Oh, The Faith

Mrs. Laura Martin is our guest blogger today. Laura is a very gentle, yet passionate Woman of God. I have the privelege of seeing her minister to children every day. Thank you, Laura, for sharing!

Oh, The Faith

Larry Vann, a collegue and good friend, encouraged me to write on this blog. I can only pray what I share will be an encouragement and faith builder to someone in their time of need. We left for India in July of 1998 with our three children ages 7, 4 and 18 months. Our 18 month old son had just been diagnosed with severe asmatha after 3 consecutive bouts with pnemonia. When we arrived in Calcutta, our son just simply could not breath due to the pollution and dust in our city. It was a long six months of regularly walking him through the night just to keep his breathing passages open. We then moved to New Delhi, yet it was listed as the most polluted city in the world in the early months of our arrival. One day the pollution level was so dangerous they deemed the air quality equal to when the Nazi's were bombing London. Needless to say, his situation was no better there. We were at the end of our capacity to stay in India with our son suffering in this manner, yet we felt we were there in obedience to the Master's call. God surely knows what we can handle, so His healing touch solved the looming question of whether we should just pack up and go home. One Sunday night in a church service for minster's in Calcutta, our son was laying on my lap listening to the message with his eyes closed. I thought my little three year old baby had been sleeping, but he was, incredibly, paying attention to what was being said. He opened his eyes and asked me to tell him again what it meant to be saved. I explained a simple Gospel message, and he asked me to pray with him to accept God's love and forgiveness. After that prayer, he told me that he wanted to be healed by God. He wanted to be free from all the medicines and breathing problems. I told Cole that his daddy and I had prayed for years, and maybe it was time that he asked God for himself. He led me into the aisle as others were down at the alter praying. He kneeled down and wept as he ask God with childlike faith to heal him. He then went down to the alter and prayed for many of the pastors present in that service. Many of them thought he just wanted to be held, but they soon realized he was praying for them! Not something we had trained him to do, but it was a move of God in his life. From that day until this, 10 years later, Cole has never taken an inhaler or any other asthma related medicines or had any breathing trouble whatsoever. The Lord Jesus either healed him to relieve him of the "thorn in his flesh", healed him so his parents wouldn't give up on their call or a myriad of other reasons. It doesn't matter why, but we will never cease to praise Him for His intervention which brings Him glory alone!!!

BIG Picture

Shirley Stone is our guest blogger today. Shirley is an incredible Woman of God who loves to love on others. She is a mentor to many and friend to even more. Thank you for sharing, Shirley!

The Big Picture

Big picture vision is my prayer lately in all areas of life. God sees all, is intimately working in all aspects of life. Without him we would not take the next breath, so to ignore Him or leave Him out of anything is so offensive and ungrateful of me. NO more picking and choosing or compartmentalization of my world, please!! Renew my mind so I will know what is best!

God is God

Page Hughes is today's guest blogger. Page is a wonderful woman who is very involved in women's ministry, missions, teaching, christian counseling, raising a family and supporting her husband. When I asked our small group to use one word (the first word that came to mind) to describe Page, this is what was said: amazing, Jesus, smile, sweet, selfless. If you know Page, you know that she loves Jesus and shares that love with everyone she encounters.

God is God

I have forgotten how finite the picture is that we paint in our public schools. Since homeschooling Gene' I have see a fresh how the reality that God created all things and all order is designed in Him covers every aspect of our lives. When we take God out of the equation anything no matter how ludicrous can be taught as fact though in deed it is only theory. Without proof one can say anything, but when you have to prove it, most theories are done away with. Gene' has been frustrated for years when evolution was taught as fact. If you look at the world and measure it by the world's standards, we think we are much larger and in control than we are. We can and do compartmentalize everything in our lives, and even God sometimes gets a box or corner. When you come at it from the Biblical view that God is in everything, created everything and will be here when everything we know is gone, it helps us get a better perspective of what truly is reality, not just what we choose to believe. I praise God that this year Gene' and I both have a fresh perspective even on education that God is God over science, history, math, art, dance, and even foreign languages. It is because of Him we can see the order in all He has created. We are privileged to live under the hand of God.

