Today we got up early so that we could leave for the first service at Kevin’s church over in Mbabane. We attended that service and were recognized by Kevin and his church. His ministry is very powerful and his music ministry sounds really good. Kevin had a guest pastor from South Africa there who gave a very good sermon on the Midianites and Gideon in Judges 6. He told us how Gideon felt he was so weak and small and how the Angel of the Lord came to him and told him, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Gideon answered with questions of how he could be a Mighty Warrior with no idea of the powers of which the angel spoke of. Gideon asked for proof that the Angel spoke for the Lord and was told to make and meal and prepare it for the Lord. The the Angel of the Lord struck it with his staff and the rock on which the meal and fire flared from the rock and consumed the meat and the bread. The angel of the Lord disappeared, and Gideon yelled “Ah; Sovereign Lord! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face.” He then did everything the Lord asked of him. Gideon went on to defeat the Midianites. The teaching taught us about the powers of being Christ-like.
We then went back to Hawane Farm to attend service with Pastor Augustin be introduced to the church. The church was standing room only and I believe the pastor blocked off some seats for us so that we could sit with the congregation. After a while he brought us up to the front and introduced us. We each then got up and talked (with the help of a translator) about what brought us to Swaziland. We didn’t understand a lot of the songs but you could tell from the passion and the power of the Holy Spirit in the singing who and what they were singing about!
In the afternoon several of the guys headed off to play soccer (Africa calls it football). It was very impressive to see the young men and boys from the farm. They are very energetic and moved around the field very well. Our CLC team was doing pretty well seeing as most of them are twice or three times the age and some old enough to be ….. never mind! The final score was a tie: 3-3. There should be a rematch sometime later this week.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
David Churchill's Journal Entry: Saturday 9/6/08
Last evening Pastor Augustin and his wife Elizabeth met us at the airport in Swaziland. Our luggage filled up the entire backend of one van and filled two more vehicles with people and some more bags. We then drove to Hawane Farm. Kevin, Helen, Ashar and Joshua Ward met us in our residence quarters which is truly nicer then I even imagined. Helen brought a big pot of pasta and some pizzas. We ate dinner and discussed our trip with them, we split off into 3 man and 2 man rooms and hit the racks as most of us were exhausted!
This morning we got up around 7am and made breakfast. We then met with Kevin and walked up to the church area and looked over the Pastors house and the church and the orphans home that we would be working on. We started measuring out different areas for the floor plan and started cleaning up the areas that we would be working on.
We arrived at the Swazi Cultural Village around noon. We walked around an old homestead to learn how the traditional Swazis live. They showed us the boy’s huts, girl’s huts, huts for each wife, grandmother’s hut, etc. We walked up a distance and were shown a beautiful set of water falls off in the distance. Our guide also showed us the large mountain off in the distance, which was used for executions years ago. After our walk back down, we attended a cultural dance and singing exhibition by the folks that live in the village. They were very good. I was amazed at the power of the dance and their voices were so good.
We had lunch at the Mountain Inn, which is owned by Kevin’s parents. The view was absolutely beautiful and the food was good.
After we returned to Hawane Farm, we all ventured over to the kids area and started playing with the kids. This one little girl came right over and attached herself to my leg. She is simply adorable and made me think of my children right then and there. I gave her my sun glasses and picked her up. She clung to me with a death grip and wouldn’t let go. She just made my heart melt and made me miss my kids. I remembered what Heidi and some others had said, “just hold on and love them as your own.”
This morning we got up around 7am and made breakfast. We then met with Kevin and walked up to the church area and looked over the Pastors house and the church and the orphans home that we would be working on. We started measuring out different areas for the floor plan and started cleaning up the areas that we would be working on.
We arrived at the Swazi Cultural Village around noon. We walked around an old homestead to learn how the traditional Swazis live. They showed us the boy’s huts, girl’s huts, huts for each wife, grandmother’s hut, etc. We walked up a distance and were shown a beautiful set of water falls off in the distance. Our guide also showed us the large mountain off in the distance, which was used for executions years ago. After our walk back down, we attended a cultural dance and singing exhibition by the folks that live in the village. They were very good. I was amazed at the power of the dance and their voices were so good.
We had lunch at the Mountain Inn, which is owned by Kevin’s parents. The view was absolutely beautiful and the food was good.
After we returned to Hawane Farm, we all ventured over to the kids area and started playing with the kids. This one little girl came right over and attached herself to my leg. She is simply adorable and made me think of my children right then and there. I gave her my sun glasses and picked her up. She clung to me with a death grip and wouldn’t let go. She just made my heart melt and made me miss my kids. I remembered what Heidi and some others had said, “just hold on and love them as your own.”
