7-23-10

7-23-10

Today was Litsemba. It was so amazing. We started off earlier than usual and headed to the Swaziland National Stadium. The kids started pouring into the stadium starting at around 8 AM. We had expected 15,000 kids but ended up only with around 4-5,000. Which is still a huge victory. I guess the transportation provided by the government didn’t exactly work out as planned which was a bummer but oh well. Each kid got a blanket, beanie, juice, and a Bible. It was so cool to see the excitement on their faces as they received their goodies.

The King blessed us with his presence at the event. My favorite part came from the King himself. He gave a speech, but this wasn’t just a normal speech. He preached the gospel to these kids. He spoke of forgiveness, preparing their hearts for the Lord, and coming into His presence, as well as how the Bible has changed his personal life. I was so fired up because the King of the country was stoked about Christ. The King gave an alter call for the kids and so many of those kids stood up. It brought tears of joy to my eyes. So amazing!

Also a man named Stephen Lungo spoke about his life and growing up as an orphan and how the Lord changed his life. I was stoked about this man. He was so passionate and fired up to speak to these children. As we rode down the elevator he got on and rode down with us. We got to talk to him for like a minute. He is so nice and had a huge smile. It was an honor.

Another cool thing that happened today was that we met up with a girl that we know from Encinitas named Lauren Dowler. She was randomly in Swaziland at the same time we were. It was cool to talk with her and she even gave us letters to take back home. She has had no way to contact her friends and family for a while and wanted to let them know she is doing fine. It was cool. Of all places to randomly meet.

We are so bummed that today was our final day here in Africa. We don’t want to go home yet. But it is time to go home and share our experiences. Even though Kyle and myself will be going to Hume Lake the day we land. So stoked to meet up with the group and tell them our stories. God has done some amazingly wonderful things out here. He has a huge heart for these people and amazing plans. Thank you to all who have prayed and supported our group. We are so thankful. Please be praying for safe travels for us. Thanks!!!! See you all real soon!

7-22-10

7-22-10

Today was really cool. We got to pass out all of the clothes, toys, toiletries and other stuff to the people of our church. We started the day by visiting the GoGos. These are the older ladies in the community that care for the orphans. It was a very cool experience getting to meet them and bless them with fresh new warm coats. Every kid got at least 1 piece of clothing and 1 toy. They were so stoked to have all these new things. The first girl that I handed brand new pencils, erasers, and sharpener to was so excited. I have never been excited about new pencil. The pure joy in her face was amazing. So honored to be a part of that whole thing. It was pure madness though trying to get the kids organized and in a single line while passing out everything but it was well worth it. We also got to visit the Pastor’s house and see her egg business. She has about 10 or so chickens and sells eggs for her income. We got to pray for her. Great day today!

God is so good!!! He has blessed our group and protected us this whole week. It’s crazy how tomorrow is Litsemba and even crazier that we leave on Saturday. This trip in which we have been fundraising for and praying for is coming to an end. Super bummed. Swaziland is such a nice and welcoming nation. I have been truly blessed by these people. I will fill you in more tomorrow after Litsemba which will be amazing! If you want to watch live you can at heartforafrica.org/litsembalive. I’m not sure what time it starts your time but feel free to check it out if you get a chance. God is going to do some amazing things in these kids’ lives. What is also cool is that every kid gets a beanie and a warm blanket and a meal I believe. God is going to be honored and change lives. Can’t wait to see what His plans are for tomorrow. Please continue to pray for our group and the Swazi people. Talk to ya’ll later.

