4th Quarter 2020

December 2020
Dear Friends in Christ,

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

What a wonderful time of the year and what a great time to be here on earth as a child of the King. While this may be a surprising statement to some, it is a truth we can proclaim. There are new opportunities awaiting us as we surrender to the will of God in every situation He brings into our life. As Christmas reminds us to focus on Christ’s humility and faithfulness, two attributes we should all encompass, the new year emphasizes hope and the thought of exciting possibilities. Even though this world faces many uncertainties in the future, let us look to God with earnest expectation of what He can and will do.

Thank you very much for praying for us and for our ability to return to South Africa. You may remember the country had been closed without any indication of when the visa process would resume. However, surprisingly, about a month ago, the borders opened to all foreigners. We immediately employed an immigration lawyer in South Africa to help us with the visa process. She will ensure we have all the proper documents and do everything correctly. You might recall that Tina’s FBI background report was difficult to secure last time, but we praise the Lord for allowing that process to go so smoothly this time. It was the first document we have been able to complete. Our initial goal was to return to South Africa about the middle of January; however, that may have to be pushed back a little. We shared a little in previous letters about my shoulder injury and ongoing pain. Despite therapy, the pain seems to be increasing and the mobility is decreasing. I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon in the middle of December. Several months ago, my doctor mentioned a chance of surgery if the therapy did not help, so with that thought, we have been advised to take care of the problem here before returning to South Africa. Saying all that, we want to assure you that if I need to undergo surgery, we plan to return to Cape Town as soon as the recovery time is completed. Please pray for my medical needs and for our visas to South Africa.

It has been a joy to be able to be involved in our home church during the past few months and through the holidays. The elementary Sunday school division held promotions at the beginning of the quarter, so we received a new class of eight first-grade students. It has been interesting to see the academic difference between the former class and this class and be reminded of how much they learn in first grade. The current class is at the stage where some struggle reading basic words, while the previous students were reading out of the KJV without very many problems at all. We are thankful to have a very small part in these young lives and to be able to work alongside four college students, as well.

We have also been privileged to have a little part in the Christmas outreach at church. Normally, the church would conduct a musical-drama production for Christmas, but because of COVID, Christmas activities have been moved outside to better fit the situation. Folks from the church and college designed and created an outdoor Christmas village, with horse and carriage rides, a live nativity (including a camel, sheep, and other animals), a European market with craft and food shops, and a large screen showing Christmas music videos done by the church and college, all climaxed with a gospel presentation by our pastor. The event has been well received by the community and has welcomed many visitors who would never have attended church service. Please pray for the follow up with those visitors and that the Lord would continue to work in hearts.

We are also grateful to be able to interact face-to-face with folks in some of our supporting churches through these time as I have had the opportunity to fill in for several pastors. Please pray the Lord would use us in these churches and in the other opportunities He provides.

Many of you had been praying specifically for our online classes, so we wanted to let you know Tina and I finished those a few weeks ago. There were some challenges and stretching times, but we appreciate all we learned, as we are always grateful for anything that better prepares us to serve the Lord. I will be taking Dispensationalism and Hermeneutics next semester as I get one step closer to completing my master’s degree. Please pray that I would have wisdom and understand all God has for me to learn.

As we have mentioned before, it continues to be a blessing to have special times with our children while we are stateside. Rebekah stays busy with her travels and with her studies, and we rejoice that the Lord has provided 80% of her needed support. Please pray with us that she might get to Ukraine by next summer. Leah’s job is extremely busy at the end of the year, but she remains faithful and also actively involved in discipling several young ladies, which she greatly enjoys. Jonathon and Johanna are doing well in their jobs and ministry. Not too long ago, they shared some exciting news that they are expecting a baby in the middle of May. It is an exciting thought that we are going to be grandparents!! Thank you for your ongoing prayers for each of our children and now for our grandchild. 😊

As we close this letter, we want to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. We praise the Lord for each of you, for the encouragement you have been to us through notes and cards, for your consistent financial support and for your faithful prayers. We are truly blessed to be able to labor together with you. May the Lord be honored and glorified in all we do!


Serving the Saviour,
Ron & Tina Fruin