Therefore go!

Do Everything In Love

2011-07-27T08:47:00.010-04:00

"Do everything in love." -1 Corinthians 16:14 (NIV)

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.

Comfort The Suffering

2011-07-13T15:55:00.005-04:00

"Comfort, comfort my people', says your God." -Isaiah 40:1 (NIV)

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.

Midway Point

2011-07-11T15:16:00.003-04:00

"His mercies are new every morning, great is Thy faithfulness." -Lamentations 3:22

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.

Sound His Praise

2011-07-03T01:00:00.000-04:00

"Bless our God, O peoples, And sound His praise abroad" Psalm 6:8 (NASB)

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!

Learn To Do Good

2011-06-13T16:15:00.000-04:00

"Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the

orphan, Plead for the widow." -Isaiah 1:17

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.

Make A Difference

2011-02-09T13:08:00.001-05:00

"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

"We were made to make a difference". I heard that phrase a couple of days ago and it's still ringing in my head (and heart). 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 you make today?

A Good Return

2010-12-21T10:59:00.000-05:00

Ecclesiastes 4:9 "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work"

We have begun the team building for our upcoming mission trip in July. 33 individuals gradually being knit together into one team 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 together by faith. What a blessing to be a part of this team.

Learn To Do Right

2010-09-27T09:07:00.000-04:00

Isaiah 1:17 "learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow."

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. 33...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 (both financially & prayerfully)....let the adventure begin.

Whatever you did

2009-08-27T08:14:00.000-04:00

"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

AIDS. ORPHANS. WIDOWS. PANDEMIC. Serious words. Serious reality. Take a look at these recent statistics (HIV & AIDS information from Avert.org):

-33million are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide.

-More than 25 million people have died of HIV/AIDS since 1981

-Africa has 12 million AIDS orphans

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.

I challenge you to watch this video link.

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=78b104b8330ea01d4479&sp=1

You may be asking yourself; "What can I do?" You can:

-pray for them

-give of your time, energy & resources to organizations that are on the frontlines fighting the fight against HIV/AIDS (like Compassionate Life Foundation http://www.james127.org/)

-go yourself.

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?

Live by Faith

2009-08-08T08:03:00.000-04:00

"We live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

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 (a 50 something American) to live out my faith to a greater degree....daily.

El Shaddai (God Almighty)

2009-08-01T10:20:00.000-04:00

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. " Psalm 91:1

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 for free (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 3 days 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 'God Almighty' and after seeing what God is doing there we realize...He truly is!!

At Play

2009-07-30T22:50:00.000-04:00

"And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play." Zechariah 8:5

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! :)

Things our eyes have seen (Mbabane Gov't Hospital)

2009-07-30T07:14:00.001-04:00

"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

The day the entire team arrived in Swaziland we went to the Government Hospital in Mbabane (the capital city). We visited the children's ward and our ministry there was to bring much needed supplies (diapers, washcloths, rubber gloves, soap, medicines, eye drops), 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. 50%!! That statistic has messed me up! God's word says we must never forget what our eyes have seen or let it slip from our hearts, but to teach others what we have come to know. We now know. We must not look the other way.

Things our eyes have seen (Manzini Primary School)

2009-07-29T10:48:00.000-04:00

A sea of welcoming faces---------------------students ready to help us plant

cheer/pom squad member -----Justin planting with Swazi boy-------Sue with Jane (agriculture teacher)

reaching deeply for water----------------------------------precious student

Surrounded by jungle gym boys ------------------Thankful waves goodbye

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!

Rich In Good Works

2009-07-26T17:26:00.000-04:00

"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

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!

By Name

2009-07-23T22:07:00.000-04:00

"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

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:

Their names are often difficult to pronounce (and they laughed when we tried :). But one thing is certain...the Lord knows each of them by name. 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 names on a page...they are real people, and we are knit together for good. We are forever grateful! We are forever changed!

I can only imagine

2009-06-30T20:18:00.000-04:00

"That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

4 more days. That's how long until we board a plane and begin our journey back to Swaziland, Africa. I feel like a child...the anticipation wakes me up at night. At times I'm overwhelmed with emotion. It's been 2 years since we've been there. Looking forward to seeing familiar faces again. Looking forward to meeting new ones. Looking forward to building relationships as well as building projects. Looking forward to what God will do. I can only imagine....