Fruit of the Spirit

Another guest blogger, Steven Thomas Stone! Steven is a high school senior and has a BIG heart for orphans and the poor. He is a very bright light in this world!

Fruit of the Spirit

As a senior in high school, my first semester is a wee bit stressful when I actually take the time to slow down and think about what I have to do. From juggling school, school organizations, work, and church, it can get a little overwhelming. And of course, we cannot forget the choosing a college. Ah yes, the single choice that gets me ready to enter the net 4+ years of my life. And when I look at a college, there are several things that have to be looked at and considered: first and foremost, does it have a bevy of majors that are at least in the ballpark of what I want to do? What's the student body count? Student to teacher ratio? Living arrangements? Distance from home? COST? All of these are carefully deliberated and thought about before I even come close to choosing a school.

Of course, there are those out there who are only focused on certain aspects such as: major, campus life, Greek life, football (sad, but true), etc. These people are willing to say no to a few preferences in order to get wat they really want and are good at. For instance, if a school is perfect for their career, but cannot afford to live on campus, then they may have to live at home.

Sadly, I think we have all become accustomed to our lives that are perfectly customized for us in just about every area, that this sense of entitlement bleeds over into our spiritual life. The prime example is in a commonly used teaching of Paul in Galatians.

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of your sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:15-25

This is a passage most who have attended church have heard at one point or another, yet it is one of the passages of scripture that is almost always interpreted incorrectly, mainly due to this idea of picking and choosing. First off, it's not that hard to get: follow the Spirit, not the flesh b/c it's dark, horrible, sinful, despicable, and no good comes from it. It then lists acts of the sinful nature that we should avoid, ok pretty much everyone agrees that that's all bad and don't do it, and if you don't agree then you just need Jesus and I'll pray for you.

BUT, it's the next few verses that are always mis-interpreted. People read the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit and decide, "Ok, if I truly want to know if I am being led by the Spirit, then these characteristics will be evident in my life." But they use these characteristics like spiritual gifts for instance, "Oh well, I'm really good at being gentle and kind....but not so great at self- control." or, "Well I've got self-control and joy down, but I am not the most patient person in the world." And their next statement is usually something along the lines of, "O well, i guess Im just not meant to be a ____ person." (fill in the blank with area of struggle).

This error is brought to you by the letter "s". This is all because they misread one word and add an "s" to it. Let's take a look. The verse DOES NOT say, "The fruitS of the Sirit..." It says, "The fruit of the Spirit..." These are not a bunch of individual fruits of the Spirit, they're not side items, it's a combo deal. They are all CHARACTERISTICS of the fruit of the Spirit. In other words, if you truly are living by the Spirit, ALL will be evident in your life. Not some, not one, not all but one, all. Plain and simple. We do not get to pick and choose here, if we are truly following the Spirit, these will all come naturally as fruit of that decision.

No, you're not going to naturally be good at all of these, but the Holy Spirit will work on you and reveal when it is that you could have done better, and if you are willing, will slowly chip away at you and help you with the traits you have trouble with. Now I'm not saying that you're gonna be perfect at it all the time, I'm sure as heck not, but you will slowly begin to see the opportunities you have to share these traits. If you can't see them yourself, pray God opens some opportunities for you, I promise He will. God Bless

Accept the Calling

We have encouraged our faith family to submit their thoughts to us for inclusion on the M25M blog and on our facebook page. I was pumped to receive this note from Caleb Hughes. We are active members at the same church Caleb and his family serve. He is one of those kind of guys who has it going on and who everyone likes - yet he is so grounded in his faith. Caleb gets it.

