JUNE 2010

JUNE NEWS 2010

Hi to all our family and friends – WOW time seems to just fly fly by!!! Just checked out our blog and my goodness the boyz have grown so here is another update to touch base with all of you.
Thought it would be good to go month by month! Enjoy all the pics and all our news.


We had a great time of CELEBRATING Gran Abrams (Mark’s granny, the boyz great granny) 80th birthday. We enjoyed a special meal with her and the extended family at a hotel in the Natal Midlands. What a joy to have such a godly grandmother so able and fit to be part of our lives. We pray God’s special blessing on her.

SOCCER FEVA!!!
Yes we did get to enjoy the vuvuzelas, wistles, shouts and loud hub-bub atmosphere of living in the world cup host country. We had a family outing to the beachfront to enjoy the soccer fan club with activities on the beach all day long.






Troydie got to run in a huge ball and all the boyz enjoyed a little train ride and Tan ate the messiest ice-cream ever! We were very involved in ministry outreach during the world cup and so enjoyed the extra opportunities to share Jesus with others.

One of our activities was our Holiday Bible Club THE ULTIMATE GOAL – “SUPER LEGUE” It was all centered around sharing the gospel and being apart of “God’s Team”. We had two teams the Strikers and the Defenders and Mark was the leader and was nicknamed “FIFA”.

Each of our leaders had a team name like, left back, forward, kicker, goalie, scorer, linesman etc. Our senior pastor did the Bible teaching each day and each story built onto the next in learning about God’s salvation plan for our lives.
We split the group of about 60 kids into “team talk time” to do a craft were we made, flags, peaks, and shaker and soccer board games. Our game time was busy with many a ball game loads of fun and creativity to make it a challenge and a great time for the kids to play.
Each day we had a crazy dress activity so you can see from our pics we even had a change of hair doo!
What a wonderful week of sharing God’s love with the children. Troyden so enjoyed his FIRST Bible Holiday Club and has been asking when is the next one.


















We ended our week with a weekend away in Margate down on the coast were we had time to relax and rest after a busy week of ministry.







We took the kids to the bird park where the birds sit on your head when you feed them and Troydie got to fee the bunny rabbits.

















We paddled the paddle boats on the lagoon to see the waterfall. The boyz all so enjoyed riding on the water and mom and dad had a huge work on the thighs paddling the boat.









We treated ourselves to WAFFLES at eh waffle house and the boys so enjoyed playing in their playground on the horsie.
And in between enjoyed walking along the beach, digging in the sand and paddling our toes – great WINTER weekend on the beach!












FAMILY NEWS
Troyden has now learnt how to get dressed by himself and is most proud when he gets his T-shirt on and off all by himself. Can’t believe how quickly he is growing up. We have had so much fun chatting and the things he says are too cute. The one day we were talking about where do you go when you die and we explained that God lived in heaven and that we would go there if we love the Lord with all our hearts and he asked “well how do we get there?” and mommy promptly said “we will FLY!” (the only way I could explain quickly) and you should have seen his eyes and his response with all the expression you could imagine “FLY!!! WOW!! How cool!!”
Then when speaking about tomorrow or yesterday he says “dad, on the other morrow can we do….” So now we use that all the time – on the other morrow lets…. All too fun having kids in the house!

Our puppy, MAC has grown and we took him on his very FIRST walk and oh did he love that!!! Dad even enjoyed the ride with the boyz!!!

MINISTRY
Our main ministry update for the month of June was really all the Soccer outreach that our church family was involved in, services, screening of the games with supper provided in the rural areas and of course our fun holiday club.
We have also started a new bible study that Mark is leading for the young families. Tan leads the moms group and these moms were feeling that their husbands never get an opportunity to chat with other men with the same family, social, work pressures and wanted to have a bible study time for them as couples to study God’s word together. We now meet twice a month with a quick supper for the family and child care provided during the study time. What a blessing this has been to be amongst adults our own age all with different spiritual needs and how refreshing to have new Christians and even some who don’t know much about spiritual things meet together to discuss and learn. We have so enjoyed this new ministry opportunity. Please pray for those who are seeking, asking and wanting to follow Christ more closely.


