Hannelie sent me her latest update…
Photo from Facebook – the joy of the Lord is her strength.
“Dear Friends,
Life continues at breakneck speed, and everyone seems to rush to endless year end functions before finally reclining for the Festive holidays.
I can’t believe that a year has passed since the horrible day of the attack on 29 November. It was truly a trying and difficult year in so many ways, and I had to learn to function in many situations outside of my comfort zone. God used these situations to let me grow spiritually and to also be a blessing in his Body. There were also so many blessings I have experienced, so many wonderful people I have met, and so many things to be thankful for.
I want to thank each and every one for their loyal support through comforting messages and emails, prayers, and financial support this past year. Without you, it would’ve been so much more difficult to survive. I can actually say with ease that I haven’t just survived, but that I have lived a full life this year and am filled with joy for the gift of life. Neh 8:10: “The joy of the Lord is your strength and your stronghold.”
After the attack I strongly felt that I had to share my testimony in various churches locally and abroad, and God opened doors for me to share in Namibia, and Brazil and widely within South Africa’s borders. It also was my plan to go to Athens, Greece, in September to search for possible ways to get involved with the Afghan refugees, since there is a great need for medical care and I am able to speak the language. But God closed that door for me, and the visit didn’t happen.
Currently I am in Port Elizabeth and will leave for Cape Town soon, to share in Napier on Thursday. With that event, I will conclude sharing my testimony, as I have been sharing for a year now, and feel comfortable that the time for that has finally come to an end. I believe I am on the verge of starting a new chapter in my life, and am excited to see how and where God is going to lead me for the next year.
I became more and more aware of opportunities to serve in Mozambique, and started feeling an urge to go investigate. I have just returned from a visionary trip to Inhassoro and Valanculos. I have visited clinics and hospitals in the area, and also sent my CV to the Netcare hospital in Valanculos. I am currently waiting for a response. There are so many sharing and serving opportunities there, and I pray for the right connections and wisdom to make a wise decision.
I believe that I will also be able to start writing my book, away from the never ending rush of the city. It is my prayer that God will give me an author’s ability to pin down rich memories of our lives in Kabul in a captivating way, and that it will inspire people and give them a message of hope for their future. Not writing was a frustration this past year since I lacked the inspiration, the know-how, and time for this huge project.
I have joined Solidarity, and am working certain days of the month on a voluntary basis, at the Triomf Clinic in Pretoria-West to help less fortunate patients. This also helps me to move into practicing First World Medicine again.
In October, Voice of the Martyrs, USA visited me, and we agreed on making a video of our family’s lives in Afghanistan with the main focus on the day of the attack. It will DV be released on the International Day of Prayer in November 2016. We will start working on this anytime between January and March 2016
My prayer request is for wisdom and discernment for this new chapter in my life. That God will open doors that are supposed to open and close those I am not supposed to pursue.
I want to wish everyone a safe and blessed Festive Season. May you experience God’s presence, peace and protection. May you rest out well and return in the new year refreshed and inspired for another year‘s hard work.
Working together to be salt and light in His Kingdom.
With love,
Hannelie”
Such inspiration! Please continue to pray for her.
Keep the smile going.
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