~Brandi Eaton
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
home at last
~Brandi Eaton
Saturday, May 14, 2011
National Geographic in Real Life
Hi everyone! This is Elise and Amanda R. Thank you again for following our blog! We are so thankful for all of you and feel so blessed to have you praying for us as well as the people here in Badplaas.
Today started bright and early for our team as we left Prayer Mountain at 4:00 AM for our safari at Kruger National Park. All in all, it was a beautiful day of rest and an opportunity to bask in God's creation as we ventured around the park to see impala, giraffes, lions, kudu, hippos, elephants, leopards, and many other amazing animals. We rode in open vehicles around the reserve and were within feet of some of the animals, even lions who had just finished a hunt hours before. I know there are some great pictures that we can't wait to share when we get home!
We wanted to share with everyone a patient that we saw together yesterday. More importantly, we would like all of you to lift her up in your prayers. She was a young woman in her 20s, 5 months pregnant, and verified to us that she is HIV positive. She had been experiencing abdominal pain and bleeding for the past month. Very concerned, we consulted with Jamie, who works in OB at home. Everything looked OK on physical exam as far as we could see, but we were very limited without more advanced equipment. Using the doppler, we were able to find the baby's heartbeat and were relieved to find that it was strong. It was so exciting to hear, but the woman didn't seem phased even after we told her that the baby was OK. Her overall demeanor was completely flat. We had been warned that we may encounter women like this, but it still hit us hard. Worried that maybe she didn't want the baby, we asked if she had tried to get rid of it. At first, she said yes. Our hearts sunk. After some digging, she changed her story. With the language barrier, it's difficult to tell if things were translated properly. Regardless, we tried to explain to her that her situation was very concerning but unfortunately we did not have the proper equipment to examine her. We encouraged her to get to a hospital as soon as possible because her baby's life as well as her own life might be in danger. Quickly, she became very angry with us, telling us we were selfish with our medication. She wanted nothing more to do with us, refused to allow us to pray with her, and tried to leave the clinic. We were each praying for guidance at this point even as we spoke with her. We tried redirecting the situation by providing her with some vitamins from the pharmacy. We again stressed the importance of getting to a hospital, gave her the vitamins, and she agreed to let us pray with her. The Lord worked so powerfully in this situation, and He was able soften her heart enough to let us pray with her. We lifted her up in prayer, knowing this situation was completely out of our hands, and trusting that God was in control.
This young lady's name is Thandi. We spoke with Beth, our local Emoyeni contact, about the situation. She explained that while it might be difficult, it was far from impossible for Thandi to access the hospital. If she can get to the hospital, care is free.
Please lift Thandi and her baby up to the Lord in prayer. Pray that God continues to soften her heart and that she is able to feel His awesome presence. Pray that she is able to make it to the hospital and that her medical condition is not life threatening to either her or her baby. Please also remember that she is HIV positive, that she still has 4 months left in her pregnancy, and that HIV patients require special care throughout the delivery process. Our God's power is greater than any power that man contains. Through Him, we know that all things are possible.
We love you all and miss you very much!
Here's Dumbo's Dad :)
We wanted to share with everyone a patient that we saw together yesterday. More importantly, we would like all of you to lift her up in your prayers. She was a young woman in her 20s, 5 months pregnant, and verified to us that she is HIV positive. She had been experiencing abdominal pain and bleeding for the past month. Very concerned, we consulted with Jamie, who works in OB at home. Everything looked OK on physical exam as far as we could see, but we were very limited without more advanced equipment. Using the doppler, we were able to find the baby's heartbeat and were relieved to find that it was strong. It was so exciting to hear, but the woman didn't seem phased even after we told her that the baby was OK. Her overall demeanor was completely flat. We had been warned that we may encounter women like this, but it still hit us hard. Worried that maybe she didn't want the baby, we asked if she had tried to get rid of it. At first, she said yes. Our hearts sunk. After some digging, she changed her story. With the language barrier, it's difficult to tell if things were translated properly. Regardless, we tried to explain to her that her situation was very concerning but unfortunately we did not have the proper equipment to examine her. We encouraged her to get to a hospital as soon as possible because her baby's life as well as her own life might be in danger. Quickly, she became very angry with us, telling us we were selfish with our medication. She wanted nothing more to do with us, refused to allow us to pray with her, and tried to leave the clinic. We were each praying for guidance at this point even as we spoke with her. We tried redirecting the situation by providing her with some vitamins from the pharmacy. We again stressed the importance of getting to a hospital, gave her the vitamins, and she agreed to let us pray with her. The Lord worked so powerfully in this situation, and He was able soften her heart enough to let us pray with her. We lifted her up in prayer, knowing this situation was completely out of our hands, and trusting that God was in control.
This young lady's name is Thandi. We spoke with Beth, our local Emoyeni contact, about the situation. She explained that while it might be difficult, it was far from impossible for Thandi to access the hospital. If she can get to the hospital, care is free.
Please lift Thandi and her baby up to the Lord in prayer. Pray that God continues to soften her heart and that she is able to feel His awesome presence. Pray that she is able to make it to the hospital and that her medical condition is not life threatening to either her or her baby. Please also remember that she is HIV positive, that she still has 4 months left in her pregnancy, and that HIV patients require special care throughout the delivery process. Our God's power is greater than any power that man contains. Through Him, we know that all things are possible.
We love you all and miss you very much!
Here's Dumbo's Dad :)
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Power of Prayer
Sanibonani! It's Ashley again ;)
What a fast week! How did we get to Friday? Today was the last day of clinic. When we arrived this morning at 7:30 a.m., we already had a full "waiting area." In total, we saw more than 200 patients today and more than 800 over the course of the week. It's been an amazing experience that words just can not seem to express.
I was really inspired today by a woman who had actually come yesterday and we had to turn away because we were over capacity for our time slot. We prayed for her and encouraged her to return today. She was the first patient at my station this morning. Yesterday, she "camped out" at the clinic to determine whether we'd be fair to turn everyone after her away as well, which we did, with prayer. (The government here has corrupted the healthcare system so that people can buy favor and get special treatment. We do not want to be known for that, so we had to stop seeing patients early afternoon the past couple days to treat everyone that we could in the time that we're alloted in the church that we're using.)
I was encouraged to see her sit down this morning. She began by telling me that though she still wanted to be treated for a couple things, she had slept the entire night before. This was the first time she had slept an entire night since her husband died more than two years ago. She usually wakes up in night sweats. She said that is was our praying for her that allowed her to sleep, and because of that, she believed in all we had to offer. In addition to treating her physical ailments, my attending and I counseled her about Jesus and were able to pray with her in the name of Jesus Christ, not in the name of her ancestors as many South Africans pray to both Jesus and their ancestors. We assured her that Jesus could handle it all on His own and did not need any help.
