A 2 minute glimpse into Southern Africa

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Transition, growth and the way forward Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 7:8-11 Better is the end of a thing than its beginning...

So blessed to have been able to serve with Children's Cup for 3.5 years.  We were able to see growth in numbers of children cared for in Swaziland, launching of orphan homes and advancements in leadership training.  In October when we advised their leadership that we felt the Lord taking us to a different role in ministry, we said we intended on finishing strong and would stay on and cover all details for Children's Cup South Africa through March 31 2014, and assist their new leaders.  Isn't it true that people will remember you for your last action- not all actions that lead up to a point?  What a great reminder that NO MATTER WHAT we are doing- we MUST finish well!

March 3, the new leaders arrive– Pat and Leah. Please pray for them.  They will be advancing Children's Cups vision and mission for the foreseeable future.  As of now that includes expanding the 24 locations (about 3200 children)  that we have set up for them.  

...So, you are asking of us "What are you doing then?"  (a VERY valid question)… Well, we continue to run Children's Cup for now(through march)(including admin, accounting, government, relationships, preschools, education, etc) and have started a new non profit in South Africa called "Spark".  We just felt like we could not wait until we were finished with Children's Cup to get moving, so we have implemented 3 schools of ministries (one at our house, one in a township with 25 youth leaders, and one that our dear friend Darryl with Emoyeni is doing with a group of pastors , We are looking to build or renovate a building in Elukwatini for a pastors and leadership training center(at the pastoral groups request), and have started 4 new locations of feeding children with the local community and church in an effort of creating community supported and driven Children's discipleship, skills and education programs.  We have started 5 people in micro finance businesses, and are still hosting a number of vistors and teams from the USA.  

Promise, no moss is growing under our feet!  – Though the hours are few, we are relishing every minute!  His return in closer today than ever before!  Thank you for sending us, praying for us, and believing in what HE will do here!

 

"This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

Matthew 3:17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

As a type A, people pleasing personality, i have always wrestled with the concept of identity.  We all KNOW our identity is in Christ(or so our bible knowledge says so), but to get that message DEEP into our hearts is a whole different thing.  There is a perception about missionaries-we have it ALL figured out.  I love knowing that i DONT have it all figured out and that i am learning and hearing God fresh and new each day.  We were even told that local bible studies/cell groups may be "Afraid" to have us participate as we would be more "spiritually advanced". (glad people feel that way, but it really is just not true)(sorry if you felt this way- we don't have all the answers, but we long to know more)

oops off topic again(i do that alot, i think its called rabbit trailing, or spider-webbing, or...)

I have always wanted people to be "happy" with me, and have often in my life compromised who i am, and what i was willing to do.  I would fall trap into "i can sacrifice time with God for XX person to accomplish xx task", or "i can skip xx in order to please xx".  Can you relate?  have you ever done this?

As a bit of a workaholic, i found my identity in the completed lists and tasks. (you?),   I could do XX, I did XX, etc etc.. 

YUCK!

here in Matthew 3, the start of Jesus' earthly ministry.  A dude(yup, i referred to Jesus as a dude-please don't be offended) nearly 30 years old has done really...little to nothing.  Son of an earthly carpenter, studied and taught a little bit at the temple...but not much is really recorded of him or his accomplishments.. then this.. OH THIS happens..

"This is my son, whom i love and am well pleased"

Say what?  He hasn't done anything, how could anyone be pleased with a son that has no accomplishments?

This just gives me and you a glimpse into God's amazing grace and love. 

We don't need to do a thing.. not ONE to please Him...He is pleased with us regardless of failures, attempts, or apparent insignificance.  Oh to Love everyone like that.  To be "SO pleased" just because they are who they are.  

I am not talking about salvation here, but just the Father's love and His expectation on us.  Our lives would be complete if we did NOTHING else than "just" love God.  No task, No list, No "accomplishments"

What an amazing and incredible God to love us so.  What a great message to share with our kids here in Africa- and for you to share with yours...

Next time your kid royally screws up-how about saying "You are my child and i am so pleased with you"