Happy...Happy...Happy

Check this out- a recap video from "the Father's Love" Christmas party with our partners and kids in eManzana : (its only 1:40.. you have the time :-))

 http://vimeo.com/115197067

Smaller is...bigger?

We hope and pray your Christmas was filled with Comfort and Joy!  And now…on to a New Year!   

So many people think of the grandeur and spectacular nature of a clean slate and ushering in a new year.  Big, BIG, BIG.. boom..Flash..HOORAY.

 

My guess is, however, that you probably remember the times when it was just you and a select few as the most impactful in your life.

 

As we reflect back on this past year we have realized that Smaller is…BIGGER!  The small groups and intimate times with people we are in connection with have had much greater impact and are farther reaching(in depth and width) than any spectacular single event we have done.

 

Last week we stopped by Mahushu(the project we started with Pastor Richard’s guidance over 2 years ago).  Richard has become a dear, trusted friend.  More passionate than we are about reaching the hurting.  It is so nice seeing an African(Ugandan) fall in love with caring for people and leading them to Christ.  He knew we were coming by to see the church(that you and many local Afrikaaners built) but more importantly to spend some time with him.  Unbeknownst to us, he had arranged a surprise.  All of this past years students from School of Ministry were there!  We sat and shared and asked them what the most impactful time with the Lord was for them in the year gone by.  “healing in family, healing in hearts, no more condemnation, joy”…the fruit list went on.  It was a POWERFUL time with these young adults!  (ps-THANK YOU for supporting the ministry efforts here- because of you, THEY know He cares).  Then came the tears…

 

The students said “we put together some little bits of money we had and got you a gift”.  WOW, so humbling.  They had a lovely card, and a small package.  3 juice glasses.  Perhaps the most beautiful glasses we have ever seen.  Simple, plain, but overflowing with heart.  And now-several of them are talking about relocating to serve with our work where we are now.  If I did the whole silly hashtag thing I would say “Blessed” (but I haven’t really figured this crazy thing out yet).

 

As we enter 2015, we continue to look at ways to go deeper with small groups-so as to be more effective in duplicating.  Walking tough relationships together.   There’s this guy we read about from long ago.  He loved to spend, and spent most of His time with 12 men.  It seemed to work, as now over 2000 years later…well, we are all products of those 3 years of time investment He made.  (in case you haven’t realized- that guy was Jesus Christ).  Yes, He spoke to the masses, but He always retreated to the 12.  He was intentional, focused, passionate.

 

Thank you for your love, your grace, your prayers, your support.

 

Pic of the students as they surprised us.

 

All our love and best as you enter 2015!

Mitch & Char

 

P.s. - Supporting our ministry is easy and gifts are tax deductible.  The fastest way is to make an online donation via www.WorldOutreach.org/donations  and select our name from the list.  You have flexibility to set up automatic monthly gifts or one time gifts online.  You can also mail your gift to World Outreach Ministries, PO Box B, Marietta, GA 30061 and designate it for Mitch & Charlotte Hildebrant.

 

Don't forget to keep tabs on what the Lord is doing in Southern Africa at www.mitchionary.blogspot.com  and www.facebook.com/mitchchar

 

LIGHT!

Section 19…Swaziland.

You might remember it as a squatter camp with mud huts and abject poverty.  Its name was section 19.  It is located in the middle of the sugar cane plantations in Swaziland. Though we live just across the border in South Africa, we drove over last week as we partner with a local church that oversees 2 projects there. We sang and danced with the kids and renamed the location Khanyasile(Kahn-yah-see-lay). It is a Siswati word that means "has light shining" . Such a good word to speak over the children. Thanks to the churches of Beach North Dakota (the same people that built these outdoor facilities, gardens and more) these locations truly have become "light" in their communities.   Two VERY well run preschool programs are bringing the good news to so many children and enhancing their education, as well as feeding hundreds of kids.

Much of our other support raised has helped put nearly 80 of these children into school starting in January!  THANK YOU!!!

We watched as previously drunken men in the community who used to harass us and shout at us now stopped, took their hats off and said "thank you for caring for our children". 

We are blessed to be here in Southern Africa to lift up and support the local church as they impact their communities for Christ. It is not about us, but about growing His Church-and He is busy here!