What a blessing that she saw that we were fair and was able to experience the power of prayer even though we were not able to see her yesterday. God has an amazing plan and way of working things out in His timing.
After leaving clinic today, we had a surprise "feast" at the same huge area of land where some of the team hunted. The owner's five year old son shot and killed a pig for our entire team that was graciously prepared for us. Pastor Darryl's family even joined us for dinner, and we were able to enjoy each other's company as a team and reflect on the week. I wish pictures were enough to even begin to describe the beauty and majesty of God's creation there.
We just returned back to Prayer Mountain and have a 3:30 a.m. wake-up call to catch our bus for Krueger National Park. I apologize for not uploading a picture and pray that you'll give me grace tonight for a quick post. I pray that it made some since as sleep deprivation is kicking in ;)
Until tomorrow...
I was really inspired today by a woman who had actually come yesterday and we had to turn away because we were over capacity for our time slot. We prayed for her and encouraged her to return today. She was the first patient at my station this morning. Yesterday, she "camped out" at the clinic to determine whether we'd be fair to turn everyone after her away as well, which we did, with prayer. (The government here has corrupted the healthcare system so that people can buy favor and get special treatment. We do not want to be known for that, so we had to stop seeing patients early afternoon the past couple days to treat everyone that we could in the time that we're alloted in the church that we're using.)
I was encouraged to see her sit down this morning. She began by telling me that though she still wanted to be treated for a couple things, she had slept the entire night before. This was the first time she had slept an entire night since her husband died more than two years ago. She usually wakes up in night sweats. She said that is was our praying for her that allowed her to sleep, and because of that, she believed in all we had to offer. In addition to treating her physical ailments, my attending and I counseled her about Jesus and were able to pray with her in the name of Jesus Christ, not in the name of her ancestors as many South Africans pray to both Jesus and their ancestors. We assured her that Jesus could handle it all on His own and did not need any help.
After leaving clinic today, we had a surprise "feast" at the same huge area of land where some of the team hunted. The owner's five year old son shot and killed a pig for our entire team that was graciously prepared for us. Pastor Darryl's family even joined us for dinner, and we were able to enjoy each other's company as a team and reflect on the week. I wish pictures were enough to even begin to describe the beauty and majesty of God's creation there.
We just returned back to Prayer Mountain and have a 3:30 a.m. wake-up call to catch our bus for Krueger National Park. I apologize for not uploading a picture and pray that you'll give me grace tonight for a quick post. I pray that it made some since as sleep deprivation is kicking in ;)
Until tomorrow...
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Blog from Our Resident OT
Hey y'all. This is Angie. I just want to thank you all so much for following our blog. We are having such a wonderful time but miss you all so much. We are excited to share all of our stories with you when we get home but will be sad to leave this place. The people are amazing and God is doing such great things here. This trip is truely a life changing one. We are contantly being tested but constantly being rewarded.
This morning was quite a test for some of us. This morning we sent out our last two hunting teams. The first one left around 3:30am to start their hunt at 4am. The second one started shortly after and all hunters were succssful! Glenn was even able to get an ostritch! It's amazing to know that so many of us were able to participate in these hunting trips in order to provide the people of Badplaas with a greatly needed source of protein.
When we arrived at clinic today we saw what we had been anticipating all week...a full clinic! Pepole were lined up and waiting. We were able to treat 180 patients and dental was able to pull 40 teeth. There was never a slow moment, we had to close the door at 1pm in order to see all the patients that were waiting by 5pm. We were able to see so many diagnoses and conditions but most of all we were able to pray (multiple times) with every patient and bring a lot of them to Lord. Pastor Chris and the whole evangelism team were amazing in their ability to explain Christ and salvation to the new Christians. The faces of those people were unforgettable. You could see the joy and love of God in them and knew that this would be a changing moment in their lives.
Back home I work as an occupational therapist and during this trip I've been able to provide a unique service. I've educated patients on proper lifting techniques, proper posture, strengthening exercises, basic stretches and also educated and treated patients with more complex problems. Towards the end of the day I was getting tired and ready to head back to Prayer Mountain when I noticed a woman waiting in the pharmacy. She had obviously had a stroke and she confirmed that when I talked to her. Her husband told me that she was having trouble with her arm being "out of socket" which is a common problem after a stroke. He asked if I had anything to help that. I said that in America I did but that in South Africa we would have to improvise. I wrote a prescription for a basic sling and educated her husband on how to properly support her arm. I also noticed that she was having trouble walking with her cane and she told me she had fallen before and broken her hip before. I asked if I could use an ACE wrap and technique to hold her toe up when she walked and she said yes. When she walked it was amazingly different and so much safer. She and her husband were so greatful! I've never felt so proud to help someone with something so simple. God is good!
I can't tell you all what an amazing group of people are here. I'm so blessed to be here with them. All of them have special talents and special children of God. You should be proud of the person that you are supporting. They have all welcomed me in like family and will forever be in my heart. Thank you all so much!
PS: I love and miss you Chris. I can't wait to see you. I hope the Police Academy is going well. I'm so proud of you! Can't wait to get home and finally celebrate our engagement!!
This morning was quite a test for some of us. This morning we sent out our last two hunting teams. The first one left around 3:30am to start their hunt at 4am. The second one started shortly after and all hunters were succssful! Glenn was even able to get an ostritch! It's amazing to know that so many of us were able to participate in these hunting trips in order to provide the people of Badplaas with a greatly needed source of protein.
When we arrived at clinic today we saw what we had been anticipating all week...a full clinic! Pepole were lined up and waiting. We were able to treat 180 patients and dental was able to pull 40 teeth. There was never a slow moment, we had to close the door at 1pm in order to see all the patients that were waiting by 5pm. We were able to see so many diagnoses and conditions but most of all we were able to pray (multiple times) with every patient and bring a lot of them to Lord. Pastor Chris and the whole evangelism team were amazing in their ability to explain Christ and salvation to the new Christians. The faces of those people were unforgettable. You could see the joy and love of God in them and knew that this would be a changing moment in their lives.
Back home I work as an occupational therapist and during this trip I've been able to provide a unique service. I've educated patients on proper lifting techniques, proper posture, strengthening exercises, basic stretches and also educated and treated patients with more complex problems. Towards the end of the day I was getting tired and ready to head back to Prayer Mountain when I noticed a woman waiting in the pharmacy. She had obviously had a stroke and she confirmed that when I talked to her. Her husband told me that she was having trouble with her arm being "out of socket" which is a common problem after a stroke. He asked if I had anything to help that. I said that in America I did but that in South Africa we would have to improvise. I wrote a prescription for a basic sling and educated her husband on how to properly support her arm. I also noticed that she was having trouble walking with her cane and she told me she had fallen before and broken her hip before. I asked if I could use an ACE wrap and technique to hold her toe up when she walked and she said yes. When she walked it was amazingly different and so much safer. She and her husband were so greatful! I've never felt so proud to help someone with something so simple. God is good!
