update from mitch n char - June 2013 newsletter

(image too small?  click to enlarge)

Lots going on, and LOTS to be thankful for. Praise God from whom all
blessings flow! Don't forget to respond to our notes with what is happening
in your life, and how we can be praying for you and yours.

M&C

It takes alot to catch me offguard-today was one of those days...

Was truly a special day today-like most here in Africa. We drove to
Mahushu(mah-hoo-shoe)about 45km north of Nelspruit(where we live). We met
the Pastor who is overseeing 3 feeding sites along the way. One site is
close, one in middle and one far(that's how you explain distance in Africa..
lol) we arrived at the close site(Mganduzweny(emgahn-dooz-weh-knee)-a
beautiful open field(for sale(hint hint)) where we are feeding 100-120 kids
twice a week. (first 2 photos) This site will also serve PERFECTLY for a
church plant from the USA (hint hint again)(am I being subtle enough yet?)

Adjacent to the site is something that caught me off guard. Pastor Richard
looked at me and said-"Mitch, have you been to my home?" I said no... he
said "I was too ashamed to show you before, but since you are here...well,
here it is". He has lived her (from Uganda) for 3 years. The lord called
him to plant a church in this area and he has been obedient...for 3 years,
he has humbled himself and put the needs of the community children and
church family first. I have NEVER seen such sacrifice. Wood slatted walls
with tarps on the outside to block the wind and rain. Concrete blocks on
the roof to hold down the well weathered tin. And as you can see- a HUGE
smile on his face. Oh how I love this man.

You see, my heart was bothered by Richard until today- everytime I spoke
with him or saw him-there was another problem that needed attention($$), if
it wasn't wood, it was electricity units(prepay), or additional foods(we
supply rice, mealie meal and beans for now)-and as we have yet to find an
American church to adopt this project-we are VERY limited in funds-we have
been funding it out of our donors very generous giving to Char and
myself(PRAISE GOD FOR YOU!!!)-ok, back to the issue- I saw his real heart
today- and in looking back, I realize- he has NEVER asked me for a penny for
himself(and after seeing his living conditions-he had every right to ask).
He fights and screams for the kids and the community!!! Is that NOT what
Char and I do every time we communicate with you?...as the shame washed off
me(thank you Jesus) I recognized Pastor Richard for what he is- a beautiful
child of God who is standing in the gap screaming for help for those around
him. -Oh Jesus, thank you for this today.

We went on to Mashadza and then on to Mahushu(where the existing church
is)-you may have seen pictures of poles with tin on top and a rough tarp
covering 1 side..this is his church. 30-40 adults(mostly women) and 40-50
kids come each Sunday...the average Sunday offering is 19-20 rand (about
$2.25)...you see, only 3 of the church goers have jobs...everyone else is
unemployed. (Oh JESUS help them, provide for them, LOVE them more)

Richard lives by faith, and I am a better man for having him in my life. I
have learned so much in what has not been spoken from him. I hope you can
one day meet him and perhaps connect with his church(and future church
plant). Our August missions team will spend several days here-and will be
cleaning the site, doing some gardening and hosting VBS for awesome
chocolate kiddos! PRAISE GOD-we believe that a structure is coming, and
believe that every child will be sponsored...more importantly-we believe
that GOD is at the center of this and is making Himself known in this region
because of people like Pastor Richard.

lil update

Hello!!  As spring hits there, we are in the middle of fall.. it is always odd to watch leaves fall this time of year.  The weather is getting cooler at night(upper 40s) and will continue until frosts come in july.  We pray for those that do not have blankets or funds to pay for electricity to run electronic heaters.

We have been keeping busy here in launching South Africa.  We have registered the ministry with government, have imported foods for our kids(about 1500 now) and are starting to enroll children for our upcoming launch to child sponsorship.  Exciting times indeed.  A lot of meetings and conversations with local pastors, 5 teams coming our way before October, and the saving message of Christ being shared with every meal to every child.

The mahushu community now goes to the church for help, where before they had no where to go.  The local chief was so impressed by what the church is doing there(we want them to see the church, not the white man)-that he is giving land and free water for use.

The reality of what we do is summed up here:

Children's workers training last week with partners at Emoyeni.  Talking about Matthew 18(jesus talks about kids).. one of the workers said, I love my kids and tolerate others, infact-I don't like children very much.. I NEVER knew Jesus loved them so much.  Forgive me, and help me to love them like Christ!  SUCCESS!!!

We love you and miss you!  Thank you so much for sending us!

Mitch and Charlotte