Dave Tucci Celebrates a Birthday in Swaziland!

When Dave Tucci applied to serve on our first construction team to Swaziland, he must have realized it would mean spending his birthday half-way around the world; but he didn't let a little old (oooops, did we say "old") thing like that stop him.

To help make his day special, Dave's wife, Cindy, gathered cards from family and friends and gave them to fellow-traveler Ben Pace, to surprise Dave with on his birthday, Monday, April 28th.

Here's a message from Heidi Miller about how the celebration went:

Dave loved the cards! Pastor Augustine offered to drive into town and get a birthday cake and some grape juice and we surprised him at lunch. It was really a great time for everyone. We considered waiting until dinner, but we thought he could enjoy the thoughts all day if we celebrated earlier.

It is tradition that we give gifts to people on their birthday, but as Dave spends his birthday week in Swaziland, it seems he is the one sharing his gifts with others - read on.....

Dave has been such an amazing blessing to this project. He is very, very experienced and immediately earned the respect of all the other leaders here through his Godliness and depth of knowledge. It is so wonderful to hear him speak testimonies of his life and his life with Cindy.... and you should see him with the kids!

We all can recall special birthdays in our lives. We suspect that, in years to come, Dave will have some fond memories of a birthday spent in Swaziland. More importantly however, we suspect that their will be some in Swaziland who will hold fond memories of a man from America who came to spread the love and hope of Jesus with them a share a part of himself (as well as cake!)

Happy Birthday Dave!

News from the Jobsite

We are having such a great time! The men have been working so hard the last couple days. Please keep praying for the project. We encountered several obstacles the first couple days which have put us a little behind. The local people want to see this happen as badly as we do and they are doing everything they can to help us overcome the problems.

The team has done an amzing job of not only bonding with each other, but bonding with the locals here. There is a lot of mutual respect between the teams. We have visited a couple homesteads already and were able to go back to one homestead today and make several repairs to a couple structures. The guys tied down some of the roofing and dug a ditch to help divert some rainwater away from the main house. The people there were SO appreciative - one Gogo (grandmother) and eighteen small children.

We attended two services Sunday, the 8:00 service at Kevin's church and the 10:30 service at Hawane. The Holy Sprirt was so alive at both places! After lunch the whole team walked up to the jobsite and prayed over the site and asked forgiveness for being a little anxious and maybe wanting to see this happen very quickly. We maybe did not take enough time to stop and assess the situation prior to jumping in. I believe now that we have given this whole project back to the Lord and we are in good shape. Please continue to pray against the enemy and that we may rely 100% on God to build this church.

The men are already talking about how excited they are to share what they are experiencing and how we can "bottle" some of this and bring it home so that everyone can feel what we are feeling....not just the devastation and emotion, but mostly how the Holy Sprirt is working through this place! You should see some of these guys bouncing around and waving thier arms in worship of our Lord.

Give everyone our best and praise God for all that is happening here!!!!!!!!

Many blessings,
Heidi and the team

Greetings! We all made it!

Day 1 - Thursday, April 24 9:30 p

Just got back from having coffee and sharing stories at Kevin and Helen’s. The flight from Johannesburg to Manzini was short. David, Ben, Steve, Pastor Augustine and Seswe were there to greet me. All of my luggage arrived safely and the remainder of the men’s bags arrived also. It was really interesting at the airport because at the exact time we landed, a private jet was waiting to take off with the President of South Africa who had come to visit with the king of Swaziland. There was quite a procession with color guard and African dancers and the whole works.

The drive from the airport was beautiful with the red sun setting over the mountains and the silhouette of a few trees here and there. It was dark when we arrived at the farm, but we stopped by the house where I would be staying first to drop off my bags. I was greeted there by Kevin who introduced me to my housemate, Emma. I was then whisked off by the men up to their house where Alberto had prepared an incredible dinner of beef stew and rice, bread and fruit salad. The men shared a bit about their day and their experiences at the cultural center as we ate and they seemed very comfortable. When we finished up, we walked down to Kevin and Helen’s where Kevin shared some very interesting information about the culture.

I then walked back to the house where Emma showed me up to my room. Large room with nothing but a small twin bed in the center of it and a homemade nightstand with a small cup of fresh flowers on it. It is only 9:30 and everyone is going to bed, getting up at 6 am. That’s a lot of sleep to me, but maybe we’ll need it.

