Thanksgiving is a great American Holiday! I love the idea of arriving at the end of the year and reflecting on all we are thankful for. This year we started a family tradition of reading out our “Jehovah Jireh List”. We have a list of things that God has provided for, and on Thanksgiving morning along with pumpkin pancakes and pumpkin smoothies we read and give thanks for the amazing ways we have been blessed this year. There are loads of things from; brand new $150 hiking boots from the thrift store for $7.99, to the over 20 folks that gave us the additional funding needed, making it possible to go to work in Africa for 3 and a half months. We have been so ridiculously blessed! And now; due this coming January, a baby girl. I once was called one of God’s favorites. Yeah, I believe it’s true.

As we approach the end of this year and think about giving I challenge you to reflect on what has been given to you this year. And how are you responding in gratitude for the lavish generosity from our great God? As you give this year end… give of yourself. Not just a little bit here and there but in a way that you feel yourself becoming a part of what you are giving to. We have some beautiful giving opportunities this end of year and we invite you to become a part of the blessing of God in the lives of others.
1. Support a yearlong volunteer. Why not invest in the growth and service of another as they serve the Lord in difficult places. And you get to follow along with them as they share their year through our blogs. Click here to find out more.
2. Join the team giving towards getting a much needed reliable vehicle in Africa. Make an impact in a practical way and give to a desperate need that makes all our ministry possible. Click here to find out more.
3. Share with your friends and family about AR and what God is doing through this small ministry with a big heart. Be an advocate. While you may not be able to give in a way that you would like to, perhaps you can connect others to this vision and therefore still play an important part.

Prayer-
Give thanks with us for the ministry done this year in people’s lives. We thank God for the volunteers who grew this year and gave so selflessly of themselves. For the orphans and widows loved in Swaziland, and for the many people impacted through the various relationships and acts of love through AR.

For those interested in supporting us; we are looking for additional monthly supporters to come alongside us as we enter into the New Year. Contact me if you want to know more.
allan@africarevolution.org

May you be filled with increasing gratitude as you celebrate the coming of our Savior, Merry Christmas!
Allan, Annie, Judah and Baby Girl

p.s. check out some of our volunteers blogs to see and read about how God has been working through AR. Click Here

Last Words
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2Corinthians 5:20&21)

Re-Entry is often one of the most difficult things about missions.  It starts off with the celebration of completing a mission and the joy of returning home to friends and family who are excited to hear the stories and have you back in their lives. But after a few gatherings and a couple of trips to the grocery store you begin to feel this uneasiness.  Why are people talking about TV and movies all the time? No I didn’t catch the “big game” on Saturday.  How can everything at the store always be on SALE? And please stop giving me so many choices of cereal.  Do we really need 3 aisle of cereal? (If you answered yes, you may need to keep reading and check yo self)

 It’s the reverse culture shock that gets me.

I’m in South Africa right now and I’m in a part of South Africa that is very western. It’s got many similar conveniences but somehow, is very different. I met a friend for breakfast at a mall and grabbed a cup of coffee from McDonalds. Yet it’s not the same. There is something different about the US, something so very different. From the moment I step off the plane stateside, I feel these invisible hands slide over my shoulders; massaging and seducing me to let my guard down.  What is it?

 I believe there is a spirit of comfort, consumerism and an addiction to entertainment that reigns in the U.S. and it’s got its roots deep in our hearts. I don’t believe comfort, convenience, money or “stuff” is intrinsically wrong, but somehow we have given in to its ruthless demands and allowed it to reign in our hearts and lives.

My prayer for our family, as we go back, is that we are free from the grip of the Matrix. That we are lucid and sober to the realities we have experienced here in Africa. My prayer is that we keep our priorities straight and that we continue to be a voice to set the captives free.

So most recently; we had a fantastic time of De-brief with our team on the North Coast of South Africa (Balito Bay) and despite the 7hrs on the side of the road broken down, we ended up having 4 great days, resting, reflecting and preparing our team for a new chapter in their lives. We have also had a few days to spend with family here in South Africa and we will be sad to go.

Prayer Requests:

1. Travel.
Annie is almost 8 months prego and really feeling done. We have an 18hr flight and desperately need some relief thrown in there.

2. Transition.
(see above)

3. Support.
We have to get back on the support raising trail. With #2 joining us in January we are in need of additional family supporters who will come alongside us in the Lord’s work.