El Shaddai

2009-06-16T23:22:00.000-04:00

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you". John 14:18

This is likely the view we'll see when we first get to El Shaddai Orphanage. Smiling children. Eyes filled with hope. Hope that comes from expectancy. Hope that comes from the truth of God's word. Orphans are dear to the heart of God and in just 17 days, our small group of 25 will have the privilege of becoming the hands and feet of Jesus to these children. Yes indeed, Jesus will come to them....just as he said. Can hardly wait!!

Wherever You Go

2009-06-08T10:35:00.000-04:00

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

26 days and counting. That's the number of days until we once again return to Swaziland, Africa. More work, more ministry, more opportunity to hopefully impact lives for Jesus Christ. Just yesterday our group of 25 (above) who are going on this trip had our final group meeting together. Lots of information shared. Much planning and prayer has gone into getting to this point. Are we prepared? What will we encounter? What will God do on this trip? As a 'veteran' (this will be my 3rd time in 4 yrs) this should be old hat....but the 'butterflies in the stomach' are back. Feeling a little anxious. Yet as I spend time in God's word I'm reminded that He does not want us (me) to be afraid...but to trust Him. So ok Lord, here it goes: Keep us focused and in tune with You as we continue to look ahead to this marvelous work you have prepared. And thank you that You have promised that wherever we go, and whatever we encounter, You will be there with us....each step of the way!

2009-04-28T17:31:00.000-04:00

Ps 134:22 "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jXxnr-FzQU

September 19, 2009 will be a night you won't want to miss!! Compassionate Life Foundation and New Covenant Ministries present the very first Sanctuary For Swaziland - 'Meet Me At The Rock' Benefit Concert. The event will be held at New Covenant Church in Clio, Michigan with special guest performers; the world famous 'African Children's Choir'. To date, this may be their only Michigan performance for 2009. Tickets are $20 per person ($30 VIP seats) and they'll go fast....so don't hesitate to get yours!! Many sponsorship opportunities are available as well for this event with proceeds going to support our work with orphans and widows in Swaziland, Africa. For more information visit the Compassionate Life Foundation website: http://www.james127.org/

So....Save The Date and I'll See You At The Rock!!

Educating others

2008-10-21T22:12:00.000-04:00

(El Shaddai Children's Home)

Had the privilege this past week of giving a presentation to 3 classes of middle school aged students about Swaziland. They are studying about the country in their social studies class; learning about it's people, the culture and the challenges that they face. We even had a 'bucket relay' so about 130 students could experience what it is like to have to walk a distance carrying a 5 gallon bucket of water back from a rural stream (something commonplace in Swaziland). It was great to see their enthusiasm and interest...not only in learning but also in wanting to help, wanting to make a difference. They are 'adopting' a middle school class their same age at El Shaddai Children's Home and will be writing and raising funds to help the children there. Very cool! I came away encouraged and excited as to what this group of young people can and will do.

Pandemic

2008-10-14T10:18:00.000-04:00

"Why, anyone by just giving you a cup of water in my name is on our side. Count on it that God will notice." Mark 9:39

Pandemic: A mega epidemic.

I've been reading a book lately called 'Red Letters' by Tom Davis. Powerful. Some things he mentions:
-39.5 million people worldwide are living with HIV (24.7 million in Africa
alone!)
-12 million plus African children have lost 1 or both parents to HIV-AIDS.
-Many people groups, villages and tribes are on the brink of extinction.
-This is the greatest crisis humanity has ever faced.

If ever there was a pandemic...this is it! I don't know about you, but it's easy to look at the statistics and feel overwhelmed. What can I do? I'm only 1 person. Well, we can all do something, because each number represents someone.

-We can give to an organization that is on the front lines
fighting the war against poverty and Aids
(like Compassionate Life Foundation: www.james127.org).
-We can help to send someone else that can be our
representative in bringing hope and help (a cup of cold water) to the
desperately needy.
-We can be outrageous and go ourselves .

No matter which option we take...we must do something.

Another quote from 'Red Letters' says: "What if you knew your actions could prevent even 1 death? What if you knew you had the influence, resources, and ability to make a difference in what seemed like a hopeless situation. Would you act...or remain silent?"

We cannot wait any longer. We must do something.