Day 2 – Friday, April 25 10:30 p

Today was a great day. I awoke pretty early to realize I had not yet unpacked however, Donna had done such an excellent job wrapping my bags with shrink wrap that I could not get it off. I eventually went downstairs and found a knife and proceeded to assess what I had actually packed, still half-wondering how much of it was really relevant or needed.

The men had invited me to their house for breakfast at 7:00, so after unpacking and checking out the spectacular sunrise views from the house, I decided to brave it and jump in the shower (about 40 degrees in the house). To my pleasant surprise there was plenty of hot water to warm up and then I threw on a sweater and headed out. Breakfast was magnificent- eggs, ham and oats. And coffee, yes, praise God for coffee! The men were scheduled to be picked up at 8 to go to the site and Kevin ask if I would go with them the first day to document the site. By the time we got the tools unpacked around 8:30 it was already warm enough to shed the jackets. Beautiful blue sky and the sun was very warm.

Theo, our construction manager here, apologized for being a little behind on the project. There had apparently been some unforeseen circumstances with having to remove several large trees from the site and deal with some pretty substantial roots while digging the footers. They had also had some rain earlier in the week, so when we arrived about half of the footers had been poured and the steel had arrived on site. Theo had several young local men on his crew, maybe 12 or 15. He had asked Dave and our team to set the pace to keep them working steady, but our guys couldn’t keep up with them…. J They were very energetic, singing about their love for Jesus as they worked. They were all very proud to be working to construct their own church where they could bring their family and friends to know the Lord. Unfortunately, Kevin informed us later after dinner, that most of these young men will probably not be alive in two years time.

The altitude was quite different which made for heavy breathing. The guys got quite the workout their first day just digging the trenches for the remaining footers. We had most of the digging done by lunch. The plan was to visit a homestead for the afternoon and do some minor repairs there, but everyone was anxious to try to get some of the steel structure erected and secured. After some discussion we decided to drive to the homestead, assess the need in detail, go back to the site and put up the steel and then return to the homestead the following day to make the necessary repairs.

Pastor Augustine drove us through the country and we arrived at a home where a Gogo was caring for 18 boys and girls ranging in age from two infants to a boy who was eighteen and a very sick girl who I believe she said to be about twenty five. She was lying under a blanket. The homestead there consisted of about four or five very small buildings with corrugated metal roofs. The roofs had become somewhat detached with the winds and were weighted down with large rocks and old tires. One of the small buildings where many of the boys slept had almost completely collapsed. The building where the girls were sleeping was very small and was also being used as the kitchen, but was constantly filled with smoke which made it very hard to sleep there not to mention very dangerous. The windows were all broken out, and with winter coming they needed repaired quickly to keep as much of the cold out as possible. We assessed what it would take to possibly build another small detached structure which could be used for cooking the meals, or possibly putting a large woodburning stove in the main room, suitable for cooking but vented for safety. They were very, very grateful for us stopping by and are very excited that we are coming back tomorrow to work on the house. The social department had apparently asked Kevin to take them all in at Hawane farm, but he would rather try to keep them where they are and help them there. So our goal the next few days is to dedicate a few afternoons to see what we can do to make their home more comfortable for the winter. It is too risky to wait to weatherproof these buildings, because not knowing how many of these children are HIV positive, we do not know if a simple cold or infection could kill them. We did find out from Emma (Emma is my roommate who is a nurse here and who also works with social services to get the orphans placed) that about half of the children at this homestead have been tested and so far all of them have tested negative! Praise God!

After dinner we met up with Kevin and his family at their house for coffee again to fellowship and to give Kevin the opportunity to get to know us each a little better. We shared stories back and forth for a couple of hours. Simply delightful people to say the least.

Our team has not only grown together in the Lord in amazing ways already, but they have bonded so quickly with Kevin, Theo, Pastor Augutine and the local boys who are helping us. It has been so much fun to follow them around today, documenting their work, but even more importantly witnessing how God is using each and every one of them as his hands and feet!

Please continue to pray for these relationships and that God will continue day-by-day to complete this project and bless this country according to His plan.

Many blessings,
Heidi

P.S. Please feel free to post comments on here to encourage the team and I will try to check for them regularly and pass them on. I unforntunately am not able to post pictures from where I am today, But David has taken some amazing photos that I’ll try to post the first of the week.

