So I'm back in the States and not sure if I've really given time to process this past year. For me, its been an interesting mix of what to do next and catching up on my state of play i.e my finances, debt and responsibilities that seem to be in somewhat of a tailspin. Ideas for relocation...Atlanta? California? when, where, how? All these and more.
In the mountains of Guatemala, with out Yellow school bus that got us up there daily, where we setup medical clinics daily for local villages and shared Christ with them.
Its been interesting having conversations that reveals just how much has happened in what seemed like a quick year of being gone. Multiple and multiple of friends engaged, some married and others both. A few with newly born babies and others, expecting and very pregnant. Some with additions to be excited for and yet, others losses to grieve. In all it is somewhat overwhelming. Although well expected that life goes on and did go on while I was gone. It just feels like so much happened.
Out in Swaziland, living life with the Kids and locals. Where my guitar found its new owner
Here we had discipleship programs, school outreaches, home visits and community living out in the village.
On the other end, not having the people and community around to converse with and basically just 'shoot the breeze' (hang out) has been unpleasantly weird and somewhat depressing, especially since I seem to have a ton of time to myself these days. A positive end to this is I have that time to evaluate all God has worked in me this year and seem to be using it a tad well. It includes his relationship with people, mine with him and a deeper understanding of his love for me...and you - the love of the Father and ways I can more effectively reflect and share that love, giving him Glory here in America, in what will be the next phase of my life.
Loving on Kids out in Nicaragua Loving and Living life with the Asli natives in the Jungles of Malaysia
I should also note that there has been a change to my schedule. Unlike I originally posted about me going to Haiti in June, I have a change in direction. With what I believe is discernment and direction, in prayer, I have come to the conclusion that Haiti in not the next step for me right now.
I also do not have and was not able to raise the funding for the trip, which I'm really taking as confirmation to the direction I have not to go. It is interesting though, 'cause I really would love to go out to Haiti, but you see this has been a big part of my whole trip this year, this idea that "obedience is better than sacrifice". So with that, I thank you all for your continued prayer and support that carried me through and still continues to. Also many of you that were obedient in not giving, thank you. :)
Scott being a father to the Helping to rebuild a woman's mud house in Mozambique. Fatherless in the Philippines A country that can still use a lot of help and support.
Although I'm no longer going to Haiti, in good faith, a flight ticket was purchased for me by the organization, and that would still need to be covered or I would have to personally cover it. So I am still in need of about $600 that would help cover that cost. Donations can be made online, or with a check of any amount to Adventures in Missions, with attn to my name. I do appreciate your giving and no amount is too little. All donations to the organization are tax-deductible. Please let me know if you can help in anyway.
At the end of the race, I got to take in some of God's artistic nature. Lake Tahoe :)
As for me, I am home again. Well not quite sure where home is, but I'm back in the States. Please know that you are a part of the work that was and is still being worked and me being able to experience all that these pictures represent. So please feel free to drop me an email or note if any questions about the race or the whole trip in general, or even just to say hi, I would be more than happy to share.
Been meaning to update on some of the things going on with me right now. For one, I am officially done with my race. My squad came into LAX California a few days ago after a very long flight from Thailand, with a nice 8hr layover in Korea. There were a lot of goodbye's said, a few tears...from the girls and some encouraging parting words.
I'm taking a few days to spend in California, doing some camping up the coast with a couple teammates before heading back to the east coast. During this time, I am also getting myself prepped for my trip to Haiti in June. This is a one month trip with this same organization that I went on the World Race with. Its an opportunity to further bring life to a nation that is in desperate need of it, while being obedient to God's calling on my life and growing in character and all that he has for me.
On a side note, I am really excited to tell that I am just about fully funded for the World Race I just got done with. Thank You all for the amazing support you have given through out the year, its been a blessing to see the Lord come through and provide through your obedience and generosity.
