Things our eyes have seen (Manzini Primary School)

"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

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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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!

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!!