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
A Message From Kylee
We received a quick e-mail from Kylee early this morning. Here's a portion of that message:
I have safely made it to Swaziland! It is great here and the country's landscape and its people are beautiful. Thank you SO MUCH for your prayers. God is so good and He got our whole team to Swaziland safely with only a few late bags. The flight was long but myself and many of the team members were able to get some rest. Near a full day of traveling does get you a little confused at what time it really is but all of us have adjusted quite well. The 3rd construction team are a group of funny guys with hearts for God and I think they are going to do awesome work on the Hawane CLC project.
Saturday we went to the cultural village to learn about traditional Swazi culture. It was a great experience and at the end we got to see some very interesting and powerful dancing by both men and women. They even pulled some of us (including me) out to dance and let me tell you I had no idea how to move like them! Lots of fun though.
Sunday we went to both the church service at Potter's Wheel Church (Pastor Kevin) and the church at Hawane Farm (Pastor Augustin). God is confirming that I am to share with the teenage girls about who we are in Christ. I look forward to it. The services were great and the church at the farm sings in SiSwati which is great. The woman next to me would lean over a couple times and tell me the main chorus of the song. It was precious when she said to me "Jesus Is Lord of All" to fill me in on the lyrics. It is beautiful for the body of Christ to be worshipping in unity. We were asked by Pastor Augustin to each share a few words with their congregation and I shared 2 Cor. 5:15.
I have been helping out so far at the job site with the men. There's lots to do including painting, some plumbing, and lots of other construction stuff. We are believing for God to do miracles and to complete the project so the pastor and his family can move in. God is doing great things. Monday, lots of progress was made on the house before even lunch time. We may be visiting the homesteads soon too, so may God use us mightily according to His perfect will. May His love flow through us freely and completely.
Prayer Requests:
1) God's leading and wisdom as to where I should serve the body of Christ here. There are so many opportunities and I know God already has it planned. Pray I would hear from God clearly and follow Him fully.
2) The cell group for teenage girls I will be leading on Thursdays at 5pm (11am in US) that God would prepare their hearts, give them receptiveness to me and God's Word, give them a hunger and thirst for righteousness and purity. Pastor Augustin's oldest daughter may be joining our group.
3) God's power to flow in and through the 3rd team as they minister here. For God to do AMAZING, seemingly impossible things and for the pastor's home and orphans home to be completed before they leave for back home; but not as we will but as God wills.
4) God's will in Emma's (the nurse who has faithfully served here for 3 yrs after just coming originally for a 9 month trip) journey back to the UK, God's leading in her life as she plans to come back to the farm soon, His divine provision for her missions work (so valuable to the kids at Hawane Farm), and God's restoration during this time.
5) God's will regarding transportation for me. I may be learning to drive here or at least needing a ride to the youth group I think I will be involved in leading in town on Friday nights.
It is awesome to receive such wonderful and joy-filled news! Please continue to be in prayer for Kylee and the construction team. As she said let's ask and trust God to do "AMAZING, seemingly impossible things!"
I have safely made it to Swaziland! It is great here and the country's landscape and its people are beautiful. Thank you SO MUCH for your prayers. God is so good and He got our whole team to Swaziland safely with only a few late bags. The flight was long but myself and many of the team members were able to get some rest. Near a full day of traveling does get you a little confused at what time it really is but all of us have adjusted quite well. The 3rd construction team are a group of funny guys with hearts for God and I think they are going to do awesome work on the Hawane CLC project.
Saturday we went to the cultural village to learn about traditional Swazi culture. It was a great experience and at the end we got to see some very interesting and powerful dancing by both men and women. They even pulled some of us (including me) out to dance and let me tell you I had no idea how to move like them! Lots of fun though.
Sunday we went to both the church service at Potter's Wheel Church (Pastor Kevin) and the church at Hawane Farm (Pastor Augustin). God is confirming that I am to share with the teenage girls about who we are in Christ. I look forward to it. The services were great and the church at the farm sings in SiSwati which is great. The woman next to me would lean over a couple times and tell me the main chorus of the song. It was precious when she said to me "Jesus Is Lord of All" to fill me in on the lyrics. It is beautiful for the body of Christ to be worshipping in unity. We were asked by Pastor Augustin to each share a few words with their congregation and I shared 2 Cor. 5:15.
I have been helping out so far at the job site with the men. There's lots to do including painting, some plumbing, and lots of other construction stuff. We are believing for God to do miracles and to complete the project so the pastor and his family can move in. God is doing great things. Monday, lots of progress was made on the house before even lunch time. We may be visiting the homesteads soon too, so may God use us mightily according to His perfect will. May His love flow through us freely and completely.