I am however still in need of a five hundred dollars that would cover the mandatory international insurance used while out of the country and travel flight tickets back from California to the east coast. This would complete my fund raising for the race, to which God has completely provided as he said he would. :)
Below is an amazing video that compacts images of our whole race into a short 8 min segment clip. It includes some of the lives that got to be a part of ours this year. Lives that the Lord used to shape and mold us into better reflections of himself. The video was made by my boy warren, so feel free to leave him an encouraging line or 2. Enjoy!
Thank you again for all the support, I hope you will continue to keep me in prayer and see how the Lord would have you support me even as I move on with plans for Haiti and all the Lord would have me do going forward.
So its been an amazing year, but as it comes to a close, I've been looking to see where God would have me next, as I move forward with this life he's given me. Back to work, begin work on some business ideas, back to school, or even small side community projects he's birth in me to help meet needs that I've come across through this year.
One of few things that has stuck out to me is the need in Haiti. It is a widely covered situation, and does not really require much, if any introduction. This country has been on my heart to some degree, even before the most recent devastating quake hit...now, even more of a need.
I've currently been given the opportunity to be a part of an Alumni race relief team that will be going down to Haiti for a month, for the month of June, 2010. This is a direction I believe I have the OK to run with right now from God, while continuing to be obedient and listening for His voice as I move. Some of you might be unaware, but as of right now, I will be completing my year on the race at the end of this month, with Thailand (current location as of this evening) being our last country.
I return for about a month in the States before leaving for Haiti in June.
The trip will consist of difficult environments and living conditions, placing us where we can most effectively minister to those in desperate need of it right now, including just meeting the immediate physical type needs.
The WorldRace staff and AIM organization is already working with organizations down on the ground, with other previous teams that have been out there paving the way with other type objectives and mission focus.
You all have been very supportive and encouraging through this year, and have helped me raise most of the funds needed to go through this year, and for that I am truly truly grateful for your contributions and obedience to what God would have you do.
I am currently just about fully funded for the world race trip, with only about $700 left to fully cover my expenses and have me fully funded for the year. And so I thank you all for standing boldly with me, and being a part of what God has done this past year around the world, but also in my life for sure.
With all that said, I am also still in need of another $2000 to cover the cost of my trip to Haiti for the month. And so it is with with great humility and appreciation, I would ask you to seek the Lord on how you can further support me to be able to leave with the team June 1st to Haiti.
As always, your prayers are most important, and very much welcome. And any type of financial support of any kind is always appreciated. If you have any questions or thoughts, please feel free to send them to me or post a comment, and I will do my best to reply as soon as is possible.
I am very excited about experiencing more of Christ's heart in Haiti, being a part of the church at work out there as it should be, and being transformed even more to a much better likeness or Christ as He walks me through Haiti and all the experiences he chooses to use me in.
So thank You, and do check back for more updates of pics from the Philippines and what we'l be doing here in Thailand as we wrap up our year, cheers!
Its been about two weeks since we left Malaysia and its Asli
people in the jungle, but the very fond memories still on occasion keep me
company...it really was good times!
Before leaving the jungle, something we did was go back to
the basics. You see, with the community not having much of an understanding of
the who Jesus is, the Gospel or even what sin is, we decided going back to the
basics of the Gospel and why Jesus came, would be a great way to introduce them to our heavenly father.
So then, what are the basics? Going back, we talked about the
virgin birth of Jesus and how that sets the stage for his sinless life. Adam
and Eve and how sin came into the world and in the process separating us from a
Holy God...in the process, explaining what it means to sin.
All this really got me thinking on when last I went back to
the basics, and how we tend to overlook these amazing stories. The birth of
Jesus, born in a manger, the three wise men and the very significant gifts they
brought with them. And this is just one of many.
These stories have become so basic to us in that we know the
outline, they become just another story that we might even know well, and can spit out on a dime, but
we miss/lose the significance, the character of God that is revealed.
I am reminded of sports I played in school, a little bit of basketball and soccer. Its cool to think of how our coach would allocate time and get us to work on the basics as much as possible. We go back to doing
passing, shooting, and simple ball control drills.