7-21-10

7-21-10

The safari was so stinking legit!!!!!! We went to the Hlane reserve. We got to sit in these Land Rovers that had 3 rows of 3 raised behind the driver. I was lucky to score the front seat next to the driver out in the open. We saw so many animals. We first got to see the lions. The driver told us that we were lucky to see them. The group the day before only got to see the lions for like 3 minutes and then disappeared. We on the other hand got to park and watch the lions for like 10 minutes! It was so cool. I took probably 30 pictures. After that we went looking for the elephants. We found a sweet spot where we were able to see 2 baby elephants and 2 momma elephants. They were so cute just snacking on some grass. The driver told us that elephants eat upwards of 18 hours per day! After that we went looking for the rhinos. Along the way of looking for them we found 2 giraffes. We saw them for maybe 5 minutes then the walked away. Our driver on the other hand wanted us to get the full experience. We got out of the car and went on foot through the reserve looking for the giraffes. We found them and were maybe 20-30 feet away from them. We took plenty of pictures. Such an amazing animal to watch. The next big thing we wanted to see were the rhinos. We drove around forever and then as we were heading back to the main entrance to head home the driver spotted a momma, daddy, and baby rhino on the side of the road. They were sleeping and just hanging out. It was so cool. Safaris are awesome and everyone should go see one at one point in their lives.

After that we headed to the Swazi candle factory in like downtown Swaziland. They made candles in every shape and form. They were the coolest looking candles I have or will ever see in my life. Also there was a little market place right next to it so we did some shopping. Lots of cool goodies for us to purchase.

Tomorrow we head to our church for our last day with them. Since we finished our garden we are planning on going in to the homes of the community and visiting the sick and being able to pray for them. I can’t wait to offer help to these people. We were told that we may be offered a chicken for our work. If we are offered this live chicken we are to take it and thank them for the chicken. What exactly we do with the chicken I don’t know. But we shall see what happens with that.

Also tomorrow we pass out the clothes, toiletries, and toys or whatever to the community. Kyle decided he was going to wash his clothes that he brought tonight minus a few shirts for the last few days and give away everything. So proud of him. He wants to help these kids and is so stoked to do it.

Friday is so close and we are so close to Litsemba (I kept saying it was Listemba but I was wrong). We are on the entrance control team. Meaning that we are going to be helping the 15,000 orphans enter the stadium. It’s going to be so crazy and a very long day. If you want to watch what we are doing you can go to heartforafrica.org and click on the live feed link. We can’t wait to help these children and give them HOPE!!!! They need to hear the gospel of Christ and discover that the Lord loves them and wants to have a relationship with them. Can’t wait to see their faces. Also the King will be joining us for the event. Please pray that everything goes smoothly and the Lord is present. Thank you for all ya’l

7-20-10

7-20-10

Today was our second day of work at our church. We drive 2-hours both ways to get there. We basically drive to LA everyday. When we pulled up the pastor who was very excited to show us her church met us. We went for a 10-minute walk down the street to the church building. When we got there, there was a half built cement block church. We asked her why the church wasn’t finished. She told us that in the night someone had taken the cement blocks needed to finish the church. But they make due with what they got and they fill the building every Sunday wall to wall. I will be posting pictures another time to show you what I’m talking about.

On our way back I got a chance to talk to a 20 year old man (can’t remember his name). He told me how he had failed his goal by not being able to pass his classes and isn’t sure if he can afford to go any longer. He was real bummed out. I got a chance to encourage him and pray for him to ask the Lord for help. He seemed to be encouraged by this. It was a very cool moment for me. The verse that has been stuck in my head for this trip is Romans 15:2-8. Please check it out. It’s about not pleasing ourselves but being there to serve others. That’s what this trip is really about. Encouraging each other on towards Christ.

We had a lot of work to do with our garden. We put up the post yesterday and today we needed to put up the support wire, the fencing, created ditches in the ground for the seedlings, and planting 1000 seedlings. We worked our butts off. We were able to finish the entire garden and only stayed an extra hour than we were supposed to. But that’s what we are there to do. They smiles and gratitude they showed were so rewarding. They will start having food in 6-8 weeks they say. Which is so awesome! We planted onions, cabbage, beetroot, and spinach. So please continue to pray for this garden and that it brings multitudes of food to them.