What a savior we celebrate this week!  A baby, born to die and save the world.   It makes us look at the potential of each of these children in a whole new “light”.

As you a gather around your Christmas tree this year. Remember Him and that it's more about those around the tree than the decorations.  Know that we are here celebrating the KING with you!

We love you, and wish you the absolutely best Christmas !!

Mitch & Charlotte

P.s. - Supporting our ministry is easy and gifts are tax deductible.  The fastest way is to make an online donation via www.WorldOutreach.org/donations and select our name from the list.  You have flexibility to set up automatic monthly gifts or one time gifts online.  You can also mail your gift to World Outreach Ministries, PO Box B, Marietta, GA 30061 and designate it for Mitch & Charlotte Hildebrant.
Don't forget to keep tabs on what the Lord is doing in Southern Africa at www.mitchionary.blogspot.com and www.facebook.com/mitchchar

Merry Christmas

As the Christmas HOLY-days begin, we wish to thank you! Thank you for your prayers, your encouragement and your support. 2014 was filled with great fruit of the Lord and we are looking forward to all He will do in 2015. We pray that you will experience, encounter and understand all this season is about. The reason for Christmas is Easter-and this baby was born thousands of years ago to bring us freedom. It is that freedom we embrace and share openly. It is that joy that changes lives. It is that conviction that brings genuine repentance leading to sanctification. The Lord has been so good to us (and you). Please embrace Him this Christmas. We pray blessings over you and your families. Thank you for allowing us to be here and love people the way you love us!  He is worthy of all praise, all glory and all honor!

It is going to be a Slow, Non Commercial Christmas

Life really slows down here as December advances.  Limited commercialism, a number of business closures, and from 15 December through the first week of January, nearly everyone goes on holiday(vacation) of some sorts.  Luckily, we should be starting work on the farm at that time with renovations for the Intern housing.

We look back at the year gone by and are so grateful to YOU for your prayers and support.  Here is a glimpse of what you have assisted us with this year, and what we are believing for next! :

We are not fond of "quantifying" the Lord's work and find ourselves running the extreme opposite direction at times.

With that said, we do want to give you an accurate report of the year gone by and where we need your help in the year ahead!  Praise GOD!

In 2014 The Lord allowed us to be part of the following with your support and partnership along with local churches and missions agencies here on the ground:

Helped plant a new church

Secured a ministry farm / ministry base

Feeding and biblical care efforts for over 1200 children at 15 locations

Young Adults School of Ministry in Bhekiswayo

1 new Preschool constructed -  ready for January

Hosted staff and missionary conferences

Planned construction for private elementary school

Completed construction on Pastors training center

Expanded to 21 missionary partners, and close to 100 volunteers

Took on funding and support for a project in a highly impoverished area in Swaziland

Prepped for European interns who will join us in spring 2015

Outreach  into local elementary and high schools

Sourced local vitamin fortified foods cheaper than importing from USA

Hosted several teams from USA

Multiple playground sets installed

Began coaching of pastors in Zimbabwe, Swaziland and South Africa

Christmas party and gift for over 540 children in eManzana

In 2015 we envision

Completion of 2 classrooms for private elementary school (opening in 2016)

Renovation of Ministry base for expanding cash crops beyond existing macadamias and implementing skills training

10 + teams coming to serve

Intership program growth and expansion

More missionaries / partners (skills, farming, education, discipleship)

Full use of teachers and trainers to utilize the Pastors Center in Elukwatini

Construct team housing and gathering hall at the farm

New School of ministry and discipleship for young adults in Emanzana

Short return visit to USA

Implementation of robust/duplicatable Kids Group activities (Awana style)

Growing deeper in faith and walking with those we serve in that same capacity Several Kids camps (2-3 days intensive connection with God)

2 more kitchens for new project and feeding locations

We love you, miss you and are thrilled to possibly see you in February!

Mitch & Char

P.S. – Supporting our ministry is easy and gifts are tax deductible.  The fastest way is to make an online donation via www.WorldOutreach.org/donations and select our name from the list.  The system can process USA & International cards.  You can also set up automatic monthly gifts if you select the "Monthly" option.  Or simply mail your gift to World Outreach Ministries, PO Box B, Marietta, GA 30061 and designate it for Mitch & Charlotte Hildebrant

Don’t forget to keep tabs on what the Lord is doing in Southern Africa at www.mitchionary.blogspot.com and www.facebook.com/mitchchar

Christmas Party

What a great day!  Thank you for your support and prayers.  Christmas in eManzana went off with a great celebration.  The 540+ kids definitely left with knowing that the Father Loves them.  Gifts, jumping castles, food, games, crafts, ice-cream and song.  Here are a few pics- Enjoy!  Thanks so much!

