The Walk with the Word

It was the day before the big Litsemba Day event at the Somholo Stadium in Swaziland. So much work had gone into planning the details of the day – with the continual focus remaining --- “how can we bring HOPE to the children of Swaziland?” HOPE is found in one place --- in Jesus --- so every aspect of the day’s events needed to shine the light of truth on the one solid fact – Jesus is our only hope.

July 23 was the big day. Bible Camps held at 30 different churches had lavished the children with these three facts --- “Jesus loves them” – “Jesus chose them” – and “Jesus is their HOPE”. The shear volume of children attending the camps was more than overwhelming. And while our wonderful volunteers were taxed to their limits with trying to manage 200 – 400 children at each church, when 40 – 100 had been expected ----- they were also humbled with the realization that ---- “the fields are ripe unto harvest”. We saw that with our own eyes. The magnitude of the number of children wanting, seeking, hurting, hoping ---- was paralleled with the greatness of our God. I kept feeling Him whisper in my heart – “I know each one of them intimately – and I love them deeply – tell them.”

So on July 22 (the day before the big event), the teams had left for their final day of serving and loving the little ones and the stadium was abuzz with activity and work as preparations were well underway for the day long message of HOPE on July 23rd.

The potential for God felt like a tsunami wave on the horizon ---- and the spiritual opposition felt just as big. So I began the day asking God where I needed to be and what I needed to do – to further HIS plans and battle effectively against the plans of the enemy (for they were thick in the air – the enemy was not pleased).

God opened the door for me to do something I’ve never done before.

I was blessed with a reprieve from all responsibilities --- and instead given the entire day to pray at the stadium. Now – 10 years ago, if someone had told me I needed to pray all day long – I would not have known where to begin and I certainly would not have known what to say beyond the Lord’s Prayer and “God is great…”.
But oh how God has grown and changed this daughter. (Oh how she needed to be grown and changed – still does.) ☺

So I went to the stadium with my backpack equipped with my Bible, my Ipod, a bottle of water, my Swazi cell, and a granola bar ---- ready for the day of walking and talking with God. And I was truly ecstatic. In a whole lifetime – you don’t have many days like this one was sure to be.
I’ve endured enough spiritual warfare and made enough bad choices in my life --- that I truly, truly, truly LOVE sitting, walking, talking with God – and most of all listening for HIM. I also felt the electrical currents of spiritual opposition in the air – and knew we had to enter into battle and we had to have MORE OF GOD’S PRESENCE or disaster was looming.
So as I arrived at the stadium while the dew was still thick on the ground – I could literally feel the struggle taking place in the unseen realm --- and I felt humbled and awed to imagine the powerful angels encircling me. I went to the center of the field and watched as the stage was being assembled, the equipment was being bolted and secured, the lighting and sound affixed into place and the cables, chains, cords, and ropes fastened and tightened. There were problems – but God had people in place that day who would not back away from the problems. I saw God in their tenacity and skill.
As I sat in the middle of the field and observed – I asked God what I could possibly do to enter into the arena and make a difference for the children. And He was very clear in His response to me. In Ephesians 6 we read about putting on the full armor of God --- and one of the pieces of equipment we need is the “sword of the Spirit, which is God’s Word”. There had never been a Christian event of this magnitude at this stadium – and oddly enough – children had NEVER been welcome to events held at the stadium. The stadium is positioned geographically between two landmarks – on one side of the stadium is a beautiful but dark mountain range where the bodies of past kings have been entombed after their death. The mountains are guarded as the dead bodies are protected. (Note – the kings who died were entombed with their bodyguards – who were alive when entombed with the dead king. A gruesome way to continue “protecting” the king.) Much witchcraft takes place in the mountains as witchdoctors illegally seek to sneak past the guards and use body parts from the decayed kings in making the “mutu” for concoctions and potions – it’s all truly evil.
Then on the other side of the stadium is a high mountain with one steep cliff side --- which up until about 100 years ago was used as “execution rock”. This was the place where criminals would be sentenced to death by the king. They would be required to hike up the side of the mountain and jump to their death off the cliff side.
And our day of HOPE for the children was to be held in between these two ominously evil places.
So God said --- “Donna – pull our your sword – MY WORD – and speak MY WORDS all over this stadium.” I was to go on the offensive – not using the sword to protect – but using the sword to push back the evil that had become so comfortable in this place. So I prayed long and hard – and leaned into the prayers I knew were being said for me here at home (everyone should be allowed to feel the deep comfort of prayer warriors likes my husband, sister, close friends, and family). I knew my complete inability to step onto this field ---- but I praised God because I KNOW HIM TO BE THE VICTOR --- and I wanted to see His victory in this place. I prayed and stood up – opened my Bible and asked God what words He wanted the blade’s edge laced with. He guided me to the Psalms – King David was a warrior with a heart for God --- His words would be used in this battle. So I began reading Psalm 1 and walked in a tight spiral slowly making my way outwards from the center of the stadium. At the end of each chapter I would pray words from the chapter that seemed as if they had been written for this place, this time, these moments. It was amazing, humbling, powerful, and serious.
People were all around me – working diligently to do their part – and yet it felt as if I was completely alone with God between the mountain range and execution rock. And it was the best place to be on earth – no fear – yet intense evil pushing back against the Words being spoken out loud. I could almost see the pressing in of the enemy – but I could also feel the pressing back of God --- and I was honored to see GOD’S great strength --- He is so much more powerful than the enemy. There is power in the Blood of Christ. May we as His children not waste one drop of His powerful Blood. As a little girl, I remember singing the song in our little Baptist Church “There is power, power, wonderworking power – in the blood – of the Lamb”. And I remember at a very young age wondering where the power was – I couldn’t see it or feel it. But as I have walked with God – I have come to know it. And on July 22 wedged between two mountains used for evil – God showed Himself powerful and claimed the ground as holy ground to be used for HIS great purposes. I was in awe ---- as I kept walking, reading, and praying.
7 hours later the stadium had been covered with a blanket of God’s Word and over 70 Psalms had been read to securely tuck in the covers over this now claimed Holy Ground.
Never have I ever been so honored to spend an entire day reading (out loud) God’s Word, praying with purpose given by our Father, and feeling the victory from God in the marrow of my bones. I walked and prayed over the very ground where for years and years young maidens who were deemed pure and beautiful would dance bare breasted before the king to vie for the “opportunity” to become his next wife. I felt God’s grief over the lust and perversion and then felt His joy at claiming the ground as His own. And all along – I continually remembered that this was just me – little me – nothing special or different or powerful about me --- but that God was allowing me to simply be present as HE did what only HE could do. He won.
Throughout the day – God kept bringing the picture image to my mind of Elijah the prophet in 1 Kings 18 --- as he battled with the prophets of Baal. I felt God showing me the picture of the altar prepared and the water being poured over it --- knowing even the dousing of the altar would not prevent God’s fire from consuming the offering. I wondered why this kept coming to mind as I read in the Psalms --- but could not deny that this story of God’s faithfulness and power was being constantly whispered to my heart.

