Sweetening the Deal

We awakened early on Wednesday morning, eager to finally take the girls to meet the children in the village of Bhunya.  As we drove 45 minutes to reach this church nestled into the side of a mountain, we gave our team some background information that would help them understand the situations of the families we would encounter.

Bhunya was once a successful community, thanks to the sugar mill that employed hundreds of workers.  Sugar cane grows well in this African climate.  We loved seeing children chewing on it, both in the cities and in the villages.  The unrefined state provides a natural energy source for these kids who do so much walking.

But there is a market for refined sugar, as well.  As is always the case, one large employer affects many other businesses in a community; when the workers are paid, they are able to spend their money in other area businesses, keeping yet more people employed.  But the sugar mill closed down a few years ago, and it didn’t take long for other businesses to close shop, as well.  The plant stands almost empty now—as empty as the bellies of the children who have no working parents.

Sangro Sugar Mill.  Please pray for it to reopen.

We told the girls a little bit about Pastor Jan Dvuba and his wife Mumci, who teaches at a preschool.  They have a vision for a community center where villagers can learn basic English, job skills or trades, simple math so other can’t take advantage of them when making change, etc.  Both work tirelessly to serve the people God has entrusted to them.  

Pastor Jan, Mumci, and their four children

We picked up Pastor Jan and headed into the village.  Our first stop was at a preschool where two teachers manage to instruct 70 little ones.  The mass of children filed out of a tiny trailer and lined up for a short program outside. We were impressed with the many songs, Bible verses, and poems they shared.  Even more astounding was the way these two women kept that many young children on task!

We made sure each child received an apple and a few pieces of candy, which brings great big smiles from the kids.

Often when little children notice that we’re white Americans driving by, they chase our car with outstretched arms and open hands, calling after us, “Sweet?  Sweet?”  They’ve learned that we usually have big bags of candy to share, and it’s real treat for them.  These preschool children were no different, and even older children who were out of school pressed near in hopes of a taste.  We didn’t disappoint them.

The classroom space is cramped, and the supplies are few, but the women caring for the children are true educators making the best out of their limited resources.

From town, we made our way up the steep slopes to the rural church where Pastor Jan Dvuba had 17 children and their families waiting for us.  Their stories were similar, but we felt the urgency of each one . . . fathers laid off at the sugar mill, parents unable to find employment, families relying on the church for food, sickness and death leaving children without caregivers.   The few who are able to work as street vendors bring in only about $30 a month.  

Many single mothers and grandmothers are caring for large groups of children
with little or no support.

And the most gut-wrenching tales were those of abandonment, where mothers or fathers have walked away from their families to pursue a life with someone else. 

Xoliswa's heart cry is for her mother to return home.  Yet she sings with joy to the Lord!

Xoliswa is one of these broken children who told us with tears about her mother “dumping” Xoliswa so she could go live with another man where Xoliswa is not allowed to visit.  Her grandmother cares for her, and the church provides some food.  Her greatest heart’s desire is for her mother to return home.  But meanwhile Xoliswa keeps pressing on.  She hopes to become a lawyer someday so she can help provide for her family.  She loves to worship the Lord, and she quickly learned a new song from Sara.  This precious young lady is leading others in worship and participating in church services.  She finds joy in the midst of trouble as she clings to the Lord and His plans for her life.

Xoliswa with Sara after learning a new song of praise.

And how little Sabelo captured our hearts with his crooked smile!  His father died and his mother deserted him when he was four years old.  His grandmother took him in, though she is unable to work to provide for him.  It’s a struggle to put food on the table on a daily basis, so the church helps as much as they can.  Yet this little guy has big dreams of becoming a police officer someday.   He enjoys simple pleasures like playing soccer with his friends.  And in his words, “To the future sponsor: I would try with my best . . . to work hard at school . . . .”

