Sunday, August 22, 2010

Norman's trip to Alabama is off, but the dream lives on

Norman and the children of St Mark's .... his dream of visiting the USA lives on

Norman Mangena was chosen to represent St Mark's, as part of the 10 Year celebration, in respect of the partnership between the Presbytery of eGoli and their counterparts from North Alabama Presbytery. The event runs from the 3- 17 September in Huntsville, North Alabama.

Norman is a Zimbabwean, by birth, and this complicated the US visa application, the first time around. Heidi Meadows, from North Alabama,  and our Liz jumped in to assist, but in the end we failed to make the time limit required by the US authorities.

Norman is sadden by the turn of events, but there will always be a next time under the guidance of the Lord.

E-mail from Norman:

"Hi All,

Thank you for all the efforts and for assisting me in trying to get a visa for the visit to North Alabama next next month. Unfortunately I have been turned down yet again. This time the authorities did not even allow me to book an interview.

They simply told me, that according to legislation,  the visa application must be made 3 weeks before the date of depature. I suppose it was just not meant to be, not this time at least. I must admit it has been very depressing for me, but I know that all things will work out for the good of the childern of God, and those called according to his purpose.

Once again I would like to thank you all for you for your assistance. It has been a very challenging week even at work, but God gave me strength to carry on. Thank you very much Heidi and Liz for your assistance. Unfortunately someone sat on my phone and it's not working at present, Hopefully it will be fixed by tomorrow. We are moving offices at work and I am working this weekend, so I will not be at church on Sunday.

God bless you all,
Norman Mangena"

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