south of somewhere

Hi, our names are Sarah and Nathan Cooper. We are based in Sheffield in England, but are preparing to move to South Africa in September '06 to join a church planting team in the Western Cape. We hope that this blog will keep you up to date with our progress as we embark on this new adventure. Watch this space... www.thepeopleschurch.info

Monday, November 27, 2006

Hi everyone! Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has left a comment on the blog over the last few weeks. Please keep doing so, we find them all really encouraging.

Well, it's been a particularly busy week here. We are still trying to sort out the mortgage on the house, so have had several trips back and forward between different sets of lawyers. We still can't figure out what they all seem to be doing, other than creating a need for us to pay them!

In between all of that, we have been busy with a lot of childrens' work. I led my first ever kinderbond (a weekly event that attracts hundres of kids), so spent most of wednesday feeling sick with nerves, but I actually really enjoyed it, and it seems that the kids did too. Nathan did a great job pushing boxes round the stage, which variously represented Noah's ark and Jonah's whale! I'm sure I'll get to return the favour at some point...We are also getting stuck in with preparations for the Kinderbond Christmas event, the Sunday School Nativity play and party, and the Christmas party at the GANG (the whole church youth group). Nathan is getting a band together ready for the Kinderbond Christmas special, whilst I have been overseeing rehearsals for a Muppet play. We are certainly expanding our skill base!

We are also beginning to prepare a 6 week course for new Christians, which we have been asked to start in January. It's very exciting for us both, in terms of being able to help lay good foundations in people's lives, and being given the chance to stretch our skills in teaching.

This week was also a difficult week for the whole church, as one of our youth (part of the GANG) was murdered on Friday night, in one of the townships here in Worcester. He had been returning home with 3 friends (who are all in our youth small group, Next Level), and stepped in to try to break up a fight with people he knew. Unfortunately they were carrying knives, and he was stabbed to death. The townships on a Friday night are so dangerous, with so many people drinking through the night, and most people carrying knives. Our lads are routinely out late to avoid the drunkenness and violence that happens in their own homes, waiting untill their parents have fallen asleep before they return home. We are just trying to encourage them to avoid getting involved in any fights. Please pray for their protection, and that they would experience comfort in their grief, and healing from the terrible things that they witnessed.

4 Comments:

Blogger zacandsarah said...

Hi, that's shocking news about the murder. Brings it home how bad the situation is there.
Keep up all your good work.
love Sarah and Zac

1:58 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Nathan & Sarah,
Thanks for your news. We are praying for you regarding the smooth purchase of the house and also for you all at this sad time after the murder of the young man.
Some good news;- Joel & his quintet raised £230 for you last night in their first charity concert.
Love,
Mum & Dad.

2:25 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Nath and Sarah! You've prob been thinking, why hasn't Joel left a message yet? Wel, I had no idea this blog thing existed and I was wondering, why haven't they emailed me yet? It was in fact mum who told me about blog! Can u believe it, mum telling me about computers?! crazy! Anyway, things are going well here and on sunday we performed our first of 2 concerts to raise money for you. We raised £230 and we've got one at the foundry next week which is selling well so I reckon we'll raise a lot more! The lads all send their regards. I had my Birmingham conservatoire audition last week and was offered a place and scholarship in the audition! Ive got my glasgow one on saturday so we'll see what they offer me! Really sorry to hear about the lad who was murdered. Please look after yourselves and don't take any risks! Dads finally downloaded skype so hopefully we'll be able to talk and see you online soon. Take care. Joel Xx

4:12 pm  
Blogger Sally Breen said...

really sad about one of your youth it makes the Gospel seem much more immediate , will be praying for your house and safety Love from sally

12:32 am  

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