On some occasions, we even
work on proper hand placement when shooting with the ball and guarding without.
Getting the basics right, help secure your foundation for the makings of a
great player, as it provides the building blocks to be able to do the many other
fancy advanced moves.
Likewise, I have been reminded that these basic stories help
set the stage and provide building blocks to really understanding the Father's
heart, knowing more of His Character and experiencing His love.
When last have you considered studying or even just reading those stories in
scripture that you know so well. Those stories that give definition to who God is and that amazing relationship He chooses to have with us...and us with Him. Let us revisit the basics, get reminded of the power in the Gospels, where we don't have to sell it to anyone like a used car sale's man but rather in sharing, we can see the Gospel come alive and watch God move!
For a quick update, we are currently in the Philippines, in a small city called MalayBalay. Its a pretty interesting town that seems to stay pretty active with people, the many motorcycles/scooters and even cultural parades and activities.
We are working with New Faith Family Childrens home that is run by Kids International Ministries (KIM). We have our whole squad together this month and get to work on a number of different projects. We've gotten a chance to paint, sparkle, sift sand, mix concrete and help with the ongoing construction, build bamboo fences and more. There are also the kids we get to hang out with and mentor and of course the little babies we get to take care of, 'around the clock'...the youngest being little Hannah that is now about three weeks old.
These are just a few of the opportunities we have here. I'll update soonest with some pics. A few of us seem to be coming under the weather...seems viral, but nothing big to worry about, nothing loads of fluids can't take care of. We do appreciate your prayer though!!
I want to again thank you all for your continued support, in encouragement and financially, its been a real blessing as I finish up this year. In that respect, please continue to keep me in your prayer, as an opportunity to go out to Haiti for a month with a team has come up and is being considered...about a month after I return. Just wanted to throw that out there, I'll talk about this a little more, a little later.
Out here in our little village, in the jungle, it's been great getting to build some of our new relationships. Some of our daily tasks include; helping to construct chalets – eco friendly buildings that will make up an eco friendly type resort center. This center is planned to help generate greater awareness and bring more people out here to help with the indigenous people and their community as a whole.
How Team Tribal often spends it's days
We also find ourselves teaching English classes, drinking endless flowing hot tea, yummy!!, teaching bible studies, organizing and leading all aspects of church services and some home visits. On occasions, you might even find the boys (Matt and I) testing our skills at se-pa-teh-kraw – kind of a cross between volleyball and soccer. All this with hopes of somehow leaving them with a good reflection of the Father.
So, something we've found here is that not many people know how to read in the national Malay language. Infact, so far, only two people, the local pastor and one of the elders are able to accomplish this feat.
The Problem; To my understanding, there is no translation of the bible in the local Axley (Indigenous people) language, and with really only one or two people with access to a copy of the bible, it seems to limit personal spiritual growth for many of the Christians here...or does it?
This actually is a re-occurring scenario that has played itself out in different forms while in Africa, and I'm sure it happens in many other places.
So here's the question.
We have the Logos word of God, the written word of God...the Bible. We also have the Rhema word, God speaking to us through the Holy Spirit. Is there an emphasis of IMPORTANCE placed more on the Logos word of God than the Rhema? And if so, should this be the case?
If you just have any general thoughts/view on this, I would love to hear from you too. Even questions are cool too. Really would love to have this interactive, so feel free to start a discussion if necessary.
So It's been a week since we got into Kuala Lampur (KL) and an amazing week it's been so far. It started out with our best flight yet, on Qatar Airlines and getting welcomed by an amazing host in KL...right in the heart of the city.
Got introduced to some real amazing ice tea, very cold and refreshing...or maybe I was just really thirsty, I mean I just carried my partially broken pack, with all the extra crap I tend to log all over the place, half across KL (maybe I exaggerate a little...) ...which ever way, it was de-li-cious!! It was late and close to midnight, Malay time, but probably one of best country welcoming yet.