Stand Together

2008-09-21T17:45:00.000-04:00

"All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD." 2Chronicles 20:13

Yeah! We had our first 'team meeting' today after church with the group of people (25 of us) that, by God's grace, will be going back to Swaziland Africa in July of 2009. A combination of 'veterans' - those of us who've been there before, mixed with the 'newbies' - those looking for their very first chance to experience that beautiful country and it's amazing people. I love this group already!! At this stage of preparation the meeting was mostly informational with topics such as: Shots needed, passports, trip dates, cultural differences, etc. But the best part was when we each had the opportunity to answer the question "Why are you going"? One person said "I've seen the faces and heard the stories of starving children in Africa my whole life and now it's time to go and do something about it in person". Another shared "I have to go, God is calling me there". Still another said "The need is so great and from the first time I saw the pictures and heard about the trip I knew God wanted me to go". But the answer that really touched me the most was from 15 year old Clara. She said "People often say that young people my age can't make a difference...so I'm going to Africa to prove to them that they're wrong!". You go girl!! I am so blessed to be a part of this group and can hardly wait to see what God has in store for this team! A big THANK YOU to all who are partnering with us in this work....both financially and in prayer. We cannot do this without you! May we all be encouraged and our faith strengthened as we stand together in anticipation of what the Lord will do!

Remember

2008-07-11T20:05:00.000-04:00

"After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things he had done..." Judges 2:10 (NLT)

One year ago today. That's when a small group of 25 people (among whom were me, my husband and our 2 daughters) left on a 10 day journey to serve and work with the poor and needy people of Swaziland, Africa. It hardly seems like it's been a year already. But then again there are times when it seems like an eternity. Alot of life has been lived since then. Times of joy & celebration. Times of sorrow and loss. Busy times...fulfilling responsibilities with work, family and ministry. One thing I've come to realize though is that if we're not careful, it becomes really easy for us to forget, doesn't it? Maybe I'm becoming more nostalgic as I get older, but as I spend time in God's word I see that there are many times where God tells us to 'remember'. So it must be important. So here goes...come along with us on our trip down memory lane today...this 1 year anniversary of our life changing trip to Swaziland, Africa. I remember...

The gracious welcome from the Swazi and Mozambican people when we first arrived.
The poor living conditions of the people....amazing, they have so little.
People searching for food in the local garbage dump...which was situated adjacent to the city cemetery.
Watching a young boy (maybe 5 yrs old) carrying a large bucket of brownish water up a hill after drawing it from a muddy creek.
The smokey haze hovering over the hillsides as people burned their fields in the hope of producing more fertile soil once the planting season arrives.
Combis (vans) jam packed with people commuting from one place to another.
The sick children and the look in their eyes.
The smiles and games we played with the school children at El Shaddai Children's Home as we painted their school bathrooms. (oh yes...and the smell in the boys bathroom!!)
The awesome view of the mountains and the valley below that the children at El Shaddai get to enjoy every single day.
The rugged dirt roads leading up to El Shaddai. (and you think we have pot holes...!)
The people (both children and adults) that would run up to our van as we drove by, grinning from ear to ear, in the hope to catch some sweets (candy) we were offering to them....and their graciousness once they got some.
Speaking to the 'Go-Go' (grandmother) and her amazement that people would spend their vacation time and money (of which she couldn't even fathom) to come all that way to Swaziland to help them. **Sadly, she has since died.
The resourcefulness of the Swazi people....and their hard work ethic.
Looking into the clear southern hemisphere sky at night and seeing the Southern Cross constellation. God you are amazing!
The choirs singing and dancing at the 4 hour long church dedication service, and the table filled with food that the Mozambican and Swazi women prepared for the celebration. (took them 3 days to prepare!)
Being charged by a somewhat irritated elephant that stopped just a foot away from our landrover. (and the look on our girls faces as that was happening :)
Being just a few feet away from a pride of lions, seeing giraffes perfectly camoflaged in the thick brush, eating some impala for lunch, and being captivated by the beautiful African sunset.
Children just wanting to be held. And held. And held.
The privilege and joy of meeting our sponsored child, Nkosimphile.
The emotional sharing from each group member during our debriefing sessions each evening. None of us will ever be the same again. (1 group member has answered God's call and has since moved to Cape Town, South Africa!)
The ache in our hearts as we were leaving. It's still there.... (Lord willing we'll be returning in July 0f 2009!)
The culture shock when we returned to America.
Witnessing God's love, God's presence, God's faithfulness in every situation.

So there you have it...just a few of the things we've been remembering today. But wait, I remember...there's 1 more thing! Nothing new, but it's been on my refrigerator for years and kinda sums it all up: "Love God, love people....nothing else matters". I hope we never forget that! God bless.