I can't tell you all what an amazing group of people are here. I'm so blessed to be here with them. All of them have special talents and special children of God. You should be proud of the person that you are supporting. They have all welcomed me in like family and will forever be in my heart. Thank you all so much!
PS: I love and miss you Chris. I can't wait to see you. I hope the Police Academy is going well. I'm so proud of you! Can't wait to get home and finally celebrate our engagement!!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Clinic Day 3
This morning, Melanie, Meg, Lizzy, and I (Jess) played with the children. We colored, sang, danced, "decorated" with sidewalk chart, and then played in the dirt! These children are so precious. They are so hungry for affection, that there is usually one on your hip, one on your back and two on each leg, and two on each arm. But we love every minute of it! Please be praying for all of these children, that God would continue to keep them safe, and that we were able to show God's love to them while we were here.
Then in the afternoon, I worked in triage. Again I had to break the news to a patient that she was HIV positive. She was 60 yrs old, and was aware that her husband was unfaithful. She believed in God, and believed she was a good person, but struggled with the idea that something this terrible could still happen. Pastor Chris and I prayed with her twice, and I told her that our God is bigger than this little virus. I held her hand the whole time, and gave her a hug when she left our station. I wanted her to know that someone loved her, and that I wasn't afraid to touch her because of her disease. Please pray for her, that she would not lose hope or be discouraged. Her husband may come to the clinic tomorrow.
Praise the Lord that Robert Madinawa, Mashaba Nomse, Joyce Mwarga, Mpila Luka, and Simon all gave their life to the Lord today in our clinic!!! Please pray for them as they begin their journey with renewed lives in Christ. Evangelism is just catching fire as more and more of us are stepping out of our comfort zones, and letting God lead. Brianna, Phil, Glenn, and I (Anthony) were on the evangelism team today. Several members of the group are still getting used to praying out loud for people, but the Spirit is truly moving here. Phil was praying with and for people almost to the point of physical exhaustion. Each of the 170 patients seen were prayed over several times with several different people before leaving the clinic. We've also been sharing our testimonies with each other, and growing closer as a team as God continues to do great work in our hearts. It is so evident how God has chosen each member of the team for a specific purpose on this trip.
Unkulunkulu akubisisei!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Clinic Day 2 (and some hunting)
Hey Family and Friends! This is Shannon! Thanks so much for following our blog! You have no clue how much it means to us and the encouragement we receive as we hear your comments on the way to clinic each morning!
Isn't it amazing when God decides to use the toughest of circumstances to show just how BIG he is! Today I was present as Dr. Mikola and Jessica shared with a patient that her HIV Test was positive. Wow. Talk about a kairos moment. Our hearts all were heavy and eyes full of tears as we watched this lady in her early 30's process this statement. HIV Positive. I wasn't really sure at first how to handle this life-changing news. I thought numbing and extraxting teeth from a four-year old yesterday was God pushing me to my limit. Boy was I wrong. The patient wanted to know how far advanced she was, if she had fulll-blown AIDS and how long until she would be sick. Her questions were answered as fully as possible and we did the only thing we were certain to do; we prayed! She asked for us to pray for healing. We did just that. We prayed in the name of our Almighty Healer. We prayed that if healing wasn't in his will, that he would protect heart heart, her mind and provide a peace that passes all understanding. We prayed for compliance in taking her medication and she would not be stigmatzied in her community. We prayed that God would shine a light through her in her community despite her circumstance.
We then sat and watched the worry and concern on her face as an interpreter provided HIV counseling. The interpreter expressed that she was really concerned about how her husband would respond to the news. We laid hands on her once again and prayed that God would start preparing her husband's heart for the news and that she would come to understand that God uses all situations for good and his glory. We prayed that she would understand that Christ was her hope.
Right before she walked away, I touched her leg gently and asked the interpreter to please tell her that the prayers for her would not stop today in South Africa, they would be carried back to the States where we would continue to pray for her. She smiled the biggest smile I've ever seen and had tears rolling down her face. In that moment, I saw God's hope written all over her face. We could see his light shining through and covering a dark situation.
As we continue through the week, please pray as God continues to move and we process all that is occurring in beautiful Badplass!
On the Clinic Front - We saw 120 patients today and an additional 30 went through dental! Every single patient was prayed over multiple times throughout clinic!
On another sidenote, our team has been heading to a vast and gorgeous reserve to hunt impala! Thus far, sixteen people have gone! All the meat will be donated to the village which is a blessing since their diets are protein-deficient! We look forward to sharing my "impala reflexive leg" and Elise's "Big Buck" story, among many more, upon our arrival home! :)
And... a little shout out:
***Rather selfishly, I, Garrett would like to wish his wife, Lauren, a tremendously happy 25th birthday today!! I'm the luckiest man in the world to have you as my wife (and future mother of our child) and wish so badly I was there to enjoy this day with you. I love you and can't wait to be back to see you!****
Isn't it amazing when God decides to use the toughest of circumstances to show just how BIG he is! Today I was present as Dr. Mikola and Jessica shared with a patient that her HIV Test was positive. Wow. Talk about a kairos moment. Our hearts all were heavy and eyes full of tears as we watched this lady in her early 30's process this statement. HIV Positive. I wasn't really sure at first how to handle this life-changing news. I thought numbing and extraxting teeth from a four-year old yesterday was God pushing me to my limit. Boy was I wrong. The patient wanted to know how far advanced she was, if she had fulll-blown AIDS and how long until she would be sick. Her questions were answered as fully as possible and we did the only thing we were certain to do; we prayed! She asked for us to pray for healing. We did just that. We prayed in the name of our Almighty Healer. We prayed that if healing wasn't in his will, that he would protect heart heart, her mind and provide a peace that passes all understanding. We prayed for compliance in taking her medication and she would not be stigmatzied in her community. We prayed that God would shine a light through her in her community despite her circumstance.
We then sat and watched the worry and concern on her face as an interpreter provided HIV counseling. The interpreter expressed that she was really concerned about how her husband would respond to the news. We laid hands on her once again and prayed that God would start preparing her husband's heart for the news and that she would come to understand that God uses all situations for good and his glory. We prayed that she would understand that Christ was her hope.
Right before she walked away, I touched her leg gently and asked the interpreter to please tell her that the prayers for her would not stop today in South Africa, they would be carried back to the States where we would continue to pray for her. She smiled the biggest smile I've ever seen and had tears rolling down her face. In that moment, I saw God's hope written all over her face. We could see his light shining through and covering a dark situation.
As we continue through the week, please pray as God continues to move and we process all that is occurring in beautiful Badplass!
On the Clinic Front - We saw 120 patients today and an additional 30 went through dental! Every single patient was prayed over multiple times throughout clinic!
