Monday, November 13, 2006

You know what time it is...

 Update time.

Here's the skinny on life in Africa. Things are going great. The church building has become the main focus of my work, as I've purchased everything we need to complete. Conrad (Canadian), Nafe and Jeverson (Malawians) and Myself (American) have been working on the walls, just grinding it out. About 400 some bricks are laid per day atleast. We are scheduled to finish the walls before december, and then the whole church should be ready in time for an amazing Christmas Eve Service Spectacular.

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Now THIS is africa...sweet land that it is.

I've also worked with Conrad to figure out everything we need, and how much it will cost to build the AIDS Hospice which is located next to the church. It will serve the community, and offer both hospice and food distribution services, as well as a clinic for treatment.

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Nafe (left) and Jeverson, clowning around on the worksite.

As far as contributions go, I think financially I'm set to finish out my time here. That means that if anyone out there is looking to give financially and support the ministry here, there are two options. 1) Give to Lambano Children homes. 2) Contribute to the building fund for the Hospice. Both are wonderful ways you can help contribute to the lives of those who are afflicted by the HIV epidemic here in Africa. We also need continued prayer for these ministries, particularly as we begin construction on the Hospice in January, because...it's a beast.

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The outside walls are done! On to the inside (It's a double wall)

The Lambano kids are doing great. They are currently planning a Christmas concert (nothing like 18 shrill 4-6 year olds singing christmas carols) for December 9th. Our two biggest trouble makers, Mandla and Sia, are responding well to discipline. Our new teacher, Jen is also learning a great deal. Her previous post was teaching 5th graders, so it's a bit of a challenge for her. Please continue to pray for the kids, that their hearts will grow sensetive to the Lord Jesus, and that a cure for AIDS, and progressive treatments will continue to be developed.

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Teacher Jen hangs out with the babies.

This will actually be my last update for a while, as I'm leaving in 2 days for an 18 day Safari through Namibia, Zambia, and Malawi. In Malawi I'll be meeting with missionaries from our church here, so that should be fantastic.

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The last team from the States, ERC Paramount, left September 17th. Things have been a little lonely and the work a little harder without teams to serve.

Please continue to pray for me as I serve our church and it's many dynamic ministries. I feel like I have learned so many lessons already. When I return from my trip, I'll only have 6 weeks left here. Time is flying. There are no more teams scheduled until February, after I leave. I've been preaching at the Zulu church somewhat frequently, and atleast once a month since I got here, and it's been very encouraging to see the body there grow and mature.

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I look like Jim Morrison...when he had a beard.

I think that's all. As Always, any questions, email me; don't stop praying. Prayer impacts lives.

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A rock somewhere in Africa. Beauty, eh?