As Iron Sharpens Iron

2008-05-19T00:43:00.000-04:00

"As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend. " Proverbs 27:17

This weekend has been anything but 'dull'. It started out Friday morning with my husband (my best friend) Mark and I sharpening our rummaging skills...seeking and successfully finding a nice, used kitchen table and chairs for our oldest daughter. Then later on that afternoon we had the opportunity to serve alongside other friends for a few blustery hours at an outdoor book sale...with proceeds (over $2,000!) going to help support the Compassionate Life Foundation and their work with orphans and widows in Swaziland, Africa. Then before the crack of dawn Saturday morning I had the blessing of meeting with some Bible Study Fellowship friends/leaders as we thanked God for the many truths and blessings He has showered upon us this year through our study of Matthew. Once home, I was blessed to spend some uninterrupted phone time with my dear friend (and sister in Christ) Becky in Boston. A time of laughter, tears, encouragment and just catching up on life. After that my husband and I took a leisurely walk in a local county park with man's best friend...our dog Rapha. Then today was baptism Sunday at church. A powerful time of worship and hearing many men, women and children give testimony of what their faith in Jesus Christ has meant in their lives. And tonight, wrapping up the weekend, a small group of friends met at our house for pizza & fellowship as we let lesson #2 of 'The Truth Project' sharpen our biblical worldview. Now it's late. The house is quiet, and I'm tired...ready to call it a day. But not before giving thanks to God for the many friends He has used to 'sharpen' my walk with Him. Thank you Jesus!

The Great Commission

2008-05-10T11:26:00.000-04:00

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

We all know what it feels like to be 'sent' don't we. We're sent to the grocery store for food. We're sent across town to run errands. We're sent to the neighbors for a cup of sugar. In a few short weeks athletes from all around the world will be 'sent' to represent their countries in the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. All different scenarios, but each with a specific purpose. So then...what does it mean & how does it look when we're sent by God? Good question! Looking at these verses, I see some hints. First hint: there's authority behind the sending. The God of the universe is backing us. (No small thing there!) Second hint: The supernatural power of God is in action. We may feel inadequate (we are!), but God can and will enable us to do what He's called us to do. Third hint: there's work to be done - make disciples. People who are willing to hear about, learn & live for God & His Son Jesus Christ. Fourth hint: It's an adventure. My friend Jen would often say "God has a wild imagination!" So true! And is there anything more exciting than to be willing and eager to go wherever God might send us? Fifth hint: We never go it alone. Wherever God sends us, He's promised to be with us. So whether He 'sends' us to the grocery store, the neighbor's house, across town, Beijing, or Africa ...being 'sent' by God truly is the greatest commission!

3rd Time Around?

2008-02-25T13:03:00.000-05:00

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:1-2

Again God, again! That was our prayer way back in July, 2007 as we returned home from our 2nd mission trip to Swaziland. God had so moved in our hearts that even then we felt the tug to someday return. Well that 'someday' has come. God is 'on the move' in amazing ways in Swaziland and we are sensing His call for us to return....in the summer of 2009. Seems like a long time from now doesn't it? But as we well know...there are myriads of details that need to line up for this to happen; Rearranging work schedules, notifying family & friends, raising funds, etc..etc. So with that said, what's first & foremost on the agenda? Prayer. Please join us in prayer that God, in His grace, would grant us wisdom and clear direction as we move forward...step by step...3rd time around...by faith. Blessings & thanks to all ~

Day of Prayer for Kenya

2008-01-25T07:55:00.000-05:00

"So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer." Ezra 8:23

I have a friend who had spent many years as a teacher at Rift Valley Academy in Kenya. Because of the gravity of what's been happening in that country, she is asking that we join her in spending some specific time in prayer today (Jan. 25th) for the people and situation in Kenya. Here's the link to her blogsite that gives more specifics. http://acupofteawithme.blogspot.com/. God alone is able to transform that situation. So let us expectantly and by faith, join together in prayer on their behalf.

Never, Ever Give Up!

2008-01-08T15:17:00.000-05:00

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

Years ago, in my athletic years, I remember racing against a team of riders that had printed on their jerseys in big bold letters: "NGU". Not knowing what it stood for, naturally I asked one of them. She said that even though they were a small unsponsored team, and even though they might not stand a chance racing against the powerhouse teams of that day, they were still a team...and that the letters on their jerseys stood as a vivid reminder to each of them to "Never Give Up". Sure they had some successes, but for the most part during races they found themselves just part of the pack. But no matter how hard things got, no matter the disappointments, the challenges, the ups & downs....they were committed to pressing on. I've never forgotten that.

