Saturday, December 25, 2010

Christmas like no other...

Dear Friends,

We had an amazing Christmas morning with our kids.  We were able to get up early, drive out to the village of Mtepeni an surprise 13 families with special Christmas Care Packages.  These are the poorest of the poor.  They literally have nothing.  

One quick story on one of the families:

She was born deaf, raped at 14, gave birth to a beautiful son.  Now has several more kids (two of which attend our school)  She has no husband and no family support whatsoever.  We REALLY are her only hope!!  I do believe it is on of the best Christmases ever when we can help people like her!!  Each of the people who received the packages were so thankful and grateful.  They all wanted us to stay for chai, chapati and mandazi!!  :)  :)

I hope you enjoy some of the pics we took of these amazing families.  They send their thanks and gratitude back to you!

Thanks for your love, support and prayers!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!







Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Construction Begins!

Construction on the second floor of Mbewau Academy has begun!!! Our little school is growing rapidly and we are so excited that the Standard 1 children will have a brand new class room in just a few months.  Over the next two years we will grow the school up to Standard 3 which is 4th grade here in the states.  

God continues to AMAZE us as we trust Him to take care of our every need.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support....God Bless!



Monday, December 6, 2010

When all the tears are gone!

Dear Family & Friends,

Today we buried one of our precious Sunday School kids!  Sila was only 9 years old when God decided to call him home.  Yesterday, after church, he chose to climb nearly 40 feet into a coconut tree next to his home and fell to his death.  I sat by his body until late into the night listening to his mother and other women cry.  Today we dug the hole, built a simple wooden box, put new clothes on his body and had a simple service.  After the coffin was covered with dirt and the people began leaving back to their homes, I watched as the mother sat on the ground, staring where her son was just buried.  I went and knelt next to her.  I told her that I would be praying for her and that I would be by to visit every day for the next few weeks.  She looked up at me and said the most unusual thing.  She said that "her tears were gone".  She went on to explain that she had cried all night and most of the day but that now the tears would flow no more.   

I left her sitting there and started the journey back home with a heavy heart.  Unfortunately, I know what happens when the tears are gone.  She will still be a single mother but with one less child.  She will still struggle to make ends meet every day for the rest of her life. However, she has her Savior who will carry her through this valley and who will replace her sorrow with joy.  She has a church full of people who will love and support her through this time.  She has Lisa and I who will do all we can to meet the needs.  More importantly, she has all of you praying and supporting her from more than 9,000 miles away.  

Lisa and I want to thank each of you for doing your part because without you, we could not be here.  You may think it is a quick prayer or a small donation but God will take that "gift" and work miracles. We love each of you and appreciate your partnership with us.

May God bless each of you during this Christmas Season!