Such a cool day! God is so good and I am so lucky that He has given me this opportunity. I’m really excited for tomorrow because we get to go on a safari. Can’ wait to see all the wildlife. Also we get to sleep in a whole hour. Instead of 6 AM we get to sleep to 7 AM. Thank you for your support and I’ll let you know how it goes. Talk to ya’ll later!

7-19-10

7-19-10

After a 2-hour bus ride through dirt and road and even getting lost a little bit we finally made it to assigned church. We are the only group that is not putting on VBS because we are not supposed to have any kids coming. We are to build a garden. Well when we got there, there were already 5 kids at the church. Gabi had heard from God that there were going to be a multitude of children there even though we were told no kids. So for the first half of the day we dugs holes, planted poles, and met with the pastor and other women from the church. As the day grew closer to noon more and more kids showed up. Then by 2 o’clock school was out and we had about 20-30 kids! We got to play with them and takes pictures and just show them love and make them laugh. They were so cute! They loved having their picture taken. They even put on a performance for us and sang about 5 or 6 songs for us. So honored and so stoked.

Tomorrow we plan on finishing the fence with chicken wire and planting the seedlings. Tonight when we got back from a long day of work we all took showers and then headed to dinner. After dinner they have a worship band for us led by Seth Condry who is super legit. He leads us into a place of worship. I feel stronger and rested after dwelling in the Lord’s presence. It was really cool because the kitchen staff and cooks came and sang and danced with us while we worshipped God. I Love this Place!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks you to all who have supported me in this trip. Please continue to pray for us as we do the Lord’s work. Thank you all!!
Mike

7-18-10

7-18-10

Today we took a tour through Project Caanan. It was so cool to be a part of this nation changing project. We got to dedicate the chapel and be a part of the very first chapel service on the land. It was very cool and an honor. They had a Swaziland Gospel group come out and sing. They were so awesome. There was also a speaker who has been living with AIDS for 18 years! Which is a huge miracle. He thanks the Lord for his disease because it brought him to closer to God. Such a different way to think about AIDS. We got a chance to see the whole layout of what is to come of this 2500 acres. The funds were donated to buy the land by one person. The cost of the land was 1 million US dollars. One person donated all the money! What a huge blessing. They are building a baby housing development, a long term volunteer house, as well as a new coffee farm. The will be able to house just under 1000 orphan children. This is such a huge project. This can single handedly change the future of Swaziland which is need of this.

We also heard a story of how the Gospel got to Swaziland. One of the early kings of Swaziland had a dream one night. In this dream he was holding his hands in front of him. In one hand was a book (which the King had never seen) and in the other was a shiny object (money). He was told to ignore the shiny thing and pursue this book. The King Somhlolo was told he can get this book from the people with straight hair and long noses. A few months later he heard the people were here in the land. He sent his soldiers to walk 400 miles to meet these people. They brought they book back and that’s how the Gospel reached the Swazi nation. They are considered a Christian nation. Everyone is very welcoming. So stoked to be here and serve God’s people.

Tomorrow we finally get to work at our church. So ready to get dirty and work hard for Him.

We are HERE!!!!!!