Now apply that to life. Life is truly a gift from God. But it's not easy is it? Full of ups & downs. Joys and heartbreaks. Successes and challenges. Many times we feel like we're just part of the pack. Other times we wonder if what we're doing is really making a difference. Well let me tell you...you are! Press on! Keep committing yourself to making the most of every single day God gives you. Give out lots of hugs. Give out lots of encouragement. Give out lots of love. Let us not become weary in doing good...NGU...for in the long run, it'll all be worth it.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-20T16:07:00.000-05:00

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:66

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Reflecting on the most precious gift ever given. God's own son (Jesus). My prayer is that we might each unwrap the gift, through faith, and receive everlasting life. God bless you all this Christmas.

2007 Swaziland Work Team Christmas Tree :-)

Courage

2007-11-02T08:47:00.000-04:00

My friend Jennifer is in the battle of her life. She was diagnosed with breast cancer just over 6 years ago. She is a loving wife and the mother of two young children (age 7 and 6). Now, after rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and time spent in the hospital...the cancer is back. Because of some damage a tumor has done to her spine, she is also dealing with some paralysis from the waist down. She’s home now and she and her husband are in the midst of prayerfully deciding which treatment direction is best. Over these past six years, she and her family have often asked the question: Why? Why would God allow suffering like this? To quote another friend's daughter Laura: "This is one of those situations that automatically gets added to my already long list of Things I Would Do Differently If I Was In Charge of the Universe". (http://acupofteawithme.blogspot.com/2007/10/big-question.html) We can relate. Just yesterday I was blessed to spend some precious time with Jennifer. An amazing time witnessing her, in the midst of her suffering, praising God for who He is. Continuing to ask & believe Him for healing ('He owns my cells') in the midst of some serious odds. Reciting Scripture passages she memorized long ago that speak of God’s greatness, goodness, faithfulness and love. Passages that give her peace and hope in the midst of this raging storm.

Again quoting my friend's daughter: "We often tend to ask WHY these things happen, but maybe a more realistic question is, HOW will we react WHEN they do? Here in America, I think we’ve been lulled by our relatively cushy lifestyles into believing that suffering is something best avoided. Certainly, it hurts -- and no one likes pain! But we seem to regard suffering as strange and unnatural. We think we're somehow entitled to a pain-free, trouble-free life. We assume that, if something deeply uncomfortable comes our way, God must be picking on us. We lash out at Him or at the people who are closest to us, and we feel sorry for ourselves. We try to find a way out of our misery. But what happens when there is no way out? At least, not at a price we’re willing to pay. What then?" Well, according to my friend Jennifer, we have two choices; we can either choose to dwell on WHAT God does for us or on WHO He is. She has chosen the later. Circumstances constantly change, life often turns out very differently than we had expected or imagined and many are left discouraged and disillusioned. But praise God He never changes. He's always the same. His word is eternally true.

None of us want to suffer...but it’s comforting to know that when I do, God has promised to be there with me every step of the way. May we all learn to focus on Him, trust in Him, rest fully in Him so that we too might find....like my dear friend Jen...the peace that passes all understanding. (Phillipians 4:7). May God pour out His love, mercy, grace and healing on you Jen. I love you.

God has said;

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13: 5b, 8 NIV)

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4 NIV)

"The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." (Habakkuk 3:19 NIV)

Swaziland - Be Thou My Vision

2007-09-20T22:23:00.001-04:00

What matters most in life

2007-09-20T21:38:00.001-04:00

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord...." Philippians 3:7-8

Life can be so crazy. Lots of things pressing in on us all at once. Vying for our attention, our time, our energies, our days. Forces that attempt to get us so busy...so weary...so frazzled...that we miss what's most important in life. I've been reminded this week that each of us have only one lifetime here on this earth...and it's fleeting. Don't waste it! My prayer is that God and His Son Jesus Christ would become "first in our hearts", so we would begin to zero in on what's most important in this life. Grace and peace to you.

The Desire of Our Heart

2007-09-08T15:36:00.001-04:00

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:44

In the Johannesburg airport, as we were about to walk down the jetway to get on the plane and head home to the States, we saw this mural. The message caught our attention but also stirred an ache in our hearts. We were faced with the reality of our leaving, and at the same time realized that a piece of our heart was being left behind for good with the people of Swaziland. People we prayed with, cried with, laughed with, played with, planted with, hammered with, painted with, sang with, danced with. People to whom God had knit our hearts together with. People we had come to love dearly. It's been just over a month since we left and my prayer is that God in His grace would one day lead us back again. That God in His grace would one day give us the privilege and opportunity to 'taste Africa' again. That God in His grace would continue the work He has begun, in us and through us, all to His glory. Again God, again!......that's the desire of my heart.