Prayer Requests:
1) God's leading and wisdom as to where I should serve the body of Christ here. There are so many opportunities and I know God already has it planned. Pray I would hear from God clearly and follow Him fully.
2) The cell group for teenage girls I will be leading on Thursdays at 5pm (11am in US) that God would prepare their hearts, give them receptiveness to me and God's Word, give them a hunger and thirst for righteousness and purity. Pastor Augustin's oldest daughter may be joining our group.
3) God's power to flow in and through the 3rd team as they minister here. For God to do AMAZING, seemingly impossible things and for the pastor's home and orphans home to be completed before they leave for back home; but not as we will but as God wills.
4) God's will in Emma's (the nurse who has faithfully served here for 3 yrs after just coming originally for a 9 month trip) journey back to the UK, God's leading in her life as she plans to come back to the farm soon, His divine provision for her missions work (so valuable to the kids at Hawane Farm), and God's restoration during this time.
5) God's will regarding transportation for me. I may be learning to drive here or at least needing a ride to the youth group I think I will be involved in leading in town on Friday nights.
It is awesome to receive such wonderful and joy-filled news! Please continue to be in prayer for Kylee and the construction team. As she said let's ask and trust God to do "AMAZING, seemingly impossible things!"
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Getting Settled
Yesterday, Saturday, September 6th the Kingdom of Swaziland recognized it's 40th year of Independence from Great Britain and the 40th birthday of King Mswati. As the people of Swaziland celebrated their nationhood, CLC hosted its first Annual5K Run/Walk for Swaziland. More than 240 people participated in this fundraiser aimed at heightening awareness of the devasting effects that HIV/AIDS is having on the people of Swaziland. According to the latest U.N. estimates, only one in four Swazis can expect to reach the age of 40. AIDS has infected nearly 40 percent of the adults in Swaziland — the highest infection rate in the world — and has left a generation of orphans.
CLC has felt called to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ with the people of Swaziland, particularly with the orphans and widows. Earlier this year we launched our Swaziland Ministry and partnered with Pastor Kevin Ward to implement an "In Community By Community" project. The proceeds from the 5k Run/Walk for Swaziland will help fund our current Hawane CLC project.
While the race was underway here in Dayton, our 3rd Construction Team was busy visiting our church property in Swaziland and assessing the building that will become a children's home. After spending the morning at the job site, the men and Kylee visited the Cultural Village at the Mantenga Nature Reserve to gain a better understanding of the Swazi culture.
Once their visit to the Cultural Center was completed, the team headed into town to purchase necessary supplies and to buy food gifts to take with them as they visit homesteads in the coming week.
Today, Sunday, was spent honoring God! The team first attended services at the Potter's Wheel Church in Mbabane, where Kevin Ward is the Senior Pastor. Then they headed back to Hawane Farm to attend local services led by Pastor Augustin Bauteng. Pastor Augustin will lead the church at Hawane CLC once it is completed.
This afternoon, the construction team and Kylee had the opportunity to get to know some of the children currently living at Hawane Farm. Whether it was playing board games, taking a walk or playing a game of soccer, the opportunity to spend time with these wonderful children will be a blessing and will help this team understand even more the importance of doing this work.
Tomorrow will begin 5 straight days of construction work on the children's home. Please pray that God will bless the site, that He will keep our men safe and that He will provide the guidance and endurance the men need to accomplish as much as possible in the days ahead.
CLC has felt called to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ with the people of Swaziland, particularly with the orphans and widows. Earlier this year we launched our Swaziland Ministry and partnered with Pastor Kevin Ward to implement an "In Community By Community" project. The proceeds from the 5k Run/Walk for Swaziland will help fund our current Hawane CLC project.
While the race was underway here in Dayton, our 3rd Construction Team was busy visiting our church property in Swaziland and assessing the building that will become a children's home. After spending the morning at the job site, the men and Kylee visited the Cultural Village at the Mantenga Nature Reserve to gain a better understanding of the Swazi culture.
Once their visit to the Cultural Center was completed, the team headed into town to purchase necessary supplies and to buy food gifts to take with them as they visit homesteads in the coming week.
Today, Sunday, was spent honoring God! The team first attended services at the Potter's Wheel Church in Mbabane, where Kevin Ward is the Senior Pastor. Then they headed back to Hawane Farm to attend local services led by Pastor Augustin Bauteng. Pastor Augustin will lead the church at Hawane CLC once it is completed.
This afternoon, the construction team and Kylee had the opportunity to get to know some of the children currently living at Hawane Farm. Whether it was playing board games, taking a walk or playing a game of soccer, the opportunity to spend time with these wonderful children will be a blessing and will help this team understand even more the importance of doing this work.