On another sidenote, our team has been heading to a vast and gorgeous reserve to hunt impala! Thus far, sixteen people have gone! All the meat will be donated to the village which is a blessing since their diets are protein-deficient! We look forward to sharing my "impala reflexive leg" and Elise's "Big Buck" story, among many more, upon our arrival home! :)
And... a little shout out:
***Rather selfishly, I, Garrett would like to wish his wife, Lauren, a tremendously happy 25th birthday today!! I'm the luckiest man in the world to have you as my wife (and future mother of our child) and wish so badly I was there to enjoy this day with you. I love you and can't wait to be back to see you!****
Monday, May 9, 2011
"South Africa Ballers"
A lifelong dream of two young lads was met today. No, not two South Africans, Two basketball-lovin' white boys. David and Micah assisted by Pastor Darryl and the community made a basketball goal for the kids to play with out of scraps and plywood (and a rim from Dick's Sporting Goods). As soon as the pole was in the ground, there was a line of 50 kids waiting to learn to slam dunk. 
Today in clinic we saw 117 patients and pulled 16 teeth. An important member of the community tested postive for HIV last year, came back to visit this year, was negative and is doing well. Praise Jesus!
One of the pastor's wives is pregnant with baby number 5, and we were able to let her hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time.
We appreciate your continued prayers and comments. We're hoping for a bigger turnout tomorrow as word spreads. Hunting stories to come...
Pray the goal is still there when we get back tomorrow.
One of the pastor's wives is pregnant with baby number 5, and we were able to let her hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time.
We appreciate your continued prayers and comments. We're hoping for a bigger turnout tomorrow as word spreads. Hunting stories to come...
Pray the goal is still there when we get back tomorrow.
[post by Ashley Sauls]
Sunday, May 8, 2011
ATVs and Horses
Happy Mother's Day, Moms!
Today we got a chance to relax a little, recover from the long plane ride and time change. The run and workout was really fun and energizing; however, the highlight of the day was the ATV and horseback safari at Forever Resort nearby Prayer Mountain. Each of us go to choose our "mode of transportation." The weather is beautiful.
The Prayer Mountain has treated us like royalty and fed us really well. Thank-you so much for your comments. We love hearing from home.
We're having technical difficulties with pictures, but we'll do our best to upload them ASAP!
Today we got a chance to relax a little, recover from the long plane ride and time change. The run and workout was really fun and energizing; however, the highlight of the day was the ATV and horseback safari at Forever Resort nearby Prayer Mountain. Each of us go to choose our "mode of transportation." The weather is beautiful.
The Prayer Mountain has treated us like royalty and fed us really well. Thank-you so much for your comments. We love hearing from home.
We're having technical difficulties with pictures, but we'll do our best to upload them ASAP!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Sanibonani from South Africa
I am blogging from Prayer Mountain. We all made it here, and by God's grace, so did our luggage. Everything went well and smooth with customs, the flight, and the bus ride. The stars are beautiful tonight. The sky is so crisp and clear. The weather feels like fall. We are settling in to our rondavels for the night as we're 6 hours ahead of the States.
The flight was 18 hours but didn't feel that long. It's hard to say what time our bodies think it is, but adjustments are coming easy. Our team is amazing and so blessed to be here. It's surreal.
We stopped at Steers (like Burger King) on the way for some dinner and Moses (our bus driver) got us here safe and sound. Some of us are up to go for a run at 7 a.m., and we'll all meet at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast with Beth and Darryl who are our "hostesses" and were graciously here to meet us when we arrived. Thank-you for all of your prayers as God is so faithful.
We will update you tomorrow on our day. It sounds like we're taking some time to rest and enjoy this beautiful country before we start clinic on Monday. We love you all. We'll read comments soon, so leave any that you want to share.
In Christ...
The flight was 18 hours but didn't feel that long. It's hard to say what time our bodies think it is, but adjustments are coming easy. Our team is amazing and so blessed to be here. It's surreal.
We stopped at Steers (like Burger King) on the way for some dinner and Moses (our bus driver) got us here safe and sound. Some of us are up to go for a run at 7 a.m., and we'll all meet at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast with Beth and Darryl who are our "hostesses" and were graciously here to meet us when we arrived. Thank-you for all of your prayers as God is so faithful.
We will update you tomorrow on our day. It sounds like we're taking some time to rest and enjoy this beautiful country before we start clinic on Monday. We love you all. We'll read comments soon, so leave any that you want to share.
In Christ...
Friday, May 6, 2011
We Made it!
We are all checked in as I type this and are waiting to board our flight to ATL. We have a quick layover, so y'all may not hear from us again until we get to South Africa. Keep praying. We feel your prayers. Everyone is excited and even looking forward to our looooong flight/naptime ;)
Here's our group...
Here's our group...
Leave us some fun comments from home. Thanks for everything! Boarding to ATL now...
Monday, May 2, 2011
Quick Trip Recap
For our new followers, Welcome! Here's a quick recap of our trip:
We'll be gone from May 6th-16th. Our team of 30 medical professionals, students, and pastors will partner with a local ministry called Emoyeni (www.emoyeni.org), which takes care of orphans whose parents died of AIDS. Over 24% of South Africa’s population is HIV positive. Where we will be, in Mpumalanga, over 36,000 children have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS. In addition to the AIDS epidemic, children are dying every day because of childhood diseases that are preventable and curable.
The purpose of this trip is to minister to the spiritual and medical needs of the people of Badplaas. For the past four years, 1-2 medical teams per year have been sent to this same area and have succeeded in providing ongoing medical care for over 1,000 people in a few villages there. We bring with us a huge mobile clinic, with over $100,000 in medications, surgical equipment, and supplies. We give everyone free medical exams, treatments, dental care, glasses, any needed medication up to a year’s supply, and minor surgeries – whatever they need. Many of the children have parasitic infections that can be cured with one pill, but without our help they would never be able to afford it. We also teach them about sanitation, how to avoid transmission of HIV, and much more.
While meeting the physical needs of South Africans is a major goal of this trip, the primary purpose is to share the love of Jesus. Our desire is to bring hope to the hopeless, to minister the peace of Christ to those who live in daily turmoil, to bring joy to the people who know much sorrow. As we seek to bring physical healing to the villages of Mpumalanga, we are praying that God would use us to bring spiritual healing as well.
4 days and counting!
Monday, April 25, 2011
We're so close...Praying for Boldness
Sanibonani!
Can you believe it...There is only ONE more Monday between us and South Africa! This week, pray about boldness for our team in sharing our testimonies :) “Every day tell how He saves us. Tell the nations of His glory; tell all peoples the miracles He does.” –Psalm 96:2-3. We will encounter people in the airport, on the plane, and many places before we even get to Mpumalanga. We should be aware of the impact we are making all along the way. People will wonder what this big group is doing, and where we are going.
