We have been in the States for about a month and a half. We have been enjoying time with family and friends in both Michigan and New Jersey. We have spent time with new friends at New Hope Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Part of the focus of being home is to prepare ourselves to return to Swaziland for two years. This preparation includes raising funds to support our family. We are responsible to raise 100% of the funds needed to live and do ministry in Swaziland. This includes airfare, housing (rent and furnishings), insurance, purchasing a vehicle, food, education costs for Claire and Jacob, tithing...those seem to be the biggies! The cost of living in Swaziland is pretty much the same as living in the U.S. Some things cost less, but some things cost much more.
We are thrilled to announce that God has allowed His provision to flow into our lives in incredible and amazing ways! In the short time that we have been State-side, we have secured approximately 90% of our expenses for the entire two year commitment to return to Swaziland! PRAISE THE LORD!! If you are reading this blog, there is a very good chance that you are part of that provision...thank you! We are humbled and overjoyed by the generosity and support of our families and friends! We literally could not follow this call without you.
At this time we have about a $15,000 shortfall of being fully funded. In faith, we have purchased our one way tickets back to Africa for April 19. We fully trust that the Lord is asking us to give our lives away to His work in Nsoko, Swaziland for this next season of our family's life. We are making an initial two year commitment, but we will stay and do this work until God calls us out. We fully trust that where the Lord calls, the Lord provides!
Perhaps you have been reading this blog for a while and wondered if there was a way to be a part of the work in Swaziland. Perhaps the Lord is nudging you, even now, to join in helping to send our family back to Swaziland. Would you pray about the possiblity of helping us reach our goal of returning to Swaziland in April, fully funded? There is a 'support' link on the home page of this blog. You can also email us if you have any other questions!
If you have already committed to support us, either by giving a one time gift or as a monthly pledged giver...again, thank you! What we need from you at this time is specific prayer covering over this final push in support raising! It is very difficult to raise support from 'the field', so we are hoping to be fully funded before April 19. We are almost there!
Please take a few moments to view the video that we put together. It features many of the orphans and vulnerable children that we minister to in Nsoko. We trust that once you see their precious faces you will understand our hearts' desire to get back to Swaziland!
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 1:3-6