Thanks for taking the time to catch up with us – chat again soon

God Bless and take care - In His hands

Mark, Tanya, Troyden, Treyson & Tryston

March - April - May 2010

HELLO HELLO HELLO LONG LOST TIME!!!

Hi to all our family and friends – it has been long overdue that we send you news on the WILBY FAMILY HOME and MINISTRY front. So enjoy the read and all the pics as you catch up with what we have been up to over the last 4 months. Sorry for so much HISTORY!! WOW time fly's by when you have little people in your house!

MARCH saw the end of our Summer and we had great weather HOT HOT HOT so we were out in the garden enjoying planting plants, playing in the water with bazooka squirters, under the sprinkler, up the jungle gym and in the tent. The boys love the outside and so the tans then were looking the best they had all summer.

We went on an outing to the botanical gardens and Troydie so enjoyed riding his bike all around. Feeding the ducks was quite something especially when some of the ducks were bigger than him.

A highlight for Tan was her birthday at the end of March. We celebrated her birthday with a trip to Joeys to visit and celebrate with Trent (his birthday too) and we had a great weekend. We spent a day up in the mountains, enjoying the rest and quite, we swam, braai-ed (cooked out) and took a short walk that even Troydie managed - up the gorge and swam in the cold mountain water river rock pools it was great fun. We had a day of shopping and spoilt ourselves for our birthdays and then the highlight was a day in PARIS!! (Parys) a little quaint town just outside Joeys.

We had breakfast on the main road in an old coffee shop that reminded us of Cracker Barrel (fun old timey restaurant in the USA). We shopped the antique and craft shops and then the boys went fly-fishing on the Vaal river while we picnicked on the river bank. Very beautiful and peaceful. We ended the day with fish and chips for supper and then watched a chick flick – so in all you can say that she was spoilt on her birthday it was quite a celebration!

We have had a trying time with the kids being sick at the end of March WOW!!! Will say it was the most challenging week of mommy hood for me! All three had inner ear infections, tonsils and runny runny runny noses so we now have shares in the doctor’s rooms and our medical aid is smiling!! Praise God they all bounced back great and after that episode we decided for the winter we would try out the flu injection – and we are smiling with some of winter arriving in the air so far we think the injections have helped to keep the BAD germs at bay.

We must say that all THREE boys are a special blessing to us, running around, playing with each other, jumping on the bed at bath time, diving off the couch onto a pile of pillows, tackling, playing “on your marks get set go!” or rather as Troydie says – “ LET’S PLAY MARKET GO!!” all this play can get a little rough at times. Another fun game in the Wilby house is HIDE AND SEEK too funny they have one hide and the other two count together then they shout Ba Ba Ba and the one hiding answers so it’s easy to find. We have had many a chuckle as they enjoy themselves playing together. They are all little individuals and very busy on the go all the time. They love to sing loud and will say the LA LA LA LA’s are too fun - Troydie is still leader of the pack and tells Treyson and Tryston what to do. Sharing has been quite a thing so lots of tears and hard for them all to understand. Treyson and Tryston are now communicating with each other and call one another by shouting Ba Ba Ba and the other answers back it is very cute to see what a unique relationship they have.

BLESSED EASTER to all of you – HALLELUJAH CHRIST IS RISEN!!
A highlight for us was to do an Easter egg hunt with the boys in the dark. We were given glow in the dark Easter eggs and little torches. What a blast the kiddies had looking for chocolate treasures in the garden at night. We all praised the Lord for what He has done for us at our Sunrise service at the beach what a beautiful time we had.

Cousin Joshie celebrated his NUMBER THREE birthday and what fun the kiddies all had. It was a BIKE party where the boys got to ride on little paved roads with signs, robots (traffic lights), hills, traffic circles etc.

They had so much fun ZOOMING around – dad, mom, grand-dad and grand-ma were on the run as this was the first time Treyson and Tryston has free riding what a run around.

Since then we have had a chance to take the boys out to the beach front on their bikes and let them ride along and race each other – they loved the freedom to ride out in the open spaces!

Baby JAMES (Joshie’s baby brother) arrived safely into the world and what a cutie he is. Congrats to mom and dad on another BOY to add to the WILBY BOY BUNCH! Mom and baby are doing great and he is already a big boy at 5 weeks old! Troydie asked if he could run and play with him and is most upset that he sleeps all the times we go to visit.

