Right outside my back door, is the perfect place for an herb garden. At one time I actually did plant a few things that grew, but eventually, everything died. Pretty much the only thing growing out there now, are a bunch of weeds. Let’s be honest, I’m not the best gardener. 🙂
At the beginning of August, I opened the back door and I saw a daffodil! In the three years that we’ve lived in this house, there’s never been a daffodil back there. (I took a picture, because it was so odd, that’s the one in the photo below.) Now, daffodils are not native to South Africa and the only time I’ve ever seen one here in South Africa is at the store in a pot.
Daffodils are very significant for me. In Washington State, where a lot of our family is, daffodils are everywhere. There’s even a Daffodil Parade each year. Growing up we always went, and when I was in the band in high school, we marched in the parade. What memories! Daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, and they are symbolic of new birth, new beginnings.
Strange that one would be growing in my dead, overgrown herb garden in South Africa? Not really, because for me it was another sign of God’s faithfulness. A very special moment that I believe God orchestrated just for me.
You see for the past year, Ron and I had been sensing change was coming but didn’t know exactly what that meant. We took our time praying and fasting about it.
In July, we went back to visit our family and the answer was so very clear to us. After 15 wonderful, life-changing years in South Africa, God is leading us back to the USA. On Dec 18, we will board a flight back to Seattle, WA and see what doors God will open for us. We don’t know exactly what that looks like yet, as we are taking it a step at a time.
Lately, I’ve been reading Ecclesiastes in my quiet time and different podcasts that I’ve come across, just happen to be about seasons and time.
Ecc 3:1 says, “For everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”
As you can imagine our emotions are all over the place, excited, sad, and scared all at once. We have met some of the most amazing people in South Africa and some are lifelong friends that we’ll see again. We’ve grown to love this country and will always carry it in our hearts.
We are stepping out in faith once again. One thing we’ve learned is that often you have to take that first big, scary step before God opens the curtains and reveals what’s on the other side. Although we may not know what the future holds, we know the One who holds our future and it’s in Him that we put our trust.
So my friends, we truly covet your prayers during this time of new beginnings. Maybe you’re wondering, how else can I help? I’m so glad you asked. 😉 As you can imagine there are a number of expenses associated with moving from South Africa to the USA. We’ve done everything we can to keep costs down by selling things and giving away as much as possible. The actual costs for the transition will be around $23,000 for flights, shipping the container, a good car, and a deposit on a place to live when we arrive. So far we have raised $7000 towards the move.
The big ask… We still need $16,000 to come in over the next few weeks. We would love to ask if you would prayerfully consider sowing into the next season God has for Ron and I. Would you do that? Whether it’s $50 or $5,000 it will all go towards this exciting transition.
How can I sow into this?
Paypal, send to martin.ron@gmail.com or africaterri@gmail.com (not tax deductible)
For tax deductible giving, send to ronmartinministries.com/donate. This will take you to our giving page via our missionary sending agency. Simply click on the link and follow the instructions.
By Check: Simply make out your check to our sending agency, World Outreach Ministries and mail to: PO Box B, Marietta, GA 30061. Remember to designate for MARTIN #56 in the memo line of your check.
Thank you for taking this exciting journey with us and for standing with us in prayer and cheering us on. It means so very much to us. Our prayer is that God would continue to bless, strengthen and increase your life as well. We love you!
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