Seasons

Dear friend, We pray this finds you well and thriving in your walk.  Wanted you to know how valuable you are to us and to the Lord.  We have been through a couple of incredibly fruitful and growing seasons since returning from full time ministry in Africa.  You have been so instrumental in the ministries He has placed us in and we remain ever so grateful and blessed.  

The bible says in 

     -Ecclesiastes 3:1 "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven..." and in 

     -1 Corinthians 3:7 we are reminded that "Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but ONLY God who makes things grow"  

What a precious Savior that goes before us to create good works for us to walk into.  (Eph 2:10).  Our prayer for you is the same as it is for us.  That we all see where God is working and join him in that, even if/when it is hard or inconvenient…the seasons of life.  For some it is a lifetime in one role, others serve quietly and subtly behind the scenes, for us it seems to be to start, to streamline, to train, lead and hand off ministries to the next more competent person. 

Once we returned in 2016, Mitch co-pastored at Hills View Evangelical Free Church in Piedmont South Dakota and then served at OneChild(formerly Mission of Mercy) to help streamline and create a dealer and better way of Child Sponsorship globally.    All along, Charlotte found a mission field at 3 different schools and her passion is growing for special needs children in the education sector. 

Due to Mitch's growing health issues (neuropathy made worse by cold and elevation) and a longing for ministry deep within us with our kids(the kids of South Africa/Swaziland specifically), we just relocated to Florida.   We are happy to report that my(Mitch) health is substantially better and we are now serving with our dear friend and sister Claire at 

www.lydiasmission.org.

 

(serving 1600 children, employing women and teaching skills while discipleship occurs, running a farm, caring for elderly and baptising nee believers in the dump ground!...and so much more).

Attached is a more detailed explanation, and we would LOVE if you would be so willing as to subscribe to the newsletter (once a month, it is a very simple read) and commit to praying for us as well as letting us know how to pray for you.  We will be remaining stateside, but taking groups over as they develop and attempting to start a more robust children's program as well as connect with current donors and churches to strengthen relationships. 

May God bless you richly, we hope to see you again one day or catch up online soon.

Mitch & Char 

scroll down and subscribe as well as follow on social media :  

www.lydiasmission.org

... and HERE is the update:

