Phew! But this blogging requires discipline!

Well, Christmas Eve, and I haven't touched this blog for over three months! How embarrassing is that!

And so much has happened in that time... part of the reason why the blog-thing isn't as regular as it should be. Simon and Tara finished another year at University, Rebekah finished Matric (and registered for Wits University next year). Two books published, and another one 2/3 finished. A short holiday in December. Preparation for Christmas services and celebration. And all while running a large Church in the northern suburbs of the third largest city in Africa.

Of course, the real problem is not busy-ness, but... lack of discipline. There, I've said it! The uber-disciplined perfectionist has owned up... aah well, that's one more resolution for 2011. :-))

The Malihambe! Bible Series continues to grow... although still a little slower than I'd originally anticipated. Still... baby steps.

Of excitement is the publication of two books in the last while...

The isiZulu translation of volume 1 in the Malihambe! Bible Series - Malihambe! Reading the Bible in Southern Africa today was published in September. That means the book is now available in English, seTswana and isiZulu (the Afrikaans is ready to go to the typesetter, and the seSotho is almost ready for final editing - unfortunately the isiXhosa seems still some way off).

The book has been really well received (very humbling) and is selling well (very gratifying). The new language will make it far more accessible to the people of Southern Africa.

A week later the first book in the companion Malihambe! Growing Spiritually Series was published - A Simple Rule for Life. This little book examines the "Methodist Rule of Life" (do no harm, do good, stay in love with God) in a practical and challenging way. It is also published by Africa Upper Room Ministries (www.aurm.co.za). Once again it has been very well received, and the isiZulu should be out early next year (followed by several other languages of the sub-continent).

There are two books at the typesetters right now, and so I am hoping they will be out in February or March - the isiZulu of volume 33: The Book of Good News – a commentary on the Gospel of Mark and of A Simple Rule for Life.

Not only is the publication of a book always exciting, but we now have five volumes being written (Psalms, John, Romans, Philippians/Colossians/1 & 2 Thessalonians, and John's letters/Jude).

2011 is going to be an exciting year for the Malihambe! dream............

But now, back to my Christmas services...