Departure

Dear Family & Friends,
Amber & I wanted to say a quick thank you to all who have prayed for and supported our ministry to the orphans in Welkom, South Africa. We are amazed at God's faithfulness and provision for our family as we have looked toward spreading His fame in a new country. I can't begin to list all the many ways He has worked and blessed throughout the whole pre-field process, but I wanted to take a minute and lift up His name to you all.


We started fund-raising in February 2007, and while there were many peaks, valleys, and plateaus throughout those months, there was never a time when God did not provide. Even in these last few months as our focus turned from financial needs to more physical needs, such as packing, shipping our goods, and selling our house, things just seemed to fall into place. Here is a list of a few of the highlights over the last couple months:
-January 4th: My last day at Wells Fargo
-1st Two weeks of January: Finish up last minute projects to put our house on the market
-January 16th: Our house goes up for sale
-Two weeks later: We accept a bid on our house
-January 24th: We find out Amber is expecting our 2nd child, due to arrive in September
-February 4-14th: We visit Amber's family in Colorado
-February 14-19th: We finish packing our house and ship our container to South Africa, with much help from friends & family
-February 22nd: Amber & I depart on a cruise to the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, & Jamaica (generously provided by close friends), along with my brother & his wife, and another couple close to us
-March 1st: Arrive back in Iowa and get Meredith back from Amber's parents, where she stayed for about a month.
-March 3rd: Close on the sale of our house
-March 9th: Scheduled to depart for Jo-burg, South Africa


Again, this list cannot begin to describe how faithfully God provided for all our need during this time. We want to express our great appreciation to all who have lifted us up before our Almighty God. We firmly believe that a man can receive nothing except it is given him from heaven. As we praise God for what He has done for us, we want most of all to thank him for His provision of a Savior. Amber & I are both aware that we are sinners, and that according to the laws of God, sin must be paid for. What a blessing for us to know that God also gave the free gift of His perfect Son to pay for our sins against Him. That is why we are moving to Africa, to spread the message of eternal life and peace with the God of the Universe.


We will continue to keep you all updated with news (and pictures) from South Africa. Thank you for your love, prayers, and financial support.


Louis, Amber, & Meredith O'Tool
The Pines Christian Care Centre for Children
515-371-8697