Love from

Annie, Allan, Judah and the Bump.

What!?! A whole month and half has gone by since we left the US and arrived! We have loved being here in Swaziland. Despite the incredible vehicle struggles (more on that later), we are so enjoying every opportunity to dive into ministry here. So along with our team we have had these amazing opportunities to serve people by;  teaching English, Math and computer classes, leading bible studies, devotions, youth group,  preaching (at Emafini, the Addiction center), hospital visitation, prison ministry and even digging ditches. We have been able to visit in the community.. and just yesterday from 7am-10pm we joined the Luke Commission doing rural medical missions. I have seen the incredible value of volunteers and the power of partnerships. I am constantly amazed at our servant team. Their flexibility, their teachable hearts and the clarity they have on why they are doing what they are doing is awesome . We hope you can see some of this in the picture gallery above and in their blogs.

Annie is over 6 months pregnant and being a real trooper. She is loving being around the team. Even though she doesn’t get to be as involved in all the ministry opportunities, she still manages to take good care of us all. Judah really loves this place. Kids paradise for sure! He loves all the orphan kids around him and they treat him like a king (…unfortunately sometimes. They want to carry him everywhere!)  He is also extremely spoiled by the volunteers who fulfill his every whim and fancy.  As for myself; I find I am thriving in the chaos and unpredictability of Africa. Every challenge is an opportunity and every opportunity a new way to depend on the Lord and see Him show up. This includes breakdowns, postponed meetings and last second sermon prep.  I most love our time with our volunteers. We have meals together, devotions , serve together and generally do life together. There is a beautiful passion in them to give their lives away to others. They are selfless, generous and humble. It’s an honor for us to disciple them and build into their lives as they build into others here in Swaziland.

Sharing a need:
I have realized that the most vital tool in our ministry is a reliable vehicle. Our current vehicle which has been a wonderful work horse is quickly dying (20+years old.) Last night, on our way back from medical missions, we were coming through the mountains with the whole team falling asleep from a long day of serving. As we meandered down the steep mountain side through a thick fog we suddenly lost all power, the lights, engine and breaks died on us. We drifted to the edge of the road between the rocky mountain face and huge sugarcane trucks barreling down past us. We got everyone out of the bus. James waved his cell phone wildly in the fog to alert traffic we were there while Clever put on his MacGyver hat and crawled under the bus and eventually solved the power problem. To say the least it was a dangerous situation to be in.  Unfortunately we have been in similar situations to this one, at least 5 times in the last month.  Like I said, a reliable vehicle is the most vital weapon we need in our arsenal and we are requesting folks to join us in raising the funds for a new one.  Together we all can easily raise the funds that will allow our teams to do medical missions, visit orphans and widows in the community and do food distribution etc, etc.  My request of you is to pray and give. Click Here to find out more!
Prayer for

1. A new reliable vehicle for our staff and teams.
2. Annie in her pregnancy. For the right name for our baby girl due on Jan 2^nd!
3. The 2011 Vision Year team that they finish strong and for the 2012 Vision Year team as they prepare themselves for a year in Africa!

 Thanks to everyone who remembers us, prays for us and our work.  We would love to hear updates from each of you and would love to pray for you through whatever life circumstances you are growing through.

Much love, Allan, Annie Judah and Bump

Last Words “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” –Gal 6:9

There is a saying in missions; “be flexible and you won’t get bent out of shape.” Our ride to Swaziland fell through at the last minute leaving us scrambling in South Africa. Once here, on our way back from serving together at Elusitwini (rescued women’s home) and Emafini (Men’s rehabilitation center) we broke down on the side of the highway for a few hours. Two days later driving down the winding mountain roads, our new tire burst…. and those are just a couple of our transportation issues so far.
This sums up just some of life in Swaziland this week; the frustrating side.
But the other side is;
being with our incredible volunteer team and seeing them love and interact with people they have built meaningful relationships with over the course of this year. Being here at Hawane we’ve loved seeing the orphan kids, who live in the houses on both sides of ours, play so well with Judah… and for hours. It was touching seeing the Skinners, (the missionary couple we are replacing) leave for the UK. We saw how much they impacted many and will be greatly missed!
All this stuff is very humbling and beautiful.

So as you can see… the good outweighs the frustrating bad, any day. We are grateful to be here and thankful for the many who make It possible. Pray for us as we adjust to our roles here and we ask you to keep us and the Nation of Swaziland in your prayers. God is at work and we are thrilled to have an upfront view.