Exhausted and drained, I left the stadium to return to the hotel and work with the tired and exhausted teams coming in from serving the thousands of children they had loved on and cared for during the day.

Next morning – July 23rd, up early to leave at 5:00AM with prayer warriors - we drove to the stadium to once again pray over the grounds. It is a beautiful thing to stand in a circle with those who trust, love, and praise God – no matter how things may appear.
As we began praying a loud as God guided, the event coordinator, Masi Willis, quietly came and whispered in my ear – “please have the group pray over the sound system – the dew has seeped through the covering over the sound board – and the equipment got soaked – nothing with work – we need prayer”. And so I shared with the group and we prayed to the ONE who could fix it. As we then broke off to walk individually and pray --- I stopped in my tracks and was overcome with emotion --- as I realized ---- just as in Elijah’s day --- God had allowed the sound system to be doused with water --- and HE would NOT allow the water to hinder His consuming fire to receive the offering. I knew HE WAS SHOWING HIMSELF to us. And so I praised Him for what I KNEW he was about to do. Two hours later the sound system came to life ---- and worked beautifully for the entire day. God’s message was heard loud and clear --- and His praises were lifted loudly over the mountains surrounding the stadium.

How is it that a God of such great power and authority would be willing to pause in His perfect holiness and allow us to experience and see Him? What makes Him care for us so deeply? Why does He even notice our tiny world or give ear to our situation?
He is a good, good God. He is the only safe, right, pure, secure place to rest our head. In our weakness HE IS STRONG.
Makes me welcome my weak knees…

God's presence in a young man named Peter - vivid and beautiful...

Peter is a young man of 25 who has lived in the rural areas of Swaziland all his life. Orphaned at the age of 5 when his mother died and never really knowing who his father was, Peter knew despair at a tender, early age.
Taken in by a kind lady who use to employ his mother, Peter was saved from a life of living under the bushes and begging for food. For this he is most grateful and speaks with much love and kindness towards the dear lady who raised him. But she was very poor herself, and so while he was kept safe, there were many needs left unmet.

When I met Peter for the first time in March of this year, he graciously agreed to hop in our car and help us find the many rural churches we were visiting to assess whether they were a “fit” for our upcoming Bible Camps. Peter had lived in this remote area all his life and everyone knew him well – so he was the perfect guide sent by God (we had not chosen him – God had sent him to us). Just love seeing God like that. ☺
During our day of riding and meeting church pastors, I had repeatedly offered Peter bits of food as I nibbled here and there on banana, granola bars, etc. He would politely decline unless it was a soft fruit. At the end of the day I knew he had not eaten nearly enough – and I did not want to leave him hungry so I pressed to leave him food as we were dropping him near where he lived. When he looked at the food and declined, I pressed. He finally explained that he had a very painful jaw tooth that would only allow him to each ripe bananas and very soft foods. I asked if he would allow me to see the tooth – he agreed – I could see the black center and grey fingers spreading from the black center of his back left jaw tooth. I asked him if he had ever seen a dentist and he shyly shook his head “no”. I asked if he would be willing to go to the dentist so his tooth could be cared for and with a spark of fear in his eye he said he would be willing.

Just weeks before I had traveled to Swaziland, a dear lady from a ladies group at a church near our home had slipped $40 in my hand and said, please use this when you have a need in Africa. She had graciously meant that I should use the money for myself when I had a need. But as I stood there with Peter, in a matter of moments, I praised God that He had met every one of my needs and that He had even provided money in my pocket to hopefully meet this young man’s need. The money was literally in my skirt pocket as I had prayed over it and carried it with me throughout the trip eager to see where it was suppose to go. I quickly asked the kind man driving me (a gentleman from New York who has sold all he owns and moved to Swaziland to serve) if he would be willing to arrange a dentist appointment, drive the 2 hours to collect Peter and be his “dad” for the whole affair of caring for the tooth. Mark Hackett is a wonderful many who loves God and looks for opportunities to serve Him . He was already saying “yes” before I could finish my request.

I left Peter that day with a plan and a prayer ---- and we were all blessed to have been able to see God’s love flow to Peter.

Two weeks later, after I was back home in Georgia, I received an email from Mark that Peter’s visit to the dentist was done. The jaw tooth was indeed infected and the wisdom tooth underneath it was infected as well. More extensive work would need to be done. This was much more serious than we had realized. Appointments were made to visit an oral surgeon. I prayed and asked God for provision. Days later the surgery was complete and all was well for Peter. This infected jaw could have easily developed into a fatal situation--- God chose that Peter would be saved --- we could see this clearly through His detailed choreography of events. Praise God!

So when Mark shared with me the remaining funds needed to pay for the oral surgery, I prayed and committed to finding a way to pay for them. Peter felt loved and cared for --- and I knew God had already laid out His plans.