 

In Christ,

Mitch & Char

 

P.S. – Supporting our ministry is easy and gifts are tax deductible.  The fastest way is to make an online donation via www.WorldOutreach.org/donations and select our name from the list.  The system can process USA & International cards.  You can also set up automatic monthly gifts if you select the "Monthly" option.  Or simply mail your gift to World Outreach Ministries, PO Box B, Marietta, GA 30061 and designate it for Mitch & Charlotte Hildebrant

Don’t forget to keep tabs on what the Lord is doing in Southern Africa atwww.mitchionary.blogspot.com and www.facebook.com/mitchchar

 

 

AHHH The Holidays!

Well, the holidays are a bit different here.  Is there thanksgiving in Africa?  Well, not really, but we still gather, eat too much and visit.  Christmas is EVERYWHERE.  Even many stores here have small decorations available.  We are grateful that it is not a commercial holiday here(yet), but rather a time for families to be together.  Most businesses, all schools and the majority of shops close down from 15 december until after the new year-for that purpose.  (reminds me of ND in the 80s, Family and relationships were the priority).  We pray that this element will remain here-as it gives us great open doors to have great conversations about a great God, born in the flesh to be our Savior!

 

We are SO thankful for you and are hopeful to see you in February.  May the Lord bless you and keep you, make His face shine on you-and give you PEACE!

 

In case you don’t receive in the mail, Here is our Christmas post card for you- electronically J

What do you actually do?

It can be confusing to explain what each day looks like here, and many people have asked us.  Each day is different and consists of multiple things.  This might help you to know what efforts you are supporting:

Together with our partners,

We run young adult discipleship and study groups

Feed children

Run preschools

Host bible clubs for kids

Train and coach Pastors

Do microfinance with teen girls and cooks

Construction and (starting) Farming with goal of community sustainability

Will be starting a private elementary school

Will Run an intern program Visit and pray with people in their homes

Host mission teams

Thank you so much… we are truly THANKful for YOU.  Please do eat an extra portion of turkey and a few more scoops of green bean casserole for us when you gather!

See you in February!(prayerfully)…  please do check out the below blog and facebook links for ramblings, updates, photos and more.  We even write devotionals from time to time in hopes of encouraging you!

In Christ,

Mitch & Char

P.S. – Supporting our ministry is easy and gifts are tax deductible.  The fastest way is to make an online donation via www.WorldOutreach.org/donations and select our name from the list. 

Power of the Tongue - We should Speak Life - A word of encouragement for you today

I pray this may help you if anyone has ever spoken negatively into your life.

The bible says in  Proverbs 18:21The tongue has the power of life and death,  and those who love it will eat its fruit.

How can a statement or word impact us?  When we were children, we all chanted "Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me"  right?

The truth is that words hurt the worst, and leave the biggest scars and wounds. 

I was told just a few years ago "You are bad at building relationships".  I had always felt that i was pretty good at building relationships, so to hear this from a close friend-it was a sting deep into my heart, and has remained a scar that bleeds from time to time.  These types of statements stick with us, and become rooted and grow if we are not careful.  The enemy loves to use these things to distract us and cause hurt and pain.

I was confident enough in who i was(and am) in Christ to know that this was a lie from the pit of hell, but i still remember the deep wounding that statement made.  Why are we who are in "THE Church" so harsh to one another?

If you are hurting today from anyone else's lies and statements about you, or if there are lies and rumors going on about you behind your back, know this; You needn't defend yourself!  You know who you are in God, and as long as you are about YOUR business with Him, the persecution is welcome, and really, should be expected!

Romans 12:19 says Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, i will repay, says the Lord.

That is a strong text.  "Avenge...Wrath"  WOW.. wrath is strong word, I don't wish God's wrath on ANYONE.  The reality is that He loves those that persecute us as much as He loves us.  It's hard to see that from our human perspective.  