Pray that we'll leave a positive impression on everyone we meet along the way. We can be a joyful, loving, smiling example of Christ to everyone. "Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders, make the most of every opportunity.” –Colossians 4:5. Too often, the "Christian" label has a negative connotation. We can be a good example of God's compassionate heart before we even get to South Africa.
"Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else."--2 Corinthians 9:13 NIV
“Let the whole world know what He has done for you.” –Psalm 105:1b
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” –1 Peter 3:15
Pray for boldness and courage for our team members in sharing their personal stories. Pray that each of us will open our hearts and mouths, and let God flow out. We don't have to be perfect, or know all the right words to say. Leave all that up to Him.
And over the next week and a half, the PA students have cumulative final exams!! Pray that they will use their study time effectively, and that they are able to recall all that they've learned this semester.
Until next time...Unkulunkulu akubusisei!
Can you believe it...There is only ONE more Monday between us and South Africa! This week, pray about boldness for our team in sharing our testimonies :) “Every day tell how He saves us. Tell the nations of His glory; tell all peoples the miracles He does.” –Psalm 96:2-3. We will encounter people in the airport, on the plane, and many places before we even get to Mpumalanga. We should be aware of the impact we are making all along the way. People will wonder what this big group is doing, and where we are going.
Pray that we'll leave a positive impression on everyone we meet along the way. We can be a joyful, loving, smiling example of Christ to everyone. "Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders, make the most of every opportunity.” –Colossians 4:5. Too often, the "Christian" label has a negative connotation. We can be a good example of God's compassionate heart before we even get to South Africa.
"Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else."--2 Corinthians 9:13 NIV
“Let the whole world know what He has done for you.” –Psalm 105:1b
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” –1 Peter 3:15
Pray for boldness and courage for our team members in sharing their personal stories. Pray that each of us will open our hearts and mouths, and let God flow out. We don't have to be perfect, or know all the right words to say. Leave all that up to Him.
And over the next week and a half, the PA students have cumulative final exams!! Pray that they will use their study time effectively, and that they are able to recall all that they've learned this semester.
Until next time...Unkulunkulu akubusisei!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Less than 3 weeks!!!
Sanibonani (aka Hey y'all!),
Just a recap from our last meeting...
Our team received a GREAT lecture about practicing medicine in South Africa. I really helped to give a general idea of what's going on in the clinic, pharmacy, glasses, etc.
1) Please send any last-minute support that you may have been praying about. Some people still need it!
2) May 4th (First Wednesday) - They are going to bless our team, so try to make it if you can. There's a dinner at 5:30 p.m. It's for Cambodia. Music starts at 7pm.
Prayer guidance for this week...
This week, let us all be praying for healing. We are bringing medications and interventions with us that can heal and treat diseases. But we are also bringing with us the awesome healing power of prayer. Our team can provide a pill to cure a parasitic infection, but for a child infected with HIV, we can deliver spiritual healing and hope through prayer. We can show them the depth of God's love and compassion for them.
Verses:
Matthew 14:14
And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.
Proverbs 4:20-22
My child, be attentive to My words; incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.
2 Chronicles 7:14
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Psalm 96:3
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
Thank-you for keeping up with us and praying for us!
Just a recap from our last meeting...
Our team received a GREAT lecture about practicing medicine in South Africa. I really helped to give a general idea of what's going on in the clinic, pharmacy, glasses, etc.
1) Please send any last-minute support that you may have been praying about. Some people still need it!
2) May 4th (First Wednesday) - They are going to bless our team, so try to make it if you can. There's a dinner at 5:30 p.m. It's for Cambodia. Music starts at 7pm.
Prayer guidance for this week...
This week, let us all be praying for healing. We are bringing medications and interventions with us that can heal and treat diseases. But we are also bringing with us the awesome healing power of prayer. Our team can provide a pill to cure a parasitic infection, but for a child infected with HIV, we can deliver spiritual healing and hope through prayer. We can show them the depth of God's love and compassion for them.
Verses:
Matthew 14:14
And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.
Proverbs 4:20-22
My child, be attentive to My words; incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.
2 Chronicles 7:14
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Psalm 96:3
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
Thank-you for keeping up with us and praying for us!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Continue to Pray With Us
We have an amazing prayer team, and it seems, at least for me, that God has prepared my heart for exactly what they want and need us to pray for. There's such affirmation that this team is supposed to be in South Africa so soon!
A little encouragement...
If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is.'
2 Timothy 2:13
'...one thing that's never in question is the faithfulness of God. It's more reliable than the Law of Gravity."
Ecclesiastes 3:11
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Just a little encouragement for your week. God's plan and timing are perfect. We are getting close to deadlines, to packing, to LEAVING for South Africa. While some of us "haven't even come close to finalizing my plans, my finances, even who is going to look after our kitten while we are gone, I am trusting God to work out ALL of the details. He has called each of us to go on this trip, and He understanding the vastness of this journey ahead of us." (from a team member)
A missionary friend of hers said the other day that "Mission that doesn't cost you anything doesn't mean anything." I am expecting HUGE, God-sized things for all of us next month! Pray about how God is going to be able to use us. Pray about being open to where we can be used, stepping outside of what is comfortable and normal for us. Pray about having compassion, for our team, and for the people.
And pray for the salvation and healing of the people. Romans 10:14-15
14) How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15) And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
We covet your prayers! Thank-you so much for going on this journey with us.
A little encouragement...
If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is.'
2 Timothy 2:13
'...one thing that's never in question is the faithfulness of God. It's more reliable than the Law of Gravity."
Ecclesiastes 3:11
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Just a little encouragement for your week. God's plan and timing are perfect. We are getting close to deadlines, to packing, to LEAVING for South Africa. While some of us "haven't even come close to finalizing my plans, my finances, even who is going to look after our kitten while we are gone, I am trusting God to work out ALL of the details. He has called each of us to go on this trip, and He understanding the vastness of this journey ahead of us." (from a team member)
A missionary friend of hers said the other day that "Mission that doesn't cost you anything doesn't mean anything." I am expecting HUGE, God-sized things for all of us next month! Pray about how God is going to be able to use us. Pray about being open to where we can be used, stepping outside of what is comfortable and normal for us. Pray about having compassion, for our team, and for the people.
And pray for the salvation and healing of the people. Romans 10:14-15
14) How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15) And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
We covet your prayers! Thank-you so much for going on this journey with us.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
33 Days...but who's counting?
We are getting SO close! Here's the team preparing meds to take with us to the people of South Africa. We've had 3 supply packing parties to get thousands of medications ready to take with us!
We have the pancake breakfast coming up this weekend (April 9) at Applebee's. Tickets are on sale for $5. You can buy them in advance or at the door! Come get a good breakfast and support a great cause! Our support is due on April 10. We are all so excited! Please continue to pray with and for us!
