Over the past few months the LTLA extended family has lost some dear saints in the Lord. We grieve the loss of their physical presence with us but we rejoice that they are at home with the Lord. In the midst of these fearful days, it is a great comfort to know Christ has prepared a glorious place for those who trust in Him. (John 14:1-2)
In August Gregg Reisinger, father-in-law to Rebecca (Shimkus), joined the church triumphant after battling Covid-19. He was a good steward of horses and cattle, two of God's creatures that he loved. His horse farm was one of the largest in the state of Iowa, where he raised more than 1700 American Paint Horses, American Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds. He had a kind listening ear and was ready to provide expert advice in horsemanship as well as life lessons he learned in his 75 years.
You will be receiving a letter that details the impact that Gogo (Grandmother) Annie had in Chinhoyi after being discipled through Life to Life Africa. She passed away in September in her mid sixties due to heart trouble. I look forward to meeting her in heaven.
On October 3 (my father's birthday) my mother, Kay Sulc, passed away at the age of 91. She served in ministry with my father from the time they finished at Columbia Bible College until they retired from 20 years as missionaries in Brazil and 18 years in pastoral ministry in the US. Her cheerful disposition and perseverance after suffering a brain aneurysm 23 years ago then a year later losing her husband speaks to her deep faith in God and His sustaining grace. She deeply impacted my life and I look forward to introducing you to her in heaven.
Lastly, I would like to honor Rex Rector who launched the construction work of the Life to Life Africa Community Center. He and his wife Debbie spent three months in Chinhoyi in early 2012. They were joined for a month by their son Caleb and his wife Rebekah. Rex went to be with his Lord on November 5 after suffering a stroke. Rex literally laid the foundation of a building where young men are now residing and getting training in ministry. In that building children have heard the good news of Jesus and widows gather to be trained in sewing. It has housed several teams from the US who have traveled to co-labor with the LTLA team. Needless to say Life to Life Africa is grateful for the contribution made by Rex Rector and his family. Our thoughts and prayers for God's comfort are with Debbie and her family as they grieve his loss.
In memory of "Uncle" Rex, Arthur Nhau, LTLA Director in Chinhoyi, has put together the following thoughts and photos:
This verse sums up the love and kindness we all experienced when Uncle Rex and his family visited us in 2012: "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)
Uncle Rex came to Chinhoyi to a bushy area that was to become our ministry centre and began laying the foundation to what would be the flats [apartments] that have accommodated many, including university students from neigboring Chinhoyi University of Technology.
Uncle Rex recruited a lot of guys who were unemployed due to the economic hardships we were going through at that moment and brought joy to many.
After the completion of the flats, we started using them for ministry meetings and training, as well as accommodating college students of which some went on to commit their life in serving the Lord. (Zviko, in light blue T-shirt in the photo below, is ministering with Life to Life and using his Accounting degree to steward the ministry finances.)
MEMORIES
- I worked with Uncle Rex and enjoyed his experience that he imparted on us. He was a very humble man who left the comfort of his country to be with us here. - Cecil
- I hosted them at my house and they were the kindest and most humble people I have met. They could have stayed in a hotel.He also helped by taking the responsibility of paying fees for Prince, as I was looking after him. - T Shambare
- After my husband died, he left our house not finished and Uncle Rex and Auntie Debbie helped me finish it. I will forever be grateful. - Gogo Mildred
- When my parents died and I thought that was the end of life not knowing that God would send his servants from far away to assist me in a way that I never dreamt. Uncle Rex helped me to make the decision of having Christ as my personal Savior and he also sent me to school and I graduated and now I am married and have a child, a life I never dreamt of. - Prince
- He came at a time when our country was really struggling economically and I was able to be employed during a difficult time which made things better for me. - Sifelani
- I can’t say much but after years of sleeping on the floor, uncle Rex bought me a bed, not even my relatives could do that but only a brother in Christ. Uncle Rex also led me Christ, and now I have a relationship with Jesus as my Lord. - Willard
- The short time we had together, Uncle Rex taught me about parenting and how to balance ministry and family, he blessed us with a car to generate income and support our ministry. - Arthur & Mildred
Like these faithful servants, "let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1)
Mike Sulc
Life to Life Africa