'Transformation Africa' day of prayer has come and gone. The numbers I heard were the following:
* About 1,100 venues in Africa, including a stadium in Egypt;
* About 20-25,000,000 people expected to attend.

We had far fewer than that in Rustenburg, however, where the attendance was, in fact, disappointing. However, if everyone who was there now leads a transformed life, radically devoted and obedient to Jesus, Rustenburg will be radically transformed as well. So, as one who was in attendance, my issue is not how many were there, or even what other people do afterward, but what will I do? One thing I already did is to edit the video Erton shot during the event into a short 'movie'. It needs a little more work (addition of music, for example), but I get NO credit for 'suffering for the Gospel' from video editing - it is FUN!

On a much smaller scale, Erton was radically transformed today into a 40 year old person, having yesterday been a 39 year old person. A number of us went to some length to see that he had a good day, and I believe the effort met with great success. That probably wasn't too hard, though, because prior to today he had NEVER had the opportunity to celebrate his birthday. I urge all of you to imagine what that would be like, and join in the rejoicing (it doesn't matter if you are a few days late). (See attached photo of him enjoying his birthday cake, new shoes and new jacket - a smile doesn't get any bigger or better than that one!) He is one of the leaders of the Alpha course at the Methodist church, and just got back from tonight's meeting. Everyone there (a large group) all stood and sang 'Happy Birthday' to him - there were even musical instruments. Tonight I am getting to see what 'fullness of joy' looks like on a human face.

On Tuesday Ruth and I went to Pretoria for the monthly get-together of Presbyterian pastors. It is held at St. Andrews church, which is an absolutely gorgeous, old church right in the heart of Pretoria (see attached photos).

Tomorrow morning I will be responsible for the prayer and a 20 minute devotional on 'Love in Action', related to missions, for a ladies group at the Methodist church. I am just beginning to understand these things (I hope), but I'll do my best. Then tomorrow evening is the 6th of 7 sessions in the 'Fresh Bread' teaching series.

I received a call from the host pastor for my upcoming Namibia trip, and he said he will tell me tomorrow in more detail what is being arranged. The most interesting part for me is the question of how much of the 'menu' of possible teaching topics they want me to address. If they pick them all (an available option) then I will be a very busy boy both getting ready for the trip and while there. Fortunately, busy is good. (My next couple weekly messages could be a bit brief, however).

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