Thank-you for all that y'all do! Make sure to "follow" the blog if you want to be able to make comments to the team while we're in South Africa.
We have the pancake breakfast coming up this weekend (April 9) at Applebee's. Tickets are on sale for $5. You can buy them in advance or at the door! Come get a good breakfast and support a great cause! Our support is due on April 10. We are all so excited! Please continue to pray with and for us!
Thank-you for all that y'all do! Make sure to "follow" the blog if you want to be able to make comments to the team while we're in South Africa.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Update from Our Last Meeting
Greetings everyone!! We're getting SO close to South Africa...44 days!!! Here's some of what we covered in our last meeting . . .
* Our Children's ministry still is in NEED of SUPPLIES!!
* PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER
When = April 9th from 8 am - 10 am (team members have tickets or you can get them at the door)
Where = Applebee's in Mt. Pleasant;
Tickets: $5 per ticket (if you want to give more, that's fine!)
*We also have a Chick-fil-A fundraiser in the works. Be on the lookout!
* ALL of our $upport is due on April 10th. If you've been hesitating to give to a team member or the trip in general, NOW is the time. We're praying for God to richly bless your faithful stewardship to His mission.
As a team, we received an incredible lecture about Pediatric medicine at our meeting.
Also, you NEED TO BE A FOLLOWER OF THIS BLOG if you want to comment to us while we're in South Africa. You're comments will be refreshing and breaths of fresh air and fun ties to home. Please become a follower so that we know who's reading and who we can expect to hear from. Thank-you for your part in our journey. We couldn't do it without y'all!
Alright, that is about it- for now. Prayer update to come soon.
* Our Children's ministry still is in NEED of SUPPLIES!!
* PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER
When = April 9th from 8 am - 10 am (team members have tickets or you can get them at the door)
Where = Applebee's in Mt. Pleasant;
Tickets: $5 per ticket (if you want to give more, that's fine!)
*We also have a Chick-fil-A fundraiser in the works. Be on the lookout!
* ALL of our $upport is due on April 10th. If you've been hesitating to give to a team member or the trip in general, NOW is the time. We're praying for God to richly bless your faithful stewardship to His mission.
As a team, we received an incredible lecture about Pediatric medicine at our meeting.
Also, you NEED TO BE A FOLLOWER OF THIS BLOG if you want to comment to us while we're in South Africa. You're comments will be refreshing and breaths of fresh air and fun ties to home. Please become a follower so that we know who's reading and who we can expect to hear from. Thank-you for your part in our journey. We couldn't do it without y'all!
Alright, that is about it- for now. Prayer update to come soon.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Pray with Us This Week
Isaiah 48:17-18 —
This is what the LORD says —
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to My commands,
your peace would have been like a river,
your well-being like the waves of the sea.
"Let my heart be broken with the things that break God's heart" -- Bob Pierce, World Vision founder
This week, focus on praying about our testimonies and what you will share with the people of South Africa. We're sharing how God's love has affected and changed each of us and what that same incredible love can do for them. Pray that we know that we're just the tool or vessel that God is using, and will just let Him flow through us. Ask Him to give us the words to use.
For the people of South Africa, pray for their safety and health. Daily life is so much more difficult for them. The area is so volatile. All we have to worry about is work and tests, they have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. It helps to put our "stressful" lives in perspective when we think about how blessed we truly are.
Thanks for praying with and for us...54 more days until we leave!!!
This is what the LORD says —
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to My commands,
your peace would have been like a river,
your well-being like the waves of the sea.
"Let my heart be broken with the things that break God's heart" -- Bob Pierce, World Vision founder
This week, focus on praying about our testimonies and what you will share with the people of South Africa. We're sharing how God's love has affected and changed each of us and what that same incredible love can do for them. Pray that we know that we're just the tool or vessel that God is using, and will just let Him flow through us. Ask Him to give us the words to use.
For the people of South Africa, pray for their safety and health. Daily life is so much more difficult for them. The area is so volatile. All we have to worry about is work and tests, they have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. It helps to put our "stressful" lives in perspective when we think about how blessed we truly are.
Thanks for praying with and for us...54 more days until we leave!!!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
We Need Supplies
Hey y'all!
Just wanted to give everyone a list of what office supplies we are going to need for the trip. Basically all we need is below:
Pens/Pencils/Sharpies
Clipboards
Name tags (preferably the re-usable plastic ones)
Luggage (preferably rolling)
Glasses (preferably reading)
Shoes (preferably flip flops/flats)
Drugs/meds (can be expired)
Sutures
SPF samples
Lotion samples
Keep your eyes and ears open for these items and hopefully we can get what we need pretty quick. Thanks for all the help and hope that everyone has a great week! If you can help, please e-mail Travis Jeffcoat at Travis.Jeffcoat@gmail.com. Thank-you so much for considering!
Just wanted to give everyone a list of what office supplies we are going to need for the trip. Basically all we need is below:
Pens/Pencils/Sharpies
Clipboards
Name tags (preferably the re-usable plastic ones)
Luggage (preferably rolling)
Glasses (preferably reading)
Shoes (preferably flip flops/flats)
Drugs/meds (can be expired)
Sutures
SPF samples
Lotion samples
Keep your eyes and ears open for these items and hopefully we can get what we need pretty quick. Thanks for all the help and hope that everyone has a great week! If you can help, please e-mail Travis Jeffcoat at Travis.Jeffcoat@gmail.com. Thank-you so much for considering!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Meeting Update
Hey everybody! We all got to meet yesterday as a team. It's always so wonderful to be together face-to-face as a group. We had a great time of worship and a lesson on team unity and conflict resolution. We assessed our personalities and worked through some scenarios as we prepare for anything that could happen on our trip.
Great news-Meredith has set up the pancake breakfast fundraiser at Applebee's in Mt. Pleasant for April 9th from 8-10 am. The way it works is we will sell tickets for $5 and for every ticket, we only give Applebee's $1! Ticketholders will come to the Mt. Pleasant Applebees that day anytime between 8 and 10 to get 3 pancakes, butter, syrup, and a drink. We will not start selling tickets until March. What a great fundraiser!! Get excited, mark your calendars, and start spreading the word! We hope to see y'all there.
We're also working on some Chick-fil-A fundraiser nights and a Zumba party at MUSC ;) Keep checking the blog for more information. You don't want to miss this!
We're also trying to a shoe drop from TOMS. A group of us took a picture in our TOMS. Please pray that they'll do a shoe drop for us!
In other news...here's how you can pray for us this week, especially as we talked about conflict resolution as a team. This is an important issue, so I'd like us all to continue to pray about unity this week.
Ephesians 4:1-7:
1) I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2) with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, 3) being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4) There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5) one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6) one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. 7) But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.