Today we begin our 5-6 hour bus ride to Swaziland. Yesterday we landed from our 16-hour flight from New York to JoBurg. That was the most ridiculous flight I have ever taken. I think I watched about 6 movies and a few TV shows during the time. I could barely sleep. I think from Wednesday until Friday night I slept a total of 5 hours. We spent all day yesterday trying not to fall asleep. We watched movies on Kyle’s computer and also went and ate lunch at Wimpy’s. Kyle got some crazy meal it had a steak, a burger, eggs, sausage, and bacon. I had a hash brown burger, which was delicious. We were trying to stay awake until about 530/6. But we got a call from Ian Maxwell who is the president of Heart For Africa asking us to help guide the people who just landed to the hotel. They ordered pizza for our entire group I think they ordered about 30-40 pizzas. We ate our dinner and then watched Joe Dirt then headed to bed around 9ish.
We woke up this morning at 6 for breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast we loaded our baggage onto a truck and loaded everyone into 3 buses headed for Swaziland. I just want to get there already and do work! God has some ridiculous things planned for our trip. I just can’t wait to see what He has in mind. I was told the drive to Swaziland is very scenic and I’m stoked to take tons of pictures. We met a really cool bellhop at the hotel we were staying at for the first night. His name was Bishop. Super nice and friendly. Everyone over here so far has been very friendly and welcoming.
We got to the hotel after about 5-6 hours on the bus. Lots of traveling but so stoked to finally be here in our destination. We got through customs and immigration with lots of ease. God has already done some super cool things. We found out that someone donated 20,000 beanies and blankets as well as 12,000 Bibles for the people here in Swaziland. He has provided for these people and Loves them.
Tomorrow we head to Project Canaan. Which is a 2500-acre lot that was purchased by one generous donor for Heart For Africa. We will be giving the local churches food from the very first crop that they have grown. So stoked to be part of something so new and so revolutionary that can change this whole country. Also a fun fact we discovered that Swaziland is not a country but a Kingdom.
It’s such an honor that God would provide the income for all of us to fund our trip! So thankful.

1 more day!!!

I was listening to this song in the car yesterday and wanted to share it with you. It's called Because of Your Love by Phil Wickham. I'm so stoked to go on this trip and can not wait. We are going to have a blast to the work of The Lord! PLease be praying for us that all of our flight stuff goes well. Also please be praying that we give 110% while we are there. We don't want to leave thinking we could have done more. We want to do His work. Thank you all for your prayers and support.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekrKOYRZC0I&feature=related

Jesus you endured my pain
Savior you bore all my shame
All because of your love
All because of your love

Maker of the universe
Broken for the sins of the earth
All because of your love
All because of your love

Because of your cross my debt is paid
Because of you blood my sins are washed away
Now all of my life, I freely give
Because of your love, Because of your love I live

Innocent and Holy king
You died to set the captive free
All because of your love
Lord you gave your life for me
So I will give my life for you
All because of your love
All because of your love

Because of your cross my debt is paid
Because of your blood my sins are washed away
Now all of my life I freely give
Because of your love, because your love I live

You did it for me, you did it for love
I'ts your victory, Jesus you are enough x3

1 week away!!!!

I can't believe that I am only 1 week away from this trip. We have been fundraising for about 2 months. It's finally here. Thank you so much to everyone that has contributed to our trip financially as well as praying for us. We are very grateful. I'm still not entirely sure what to even expect. I know God has some amazing plans for us. It's going to be so awesome. I just want to be over there so badly right now.

Also another cool fact that we learned at the NCCC meeting was that we considered welcomed guest of the King. That's such an honor. Maybe we will get to meet him. I'm looking forward to Listemba. 15,000 kids praising God. I can not wait to hear them and see them. God has a plan for them as well. He loves them so much.

Please continue to pray for us as we prepare for our journey. We want to be used by God so badly. God is good! Also please pray that we do this trip unselfishly. We don't want the trip to be about us, but about the Glory and Love of the one true King!

Thanks!

So Pumped!!!

I am getting more and more excited everyday for Swaziland. I have been contacted by 3 other people who will be part of our team for the outreaches. I have been appointed the ministry leader of our group. The church Pastor will be in attendance each day you are there, but we also wanted to have an internal support in place within the team that could minister to the people, the children, fellow team mates, and even offer encouragement to the pastor as needed. Your role will be determined daily by the needs of the team and among the people you will be serving. So excited for this opportunity. God has plans for us and for them. I can't wait to just be over there. Please be praying for us as we continue to prepare. God is amazing! Thank you to all the people who have supported and prayed for us.

