We first met the Hart family when we arrived in BJ in August
2013. They had just arrived from South Africa for the husband to help develop
economic relations between China and South Africa. Like most families anywhere in the world,
much of their life revolved around dad’s work, kids’ school & afterschool
activities, and mom’s school volunteering & Book studies.
Over the 2½ years they lived here, we saw them grow in the
Lord and grow in their family. We grew in our love for this family and
appreciate their faithfulness to the Lord. They served the Kingdom in so many
ways – teaching children, practicing hospitality, bringing encouragement.
Several times Mark traveled to the husband’s work area to meet him for lunch to
spend time with him. Several times they hosted us and others in their home, over
2 hours from our apartment.
I remember one time especially during their first year here
how they expressed the difficulty in living here and adjusting to life in BJ.
Mom wanted to take the kids back to South Africa after one year. Yet God gave them grace,
and they ended up staying 2½ years. We shared heartaches and tears as they
wrestled with decisions about their kids’ educations and futures. We watched
them learn to trust the Lord in hard decisions and how the Lord then opened
doors in unexpected ways.
The dad finished his assignment here this past December and
the family returned to their home in South Africa. They blessed us and BBC by
their love for the Lord and their commitment to Him. Our lives are richer for
knowing the Hart family. We pray God’s blessing on them as they re-adjust to
living in SA and serving Him there.
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