We have each been called by God on this journey because of the gifts He has given us, and what we can bring to His team. But we can't be the most effective team possible if we don't work together. Pray for each other. Show grace to each other. Forgive each other. Learn from each other. Practice humility. Practice patience. These are active processes, and they need to begin before we set foot in South Africa.
For the people of South Africa:Pray this week for Beth Marques, our host missionary. Pray for her physical, emotional, and spiritual strength. Pray for her health. Pray that God would bless her before we come, and that we will be a blessing to her while we are there.
Thank-you SO much for your prayers. We cherish them. Only 74 more days to go until we leave!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
In the Spirit of Love...
From our fantastic prayer team for guidance on how to pray this week...
Luke 6:27- 36
27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
In the spirit of love and Valentine’s Day, I thought that a good topic to pray about this week would be for those whom we find it hardest to love. I’m sure most of us strive to be friendly and nice to most people we come in contact with each week. But for most of us, there are those few particular people that may make “loving” them more difficult. Let’s take this week to reflect on our friends, families, and all of those that we come in contact with. Let’s try to show God’s love to everyone and see what blessing come from this experience.
This past week at Seacoast, Pastor Greg preached on “Becoming a Star”. He spoke about how to stand out in a crowd. The focus of his message was to stay positive, learn to say thanks, and to own up to our own sin. Doing all of these things will help us stand apart from the secular world we live in. By looking into our own hearts and avoiding the temptation to complain or gripe, we will help others around us see the joy of God.
With that said, I think that if we can love more and shine brighter for God this week, we will all be blessed. We can show people around us that we are different and we have a reason to shine!
Luke 6:27- 36
27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
In the spirit of love and Valentine’s Day, I thought that a good topic to pray about this week would be for those whom we find it hardest to love. I’m sure most of us strive to be friendly and nice to most people we come in contact with each week. But for most of us, there are those few particular people that may make “loving” them more difficult. Let’s take this week to reflect on our friends, families, and all of those that we come in contact with. Let’s try to show God’s love to everyone and see what blessing come from this experience.
This past week at Seacoast, Pastor Greg preached on “Becoming a Star”. He spoke about how to stand out in a crowd. The focus of his message was to stay positive, learn to say thanks, and to own up to our own sin. Doing all of these things will help us stand apart from the secular world we live in. By looking into our own hearts and avoiding the temptation to complain or gripe, we will help others around us see the joy of God.
With that said, I think that if we can love more and shine brighter for God this week, we will all be blessed. We can show people around us that we are different and we have a reason to shine!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
TOMS Shoe Drop
Hey y'all!
I hope that you've had a wonderful weekend and are ready to go for the upcoming week. Our team is trying to get a TOMS shoe drop in South Africa while we're there. I'll submit the photo once we take it unless anyone has a better idea. Does anyone have any TOMS connections by chance? ;) Thanks so much!
I hope that you've had a wonderful weekend and are ready to go for the upcoming week. Our team is trying to get a TOMS shoe drop in South Africa while we're there. I'll submit the photo once we take it unless anyone has a better idea. Does anyone have any TOMS connections by chance? ;) Thanks so much!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Encouragement for Today
My quiet time today consisted of this verse, and I immediately thought of our team and wanted to share some daily encouragement...
23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
His,
ashley nicole
His,
ashley nicole
Monday, February 7, 2011
Weekly Prayer Topics
Prayer Topics for the week: Let go and let God take control!
Let God lead our lives and let’s rely on him to provide for us!!! Let’s focus on casting our needs and concerns on God and being faithful that he will show us the way and provide for us.
This was part of a daily devotion that I read this week. It truly spoke to me and I think we can all relate with having crazy schedules and feeling like we have 1,000,000 things we want to accomplish. Often times we feel like we are being pulled in numerous directions and we often become overwhelmed. This passage helps to depict our hectic lives and the need for us to relay on God.
Every so often, my computer becomes sluggish. Frequent use of certain programs and documents causes pieces of information to become scattered, requiring my computer to search for the pieces before I can use them. To fix it, I need to run a program that retrieves the pieces and groups them together where they are easily accessible. This process is called “defragmentation.”
Like my computer, my life gets fragmented. One situation tugs on my emotions while I’m trying to concentrate on something else. Demands from every direction bombard me. I want to accomplish everything that needs to be done, but my mind won’t stop and my body won’t start. Soon I begin to feel weary and useless.
Recently I attended a retreat where one of the handouts included a prayer with words that expressed how I felt: “Lord, I am scattered, restless, and only half here.”King David also went through such times (Ps. 55:2). In prayer, David presented his needs to God morning, noon, and evening, confident that he would be heard (v.17). Prayer can help to defragment our lives. When we cast our cares on the Lord, He will show us what we need to do and what only He can do.
We need prayer the most when we have the least time to pray.
This scripture from Pastor Greg, also helps to depict how we need to worry less and rely on God more. We truly have no need to worry, because no matter how hard we fall or how large the obstacle God will be there for us. He has already mapped out our lives, we just need to surrender and follow!!
The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? Proverbs 20:24 (NLT)
So this week, let’s focus on relying on God for our concerns, needs, and struggles. Let’s cast our burdens on him and be faithful that he will provide!
Let’s also continue to pray for our trip as it approaches and be in contact with our prayer partners!
Lizzy
Let God lead our lives and let’s rely on him to provide for us!!! Let’s focus on casting our needs and concerns on God and being faithful that he will show us the way and provide for us.
This was part of a daily devotion that I read this week. It truly spoke to me and I think we can all relate with having crazy schedules and feeling like we have 1,000,000 things we want to accomplish. Often times we feel like we are being pulled in numerous directions and we often become overwhelmed. This passage helps to depict our hectic lives and the need for us to relay on God.
Every so often, my computer becomes sluggish. Frequent use of certain programs and documents causes pieces of information to become scattered, requiring my computer to search for the pieces before I can use them. To fix it, I need to run a program that retrieves the pieces and groups them together where they are easily accessible. This process is called “defragmentation.”
Like my computer, my life gets fragmented. One situation tugs on my emotions while I’m trying to concentrate on something else. Demands from every direction bombard me. I want to accomplish everything that needs to be done, but my mind won’t stop and my body won’t start. Soon I begin to feel weary and useless.
Recently I attended a retreat where one of the handouts included a prayer with words that expressed how I felt: “Lord, I am scattered, restless, and only half here.”King David also went through such times (Ps. 55:2). In prayer, David presented his needs to God morning, noon, and evening, confident that he would be heard (v.17). Prayer can help to defragment our lives. When we cast our cares on the Lord, He will show us what we need to do and what only He can do.
We need prayer the most when we have the least time to pray.
This scripture from Pastor Greg, also helps to depict how we need to worry less and rely on God more. We truly have no need to worry, because no matter how hard we fall or how large the obstacle God will be there for us. He has already mapped out our lives, we just need to surrender and follow!!
