tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81601891178883770532024-03-12T23:40:20.320-04:00Therefore go!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-4940494840434134342013-06-10T11:46:00.001-04:002013-06-10T11:46:35.685-04:00Siyahamba<span style="color: blue;"><b>"On the seventh day they rose early, at the dawn of day, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times. It was only on that day that they marched around the city seven times."</b></span><div>
<span style="color: blue;"><b> -Joshua 6:15 (<span style="font-size: x-small;">ESV</span>)</b></span></div>
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We held our final Swazi Team Meeting yesterday. A busy time of final preparation before our team leaves in less than 3 weeks. While pouring over tons of last minute details, we enjoyed a typical sack lunch...similar to one we'll be eating while we work & serve in Swaziland (a sandwich, hard boiled egg, chicken leg, chips, juice box, piece of fruit). Newbies on the team got their first taste of what to expect for lunches...while the taste buds of those of us who've gone before were transported back in time to reflective moments sitting on the ground or a rock, enjoying not just the food but spectacular views from El Shaddai like this one. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QEkJH5VXYVo/UbXpDvEq2_I/AAAAAAAAAoM/bs36W_9WMx4/s1600/Swaziland2009+606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QEkJH5VXYVo/UbXpDvEq2_I/AAAAAAAAAoM/bs36W_9WMx4/s320/Swaziland2009+606.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another part of our meeting was spent learning a few songs from a songbook our music pastor put together for the trip. While we are familiar with most of the songs, there was one song that we will be singing that is new to most of those on the team. It is a song that is sung a lot in Swaziland and throughout Africa. The song is called <b><u>Siyahamba</u></b> and in English the song means '<b>We Are Marching In The Light Of God</b>'. It's one of those songs you'll hear the children singing often. One of those songs you'll never forget. Precious. The drum beat was played by one of our team members on this instrument called a Djembe (pronounced jim-bay) and it was cool to be able to sing along with this African style drum.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pVyMuLF36qw/UbXva3j4zsI/AAAAAAAAAoc/8OupmhM-ojc/s1600/Djembe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pVyMuLF36qw/UbXva3j4zsI/AAAAAAAAAoc/8OupmhM-ojc/s320/Djembe.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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We also spent some time at the end our our meeting 'marching' around a couple of long tables, filling bags with supplies that each of us will bring with us to Swaziland. Here's a pic. of that.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o_8ntKGRKm0/UbXxtLnrzoI/AAAAAAAAAos/o1cVoWPlivE/s1600/Team+Packing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o_8ntKGRKm0/UbXxtLnrzoI/AAAAAAAAAos/o1cVoWPlivE/s320/Team+Packing.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So we're almost ready to go. The final team meeting finished. Our commissioning service scheduled for next Sunday. Time of departure for this mission right around the corner. But as I reflect over these past 12 months of preparation, I can see that God has had us 'marching' to his call since the beginning. And what a blessing that has been. Thank you all for your prayers and support as we together continue marching in the light of God. Blessings!</div>
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Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-29744717443805335342013-05-31T17:07:00.001-04:002013-05-31T23:52:53.304-04:00Number Our Days<b><span style="color: blue;">"T<span style="background-color: #fffefd; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">each us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." - Psalm 90:12 <span style="font-size: x-small;">(ESV)</span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">WOW! This is the countdown until our team departs for its mission in Swaziland, Africa. We've been prayerfully preparing for this for over a year. Lots of hours spent engaging with others regarding the trip, being encouraged by those who've generously come alongside us financially and prayerfully, being prepped by several team training and informational sessions. Yet every step of the way we've found ourselves ultimately trusting God to provide....step by step....day by day. Amazing. Our final team meeting is coming up in just over a week. Excitement continues to brew as we realize...we're just under a month from departure. Just under a month (28 days & counting) from being launched to love on the precious people of Swaziland. What a privilege. What a blessing. Yes Lord, teach us to number our days...so each one counts for You!! </span></span></div>
Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-45199223599345022302013-03-20T21:39:00.002-04:002013-03-20T21:42:35.510-04:00Love God - love others<span style="color: blue;"><span class="text Matt-22-37" id="en-NIV-23910" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Jesus replied: <span class="woj">“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span class="text Matt-22-37" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="woj">your soul and with all your mind.' </span></span><span class="text Matt-22-38" id="en-NIV-23911" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj">This is the first and greatest commandment.</span></span><span class="text Matt-22-39" id="en-NIV-23912" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' </span></span><span class="text Matt-22-40" id="en-NIV-23913" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj">All the Law and </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span class="text Matt-22-40" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj">the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” </span></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span class="text Matt-22-40" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"> -Matthew 22:37-40</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LIDZA-bp2U/UUpRTqaUq9I/AAAAAAAAAnU/epEXMQL0E_w/s1600/Swazi+Team+Building+March+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LIDZA-bp2U/UUpRTqaUq9I/AAAAAAAAAnU/epEXMQL0E_w/s320/Swazi+Team+Building+March+2013.JPG" width="238" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Zxq1mp8DrI/UUpj9lW6UwI/AAAAAAAAAnk/ShfwlXxAkA4/s1600/Swazi+Team+Building+b+March+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Zxq1mp8DrI/UUpj9lW6UwI/AAAAAAAAAnk/ShfwlXxAkA4/s320/Swazi+Team+Building+b+March+2013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bridging Cultures.</b> That was the theme of this month's S</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wazi Team building training session. During the session we all learned how to work together to build a bridge. Some were assigned the task of building the base, while others were assigned to building the bridge part. The trick was that we were separated into two groups and had to build each part in separate locations without seeing what the others were building. We had one chance where we</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">could send two representatives from the base group to meet with two representatives from the bridge group in a neutral location and try to communicate what each group was building...with the hope that when we were finished, the entire project would somehow fit together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This exercise taught us several things: The importance of working together, the importance of good communication skills and the importance of good teamwork in bridging a gap.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we get to Swaziland, there will be several gaps that will need to be bridged. Language, socioeconomic, and cultural differences being just a few. But as Jesus tells us in this verse in Matthew, what we really need to do is just keep focused on 2 things: <span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">loving God & loving others.</span> When we do that, then He will miraculously bridge those gaps...all to His glory! </span>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-83343913530357955002013-01-28T11:07:00.002-05:002013-01-28T11:08:11.527-05:00Cold Water<strong><span style="color: blue;">"Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." -Proverbs 25:25 <span style="font-size: x-small;">(ESV)</span></span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zbEOtu7mKhc/UQaLtolLCvI/AAAAAAAAAnA/pOIpjAWog4I/s1600/Swazi2013TeamPic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zbEOtu7mKhc/UQaLtolLCvI/AAAAAAAAAnA/pOIpjAWog4I/s640/Swazi2013TeamPic.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here we are. The team that God has assembled for the upcoming mission trip to Swaziland, Africa this June/July. An awesome group of 26 people who have a heart for others and a spirit that resounds with hope. It is a privilege to serve along side them.<br />