The WMU at Coal Mountain Baptist Church, where the dear lady who had given me the initial $40 attends as well, had invited me to share with their group about the work in Africa I had seen God doing. After our evening together, they lovingly placed a very generous donation in my hands and asked that I use it to further God’s work. I was blessed beyond words.
I had been diligent and prayerful to allot the funds as God would have them to be used. And get this --- I had just enough funds remaining to fully cover Peter’s oral surgery bill. So I prayed to confirm this was God’s plan --- and felt that good peace wash over me. So the funds were sent. Peter felt the goodness of the Lord through these ladies hands.
And I saw His goodness as well.

The brief time I spent with Peter also touched another Swazi lady who was in the car with us the day he assisted us in finding the rural churches. Paula was touched by his meek demeanor and by God’s very clear desire to meet Peter’s needs through the gift I carried in my skirt pocket. His story was/is very touching.

So during the days between then and now, Paula has been at work in her church in in Mbabane. She has completed all the needed paperwork and contacted Peter to see if he would like to join YWAM and serve God in other countries!!!!! YWAM – Youth With A Mission – is a solid, Godly organization that equips young people with a heart for God to serve others and evangelize the gospel of Christ.
Peter, a young man orphaned at an early age, who has lived in rural Swaziland all his life ---- and who has loved God deeply and openly calling God his one and only Father --- now has an amazing opportunity and future ahead of him ----- all because he was willing to guide us to churches and he caught our focused attention because of a terrible tooth ache that needed attention. Isn’t GOD BEAUTIFUL! YES!!!!!

So as I have been here this trip – the plans have been put in order by Paula for Peter’s application into YWAM and he has been accepted. He will move to their training center here in central Swaziland and live here for several months ---- and is then scheduled to live and serve in Egypt. EGYPT! The place he has read about in his Bible, the place that is in great need of GOD, and a place far, far away from the rural hills of Swaziland. Peter had shared with me on the first day we met, that he longed to become more educated, he wanted to share the gospel with others, and he wanted to become a writer someday.
Are you praising God with me??!!!

Paula had arranged for Peter to receive a scholarship of about $900 USD --- and she has committed to trying to raise some of the still needed $900. I told her I would love to share this beautiful story and see if God also touched any of you to contribute to Peter’s YWAM costs. I’ll need to ask her how we can get the funds to YWAM for Peter ---- so there are a few details to iron out still in that regard.
But ----- I am so thrilled to see God’s goodness to Peter.
Just as my trip to rural Swaziland led me to meet a young man named Peter who was in need ---- and God provided for his needs; I am completely certain Peter’s trip to Egypt (and all the other places God will take him in the future) will bring him before people in need, and God will provide for those situations as well.

God is sovereign, omnipresent, and omniscient. He is the holder of the plans. He is most worthy of all our praise. We stand in awe of HIM.

Surrounded by children...

First – so sorry I have not been able to post (or even write) over the past few days. Usually I’m able to write a bit – to help process the day – even if I’m not able to post it. But this past week has been a whirlwind of activity and prayer. Every moment I’ve had a part from the group has been so focused on prayer and listening for God’s whispers to my heart --- that I have not set aside time to write about it.

Mornings have begun at 5:15AM with group prayer and devotion at 5:45. It’s been so sweet to sit in the early morning dark with others seeking God. Devotions spoken, scripture read, songs of worship lifted up, and prayers uttered ---- all combined to begin our day in a powerful way. Out of the group of 340 --- about 30 of us would meet each morning. It’s hard to describe the feeling of being in a place, a situation, where you know God has called you to be – and yet you KNOW you have no control or power over the outcome of the day’s events. But you can feel the words “in my weakness, He is strong” pulsing through your veins. God’s Word is life and light to me.

The work has been non-stop through out the day, with sleep coming after midnight every night. (And for those who know me well – you know I’m diligent with my 8-9 hours of sleep each night. But that is not the case here.)

We have seen miracles – truly, not exaggerated occurances, but real miracles happen. God has heard our prayers and yours --- and has responded with a mighty YES. ☺
At the 30 churches where we have worked – we had expected (according to Pastors estimates) anywhere from 15 – 100 children. Everyday there were 50 – 400 children at the churches. Our teams were blessed and overwhelmed with the numbers. We were able to see the “fields are ripe unto harvest” – saw it with our eyes. We had to pray and cry and release our plans to God --- since we didn’t have enough food, we didn’t have enough Bible school supplies, we didn’t have enough team members, ---- but ----- we DID HAVE GOD. He called them there, He had a plan, we just needed to readjust our minds. So the lead teachers and I prayed constantly for God’s enabling of them to shift and adjust the beautiful curriculum they were using to accommodate hundreds of children. And He did. The outcome looked much different than what they had planned ---- but we pray it looked exactly as God had planned. (Thank you Kristi and Jodi for writing the curriculum – I could feel you here with us --- and your stories and activities are now in the hearts, minds, and souls of these beautiful children.) As vans of volunteers left the churches on the final day – they could hear the children singing “Jesus loves me, Jesus chose me, Jesus is my hope”. Many tears…
We did not have the budget nor the ability to bring food to this great number of children each day – it was overwhelming. There are SO many hurting children and people here. So we all prayed – longing for a “loaves and fishes” story. The WMU at a sweet church near my home and where my parents are members, Coal Mountain Baptist Church, had blessed me with funds to be used as God guided. I had used a portion of their gift to purchase Bible School supplies for the children and churches, another portion to purchase supplies to be used in Kenya, and another portion to pay for additional oral surgery for a young man named Peter here in Swaziland --- that’s another blog post soon to come (a sweet story that must be told). But I was prayerfully holding on to the last $200, waiting for that “nudge” from God. And the nudge came on Wednesday. We used the last $200 to purchase 100 big bags of oranges to take out to each church to give the children. The van pulled out Thursday morning bulging with eager, tired volunteers, loads of warm clothes they had brought with them to give to the children, and a gazillion oranges to share. ☺
The children could feel “the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” as they received new clothes, food in their stomachs, and a feast in their heart with the final day of curriculum shared in adapted ways that would accommodate the magnitude of numbers the team served.