Sweet Sabelo

We heard the same thing repeated from all of these children—promises to work hard so they can obtain jobs someday in order to help their families and the village.  “If I can get the sponsorship, this can be a huge difference in my life.”  “If I am sponsored, my future will be bright.”  “I could be in the position to help the other children.”  “I promise you I will do my best.”  

And from Mnguni, “In the coming future, I will be someone, not something and [it will] give me power to thank God because He is the one who provided you to me.”

Mnguni is not invisible to us.

Such sweetness from these tender ones who could claim a right to bitterness.  They were thankful for our coming—even before they have sponsors—just because we listened to their stories and cared.

But we won’t stop there.  It’s why Grand Staff Ministries exists.  We bring their stories home to you so the Lord can move on His people to answer the cries of the hearts of these children.  Sponsorship covers tuition, a school uniform, and some food.  It truly changes the futures of these vulnerable children.

You’d think it would be impossible to put a price tag on hope.  But I can.  It’s $25 a month for an elementary student in Swaziland, and $50 a month for a high schooler.

Have you ever purchased a car or large appliance and had the sales person throw in something extra just to make the expenditure that much sweeter?  You were already getting a product you wanted and needed, and you were satisfied with the choice and price.  It would have been just fine to leave it at that.  But it was made just a little bit more enjoyable because you got a bonus of some sort—maybe cash back or zero percent interest or perhaps a toaster or DVD player thrown in for good measure.

It’s no different when we get a “bonus” from the Lord.  He has given us so much: salvation, deliverance, peace, joy, love . . . the list goes on forever.  Even if He never gave us anything else, the gift of His life brought us all this and more blessings than we could ever contain.

But how sweet it is to discover that there is something we can do for Him that will actually make our joy more complete.  We can give something to Him that really pleases Him.  What is this amazing thing?  It is giving our lives back to the One Who gave His life for us.

How do we do this?  With pure, undefiled religion.  Helping widows and orphans.  (James 1:27) Helping anyone we can help, if it’s in our power to do so.  (James 2:14-17)  Feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, and clothing the naked.  (Mathew 25:35 – 40)

Jesus went so far as to say that when we help others in need, we’re actually helping Him.

During this current economic crisis, helping others is a sacrifice for many of us.  God knows that.  But it’s still what we need to do.  So He sweetens the deal.  Throws in something extra.

He actually promises that He considers our ministry to the poor a loan we make to Him.  One He will repay.  Proverbs 19:17 reads, “He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given.”

Our motivation to give isn’t so we can get.  It’s to obey Him and know we’re pleasing Him.  It’s to walk in true love and compassion.  But having the right motive doesn’t change what He promises He will do.

We’ve all heard it said that “you can’t take it with you,” regarding money and possessions.  So true.  But when we obey Him from true hearts, we can send it on ahead by investing in His Kingdom work.  Talk about a win-win retirement plan!

The Old Testament patterns sacrifices placed on the altar with fire, making a sweet smelling savor for the Lord.

We see this in the New Testament, as well.  Philippians 4:18 says that an offering Paul received from God’s people had the odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable and well-pleasing to the Lord.
And it’s true for us today as we imitate Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 5:2 tells us to walk in love, even as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us as an offering and sacrifice that smelled good to the Lord.

Before we took this trip, four of these children had sponsors.   Since our return home, two more children from Bhunya have been sponsored.  Twelve more are ready and praying for someone to help them.  And many others in the village are hoping for the opportunity to be placed on the waiting list.

Perhaps you sense the Lord tugging on your heart to consider one of these little ones from Bhunya.  So many of them are older children who are sometimes hard to find sponsors for.  But they are waiting in eager anticipation and great willingness to apply themselves to learning.

Please don’t delay.  You can contact me with an email, call me on the phone, or check out our website for pictures and biographies of children who are waiting.  becky@grandstaffministries.com or (620) 543-6518

www.grandstaffministries.com/childsponsorship.php

You’ll find great satisfaction in changing the future—and even eternity—in the life of a child God wants to love through you.