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These past 6 months we've been busy as a group preparing and planning through various team and informational sessions. Yes those sessions are important, but equally important is how God is preparing our hearts, collectively and individually, for the opportunity to serve the Swazi people. One of our group is in Swaziland now working tirelessly with our contacts on the ground, preparing the way for the team and the work we will do. So thankful.<br />
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When we finally get to board the plane in June and travel some 8,700 miles (a long way!) to Swaziland, our prayer is that God will have us ready. Ready for a life changing experience. Ready to love on, work along side and build relationships with the Swazi people. Ready to make a difference. <br />
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Thirsty. Yes our souls are thirsty for what God is going to do. We can hardly wait! Please join us in prayer...that the good news of our coming will be like cold water to the thirsty Swazi souls who will welcome us. Until next time - grace and peace.Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-18622260088547474882012-12-19T11:17:00.000-05:002012-12-19T15:56:57.087-05:00Our help comes from the LORD<strong><span style="color: blue;">"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2</span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: black;">This past week has been an extremely difficult one for many. The senseless murder of 27 people in Connecticut, 20 of them precious little first graders. The vicious stabbing of 22 elementary school children in China. The countless others in the world who've been victims of evil crimes. Our world is a mess. We are grieving and we are searching for answers. For comfort. For hope. For help. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">It is no coincidence that Christmas is less than one week away. A time to remember that the Sovereign God and Creator of the universe, sent His one and only Son to earth as a baby, to live a perfect life, to be crucified and then raised back to life. The Redeemer of mankind. Jesus is His name, and we need Him.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">As you prepare to celebrate Christmas, may your 'eyes be lifted up' to see that the LORD Himself is our answer to life. The LORD Himself is our comfort in the midst of grief. The LORD Himself is our hope, now and for eternity. The LORD Himself is our help. May God bless you all this Christmas season as you lift your eyes and heart toward Him.</span>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-69099210534004103412012-11-19T09:05:00.001-05:002012-11-19T09:35:30.442-05:00A Land I Will Show You<span style="color: blue;"><strong>"Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.". -Genesis 12:1(esv)</strong></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RzZDlTDr2XY/UKpCif5toUI/AAAAAAAAAmU/SrckXuKvKA8/s1600/Swaziland+border+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RzZDlTDr2XY/UKpCif5toUI/AAAAAAAAAmU/SrckXuKvKA8/s320/Swaziland+border+sign.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the sign we'll see (in 7 short months) as we walk through the border crossing between South Africa & Swaziland. A moment of excitement but also a moment of realization. We're there. After preparing for over a year, after trusting God to provide all the necessary funds & details, we will for the very first time as a team be able to see, set foot and touch the land that God promised He'd show us. The land where we have been called to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we love and serve the people of this precious little country. A simple sign, but one that will stand as a marker. Not just to the entrance into Swaziland...but to God's greatness and faithfulness. To this we will walk by faith. Praise Him!<br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;"></span><br />Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-80456178652106434882012-10-22T11:59:00.002-04:002012-10-22T12:05:56.943-04:00<strong><span style="color: #783f04;"></span></strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><u>Mountain Glory</u></span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable".</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;"> ~Psalm 145:3 (ESV)</span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3HDOOyFIiY/UIVqWBPQG7I/AAAAAAAAAmA/Xr_J579wX7o/s1600/401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3HDOOyFIiY/UIVqWBPQG7I/AAAAAAAAAmA/Xr_J579wX7o/s400/401.JPG" width="400" /></a>Sunset over the mountain range separating Swaziland from South Africa to the west. Beautiful. This picture was taken at the end of a long group work day at El Shaddai Children's Home up in the Ekufukeni region. To say we were in awe of God's amazing beauty is an understatement. However, we had already experienced God's beauty throughout the day as we served and loved on the orphaned children at El Shaddai and the surrounding region. Sure we were tired, both physically and emotionally.....but nothing could silence our hearts and voices from praising our great God! Only 8 more months & Lord willing we'll be there again. Can't wait! Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-45955934165338885082012-09-20T22:48:00.000-04:002012-09-20T22:51:41.489-04:00Welcome the children<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"Then he said to them, </span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">"Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); color: red;"> me;"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); color: blue;"> -Luke 9:48</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnRzMUxNM1s/SmkckeMCdCI/AAAAAAAAAYc/CgLGqRFUIq8/s1600/Swaziland2009+304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnRzMUxNM1s/SmkckeMCdCI/AAAAAAAAAYc/CgLGqRFUIq8/s400/Swaziland2009+304.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Their names are Nolwazi & Gcebile. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Just over a week ago we prayerfully sent out our support letters, inviting those in our sphere of influence to partner with us in prayer & financially as we seek to raise the funds for our trip back to Swaziland next summer. We are eternally grateful to those who will be moved to join us in this journey. And Lord willing in just 9 short months we'll be able to see and serve these beautiful girls once again. We can hardly wait!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); color: red;"><br /></span>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-23338822408918278022012-08-19T09:01:00.000-04:002012-08-19T09:02:05.264-04:00Come over and help us<strong><span style="color: blue;">"And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;"> him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." -Acts 16:9</span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-faguS8mfjAc/UDDgLEYz1aI/AAAAAAAAAlg/Hio5bxn3-TI/s1600/Swaziland2009+257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-faguS8mfjAc/UDDgLEYz1aI/AAAAAAAAAlg/Hio5bxn3-TI/s320/Swaziland2009+257.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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God is calling us again. As this passage of Scripture tells of a man <em><strong>urging</strong></em> the apostle Paul to come to where he was to help him and his people....so Mark and I are being called to return to Swaziland, Africa - as leaders of a group of <strong>34</strong> fellow missionaries from throughout Michigan. Returning to continue the ongoing legacy that has been built over the years....of bringing love, hope and help to those most vunerable, the widows and orphans there. <br />