And so God provided --- according to HIS PLANS. We surrendered our plans and embraced His ---- as we realized we could not – but He could. We were unprepared for the numbers – He was fully prepared. We were ill equipped for their needs – He was what they needed. May they remember Jesus loves them, Jesus chose them, and Jesus is their hope ---- long after we are gone – for the rest of their days.
Many, many, many accepted Christ as their Savior. The numbers were too large to count --- truly. But God has their names written down. Praise God!

Seeing God with my eyes

It’s 3:10AM, Sunday morning, and sleep is playing games with me. Ha!

So I’m doing what most of us Christians do when we are awake in the wee hours – I’m praying. It’s not an all together bad thing to be awake in the middle of the night – and pray – because there are VERY few distractions from focusing fully on God. Our mind tries to tell us “this is wrong, I need to be sleeping, I’ll be too tired to meet the demands of tomorrow if I do not sleep”. But my soul whispers to my mind, God knows exactly what will be required of me tomorrow and He will give me the rest that is needed to meet the demands of the day. So I take my peace.

It’s a beautiful thing to spend time with God while everything around you is quiet and still. Sort of goes along with “Be still and know that I am God”. (Isn’t God beautiful.) And so I thank God for the unexpected, unplanned, quiet nighttime minutes with Him.

I’m thinking of the scripture I love so very much “I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living”. It’s a verse I often pray and He always delivers. Do you have a deep, gut level desire to “see God”? I do. Perhaps it’s because God chooses to allow me to see pain and suffering in this world, perhaps it’s because I allow God to open my eyes and my heart to that suffering, perhaps it’s because I “see” these painful realities and will not shut my eyes to them ---- that I have a desire in the marrow of my bones to SEE GOD. If I could not see God – then I think I would curl up in the fetal position and hide quietly in the corner of life. It’s the life giving response in my soul to a dying world --- I must see God in order to function at all. Perhaps it is true for you too.

Seeing God gives life to me and pours energy into me – which leads me to press forward – toward the goal that has been set before me. And I know – it’s not a goal I have set – it’s a calling from God. He knows for me to move forward He must allow me to see HIM – or I will become weak and useless. And so God graciously allows me to see Him – as I live life playing Hide and Go Seek with God. I must clarify here – I do not believe God “hides” --- but I know the plan of the enemy is to distract us, deter us, or overwhelm us with anything and everything possible, so that we are not able to “see God in the land of the living”. On the contrary, I believe God places Himself before our eyes constantly – and we just sometimes miss seeing Him. He is with us, He is showing Himself to us, He is watching to see if we are looking for Him. Oh what blessed children we are --- that the GOD OF THE UNIVERSE will show Himself to us and make Himself known to us.

How sad that we too often are so consumed with our problems, our situations, our needs, our desires, ourselves ---- that we miss seeing the fullness of God surrounding us.

And so --- I purpose in my heart to be watchful, to seek Him, and to store in my heart the abundant way He allows this tiny daughter to see her amazing Father.

Today I saw my Father …

- When countless people who do not know me from Adam returned my smile in an airport on the opposite side of the world from the place I call home.

- When I was not able to log onto my computer and produce a much needed document for a dear lady from Taiwan who had forgotten to bring the required paperwork with her – and her family was being held in Customs. In our frustration, we received a phone call 1 hour into our struggle with technology --- that the Customs agent had decided to extend grace and release them, along with the 10 boxes of blankets they were bringing with them. I was doing all the “right” things to retrieve her needed paperwork – the enemy was blocking my every move (it seemed at the moment) – very frustrating indeed. When I got the phone call that all was well ---- I saw God. He showed anyone who was watching for Him, that HE would not be hindered --- He would rescue them from their dire situation --- and He would allow me to see Him – in the moment of my inability. Isn’t that beautiful? It didn’t matter then that I was unable --- because I got to clearly see (and so did they I will add) – that HE IS ABLE.

- When another young man was held in Customs – a 23 year old college student with such a heart for serving God. As I got word he was “stuck in Customs”, I prayed and followed two dear friends who live here in South Africa as we went to the information desk to see if they would allow me access to go to the Customs department and help him in his situation (not that tiny me could do anything – but my Father could and as we waited for His plan to unfold, I might be of some comfort). It’s very uncommon to receive what I was requesting – access to an inaccessible area of the airport. As I stood at the counter patiently waiting for the important looking fellow with the badge to hear my request, a tiny, soft-spoken woman who would not weigh 80 lbs. soaking wet, tapped me on my elbow. She softly said, if you want help, come with me. I looked at my South African companion and inquired with my eyes what I should do. She motioned for me to stay put and she went with the tiny messenger. Moments later – the tap come again on my elbow and the same words, “if you want help, come with me”. She was wearing a tiny badge (proportionate to her size) I asked her gently where my friend was. She explained she is waiting for you and gave me quick, almost secretive directions where to go and find my friend and receive the help I needed. It was like a scene in a movie. I whispered a prayer asking God to lead me and carry me. He did. I found myself walking down a back corridor that led to the inner security check for officers at the airport. My friend was there with a guard of some sort who said he would escort me. I followed Him as my friend stayed behind, only I would be allowed through security. I was escorted by this young guard to the inner catacombs of the airport. Immigrations, Customs, --- scary and sketch yes – but was I at complete peace – yes. I was told numerous times, “we are shocked to see you here – no one is allowed in this area unless they are in trouble”. I smiled and felt God with me. The young man was released to spend the night in the airport and catch a flight to Swaziland in the morning – and I was escorted by my this guard out of the airport catacombs. As we walked the long distance back to my companions (and back into the world – for it felt as if we had visited a movie set from Bourne Identity), the young guard turned to me and said, “Are you a Christian?” I gently replied, “Oh yes, I love God very much, and that is why I am here in your country so far from my home.” He turned and looked at me ---- and I saw God. He slowly smiled. I then asked, “Do you know God?” His reply, “Yes I do, and I thought I could see him in you as well.” God carried me to places I had not planned to go – to places others did not visit today (unless they were in trouble) – so that I could see Him even there.

