Handin' Off My Baby

I’m now doing what my husband often does: posting more than one blog all in one sitting. What can I say? He’s rubbed off on me.

For several months I’ve been leading a Bible study with the teachers, cooks, and volunteers at Murray Camp (one of our CarePoints). When I was first asked to do this, I felt pretty inadequate. Have you ever felt this way? It seems God delights in asking us to do things that are bigger than our own abilities so we are utterly dependent upon His grace—and thus quick to point the glory to Jesus Christ when things do go well. (2 Corinthians 3:4,5)

Despite the language barrier, God has come and ministered to all of our hearts in our little meetings. Roger (on the left in the picture) plays the guitar as well as interprets for me. He brings the tea; I bring the cake or cookies. We all sing, share needs, pray, and dig into the Word together. I can say I sincerely love these people.

This last Thursday I arrived a little earlier than Roger, so I sat with the cooks and teachers while they were having their lunch. They gave me a bowl of pap (similar to grits—a staple in this country) and beans, both cooked in big black cauldrons over a fire. They gave me a spoon, but I opted to eat it the “proper” Swazi way: with my fingers. They said you enjoy it better if you eat it with your fingers. (I asked if it was because of that extra stuff under our fingernails, but they didn’t understand my joke.)

Well, last week I handed this special ministry over to Jacci, our newest ‘Cup Missionary family member (on the right in the group picture). I’ve known her for a couple years, and she’s such an encourager. She really loves people, and she has a passion to disciple ladies here. I know I’m giving my “baby” into hands that are more than adequate. This is the Lord’s baby, anyway—not mine.

Thank You, Lord, for Jacci. Thank you for the encouragement she has been to me, and for the ways I’m sure You’ll continue to minister through her to countless people here in Swaziland. It’s an honor to have her on our team. Please bless her with strength and fill her with your huge, powerful love. All for Your glory, Father. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

This last pic is of Jacci and me on a recent 'Cup missionary game night. I'll have to tell about that night another time...

Wish Ya Could've Been There!

The getaway we missionary ladies had was fantastic. We did a lot of laughing, learning, worshipping, eating (especially chocolate, of course), bonding, encouraging, and leaving blessed and refreshed.

One missionary lady here said, “It’s been weeks since I’ve had a song in my heart. This morning, I realize the Lord has restored my song.”

There were 31 of us, representing several different organizations and denominations and home countries. What a wonderfully diverse group! All of us have a common thread: we love Jesus, and we have a passion to see Swaziland reached with His love.

Thank you for all your prayers and encouraging words. We couldn’t be here doing this if it weren’t for you! It’s the Body of Christ in action. Wish you could've been there with us!

Missionary Ladies’ Retreat

It is 6 a.m. (in the morning) right now. In a few hours I’ll be joining about 30 ladies—all missionaries to Swaziland—in attending a weekend retreat. We’ll be doing a Bible study geared for such a retreat. We are all looking forward to this time away with the Lord and with each other.

Could I bother you to please pray for us? That our hearts will be open to hear all the Lord wants to speak to us, that we’ll be surrendered to whatever He asks? Please will you pray that each lady will feel refreshed and that laughter will spill through the doors as well?

We are all real people learning, just like every other believer, how to follow the Lord more closely each day. Sometimes missionaries are mistakenly tagged “Super Christian.” I meet with many of these ladies every Wednesday. We share prayer requests and pray together. We study the Word and discuss things that we don't understand. We face battles with our self-will, with trusting the Lord, with insecurities, with fear, with worry (seems to be my issue particularly of late). As much as each of us is sincere in our pursuit of God, none of us has reached perfection. Thus, we all roll our eyes and moan about this misplaced label.

I said that to simply underline my heartfelt plea: “Please pray for us!”

We thank you for your prayers, and we pray for you back in the US as well. We’re one big family, just journeying this life on earth until we all reach our true home: Heaven.

I'm posting a picture taken last year of our ladies' Bible study group. It has now grown significantly, and three of the gals in this picture are currently in the States, raising support. (We miss you terribly!) Any picture I post will be incomplete as our group is always growing.