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The trip is planned for June/July of 2013....but preparation is already under way. We've held our first of several 'Team Meetings' and we're excited to see what God has planned and how He will work through the teenagers, the twenty, thirty, forty, fifty and sixty something's that make up the team<br />
(...don't ask as to which group <u>we</u> belong :).<br />
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We'll be updating this blog along the way so please feel free to drop by from time to time & check it out. We also welcome your prayers and support as we prepare for this most important work. God bless. <br />
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<br />Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-65354109521339990712011-07-27T08:47:00.010-04:002011-07-27T11:02:03.753-04:00Do Everything In Love<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><font color="#000099"><strong><strong>"Do everything in love." -1 Corinthians 16:14 <font size="2">(NIV)</font></strong></strong><br /><br /></font>This verse was the focus for our team and our trip. Wherever we went people saw it on the back of our t-shirts and sweatshirts. But more importantly, our hope is that the truth of this verse was seen wherever we went and in all that we did. Here are some pictures taken during our precious time spent working at El Shaddai Children's Home and School.</div><div> </div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9favp95DgY/TjAKdxH2xDI/AAAAAAAAAkc/ox7o9Kd90bM/s1600/081.JPG"><img style="width: 212px; height: 155px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634014640359261234" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9favp95DgY/TjAKdxH2xDI/AAAAAAAAAkc/ox7o9Kd90bM/s320/081.JPG" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ioyIlPw5yJ0/TjAi_6EeLxI/AAAAAAAAAkk/LSzGA1BUMNE/s1600/213.JPG"><img style="width: 219px; height: 154px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634041615155605266" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ioyIlPw5yJ0/TjAi_6EeLxI/AAAAAAAAAkk/LSzGA1BUMNE/s320/213.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g0Wj7PsCtzY/TjAjq0qNvLI/AAAAAAAAAks/HxV-CaEEN5o/s1600/356.JPG"><img style="width: 218px; height: 158px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634042352437673138" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g0Wj7PsCtzY/TjAjq0qNvLI/AAAAAAAAAks/HxV-CaEEN5o/s320/356.JPG" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dpgt6ntMmxM/TjAkUlyqeYI/AAAAAAAAAk0/Tbrxdel4K_U/s1600/379.JPG"><img style="width: 215px; height: 157px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634043070001084802" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dpgt6ntMmxM/TjAkUlyqeYI/AAAAAAAAAk0/Tbrxdel4K_U/s320/379.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DyBetqCm2uw/TjAlmBN1kHI/AAAAAAAAAk8/GeZRrWYVrIo/s1600/105.JPG"><img style="width: 220px; height: 162px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634044468932218994" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DyBetqCm2uw/TjAlmBN1kHI/AAAAAAAAAk8/GeZRrWYVrIo/s320/105.JPG" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XRlncRQInB8/TjAmFrGBBxI/AAAAAAAAAlE/DMGHojP8MtA/s1600/115.JPG"><img style="width: 214px; height: 161px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634045012749649682" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XRlncRQInB8/TjAmFrGBBxI/AAAAAAAAAlE/DMGHojP8MtA/s320/115.JPG" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XDK2AMTKH0c/TjAmkV0IZsI/AAAAAAAAAlM/8mQ86OxlSBg/s1600/395.JPG"><img style="width: 221px; height: 162px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634045539613435586" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XDK2AMTKH0c/TjAmkV0IZsI/AAAAAAAAAlM/8mQ86OxlSBg/s320/395.JPG" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-68mWGyOknUk/TjAnZtfGxLI/AAAAAAAAAlU/waIO3pxbWpo/s1600/204.JPG"><img style="width: 212px; height: 162px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634046456500765874" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-68mWGyOknUk/TjAnZtfGxLI/AAAAAAAAAlU/waIO3pxbWpo/s320/204.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-70167243911233588442011-07-13T15:55:00.005-04:002011-07-15T01:56:32.290-04:00Comfort The Suffering"Comfort, comfort my people', says your God." -Isaiah 40:1 (NIV)<br /><br />Many of us had a difficult day today. We spent the morning at the Swazi Government Hospital praying with and for the many sick, broken and dying here. We brought much needed medicine, personal hygiene supplies and bags filled with coloring books & crayons for the children. We loved on those we visited...some to the very end of their life here on earth. We expressed our feeling of helplessness but also confidence in God's sovereignty and love. We may not have completely changed their situation but for those few hours we brought them hope. We praise God for that.Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-57024330395612886282011-07-11T15:16:00.003-04:002011-07-11T15:40:57.378-04:00Midway Point"His mercies are new every morning, great is Thy faithfulness." -Lamentations 3:22<br /><br />We've been here for 1 wk now. Much has been done. Painting teacher houses at El Shaddai Children's home. Plantings, trenches dug, food distributions to some very poor. Loving on and worshipping along side the Swazi people. Today we learned more about the Swazi culture and enjoyed God's creation on safari. Tomorrow more work to be done. So very thankful for the opportunity and privilege of serving here. Will load some pictures next week. God bless.Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-61138389502202811252011-07-03T01:00:00.000-04:002011-07-03T01:00:04.980-04:00Sound His Praise<div><div><div><strong><font color="#000099">"Bless our God, O peoples, And sound His praise abroad" Psalm 6:8<font size="2"> (NASB)</font></font></strong></div><div> </div> <div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HCjDJHWBiEA/Tg_GVIkdRkI/AAAAAAAAAj8/J1MR3IdVgF0/s1600/Swaziland2009%2B257.jpg"><img style="width: 254px; height: 152px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624932525988988482" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HCjDJHWBiEA/Tg_GVIkdRkI/AAAAAAAAAj8/J1MR3IdVgF0/s320/Swaziland2009%2B257.jpg" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWnr9lkgAUs/Tg_G_bsRoKI/AAAAAAAAAkE/EEntSiny_gM/s1600/Swaziland2009%2B390.jpg"><img style="width: 240px; height: 158px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624933252676559010" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWnr9lkgAUs/Tg_G_bsRoKI/AAAAAAAAAkE/EEntSiny_gM/s320/Swaziland2009%2B390.jpg" /></a></div><div> </div><div>We leave tomorrow for our mission work in Swaziland. We're packed, excited and ready for the journey to begin. Many opportunities lie ahead. Work projects are planned. But what we're really looking forward to is seeing people that we've come to know and love. The orphaned children. The village ladies. Our sponsored child. People who have enriched our lives beyond measure. It's truly a privilege to be able to go. Yes we are ready....ready to sound our God's praise abroad! </div></div></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-65821934260576624302011-06-13T16:15:00.000-04:002011-06-13T16:15:00.237-04:00Learn To Do Good<div><div><div><div><div><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">"Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">orphan, </span></strong><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Plead for the widow." </span></strong><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> -Isaiah 1:17</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"></span></strong> </div><div><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"></span></strong> </div> <div><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ekf053TxbSY/TfYiC8GFBKI/AAAAAAAAAjs/9zLoici5i3c/s1600/2011FinalSwaziTeamMeeting06122011.png"><img style="width: 280px; height: 207px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617715019077977250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ekf053TxbSY/TfYiC8GFBKI/AAAAAAAAAjs/9zLoici5i3c/s320/2011FinalSwaziTeamMeeting06122011.png" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FdyFH9BnaXs/TfYib6vTbvI/AAAAAAAAAj0/nosq8s7Fwb0/s1600/2011SwaziTeamMeeting06122011.png"><img style="width: 280px; height: 204px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617715448210747122" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FdyFH9BnaXs/TfYib6vTbvI/AAAAAAAAAj0/nosq8s7Fwb0/s320/2011SwaziTeamMeeting06122011.png" /></a></span></strong></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span> </div><div>We had our final team meeting yesterday in preparation to our upcoming trip to Swaziland, Africa. During the meeting the team of 32 poured over a stack of final details so we all know what to expect in the coming days. We even had a chance to experience lunch 'Swazi style' (thanks Elaine & Lynn :). But these pictures really capture it all. The reason why we're going. At the end of the meeting each team member collected arm loads of supplies that we'll be taking over with us. Supplies that will bring smiles to the faces of orphans. Supplies that will bring hope to the many sick and poor there. But what we can carry with us on the plane is just a 'drop in the bucket'. Once we get there we'll be buying even more. Supplies & medicines for a local hospital and clinic. Concrete & building supplies for work projects. Immune boosting vegetable plants for a local school garden area. Loads of food for distributing to rural needy families. Buckets for water filtering systems that we'll be teaching the Swazis to assemble and use that will enable some families and communities to have clean, safe drinking water for the very first time! Awesome! The ChronoSpan app on my iphone gives me the running time before we'll leave for Swaziland. 