- When I was finally able to log onto my computer and get on the internet (just minutes after the hour long struggle with my Taiwanese friend – interesting yes), and glanced at my emails quickly to see if anything pertinent to the morning had been sent that needed my immediate attention. My eyes found an email from a dear couple from South Carolina, who had sent me word the day before I left that they were praying for me. Her loving message this morning was to ask me how much Pete needed to fully fund his trip to Kenya to serve with Steve, Maggie, and me. And then she typed, “whatever is needed – tell me – and a check will be in the mail by evening”. I burst into tears- standing in the hotel lobby – for this was a large amount of money. It was/is a deep desire of my heart --- to have Pete with us in Kenya this year. And in that moment, God said yes, I will provide, I will meet your needs (this was a “want” that was also a “need” of my heart). I saw God in her generosity and I wept. Oh how I saw God.

- When we got word early this morning that Litsemba Day would happen. I’ll clarify. For over 9 months now we at Heart for Africa have been planning for the trip that is taking place now. With over 300 volunteers (who I am greeting in Joburg), shipping containers packed full of Bibles, blankets, beanies, flip flops, clothes, etc. --- to give to the children of Swaziland during 3 day Bible Camps (like Vacation Bible School) in rural churches throughout the entire country as well as the Litsemba Day Event on July 23. Litsemba means hope in Siswati, and the entire trip will focus on every aspect, every activity, every gift, every detail --- bringing HOPE to the hurting children of this country. It has been a huge undertaking, one that is much more proportionate to God than to us. And the potential “good fruit that will last” is certainly God sized as well. In a country with the highest HIV rate in the world, where children are orphaned everyday and left scared, alone, and hungry, the right response must be more of GOD. His love, His way, His truth, His light, His life giving bread, His Word, He is surely the only right response to such overwhelming pain and suffering. And so we have worked to bring God’s Hope to a country that is literally dying. But we have dared to step onto a battlefield that had been claimed long ago by the enemy. And he has not been happy that we would dare to enter into what he considered his territory. God, however, has been VERY clear – He would win the battle – but we were to be a part of the scrimmage. Perhaps Janine will write another book giving account to all the strategies and battle plans that have surely been laid out against this work of God, for it could fill a book (it’s too much to try and chronicle on a blog). But, I’ll share some of the lies --- that Heart for Africa has been accused of being sex trafficking agents, child abusers, dangerous people who could not be trusted, and money hungry westerners trying to make money off the plight of the children of Swaziland. All such accusations have infuriated us, brought us to tears, and eventually made us laugh – because of their absolute absurdity. The enemy is a master deceiver and he has worked overtime to try and deceive the people of this dying country --- so they would not trust our help – and therefore not be able to receive the help GOD was sending to them. Less than a week ago, we were told the Litsemba Day event, planned for over 9 months, to be held at the national stadium with 15,000 planning to attend, with an entire team already in place here making the final arrangements (one of which being Maggie), would be cancelled and not allowed to take place due to accusations of sex trafficking plans against the children. And so we prayed. We knew over 300 people had plane tickets in hand and were coming to bring HOPE to the children and people of Swaziland ----- and we had just been told, it would not be allowed to take place. We prayed --- and God gave peace. We did not change our plans, because God had not changed His plans. Then early this morning – we received word that God had opened the flood gates of His powerful goodness and made a way. He has parted the Red Sea again and defeated the schemes of the enemy. God is worthy of ALL our praise. It was announced by the king and the government officials --- the Litsemba Day WILL take place --- and not only that --- but the King has now declared the day of July 23 a NATIONAL HOLIDAY – in honor of HOPE being brought to the nation. God has won – the enemy has been defeated – and the children and people of Swaziland will receive what God has been planning for them. The King of Swaziland will most likely attend ---- oh but much more importantly --- the KING OF KINGS will most certainly be there. I am in awe of His power.

And so I could continue writing until the sun wakes up --- but will stop here.

“I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living”…

I thank God that He chooses to allow us to see HIM.

May others see God in our lives --- for the holy, powerful, patient, sovereign, almighty, omniscient, gracious, loving God that He is.

Everything else pales in comparison ---- when we have become spoiled to seeing God.

Is there anything else worth looking for or watching to see?

Thank you God for letting me see you today. I’m overwhelmed at your loving kindness.

Headed Home... Aug. 7, 2009

So I sit in the Nairobi airport waiting to board the flight to Johannesburg and then on to Atlanta --- HOME.
One month has passed since I arrived; it feels like at least 3 months to my heart. I’ve felt God in every day and in all the steps of this journey --- so thankful for that. No words can convey the peace that I’ve felt with Him each day. And I know this has been a walk of obedience – not understanding the true purposes or even the value attached to the many events that have transpired; but fully aware that I’ve been exactly where my Father sat me.
Why is it that such growth comes when we are most uncomfortable and unsure of the moments ahead of us. Surely it is because we have no options but to focus on Him, look to Him, seek Him, and follow Him. Lord I want to come to the place (and I’m much nearer now), where I do not need to be in a place of insecurity in order to passionately watch for you and hear your voice. Looking to you for my ultimate comfort --- and safe place.

A quick 4 hour flight to Johannesburg –
And now I continue typing this entry sitting in the Joburg airport. Only five more hours of waiting to board the 15+ hour flight home. Such peace --- so thankful I have a home to return to and people there who love me. So thankful for God’s protection over us as we have certainly been in the territory of the enemy.