The next time someone says something about you(whether to your face or elsewheres), let the Lord fight for you.  He is a caring father who will defend your honor at the appropriate time.  More often than not, when someone says these things, they are struggling with the very issue they accuse you of, and perhaps, just maybe, the Lord will use that to surface in their lives that which He wants to work on in them.

Be blessed today, and know that your Father loves you and delights in you.  You are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10) and you are Wonderfully and Beautifully made (Psalm 139:14)

Update on Lindiwe. - our God heals!

Last month we shared about a frail dying woman that we had been visiting and counseling with her children. Of course we prayed with her immediately and she had a little more strength that day.
We went to visit her on Sunday before church. Her teen daughter ran up and gave us big hugs and as we walked into the house Lindiwe came out - dressed like business woman-sharp and classy. She was strong and dancing and getting ready to walk the 1.5km over the hill to church!
We are elated to report to you the 180* turn in her health. Praise God always for His response to prayer-whether it looks like we want it to or not!

He is in every detail. Big and small!

Big group of workers went with mitch on Tuesday to clean the job site and demolition walls for the new pastors training center.
We had been struggling on what to call it as a point of reference and understanding for the community. (We don't like putting ours or "spark" name on anything).
It was called eDwaleni fruit and veg-a grocery market, and remnants of the signage are still visible.
Came home and char said "we should call it "the rock". Talked to Darryl and he recommended "Grace training center or Kingdom training center". Then I got a message...
Mom pastor (momfundisi) Jele said "I saw you working at eDwaleni, do you know what that means? (I didn't). She said it means "upon the rock".
eDwaleni training center is now official.

Love those little God involved thingys! (Note to self-listen to wife more often)

Extra Extra, Newsletter and no ebola here:

(image too small?- click to enlarge)

Please check out the simple and easy to read 1 page newsletter attached.  Exciting times here, and great growth in the Lord.  We want you to be part of it and realize the impact your prayers and support have and continue to make!.

Also- :

 

- NO EBOLA here.. we are 3500 miles away from the closest documented case of Ebola.  Have peace in your heart.  We do worry for you though- YOU are closer to infections and documented cases in the USA than we are here.  The reality is that if it were to make it's way here, we would have a much harder time in containing it.  Yes, the media has enjoyed it's hype, but the reality is that it is a serious illness, and we pray it is stopped and no more have to suffer from it in this world.

 

- We are coming to the USA in February- details to follow

 

In Christ,

Mitch & Char

 

P.S. – Supporting our ministry is easy and gifts are tax deductible.  The fastest way is to make an online donation via www.WorldOutreach.org/donations and select our name from the list.  The system can process USA & International cards.  You can also set up automatic monthly gifts if you select the "Monthly" option.  Or simply mail your gift to World Outreach Ministries, PO Box B, Marietta, GA 30061 and designate it for Mitch & Charlotte Hildebrant

Don't forget to keep tabs on what the Lord is doing in Southern Africa at www.mitchionary.blogspot.com and www.facebook.com/mitchchar

...And He laughed

We are learning to dream bigger and trust Him more.  Oh to have full faith in all things and all ways-THAT is our prayer.

So, 2 years ago we bought a property that we felt the Lord was asking us to buy.  it could hold offices, house teams and allow us to live onsite.  Brilliant!  

Confusion set in as we felt a leading to take on a farm project with our partners and move just 60 miles and more central in the community we serve (South Africa is first world "white populated" cities in a 3rd world impoverished shell).  

"Why would you want us to do this Lord?  We really just got settled with property and with the vision we felt you giving us..."

...And He laughed

It isn't Audible, but if it were the conversation went something like this:

"You never fully trust me, and i know the dreams i have given you are big.  I also know your personality enough that you need to move step by step and not leap by leap...so your home was the right vision for this season.  It was the step to get you towards expanding that vision even bigger.  Now you can do all those things you were doing and create jobs, have community, build relationships, teach skills and reach a wider distance with european intern students"

And we have seen His faithfulness in every detail and expansion.

Moral of the story: Leap or not, take steps and watch Him move!