Submitted by Caleb Hughes

When I say Lebron James what comes to mind? Legendary? Hall of Fame? Millionaire? All of these things are accurate words to describe the NBA superstar that is Lebron James. When we see Lebron playing on TV we expect nothing short of greatness in his sports performances. He comes out each night and gives all star performances because that's what he gets paid millions to do. When he signed his multi-million dollar contract he committed to his boss that he would do his best.Lebron spent many years developing his skill set into the phenomenal basketball player he is today. Now don't get me wrong it was not all him, God gifted him, but he spent many days and years in thorough practice. He was molded into the money making machine he is today. But what if Lebron James went out and did not perform like he is capable of? Even worse what if he played like a YMCA city league player? If we saw James doing things that were not all star worthy, like walking up and down the court, shooting on the wrong basket, etc. we would instantly recognize him as not performing like he has been called by the team's boss to perform. He would not be playing up to the contract he has been signed to play according to.

Today, most of the individuals that make up the church walk in their faith like a Lebron James that doesn't live up to his contract. As Children of Christ (Christians) we have spent a time (whether large or brief) growing in our faith and slowly becoming the man or woman of God we will one day be. But the life of a Christian is not just self-growth and growing in the Word, etc. But we have at some point been called by the Most High to do SOMETHING. Now, whether it be something as huge as living on missions or something as common as walking over and talking to the lonely individual on the park bench, we have been called by the Holy Spirit dwelling in each of us do be obedient and respond to His call.

The call of the Holy spirit on us is our contract offer. Our boss (God) extends a contract our way. We are told to sign it and perform according to his wishes. It saddens me to see the people of God living a luke-warm faith. The Bible says in Matthew that we are to SHINE like a light in the darkness in the world. The children of God have been instructed to live on a constant mission as we are going through daily life (Matthew 28). We are contracted players under the rule and governing body of God Almighty. He has called and willl continue to call you to do His work. It is time to start performing like a future hall-of-famer and live up to your contract. Obedience to the Word is Truth.

Atta Boy!

Who doesn’t like a pat on the back? I have, many times, found myself basking in the light of praise and “atta boy’s” for things that seemed to be a big deal at the time. I was seeking the praise of man. When someone would shine a flashlight on me for something positive, I really got caught up in that. We all do, don’t we? But the glory of men quickly fades in the light of His glory. Its like shining a flashlight outside during the brightest part of the day.

How long I have sought identity in self through the eyes of others. I have found that seeking the praise of others is like trying to stand on quicksand. Not very stable.

Jesus, in His last days on earth, saw the foolishness of man in seeking praise of man. Although He never sought pats on the back, we can learn a valuable lesson from the way he was praised and heralded one day and thrown to the wolves just a few days later. The same people who praised Him, crucified Him. Matthew 21: 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!” They were giving a huge pat on the back. And, like quicksand, the very people who gave praises on Sunday, turned on Him just a few days later. Luke 23: 18-21 With one voce they cried out, “Away with this man! Release Barabas to us!” Barabas had been thrown into prison for an insurrection in the city, and for murder. Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Ever expereinced having someone "turn" on you who you thought "had your back?" Of course you have. We all have. And I am sure most of us have turned our backs on the same people we, at some point, gave praises to.

We must seek the glory of God. It is that simple. We must give all glory, all the time, to our Heavenly Father. If we seek praise for self or of self, we are trying to steal praise from Him. Pretty simple, isn’t it?

Father, forgive me when I have sought glory from man. It has been in vain and, most times, not been used to glorify You. I no longer care about what man thinks about me - as long as I am in Your will.

An Angel Among Us

Donna Scott Rogers was born on December 1, 1969. I had the pleasure of working with Donna the past 5 ½ years through our youth football and cheer program. She was the Cheer Board President. She impacted countless little girls from her service to our cheer program as well as coaching several squads. Her service to the Lord included her work with the pre-school and children’s ministry. Can you imagine the impact she has and will continue to have on the Kingdom? Her light will outlive all of us. She was both a sheep and a lion. For those that knew her, you knew she would take care of business, but in a compassionate and loving way.