Heidi Miller Joins 1st Construction Team in Swaziland

We received word early this morning that Heidi Miller arrived safely in Swaziland yesterday evening. Not only did she land on time, but all of her luggage arrived at the same time she did! The more we are learning about the flight from Johannesburg to Manzini, the more we understand this is cause for celebration!

We now have 9 CLC'ers on the ground working on our first ICBC project. The construction team will return on May 6th and Heidi will remain until early July. Keep checking this blog for updates on their activities.

Construction Team Updates- 4-24-08

Joe Pamer also Skyped his wife Tracy at 4:00 a.m. to let her know all was well. ! His message said It was 1:56 p.m. in Swaziland. He also left a message saying they had just eaten lunch. They did visit the cultural village. Joe said it was very interesting. He also mentioned that a couple of bags (the message was breaking up a bit) didn't make it, and that they were preparing to go pick them up.

Keep praying!

First Construction Team Lands in Swaziland

As I post this message, our first team of 8 men are most likely preparing for dinner in Swaziland. The team left Dayton on Tuesday, April 22 at about 2:20 in the afternoon. After changing airlines in Washington DC, they set off for Johannesburg, South Africa and another plane change for the final leg to Manzini, Swaziland. All in all, the team traveled for about 21 hours and arrived in Swaziland about 11:30 a.m. Dayton time (5:30 p.m. Swazi time) on Wednesday.

Ben Pace has been able to leave a couple of messages using his Skype phone. All the men traveled well and connections were obviously made on time. All of their luggage did not arrive, but they anticipated that most of the delayed bags would be sent to the Manzini airport sometime on Thursday. They spent time today with Kevin Ward, hearing his vision, learning his expectations and discussing the ICBC project. They also visited the Cultural Center where they learned about life on a homestead and went into town to pick up supplies for the next couple of weeks. If all goes as planned, they will be going to the job site on Friday, April 25th.

Also, Heidi Miller left Dayton yesterday, Wednesday, April 23rd at about 2:30 p.m. As I write this post, she should be preparing to touch down in Swaziland. Watch for messages from Heidi in the coming days.

Thanks to everyone who prayed for this team, contributed financially and provided supplies. Your investment will pay off in ways you can't even begin to imagine. Continue to lift up Aart, Dale, Steve, Rick, Ben Joe, Dave and David in your prayers as they go about the important work of buidling a church and homes, but more importantly, as they build the kingdom of God. Pray also for Heidi as she identifies ways to provide administrative support to Kevin and to manage the ICBC project in Swaziland on behalf of CLC. We look forward to hearing about their experiences in the days ahead.

How does one prepare....?

Hello Friends!

Today is Saturday and its hard to believe we have only a few days left before the first construction team and I depart for Swaziland. And what a journey it has been already. God is amazing and His hand is in the details everyday.

For those of you who may not know me as well, I'd like to tell you just a bit about how God has been working in my life since last fall...

After twentysome years in the corporate world as a design director, my career was really beginning to seem a lot less satisfying to me. And although I've been very blessed through the years with opportunities to develop myself professionally and creatively, the clients and titles and material things were becoming very insignificant. God was definitely speaking to me about stepping out in faith and giving Him a chance to show me His plan for the next phase of my life. After much prayer and repeated confirmation, it was apparent that although I had no idea what was in store for my future, it was time to prepare for some big changes. So in November, I took a deep breath and resigned my position.

The overall sense of peace we're sometimes blessed with is amazing in itself. I had no idea at the time what kind of doors might open for me, but I knew as long as I kept myself flexible and available, it would be revealed. I will admit, living life day-to-day has been a little different for me, but with every question comes an answer and I am learning not to be anxious.

I think it was mid-January when I offered to help assist Donna LaChance in preparing materials and developing processes for the travel teams. During this time, Kevin Ward contacted Pastor Stan about the possibility of having a couple individuals come over for a 90-day stay to help him with administrative tasks and various responsibilities related to our project. I have felt an overwhelming passion to serve with this ministry since I first heard about it, so I was certain this was something I should seriously consider. (I was literally jumping up and down in my living room when I got the phone call about this from Marilyn!) And after a couple weeks of prayer, the next thing I knew, I was scrambling to figure what I needed to wrap up around here in order to be away for three months.