To start of our Autumn we ventured out on a CAMPING trip to

St Lucia (a little north on the coast from Durban).

They have an inland Salt Water Estuary with crocodiles and hippos. Well what a treat for us to be camping and hear the Hippos grunting in the water. We had to fight of the invasion of monkeys and mongoose every day! The boys were fascinated with them. It was great to be so close to nature and for the boys to learn and see so much of God’s great creation. We spent one afternoon at the Croc Farm where we could come up close and personal with a croc and Troydie was amazed at how BIG they were. We spent some time building cars and castles on the beach and Troyden, Treyson and Tryston so enjoyed the sleeping in the TENT !! (Camping is definitely something that is going to be enjoyed and done often in the Wilby home!)

Another family fun time we have just added to our memories was a trip to the Royal Show (Agricultural show in Pietermaritzburg where farmers show the best of their animals). They have all of everything chickens, ponies, horses, cows, bunnies etc. What a great time to look around and enjoy all the animals as well as all the farming implements, home improvements and novelties for sale. This was the first time Troyden, Treyson and Tryston got to ride the BIG WHEEL, Troydie drove a kiddies train, they touched a bunny rabbit and climb on “GUNDA GUNDA’s” (tractor), trailers, diggers and more.

Troyden
He is really talking really nicely and so enjoys his little brothers. He has reached the stage of asking WHY? So we have had a challenge in having to answer his questions intelligently – especially when you don’t know much about the topic he is asking about e.g. Front loaders, diggers and cranes – what a STRETCH!! He loves individual time and Mom has made the effort to teach him so crafts like painting, play dough, cutting and sticking. Linking logs is by far his favorite and he loves to build log homes and play the cowboy ranch as he builds. He has saved his first bit of pocket money and we had a big outing to go and buy a play cellphone for him what an ordeal to find the right one and then pay for it. He only wanted to spend 6 BUCKS so when I told him it was 30 BUCKS he couldn’t believe it!! (30 BUCKS WHY SO MUCH!!? - Was what he asked). He is growing up so fast it’s quite sad to see him so independent he is even dressing himself now and takes great joy in asking if he is doing a great job.

Treyson
He has a really strong will and it has been a challenge to grow and guide him. His favorite and only word right now is NO! His fun happy bubbly fun character is a huge blessing. He is daring and wants to be just like Troyden. The two of them often play together and Treyson imitates and follows Troyden in everything.

Tryston
He is the smiley child with a happy fun bubbly character too. He definitely will be talking first and is already saying HELLO and WOO WOO (for dog). He is more careful and cautious and plays a lot more gently. He is often the third party so spends a lot of time playing by himself – but will say that him and Treyson often take Troyden on.

MOM - Tan
Well I have had a great time in setting up a work craft station in our study at home. A place for me to mess and then close the curtain on the cupboard to hide the mess and come right back anytime to pick up from where I left off. I have started scrapbooking again to catch up with Treyson and Tryston’s albums and cannot believe how much they look like Troyden. I have also learnt how to do serviette decoupage and have had so much fun in making something old look new and restored. I had a spoil and spent a day at the craft show for some inspiration and what a load of beautiful things and ideas I came away with. I have so enjoyed setting aside this time to be creative even though it is only at night it has been great to relax and enjoy.

DAD - Mark
What a busy busy guy he is and has taken on many more ministries at church so has a very very big load. He is a wonderful hands on dad and loves playing ball, tackle, tickle and throw with the boys they love to hear his keys rattle at the door when he comes home each afternoon. Added to his busy life we have decided to start studying again. He has registered with South African Theological Seminary (Johannesburg based correspondence Seminary) and he will start in the next few months with his Masters in Theology – Biblical Studies. Please keep us all in your prayers as this will take a little adjusting to our schedules to help dad get the studying time in.

MINISTRY
We praise the Lord each and every day as we have the opportunity to work for the eternal kingdom what a joy to have a meaning and purpose to your life!

Impact Kids ministry every week this term we have taught what it means to be on the winning side! With the Soccer World cup round the corner we have had a great time teaching what “Soccer Sam” would do on the Soccer field and compared it to what “Christian Chris” would do in living the Christian life. Our term verse has been Philippians3v13-14 – “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” We have had a great time painting T’shirts to wear during the Soccer World cup, bandanas and flags with lots of mess, paint and fun.