I had quite an odd experience two different nights while staying in Navaisha. Both nights, we had finished our nightly “wrap up” talks with the team of volunteers and I was walking back to my room to go to bed. Maggie would usually stay up with all the young folks traveling with us --- and I would go on to our room --- to “wind down”. The walk to our room was along a paved pathway created by uneven pavers. It was a long walk – and could be a bit intimidating with the African sounds of birds and even wild animals mixed with the sounds of the barking guard dogs that roamed the property all night long. The sky overhead was intense every night with a bright moon and a steady, strong breeze that moved the clouds quickly across the night sky. More than once I had walked the pathway and quoted Psalm 91 – to keep myself from being afraid. Not that it was a scary place --- it was just so far from home, dark, and filled with strange sounds.
So anyway ---- on two different nights --- while walking down this pathway – I fell. Now I can not remember the last time I have fallen. I’m normally very coordinated. The odd thing is --- that I fell with such force. I mean – I literally fell and rolled finally stopping several feet from where the tumble began. It was not normal --- and so intense that both times --- I prayed as I lay on the grass. The first fall brought me down with such force – I was concerned I might have broken my arm. But as I lay on the ground and prayed – I thanked God for his protection over me --- I knew He has kept me from intended harm.
The second time I fell --- Maggie was walking with me and she was shocked at how quickly and forcefully I fell. It was really abnormal in every way. And on the second fall --- I was certain something had pushed me. I was not walking quickly enough to have caused such a hard fall. Oddly enough --- while I knew evil was present – I was not scared at all --- because I could so clearly feel my Father’s protection over me. I skinned my knee and arm, and scraped the hide off my hand and little toe --- but there was not even need for a band-aid.
As I lay on the grass, with Maggie looking over me, I prayed thanking God for protecting me from being hurt seriously (I hit hard enough to break something for sure), and I spoke out loud to any evil presence with an assignment to harm me or frighten me. I LOVE the fact that when you speak “in the Name of Jesus” --- evil is completely drained of its power and MUST retreat. Thank you Christ for the power that is found only in your blood. Thank you for giving us healing through the stripes you received.
As I lay there in the grass --- in the middle of Kenya --- with a bright moon shining down on me --- I felt God as intensely as I will feel Him when I’m looking at Him in Heaven someday.
Just because I fell --- did not mean He was absent. Not at all. By enduring the fall and feeling His protection along with the knowing that He was not the only unseen presence in my midst ---- I was able to feel Him so intensely and rest peacefully in the knowing that He was holding me, watching me, walking with me, caring for me, and protecting His daughter. And all this happened in front of my daughter --- she could see God in all of it – and she too knew He was not going to allow the enemy to harm me. Let me feel the need for God’s protection – yes. Cause me to remember my reliance on prayer cover and see God’s faithfulness – yes. But be harmed and brought down by the enemy – NO.
Thank you GOD!!!!

I sit here now in the airport with two fine young men (playing games on their I-Phone) while the four girls (Maggie included) walk and shop. It’s so sweet. God has allowed me to be surrounded by amazing young people who are so much farther along the path in their walk with God than I was at their age.
Thank you God!!!

I’m waiting for the appointed time to board the plane and fly home --- to a husband and two sons who love us and will be waiting at the airport for us. Home – to a safe place to lay down each night (where there are no bed bugs). Home – to our pets and our flowers and our sweet front porch. Home – to family and friends. Home – the place God chose for us to raise our children and share His love.
Thank you GOD!!!

I look forward to seeing my family – my sister – my prayer warrior buddies, and my Bible study friends – and continuing on with the journey. Just because my feet are about to be lifted off this continent – does not mean the journey will end. The journey will end – when I’m no longer breathing the air of this earth. Until that time comes ---- the path will continue to unfold in front of me – and by God’s grace, love, strength, and blessing --- I plan to keep putting one foot in front of the other. No time for sitting – the journey continues – and it will lead us to a place of no suffering, no abuse, no pain, no disease, no hunger, no wonderings, and we won’t be homesick anymore.
Thank you GOD!!!

Healing ... (written July 26)

Healing is happening in so many different places and appearing in so many different ways it is hard to get my head around it all. Healing of hearts, healing of relationships, healing of bodies, and healing of souls. Only God…