Meet Evidence, Shaun and Mitch

Hello friends! Our mission and community is growing! The testimonies I could tell are endless and The Lord is doing a mighty work at Lydia's Mission. This month's update is filled with stories of growth and exciting news for the future of all we do here in South Africa. Know of our prayers for you! Please keep praying for us! We're so grateful for you.   Meet Evidence & her daughters They are changing the next generation Meet Buhle, Evidence's first daughter, born after we met her mom at the garbage dump. Meet Evidence's new baby girl, Nokwanda, born surrounded by the Lydia's Mission community. When we started the bible study at the garbage dump, Evidence was pregnant with her first child, Buhle (meaning beautiful). This month, we welcomed Evidence's second child, her daughter, Nokwanda (meaning increase). When we first met Evidence, she was working in the dump, gathering trash to support her family. Since then, her life has radically changed. She now has a job at the farm and skills to grow and support her growing family. Her daughters Buhle and Nokwanda will grow up with an empowered life and change the generations to come. We rejoice in the new life of these precious girls. While Evidence's life has changed, so has the life of our mission. We are growing and praying for support so we can further our capacity to serve. Our hope to see children's programs go deeper and reach a point of holistic child development. We desire to work with this generation now so children like Buhle and Nokwanda can change their community tomorrow.    The next generation is here and needs our support. Help us grow our mission MARCH AT LYDIA'S MISSION: We're sewing stuffed animals again! After a break during COVID, our precious women are back at it. Shop these adorable stuffed animals at the link below! Shop stuffed animals and empower a woman A new marriage and farm manager! Last month you met Shaun who was recently engaged to Claire. They have been building their relationship for some time and are now married!! We are so thrilled to see the love and ministry grow with this dynamic couple. He loves Jesus and the people of Africa and will now join Lydia's mission team as our Farm Manager. The couple hopes to come to the states this summer once visa paperwork issues are figured out.   Shaun has experience through various industries ranging from property management, sales of properties, health and safety and Emergency medical services.  He will add a much needed maintenance service on the ministry farm, Hope Centers and Gogo Center. He also brings a passion to love people well and serve faithfully in his new role.  He has many ideas to reduce operating costs for the ministry while continuing to develop income generating projects. We are excited to welcome him to the team! Meet Pastor Mitch! The exciting news continue! Pastor Mitch Hildebrant joins Lydia's Mission in a new role to support our expanding ministry to women, children and the elderly in eManzana.    Mitch will be jumping in with both of his size 12 feet to provide leadership in a number of growth areas for Lydia's Mission: Assist with children's field program expansion at our Hope Centers Guide ministry operations and strategy Lead prayer teams Develop a Supporter Relations program Coordinate mission trips to the Ministry Center in eManzana Provide spiritual guidance Develop an internship program in the future Mitch has a rich history in serving nonprofits. A background in Christian radio, management and leadership, launching and overseeing ministries in South Africa and eSwatini, pastoring a vibrant church in South Dakota and most recently serving in a senior leadership role with an international holistic child development organization.  Mitch and his wife Charlotte have sat on the board of directors for Lydia's Mission since the ministry's inception and have been a blessing beyond measure for the ministry and for Claire. When Claire moved to South Africa, they connected and developed a deep friendship and ministry partnership that has strengthened over these past 8 years.  "Serving with Lydia's Mission brings our passion of reaching the African people with tangible love of Christ together with connecting those precious people to wonderful individuals in the US. We believe in this ministry, its design and impact in the kingdom" - Pastor Mitch Don't be surprised if you hear from Mitch asking how he can pray for you, saying thank you and encouraging you in your journey as we partner together. Help us welcome him to the team with a note to mitch@lydiasmission.org. Reach out to Mitch Follow us on Instagram for updates Connect with us on Facebook for updates Thank you for your continued prayers + support. We are so thankful for you. In Him, Claire, Buddy the cow, Izzy and all the strong women of Lydia's Mission Lydia's Mission meets needs, embraces hearts and empowers women to transform their world. Located in rural South Africa, we provide hope, opportunity and a community rooted in Christ that impacts generations.  90% OF FUNDS RAISED GO DIRECTLY TO THOSE IN NEED  Give today © 2022 Lydia's Mission. All rights reserved. 6724 Perimeter Loop Rd.  Suite 139  Dublin, OH 43017 Update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.   Lydia's Mission is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible.

This email was sent to mitchionary@gmail.com why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences Lydia's Mission · 6724 Perimeter Loop Rd · Suite 139 · Dublin, OH 43017 · USA

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Mitch

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Mitch

A fire

A calm cool day as the sun came out, snow melting and pikes peak shining in its glory.  Clouds rolled in and the landscape changed. A slight cool this evening. 

We were blessed to have an opportunity to get out of the house for an hour. We collected...firewood. We are so privileged. 

Tonight we lit a fire and gazed at the flames. The wicks and tongues rising up. The char of the logs. That campfire smell in the air and several loud pops and cracks from what we assume is sap in the wood. What a relaxing feeling; electrifying all senses-sight, sound and smell. 

We think of those around the world that have to start fire for survival as the winter months approach in Southern Africa. (We go back in our minds and hearts every day)A day long journey to collect wood and no capacity to enjoy the burning. A necessity. Life. 

What else can we do?  How else can we engage an army of privileged people like us to connect and make global change?  Pray. Give. Go. Serve. Love. Connect. Dream. Respond. 

On tv's Survivor "fire means life". Jesus will return as flaming fire...

Perhaps we could all stand to be contagious as fire. Spreading life to others.  We can do so much more as a global community.   One log snuffs out quickly, but the force of several lit logs is nearly unstoppable. 

"each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done." - 1 Corinthians 3:13

"7 and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels

8 in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus." - 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8

May He lead us. In us and through us. 

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Mitch

What if or Even if...3 funerals and a wedding

Pace of life; America - 1000mph

A lot is lost in a pace like that.  The key is finding the rhythem of the pace of grace in this speed.  I have moments where I think I have, but often (in taking my eye off Jesus) that I certainly have not.

Where are you focusing today?  With all of lifes stresses and distractions...  