19 days & counting. Can hardly wait to get there. </div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span> </div></div></div></div></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-22460874842588981342011-02-09T13:08:00.001-05:002011-02-09T13:41:47.581-05:00Make A Difference<strong><span style="color:#000099;">"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" Ephesians 2:10</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;"></span></strong><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/TVLeZWtINVI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/FeilDDp0VRY/s1600/Swaziland%2BMarch%2B2006%2B144.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 257px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571760216183682386" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/TVLeZWtINVI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/FeilDDp0VRY/s320/Swaziland%2BMarch%2B2006%2B144.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/TVLdwl6k90I/AAAAAAAAAjI/HZiL6UFNKVs/s1600/Swaziland%2BMarch%2B2006%2B141.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 281px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571759515891988290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/TVLdwl6k90I/AAAAAAAAAjI/HZiL6UFNKVs/s320/Swaziland%2BMarch%2B2006%2B141.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#000099;"></span></strong></div><div></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>"We were made to make a difference".</strong> I heard that phrase a couple of days ago and it's still ringing in my head <span style="font-size:85%;">(<span style="color:#000099;">and heart</span>).</span> Makes me wonder....what kind of difference have I made today? Does it have to be something BIG......or could it be: A kind word to a family member. A helping hand to an elderly person in the grocery store checkout line. A voicemail thanking a co-worker for their friendship and support. A prayer lifted up on another's behalf that is worried or needing comfort. Humm...'We were made to make a difference'. What difference will <strong>you</strong> make today?</div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-22460482601765013982010-12-21T10:59:00.000-05:002011-01-04T20:45:12.945-05:00A Good Return<strong><span style="color:#000099;">Ecclesiastes 4:9 "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work"<br /></span></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/TRDPkKq09KI/AAAAAAAAAik/yI8wEAqYdWE/s1600/SwaziTeamBldMeeting11072010%2B044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553166560794047650" style="WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/TRDPkKq09KI/AAAAAAAAAik/yI8wEAqYdWE/s320/SwaziTeamBldMeeting11072010%2B044.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/TRDP83xjWVI/AAAAAAAAAis/rDI4B424NW0/s1600/SwaziTeamBldMeeting11072010%2B051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553166985218709842" style="WIDTH: 176px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/TRDP83xjWVI/AAAAAAAAAis/rDI4B424NW0/s320/SwaziTeamBldMeeting11072010%2B051.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/TRDQZmFfsJI/AAAAAAAAAi0/5s06AK_v3sI/s1600/SwaziTeamBldMeeting11072010%2B061.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553167478686724242" style="WIDTH: 171px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 147px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/TRDQZmFfsJI/AAAAAAAAAi0/5s06AK_v3sI/s320/SwaziTeamBldMeeting11072010%2B061.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We have begun the team building for our upcoming mission trip in July. <strong>33</strong> individuals gradually being knit together into <strong>one team</strong> that God will use for His work. Cool. We did several 'team building activities' geared to help us get to know eachother a little better. One activity was to chart the major events of our life on a yard stick - with every half inch equaling 1 year. Some of the younger members had little marked on their stick while some of us older ones (me included) had much labeled. What a powerful visual. A time of reflecting on past events of our lives...but also a time to realize how much time we may have left on this earth. Young or old we all agreed that whatever life may be left, we want it to count. Nothing wasted. Living each day to make a difference. At the end of the session we took some time and broke into small groups of 3 or 4 to pray for eachother as we move forward <strong>together </strong>by faith. What a blessing to be a part of this team.Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-58354079019813679632010-09-27T09:07:00.000-04:002010-09-27T09:50:03.396-04:00Learn To Do Right<strong><span style="color:#000099;">Isaiah 1:17 "learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." </span></strong><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#000099;"></span></strong></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/TKCczatuhcI/AAAAAAAAAiU/iUdr2Q8iPWs/s1600/Swaziland2009+281+-+Copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521585550314603970" style="WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 193px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/TKCczatuhcI/AAAAAAAAAiU/iUdr2Q8iPWs/s320/Swaziland2009+281+-+Copy.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/TKCd2IWzX3I/AAAAAAAAAic/wLyiU-Rjz0c/s1600/Swaziland2009+442.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521586696437849970" style="WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 194px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/TKCd2IWzX3I/AAAAAAAAAic/wLyiU-Rjz0c/s320/Swaziland2009+442.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>It's time again. Planning has officially begun for our fourth mission trip back to Swaziland, Africa. Yesterday was our first 'team meeting'. All together there are 33 of us planning on going in July of 2011. <strong>33</strong>...a good number. About half of us have been before and the other half are 'newbies'. Already I feel a bonding with this group. The make-up is diverse. Some young, some older. Some men, some women. Some family members, others single. But we all have this in common right from the 'get-go' as we shared 'Why we are going'. We want to make a difference. We want to be involved in something 'bigger than ourselves'. We want to do what this verse in Isaiah speaks of. So here we go. With the Lord's help and the support of many <span style="font-size:85%;">(<span style="color:#000099;">both financially & prayerfully</span>)....l</span>et the adventure begin. </div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-88620791906779125872009-08-27T08:14:00.000-04:002009-12-09T08:36:45.361-05:00Whatever you did<strong><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,153)">"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40</span></strong><br /><div><br /><div><strong>AIDS. ORPHANS. WIDOWS. PANDEMIC.</strong> Serious words. Serious reality. Take a look at these recent statistics <span style="font-size:78%;">(HIV & AIDS information from Avert.org):</span></div><div></div><div>-33million are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide.</div><div>-More than 25 million people have died of HIV/AIDS since 1981</div><div>-Africa has 12 million AIDS orphans </div><br /><div>Now, take a personal inventory. Do you know anyone that is affected by HIV/AIDS? 5 years ago my answer would have been 'no'. But not any longer. Here are some pics of those I've met who face the reality of HIV/AIDS every single day. </div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SpaBWPF0zpI/AAAAAAAAAh0/9BUeMtQkyt0/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+093.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374625424321334930" style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 147px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SpaBWPF0zpI/AAAAAAAAAh0/9BUeMtQkyt0/s200/Swaziland2009+093.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SpaCcOqF9qI/AAAAAAAAAh8/-wr-0Un6aHk/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+310.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374626626795861666" style="WIDTH: 209px; HEIGHT: 149px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SpaCcOqF9qI/AAAAAAAAAh8/-wr-0Un6aHk/s200/Swaziland2009+310.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SpaD9H7azJI/AAAAAAAAAiE/1SGL6oWMY_M/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+657.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374628291436792978" style="WIDTH: 112px; HEIGHT: 156px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SpaD9H7azJI/AAAAAAAAAiE/1SGL6oWMY_M/s200/Swaziland2009+657.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>I challenge you to watch this video link. </div><div><a href="http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=78b104b8330ea01d4479&sp=1">http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=78b104b8330ea01d4479&sp=1</a></div><div></div><div>You may be asking yourself; "What can I do?" <strong>You can:</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div>-pray for them</div><div>-give of your time, energy & resources to organizations that are on the frontlines fighting the fight against HIV/AIDS (like Compassionate Life Foundation <a href="http://www.james127.org/">http://www.james127.org/</a>)</div><div>-go yourself.</div><div></div><div>You see, when we all face Jesus someday (and we will!) and He asks us: "What have you done for the least of these?"...what will our answer be?</div></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-73538529455142897332009-08-08T08:03:00.000-04:002009-08-11T07:54:10.999-04:00Live by Faith<strong><span style="color:#000099;">"We live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7</span></strong><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/Sn1r16_Xi4I/AAAAAAAAAhc/l5NR1F9VZBY/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+536.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367564905007778690" style="WIDTH: 125px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/Sn1r16_Xi4I/AAAAAAAAAhc/l5NR1F9VZBY/s200/Swaziland2009+536.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/Sn1sfA0m8RI/AAAAAAAAAhk/Ag11GVma-qE/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+412.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367565610947899666" style="WIDTH: 127px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 186px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/Sn1sfA0m8RI/AAAAAAAAAhk/Ag11GVma-qE/s200/Swaziland2009+412.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/Sn1tNXcZlvI/AAAAAAAAAhs/MMLmxcBcNq4/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+702.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367566407294359282" style="WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/Sn1tNXcZlvI/AAAAAAAAAhs/MMLmxcBcNq4/s200/Swaziland2009+702.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div>A young Canadian middle school girl who 'saw' a need and took it upon herself to raise money to purchase dining tables, chairs and bunk beds for orphaned children a half a world away. A hardworking middle aged Swazi woman who 'saw' a need and prayed for over 20 years for God to send someone to help build a church and reach out to the poorest of her village. A South African couple who 'saw' the great need of orphans in Swaziland and in response to God's call left their home, moved to the top of a mountain and began an orphanage and free school that has become a beacon of hope to literally hundreds. Real people. People of faith. People of action. Their names are Cloe, Busisewe, Kallie and Charmaine and their pictures are above. I am humbled and honored to meet them. But I am also thankful. Thankful that they challenge me (<span style="font-size:78%;">a 50 something American</span>) to live out my faith to a greater degree....daily.</div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-48447342956117320582009-08-01T10:20:00.000-04:002009-08-02T20:29:31.800-04:00El Shaddai (God Almighty)<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnTXfzuOrTI/AAAAAAAAAhE/av4hCM5Xrws/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+646.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365149997565127986" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnTXfzuOrTI/AAAAAAAAAhE/av4hCM5Xrws/s200/Swaziland2009+646.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#000099;">"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. " Psalm 91:1</span></strong> </div><br /><div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRQ3D1Qp2I/AAAAAAAAAek/ABs29vB2iEc/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+535.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365001962956826466" style="WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 132px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRQ3D1Qp2I/AAAAAAAAAek/ABs29vB2iEc/s200/Swaziland2009+535.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRUlIOffMI/AAAAAAAAAfE/lGhjMGi8kAA/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+623.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365006052945263810" style="WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRUlIOffMI/AAAAAAAAAfE/lGhjMGi8kAA/s200/Swaziland2009+623.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRXb8L4GhI/AAAAAAAAAfk/pebOsxeWVlU/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+695.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365009193629129234" style="WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRXb8L4GhI/AAAAAAAAAfk/pebOsxeWVlU/s200/Swaziland2009+695.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRaoPLJslI/AAAAAAAAAf8/jnd2NTfUrf0/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+686.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365012703419675218" style="WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 129px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRaoPLJslI/AAAAAAAAAf8/jnd2NTfUrf0/s200/Swaziland2009+686.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRVTt9Ef1I/AAAAAAAAAfM/O3mrOlHU6uI/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+637.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365006853346721618" style="WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 129px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRVTt9Ef1I/AAAAAAAAAfM/O3mrOlHU6uI/s200/Swaziland2009+637.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRV6YXWDcI/AAAAAAAAAfU/MfdHRg-EmOI/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+653.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365007517566242242" style="WIDTH: 188px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 127px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRV6YXWDcI/AAAAAAAAAfU/MfdHRg-EmOI/s200/Swaziland2009+653.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRWj72Z7BI/AAAAAAAAAfc/MvB3-4zxMVE/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+652.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365008231466396690" style="WIDTH: 194px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 136px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRWj72Z7BI/AAAAAAAAAfc/MvB3-4zxMVE/s200/Swaziland2009+652.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnSUG044pwI/AAAAAAAAAgM/O0vQLLf_Bh0/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+651.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365075901102466818" style="WIDTH: 191px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 141px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnSUG044pwI/AAAAAAAAAgM/O0vQLLf_Bh0/s200/Swaziland2009+651.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRQEvEE1wI/AAAAAAAAAec/KWHuQMthqAI/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+491.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365001098388363010" style="WIDTH: 181px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 143px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRQEvEE1wI/AAAAAAAAAec/KWHuQMthqAI/s200/Swaziland2009+491.