It has been pretty crazy since then, just the juggling act between trying to wrap up several free-lance projects, organizing all of my personal and financial affairs, and trying to learn how to prepare myself spiritually, emotionally and financially. I have been trying to learn as much as I can about the Swazi culture and society, and that in itself can be a little emotionally draining and bring on some anxious moments here and there. But God has been really faithful about relieving my anxieties and providing answers to my questions very quickly.

Their seasons are opposite of ours, so its going to be winter over there soon. I am staying in a house with a nurse, Emma, who has been serving there for 2 1/2 years (a lot of comfort in just knowing I'll be living with her...). According to Kevin, my responsibilities may involve various things including helping to organize a data base for the children's records, tracking receipts and expenses for our project, assisting with the importing/exporting of the craft items, working directly with the orphans at Hawane Farm and visiting the teen girl's home to share with them. Basically, I think I need to be very flexible and just be willing to serve in any way they need me to.

Even though I've been watching documentaries and reading a lot of blogs from others who are serving or have served in Swaziland, I 'm still not sure how we are to prepare ourselves to go from the richest society in the world to a such a desperate, seemingly hopeless situation. I just pray that God will give us the strength and wisdom we need to accomplish our tasks and more importantly, the humility and grace that we need to serve in the best way we can to develop a long-lasting relationship. I pray that He is preparing the hearts and minds of the people in Swaziland for change, because I believe that if enough churches like our own can step up and help, we will see a entire nation transformed.

Okay, since I only have four more days, I think I better start packing. That's a bit of a guessing game in itself, but somehow, I'm sure I'll end up with what I need. I can't tell you how excited and how very grateful I am for this opportunity to serve. What an awesome journey this is for all of us as a church. Thanks so much for all of your support for our teams and please pray diligently for the people of Swaziland. I look forward to writing my next journal entry from Africa!

Many blessings,
Heidi

First Construction Team Leaves for Swaziland

The first Swaziland construction team will be leaving on Tuesday, April 22. The team (and Heidi, who will be staying in Swaziland for several months to assist Pastor Kevin Ward) will be commissioned during the weekend services of April 19 & 20. This team will not only construct buildings and homes but they will also lay the foundations of our partnership with the people of Swaziland. They are going to need our help! Prayer . . . prayer . . . prayer! I encourage everyone to set aside some daily prayer times in support of our team, Kevin Ward and his ministry, and the country of Swaziland.

Prayer for Swaziland

More than anything, we must PRAY! Below are a few things that you can be praying for:

• Good health for the Construction Team that is leaving soon. Several team members are presently battling different illnesses and problems, including colds and back problems.


• Unity and Peace between the team members and including with the Swaziland staff and Officials they will meet and work with.


• The Lord's protection, grace and safety with their journey to/while there/and from Swaziland.


• Good coordination and management of the tools and materials being sent there as well as the structures and facilities the team will be working on and that delays in any late arriving items will not bother anyone.


• Pray that any cultural differences and communication will be easily resolved without incident.


• Pray for good relationships to be built with the people they are going to minister to.


• For the safety, health, and protection of the spouses and families of those who are going.


• Pray for family that Heidi Miller is leaving behind.


• Paul Conover for healing, he is to find out sometime Tuesday (4/15) about if he is in need of surgery (unspecified) before leaving.


• Pray that Heidi will have some quiet time before leaving.


• Kevin Ward and his staff.

Above all human efforts, we know that God is in control!

Partnering Today. Preserving Tomorrow.

CLC Swaziland Team

Here We Go!

As a Swaziland team, we are so excited about what God is doing! Clear across the world, in the African kingdom of Swaziland, there are wonderful ministries led by Pastor Kevin Ward. We feel so blessed to be partnered with such a wonderful ministry that meets the spiritual, physical, emotional, and vocational needs of communities.

CLC is sending its first construction team to Swaziland at the end of April '08. The focus of their work will be to build the supports and frames of the church, pastor's home, and two orphan homes for our first "In Community, By Community" (ICBC) project. They will be visiting the surrounding homesteads with the local pastor, Pastor Augustin, to offer "handy man" services to the community. Pray for these 8 men that are going: Aart den Hoed, Dale Ganger, Steve Moltz, Rick Opp, Ben Pace, Joe Pamer, Dave Tucci, and David Youngdahl.

Also, pray for Heidi Miller, one of our very own CLC'ers, as she leaves for Swaziland for 3 months at the end of April '08. Watch for her posts about her journey to and in Swaziland.

Partnering Today. Preserving Tomorrow
The Swaziland Team