--

Mitch Hildebrant
Missionary to Southern Africa 

www.mitchionary.blogspot.com

www.worldoutreach.org/donate

Buy a tshirt and give Christmas to a child in South Africa

We are hosting a Christmas celebration and providing a gift for 500+ children in Emanzana South Africa on Saturday Nov 29.  The theme: "The Father's Love" We will have 5 jumping castles, crafts, meal, lessons, games, ice cream and show "nemo" on the big screen(first time for these kids to see something like this) Relating his story to God's pursuit of us as His beloved.

 

Feel free to order a tshirt and support the effort! 

 

https://www.booster.com/africanchristmas

 

A gift given and received at JUST the right time - A Lesson for both sides

Galations 6:9 "...for in due season we shall reap..."

Oh the heart of people; we are so blessed to have friends and supporters in this ministry.

We were able to connect today via skype with long time friends for the first time in over a year.  They share the same convictions and thoughts of "The Church" as us, and were part of a special group of intimate friends back in the USA.  

She had recently received severance from her job and admitted that "I sat on it for so long, thinking of all the things i wanted and could do with it...and finally i sent a portion to you, I meant to a long time ago...but"  

Well, we were elated (to say the least) to receive it...but more importantly, her honesty showed us a legitimate struggle that even we go through- the clinging onto of "things" to get "stuff".  Was so proud of her honesty in sharing with us that giving was hard.  

Fact is, we all face that; when we have to sacrifice, it stings a bit.  We recognize the sacrifice that so many people give to us.  We NEVER want to take that for granted...we also know that God is working in that to develop the giver and the receiver (i still struggle with receiving-yikes, i am in the wrong profession for that;  Thanks God for yet another lesson) 

Other side of the story; we didn't know all of this but were amazed by the gift and it's timing.  Right on time to continue the construction work at a preschool that we and our partners are building.  It actually saved us money in relocating the crew to a new job site only to bring them back after the rest of the funds were raised.  We were able to keep the workers busy (this school should be complete now this coming Friday).  

Thanks to one persons struggle and obedience, we see God blessing people by the hundreds.  

We remain humbled and amazed at His Glory, Splendor and divine timing!

How is YOUR money used?

Can you believe it is October already?  Summer is FAST approaching here in eManzana.  The winds have picked up and a few gentle rains are starting to come after a long dry season. 

As missionaries, you know that our financing comes from people just like you.  We are so grateful, and at times have even felt guilty.  Living off of others generosity is not an easy place to be (we prefer to Give and not receive) , but the Father has shown us His love through you.  He is a BIG giver! And we are undeserving of His love too, but we receive it freely…all this to say- THANK YOU!

You may wonder “what does my gift do?”  Well, we try to be great stewards of your money.  We are mindful of how we spend that money and our goal is to love people into the Kingdom of God (EVERYTHING we do MUST point to our Savior, whether that is the lady at the grocery store, or the kids at the Centers).   Your gifts allow us to do just that.  Good budgeting has helped us to get our living expenses (food, gas, phone, housing) down to $850 per month.  That means that EVERY penny we receive over that amount goes 100% into ministry and outreach. 

You may have noticed lately (via facebook) several projects happening here that are opening doors for the Gospel message.  Several conferences, a center for pastoral training, preschools, land and funds to build classrooms for a private elementary school, and a 1/3 share of a self sustaining farm. (we believe in 5-10 years will generate funds to put back into ministry expansion).

Our partnership with other like minded missionaries is bringing great advancement and allowing each to operate within their spiritual giftings.  (education, construction, planning, administration, teaching, etc).  In fact starting tomorrow Missionary Pastor Danny Sartin from the USA is here to pour into us for 2 days as we focus on keeping what matters first in our lives and ministries.

We are BLESSED to partner with you, and so thrilled to report how your funds are used.  God is and has used YOU mightily to advance His kingdom at a pace we have not seen before.

Grace and peace to you dear friend!  We love and miss you, and look so forward to sharing more in February when we return to the USA for 4 weeks.  (keep us in your prayers please.. those 4 weeks are full with visits to 13 states)

 

She was the closest to death of anyone I have ever visited.

She was the closest to death of anyone I have ever visited.

I don't have many "sad" days here in Africa anymore… truly, the Joy of the Lord has given us great strength to deal and cope with what we see around us.  But today started out as one of those "OH NO" days.