Kingdom Kids (mom’s, dad’s and little kiddies) is going great and the moms are so enjoying the fellowship each week around God’s word – we have been greatly challenged as we have studied Proverbs 31. What a woman she is and so much to apply to our lives as women, moms, wives and home makers. (On the side Mark and I are writing “Proverbs 32 – the Godly man” (laugh out loud) we have had so many jokes to encourage and spur us on as parents and home makers in our own home – anything to keep one going when you feel swamped with all that responsibility!
The mom’s group meet twice a month for Bible study and the twice a month for an outing and we have had a great time each outing. Many times we meet at one of the mom’s homes and are made to feel very at home with each mom’s own hospitality flare. Each time we have something special where one of us share tips and ideas like, meal planning, shopping lists, creative quick meals, child care ideas, craft and activity ideas, home making décor, time savers etc.

We had an extra outing this month with a group of children from a crèche in one of our rural areas and we all went together to the Flag Farm. What a lot of fun for the kids to feed a lamb and a calf, milk a cow and ride a pony. Troydie really loves the horses and Treyson and Tryston not keen to even get on so he got two extra rides! They have pigs, sheep, goats, duck, bunnies, turkeys, birds and so much more and all the kids got to feed the animals it was a great day of outdoor activity for everyone.

A huge PRAISE – we have just started a new Bible study with these moms and their husbands and families. Please be in prayer for this group as many of the husbands are not saved but are willing to be apart of this time together. We meet twice a month for bring and share supper and study in God’s word lead by Mark. What a blessing to have this avenue of outreach pray that many lives are changed and that these parents can be a testimony and witness to their little children – we are very excited!

Young Adults group is going well they meet for Bible study every week that is led by Mark and the group averages about 17-20. They have just completed Revelation and are now studying 1 Corinthians and finding it a huge blessing! We were able to be part of an outing with them to Karkloof Gorge and enjoyed an afternoon picnic and fun alongside the river. We also had them all in our home for an evening of coffee brownies, ice-cream and chocolate sauce – great evening to fellowship together. It was great to also be a part of a marriage celebration what a blessing to see two young adults, committed to Christ, make vows to build their future together in the Lord. It was a wonderful wedding day - this made Mark and I think back on the vows we made nearly 7 years ago – God is Good!!!

Pastoral ministry has been a challenge and a blessing in Mark’s life as he has faithfully preached God’s word on several Sunday mornings and evenings. He is currently preaching through 1 John in the morning and just started a series through Malachi in the evenings. We have had a baptismal service and what an encouragement to see so many boldly follow Christ.
Mark led his first dedication service and it was definitely one to be remembered. Two families dedicated their little ones to the Lord and one baby cried the whole way through! Mark really did well to keep everyone together.
On the whole he is greatly enjoying being part of God’s family and leading ministry even though some days are really busy with elders, deacons, mission, staff, outreach, devotion, prayer, encouragement and family time. His schedule does get crazy at times. Please pray for time management so that each ministry has enough preparation time!
Many of you may have heard or received an email from us regarding his studies – this has been something we have been praying about for some time and feel that the timing is right so he will begin his studies through South African Theological Seminary (SATS) in the month of June and work toward receiving his Masters in Theology. We both are very excited at the opportunity that has come his way and are praying both for spiritual growth, greater depth in the things of the Lord and a challenge to stretch and equip for further ministry. Please be in prayer for us as we find support in funding this venture and finding the time to get the studies completed in amongst all our other ministry responsibilities.

Woman’s Ministry involvement has been a wonderful time for Tan to grow in leadership. The ladies met this first quarter of the year for a meeting “Soaring on Wings like Eagles” and it was a great afternoon of encouragement and inspiration for all who attended. Tan has also lead the craft event for the ladies and they had a decoupage morning and this was a great time of fellowship and creativity for the ladies to make “something OLD something NEW”!!

Like at the beginning of this section of our news letter we said – WHAT A BLESSING TO BE INVOLVED IN ADDING TO GOD’S KINGDOM DAILY AND WORKING FOR ETERAL THINGS!
Thank you Lord for giving us this opportunity to bring Glory to you in everything that we do!