It doesn’t get any sweeter than that.

I’ll have the “Rest in the Lord” Special with a side of “Peace.”

Life is stressful.  

There’s no getting around it.

It doesn’t matter what country you’re in.

And being on new ground experientially can add to the pressures of life, too—even when you welcome the change.

This was the first time Tracy and I took a team with us to Africa, albeit a small one.  Our daughter Anna has gone to Africa with us before, first when she was ten years old, then again when she was fourteen.  But this trip we had the privilege of taking three women with us: Jana Durham, a long-time friend we used to attend church with and a 32 year old mother of two; Casey McMahon, a 20 year old college student I met in Texas when I spoke at her church’s women’s retreat; and Sara Nowlan, our oldest daughter (33 yrs.) and mother to three of our fantastic grandchildren. 

The five of us were eager for our adventure as soon as our plane touched down.  But advice from other missionaries reminded me of two things: 1) it’s best to check your expectations at the door on a mission trip, because it is always different from the way you envisioned it, and 2) nothing happens fast in Africa.

Picking up our luggage at baggage claim, we discovered one of my suitcases was missing.  We filled out the necessary paperwork and hoped for the best, then headed for Dollar Car Rental, where we picked up a white, ten passenger van.  The only reason we needed that much space was for our bags; each of us packed as much as possible to give away to the children we’d be meeting. 

Stepping outside was a shock.  Even though we always visit during the South African winter, in the past we’ve only needed sweaters for cool evenings—it’s usually in the 60’s and 70’s.  But we were hit with a frigid wind, and the girls and I were uneasy about what we’d packed.  I felt responsible, having given them the list of what they should bring.  My imagination took off, first picturing five shivering short-term missionaries huddled together, blowing on our cold fingers, and bobbing up and down on our toes to try to get warm; then envisioning Tracy pulling out his wallet at the mall in Johannesburg to pay for a pile of coats.  Not in the budget.  Gulp.  Gave myself a speech: It won’t help to stress about this; you can’t change it now.  Trust in the Lord.  Everything will work out.  He’s ultimately responsible for the team—even for you.  Ahhh.  I felt better.

Everyone was hungry, so we headed for Nando’s, where the girls had their first taste of Peri Peri sauce.  Casey became an instant addict!  J  I’d forgotten how hot it was, and even though I’m no wimp when it comes to spicy foods, I couldn’t finish my chicken and rice dish.  Reminder to self: wear plenty of lip balm and order the medium next time we eat at Nando’s. 

Since we arrived in the evening, we spent our first night in Africa at the Baptist Guest House in Johannesburg, South Africa, instead of traveling in the dark to Swaziland.  Thankfully there were electric heaters in our rooms and plenty of blankets.  We awakened early the next morning and headed to McDonald’s, where we ate a breakfast that looked familiar.  Smile.  Then we loaded up again and began our five hour drive to Pastor Lewis’s house in Motshane, Swaziland.

Border crossings can be stressful, but the Lord had a special blessing waiting for us as we went into Swaziland.  At the customs counter, a young African man behind the desk made eye contact with me, perking up when he heard me telling the officials what our business would be while in their country.  We were delighted to realize that this was a dear young man named Comfort whom we’d met at Hope House two years ago!  He was also glad to see us, and everyone in the customs office lit up with smiles because we knew this fellow.  He was working there temporarily doing surveys for the government.  He showed us his office and gave us information about the tourist attractions.  And although his job was keeping him from church most weekends, he promised to come see us that Saturday when we were at Hope House again.  All of our paperwork received the proper stamps, and we were through in good time.

The girls were as eager as we were to get started in our work with the children, but we had a bit of a predicament.  Nothing serious, but still a detail we felt was important.  Jana is a zoologist and directs the Hutchinson Zoo, so it seemed imperative that we take her to the game reserve to see the African animals.  But she was only staying for the first third of our trip, and Pastor Lewis had scheduled us to go to the game reserve after Jana would be gone.  The only day with a schedule we could change was the next day—our very first day that we could have begun our ministry.