Our Youth Pastor played a song for us this past Sunday called Hallelujah to our King

Oh how strong the power of Jesus' name!
It is stronger than any other name
How sweet the vict'ry that bore my shame
took the burden of my sin away

Hallelujah! What a savior!
I owe everything to Him
Hallelujah what a savior
Hallelujah to my King

Oh how great the kindness our God has shown
We were strangers, now we're called His own
His grace has welcomed the sinner home
Tender mercies, lead us to The Throne

Hallelujah! Hallelujah to my King! (repeat)

Oh what peace the Spirit of Jesus brings
through the trials He will carry me
One day, in Heaven, our eyes will meet
Filled with wonder, all the saints will sing

If you would like to hear it check out this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq7ln8cmlP4

Update

Sorry it's been so long since I have updated my blog. A lot has happened since the Padres game. Our final payment was due for the trip. I met my goal and I am so thankful for all of my donors. I couldn't have done it alone. So thank you very much for all of your donations and prayers. We had a meeting at NCCC with other people in our area who are going on our trip. It's going to be so cool. We are going to be working on a field/farm known as Project Canaan. This is a huge field that has been bought to teach the people of Swaziland basic farming techniques as well as give them food and children a place to live and grow and be offered hope. I am so excited to see this place and help. If you would like to learn more about it check out http://www.heartforafrica.org/Project%20Canaan.aspx.

I also found out I will not be needing shots which I am so stoked about. We are not going to any yellow fever/malaria hot zones. Also found out that we are an honored guest of the King of Swaziland. I am just so excited to head out over there. It's going to be such a life changing trip and I can't wait to see what God has planned for us out there. Please keep praying for our group as well as all the people of Swaziland. Thank you for everything!

Padres game

The game was a huge success. We ended up having a total of 55 people who bought tickets for the game. Thank you to all who came out and supported us. We raised over $1000. It helped us out so much. We were so blessed by all the support. We are so excited to go to Africa. Heres a link to a video of the game. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUPV1F2jkes

Success!

Thank you to everyone who bought tickets and or donated money to our trip! We are so excited for the Padres game on Saturday. We sold 54 tickets! Which is so awesome. It's more of a turnout than we had expected. We are so thankful to everyone. It'll be a great event not only for our trip but also for our Church.

We are getting really close to our deadline. And I am 100% positive that God will continue to fund our trip. He is faithful and good.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.

~ 1 Timothy 2:1, NLT

Continue to pray not only for us but for the people of Africa. Pray that the people there see that God loves and cares for each and every one of them. Pray hard and often. Thank you for all of the prayers that we have gotten for our trip. We know God is listening and responding. Thank you for everything! God is good!

Fundraising

Our first Sunday of raising money was a huge success. We sold a bunch of tickets as well as got a bunch of donations. This helps a ton. Thank you to all who bought tickets as well as handed us checks. We really appreciate it. It helps us all out a great deal.

We have another opportunity this Sunday at NCPC 1831 S.El Camino Real in Encinitas to buy tickets for the Padres game. We will be selling them right after church (10:45ish). We would love to have you come out. The tickets are $21 and the game is Saturday May 29th at 5:35 PM.

I am so excited about this trip and just how God is brining in the money for us. He is faithful to us. Why can't it be July already? I am so pumped to see what God has planned for the kids in Africa, our group, and our own personal hearts. God is awesome!

But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, "You are my God!"

~ Psalm 31:14, NLT

Walking in Love

I'm working on my message for this Sunday and it's all about being an imitator of Christ. Which is so convicting but soooooo good. God is good. We love because He first loved us. I love that. The fact that the Living God, the creator of everything is madly in Love with us. The more I pray and think about this trip I realize how present He is. God is good and wants to do some awesome stuff. I am so excited to head over to Swaziland and just show these kids love and show them that are worth something. It's hard to imagine living in Encinitas that kids are kicked out of the house and left to fend for themselves when they are 5 years old. I have been very blessed to grow up here. I want these kids to know that God is so madly in Love with them and if nobody wants them that God wants them more than they can even imagine. That blows my mind. As a Christian we need to love everyone and let them know that they are wanted and loved. That is huge deal. We want to be loved and accepted. We already are!!! Praise the Lord! He is soooo good! I love that about my God. He loves! If you are reading this I want you to know that no matter what you are feeling, that God LOVES YOU!!! No matter who you are or what you have done. God is Love and wants you to know that.