Donna was on staff at FBC Alabaster until just a couple of months ago. We had one of our daughters friends over last night and I overheard her speak of Donna and how important she must have been at FBC because she had her own office! Have you ever heard that a good leader must be a servant first? Well, that was Donna. A servant. I clearly can recall seeing her pull up at our office the same day she had a treatment. Sick, tired, weathered, stressed, she still unloaded boxes of toys she wanted to donate to Toys for Tots. Selfless. Yesterday, she knew the time was near for her to be called home. She asked a friend of hers to come over and paint her fingernails because, as she put it, “I can’t go meet Jesus with my nails looking like this.” She was prepared.

Donna passed from this life the morning of July 30, 2009.

I am certain her family is aching tonight, the first night they don’t have her at home. Even in their great loss they know this incredible wife, mom, daughter and friend is dancing in the streets of Heaven tonight. Can you imagine her welcoming committee at the gates? Wow.

To the woman of God; the loving wife; the incredible mom; the enduring friend; mentor to thousands; light in a dark world; loyal family advocate: tonight we all miss you, Donna. We will not remember you because of your illness. We will remember you because of how you lived. I would love to have been there to hear the Lord tell you, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” We look forward to seeing you again.

Making Much of Him

Before I went to bed this morning, my goal today was to make much of Him. I was going to be very intentional with every move I made so all would know that He is King. That He is the Creator.

But just when I least expected Him to make much of me.. well, He did.

I have been in the job hunting market for several weeks now. Not really a comfortable place to be, considering everything that is going on in the global economy. But He never promised us worldly comfort, did He? Especially if we are actively in/seeking His will. We have recently experienced strong resistance from our own family regarding us following His lead.

I walked into the front door of a very well-respected Christian School this morning with the idea of planting a seed. I knew enrollment had to be down because of all the layoffs and such, especially in the white-collar sector. I have a Christ-Sister that is working in administration there – so, obviously, that helped with getting me face-to-face with the CEO. This gentleman has supported Matthew 25 Ministries in the past – both financially as well as in prayer. So I knew of him and likewise.

One hour into the interview, he offered me a newly-created position and I begin work in two days. And to think that my intent today was to make much of Him. We can’t out-do God! We can’t out-give God! We can’t out-love God! But we can praise and worship and give thanks, especially when He makes much of us.

So tonight we will celebrate with our entire family and with our dear, dear friends – members of our covenant family. We will celebrate our God and how he makes so much of us.

Will you join me in giving the Lord praise?

Two Words

John 3:16. Probably one of the most recognizable verses of scripture in the world. The man who Jesus shared these forever-changing words with is Nicodemus. I did as much research on Nicodemus as I could and I still know very little of him, other than what is mentioned in John Chapter 3 and again in John 7.

Nicodemus had a very impressive resume’. He was a Pharisee, a member of the Sanhedrin and “Israel’s teacher” (John 3:10). He was impressive. At the top of the religious ladder, so to speak. And two words tell me that he came down from the ladder to walk the streets, searching for answers: at night. He comes at night. When John later tells of Nicodemus, he doesn’t tell of his view from the top of the ladder of religious supremacy. He tells of his character: “ Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night.” (John 19:39).

I focused on Nicodemus as a man. Not so much as a religious leader and a person who was held in such high regard from a knowledge perspective. This wealthy religious leader, Israel’s teacher, came down from the ivory tower to search for Jesus in the streets of Jerusalem – at night. I imagine him slipping around in the shadows, trying so hard to go un-noticed. He couldn’t afford for citizens to see him; to know he was searching for answers. Gossip could hurt him. He had much to lose… Israel’s teacher, his position on the ruling council of the Sanhedrin, his peers. But he still decided to go.

Nicodemus heard of the teaching of this Jesus. He heard of the fit Jesus pitched when He saw the temple had been turned into a market. He heard of Jesus’ claims - “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it in three days.” Who could explain such claims, such words? Israel asked its teacher. But he had no answers. So he came at night. But at least he came.

Imagine the meeting. By all accounts, when the Pharisees and Jesus had encounters, it usually wasn’t over coffee at the local Starbucks. Those encounters usually involved Jesus setting their butts straight. Not comfortable for the Pharisees, I imagine. I know how it feels to be called out by Him.