Best quote of the week:
“your team humbles me. They are so willing to learn and serve.” -Joy, the head mother over the orphan homes.

p.s. Sorry we are not able to email as regularly. We have limited interweb connection. For those whom have asked, yes we continue to pray for the additional support needed to be here. Thank you for your concern.

Just a short video to share about our family’s up coming trip to Swaziland. Please continue to pray for us and support us as we go!

Pray for…
1. Our 3 month trip to Swaziland. As we travel, for strength and wisdom as we lead our team and serve the ministry.
2. Cara and Jason as they seek out medical attention and spend time with their family.
3. Financial supporters to come alongside us as we need to raise the additional support for this trip.

Last Thoughts
These two powerful verses I especially love when considered together… and see the similarity in the references.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
- John 3:16
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
- 1 John 3:16

Much Love,
Follow close, follow hard,

Allan, Annie and The Jude

Well it has been way too long since we last wrote. A lot has happened and we want to share it with you. Summer finally arrived! Judah has started walking. (It only took him 18 months!) And we are expecting another baby!!! Only 3 more babies to go! We do not yet know if it is a boy or a girl. I say boy and Annie thinks girl. Neither do we have the names picked… and so we ask you to participate in our Name Survey. Please cast your vote before we have another domestic altercation over baby names!

So back to Africa… yes we are looking to go back for 3 months to South Africa and Swaziland. We are going to see out the rest of the year with our year long volunteer team working at the Hawane Farm / Orphan Homes. We also are looking to build further partnerships that will help us identify our African Interns for the future. So we will connect with a few African Bible Schools to offer the internship to, for candidates whom would benefit from Vision Year Internship Program.

So this has been a tough decision. It is a little intimidating as Annie will be almost 8 months pregnant on our return, flying around the world with Judah as a toddler and letting go of our rental house here in the States. It all seems a little crazy. We get it… but we see God leading us in this direction…that’s good crazy, and where He guides He provides. We strongly believe that we should, at all times, be prepared to make sacrifices and disrupt our comfort for the sake of the Kingdom.

So we’ll get straight to the point. We can’t do this alone. We are looking for additional supporters to join us. As our family grows we find ourselves having to get more serious about raising support to meet our budget goal. So we ask you to seriously consider joining us and supporting the work in Africa by supporting us. CLICK HERE to find out more.

We know some folks aren’t able to give a monthly amount and so we ask if you would give to meet some of our specific needs. Consider giving towards some of our needs listed below:
1. Plane Tickets
2. Medical Insurance
3. Miscellaneous living costs
4. Lap Top and Camera

To Give CLICK HERE

Please pray for…

1. The upcoming trip and everything it entails. Planning, funding and God’s favor on the various aspects of going.
2. The Mitchell family, our staff whom are back in the States on medical recovery break. Pray for Cara’s recovery and their time with family.
3. The ministry work in Africa. Pray for the team as they grow and all the orphan kids, family members and the Nation of Swaziland they are serving.

As always, we are so grateful for your support, prayers and friendship.

Follow close, follow Hard,

Allan, Annie and Judah

Last Words

“What a man believes moves and rules his whole being, enters into him and becomes part of his very life.”

-Andrew Murray

Greetings friends,

It has been a while since we last updated. However, we have seen many of you and been in touch via The FaceBook. Hey, I like the “The” and I’m keeping it regardless of what Justin Timberlake says.

So I (Allan) spent some time in Jan with our Vision Year 2011 Volunteers, getting them set up and oriented in Swaziland where they are for the year. They are humble, servant-hearted with such teachable spirits. Don’t tell them this but they really are the perfect first team to have in a new location. They are in Swaziland at Hawane Farm which is an amazing ministry serving orphans, developing the community and so much more. Rather than me share their stories, I challenge you to check out their blogs, read along and be encouraged by what God is doing with these surrendered lives. Here is a snippet from Amy’s Blog. Amy is one of our team members, a Canadian gal from Manitoba with a big heart to serve the Lord ehe;

“…God is a real God who loves his people whose heart breaks when he sees the brokenness in this country and in this world.  I can’t even imagine.  My heart breaks when I hear one story of an orphaned child… God not only sees that child but EVERY orphan, EVERY widow, EVERY broken heart, EVERY abused child…………  I need to press into God, however that may look.  I need to begin to give up comforts of the flesh so I can better seek the face of Jesus.  This is all heavy stuff but I am excited to be here in Swaziland learning so much and trying to figure out the heart of my FATHER and to become more like Him each day.”

