What We're Learning From Our Time In Swaziland

It's hard to believe that it's only been a little over six months since Pastor Stan and 6 other representatives from CLC stepped foot into Swaziland. Since that time we have:

• established a partnership with Kevin Ward and Teen Challenge Swaziland
• created a lay-led Swaziland ministry structure (with support from Norm Perkins and his Outreach Ministry team)
• engaged 115 people in the ministry
• raised over $112, 000
• purchased property to build a church, pastor's home and orphan homes at Hawane Christian Life Center
• sent two construction teams to begin work on the Hawane CLC project and have a third team scheduled to travel in September.
• sent two individuals for extended mission stays and have a third individual scheduled to travel from September to December.

God has been so gracious in directing our steps and our church has been faithful to follow His call. Thank you to everyone who has and continues to support this ministry through your prayers, financial gifts and service.

Last week, we held a meeting with representatives from the first and second travel teams. The major focus of the meeting was to talk about what we are learning from our time in Swaziland. Some of the things were personal revelations; others were things from which all of us can benefit. Here are just a few of the insights that were shared by the men:

• I was always one of those people who felt like we needed to take care of our own people first. I realize now that we are all God's people and we need to take care of each other no matter where they are. Until you see what other people have-or don't have- you really can't believe how important this work is.
• I have learned not to take things for granted. There is a big difference between what I "need" and what I "want". I can survive and be happy on a lot less than what I thought I could and I can help others in the process.
• I have learned to be content with whom I am, where I am and what I have.
• I cried more and prayed more than ever before. I learned that prayer really does work! No matter how big or how small, no matter how crazy the thoughts are, even when you don't know what to say, when you take stuff to God, he listens. Prayer changes things.
• At the job sites, prayer has to come first. Everyday, and multiple times through out the day, we needed to come together and pray. Whether it was to ask for help, fight the enemy, encourage one another or rejoice, it was important to take it to God.
• We are doing God's work in Swaziland and Satan is not happy about it! Spiritual warfare is at work. We underestimated the enemy. We did not respect the power he possess and he acted. However, with God's help, we have been able to move forward.
• Teamwork and a sense of unity among the teams is critical to our success. Team members must learn each others strengths and abilities; they need to share the challenges they face; they must be transparent with one another and encourage one another. It is important to be able to laugh together, cry together and work hard together - all the while being flexible and patient!
• It is very important for team members to take care of themselves physically. The change in altitude, the pace of the work, the time difference, the dietary differences and the lack of a set routine can really have an effect on your system. This work is a marathon and we must pace ourselves accordingly.

We are grateful for the insights the men have shared and we know that God continues to reveal more to them every day. Please continue to keep them in your prayers, and pray for the team that will be traveling in September. With your support, encouragement and involvement, we can continue to make a difference.