To back track a little, right before we left South Africa, our squad decided to do something interesting and switch things up a little. Looking to push ourselves even more these last three months of the race, the idea was presented to scratch all teams and have new ones made, but we would earnestly seek the Lord for direction and clarity on where he would have us placed.
Making teams turned out to be a tad more difficult and emotional than I bet most people expected, however, all in all, it was a real interesting process that I think got people to step out of comfort zones and walk into the unknown of Gods direction.
So with that said, new teams were formed and I am currently one of an unnamed team of seven, namely... Mathew RUPLE, Jessica PHILIP, Ashley, Leigh LECKMAN, Kristin HELMS and Helen DUKE (better known to you as Heather...a Malay thing). This new team is actively and intentionally being led by a power duo team, Jessica and Ashley.
Anyway, with new teams in check, all roads led to KL where my team found out we would be doing some real jungle living for the next month in the Malaysian outback, with the native indigenous people. With a relatively short bus ride and three hrs later we were off-roading it up a mountain with our new host in the middle of nowhere, going through a couple of remote villages where children running around naked seemed to be the norm.
In time, we made it to our new home as beautiful as you can imagine, surrounded by bamboos, vines and the tallest trees I've ever seen, some that even bleed red. On either side was either a mountain or a valley and they rolled as far as eyes could see, with a river running through.
A baby sun bear that was found during a hunt in the jungle, One of the local settlements, sitting on a split on the river bank.
now kept as a pet. Look at the claws on that thing
This week has been a medley of construction project (details another time), getting acquainted with our new community...especially being accepted by the children (still working on this one) and adjusting to jungle life. Needless to say, it's been quite an exciting week. Not sure how often I'll be able to keep this up, but I figure I'd give you an update on what's new...
...So I have to leave now, can't post all the pics I'd like too...will work on next week, i'll update this blog. Please continue to keep us in prayer, thanks loads!!
...To finish up our 3 months in Africa, before we departed for Asia, we had a few days of debrief in Nelspruit, South Africa, where we met up with our coaches. Debrief is usually a good time of reflection and ‘rest'; physically, emotionally and spiritually. Sometimes the spiritual gets left behind a tad, but that's another blog all together.
Anyway, to get right to the point, something obvious in the relationships I have is this act of withdrawal that takes place when certain interactions with my peers, family or friends don't pan out as I imagine should. Although only recently have I been challenged to address this issue, it has built an excitement in me that speaks to the opportunity for a new level of growth.
You see, I too notice this pattern where I tend to withdraw as it pertains to different situations. Sometimes I see it as me just being tired and not in the ‘act the fool' type personality frame of mind, which I occasionally tend to adorn...which in a lot of cases I think is legit. Some days I just want to be chill and I feel like to do any more, to give a bigger laugh or anything more than a good smile that acknowledges my awareness, if nothing more than to say "I hear you", would be me being fake, not real, and only trying to please.
With that in mind though, it does beg to suggest...is this likewise the case when I am fully walking in that laugh out loud, be crazy ‘act the fool' type personality. Am I being fake or just being social, being me in a different light?
Sorry, I digress...but yea, I see this pattern as well, and unfortunately have left it primarily unaddressed until now. I have my excuses/theories on why; I'll keep them as mine for now...But there is an excitement that is welling up within me for the opportunity it presents to growth in me and in my relationships. It was brought up during my team's debrief with our squad leaders and coaches and although not necessarily running from it, it was put right in front of me...again, to be confronted. And for the first time, probably ever, I believe I got some type of insight into me acting out this way.
You see, I was blessed to get rebuked, boldly and in Love. The message? At the core of this my unaddressed withdrawal is PRIDE. Unfortunately, I don't remember all that was said as I got rebuked, my brain just does not seem to retain information very well in that manner. Nonetheless, the gist of it all is something along the lines of me being TRUTH based (still need to completely wrap my head around that...I guess I still have a few questions for Tom) but the idea that sometimes I might know something or know what TRUTH should look like in a particular situation and when it does not go down that way, how I react or don't react says a whole lot.