God's Animals

2007-08-27T15:16:00.000-04:00

"And God said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so." Genesis 1:24

During one of the afternoons, we had the chance as a group to go on Safari. An amazing opportunity to be able to experience some of the wild animals that are native to Africa. Prior to this day many of us had only seen these animals in zoos...safely separated by several feet of fencing and moats. But not this time. We were up close and personal. In their environment....on their turf! As we spent the afternoon traveling in our Land Rover viewing these amazing creatures (and even being charged by a somewhat irritated elephant) I was reminded of something I'd heard a native Swazi once say; "Praise God for how He decorates the earth with His animals". Yes, these were His animals and our time there was truly a time of praise and worship to our awesome God and creator!

Warthog (pumba).................................White Rhinosaurus

African Elephant..................................King of the jungle

Impala.....................................................Giraffe

Nyala................................................Megan, Kathleen & Lauren

A Godly detour

2007-08-11T11:00:00.000-04:00

"Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia." Acts 16:66

By now some of you've heard the story of our interesting beginning to our July mission trip. For those of you who haven't, here's the scoop. Our Delta flight from Flint was cancelled early morning July 11th (our departure day). That cancellation set off a series of events with us trying to get our group of 19 to Atlanta in time to connect with our scheduled flight later on that day to Johannesburg South Africa. The airline informed us that due to the size of our group our only option was to divide up; with 5 going to Detroit (myself, my 2 daughters, their college friend and another gal) and the other 14 heading to Lansing (since my husband and I were designated 'travel leaders' we went in different directions to assure that everyone was accounted for). Sounds like a plan, right? But as we'd soon discover....God had his own agenda. Well to make a long story shorter, what began that morning with a cancelled flight soon developed into a series of events/delays that resulted in our tiny group of 5 missing our connection in Atlanta. We had somewhat of a 'home alone' moment...as we literally stood at the window watching the plane that was carrying our other 14 teammates back away from the gate without us! Now what? We had no way of communicating with them as we wondered how and when we'd be reunited.

We stood in line that night for hours at the Delta reservation desk trying every possible attempt to get on a flight to anywhere...that could eventually get us to Johannesburg. But despite our persistent efforts we were informed that we'd be spending the night in Atlanta. They booked us on a flight for the next night to Frankfurt Germany and after a 12 hour layover there, we'd board another plane for an 11 hour flight to Jo-burg. The phrase 'be flexible' kept resounding in our heads (a phrase drilled into us during several of our team training sessions in the spring...ok, ok...we get it!). So here we were for the next 3 days...with just the clothes on our backs and our backpacks. I must admit there were times we were frustrated and tired, but we tried our best to make the most of it; verbally expressing things for which we were thankful to God, taking the Marta (subway) into downtown Atlanta to see the city, as well as catching the train into downtown Frankfurt for some sightseeing (an unexpected blessing). Exhausted, we even slept on some park benches along the Mein river (hey, it was peaceful:-). Eventually and by the grace of God we made it safely to Swaziland via Jo-burg where days later, we were joyously reunited with the rest of our group.

After taking some time to reflect on our little 'detour', all five of us soon began realizing that every step of the way God was not only with us...He was in it. God had a reason for keeping us off that flight. He was not only teaching us total dependance on Him right from the start, but He was providing multiple opportunities for many different people (in Atlanta and Frankfurt Germany) to hear of our mission for Jesus Christ. How exciting! You see...even though there's times when things don't go as we've planned...and even though there's times when we're frustrated and can't see what the outcome will be... and even though there's 'detours' in life...it's comforting to know that God is in control and He knows what He's doing. It's true! For those of you who prayed for us...thank you very much. God answered. Here's some of the pictures taken during our 'detour':

5 'lost sheep' on the Marta in Atlanta........Lauren and Megan in the Frankfurt airport

Frankfurt train station............beautiful downtown Frankfurt

me & my girls along the Mein river........Yes!...souvenir T-shirts!

Love is the answer

2007-08-07T14:15:00.000-04:00

"Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." Romans 13:10

Heard a song on the radio today on my way to work that really spoke to my heart. It's by a group called Building 429 and the song is titled "I Believe". The lyics go like this:

Walk blindly to the light and reach out for His hand

Don't ask any questions and don't try to understand

Open up your mind and then open up your heart

You will see that you and me aren't very far apart

'Cause I believe that love is the answer