I felt torn.  I knew it was right to take Jana to the game reserve, but I struggled with what others might think.  How would it look if we spent our very first available day relaxing and enjoying the animals at a place where the children couldn’t even afford to go instead of working?  How would our donors feel about our “lounging”?  Not to mention the people who worked so hard on our fundraisers!  But no matter how many times I reviewed the schedule, I couldn’t see any other day that would be suitable.  Pastor Lewis had worked so hard to ensure we had time set aside for meeting with all the children; we couldn’t change those dates.  He was gracious about rescheduling our time with his board of directors, so we made our reservations at Mkhaya Game Reserve for the next day.

The weather was perfect!  (Thank You, Lord!)  Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and personable.  

Jana loved chatting with our guide about the habits of the animals . . .

Sara took detailed notes about the many varieties of trees . . . 

. . . and Casey was just happy that we got to see so many giraffes—her favorite.  

Tracy and I were glad to have no responsibilities as we bumped along in the jeep and let the sun kiss our cheeks pink. 

And in the midst of the beautiful African terrain, I was reminded again of a lesson the Lord has been faithfully teaching me for almost four years: He wants me to rest in Him.  Truth be told, He’s been trying to get this one through to me during my entire journey with Him, but I’m in the remedial class. Sometimes slow to understand that I can’t control everything—not even our schedule.  I can plan, but He directs our steps.  I live to please Him, not anyone else.  He is well able to get us in the right place at the right time doing the right things with the right people for the right reasons.  (Like our friend Woody Woodson says.) 

He was pleased for me to sit back and enjoy His creation without a care in the world.  He doesn’t want me to “do” all the time; He also wants me to enjoy life.  No matter how much I love my service to Him, I can’t do it in my own strength.  And I can’t be effective if I’m running on empty all the time. 

Nor if I torment myself with what I think everybody else expects of me.  Most of my concerns are only real in my own head, not in what others actually think about me or our ministry.  My worrying can’t add even one moment to my life.  In fact, it takes moments away, stealing the joy Jesus means for me to experience.

It takes more than Bible study and prayer and worship to be prepared to minister.  Our physical needs are also important.  A familiar Scripture took on new meaning: “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He restores my soul.”  (Psalm 23:2)  Yes, I admit that sometimes He has to make me.  Smile.

Even in Africa, where I was ready to jump into service, He wanted me to be still and know that He is God.  Cool my wheels.  Wait on Him.  Trust His timing.

Even though another meeting had been added to our schedule: a women’s meeting at the International Church on the College of Theology Campus—for that night!  I had to trust we’d get back in time.  I had to trust that His Word dwelt in me richly, so I’d be able to share from that abundance even with very little preparation time.  And I had to trust that even if my bag hadn’t yet arrived, I’d be able to fit into something of Sara’s and get ready without the outfits I’d selected for the trip.

Which was exactly how things went.  I arrived at the meeting in my daughter’s clothes, my husband’s deodorant, and my Savior’s love.  I already knew that during this trip, He wanted me to speak from Matthew 6:33-34, seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness.  For these women, He fine-tuned that message to show them that seeking His Kingdom first means seeking to make Him King in every area of their lives.  That it’s a love relationship with the King of kings.  That as our King, He only wants what is best for us.  His will is good.  Holy.  Lovely.  Right.  He’s crazy about us.  We don’t have to earn His favor; just love Him back. He waits for us with blessings beyond anything we can imagine—all for those who truly put Him first.

And His message came home to me, too, as I shared with these precious sisters across the ocean.  “So the King will greatly desire your beauty; because He is your Lord, worship Him.” Psalm 45:11

Seeking His Kingdom means seeking to let Him have dominion as King.  We don’t carry the weight of the world on our shoulders.  No, the government of the entire universe rests on His. 