I have had one of those weeks.  I keep glancing away from Christ and looking at the circumstances of life around me.  It has been a great reminder of what is truly important.  I want EVERYONE I know to hear clearly.  Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.  Your eternity is dependent on that fact (start at John 3:16 if you need help pointing in the RIGHT direction) :-)

Jarret was 16 and lost hope this week.  If you are reading this; THERE IS NOTHING ON THIS EARTH worth losing hope over!  But it happens and some people can not handle that struggle.  I see his family(my family-as he was a cousin) have to deal with the hurt and loss, the pain and struggle and i cry with them- WHY LORD. But the reminder.  (enemies voice)"What if this happens-how will you handle it, what could you have done?" turns into (God's voice)"Even if this happens- I love you"  (Many of his organs have now gone on to help countless people that remain-giving them a 2nd chance at life)

Jared had a 16 and 18 year old at home.  He had battled cancer for years.  We played beach olympics in Mexico 12 years ago where he noticed a bump on his tailbone and upon return to the states, discovered this horrible disease.  He was a winning card partner (phase 10 / Skip Bo)..we made sure the ladies didn't win!  We are not blessed with beautiful people like this very often.  Cherish those in your life! Ask yourself "What if __________was still here, what would i do?" or "Even if tomorrow comes and __________ is gone, will I rest in knowing of our pending reunion?" (both positive responses)

Mary had a full life.  Her husband went to Dominican Republic with me years back and she was one of the beautiful people I had the priviledge of serving as her supervisor years ago.  Mary loved the Lord, she and I had many conversations about Him.. AT WORK!  She was always striving to make more phone sales and have a higher commission (she was driven-but not by money...just for the challenge I think).  We talked about the workers in the field, hired for a set amount of money and how each agreed to their terms, but the outsider would not look at that as a fair pay.  I would often lay a penny on her desk and get a "Mother Mary smirk" from her.   "What if you had visited her more..." and "Even if you had, she knew the great Love of a father-and that was sufficient"

S and J are getting married this week, they struggled to find someone that would marry them.  They wanted private, small and simple and have elected to do their wedding in a hotel suite.  This is right up my alley!  Both have had tough past relationships and are now blending his and hers.  They love each other and value each other's children.  This is yet another highlight for me(thank you Lord).  "What if you face struggles and trials..has God forgotten you?"  or "Even if you face hardship, His love never changes, He will NEVER leave you or forsake you"

We have these 2 voices.  One is like a thief-he comes to steal, kill and destroy.  To discourage and distract.  One is there to shine light and love.  Sometimes we don't see the difference. Amidst the reality of circumstance, the lines become cloudy...It is because we look through a lens that is not focused on the right thing.  (kind of like the eye doctor.  1 or 2..1 or 2)

Choose today to abide in the latter- .  His love is overwhelming.  Appropriate the abiding, resurrected life of Christ and ALL of your What if's will turn into Even if's.

He IS good, He DOES love you, He is living His life out through you.  Focus on that.. meditate on that!  Gal 2:20 / Col 1:27

I guarantee that in focusing on Christ living His life out through you- you will come to a place where you can truly say(sing) "It is well...with my soul".   He loves you like you have never been loved.  The creater of the universe dances(celebrates) around you.  Zeph 3:17

Abide in Him...it is the only way.

God bless you- have an amazing day.

How do I navigate a "New Normal"?

So many people speak of a "New Normal" when life changes.  Moves, Deaths, Career, leaving the mission field(hmmm)...Whatever it may be, it is new and will soon become the norm for moving forward.

Many people are beginning to realize how His new normal works and putting more into perspective that which matters most.  One quickly sees that "you don't know what you don't know" about whatever those next steps are in life.  It can be scary, overwhelming, frustrating...to start. 

Can you see past your circumstances?

We have found great comfort from Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens;" 

The flesh cries out for that which is familiar, but the soul presses on for the joy to come of what is next. Hebrews 6:19 says "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.  It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,"

That's pretty cool language.  "enters the inner sanctuary behind the courtain".  I believe that is God's Word deep in our soul and as we live a grace filled life (that can only be found) in Christ, we see that a new normal is a normal step in the journey which He created for us.

