Fertile Hearts in Rocky Soil

One of the people groups of the K2 Cluster we have yet to engage are the Pedi. They live primarily in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. In the heart of this Province is the small town/village of Diphagane located about 90 miles southeast of the Polokwane where some of the World Cup games have been played. The town is nestled in the rocky hills and formations that is common to this area.

We have been praying for a missionary to come to this town for over 5 years and God has called John David (JD) and Lori Thompson to share the good news with the Pedi. Pray for JD and Lori as they prepare to leave their family and friends in July to begin training before moving to Diphagane in October of this year. JD and Lori have been married for 2 years. While there will not be snow in Diphagane it does get cold during the month of June.

Rocks like this are typical of the landscape of this area. Pray that the Pedi will drink of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." 1 Cor. 10:4

The roots of this tree ran along the surface of the rock until they found dirt some three feet from the trunk.

While there is a river running through this village the town down does not have a water system so few of the homes have indoor plumbing. This picture shows several green water tanks. Tanks like these are used to store water which was purchased from a water truck that makes its rounds each week. Pray for Logistics Coordinator, Barry Hill as he figures out the best way to get water into the Thompson's house.

Pastor and Mrs. Chris Maupa live in Diphagane. They are Pedi and have a heart to reach their people for Christ.

Pastor Chris grew up in this town and used to play in this river while his cattle were grazing nearby. He spoke fondly of his boyhood home and loves his people and his home. Pray for Pastor Chris and his wife as they work with three Baptist churches in three different villages.

This is Christ Baptist Church in Diphagane.

This is a potential home for the Thompsons. Pray for Barry Hill as he works with the owner to determine whether it can be rented for the Thompsons.

The houses are built in the midst of the rocks and hills throughout this village.

South Africa and the world has soccer on its mind. Tens of thousands of people are watching games in elaborate and beautiful stadiums around South Africa. This is a small soccer field I saw as I drove through this village. If you look closely there are rocks right in the middle of the field. While the field is empty in this picture I am sure there are numerous Pedi boys and girls who frequent this field with dreams of soccer fame. May the Lord Jesus become famous with the Pedi people. Matthew 9:31 says "But they, when they departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country." Pray that His fame will spread in Pedi country.