We worship a God so powerful that He holds it all, yet so loving that He considers us beautiful, even with our imperfections.  So beautiful that He desires an intimate relationship with us! 

Sort of takes the stress out of the little stuff, doesn’t it?

It did for me. 

And the day of rest, physically, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually, set the tone for the rest of our trip. 

Mmmmmmm, I think I want another helping.  

Getting there. 

Note: This was accidentally posted on my Becky Spencer Ministries blog, so I'm adding it to this correct page today.  It's from July 19, 2012.

Getting there.  

Tracy, our 16 year old daughter Anna, and I packed into the wee hours the night before we left, double checking our lists and crossing off each item that made it into the suitcases.  I’d started days earlier, but planning to be gone for an entire month still pushed me into last minute scrambling.  We were zipping up the bags with relief, looking forward to finally shutting our eyes for a few hours, when one of the suitcase zippers busted.

Panic set in. There are no department stores in Buhler, and we were too tired to drive into Hutchinson. Solution? Leave early enough to make a Wal-Mart run before our flights the next morning. So we fell exhausted into bed with our alarm set to roll us out in plenty of time and a prayer for grace that all the details would work out fine.

Our son Nathan picked us up and got us to the store in Wichita. We found a bag that would suffice, paid quickly, and suddenly realized there wasn’t room for it in the back of the Jimmy.  So we juggled things and held bags across our laps.  Hadn’t thought through to how long it would take to transfer all our stuff to the new suitcase, but with sweat beading on our backs, we finally crammed every item in, sure that we’d still have plenty of time to make our flight.

Of course, that didn’t take into account that the printer for the luggage was on the blink at check-in.  Nor could we have foreseen that the clerk didn’t have the correct information for what to do with an overweight bag.  I assured her that I could pay extra to have up to 70 pounds, but she searched through pages of documents to try to find the information herself.  She couldn’t see it, so she made a phone call and was on hold a long time.  Now we were really starting to sweat as minutes ticked away.

I could imagine how uneasy our friend and team member Jana must be getting since we hadn’t yet shown up at the gate. But the clerk wasn’t in a hurry at all. She was way too calm to suit me. I wanted to give her an injection of adrenaline.  I could have made coffee nervous by then! I kept looking at the time, wringing my hands, and biting my lips. Okay, and my tongue. I sure didn’t want to say anything that would make the clerk move any slower just to spite me!

She finally realized we were going to miss our flight, so she said she’d take my word for it and ran my credit card.  By then the printer was working, so she handed us our paperwork and shooed us to security, cautioning us that we had about ten minutes to make it.

Naturally, security was also stressful. They decided they needed to run my carry-on bag through twice and open it to visually check my powder supplements. My driver’s license fell behind a table—I didn’t see it happen, but thankfully one of the TSA employees did. I had to run to get to the gate. Jana was as antsy as I’d suspected she’d be. She’d texted our oldest daughter Sara, who like Casey from Texas, was meeting us in DC, so she’d called to find out what in the world was going on. But we made the flight.

Our flight in Houston was delayed, though. So when we arrived in DC, we didn’t even get to give Anna a proper goodbye or last minute instructions before leaving her for an entire month. Just a fast hug and a nod in the general direction of baggage claim where our son-in-law was going to pick her up. She was terrified that she’d get lost. I was worried that I couldn’t remind her about checking her blood sugars or taking good care of her niece and nephews for the month. We had to trust that the Lord would watch over all of us—and it had to come to us on the run.

Literally! We raced to the gate where Casey waited where all but one of the other passengers were already boarded. The clerk at the gate determined our carry-ons were too heavy, so those had to be checked. But at least we made it, once again. It barely registered that we’d hugged our oldest daughter Sara hello in DC, too, as she showed us where to hurry to our gate. We caught our breath, gave better hugs, and settled in for the final 18 hour flight.