To end our long newsy letter we have a new addition to the Wilby Family – his name is MAC - our new puppy (Labrador cross spaniel). He is 7 weeks old and is full of mischief. The boys have taken to him and Troydie has a new playmate. He can be a bit rough – so Treyson and Tryston tend to run away when he comes near. We all think he is the cutest little pup ever and what a joy his has added to our home!

Thank you for all your support and care we miss you all and would love to hear your news! God Bless and take care

In His hands

Mark, Tanya, Troyden, Treyson & Tryston

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2010

HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ALL OF OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY 2010

Our year started quick and has been busy busy busy but we are being blessed in all that we are accomplishing for our Saviour.

TROYDEN's BIRTHDAY

Well lets just say that his celebrations continued for the full month of January with a pre-birthday on holiday in Kei Mouth with yummie death by chocolate pud at the TREEPOT coffee stop and fun playing on the big house jungle gym.

Then we celebrated on his birthday with balloons for everyone and supper with his cousin Joshie and he got to blow out the candles on the Leechie desert! YUM

Then we had a "Fishy Party" down at the beach with boat rides, fun in the sand, pool fishing and breakfast snacks. It was a really fun day and Troydie got to blow out the candles again on his FISHY CAKE! - What celebrations. We praise the Lord for the blessing that he has been and what a joy to see him grow and question and reason things of life - Thank you Lord for his special little life.

NEWS on all the BOYZ - TROYDEN, TREYSON and TRYSTON

Our little boyz are growing so quick and fast it is hard to keep up with all that they are up too. We have great fun playing in the garden on the jungle gym and in the sand pit and summer has been soooo hot we have spent many an hour out in the sun under the sprinkler and in the little spash pool it has been great fun.

On the realy hot evenings we turn on all the aircons and play ball in Troydies room romping and playing throw and catch in the ball pool. Troydie loves his wooden train set and is aways ready for a story from his Thomas the Tank Engine books.

Treyson and Tryston have started climbing up and down stairs now so that has been great we don't have to carry up and down stairs in our double story home and just this month the craze with them has been to wear backpacks and climb - such big boyz!

We have come to learn many things about the "twin relationship" they have their own way of communication. They call each other (shouging Ba Ba Ba) and respond to each others call (very cute to watch.) If Tan gives out juice or a cookie and Treyson gets first he will always give to Tryston - the careing and sharing is quite something. They love playing catch and riding their bikes after eachother - this is quite a giggly time in the house!!! Tea time is their favourite and a quick smile is always there for you - we are so blessed and love our boyz very very much.

Treyson has grown his will and definately is stronger in character. (on the left they are eating Valentines Day chocolate lollies). Tryston just smiles his way thru life - look at that grin!!

The first words are coming and Treyson loves UH-OR!!! and Tryston is saying AH-NO!!! It is too cute - - added to this they are signing THANK YOU and PLEASE (sign language) so we are well on the way to teaching some early manners!

All three of them have tender hearts, are loveable and friendly. Generally they get along great with eachother with big brother as the definate leader of the pack. Rubgy tackling, giggling and "ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, GO races (or as Troydie says lets play "MARKET GO" have been the order of every days activities. On rainy days we watch a movie (most times it's Troydens favourite - SURF'S UP) and share popcorn (with the couch!)

FAMILY

Both our families are doing well busy in their work and ministry for the Lord. We have had a sad time with good-byes to Mark and my gramps at the end of last year, and then Marks great gran (97yrs old) passed away in January to be with Jesus - Praise the Lord they all had a saving knowledge of our God and King and as we explained to Troyden - Ouma Dickie is now dancing with Jesus in Heaven! (something her frail earthly body would not allow her to do).

Tan's folks are currently in Zululand missioning on for the Lord sharing the gospel, teaching, preaching, doing door-to-door visitation, AIDS care, childrens ministry and loving on the local church and its pastor. Trent (Tan's brother) is with them with several from his church in Johannesburg together with some students from our Johannesburg Baptist Seminary. Praise the Lord for this opportunity.

Mark's folks are busy with dad's business and great blessing mom has been able to give up her accounting job to work from home doing the occasional clients books and help dad out with his business - this is an answer to prayer as she has wanted to do it for a while.

