In John 6:28-29 the disciples asked Jesus what work the Father had for them. Jesus answered saying The work of the Father is to believe in the One He sent. On January 30, 2012 after being here four weeks, found out first hand that God's work is not always easy as we endured probably the most trying time in our lives. That morning my wife and I were involved in a jarring car accident (our two sons were not in the car). Later that day our son Micah who contracted a stomach ailment and became very dehydrated. He had to be rushed to the hospital and was there for four nights. These unforeseen incidents basically brought our ministry to a quick halt for an entire week. There was a point we started questioning our calling and in our weakest moments we thought of packing it in and going back home. However, we quickly realized that God has called us to this place and he was going to use us to bring glory to Himself. God never said serving Him would be easy and any setbacks we endure in this world are minute and insignificant when compared to God's eternal plan. We prayed that His word would find fettle ground (as Jesus taught with the parable of the sower) and that we would persevere and be productive till the end in accordance with His eternal will and calling. This week as I researched and began to write the constitution and rules for the soccer ministry we are starting I could not help but think how much of a privileged it was for God to call us to this place at this time and trust us with such an important work. Even with the immense challenges we have faced since we set out on this journey January 1st. I can't imagine anything being more rewarding than to work exclusively for our eternal Father till our last breath not matter what misfortunes this life may bring. We so dearly appreciate your prayers for His provision as we serve out the rest of this trip and as we prepare to come back to serve full time! Dan Simmons
God's Work is Usually not Easy but Always Rewarding.
Simmons 4 Africa
About Us
We are Dan and Deena Simmons who are currently serving in Newcastle South Africa for two months along with our sons Josiah and Micah. We will be leaving in March and hope to return as long term missionaries here by the end of 2012.
What are we doing?
Deena has 21 years teaching as a primary school teacher and she also has 11 years experience in reading curriculum development. She is working with a new Christian school here in Newcastle and is assisting with developing their reading curriculum, remedial reading and teacher training. When we return on a more permanent basis Deena will continue to assist the school with whatever is needed in regards to academic development, teaching and/or training. Dan has teamed up with local pastors in developing a youth soccer organization that will be centred around promoting the gospel to potentially thousands of children and giving these kids an avenue to improve their soccer skills and development. There are currently no soccer leagues or formal competition opportunities for youth in this area. Additionally, literacy in South Africa is low, especially in the more rural areas. Because of this we feel the Lord is leading to start a mobile reading workshop ministry we can take to mission schools, townships and rural locations in the northern KwaZulu Natal region. This workshop would provide reading materials, parent training and tutoring for youth free of charge.