Jana and Sara ready to catch up now that they live more than 18 hrs. apart--and would have 18 hrs. in the air!

We had an hour delay while fueling in Dakar, but it allowed us to stand up and stretch a bit. We got to know Casey a little bit better in between cat naps and shuttling to the airplane toilet.  

Casey and me with my infamous neck pillow

I read, watched a movie, prayed, and walked the aisle. And dreamed of what our journey would bring to each person on the team.

Yikes, Tracy and I started the trip already completely exhausted!  Not sure if the poor guy beside us was really into his movie or just couldn't stand our snoring.  Yep, we're mouth open sleepers. Ewwwww.

Because all the stress and rushing and near misses aside, our anticipation was intact. Getting there was just the first step in a month long journey that was filled with potential and the call of God on this team of five. We knew with everything in us that none of the trials of getting there would be able to take away even a tiny bit of the joy we would discover once we met the Africans, young and old, that He had planned for us to interact with.  We were ready for the unknown future because of the faithful God we know.

And I can see that our years on this earth are a lot like our flights that took us to Africa.  Filled with challenges, requiring patient waiting on others who might not share our sense of urgency, hurrying up to wait. Feeling like our interactions with loved ones are just a blur as we rush by because it’s going too fast.

Our lives are but a vapor, a grass that quickly withers. Hardships are guaranteed. But when we finally reach our heavenly destination, all of the struggles of getting there will quickly fade. And the unknown will lose every hint of fear because we know the King Who prepared for our stay.

Getting there is just the first step.

And so worth the trip.

Africa 3: I Believe in Angels

I've always believed that God leads His people. The first time we traveled to Swaziland, Africa, in 2006, was expecting His guidance more than ever, even if it meant sending an angel to trumpet the way. My husband Tracy and I knew He was tugging on our hearts to go, but our question was whether or not He was also asking us to move to Swaziland.

I'd heard about the children orphaned by AIDS, but until I arrived, there was no way to imagine how hopeless their situation had become. Swaziland is a kingdom of about 1 million people. It has the highest incidence of AIDS in the world--some estimates are up to half the population.

During that first visit, I was shocked to see how few middle-aged adults were still living. Then stricken to learn that only one in ten children will live to be 35 years old.

The statistics were blows to my way of thinking. Over 11% of the homesteads are led by children. The parents aren't at work. They're not out of town for the weekend. They're dead. And the children fend for themselves.

That number doesn't take into account the children who are living with relatives who don't want them. Aunts and uncles who are already struggling to feed their own children. Grandmothers, called gogos, who feel life had paid a dirty trick on them, for after raising their own children and expecting to be cared for in old age, they are now raising several grandchildren while grieving for lost sons and daughters. Often they're trying to keep sick children alive with little food or medicine.

Incidences of child trafficking have skyrocketed. Vulnerable children are kidnapped on their way to school or while carrying water. They're forced into hard labor or sold to the sex trade. As much as that breaks my heart, I've been tormented even more over children who have so little self-worh that they willingly sell their bodies for one ride on the school bus.

To make a nearly hopeless situation even worse, there is much misinformation about how AIDS is spread. One myth says that having sex with a virgin will cure the AIDS, so this adds to the number of children who are raped as they cross a field on the way home from school.

The need is overwhelming, and over time I found myself tempted to think we'd never make a dent.

Then I met Angel Khoza. Her father is deceased, and there is no information available on her mother. She's living with her grandmother, who is raising many other grandchildren. But Angel smiled at me and totally melted my heart. After returning home, she was in my thoughts and prayers often. So when I went back to Swaziland this year, I searched for her in the crowds of children at the squatter's camp.

Sure enough, when she arrived, she made her way over to me for a big hug. I teased, "I know you! What's your name?" After a two year absence, I wanted to be sure I really had the right child since they change so much.