A friend called and said "you must go visit lindiwe at her house-she is not well".  Lindiwe is a mother of 4 beautiful kiddos, and is about 40 years old.  You can tell by her features that she was a very attractive woman.  I knocked on the door, and didn't hear anything, so I walked in.  She was laying on a rickety couch and couldn't even lift her head or make a sound.  I explained that I came to check on her and pray with her.  She tried to smile, but still could not speak.  We prayed, and asked the Lord to give her strength and healing.  About 5 minutes later, she sat up, a bit of a confused look in her eye, but spoke English to me and said "I took my tablets but can't eat and swallow foods".  You see, Lindiwe has AIDS, it is extremely advanced and her frail body is just skin and bones, maybe 70 lbs.  I asked her if she could swallow porridge or yogurt…she smiled.  Quick batch of porridge and we visited briefly.  She said "I really want to bath"(it had obviously been quite some time since she washed herself).  I (mitch) explained that I could not help her with that, but would find someone to help.  I immediately rushed to each of the neighbors and asked.  They were met with shock as a white man was at their door, and didn't feel comfortable helping her in that way.  One neighbor said she would make porridge for her each day to take her tablets(ARV's are the drugs you take for HIV/AIDS-but you MUST eat with them).

I thanked the neighbor and went to our friends- the cooks at the church about 2 miles away.  I asked them if they knew anyone we could get to help Lindiwe.  She doesn't have much time left this side of heaven. 

JUST BY CHANCE(Yeah right!)...  The cooks pointed across the street and said "There are 4 in home careworkers meeting right now".  With shock on my face, I went across the soccer field and interrupted their meeting.  I explained (as best I could in siswatti and then English) that we have a friend with desperate need.  The ladies immediately stopped what they were doing, chatted and one of them knew of her!  Fekile(one of the workers) said "take me to her now", so we did.  We walked back into her house and made introductions.  Fekile said that she would remain and help her and continue to visit her consistently to ensure she was cared for. 

Praising God tonight as we see His great hand in every aspect of African life.  We know Lindiwe will soon be home with Him, and that He even has a plan that we needn't worry about for her children's future.

Meet our Friends and fellow servants in Mpumalanga

(Image too small?  Click to enlarge)

This newsletter image will show you some amazing people- all from distinct backgrounds and separate organizations…with one cause.  We all appreciate Prayers.

Idea- print this and slap it on the fridgeJ

Mitch & Char video update

A little video update from South Africa.

Constancia- Powerful future leader- passionate for what God is doing in her life.

We graduated 19 students this past Sunday.  Remarkable youth from the Bhekiswayo community.  They are each excited about continuing discipleship school and ministry teachings-and have committed to continue meeting and studying!  

Our dear friend Constancia said this:

Since I started the class, many things changed in my life.  We were always quareling with my husband and now is change.  If I pray, he join me.  he even ask you are not praying today?.  He have a job now and we have peace in our house.  I now have peace about being with my family.

School of Ministry Graduation

On Sunday, 19 young adult leaders will graduate our School of Ministry program.  We have so enjoyed our time with them and their families, and thanks to you- are able to extend the program for YEARS with purchase of used television and usb drive adapter for video teachings (about 300 more teachings), and one of the students taking over as facilitator.  The students requested continued learning!  (hooray!). 

Meet Ncobile- she said "before i came to School of Ministry, I couldn't be a free person in talking about sensitive things in my life, but i now see God's plan and what I am in Christ.  I have learned to protect myself from the enemy, how to pray and not be judgemental.  When we finish, I am committed to teach someone else what I have learned, for it is important for people to know what they mean to God and how much He loves us"

-We are so thrilled for our little sister Ncobile(NO(click)bee-lay), and have great hopes for her future!  Please keep her and the rest of the youth in your prayers.  We love them dearly.

Lisedi - Smart, Focused, In love with the Lord

We have known Lisedi for over 1.5 years.  Brilliant boy with great promise for his future.  (He is the head of household now and his mother is very sick.  You have helped us support his family with food and several prayer sessions in their house.) He is part of this years School of Ministry youth leaders group in Mahushu.  We are going to share a testimony each week with you of what your help has enabled the ministry to do in the lives of young adults.  This is what Lisedi wrote to us:  

"I thank God for changing my life .  I was working at a tavern and under peer pressure for girls...the School of Ministry has changed me and given me strength of reading the Word and praying. God can really provide! I don't even fear fasting now and I draw comfort from Phil 4:13 (i can do all things through Christ who gives me strength).  I thank you so much- you have been a blessing in my life."

