Remembering God's Promises On the Journey
Back to Africa

Monday, July 30, 2012

Zodwa - Heaven's Gain



I join in with the celebration in Heaven at Zodwa's homecoming. She went to be with the Lord on  . Zodwa was a 16-year-old girl who lived at the orphan care center where I stay. With a wonderful sense of humor, big smile, and friendly personality she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Though she had been living with the effects of a parasite on her brain, she was functioning well until her health suddenly declined drastically until she was bed-ridden and unable to speak, eat, or move on her own. During those final days some of her last words were "Jesus, I love you" and "thank you" to the house mothers who were caring for her. She was surrounded by many people who loved her deeply and cared for her sacrificially as she struggled with her illness.


Before Zodwa came under the care of the ministry here, she was living in a child-led home. This is common in Swaziland. Zodwa was a double orphan, having lost both of her parents. I praise God that she was welcomed into God's family as she welcomed Jesus into her heart. She was also part of the ministry family here where all of her needs were met. Though many of us grieve her death, we also rejoice that she is experiencing the fullness of joy in God's presence.

News article about Zodwa about her situation before she was brought under the care of the ministry







Zodwa at the care center where she lived
Zodwa wearing my glasses :)

Zodwa and I having fun during a fun night with the teenage girls at the care center in 2008

Thursday, July 05, 2012

Preparing for the United Kingdom

Ministry's Choir during a recent performance in the church service

Practice with the ministry's choir

We're working to prepare the ministry's choir (above) for their missions trip to the United Kingdom Aug 28-Sept 18. They will be performing in churches with songs, dances, and testimonies.There are 25 people traveling, myself included. Most of the team is made up of the kids who are part of the orphan care center. May God use this team to shine forth His light, His truth, His hope and His love to the nations. We will be visiting England and Northern Ireland and I'm very excited about what God is going to do!

A few weeks ago we had a graduation for the men's Teen Challenge  (drug & life controlling habits rehabilitation center) and Teen Challenge Ministry Institute students. It was a joyful time of celebrating the transformation that has taken place in the lives of the students. The ministry institute (also known as Life Skills) trains students in the Bible and other vocational skills such as agriculture, computer, electrical, etc. Congratulations to the graduates! May God lead them every day as they seek to follow Him and His plans for their lives!




Teen Challenge Ministry Institute graduates
Teen Challenge Ministry Institute students Graduation

Monday, July 02, 2012

Lavumisa Women's Retreat June 2012




A team from my home church, CLC in Dayton, Ohio, came out June 7-18 to hold a women's retreat in Lavumisa, Swaziland. Lavumisa is in a rural part of Swaziland out in the bush. Working with the team was a blessing and I believe God brought life-long tansformation to the lives of the women. We saw God showering His love, forgiveness, mercy, hope and truth into the women's hearts. Many of these women are in polygamous marriages and some are deeply rooted in the culture of ancestor worship. Swaziland's predominant religion is Zionism which is a mixture of Christianity and ancestor worship. Many people go to traditional healers (witch doctors) when they are sick or need help. 

"The Mindset of a Christian Woman" was the topic of the teachings throughout the week and the women heard of God's love for them, His call to forgive, and that Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father - God the Creator of the universe. About 90 women were attendance for this week long retreat. Some received Christ for the first time, several who had strayed came back to the Lord, and many recommitted their lives to God.



Women's retreat at Lavumisa CLC
Women of Lavumisa dancing during praise & worship at the retreat
Terri, Waheedah & I helping with lunch distribution
The ladies in line for lunch at the retreat     

Volunteers, children, and I in Lavumisa - we had 30+ kids join us daily during the women's retreat