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnSVKdqK5mI/AAAAAAAAAgU/8dFceunQ7Nk/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+579.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365077063097837154" style="WIDTH: 195px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnSVKdqK5mI/AAAAAAAAAgU/8dFceunQ7Nk/s200/Swaziland2009+579.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRTCsZmfdI/AAAAAAAAAe8/LVbV1pY3zHU/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+583.jpg"> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365004361848487378" style="WIDTH: 187px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 132px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnRTCsZmfdI/AAAAAAAAAe8/LVbV1pY3zHU/s200/Swaziland2009+583.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnTRC_gm-iI/AAAAAAAAAgs/OGW3yHM7qyI/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+589.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365142905443252770" style="WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 131px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnTRC_gm-iI/AAAAAAAAAgs/OGW3yHM7qyI/s200/Swaziland2009+589.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnTOZNb_igI/AAAAAAAAAgc/MggbbWZwMTw/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+479.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365139988604226050" style="WIDTH: 127px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 197px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnTOZNb_igI/AAAAAAAAAgc/MggbbWZwMTw/s200/Swaziland2009+479.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnTPqOeB17I/AAAAAAAAAgk/aSt7BsgA0jg/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+618.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365141380450604978" style="WIDTH: 128px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnTPqOeB17I/AAAAAAAAAgk/aSt7BsgA0jg/s200/Swaziland2009+618.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnTWB1N_7jI/AAAAAAAAAg8/QZHEhRjg8WI/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+507.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365148383059111474" style="WIDTH: 126px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnTWB1N_7jI/AAAAAAAAAg8/QZHEhRjg8WI/s200/Swaziland2009+507.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnV5C3uaJJI/AAAAAAAAAhM/y54wzBOGXK0/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+495.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365327621307114642" style="WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 132px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnV5C3uaJJI/AAAAAAAAAhM/y54wzBOGXK0/s200/Swaziland2009+495.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><br /><div>Half of our time in Swaziland was spent up in the mountains at an amazing place called El Shaddai. It's a children's home for 64 orphans. But it's more than that. It also has a church where the people of the surrounding village come each week to learn about God's word and Jesus. The church also houses a pre-school where around 50 little ones walk for miles each morning to come to school. It also has a clinic where on Thursdays and Fridays the sick (and there are many!) come for help. It also has a school where 264 children, grades 1 through 7, are able to go to school <strong>for free</strong> (unheard of in Swaziland). Our time at El Shaddai was well spent...albeit exhausting! We built a massive playscape for the orphanage (miraculously built in just <strong>3 days</strong> when the supplier said it normally takes 3 weeks!!), put up fencing around the babies' house, assembled furniture in the long term volunteer house, manned the clinic with highly trained nurses, painted, visited & taught at the school and played & loved on as many children as possible. The name El Shaddai means <strong>'God Almighty'</strong> and after seeing what God is doing there we realize...He truly is!!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-42377923437668430492009-07-30T22:50:00.000-04:002009-07-30T23:45:22.639-04:00At Play<strong><span style="color:#000099;">"And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play." Zechariah 8:5</span></strong> <div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnJeG7uzK5I/AAAAAAAAAdc/vEqovgjWP9U/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+418.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364453579357891474" style="WIDTH: 185px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 127px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnJeG7uzK5I/AAAAAAAAAdc/vEqovgjWP9U/s200/Swaziland2009+418.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnJfDyi3S9I/AAAAAAAAAds/zQ1XLi7vfPM/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+444.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364454624863931346" style="WIDTH: 189px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 126px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnJfDyi3S9I/AAAAAAAAAds/zQ1XLi7vfPM/s200/Swaziland2009+444.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnJgTC1rlCI/AAAAAAAAAd8/aBrlxBNLWI0/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+452.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364455986447488034" style="WIDTH: 177px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 125px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnJgTC1rlCI/AAAAAAAAAd8/aBrlxBNLWI0/s200/Swaziland2009+452.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnJfhG7aHpI/AAAAAAAAAd0/t_zifeKS254/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+447.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364455128551792274" style="WIDTH: 145px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnJfhG7aHpI/AAAAAAAAAd0/t_zifeKS254/s200/Swaziland2009+447.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnJenrPZD0I/AAAAAAAAAdk/jigbJnRpD0I/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+429.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364454141866872642" style="WIDTH: 139px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnJenrPZD0I/AAAAAAAAAdk/jigbJnRpD0I/s200/Swaziland2009+429.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnJhfsDO3zI/AAAAAAAAAeE/QatxPDq11tA/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+428.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364457303180238642" style="WIDTH: 140px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnJhfsDO3zI/AAAAAAAAAeE/QatxPDq11tA/s200/Swaziland2009+428.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnJiUlwoSxI/AAAAAAAAAeM/SHFdgna05gw/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+337.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364458212024666898" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnJiUlwoSxI/AAAAAAAAAeM/SHFdgna05gw/s200/Swaziland2009+337.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnJjAZWBBfI/AAAAAAAAAeU/EFPcUQlZMyM/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+313.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364458964606060018" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnJjAZWBBfI/AAAAAAAAAeU/EFPcUQlZMyM/s200/Swaziland2009+313.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Following an incredible Sunday worship service (3 hrs long) we enjoyed a delicious fellowship dinner with the Swazis and Mozambicans. Then it was time to play. And play we did! We brought jump ropes, face paint, a giant parachute, soccer balls, beach balls, bubbles, frizbees, nerf footballs and candy. Lots of candy. It was absolutely magical as the dirt streets of Manzini were transformed, filled with the sound of boys and girls at play. Truly magical....just as it should be! :)</div></div></div></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-66366419881329089342009-07-30T07:14:00.001-04:002009-07-30T22:50:40.590-04:00Things our eyes have seen (Mbabane Gov't Hospital)<strong><span style="color:#000099;">"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." Deuteronomy 4:9</span></strong><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGBHEOXraI/AAAAAAAAAcM/tnlMN2NDqWo/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+061.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364210589568052642" style="WIDTH: 181px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 129px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGBHEOXraI/AAAAAAAAAcM/tnlMN2NDqWo/s200/Swaziland2009+061.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGC-2gwGZI/AAAAAAAAAcU/23Pvfi0dpwk/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+065.