To react by withdrawing and no longer addressing the situation/person, as almost to say this is/you are not worth my time, or maybe even un-forgiveness, displays an attitude and heart of pride. Even more, on the other end, rather than withdrawing, to lash out with harsh words, even when speaking TRUTH, displays an attitude and a heart of pride as well.
As I continually give this to the Lord, watching in amazement how he transforms and shapes me even more into his likeness, I hope you would continue to keep me in your prayers. This is one of the many new things God is working in me, and I am EXCITED!!
So yea, not sure how my title applies to what I just wrote. The original idea as the title suggests, was to talk about this idea of me not willing to submit, or just having a general problem with submitting to female authority. It is a conversation that has come up as it has applied to some of the teams I have been on. I do not quite agree with the notion of me having this issue, again I have my thoughts, but it's a question that is on the table and your thoughts and insight are more than welcome.
Again, this is just one of the many ways I am continually being transformed into being Christ on Earth(pls ask me to explain if I need to), out of a life in community, one of interdependency, wrapped around and perfected in Christ and his example. All made very possible by your obedience, love, prayers and generous support.
I am almost fully funded, although still in need of a little over $1000 to reach my goal, and a little more for my return trip back home once in the US. If you would like to support me for any amount, please click on the support me link on the left pane.
Also a teammate of mine Erin Neufeld is still in need of support, see her page by clicking on her name and click on her support me link. It will be a real blessing to help her finish up this race.
p.s really wanted to throw some pics on here but unfortunately, time does not permit me....this has to be a quick post.
So we've been in Africa for close to three months, and it hits me that I really haven't given a whole lot of info on general life in this amazing continent. Fortunately, a cool friend of mine and squadmate Tiffany Berkowitz wrote a great blog in vivid detail of life here in Malawi through her eyes.
As usual, you know I only re-post blogs that are really worth a read or two, so sit back and come join us here in Malawi, Africa.
Pls feel free and I encourage you to check out her blogs as well, she's got some good stuff on there...even if nothing more than just to throw some encouragement her way. Just click on her name above.
Africa is a place full of the most colorful culture that I have ever witnessed.
When I look out the door of my
tent, I see the silhouettes of deep purple mountains, vibrant colors of
exotic fruits that decorate the lush greenery completely surrounding
me, and the most crisp, clear blue sky imaginable... laced with white
clouds that illustrate ultimate purity, having never been touched by
the pollution of mans obsession to civilize.
When I walk down the dirt path leading out to the main road, I can
see dozens of beautiful African women carrying buckets of water, bags
of rice, bundles of branches... all weighing about 20-40 pounds... on
their heads. At the same time, they have their children securely
fastened onto their backs, tied up with a piece of cloth- the same
cloth they use for clothing. They have more muscle than most American
guys I know. Their older children tag along close by, some carrying
smaller bags on their heads, while others hold out their hands and say
to me,
"Give me money." A line that has been very well rehearsed.
The lifestyle is really hard. We usually have no
running water and no electricity, which means no toilet or shower, and
that you are done with your day by the time the sun goes down around 6
or 7. We use a hole in the ground for our restroom and we shower in
water buckets (or Lake Malawi if you're Hannah, Cori, and I!) We have
had a consistent diet-- rice and beans. Sometimes chicken. Which is
luxurious compared to what the people here eat as a staple, which is
Ugali (basically cornmeal -shown on the right). It's not my favorite,
but it is definitely filling.
I can hear children all over exclaiming over and over "Azungu! Azungu!"
which means "white person" in Chichewa, their tribal language. Sadly,
most of the children here in Malawi are uneducated, as education is not
free, and the only English they seem to know is "Give me money."
When we go into town to do shopping, or to find a place where we
can charge our team phone, we meet some pretty interesting characters.
One day, team S'more and I went into town to get groceries and there
was a young man, no older than 18, dancing in the middle of the street.