She replied with a shy smile, "Angel."

I pretended to be shocked, as though I were meeting a movie star or famous politician as I asked, "Angel Khoza?" Her mouth flew open, she squealed in delight, and she threw her arms around me in a huge hug as she propelling herself onto me. She was amazed that I really knew her. She stayed by my side for the entire visit, joyfully beaming and nearly knocking me over with continual hugs.

I couldn't help but think that if this were the only reason I returned to Africa, it would be worth the trip. Angel needed to know she was much more than just one more face in the crowd of needy children. She is known. Important. Cherished. Valued. Loved.

And as much as I remember her, how much more does our heavenly Father know and love her?

God sees all the children the same way I see little Angel. He is filled with the joy of knowing them individually. He sees calling. He sees potential. And He sees a plan to connect many of His people with these hurting children so they will also know they're loved.

He made my job clear on that first visit, and He didn't even have to send an archangel with the message. He wasn't calling me to move to Africa, but rather to share the plight of these kids with my American brothers and sisters. And while we aren't exactly "angels," He still wants to use some of us to share His message of love.

Together, we're making a difference. Over 50 children are attending school, eating regular meals, and receiving God's love because of our partners. Children sponsorship is only $25 a month. Won't you ask Him if He's calling you to be His hands and feet to His precious children in Swaziland and Mozambique?

Yes, I believe in angels. I believe in all the "Angels" in this world. And I believe in the special messengers of love who will join hands with us at Grand Staff Ministries so we can make a difference.

Detours

Our trip "detoured" us through London, where we met friends Alyson Jones and her two children to do some sightseeing. Loved visiting historical sites and hearing the background from a local! We were short on time, but we decided to throw caution to the wind and visit Buckingham Palace, anyway. It was a much further walk than we realized, and we were running quite late. We decided to take a shortcut at one spot, only to be delighted that we'd arrived in the nick of time for the changing of the guard--the one thing Anna most wanted to see! Very cool . . . if we'd done things any differently, she'd have missed it!

We thought we were going to miss the entire sightseeing trip! Thought we'd NEVER find our way to the train! We ran really late and feared our friends would give up on us. I admit I was stressing out, but we finally got to the right place and bought our tickets.

Riding the train between downtown London and the airport, we sat across from a young man who was obviously high on drugs. He picked his nose, then gazed at the results in fascination. Drooled on his shirt and played with that. Laughed to himself at some private joke while rolling a cigarette. My heart went out to him as I realized he could have been our Nathan. We were reminded for the jillionth time how blessed we are to have our son restored to God and our family. And reminded that even when we thought we were running late, God actually put us on the train at that exact time so we could meet this young man. I'll remember to pray for him.

When we arrived in South Africa, we learned that our luggage had not. Arrived, that is. It was detoured somewhere between Chicago and London.

So British Airways gave us vouchers to purchase clothing to get us by until the bags got there.

We detoured by a huge mall in Pretoria on the way to Wynand and Betsy's house. Anna was excited to get a new outfit, including shoes, a jacket, and jammies to top it off. Perfect way to spend a couple of hours--at least for our 14 year old!

We felt wonderfully welcomed at Wynand and Betsy's. They'd invited Wynand's brother and his family to enjoy a meal with us, and wow, can Betsy ever cook! We loved hearing the banter of people who obviously enjoy being together.

Wynand and Betsy are Jannike's parents; we met her four years ago in Africa. She is good friends with Jubilee Yocum after having attended Youth with a Mission together six years ago.

When we awakened the next morning and gathered our things, we realized that Anna's insulin was missing from the refrigerator. To my chagrin, I learned it had been inadvertantly placed in the freezer, not the fridge. YIKES. It's not supposed to be frozen! I was already concerned that it had gotten too hot on the trip, and now it was too cold. I didn't know if we'd even have access to more insulin if we needed it, but I did know the insurance wouldn't pay for it. We'd have to find a pharmacist to talk it out.