The man who visited Jesus at night was told the most revealing eternal truth ever known to humankind. Can you imagine?

Jesus was straightforward. He gave Nicodemus answers. He gives us answers. Jesus was willing to meet Nicodemus at night – and I am certain he was very tired from sharing the Gospel all day with hundreds, if not thousands. But that is the way He is. He makes time for us. Day or night. Religious leader or prostitute. Just as we are, exactly where we are. Even at night.

I never want to be ashamed to seek Him during the daylight. I want my actions to be a beacon of light. Lord knows I have been like Nocodemus. I sought Him at night, in the shadows. Afraid of what it would cost me if others knew I needed to know more. To be more. What about you? Are you willing to seek Him, regardless of time of day and who knows? I want to look into the eyes of Jesus. And I want Him to see into mine.

You Have A Visitor

At The Home of Martha and Mary

Luke 10: 38-42 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

For the past month or so, I have been able to sit. All my adult life has been spent, for the most part, getting after it and pouring all I am into work. Mostly career, but also pouring myself into ‘good work.’ I must admit it has been very fulfilling to be able to look at things from this perspective – from the feet of our Savior. Why in the world hadn’t I been able to sit here before? It has been my choice all along.

Instead of spending all my time in the business of preparing for the visit, now I have chosen to recognize the King has long been here. I recognize the choice to be in full devotion to Christ Jesus. I am choosing to spend time with Him, not just for Him.

Lord, forgive me for being so distracted in preparations and drawn so little by your presence.

“….but only one thing is needed.”

He wants us to come from the kitchen and spend time in adoration at His feet. Will you come?

Hidden Lesson

As I woke this morning, I couldn’t help but watch Ashley, my wife, as she lay sleeping. I found myself reflecting on her service to me as her husband and her service to our children. Ashley has always put other people before herself. She has a servants heart. I so love that about her! Looking at her made me proud to be her husband. Loving her makes me feel so full.

As I began to stir from the bed, the idea came to me to offer her a tribute through this blog. To share with anyone whose eyes would see this how wonderful a person she is. I wanted to tell anyone who would listen how unique she is. How talented she is. She is the face of our family. When someone hears “The Vann’s”, they see her. I am proud for this woman to represent my family name. I love her so much.

When I began reading scripture, seeking a proper way to honor her this morning, I came across the story of Jesus, May and Martha. Just as Ashley would have it, my intent of this post was changed. I intended to honor her with words. Instead, my focus shifted to honoring our Father. It is quite simple, much like Ashley. Time spent honoring God this morning was actually honoring all that I love. I honored my precious wife by honoring, praising and spending time with God.

Ashley, as you lay sleeping at this moment, know that I had planned to honor you with words this morning. But, as God has done more often than not lately, He has molded something different from me. But, then again, honoring Him means more to you than anything else I can do.

That is just how you are.

Thank you for showing me that.

Take this hallway..

A couple of weeks ago we carried a team of people to the Atlanta International Airport. Their destination? Swaziland. If you have been in any modern airport, I am sure you have noticed the really wide corridors. Especially the ones in and around check-in. As we neared Gate A-7, we noticed a small, soft-spoken security officer trying to direct people down an obscure, narrow hallway. The throngs of people walking through the main corridor continued about their business – very few people listened to the officer and even fewer followed his instruction: “This is a security checkpoint. Trust me. If you do not follow this hallway, you will not be allowed to enter this area.” He kept saying to the people passing by, “Trust me.” We even noticed people stopping to curiously look down the narrow hallway, then look back in the direction they were walking – then continue on their way. Some of the people who didn’t follow the officer’s instructions later came back to where they were told they should go. I still don’t know where all those other people went. According to our new friend, they must have left the airport because they sure weren’t going to be able to access the gate area unless they went down this hallway. Who knows? They may still be aimlessly wandering the wide corridors of the Atlanta airport.
There have been many times when I felt as thought I was aimlessly wandering through life. I walked by a Man who told me that if I wanted to reach my destination that I needed to go down a path less traveled. He told me the route I was taking was very wide and seemingly easy to travel. But He also told me that the wide and easy path would lead to destruction. I believe we all go down the wrong path from time to time. I am so thankful today that God remains faithful to us. He is still standing at the crossroads, ready to lead us down the path that leads to eternal life.

