News of southern Africa from John and Heather

Caleb received this many cards on his birthday – and since that day the amount has doubled!

“Look Mom, more cards!” Caleb said as I came in after picking lots of yummy raspberries from our hosts’ garden this afternoon. “Amazing!” I exclaimed.Here we are – it’s Monday – and Caleb is still receiving birthday love from many of you!So much so, that I am going to humbly ask that you receive our thanks and appreciation in this letter – rather than personally. We had intended to do that – especially for those of you who sent along a little something extra with stickers, artwork, crossword puzzles, and cash. Caleb has received over 90 birthday cards and greetings in less than a week! Yes, you read that right! We are so thankful for your care of our precious son. We want you to know that Caleb read every word of every card. It means that much. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

News from southern Africa from John and Heather

John’s Mom – A Health UpdateThank you for your care, love, and prayers for Maryann this past week. We are grateful to say that she is home now. Either John or his sister, Kelly has been staying with Maryann since she returned home on Friday. John took Maryann in for additional bloodwork today to make certain that the antibiotics are still working effectively against the sepsis. We are grateful to be available to assist her. Truly, the Lord knew that it was important for us to be here for Maryann during this time. Would you continue to pray for her to regain her health and her strength?Thank you!

Micah Man UpdateThank you for your prayers for Micah. Here’s another interesting story to share with you regarding Micah’s twist-and-turn work saga.

News from southern Africa from John and Heather

Micah returned to us Saturday night to be with us for dinner, to spend the night, do his laundry, and then return to work on Sunday afternoon.While Micah debriefed his training experience with us, he shared some startling information. Micah offered that it wasn’t until Tuesday that he was told that he had his summer job with the camp. Apparently, Micah was still in the interview and assessment process when he arrived at camp last week. Micah hadn’t understood that. However, on Tuesday, his job with the camp was cemented.How?The camp leaders asked for someone to climb up on the roofs of the cabins and other buildings to clean out the gutters.Micah volunteered.No one else did.Micah scrambled up onto the different roofs and set to work on all the gutters. He realized that some hadn’t been cleaned out for months. Micah persevered and completed the task.When finished, one of the camp leaders approached Micah and said something of the sort: “Because you volunteered for this job, Micah, your application process has been fast-tracked. You have a summer job with us.”As Micah relayed this story on Saturday night, he looked over at his dad and said, “Thanks, Dad. You taught me how to clean out gutters in South Africa. Since I knew what to do, I could volunteer for that job and got myself a summer job.”Micah also shared that his lifeguard training began this past week, too. He is still excited by the prospect of gaining these important skills to add to his repertoire along with gutter cleaning! 😊What will Micah be doing? It looks like each week will present different opportunities. However, for the most part Micah will be on the work crew – with cleaning, assisting, setting up and taking down tasks. He will also be a lifeguard when the kids are swimming in the lake. Last of all, Micah will also serve as a mentor some of the younger staff. We are looking forward to hearing how it all goes for Micah in the next 11 weeks! Thank you for keeping him in your prayers while he serves at Camp Canyon View.

What’s Next for the Witherows?I think I am going to keep this section here for a while! As things continue to evolve, while we seek the Lord for what is next for our family.We’ll also use this section to share about what is happening in South Africa. Read on….

News from southern Africa from John and Heather

This image is from June 4, 2020. Since that date, South Africa’s infection rate has nearly doubled.

What we want you to know is that South Africa now has the eighth fastest infection rate for the coronavirus in the world. Yesterday, the confirmed cases of COVID-19 on a single day in South Africa amounted to 4,302 infections – more than any other day before. The number of infections continue to grow exponentially. Total cases as of today, June 15, reached its highest at 73,533, which was an increase of 3,485 infections. South Africa has the highest volume of confirmed cases compared to other African countries as well. Please keep our South African friends in your prayers. Thank you!

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HOW TO PARTNER WITH USGo to OC International’s GIVE page:http://www.onechallenge.org/give/You can set up a checking account transfer or credit card donation for monthly giving or a one-time gift in our name. Or email us or Whatsapp us for more information.johnwitherow@oci.orgJohn’s Whatsapp: +1 503 268 9144heatherwitherow@oci.org

News from southern Africa from John and Heather