How then can we approach change in our lives?  Well, if you are a Christ follower, you may just experience what Romans 15:13 is talking about - That the God of HOPE will fill you with all JOY and PEACE as you trust in Him, so that you may OVERFLOW(WOW- overflow?  YUP- abundantly so!) with HOPE by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT!

If that is not you today- you need only to ask.

Matthew 7:7 says "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (James 1:5 "if any lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously...)

Struggling today?  try the above and see what peace the author of peace gives to you.  Celebrate your NEW NORMAL, as the Lord continues to mold you as His new creation in Christ.

Press on to the goal, 

Mitch 

God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.  1 John 4:16b

HOWDY!

Well, we are settling in up in North Dakota.  2 weeks ago we said a lot of "see you laters" to our African friends and family and since then, it has been great to connect with family again and see how large the nieces and nephews have grown.  WOW.

Wanted to thank you for your gracious support and prayers once again.  The work in Africa is and will always be near to our hearts.  We continue to provide funding for food for hundreds of children 3-5 times per week, assist with 4 preschools, and stay connected with 2 young adult schools of ministry we started(pic attached of the last class we were part of in eManzana South Africa that our dear friend Claire is now teaching).  100% of all donations go to those efforts.  Other missionaries and local leadership are overseeing all project work in Swaziland and South Africa.

Our plan?-

At this point, we hope to remain in ND for a few months, assisting on the farm and getting to know family again (sporting events are a lot of fun when you are the crazy uncle that embarrasses the kids).  We wait on the Lord to see the next step of the journey.

We are so grateful for you, we love you and hope to speak to and see you again soon!

God's Richest Blessings!,

Mitch & Charlotte

July Update

Youth, kids, feeding, farming and more

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Brief update

June is nearly upon us, and winter is setting in here in South Africa.  Cool nights and mornings and beautiful sunny days abound.  We have started the countdown here as we look to our return to USA. Now less than just 100 days to go.  It has renewed the urgency in us to make certain that all the t's are crossed and i's are dotted before we go.  We are so thrilled to report that our feeding program/kids program partners are doing such amazing work and major steps have been taking to start creating self-sustained programs for the long term. 

Last weekend we attended the Masters of Theology graduation of dear friend, sister and partner; Pastor Lasalette Duarte.  She is a special woman that loves so so well.  We believe the Lord will continue to use her mightly.  She is a widow that cares for orphans. (I read something in a book once about those people groups J) 

We have been traveling a lot; speaking at a number of churches, being part of conferences, and encouraging as many youth and young adults as we can squeeze into the days.  The Lord is so good and gracious.  We are seeing a great work happen in these young people's lives.  We are filled with Hope!

We have had Kira here visiting with her mom and step dad for several months.  She is CRAZY smart and the kids have been loving her as their algebra and physics tutor. Claire has started teaching the youth in the school of ministry, and they love her and her approach with them.

For more pics and info, please visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/mitchchar

We love you and look forward to hugging your neck and hearing about all the Lord has done in your life this past season.  Please forgive us in advance.  When we return, we may speak a bit funny, we may not recognize you immediately, however, we will LOVE you the best we can!

 

Grace and Peace

Mitch & Char

To support us in the cause, please click the link below and select our names.  All funds will go to the local feeding programs and young adult ministries we have been part of. 

www.worldoutreach.org/donate

Update from Mitch n Char

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Moving to America before the next president is elected- What are we thinking?

Hello dear friend! We hope you are well. So appreciate all you do for us and have done for us.  Big news for us:

God says in Psalm 1 that those who live for Him, who are planted by His streams, will flourish. They will bear fruit in season and the fruit will last forever...the work we are able to do in this short time and small space can be planted and watered in a way that will make it eternally fruit - bearing. 

We hope that speaks to you. It gives us great peace as we look to our source and our next season...

We are moving back to the USA at the end of August 2016. 

The ministries we have been blessed to start and watch the Lord grow, are all at strong local leadership and accountability points. Decreasing our need to be as physically involved (truly a blessing as we have seen the model work.)

The farm is to a point with local leadership and partner missionaries that the vision will continue and grow!  We thank God!!

We have spent 6 years to get to a point of comfort that ministry efforts are showing long term fruit. 