When we returned to the airport the next morning, our bags were waiting for us. We took a detour by the airport pharmacy and discovered the insulin should be okay, even if it might take more than normal to do the job. Whew! We loaded our bags on a cart and made our way to the car rental facility. Learned that we'd been misled to believe we couldn't get the car until Monday morning, which in actuality, we could have gotten it anytime since they're open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

But we realized if we'd done that, we'd never have met our new friends in Pretoria, so we could see the Lord's hand in it all. Plus we had the privilege of visiting Jason and Mary Trego. They've stayed at our B & B before, where we realized we had attended Sterling College together! He's a doctor with the embassy and they'd just moved to Pretoria. They fed us a yummy supper and caught us up on their family. It's always nice to see a familiar face in another country.

We were finally off for Swaziland, and our excitement was building. We got settled in our room, and although we'd stayed at Emafini Conference Center before, we'd never been in a suite like this one. It was literally one room plus a bathroom. There was a kitchenette to one side, but only one sleeping/sitting area. We realized we'd be sharing a room with Anna the whole time, and it wouldn't be convenient to prepare meals without a stove. But hey, we knew this wasn't a vacation; it was ministry. We'd make the best of every situation.

We finally headed off to Stan and Sue Drew's for dinner. This is the missionary couple we'd met in Seattle seven years ago when the seeds for our ministry in Africa were first planted. It was a joy to reconnect with them after two years--four for Anna. They caught us up on people and various ministry projects, and we felt like we'd found our footing again after the long trip.

By the time we got back to our room, we were all feeling tired and on the cranky side. I had to laugh; since we were all in one room, I had to bite my tongue instead of fussing with Tracy in front of Anna. I could see that maybe sharing a room would also be a good thing. Smile.

And it was obvious once again that even little details were working out in spite of things not always going exactly how I wanted them to go. I needed to rest in the Lord and trust Him. He is faithful.

Even those things that seemed to be off the beaten path ended up being in His plan for us. His Word says we can make our plans, but He directs our paths. (Proverbs 16:9) And He works everything out for our good and His glory when we love Him and live for His purposes. (Romans 8:28)

Maybe while we were in Africa, some area of your life seemed to be going in a different direction than you'd envisioned. Perhaps the Lord was working behind the scenes to get you in the place He wants you. What a comfort that He helps all of us as we commit our way to Him, trust in Him, and then watch with amazement as He directs our steps.

And I was sure that the next steps we took, no matter how challenging, would still be good ones because we'd finally get to see the children again!

Meet Musa

Let me introduce you to Musa from Mvujinin, Swaziland. He is part of an orphan-led household. Isn't it a shame that this handsome young man does not have the resources to attend school? What kind of future does he have to look forward to? The good news is that you can help!

The need for sponsors is great, and we ask you to ask the Father if He is calling you to become one of the 200 sponsors we’re looking for over the next few months. Here's how sponsorship works: $20 a month provides schooling, a required school uniform, and some food. (Some children also receive a pair of tennis shoes, depending on the need.)

Checks can be made to Grand Staff Ministries, Inc., and mailed to Grand Staff Ministries, Inc., 406 W. Ave. A, Buhler, KS 67522. A monthly sponsor letter is mailed with updates on the ministry and an envelope for your convenience in returning your sponsorship.

I'll be posting more photos of children who need sponsors, so check back soon!

Signs in the Heavens

I admit that I almost skipped watching this, simply because we are so busy right now. But I'm thrilled I took the time to view it.

This video BLESSED ME SO MUCH! There are actually two of them, and both are thought-provoking. If you can't see the video, here is the direct link: http://www.kmph.com/Global/category.asp?C=115228&nav=menu612_2_1
Makes me want to shout, "Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!" Enjoy!

Becky

PS And thank you, Anne, for sharing it with me!


Part I