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364212647471356306" style="WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGC-2gwGZI/AAAAAAAAAcU/23Pvfi0dpwk/s200/Swaziland2009+065.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGDcg0xynI/AAAAAAAAAcc/AJYT8wQQIoU/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+066.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364213157045848690" style="WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 126px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGDcg0xynI/AAAAAAAAAcc/AJYT8wQQIoU/s200/Swaziland2009+066.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGD6fPQWSI/AAAAAAAAAck/oYdcxz69BIE/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+075.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364213672016107810" style="WIDTH: 185px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 127px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGD6fPQWSI/AAAAAAAAAck/oYdcxz69BIE/s200/Swaziland2009+075.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGEk4Lb4TI/AAAAAAAAAcs/5yaWK0iZoCw/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+076.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364214400265478450" style="WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 125px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGEk4Lb4TI/AAAAAAAAAcs/5yaWK0iZoCw/s200/Swaziland2009+076.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGFIr312GI/AAAAAAAAAc0/7jq3jrgetDs/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+081.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364215015437359202" style="WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGFIr312GI/AAAAAAAAAc0/7jq3jrgetDs/s200/Swaziland2009+081.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGF81N-6RI/AAAAAAAAAc8/Lira8CQ9iNM/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+096.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364215911299344658" style="WIDTH: 129px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGF81N-6RI/AAAAAAAAAc8/Lira8CQ9iNM/s200/Swaziland2009+096.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGGbQMSaOI/AAAAAAAAAdE/Cu43g2IVDto/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+071.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364216433936066786" style="WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 194px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGGbQMSaOI/AAAAAAAAAdE/Cu43g2IVDto/s200/Swaziland2009+071.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGHFc0n3QI/AAAAAAAAAdM/Z7cOQpyH6gc/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+079.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364217158880976130" style="WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGHFc0n3QI/AAAAAAAAAdM/Z7cOQpyH6gc/s200/Swaziland2009+079.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGIcRTlURI/AAAAAAAAAdU/U_xQtnUw3EE/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+059.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364218650438226194" style="WIDTH: 131px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnGIcRTlURI/AAAAAAAAAdU/U_xQtnUw3EE/s200/Swaziland2009+059.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>The day the entire team arrived in Swaziland we went to the Government Hospital in Mbabane (<span style="font-size:78%;">the capital city</span>). We visited the children's ward and our ministry there was to bring much needed supplies (<span style="font-size:78%;">diapers, washcloths, rubber gloves, soap, medicines, eye drops</span>), prayer and hope to the dire situation that over 50 children and their families experience there. The hospital conditions are rough to say the least. Paint peeling off walls & iron bedframes. Few nurses available to tend to the patients' needs. Family members stay around the clock, often sleeping on the floor, to help care for and comfort their sick children. We not only brought loads of supplies but smiles with armloads of coloring books & crayons, candy, balloons & small games which we passed out to the children & their families. After spending time playing & praying together our group finished our visit by singing with the Swazi people. Songs that brought smiles, laughter and joy...if only for the moment. My role was to take pictures and print them out so that each family had a picture of themselves with their child. For most it was the only picture they've ever had. How important was that? Just yesterday I heard some sobering news. Since our visit, at least 5 of the youngest children we'd visited had died. A physician at the hospital told us that in Swaziland 50% of the children under the age of 5 die. <strong>50%!!</strong> That statistic has messed me up! God's word says we must <strong>never forget</strong> what our eyes have seen or let it slip from our hearts, but to <strong>teach others</strong> what we have come to know. We now know. We must not look the other way. </div></div></div></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-73224897616636134702009-07-29T10:48:00.000-04:002009-07-30T08:45:17.066-04:00Things our eyes have seen (Manzini Primary School)<strong><span style="color:#000099;">"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." Deuteronomy 4:9 </span></strong><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnBmwunUxmI/AAAAAAAAAa8/yzDFMd2eEUo/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+148.jpg"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnBnXBkdp5I/AAAAAAAAAbE/Yt3XQBbdAGg/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+149.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363900801454286738" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnBnXBkdp5I/AAAAAAAAAbE/Yt3XQBbdAGg/s200/Swaziland2009+149.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnBrHqArh-I/AAAAAAAAAbs/TqUnTEnryOw/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+153.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363904935478659042" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnBrHqArh-I/AAAAAAAAAbs/TqUnTEnryOw/s200/Swaziland2009+153.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">A sea of welcoming faces---------------------students ready to help us plant</span></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnBowmEVCGI/AAAAAAAAAbU/tPnsOi1kbvo/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+255.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363902340259973218" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnBowmEVCGI/AAAAAAAAAbU/tPnsOi1kbvo/s200/Swaziland2009+255.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnDR5y4BV4I/AAAAAAAAAcE/rGrggkrWtx4/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+161.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364017947037751170" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnDR5y4BV4I/AAAAAAAAAcE/rGrggkrWtx4/s200/Swaziland2009+161.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnBoNqlWVCI/AAAAAAAAAbM/ADAFSAEDDJ8/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+246.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363901740176790562" style="WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 163px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnBoNqlWVCI/AAAAAAAAAbM/ADAFSAEDDJ8/s200/Swaziland2009+246.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">cheer/pom squad member -----Justin planting with Swazi boy-------Sue with Jane (agriculture teacher)</span></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnDQnJg1bJI/AAAAAAAAAb0/vGeptWwW76c/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+229.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364016527185374354" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnDQnJg1bJI/AAAAAAAAAb0/vGeptWwW76c/s200/Swaziland2009+229.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnDRPZ82vLI/AAAAAAAAAb8/JEYShWjH9zg/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+207.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364017218792635570" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnDRPZ82vLI/AAAAAAAAAb8/JEYShWjH9zg/s200/Swaziland2009+207.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">reaching deeply for water----------------------------------precious student</span></div><div></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnBpUuIC3CI/AAAAAAAAAbc/lTv1asHdCyA/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+277.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363902960898333730" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnBpUuIC3CI/AAAAAAAAAbc/lTv1asHdCyA/s200/Swaziland2009+277.