Pictures from the partner group ministry farm...

Pictures from the walk through with our partner ministries at the macadamia farm just outside eManzana (our new home). Plans for missionary housing (short and long term), international intern base, kids camps, skills training, job creation and more. 21 hectares with 350 mac trees, mangos, limes, coffee, bananas,nartjie, orange, avo, litchis, pecan, grapes, cane, guava, kiwi, mulberry,and loquat. ALOT of room for expanding and creating self sustainability in ministry efforts for the local people we serve. Exciting days ahead!

Great God stuff!

Leadership team training "Kingdom Culture"

South African 4th of July 

(click newsletter image to enlarge - so you can actually read it :-))

 Bless you!

Then came the sting. "She could just have another..."

We continue to learn more about culture and expectations in South Africa.  There is a social system here, and fortunately no school/education fees (unless you enroll a child in an expensive private school).  So that is helpful, however classrooms are overcrowded and not all teachers are compassionate and well trained.  We hope to impact that by using the private sector for specific children/young adults.  Another impact we are trying to make is with youth leadership (ages 15-25) in the local churches we work with.  

Recently we were talking to one of our classes of students regarding finances and the importance of not taking on debts.  (it is common here to visit the shylock(loan shark) and take small amounts of money for 30-50% interest per month.  Yikes, and I thought my MasterCard was bad.

We used a real life example, one young lady in this particular class has 3 children by 3 different men, none of whom are involved in her life any longer.  The government here gives a welfare grant to single moms.  310 rand(about $30) per month per child.  This is her only income; 930 Rand ($90) per month.  Her expenses are nearly 1200 Rand per month...she is short every single month.  We asked "How do you make up the difference?", her reply, "I do peoples hair or borrow money".   As you can see, this can quickly cause her major problems.  One of the younger students who is quite smart and gifted at Mathematics was looking at our white board example and the 2 columns. She raised her hand with a "solution".  Our hearts were filled with great anticipation 1)that she was interacting and speaking up(counter to culture) and 2)that she reasoned a way out of a hard spot for someone(forward thinking beyond today is challenging when you exist in hopeless poverty).   

Then came the sting..."She could just have another baby and make up the difference"

...

It reminds us that there is a deeper and longer standing issue and problem.  Of course we spoke about why the above would not be a good idea-especially from a biblical perspective.  

This type of scenario is what fuels us to press into deeper relationship with those we are connected with, and why we are doing what we do.  Dig into the root, expose it, and let the Lord and His Word do what it does best; bring correction, change and salvation.  

We are filled with hope and anticipation of what is next, and are SO grateful to you for allowing us to be here.  We do not and will not take that lightly. -  Grace and Peace to you and your households.  God bless you!

1 page update- c'mon it's an easy read :-)

(image too small? click to enlarge)

Update

No lengthy articles, just a brief paragraphJ

 

Trusting you are well and growing in your Faith!  Life is moving at the speed of… well, life.  Char has been in the USA for 3.5 weeks and returns in one more week.  It’s times like these I reflect in Genesis 2 “it is not good for man to be alone”.  I miss her terribly, however this season has resulted in some very sweet times of worship and ministry with the Lord for me.  Schools of ministry are going quite well- several students have testified that their lives are changed, and they feel hope and have broken free from condemnation and judgements of others (hooray!).  The Kidz Kingdom Centers are continuing to feed and we have a short delay in securing our AWANA(approved workmen are not ashamed) kids curriculum- but SOON we will start kids clubs up to disciple the next generation.  Our cooking mothers are doing well in their microfinance hand craft ventures(pic attached of one of them-Mom Moerdar (she also cares for the babies during the day at the center))  The other picture is of “Dorcas”.  I spoke at my friend Pastor Richards church this weekend, and OH what a small world.  This lady(not a member of the church) was visiting yesterday, and after service we began to speak with each other- Long story short…She was one of my nurses 2 years ago when I was in the hospital in Nelspruit(50km away from where I was yesterday).