Today we visited Merciful Redeemer Children’s Home with the team. We did “church” together. The children led us in amazing worship and Brandon Way preached. After Brandon preached, the children sang one more soulful worship songs and then Mama John (the lady who founded and directs the Home) stood and asked her “intercessory prayers” to come forward. They timidly rose from their seats in the crowd and walked to the front. She explained that these 4 girls (ranging in ages from perhaps 8 – 12 years) were prayer warriors. As the children grow in their walk with God, Mama John and the other leaders of the home work to identify their spiritual gifts and then they purpose in their hearts to enable each child pursuing their “gift” from God. These 4 girls wake each morning at 3:15 AM to join Mama John and her sister Leah in intercessory prayer lasting until 4:45 AM. Oh dear Lord – these 4 tiny warriors stand shoulder to shoulder with their adult leaders for 1 and ½ hours every morning to petition You on behalf of others --- while the rest of the home sleeps on. There is much to learn here…
Mama John explained to the group that this team of prayers prayed specifically for many things, some of which are Heart for Africa and every single individual who had a part in lifting them out of the slum (referred to as “hell”) and moved them to the “paradise” where they now live. Some of you reading this blog --- are on the list of names they lift up to our Father each and every morning. I was moved to tears. They do not forget who gave the money to purchase the land they now grow vegetables on and the buildings that hold the clean, orderly beds they sleep in each night. And they pray for blessings in your life --- every night --- in the wee- hours of morning – before their world wakes up – they carry your name to God. Oh dear Lord.
Mama John then told the group that if any of them ever had a prayer request to please send an email – and her team of tiny prayer warriors would commit to carrying it to the Lord.
David Kariuki (Heart for Africa’s Kenyan staff member who lives at Tumaini and coordinates our work at the 3 homes we serve in Kenya) stood and tearfully asked for the tiny warriors to please pray for healing of his friend Jake Robinson --- who had been paralyzed in a car accident last year.
Jake sat there with us all – as he in on this trip. What a courageous young man he is. From the night of the wreck in September 2008, Jake’s heart has longed to come back to Kenya to see “his” kids at Tumaini. And so as he has endured bad news from the doctors, multiple surgeries, and ongoing physical therapy --- he has had many goals in mind --- and one was to endure and work hard so that he could return to see the children here. He is a very humble young man who does not like to bring attention to himself. But being the muzungu in a wheelchair does not allow him to remain hidden in the background. So he is being stretched to endure the constant stares both hear in Kenya as well as in America. God please keep your mighty hands on this precious son of yours.
David’s tearful prayer request was embraced immediately by Mama John and her tiny army who asked Jake to come forward --- and they along with about 20 other children from the home and a few fellow team members, those who could find space in the wall of love formed by tiny black hands, laid their hands on Jake and went to work. They began by praising God – so fervently – I’m certain the roof must work to remain in place. Oh God – how you must weep for joy over these little warriors. They praise you in KiSwahili, in Kikuyu, in English, in Masaii, in Mero, in Turkana, and more. They lift up so many languages to you in their pursuit of praising you --- it is beyond beautiful. Then they went to work --- a work that many on our American team had never seen --- but work these children are well acquainted with. One voice would raise up above the many others as they prayed for healing. Mama John then began praying powerfully pouring the blood of Christ over any and every specific curse that she sensed had brought this dear young man to this place. She spoke to Jehovah Ropha (Hebrew for the God who HEALS) and in the Name of Jesus she broke the power of any generational curses. She took authority over any words of death and injury that had ever been spoken over Jake. And she spoke to many other minions of the enemy that were unseen to our human eyes, but most certainly at work against the healing of this young man. It was POWERFUL! ---- not scary or weird --- instead it felt like a place of home in another realm. I could feel angel wings as they battled victoriously against the evil – they had power poured into them because of the words of rightful authority being spoken into the air around us. At the name of Jesus Christ --- the gates of hell are shaken ---- for “by His wounds we are healed”…
Jake sat quietly and humbly --- and allowed himself to be wrapped in the love being lavished on him. Oh if I could have taken a picture for him --- but the moment was just too beautiful to try and capture. After many minutes of intense prayer --- under the direction of Mama John several men helped Jake to stand and Mama John continued her ministering work of laying on hands and calling on her Father. Then her prayers shifted. She began praising God for the healing! I opened my eyes to see if Jake was standing there alone. He was not. But she continued thanking God for the healing. I confess it was hard to continue watching – for I love this young man so very much – with a motherly love that is not of this world. I wanted to see him walk across the room – as I heard the prayers of thanksgiving. But he did not. And after some time – he was assisted back to his seat – but Mama John continued in her thanksgiving for the healing.
Oh God --- your ways are so, so much greater than our ways.
I felt such power and beauty in the room --- bathed in love and surrender. Oh if I could only hear from you – if you would only type onto this page --- what your heart was feeling as you saw your tiny warriors lavish your precious Jake with words that spoke of you, to you, and for you. You bring beauty from ashes – it’s in your Word and in your hands.
Then Mama John invited everyone to join she and the children for lunch --- a meal that had been provided by Jake’s church. The children quietly left the room and slowly our team members composed themselves and followed the children. Jake and a small intimate circle remained in the room.
He did not walk ----- yet. But healing took place.
We humans tend to only believe what we can see with our eyes. Oh we of little faith. Well at least some of us…
Mama John later shared with me --- that Jake has been healed --- and in God’s time “it will be seen by eyes”. But for now it can be known with our hearts.
Wow --- I asked her if she discerned that anything was “blocking” the “seeing” of the healing. And she firmly said ---- NO --- he is HEALED --- and in God’s time He will allow it to be seen. She said God told her exactly what curses to break --- and then He rushed in with HIS HEALING.
Friends – the children did not leave the room with heads hung low because their new friend was not walking. They left the room with confidence. You see – these children are willing to WAIT on the Lord. They lived in squalor in a slum for years as they waited on the Lord --- and then they experienced the day of “seeing” their Father move them to this new land they call paradise.
Waiting is a part of the process in their minds. Waiting does not mean the victory is lost – it means God is doing what only God can do. He is putting all the pieces into place and at the exact moment that best fits with His perfect will – He will allow eyes to see.
As I have prayed for Jake over the past 10 months, God has said to me ---- “HE IS WALKING DONNA! He is walking with me – I’m holding Him – just because you can not SEE him walking does not mean he is not walking – for he is. My son Jake does not need legs to “walk”. He is so remarkable --- I will prove what I can do --- through him --- he and I together will do amazing things – that will bring me much glory and give him a life that is beyond what he could ever have imagined.”
And God has promised me in beautiful moments that Jake will walk again --- I believe God has assured me of this --- because He lets me know my prayers are heard and He is not ignoring them. But then He graciously reminds me that the “walking” will come in HIS time. God has beautiful things at work in and around this young man. May he never be limited in the ways that matter the most and may he never be distracted by the appearance of limitations.

Today – healing took place in Jesus’ Name. At the end of the day – the team had a time of personal sharing after dinner back at the hotel and there were more tears. The youth pastor shared --- that a part of his spirit had been healed during the prayers – as he watched an eight year old lay her hands on Jake and call out to her Father (the only father she has – since she is an orphan). She prayed with such peaceful confidence and anointed power – Brandon laid down the skepticism he had held against just such prayers. He felt his Father’s power and love in the beauty of the moment as this tiny warrior prayed. And Brandon felt healing.
I have had personal issues with Mama John as I have been unsure of her in many ways. Ways that I will not share now – because I will not speak of them. For God healed that part of me. I’m called to LOVE and pursue HIM. He will judge whether she is upright in her administration of the home. I was released from trying to discern – and was healed and relieved of the weight I’ve been trying to carry. If she is not upright in all her ways – God will deal with His daughter there --- just like He deals with me when I am in err. I’m so thankful He is a loving Father.
Three men stood tonight and shared testimony of how they were touched and changed during the prayer time and the day with the children. The questioning they had been wrestling with needing clarity of “why” God had called them to come on this trip had been answered today. And this is only the second day of the 15 days they will be here.