Matthew 7: 13-14 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only few find it.”

Life is like a road. Most of us will travel a road to get somewhere today. There are many streets that you could have taken, but you wouldn't have ended up where your destination is. You had to follow a certain path to get where you are going. If you'd taken a different road, you probably would have ended up somewhere else.

Jesus said that the choices we make in life are like picking which road to take. He describes two roads. One is wide, and flat, and easy with a wide gate at the end. The other is narrow, and rugged, and difficult, with a narrow opening at its end. Most people take the easy road, and few take the narrow one. But Jesus said that the wide and easy road leads to destruction, and the straight and narrow road leads to eternal life.

When we have to make choices in life, we have to base our decisions on more than what is easiest. Often what seems easiest or most appealing is the worst choice we can make. Satan wants us to sin, so he makes sin look good. But we have to know where our decisions will lead us. We have to look at the consequences of our decisions.

We can't take the easy road to get to heaven, we have to follow the narrow road. Some people think they can do both. Is it possible to drive on two different roads at the same time? Is it possible to drive in two different directions? There are times we think we can do wrong and be right. We think they can serve God, but do everything we want to do. Jesus said this is impossible. We have to decide to follow God, and put His will first.

Jesus is standing at the gate saying, “Trust me.” What road will you take today?

What would you do?

We received word this morning that the roof on the building at the carepoint we hold dear has been blown off by a wind storm. While we are very proud to have the building, it was in pretty rough shape. There were holes in the tin roof, holes in the walls and the mortar in between the blocks was beginning to erode away. I imagine it didn't take much to destroy what was there.



This building is critical to the ongoing efforts of Kriek and Jumbo Gerber and Children's HopeChest to develop relationships and disciple the people of that area. Food and supplies are kept in a small room in the building. When children come to the carepoint that are sick, the Go-Go's let them sleep on a mat in the building. When the weather is not conducive for being outside, they all pack into the building to seek shelter. Without a building to store food and the pots to cook in, there is no food for the children. We simply cannot and will not allow that to happen.

We need your help. If you feel led to help with this project, please contact me @ matthew25ministries@gmail.com right away. We are on a mission to gather funds by this weekend and begin repair immediately. In the meantime, please prayerfully consider what it is you can do and keep praying for the people of this area. Will you help?


It is so easy to see the good in this happening. Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, and the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

Our prayer is that in every deed, word, thought - in everything that is done, it will be to Glorify our ord and expand His Kingdom. Blessings -

Team is HOME!

We made the trek to Atlanta early this morning to pick-up the team. While they all are heartbroken, they all seem to be doing ok physically. Many of them slept this afternoon, which was to be expected. I will update with photos in the next couple of days.

Thank you, Team, for giving of yourselves this way!

Team in Nelspruit

Got a phone call from Nelspruit, South Africa! My Bride, Ashley, at a pace of 112 m.p.h., began telling me all she could in a short period of time! End result? The Team is doing really well. It was difficult for them to leave Thulwane this morning. They feel like they are leaving a huge part of their hearts there. And they are. They fostered and strengthened relationships that have transformed lives in Swaziland, as well as in the U.S. Everyone's heart is broken... and that is not a bad thing. In that brokenness is where we find Jesus.

