring her.
Samuel (23) came up to me after the service and said, “Moruti, is it alright if I teach the character lessons (correspondence courses) to others in my mother tongue?”
Prior to running out the door tonight for our study in town, we grabbed one of each of our correspondence studies to show and to offer to the folks to study over the next year in lieu of our upcoming furlough. In the group was Anna’s husband, a first time visitor from Zimbabwe. He asked for the studies and after perusing them said, “This is what we need to make available in Zimbabwe,” as he held up the three booklets on Character. It just so happens that he works for Scripture Union which is an effort to put Christian literature into the hands of school age children.
Friday we met with three men, one of whom has a salvation testimony. We met Jack back in 2002 and did some studies with him. He moved to Capetown shortly thereafter but has been back for a year or two. Getting an email from him out of the blue really took me by surprise ten days ago. In it he said, “Moruti, I am ready to continue the lessons we started back in 2002.” Can you believe it? Seven years later! What a blessing! We made an appointment and went to his village Friday a.m. to help chart a course for him in doing some studies during our absence.
While there a man came into the room where we were and said, “Those people across the street are interested in your bakkie (I am trying to sell it to cover expenses here while we are gone, so I have ‘for sale’ signs on it.).” After my study with Jack we went over, showed them our truck, and they made me an offer; an offer a tad bit lower than I would like, but higher than another offer I received this week. Interesting how the Lord directs steps, very interesting.
By the way, did I tell you our study at the University this last Tuesday was the best ever attended?
The attachment is Dyanna’s creation for a prayer card. Didn’t she do a super job for having had no formal graphic design instruction? I am blessed to have such a talented family. Also, this week Drew, Derek and Jeremiah have music exams through UNISA—pray for them. We also have the privilege of having two young men Jon’s age flying in for a visit. Andrew Castner and Nathan Heinz are due to arrive on my birthday this Thursday. I think I will be 41, but I’m getting old, so I’m not real sure J.
Isn’t God good? What open doors! What opportunities! What opposition!
Thanks for your continued prayers,
Brother Wilhite and Family,
South Africa