Much healing took place today --- as tiny warriors led the way.
Jake did not walk --- but healing was still lavished on him.

I am certain – God has chosen Jake to do amazing things --- and God will be seen by many --- it just is not coming about in a way that would be a chosen path. But my prayer for Jake is --- that he will hold fast to what God IS doing --- and that he will allow the greatness of God to be seen in his life --- for in the end ---- many will see, know, believe, understand, embrace, and want more of our great God --- because of what they see in this man’s life. In God’s eyes – Jake has not been limited --- instead --- he has been enabled.
May it be so --- in Jesus’ Name.

A Paradigm Shift... (written July 22 late PM)

Something big is happening in my mindset about men in Africa. And only God could be bringing about this change.

For the past two days – every man I have seen was not at all what my belief of men in Kenya has been up until now. Certainly I’ve known there were good men here – but my stern opinion has been that these “good men” were a huge minority. Now I’m not so certain.
There are definitely still tons of terrible men in this country and on this continent. But honestly – there really are a lot of rotten ones in America too. They just happen to look different – and their ugliness doesn’t “show” quite so blatantly as it does on this continent.
But I want to be careful not to be bashing men. I’m not a basher of men --- not at all. I’m just a realist -- all that glitters is not gold --- and things are never as they appear.

My point --- for all the years I’ve been serving in Africa – I’ve had a pretty rotten attitude towards the men. It’s reasonable though --- since my heart and hands have gone our to the children and the widows. Orphans that were left to fend for themselves – or children who ran away from home and chose a life on the streets because they couldn’t take the abuse anymore. Widows who were left to care for a gazillion grandchildren after their husbands died – because he was unfaithful to her – contracted HIV-AIDS – infected her – but died first. Sick widows left struggling with life – awaiting death themselves. Oh – it’s just too ugly. And even though I’ve kept my “game face on” and smiled in the face of these men --- on the inside, I’ve loathed many of them. I’ve dealt with many of them with a bit of an attitude – wanting to be sure they realize – I won’t be pushed around – and I’ll do all I can to make their lives miserable if they “cross the line” that has been drawn in the sand around me. I’ve been a real b_ _ _ _ to those who I felt needed to be cut down to size. Believe it or not --- but shamefully it is true.

But I’ve asked God to open my eyes to what He wants me to see – give me ears to hear what He is saying – and a heart to respond as He would have me to. ( I never thought He’d open my eyes in this way --- but…)

So when I say that my heart is shifting ---- it truly is a GOD THING.

I sat in a cell group (church small group) tonight – that meets on a dairy farm. We sat under a shelter with fresh hay under our feet and the aromas of farm life permeating the air --- and I LOVED IT! I closed my eyes during our worship time and imagined I was meeting in the home of one of the early churches. The smells had to have been much the same and the sounds too. Not the typical setting – but oh it touched my soul.
And God opened my eyes a bit further. There were 29 adults there and 11 children. They began just weeks ago – with only 4 members. And get this --- there were only 7 women there! So I sat in a “stable” setting and listened as 22 men praised God, talked about his word, and asked questions – since over half of them are new Christians. I’m certain these men are not among the “abusers” I’ve had such a chip on my shoulder towards ---- but these men are representative of many men living in the nightmarish world of Africa. Good men – who are willing to work – but struggle to find jobs. Good men who are innocently accused of being “one of those abusers”.

One old gentleman – held his tattered, OLD Bible and spoke b-e-a-utifully about Christ being the living water. He’s a simple farmer – that does have a gruff face --- but come on Donna – if you had lived his life, in his world, would you really walk around smiling all the time. Especially in a culture where smiling and looking people in the eye can many times portray disrespect and even arrogance.
I’m learning.

There are MANY lovely sons of God in this community, this city, this country, this continent, and this world.

Last night I met a young man (I’d guess maybe 18) --- who LOVES God so much and has such insight into God’s Word. He proclaimed, “I am a lover of the Lord”. My mouth fell open as I heard his words and saw the light of my Lord in his eyes. If I had seen him walking down the street a week ago – I would have been suspicious that he was just like all the others.
God has broken my heart for the ladies here ---- and then, just like God, He has turned around now and is opening my heart to the goodness of many of the men in this land. Men who are victimized by the reputations of the rotten ones. And God really does still love the “rotten ones” --- our good, good God.

There’s Perminus who LOVES his dear wife Felistus.
There’s David the young gate keeper and caretaker for the offices of GOA who is a new Christian – still has a hard expression – until you smile and greet him – then he lights up.
There’s Peter, wife to Esther and father of two, who has never taken a drink or smoked anything – and loves the Lord like crazy.
There’s Daniel a very young man who says, “I am a lover of the Lord” – and really means it.
There’s Samuel, the old man with the tattered, well-used Bible and speaks truth with such gentleness and joy.
I could list many, many names here of men God has opened my eyes to --- that love Him, love their families, and daily live under the oppression of this land (from the evil one) and yet still work to care for their families.

God calls us to love ---- love ---- love.
I could still quickly find the fire to beat the crap out of anyone abusing a child or mistreating their wife.
But God is reminding me to love. He WILL HAVE HIS DAY OF VENGEANCE. But in the meantime – he doesn’t need itty-bitty me doing anything other than shining His light in the darkness. He’ll deal with the darkness. It’s my obedience to carry the Light ---- He handed to me --- right after He died on the cross.

Thank you for your patience Lord.