Monthly Report from Warne, NC 28909
December 7, 2010

Dear Brethren,

     Greetings once again from Warne. As most of you, we also experienced the first blast of winter. Morning temperatures in the 20's and daytime highs not much better. At least Laverne is happy that all the leaves are gone. We are doing well, medically as well as spiritually. The work is at peace and our teaching programs still generate high interest from our members. We always receive encouragement and positive comments from our guests and visitors after they worship with us. Our members know how to make a guest or visitor feel welcome.
     Our programs continue as normal. Laverne and I are on the "emergency GO" program due to the immanent arrival of our highly anticipated grand daughter. Our eldest and his wife are expecting their third child but it will be their first daughter. The Florida drive normally takes about 9 hours and we only have to negotiate the "dreaded" Atlanta. We prefer to go through the city at 3 a.m. Laverne is a very nervous passenger (backseat driver) and the driver gets agitated easily under such difficult circumstances. We asked the men to be on standby to take charge of my responsibilities. I have been given the OK and assurance that things are "taken care of." For that we are so grateful, especially for them allowing us to leave for a few days.
     We recently had a visitor stop in to worship with us. He has been looking for a church and since he comes into the area periodically, he has not been able to find anything to his satisfaction. He has been at our service a few times and since he spends most of his time in Florida where his wife is taking care of her elderly parents, he would come for short periods of time to work on their home which they plan to move to on a permanent basis. He sent me an email that he would be back and we pray that the teaching we do can help them understand more fully what the Lord requires. We rejoice with every new face who comes our way. He has no interest in music, large numbers at service or activities. His wish is that the message would be clear, and that it would challenge him to study further. We are more than willing to help him in this matter.
     Our Tuesday study at Shooting Creek continues and we have it scheduled from week to week as weather allows. For the moment it will continue for the next two weeks and then we will reconsider for the following week. They decided not to change their Sunday morning services (due to some who will be unable to attend) to the afternoon to facilitate me to preach for them on a more permanent basis. I am grateful that they made this decision because it will help them to continue looking for a preacher to locate into the area. We will however help with any classes as they are needed. Please keep them in your prayers.
     On a little more sombre note: Our medical heart monitor of the pacemaker-defib indicates that the life expectancy of the battery is about at its limit. From here on we must expect our first warning from a beep sound through the implant. It can be a month or two before a new device will have to be implanted. I have been declared "Working Disabled" without any government assistance. North Carolina, however, will help with medical bills based on income. Our greatest concern has been whether we must go through Ashville, NC. which is about the same distance as Atlanta. We just received confirmation that we can go to Atlanta for the device implant. That takes care of a whole lot of problems to find a new doctor and new setup. The Emory Health Clinic out of Atlanta has been responsible for the service of the device via the hospital here in Hiawassee, a few miles from us but located in Georgia. We will be responsible for paying off a deductible which has not been determined. We are concerned only because without the device my heartbeat drops to 25 beats per minute and that is not capable of sustaining life. Please keep us in your prayers. Especially Laverne since she is the one having to arrange things and keep the boat afloat.
     We thank all of you who informed us of your continued support. We are more than grateful for the generosity and your prayers are always requested on our behalf. We hope you have a wonderful festive season and all the very best for the new year. You are in our prayers all the time. May the Lord bless you in all your ways. 

In Christ, always,
Laverne and Sakkie Pretorius
Email: Missionwork1@gmail.com   Mailing address: 96 Scenic Road, Warne, NC. 28909
Phone: 828 389 8289