The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? Proverbs 20:24 (NLT)
So this week, let’s focus on relying on God for our concerns, needs, and struggles. Let’s cast our burdens on him and be faithful that he will provide!
Let’s also continue to pray for our trip as it approaches and be in contact with our prayer partners!
Lizzy
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Testimony Meeting
Hello all! Our team will be meeting today to discuss any updates in the past two weeks as well as to go over testimonies. Before we return to the US in May, we'll all have shared our testimonies with each other. It's so important to really get to know each other on a deep level as we are a team and have been called to go on this trip together. We are a body of Christ with Him as our head and here to serve each other as God has equipped each of us accordingly.
Continue to pray with us that God would strengthen our team.
Does anyone have any stories from Awake 21 that they would like to share? If so, post a comment on this post.
Continue to pray with us that God would strengthen our team.
Does anyone have any stories from Awake 21 that they would like to share? If so, post a comment on this post.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Praying with Us This Week and End of Awake 21
Thank-you so much for praying with us this week. I wanted to share how you can continue to join our journey by praying with us...
Prayer for the team:
1 John 5:14--This is the confidence we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Mark 11:24--Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.
Psalm 37:4--Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.
God knows what we need before we even think to ask for it. He has unbelievable blessings just waiting to be poured out on us. Notice the verses don't say that God will give us whatever we want. But when we are delighting ourselves in Him, and seeking to want for ourselves what He wants for us, our desires will be His desires. And then He will bless us, more than we can ask for or even imagine. Ask God to show us what He has planned for us. Ask Him to fund our trip, and work out all the details. Ask Him for patience, and focus, and restful sleep. And then share with us how He has answered those prayers! Leave a comment on this post.
Prayer for South Africa:
Matthew 25:35-40
35) 'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36) I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37) “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38) When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39) When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40) “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
We are still humbled by this amazing opportunity to be a blessing in South Africa. Please also pray this week that all of the supplies we need are provided. Pray that the people who need to visit the clinic are made aware that we are coming, and that they are able to make it to the clinic. Continue to pray against spiritual warfare as we're all targets as we go to share the love of Christ and have our lives transformed in the meantime.
Praise the Lord that our PA students made it through their first block exams. We're SO proud of y'all and the courage and diligence that you approached studying with. You will all be wonderful PAs with a knowledge and a heart to take into the profession that many lack. Your hard work will be rewarded.
Also, Awake 21 is officially over as of today; however, a lot of us are going to continue fasting something as it's been such an incredible learning process and a time to get to know God in a different and new way. Team, please feel free to leave a comment here on your fasting experinece.
Love and grace,
ashley nicole
Prayer for the team:
1 John 5:14--This is the confidence we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Mark 11:24--Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.
Psalm 37:4--Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.
God knows what we need before we even think to ask for it. He has unbelievable blessings just waiting to be poured out on us. Notice the verses don't say that God will give us whatever we want. But when we are delighting ourselves in Him, and seeking to want for ourselves what He wants for us, our desires will be His desires. And then He will bless us, more than we can ask for or even imagine. Ask God to show us what He has planned for us. Ask Him to fund our trip, and work out all the details. Ask Him for patience, and focus, and restful sleep. And then share with us how He has answered those prayers! Leave a comment on this post.
Prayer for South Africa:
Matthew 25:35-40
35) 'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36) I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37) “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38) When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39) When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40) “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
We are still humbled by this amazing opportunity to be a blessing in South Africa. Please also pray this week that all of the supplies we need are provided. Pray that the people who need to visit the clinic are made aware that we are coming, and that they are able to make it to the clinic. Continue to pray against spiritual warfare as we're all targets as we go to share the love of Christ and have our lives transformed in the meantime.
Praise the Lord that our PA students made it through their first block exams. We're SO proud of y'all and the courage and diligence that you approached studying with. You will all be wonderful PAs with a knowledge and a heart to take into the profession that many lack. Your hard work will be rewarded.
Also, Awake 21 is officially over as of today; however, a lot of us are going to continue fasting something as it's been such an incredible learning process and a time to get to know God in a different and new way. Team, please feel free to leave a comment here on your fasting experinece.
Love and grace,
ashley nicole
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Prayer Partners
The leader of our prayer team has randomly "assigned" prayer partners. It's amazing how God is already knitting our hearts together as a team even through we may not be together all the time. It's such a beautiful answer to prayer. Y'all, God is on the move, which means Satan is too. Continue to join us in prayer that we'd all put on the armor of God everyday. Thanks for praying for us!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Prayer for This Week
If you'd like to join us in praying this week, here's some specific ways that we are praying...
1) For our group. That each of us would remember that God has made us unique, and has a specific reason for calling each one of us to go on this mission trip together. Pray that God would show you what He needs you to do for Him and His people in South Africa (if you're not already sure). Pray that we all remember the excitement we felt at the beginning of this journey, and can hold on to that when times seem to be tough. God WILL provide everything we need for this trip. He has gone ahead of us and taken care of everything, we just have to trust Him and meet Him where He's working.
2) For the people we will encounter. Pray for those we will have the honor to minister to, both medically and spiritually. That God would already be softening and opening their hearts to receive His perfect love.
Thank-you for your prayer support!
1) For our group. That each of us would remember that God has made us unique, and has a specific reason for calling each one of us to go on this mission trip together. Pray that God would show you what He needs you to do for Him and His people in South Africa (if you're not already sure). Pray that we all remember the excitement we felt at the beginning of this journey, and can hold on to that when times seem to be tough. God WILL provide everything we need for this trip. He has gone ahead of us and taken care of everything, we just have to trust Him and meet Him where He's working.
2) For the people we will encounter. Pray for those we will have the honor to minister to, both medically and spiritually. That God would already be softening and opening their hearts to receive His perfect love.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Meetings
As a team, we've had a couple meetings to get to know each other, the South African culture, and the people that we'll meet and work with when we get there. It's been a wonderful experience to meet the people who will probably become like family, and it'll be fun to see the friendships that ensure.
Here's us meeting...
Here's us meeting...
A lot of us are doing a fast with Awake 21, and it was great to hear all the stories that have come out of God's blessing us through this process. For me specifically, I fasted reading blogs (it takes up a lot of my time), and God's laid on my heart to pray for my team. A lot of the team knew each other before, so this has been a great way for me to get to know the other team members since I don't get to be with the face-to-face a lot at SeaCoast or at MUSC.
Brandi, one of our team leaders, taught us about spiritual warfare Sunday, and did an amazing job preparing us for the journey that we've chosen to embarq on and the battle that Satan is going to take on our decision to share God's love in South Africa.
Please keep praying for generous support to come in and for God to bless those who we've asked to join us on our journey through support. Pray for open hearts.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Welcome to South Africa Medical Mission 2011
Thank-you for joining our journey as we prepare to have our lives changed by taking the love of Christ to the people of South Africa.
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