Completely naked. We asked the pastor what was wrong with him, and if
we could buy him clothes, and we were told that he was mentally ill and
would reject the clothing. The team and I prayed for him. As I look
around, I see so many people simply trying to make a living. Selling
eggs, coke, 'mandas' (kind of like donuts), mangoes, and really
anything they can get their hands on to sell. The economy here is in
such a desperation.
In a lot of ways, somehow America has made poverty in Africa... almost glamorous.
You see the ads on T.V. and the movies about child soldiers. Poverty in
Africa has invaded Hollywood, and Hollywood has done with it what
they're good at doing with anything... making it glamorous. It's a new
trend, a new "fad" to be a part of being "aware"...But being here, I'm
seeing more and more everyday... this is real. This is raw. This is
life for these people. And let me tell you, there is NOTHING glamorous
about the life these people live. There is nothing glamorous about pooping in a hole that reeks of feces and urine and is infested with maggots and flies. There is nothing glamorous about malnutrition. There is nothing glamorous about bathing in and drinking water infested with parasites. And there is nothing glamorous about begging just to survive.
This Christmas was one that I will never forget.
God revealed to us in such a deep way that we have been previously
too distracted to really understand what it means for Christ to have
come into this world. As we sat in the dark room full of mosquitoes and
flies, eating our Christmas feast of rice and beans, we talked about
the lives that we have chosen for ourselves this year. We talked about
family Holiday traditions, the tasty treats we missed the most, and
how... in all of that... we had all missed the point. Big Time.
Every year, I "realize" that Christmas is all about Jesus.. not
about the other "stuff". But I was still able to enjoy the luxuries of
home. Not only an actual toilet and shower, complete with a real BED,
and a roof over our heads that keep the mosquitoes OUT, but we enjoy
things like decorations, deserts, presents, music, lights, incredible
feasts, and... the list honestly goes on and on.
This year was so different. SO different. And it
changed the way that I will celebrate Christmas FOREVER. Is it wrong to
enjoy the things that we are blessed with in America? No, not if we are
not excessive about it. But as I thought about what would honor God the
MOST on his birthday, all of those things suddenly seemed incredibly
undesirable. Jesus came and humbled himself. He sacrificed holiness in
heaven for the flesh. He came to rescue us from our wickedness. He came
to love the hard to love. He was born into rejection. For what? To LOVE
and to SERVE us. What would honor Christ the most on this day? (and
really every other day...) To love and serve Him right back. And what
does he say about that?
He says that when we feed, clothe, and care for "the least of these", we're doing that for Jesus.
"For
I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and
you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after
me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then
the
righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and
feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see
you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"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.' Matt 25:35
This has been a question that has come up a couple times for me, and
probably the rest of the team since we've been on this race.
Last month in Vilanculos Mozambique, I was filled with more
encouragement than ever, I believe from the Holy Spirit to expect more
from God, expect the crazy miracles, entertain thoughts of the
unbelievable becoming reality. This was my heart and on possibly more
occasions than they probably cared to hear I shared it with my squad.
Do we have the faith it takes to see amazing things happen? We
were reminded of what it means to have faith as we read the stories of
men and women in the bible that reached beyond themselves, they dared
to believe that Jesus was the Messiah and could do the impossible.
Pushing and weaving through the crowd, she dared to show herself
in public as an unclean woman, with the thought, only if I touched his
garment, my blood issue would be healed. Although of high calling and
high position in the synagogue, he dared to defy convention of his
time, he approached Jesus, asking him to come to his home and heal his
child. Even as a man of great authority, a centurion, he believed that
Jesus only had to speak the very words of healing, and it would be so,
his servant would be healed, a visit was not necessary.
How is that people that did not have a relationship with Jesus
were able to have such faith, to a degree that in many respects, the
disciples lacked. There was belief and a commitment shown by these and
some others that put the disciples to shame at least up to the point of
the Spirit of God coming upon them and empowering them.