Tomorrow will begin 5 straight days of construction work on the children's home. Please pray that God will bless the site, that He will keep our men safe and that He will provide the guidance and endurance the men need to accomplish as much as possible in the days ahead.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Team 3 Touches Down in Swaziland
After about 24 hours of flying and lay-overs, our 3rd team arrvied safely in Swaziland. We are grateful for their safe and timely travel. The team was greeted at the airport and taken to their accomodations at Hawane Farm. After dropping off their luggage (most of it arrived with the team; a few addtional pieces will be flown in from Johannesberg on Saturday), the team shared a light meal with Kevin and Helen Ward. Everyone was in good spirits and is very excited about the opportunity to visit the property and buidling project tomorrow morning.
Thank you to everyone who prayed for traveling mercies! Your prayers were answered.
Exodus 23:20: "Behold, I am going to send an angel before you to guide you along the way and to bring you to the place which I have prepared."
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Third Construction Team Takes Off for Swaziland
Today, Thursday, September 4, 2008 at 2:35 p.m., our third team departed Dayton for Swaziland. They arrived in Washington DC about 4:00 p.m. then took off for Johannesburg just before 6:00 p.m. After a brief stop in Johannesburg on Friday morning, we anticipate the team will arrive in Swaziland about 2:30 p.m. EST (8:30 p.m. Swazi time). Please pray for their safe travel and timely arrival.
In addition to the 10 men who are serving on the construction team, Kylee Malhotra is heading off for a 4 month stay at Hawane Farm. Their excitement and anticipation were palpable as we met at the airport. These folks are pumped up to do some awesome work for God!
The primary focus of the construction team will be on one of the children's homes. They will be taking a long storage building and converting it into living quarters. The exterior of the building is structurally sound, which allows the team to begin interior framing, roughing in of plumbing and electrical and leveling the floor. Once that work is completed, the team can put up wallboard and maybe even begin to lay tile. They head into the project with BIG expectations! The floor plans call for 3 bedrooms, a combined living/dining area, a kitchen, large bathroom (two toilets, shower stall and sink) and a laundry area with an additional shower/tub. Once completed, the home will have the capacity to house up to 10 people (8 children and 2 adults).
Kylee will be using her training and experience in counseling to work with children and teens both at Hawane Farm and those in the Teen Challenge Swaziland program. She will also assist the new Youth Ministry Leader associated with Pastor Kevin Ward's church and will help facilitate small groups and Bible studies.
A few weeks ago we asked the team members, "What are you most looking foward to about this trip?" Here are a few of their responses:
"Seeing how God uses me to do His will"
" Revival in myself, our church, the people of Swaziland, and our world."
" Building relationships and creating memories that will last a lifetime in the Lord!"
" I want to be the hands and feet of Christ and see people through His eyes"
" Seeing God being glorified in and through all we do. He will bring about His purpose."
" Allowing God to work His full potential through us and in us"
" Serving God with other brothers in Christ! Making a difference in people's lives".
We ask that you keep this team of people in your prayers over the next 14 days. May God bless them, protect them, challenge them, grow them and may He use them to draw others to him. We also covet your prayers for Kylee, as she remains in Swaziland long after the team returns home. May God reveal further His plans for her life and may He take her to new levels of loving, caring, serving and surrendering!
Thank you to everyone who is praying and who has provided support and encouragement to each of these travelers over the past few months. It has been overwhelming to them to know there are so many standing behind them.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Welcome Home Extended Stay Travelers!
Within the last couple of weeks, we have welcomed home two individuals who traveled to Swaziland for an extended stay with our ICBC project.
On Wednesday, July 9th, Paul Conover returned to Dayton from a 50 day stay. Paul originally traveled to Swaziland on May 21st with our 2nd construction team. He assisted the team in working on Pastor Augustin's home. When the 2nd team left, Paul stayed on to manage the work at the jobsite and oversee the day to day work of the local laborers who were hired to complete the work on the house.
Paul was greeted at the airport by members of the 1st and 2nd construction team, as well as his brother. We are grateful for his safe return and all the work he completed on the project during his stay.
Heidi Miller returned home safe and sound earlier this morning. She spent 90 days in Swaziland, departing April 23rd and returning July 21st. During her time in Swaziland, Heidi dedicated a great deal of her work on organizing the details of our ICBC project; creating a project time line, managing the project budget, orienting our construction teams, documenting the progress of the project, and much more. Her presence on site has been invaluable to our work and we are thankful for responding to God's call to serve in this manner.
Heidi was met at the airport by her mom, sister and members of the Swaziland travel team. Her return today was extra special because it is her mother's birthday!
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