They are now resting at the hotel and will get up in the morning and visit the market and maybe witness some of God's creation in and around Nelspruit. Please continue to pray for them and for the people of Swaziland. Blessings -

Tuesday Update

Heard from the team this morning! Every team member is doing really well. There have been no problems to speak of. The Holy Spirit is moving at the carepoint! The older kids are opening up - which is a big deal. Because of their culture, there has been an emotional wall with many of the older kids and some of the adults. Reports are that the prayers you have been offering are being answered! Please keep praying for this! We also received news that the land the carepoint is on has been purchased (in full)! This is yet another prayer answered! We could not do anything from a monetary investment stanpoint (facilities) until Kriek and Jumbo could acquire the land. Please pray for God's will to be very clear to those who will make the decisions on how to move forward. Keep pressing forward, Team! Do not take one hug, one prayer, one encouraging word or a single ounce of energy with you when you leave the carepoint today! Leave it all there!!! Blessings -

No News is Good News

We did not hear from the Team on Sunday or today. As always, this means things are going great! Please keep the Team in your hearts, minds and prayers! Blessings -

As For Me and My House...

Today, the team will be at Thulwane leading bible study along with the D-Team. Another project will be to paint the Home that Love built. Before the house is to be painted, scripture will be written on the walls. This home will be covered in the Word of God and has been dedicated to Him. We had dozens of people submit the scripture that will be written.

For the team today, please offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the people of Swaziland, for the AIM staff, for Childrne's HopeChest, for the sponsors of the children and for the partners in ministry. Our prayer is that God be magnified in all they do. Blessings -

Word up!

Got a brief word from the team today! Of course, everything is going well! Since our partnership with AIM and Children's HopeChest began at Thulwane in February, 2007, we have seen an incredible transformation with the people of that community. God has worked through Kriek and Jumbo Gerber, the "D" Team, the Go-Go's and even the older children. We are so priveleged to be a representative of our Savior! He has wrecked our hearts for the good and that is what calls us to action. Thank you, Jesus!

Please allow me to share a bit of scripture that reminds me of the mission of not only our team from the States, but our team in Swaziland:

Matthew 5: 13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness,how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."

14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Our prayer is that anything we do or say reflect the immense love of God.

In a flash...

In a flurry this morning, several of our team members updated their status on facebook.. They were in and out in a matter of minutes! While we would love to hear more from them, I am sure you will agree that we would rather have them in the field than in the office! I will summarize what was posted this morning.

In a brief email from Crystal Baltimore:

"Hey! Things here are GREAT!! You would not believe how big the kids are and how much they have changed! Love is walking and talking and gving everyone kisses... Tomorrow is BIG FUN day and we are having jump castle, cupcakes, hot dogs and who knows what else!

Our lodging has been great and we all have been getting settled in. We did medical clinic today and there were soooooo many new little one's. Everyone is doing good. Ashley made it through the flight, no problems... well, LOTS of questions but no major issues.

As for prayer needs, please continue to pray for the relationship with the older kids to be more open and easier..pray for the relationship with the Go-Go's and for safe travel and good health for the team. Kriek and Jumbo are great!!!"

Updates to facebook:

"Stephanie Sharpe Sirmons is in Swaziland having a tremendous time. I can't tell you what a blessing it is to be here, loving on these precious babies. Please tell Madalyn and MaryDee we love them and we hope to talk to them soon. I can't wait to tell ya'll how amazing this country is, and how much we love these children aready. It is absolutely unbelievable. Love ya'll!"

"Allison Sides Clyburn is in Swaziland having an AMAZING time! It can't get much better than this! Please tell Madeline and Emma that Mom and Dad miss them very much! We love you, but we are still doing God's work in Swaziland! Lulu, Sipho, and Gilligan are doing fantastic and all say 'Hello!' We hope we can talk to you soon! Love, Mom and Dad!"

"Steven Thomas Stone is at the AIM office in Swaziland!!!!! Love you guys! Keep praying."

"Ashley Shirley Vann is in Swaziland and loving it! We had an awesome experience today at the carepoint providing a medical clinic. Bud, it's everything you said it would be! You won't believe the transformation with Love! I have some very good video for you!!! I love everyone and keep praying!!"

"Amy McAdams - Hey everyone! We are here and safe. Having a wonderful time. Please tell my family we are missing them! We love you all....Pray for us!!!!"

The common denominator? Child-like faith and a vision of hope!

So there you have it. You know what I know. Blessings -