So I urge you to go to their blogs, read their stories, look through their pictures and then pray for them as they serve and give of themselves for this year. Leave them an encouraging comment so they know you are praying for them. I also ask you to help me with my job of recruiting. Do you know just one person who might benefit from an opportunity like this, where they can give a year of their life, to going to Africa; learning, serving, being discipled and growing in missional community? If you do, get them in touch with us.

We as a family have gone through some changes recently. We have started attending Riverview Church just 5 minutes from our house. We have discovered a good group of friends there and are slowly getting plugged in. This is a big answer to prayer and a good fit for our family. Thank you to those of you who kept us in your prayers.

Annie wanted a play house for Judah. I found one in the garage. It's a Fort... and it takes up our living room!

It has been so awesome seeing Judah grow and change everyday. He is as sharp as a tack but continues in his protest and refuses to walk. It seems he has figured out that being carried is so much easier. I told him, “I will not carry you to your Prom.”  Annie continues to fool herself that winter will end soon. It’s sad to hear her pleading with the Lord for sunshine.  I continue to search for a type “A” personality to join me in all our office work. Again if you know someone let me know. Having said all that, we are doing well. We thank God everyday for this opportunity He gives us to join Him in His work of loving the least of these, serving the widow and the orphan and expanding His Kingdom!

Pray for…

1. A vehicle in Africa. We are about halfway there. Only US $2,660 to go! Any donations towards this need would be greatly appreciated.
2. Financial supporters to invest in our Indigenous African Intern program which enables us to equip and empower African men and women in our year long Vision Year volunteer program. Learn more.
3. Personally for us as a family, pray for us to live out Matthew 6:19-34. Pray for us as we seek out further support to meet our needs. Its difficult raising support for the ministry and for the family but God is faithful and provides graciously through His people.

Last Thoughts

“Obedience is God’s love language.”  -Steve Sommerlot (from the sermon on Sunday at Riverview Chruch.)

Click through sideshow to see all the pictures

During November, I (Allan) was in South Africa and Swaziland (yes that’s SWAZILAND not “Switzerland” as I’ve had to clarify with a few folks). The main purpose of the trip was to do some groundwork for our January 2011 Vision Year team.  It was great seeing Jason, Cara, Nic and Kefa as they settle into their roles at Hawane.  Hawane is a large ministry site where our Vision Year team will be stationed for the year, under Jason & Cara’s Shepherding care.  It was wonderful to meet with Hawane’s overseeing Pastor, Kevin Ward, and to realize how the Lord has brought about our partnership for the advancement of the Kingdom. While Swaziland holds the dubious title of the highest AIDS prevalence rate in the world, it was incredible to see the commitment and faithfulness of God’s people, from all over the world, called to this nation to bringing about transformation.

I was also fortunate enough to get to spend time with the Koen family at the Viva Village in Mamelodi East, in South Africa. It is amazing to see how God has taken this obedient family from the pursuit of the American Dream to the desperate trenches of urban poverty where they are each finding their purpose and impacting the world with the Good News of God’s redemptive love. We look forward to our new partnership with them and plan to send a team to join in their work of educating South Africa’s next generation, and raising up godly business people with a heart to invest in the poor. More about this dynamic family coming soon.

After a delicious African Thanksgiving turkey, smuggled across the boarder (Thanks Tina) we all spoke late into the night, grateful that God had brought us together to build together, encourage each other and remind each other, “You are not crazy!” By the way; missionaries need this reminder every so often.  After much deliberation, we managed to come up with the answers to all the complex problems that plague Africa and the Church (tongue in cheek).  But seriously, it was remarkable to see how our journeys have led us to the same conclusions regarding many of our ministry strategies and efforts. The overwhelming answer in a nutshell is; Discipleship.  While I jokingly simplify this, the truth is that we all strongly feel that to achieve the long haul transformation that is needed, one-on-one, life-to-life discipleship, as modeled by Jesus, is how true change will come about.  While various means and methods are implemented, all these things must be done within the vessel of discipleship.  So after 5 years of AR learning, adapting and changing we feel our focus shift to a discipleship based model of ministry.  This is thrilling stuff folks! (Again more on this to come)

Thank you everyone for your prayers, generosity and faithfulness to the work of God in us and through our ministry.