Thank you for all of your continued prayers and support. Please don't stop praying for these kids in Swaziland as well as myself and the students going with me on this trip.

God Bless

Check out this song by Kim Walker. I can't listen to it without crying

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoC1ec-lYps

Flight Itinerary

Just got my flight itinerary. It's going to be a lot of flying time. I leave from LAX on July 14th at 10:10 PM. Land in New York at 6:33 AM, then leave at 11:15Am and arrive in Johannesburg on July 16th at 8:40 Am. Lots of traveling. Maybe I'll get to check out New York for an hour or so. Should be fun. But I also may be way too tired. I'm really excited for this trip! Just still praying and preparing. God is good!

Just a friendly reminder about the Padres game. We will be going to the game on May 29th at 5:35 pm. We are selling tickets at NCPC (1831 S.El Camino Real) on May 16th and 23rd. The tickets cost $21. For further question email me at mike.ehl@ncpcfamily.org

Padres game fundraiser

We have decided to move forward with the Padres game fundraiser. We are going to a Padres game on Saturday May 29th at 5:35 PM. We are inviting everyone to come see the game with us. It's also a free Chase Headley bobble head give away that night. We will all be sitting in the same section in the right lower field reserve. We are aiming for 50+ people. If you know anyone who would like to come to the game please contact me at michaelehl@gmail.com. We are announcing it in church on May 9th and taking sign ups. We will be selling the tickets on May 16th and 23rd. The tickets will be 21$. We would love to have you!

Update with video

Sawubona everyone. That means hello in SiSwati the native language of the people of Swaziland. I've been getting more and more excited for the trip. We were supposed to have a meeting on Sunday with at North Coast Calvary Church in Carlsbad but they had to cancel. I was bummed. I wanted to meet other people who were going on this trip. Maybe I know more people than I would have thought. I officially filled out and signed the contract and liability waiver today. That's all taken care of now. All I have left to do is raise the rest of my support money. I'm very close and I want to say "Ngiyabonga" (Knee-ya-bong-a) which means thank you to all my supporters. You have blessed me with the ability to afford this trip.

I just recently came across this video on youtube and thought I would pass it along to ya'll. Check it out. It's about swaziland and Heart for Africa.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=350FyYssyso

Our God the God is amazing! In Him is our "Listemba" (means Hope). He is our Hope and our King. He can do anything! Nothing is impossible!

Well until next time "Sala Kahle" (good bye)

My heart is breaking

I was just reading It's not OK with me by Janine Maxwell. She was telling a story of this girl she helped rescue. Both her parents had died of AIDS and this girl and her sisters were all separated. When they found this girl Lillian she weighed 12 pounds and she was about 10 years old. So crazy that this sort of thing happens. But God is so good. They prayed over this girl that she would have no diseases and would live. Because of God's miraculous healing she is alive and well. To hear stories like this makes me want to go sooner so I can help. There is some scary stuff happening. I just want to help these kids. I want to show them love and the Love of Christ. They are wanted and not just worthless nameless kids. God knows every one of their names and Loves them so much.

This book is blowing my mind. I originally though of this trip as a trip that I used to take down to Mexico. But hearing these stories it separating that thought. It's good. It makes me think and look at this trip in a whole new light. If you get a chance to read this book do it. But be prepared to be fired up and broken. But who knows you may end up in Africa some day helping these kids. I can't wait. God is good!

Video Camera Advice...

So I would love to buy a video camera for this trip. I think it would be a fun way to document this whole trip. Even trying to include some footage of fundraisers and meetings and just random stuff for the trip. If you have any suggestions or personal insight on camcorders please let me know.

Also we received an email from HeartforAfrica.org and found out that there is a meeting on May 2nd with other people from our area that are going. I'm really excited to see who is going on this trip. I'm so excited and can't wait for this life changing journey to Swaziland. All I really have left to say is that GOD IS GOOOOOOOOD! I'm stoked

Fundraising Ideas

Two fundraising opportunities have come my way. In about 3-4 weeks on a Sunday afternoon we are planning on going to Pizza Port in Solana Beach. They will donate 20% of their profits if you give them a flyer. Flyers will be made up and passed out. If you would like to come and support us let me know and I will get you a flyer.