Why is that? Why is it that those of us that have a standing
relationship with God tend to find it more difficult to have faith and
completely rest in who God is, as situations arise, especially when
he's shown himself to us time and time again? I have/had a good thought
I shared with my squad about this, but it escapes me right now (another
reason why I should write things down) I guess it must have been from
God if I don't even know what said...☺ Maybe I'm just getting old, I'll
have to share when I do recall.
Anyway, during this time in Mozambique, God gave me the
opportunity to be a part of, and see hundreds of people in that
community come to know God. This was legitimately the first time I had
ever been in a spiritual harvest season that was as evident as my
teammates standing next to me. To experience what it looks like where
people literally just come off the street asking to be taught about
Jesus, where there is zero doubt it had anything to do with you or the
words you just spoke, especially since you hardly said anything. To see
well over a hundred prisoners in the local prison completely give their
lives to God with boldness and conviction after a testimony and an
introduction to I AM himself. This was a HUGE thing for me, and I am so
grateful I got to experience it. You only had to be so bold and dare to
tell someone about Jesus and they just seemed to want to know him, all
over that little town. Through out this time, God showed himself
mighty, bringing a ton of people into his kingdom, and giving us quite
a many testimonies of healings that had taken place after prayer during
some of our hospital and home visits.
Sorry, I digress a little... So today, here in Malawi, after a
morning of evangelism and inviting people to a little gathering we
would be having at the church grounds at 2pm, we got to sing, dance and
share with all those that showed up, further encouraging the truth of
God wanting a relationship with them, and what that looked like. At end
of service, I got to pray for Robert with a couple of my teammates. You
see, Robert had just recently been in an accident, and had come up to
get special prayer for the pain in his back and ears. We asked him if
he believed God could heal him and he nodded. Trusting God and
expecting a miracle, we prayed, asking God to take away the pain and
heal him.
After praying, Ashley, my teammate quickly prompts me to ask him
if he feels any different, and so quickly I turned posing the question
to him, and sure enough, he said he felt no pain anymore. So we asked
even further, is there anything you can do now that you could not
before? With a couple of seconds passing for Mike our translator to do
his work, Robert began bending over and touching his toes repeatedly,
gesturing no pain anymore. ☺
Yes, with a smile on my face, but also with a tad of unbelief, not so
much that I doubted God could do it, but that Robert might just be
telling us what he thinks we want to hear, at least so I thought. So I
thought to ask... are you sure you understand what we are asking, and
you don't have to pretend if you still have the pain...and in that
instant, God rebuked me -
Who are you to doubt that he just got healed? you asked me
to show up and bring healing in Roberts situation, I did and then you
try to find a way to cover up your doubt that it could really happen
that fast.
And as quickly as the rebuke came, I begged for forgiveness and
with great joy and excitement for the miracle that God just did, I
began to thank him, encouraging Robert to do the same and share of what
God has done in his life today.
So yea, here is my question to you, do you have faith? Do you
really believe he can do the things you ask him to do? Or do you just
pray? And this is me assuming you have a relationship with him, if you
don't, what do you believe about him that would make him step out and
do what you ask? When miracles happen in your life, do you, like most
people find a way or something to argue it away and don't give him
credit? Do you really understand what it means to have faith? Do you
have faith?
Going into Swaziland, there was this little part of me extraordinarily excited not just about coming back to Africa, but going to a place I had never been before, one that would change even my perspective on the Africa I know...in a more personal way. With our squad divided into three different locations in Swaziland, my team was blessed to be in a little big village called Ezindwendweni, out in the bush. It was a very cool experience of going back to the basics, no electricity and all the distractions that can come with that, no good source of clean water and basically just learning to live a simpler life.
Our ministry here was relatively straight forward, build relationships and point our new community to Christ. We did a lot of this through our conversations, through skits and bible teachings, singing songs with the kinds, sharing life bringing stories from the bible, like those of Daniel being spared in the Lions den, and of course the great story of David knocking down the giant Goliath. With some others, we taught on the sin and consequence and what it means to rest and be still before God and seek His face...amongst other things.