Merry, merry Christmas!

Follow close, follow hard

Annie, Allan and The Jude

p.s. Judah turns 1 this month. Wow, a year has flown by. While he is still unable to read, (he has not even cracked open his copy of “Knowledge of the Holy” by A.W. Towzer) he is developing very well in other areas, such as clapping, waving, and cruising.

Pray for…

1. The much needed vehicle in Africa! We are looking to buy a small used 10 seat bus. Approximatly US$5000. Any donations towards this need would be greatly appreciated.
2. Our partners in Africa whom are seeking out new steps in intentional discipleship.
3. Financial supporters to invest in our Indigenous African Intern program which enables us to equip and empower African men and women in our year long Vision Year volunteer program. Learn more.

Last Thoughts

“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” – John 1:9-13

Above is a short video blog (vlog) on my upcoming trip to Africa.
Pray…
1. For my trip to Africa and all that I mention in the video (ha, now you have to watch it!) Pray for Annie as she and Judah stay behind and hold down the fort while I am away over Thanksgiving.
2. For two very needed vehicles in Africa for the ministry. Pray they arrive in time for our Vision Year volunteers arriving in January 2011. Click here to find out more…
3. About, if you and your friends, small group or church should support an Indigenous African Vision Year Volunteer in 2011!

Thank you friends for reading this update and watching the video.
Thanks for your prayers, support and friendship. We love you.

Please stay in touch.
Follow Close, Follow Hard,
Allan, Annie and Judah.

p.s. By the way if you never got a sweet new prayer card to put on your fridge, let us know. Just a small help to remind you to pray four our little family. (allan@africarevolution.org)

Last Thoughts

“He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” – Jesus”

Click through sideshow to see all the pictures

I hope the pictures speak for themselves.

Back in the US! As Jason puts it; “back into the Matrix”. There is something surreal about being back here. There is a lulling, a quieting, and a strange distraction that comes over me every time we return. Africa feels so much louder, raw, in your face and you are forced to see things for what they are. Kingdom priorities leap to the front. With “stuff” out of the way, it’s easy to see how much “people” really matter. When rescued orphan kids surround you,  slick Sunday mornings don’t seem to matter so much. Mowing the lawn doesn’t seem soo important after spending an afternoon with some widows. Life and death just seem to be amplified so much more in Africa. I hate to be morbid but last year in Africa, in three different incidents, I saw 3 dead bodies on the side of the road. That just doesn’t happen here… well not in my hood. But my point is that somehow life here can get mellowed out and the great urgency and importance of the Kingdom can be lost in daily errands and talk about “important” things. I realize much of our task being here is to bring over that clarity, that rawness, to help God’s people re-prioritize and refocus on what is truly important. We are to share perspective and invite people to be involved in His world, for His sake. We are to shake awake people who don’t know they are dreaming and call them back to the reality of the Kingdom. We are wrestling with the fact that we are called to be missionaries, not to Africa but to America.

Pray for…

1. Opportunities to do what we feel we are called to do. We love sharing at churches, small groups, schools, camps, campuses, over meals, one on one and to anyone anywhere who wants to listen!
2. Us as we refocus and sharpen our vision as God directs us. Along with our board we are shaping a more defined ministry to make sure we are coming alongside God’s people, doing God’s work, God’s way.
3. Financial supporters to invest in our Indigenous African Intern program which enables us to equip and empower African men and women in our year long Vision Year volunteer program. Learn more.

Thank you friends for reading this update and caring about what’s up with us. We hope to see many of you this summer.

Please stay in touch.
Follow Close, Follow Hard,
Allan, Annie and Judah.
Thanks for your prayers, support and friendship. We love you.

By the way we also have new prayer cards to put on your fridge. Just a little help to remind you to pray four our little family. Let us know if you would like one.  (allan@africarevolution.org)

Last Thoughts

“We are not only to renounce evil, but to manifest the truth. We tell people the world is vain; let our lives manifest that it is so. We tell them that our home is above and that all these things are transitory. Does our dwelling look like it? O to live consistent lives!”  – Hudson Taylor

P.S. Below is a short clip of some of our friends at the Powerhouse battling it out with the Vuvuzellas. If you don’t know what a Vuvuzella is Google it! And if you don’t know what Google is, just forget it, I can’t help you.