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.)

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 17th, 2011 at 10:43 pm and is filed under Allan and Annie. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.