We got great opportunities to visit the local junior and high schools and share our lives and God's passion for them, had home visitations, where we were able to share a word and just soak them in prayer as well as pass out personal invitations to women, children, youth and other type events held at the small church compound we called home.
It was so amazing to see how open and interested the community was in building relationships and learning about the outside world. A lot of things were fascinating to our new friends, camera's(still fascinating to me), head lamps, even my guitar. Oh yes, the guitar was a BIG hit, and I don't know if it was my charms...probably just the guitar, but it made me close to a local celebrity. But really when you think that this village had only really began to get a good amount of external influence in the last 15 years, it kinda puts things into perspective. What were they doing in the early 90's and the 80's and even the 70's? What did life look like. There are still a good amount of homesteads (a group of small huts usually belonging to a family head, usually representing one family that often includes immediate family and their individual partners and kids) that can only be reached by walking. The dirt roads for cars, will only take you so far.
Anyway, it was a good time of just loving on them, and sharing God's love with them. I even got the go ahead to give up my guitar, with an awesome opportunity to bless another. This kid Tse Tse (his Swazi name and pretty hard to pronounce, even for an African like myself) completely fell in love with the guitar and would play it every second he could. He had made his own version of a guitar with some wood, an aluminum type drum for the body and carved woods for the pegs and other nifty ideas to get it to play some type of a tune. It was pretty impressive, and I'm sorry I don't quite have a picture of it right now...I'm sure I have one somewhere, I'll have to dig it up. But anyway as time went on, I just felt it would be an awesome blessing for him. It was always very kool to sit and see him play some very aw
esome African songs on my guitar that he had learned from his fabricated guitar. He had no clue what a chord was or the progressions for that matter of fact, his finger just randomly switched up onto different strings and made sweet music. I presented him with the guitar on my last day there, and he was so excited, he kept playing for hours.
Swazi was an awesome country to be in, beautiful landscape and even more beautiful people, with a lot in area
s like Ezindwendweni that lack so muc
h of a lot that is so basic to us. You see the lack of rain seemed to be a major complaint for not being able to grow crops, plough, cattle dying and more. It made me t
hink of what a small irrigation type project would do for a community like this.
Here's a caption of my thought....provid
ing water sources(wells, boreholes) strategically placed, with the necessary water transmission lines(tubing) to farms, providing water as needed, and not completely having to rely on rain. But with that incorporating a micro loan aspect to the project where the farmers can invest in the infrastructure themselves to get it setup, possibly being provided by a little more fortunate individuals like you. From the profits of the sale of their harvest, they can begin to repay the micro-loans. Still have a good amount to think through, but just a general caption of the idea. I can really see it being a real blessing to the community.
We are currently heading out to Mozambique for a month, yep, camping the whole time, more fun :). Keep us in prayer, and my team as well. There has been a few more changes, we have a new team leader change yet again, and very unfortunately, lost one teammate, asked to leave the race. I'll have to share in another blog. Love you guys, and appreciate the constant support.
I am reminded of sports I played in school, a little bit of basketball and soccer. Its cool to think of how our coach would allocate time and get us to work on the basics as much as possible. We go back to doing
passing, shooting, and simple ball control drills. 
We are working with New Faith Family Childrens home that is run by Kids International Ministries (KIM). We have our whole squad together this month and get to work on a number of different projects. We've gotten a chance to paint, sparkle, sift sand, mix concrete and help with the ongoing construction, build bamboo fences and more. There are also the kids we get to hang out with and mentor and of course the little babies we get to take care of, 'around the clock'...the youngest being little Hannah that is now about three weeks old.
This actually is a re-occurring scenario that has played itself out in different forms while in Africa, and I'm sure it happens in many other places.
y
tent, I see the silhouettes of deep purple mountains, vibrant colors of
exotic fruits that decorate the lush greenery completely surrounding
me, and the most crisp, clear blue sky imaginable... laced with white
clouds that illustrate ultimate purity, having never been touched by
the pollution of mans obsession to civilize.