We will always love the people of Southern Africa and are filled with hope in seeing that the Lord has made a difference that will last beyond our years and He continues to equip the local church and local leaders to grow. 

Upon returning to the states, we hope to spend a time reconnecting with family in the Dakotas and prayerfully with you. A lot has happened in 6 years time and we want to hear all about what the Lord is doing and has done in your life.  We will always be involved in some form of ministry and service to others as unto the Lord. We don't have clarity on what the long term will look like, but we know the One that does. That gives us comfort!

Please know that your prayer support is highly valued. And your financial support is still needed and appreciated.  We still have 4 months left in Africa and relocation needs upon returning. Any gifts of support that come in beyond August of this year will accrue and be allocated with our partners for the ongoing works in Africa that you have helped us create over the years.   If you are supporting us via an automatic monthly gift and want to continue, then do nothing.  If you want to cease your automatic monthly support after August, then please email World Outreach and they will cancel your auto-gift.  You can email them at wom@WorldOutreach.org 

Again, We really appreciate your prayers and ongoing support as we make this transition.  

Over the next few months we will press in here in Africa to ensure longevity of the programs and ministries we have been a part of. 

Thanks so much for your grace, your love and your support. We could not do what we do without you. 

Stay tuned for more updates and photos as we plan to finish strong the next 4 months. 

See you soon, just in time for a presidential election. (Eeek)

Mitch & Charlotte Hildebrant 

Missionaries to Southern Africa

Spring for you is fall for us

March Newsletter – Spark Foundation and Mitch and Char

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A day, (Uhm rather) a week at a glance ;-)

What does a day in the life look like?

We have been asked this question many times by many people. There really is no precise or simple answer. But maybe the below will help you understand a bit. 

We realized that in 2015 we had so many "urgent" things come up, that we allowed them to override the "important" things. Our challenge in 2016 to ourselves is to not let the urgent distract from the important. (Instead of putting out fires, we want to prevent them). 

We are gifted at planning and strategizing. And the Lord has always gracefully allowed us to walk out those plans when we submit them to him. So this is our 2016 plan as laid before the Lord and you!

Monday's-it's our farm day-good ol sweat and dirt. It's our way of helping to steward the great gift the Lord gave us in this place

Tuesday's-young adult mentoring and one on ones with teens, then a partners and missionary study. 

Wednesday's-lesson prep, ministering in the dump ground, after school tutoring and young adult school of ministry. 

Thursday's-errands and admin for ourselves and Spark Foundation(our South African non profit-there's a stack of paperwork. It is surprising the amount of info and detail needed to run a simple non profit.)

Friday's-partners meeting and after school tutoring. 

One weekend a month working and serving with our partners and projects 2 hours north of us (5 sites with bible programs and feeding). 

One weekend a month working and serving with our partners and projects 3 hours east of us in Swaziland(2 sites with preschool, bible programs and feeding)

One weekend a month hosting youth in our house for deeper ministry and overnights away from their circumstances. (2-3 kids at a time)

When we are available on Sunday evenings we help our dear friend Darryl with the local church called "grace". It's a great bridge for the white and black community to come together. 

Then we have several teams throughout the year-and we try to incorporate them as best we can, into our daily lives. 

2-3 times a year the local schools have a term break. This presents perfect opportunities to host, teach and work with youth at the farm for several day "camps"

This is not a self promoting post. 

Please know our hearts. We just know that for you(if you haven't been here) it can be hard to understand what you are supporting and why. 

All that we do-we incorporate the Lord Jesus into it. Farm days, meetings, tutoring, feeding, schooling and all activities point to the cross!  Mornings start with prayer and devotionals for farm workers, tutoring grows out of relationship with kids around talking about what the Lord is doing in their lives. Feeding programs grow from the local church and their desire to meet the needs and present the gospel-so we provide training and resources to equip them. It's truly a sweet season we have entered. 

We always try to provide a hand up and not a hand out. 

We are so grateful that you allow us to be here to do this. 

We had a missionary legend named Dave that told us years ago-"relationship is the best spent currency". Oh it's so true! 

At Spark Foundation our moniker is to Engage, Equip and Empower

We truly believe that by doing so-Jesus will be known, seen and felt. And this side of heaven will be a better place for those that know Him and have the Hope that only He can provide.