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CCF Missions - South Africa

Blog

Just like Dad

9/20/2017

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I've been called Mark my whole life.
It started as a kid in school in my hometown, with elderly teachers at school who remembered my dad. I think "Mark" may have been the abbreviation for "Mark's boy."
Then I noticed it happened several times at Blinn Junior College in Brenham. Dad didn't go to school there, but Brenham's not so far from Bellville. Two years later I moved to Waxahachie, Texas to attend another school. Dad's never even been there! And, within a couple of months, someone called me "Mark".
As a young adult over two hundred miles from my dad and his elderly grade school and high school teachers, it was pretty weird to be called after him.
Then I moved to Africa. And people here​ call me "Mark"!
It's happened several times in the last six years, most recently at Starbucks (hence the photo). I laughed and thought, at least my Dad is worth being named after.
Then it occurred to me: I'd like to be so unavoidably connected to my Father in heaven, that His name and His reputation follow me around everywhere I go. Do I remind people of Him?
"If my people, who are called by my name," He says. He says it several times in the Old Testament.
Called by His name. May our lives be worthy of it. May His character shine through, and His name be glorified.
He's worth being named after.
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20 Years of Blessing

9/2/2017

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Some time in the late 1990s, our friend Sophie Mashego left her work in the shebeen (a bar) so that she could serve her needy community. The work she began in her home developed over about twenty years into what Berakah is today. On 19 August, Berakah celebrated those twenty years as well as some recent exciting milestones, not the least of which is the acquisition of the title deed for Berakah's property.
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Berakah's staff and board were joined at Cre-ate Cafe in Pretoria by donors from South Africa and from Texas, as well as service providers and other community individuals who have helped Berakah become what it is today. Chandra hosted the celebration, honoring each individual and group for their contribution.

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Attendees were greeted at the entrance by a display featuring photos from different seasons in Berakah's history. We are grateful to Avril Elkington, Annette Swart, Meleney Kriel, and Bryan Hill for providing wonderful photos from years before we came to Pretoria, to Alex Vasquez and Kendall Meyers for the amazing professional photos, and to Olivia Swart for designing the beautiful display.

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Special thanks to Duane White, who along with his church The Bridge in Denton, Texas, is a huge friend to Berakah, for serving as the keynote speaker for the evening. Duane brought an inspiring word on being thankful in all seasons. We are thankful for your friendship, Duane!

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We were blessed to have the Octone Trio, whose members are all instructors at Hatfield Arts Centre Music Academy, provide smooth jazz during the meal and afterwards as guests were leaving. The music was outstanding! A great atmosphere for a great night of celebrating God's faithfulness.​

We are so grateful to serve Berakah and be a part of her journey, and so grateful for the friends that have entered our lives through it. We're believing God for greater things in the years to come!
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Mike & Chandra Noviskie,
​missionaries to South Africa

CCF Missions is a ministry of Christian City Fellowship.
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