Errol, Tracy and Zinny (Marks sister and family) are in Cape Town for this year as Errol studies though Baptist college to get his recognition and they are ministering as associate pastor in the area. Pray for them as they equip themselves for future minsitry.

Craig, Robs and Joshie (Mark's sister and family) are settled in Pietermaritzburg, Craig is working with dad in his business and they have just bought their first little house that is a do-up project. Big news they have another baby on the way due to arrive at the end of April. Pray for them as they prepare for this new little life to enter the world. - we are all very excited.

Most mondays we try to plan an outing as a family as it is Mark's day off and we went to Waterberries (little coastal forest coffee shop). They boys had so much fun eating cheesecake, drinking milkshakes, climbing on the jungle gyms and playing in the sandpit.

A real highlight for a visit to this little place is the "Forest Walk". This was Treyson and Trystons first "hike" as they walked the whole way by themselves. We saw a baby duiker that was really tame and the boyz pointed and smiled. (if you look really hard in this pic you can see it in the bush on the left). They swung on the boardwalk railings and played follow the leader along the path.

We treasure this time that we can input into our childrens lives and we have had so much fun on our many Monday outings or fun activities.

MINISTRY
Our church ministry is going great and we are having a busy but fun time. Mark is very involved in the leadership and teaching and preaching ministry and enjoying the challenge very much. Pray for him as he stands for what he believes is right and that he remains always true to God's Word.

Lambs Fold We have just completed the extentions to our mothers rooms at the church and what a difference this has made for all the mommies. It was a very memorable event as these rooms were refurbished in memory of one of our very own mommies who lost her life tragically in 2007. A sad but very happy and blessed time for all involved to see her wish and prayers come true. Praise the Lord.

What a celebration to have this legacy left - for moms to use these facilities mainly during our worship services on a Sunday. The prayer of her family was and is that many little lives will be trained in God's love and word through the use of these additions to our buildings. Praise the Lord! Our mom's group has grown from 3 to 11 and between us moms we have 19 children that we are training up as God's little warriors. Pray with us that this ministry will grow and many will come to the saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Impact Mark and I both are involved this semester in leading our junior youth every week and having a blast. They meet every week for a time of games, crafts and study in God's word. This first term has been great fun so far with stories from "HERMIE THE WORMIE" as he the bookworm shares of his adventure through all 66 books of the bible. The group is individually making their own full library of 66 matchboxes representing the books of the bible and this craft has proved to be great fun. Please pray for continued commitment from this group as we are struggling a little with getting the kids to participate on a regular basis and our numbers vary week to week. We decided to include the boyz in our ministry and has been a challenge at times but great for them to interact with kiddies older than them. The twins even got to join in a duster hockey game and they loved every minute of it.

Youth Praise the Lord! We have a young married couple with 3 children that have come forward to help with the leadership of this group and it has been a blessing all round. Mark is speaking every week at their get together and the young couple is planning and supporting in every other way possible. It is great to see parents get involved with their children to help train and build them up. Pray that many more of the parents will want to be involved with this group.

Bible Study Mark is still leading the Young Adults Bible Study group and they are studing their

way through the book of Revelation - challenging but a good study time. They enjoyed a traveling supper this last month and had a lovely evening of food and fellowship with 23 of them all traveling along together.

The Moms Group is going strong and we are just about to complete our topical study by Elizabeth George - "A Woman's High Calling". WOW talk about challenge we have been so stretched to live Christ's example out in every aspect of our busy "mom lives".

LIFE IN AFRICA We are praising the Lord for His blessings on our lives - on our marriage, for our special children, for His constant protection, for His great love, mercy and grace. What a privileged to be serving the Lord in this place and in this way.

Please keep us in your prayers:

• Direction for our future ministry as we lead, teach, train and disciple others in the things of the Lord
• The Lord's clear leading in the decisions we have to make daily
• A continual passion to read and study God's word
• The discipline of training and teaching our own children the truth of our Saviour found in His wonderful word - the Bible
• Health and strength to mission on for the cause of the Gospel

GOD BLESS and thanks for all your support and prayers they are greatly appreciated.

Mark, Tan & terrific T's