The second opportunity is a Padres game at the end of May. It would be a Saturday afternoon. We will be buying group tickets and selling them to you at face value. More to come on this event a little later on.

We are so excited for Africa! We can not wait to go. Please continue to pray for us. If you have more ideas for fundraisers please let myself know. I would love to hear it.

Just found some more cool info about Litsemba

I'm super excited for this trip. Part of me just wants it to be July already. My fundraising has been going very well. I'm getting closer every week to raising the money I need for the trip. Thanks to all of you who have donated your money and prayers. Please continue to pray for my group about raising money and seeing God move. He is good!! Check out this information about Litsemba and what it is all about.

Swaziland is a country of just under one million people and the highest HIV/AIDS rate in the world at 42.6%. Some estimate that there are as many as 200,000 orphaned and vulnerable children in Swaziland.

But there is hope. There is God. A God that loves the children of Swaziland as much as He loves the children in North America. We believe that hope for the children of Swaziland lies with the Christian church in Swaziland. That is why Heart for Africa is working to engage the North American Christian church with the Swaziland church. We believe that together, Christians from America and Swaziland can join together to provide Litsemba for the children.

This journey of Litsemba begins here in America and it continues on July 23, 2010 at the Somholo National Stadium in Swaziland. On this day, 15,000 orphaned and vulnerable children from Swaziland will join together for a day of praise and worship. A day that will begin a journey of Litsemba as they learn of the love of their Heavenly Father and the love of the Christian community where they live. A love that says "We are going to make sure you are eating. We are going to make sure that you have water to drink. We are going to make sure you have a roof over your head and and clothes to wear. We are going to make sure that we are fulfilling the call of James 1:27 to look after you, our children."

Fundraising Page created

I just discovered the fundraising tool on heartforafrica.org Feel free to check out my page. It gives a little bit of info on how much I've raised and how much more I need. https://www.heartforafrica.org/trips/FundRaising.aspx?Profile=175

Yesterday Forrest spoke in the Dome and talked about the Gospel. How there is nothing I can do to get to Him. It's only through Jesus Christ that we have this communication directly to God. It's so legit. I was stoked about it. He also played Kim Walker's How He Loves Us. It is by far one of the best songs I have ever heard. Feel free to check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoC1ec-lYps I dare you not to cry or even sing at the top of your voice O HOW HE LOVES US!!

Getting Closer

I had dinner with my grandparents tonight. Over dinner we discussed my trip to Africa. They offered to pay a huge portion of my trip. I am so thankful for my grandparents. I still got some ways to go. God is working and moving and showing Himself in this process. I need to continue to pray and seek Him out. I am also super stoked because Kyle the student in question is officially signed up for the trip. There are a total of 4 of us going and I am super pumped. God is amazing and I can't wait to see what He has planned.

Super Pumped!

My mom offered to pay for my first portion of the trip. This is awesome and I want to say thank you mom! This is a great start and I feel as if God really wants me to go on this trip. I know I still have a long way to go but I know God's got it covered. He Rules!

I'm going to Africa!!

I am so excited! I'm going to Africa with a group called A Heart For Africa. I will be going with George, Gabi and hopefully Kyle from our High School group. The trip is from July 15th - July 25th. I head out to Johannesburg on the 15th and stay the night there. From there we take a 5 hour bus ride to Swaziland which is where we will spend the rest of our time. We will be putting on a Vacation Bible School and doing various service projects for the church we will be serving. The crazy part is we get back the same day we leave for Hume Lake. Meaning we land at LAX and then drive straight to Hume. It's going to be a tiring trip but so rewarding. God is going to do some incredible things and I am looking forward to seeing what He's got planned. For more information on the organization visit HeartForAfrica.org