We were given land to build our pastors and leaders training facility, however the land is VERY inconvenient for the local public to get to-requiring several busses and additional expense, so we remain believing that there is a PRIME location coming available soon to us in the heart of the Elukwatini/Nhlazatshe community (el-ook-wah-tee-knee / En-shlaw-zaht-she).  Soon we will break ground on the center.  We are looking into farming (not for us, but )as a way to utilize what is here locally to supplement and support the existing efforts moving forward.  Skills training, employment and more could/would occur here- Stay tuned!

 

Remember to dream bigger- Gods vision is always best.

 

Bless you,

 

Mitch

African Missions can mess you up!  Southern Africa Missions 101

Of course we all know about the proverbial “good ways”, experiencing Christ and all the great benefits of being a missionary- but how about fun a look into foreign missions?

Here goes:

Welcome to course Southern African Missions 101, like many 101 classes-this information is generally useless, and may actually prove to be a waste of your time.  FAQ-does this mean there will be a 201 course?  Perhaps-but that depends on YOU dear reader.

The bacon is BACONIER! (it is quite amazing and tops the list for differences from the USA), however, my dad’s home cured bacon growing up(you know, the kind from the pigs you fed, named and rode) was mighty thick and pretty awesome too.

We DO drive on the “other side” of the road.  Counter to popular opinion, this is NOT wrong…it is LEFT (and we pass on the right).  Surprisingly once adjusted, it does make sense, however the majority of the world does drive on the right(India, Australia and Southern Africa like it on the left).  Especially whilst looking out your windscreen(that’s windshield in the USA) to see oncoming traffic.  A song to help you adjust wherever you are “Keep your butt in the middle of the road, keep your butt in the middle of the road”(sung to the tune Hi Ho Cherry O(or cheerio))

Not everyone LOVES American’s.  Hard to believe, I know right?  But it is true.  We are often seen as arrogant, know it all’s that take over and think we know best.  Fortunately, many people have grace enough to get to understand us and know us, and if we just “gentle” our approach down and seek to understand others before telling them how much better we are and how much more we know- we do well. 

Living with lots of lizards is normal.  It’s true, they are cute(not to be confused with cuddly) and they sit by the unscreened windows and grab a few of those pesky bugs. (not many screens in the rest of the world- perhaps it’s considered luxurious)  Big, small, fat and ones that love to poo from the ceiling on anything below.  We got ‘em all. (perhaps a future post we can talk about the entirely too big, freak of nature spiders we deal with)

Not everyone speaks English.  This makes ministry a bit more challenging.  Imagine this- a culture just coming off some of the worst racism in history.  A white person sees you and assumes you understand Afrikaans(a dutch rooted language with throat clearings like german)-you apologetically explain you are learning, but can not speak.  A black person approaches you with hisses and clicks(ok, not really, but I cant type out the phonetics of “schlaw” and (click) very well) but is very timid assuming you already don’t like them, and are shocked when you try to speak to them.  Here is where it get’s interesting: as you get tired you forget which language you are supposed to try to speak, so you just mix them all together and make your own… and those that are closest to you don’t even recognize that there is anything wrong with a sentence that starts out English, throws in some Afrikaans and finishes in Siswati.  (a few zulu, xhosa and Portuguese words welcome also)

Missionary Humor is NOT easily understood.  Somehow most conversations lead back to “poo”.  For a junior high boy(or one that still often acts and thinks like one) this is hysterical.  If you speak fluent “scarcasm” you are not generally understood unless dealing with others of your kind.

Bars look nice!  No not the ones that serve alcohol silly, the ones that goes on windows and door frames.  I can no longer imagine life without bars.  The stronger and bigger the better.  The longer we live here, we find ourselves looking at others decorative bars saying “oh how nice those look” (like commenting how nice a prison might look?-hey it might if they twisted and weaved the bars together)  The reality is they give us a GREAT deal of safety, and make for interesting conversation pieces around the campfires(we really should have more campfires, and smores… ps-send chocolate, and graham crackers, and marshmallows…lol)  Throw in razor wire and you are feeling awesome and lookin’ stylish.

Odd signs don’t catch our attention anymore.  The odder the better, but often we find ourselves just flying by a sign that makes no sense, or spells something phonetically instead of properly and don’t even think twice.  Hippo crossing signs do however, still make me smile.

Hey, thanks for reading- hope you got a smile and had a little fun.