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnBqBLP--9I/AAAAAAAAAbk/vOSLp8nYLaA/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+281.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363903724630506450" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SnBqBLP--9I/AAAAAAAAAbk/vOSLp8nYLaA/s200/Swaziland2009+281.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size:78%;">Surrounded by jungle gym boys ------------------Thankful waves goodbye</span></div><div></div><div>One of our first days in Swaziland was spent at the Manzini Primary School. We had the privilege to meet and work alongside the young students planting immune boosting vegetable gardens as well as painting the building which will become a future library for them (their first!). I cannot tell you how precious it was when we first arrived to have been welcomed in song and dance by the entire student body (about 200 children!). Their enthusiasm truly touched my heart. After the singing a drama group from the school performed a play in siSwati (their native language) about 'children having a voice'.....a play about abuse and who they should turn to for help. They did a nice job but it broke my heart to realize that such young children needed to be taught this because many are subjected to situations of abuse. Sad. After the play we all got busy planting & painting. The gardens (26 of them) would be tended by the 5th grade students (part of their agriculture class) with the food being used to supply not only the entire school's lunch program but also to help feed the student's families as well. Way cool! Once the work was done the 'pom squad' wanted to show us their routine that they'd been practicing. It was fun to be able to encourage them as they proudly performed for us. While watching I was reminded that "no matter where you are, children are children". Let us never forget that! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-900829723136813042009-07-26T17:26:00.000-04:002009-09-02T21:24:37.840-04:00Rich In Good Works<strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">"Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them." 1 Timothy 6:18</span></strong><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmzLWaKw2zI/AAAAAAAAAZE/yHHm49UvN7I/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362884842133445426" style="width: 200px; height: 134px;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmzLWaKw2zI/AAAAAAAAAZE/yHHm49UvN7I/s200/Swaziland2009+051.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmzM4Gg_26I/AAAAAAAAAZU/Am7KqWADG0M/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+158.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362886520485174178" style="width: 200px; height: 134px;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmzM4Gg_26I/AAAAAAAAAZU/Am7KqWADG0M/s200/Swaziland2009+158.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmzRmWTU7OI/AAAAAAAAAaE/eoofbPWxYas/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+558.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362891713043295458" style="width: 207px; height: 147px;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmzRmWTU7OI/AAAAAAAAAaE/eoofbPWxYas/s200/Swaziland2009+558.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmzQhEsXtuI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/_iEIdRhFyng/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+695.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362890522905523938" style="width: 190px; height: 149px;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmzQhEsXtuI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/_iEIdRhFyng/s200/Swaziland2009+695.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmzQhEsXtuI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/_iEIdRhFyng/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+695.jpg"></a></div><div></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmzL-Z5ZbBI/AAAAAAAAAZM/688zpczBsgw/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+096.jpg"></a><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmzOoLCeWcI/AAAAAAAAAZk/Yc47TH_De3o/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+173.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362888445844675010" style="width: 134px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmzOoLCeWcI/AAAAAAAAAZk/Yc47TH_De3o/s200/Swaziland2009+173.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmzRBFF3JAI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/r_s7cQZKmYU/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362891072768254978" style="width: 214px; height: 168px;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmzRBFF3JAI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/r_s7cQZKmYU/s200/Swaziland2009+010.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmzRmWTU7OI/AAAAAAAAAaE/eoofbPWxYas/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+558.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div>Donating supplies for a local government hospital. Planting immune boosting vegetable gardens. Fencing the babies' house at El Shaddai so the littles ones can play safely. Building a playscape for the orphans at El Shaddai. Painting a future library at a Manzini school. Gathering and distributing food to the poorest of the poor. Above are some pics of the work projects we did while in Swaziland. God's word clearly says we should be rich in good works and give generously to those in need. Praise Jesus for the opportunities He provided for our group to do just that! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8160189117888377053.post-2550384545940772042009-07-23T22:07:00.000-04:002009-07-24T08:54:08.202-04:00By Name<strong><span style="color:#000099;">"But now, O Israel, the LORD who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;"></span></strong><br /><div><div><div>We've just returned from our 2 wk mission trip to Swaziland, Africa. An incredible time of seeing God work. But also an amazing time of coming to know some precious people whose names are very different than ours. Names like: Nolwazi, Gcebile, Timisile, Catseweh, Phiwokwakhe, Nkosimphile. Here are their pictures:</div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmkckeMCdCI/AAAAAAAAAYc/j_ZO5qPLyio/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+304.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361848244265710626" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmkckeMCdCI/AAAAAAAAAYc/j_ZO5qPLyio/s200/Swaziland2009+304.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmkglD-SxVI/AAAAAAAAAYk/kBSK0kGN2jk/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+357.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361852652455118162" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmkglD-SxVI/AAAAAAAAAYk/kBSK0kGN2jk/s200/Swaziland2009+357.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmkhhmrsxbI/AAAAAAAAAYs/-bty2kUHyc4/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+368.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361853692564522418" style="WIDTH: 202px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 147px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmkhhmrsxbI/AAAAAAAAAYs/-bty2kUHyc4/s200/Swaziland2009+368.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmkiQTjs04I/AAAAAAAAAY0/QaU1kHur43Q/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+413.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361854494884549506" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/SmkiQTjs04I/AAAAAAAAAY0/QaU1kHur43Q/s200/Swaziland2009+413.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/Smki31EiWqI/AAAAAAAAAY8/mCXCeYbv3TU/s1600-h/Swaziland2009+668.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361855173895543458" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VaY1yHKvQlo/Smki31EiWqI/AAAAAAAAAY8/mCXCeYbv3TU/s200/Swaziland2009+668.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>Their names are often difficult to pronounce <span style="font-size:78%;">(and they laughed when we tried :).</span> But one thing is certain...the Lord knows each of them <strong>by name</strong>. They are His. Our lives have been enriched beyond words to have spent time with each and every one of them. To have entered into their world, if only for a brief span of time. They are no longer just <strong>names</strong> on a page...they are real people, and we are knit together for good. We are forever grateful! We are forever changed! </div></div></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02777083777143957973noreply@blogger.com0