Latest Breakthroughs

Greetings and love from Swaziland!

Been an exciting last few months here in Swaziland. Just a few of the
big things:

The Nave family (as you know) has officially moved to the new YWAM
property. It's been a challenge at times, but after the flooding
hot-water tank, the subsequent lack of water, and absence of phone
line, things have gone surprising well. :D Seriously though, its been
great for them being here and has allowed them to be more involved
with the DTS, especially in the evenings. And by the way... the
hot-water tank, and phone line issues have been sorted out.

While the water has continued to be a problem (see burst hot-water
tanks above), it seems to have come under control to some extent.
While we are still paying to have water delivered, our consumption has
leveled out and we've gotten into a reasonable routine. As well, our
neighbor has volunteered to give her well to us, which means that once
we install piping we should have an unending supply of water.T

However, arguably our biggest breakthrough has been that our Section
21 (Article of Association) has finally gone through! This means that,
after 2 years of waiting, we are officially a recognized organization
in the country of Swaziland! We can now open up a YWAM bank account,
legally own property, and sponsor students and staff for long-term
visas. We actually heard from our lawyer the day before the Naves
moved up to the new property - we felt that the timing was God's
encouragement to us that we are moving in the right direction.

More to come!

The Move

After a period of silence, due to lack of internet connectivity, we
are happy to share our launst news. Because we still do not have a
phone, and thus on internet, I am writing this on my phone. Please
forgive any typos. :)

i am happy to announce that the move went well and the Naves are
officially living at the YWAM base! It was definitely a stressful time
as there was so much to do, and still be completed with the house,
however everything sorted out and it was actually quite a smooth
transition.

We have made large strides with the electricity on the base (we have
hot water on the base for the first time) and even begun
re-construction on one of the battered houses.
We are still struggling with the water infrastructure, however it
seems that the solution might be just around the corner. Our neighbors
have just installed a large underground reservoirto collect rainwater
and so are wanting to give us their current waterhole. What this means
is that after some minimal installation we will have a self sustaining
water source filling our tanks daily. Praise God! Now we are just
waiting for the big rains so that our neighbors reservoir will fill
and we can officially take possession of the well.

The Beginning of Something New

I'm lying on the floor, in a completely empty house, writing this newsletter. It's kind of ironic; when we first moved into this house over 2 years ago this is where I began. There was no computer sans a small box which the monitor was on - I sat on the floor. It's funny how things tend to come full circle.

In October of 2006 our family packed our belongings (no small task) put them, along with ourselves, on a train to Johannesburg and began the trek into Swaziland. At that point we had no idea where we were going once in the country, no transport , and not sure of what the future held. We did however have friends in the north mountains of the country who had offered their home to us for a couple of days.

After our first 4 days in the country we borrowed a car and headed down to Mbabane to look for a house. Again, we had no idea where to look, and had the challenge that we needed to return to the mountains that evening toreturn the car. We didn't know when we would get another opportunity to come down to look.

After our first two visits to estate agents we were a bit discouraged in that we had been told there was nothing available (or what was available was too expensive). At this point, we looked in the paper again and realized that there was a three bedroom house near Mbabane which looked promising. We called the estate agent and made an appointment to meet him within 30 minutes.

As we pulled into the shared lot (there are 2 1/2 houses on the property) we immediately fell in love. First off was the view... wow! You could see all down the Malagwan and into Ezulwhene (the valley of heaven). Next: Lisa had prayed for two things in particular, a fireplace and a bathtub. Once inside we discovered that there was a fireplace, and not only one, but two bathtubs. The living room was spacious, the bedrooms well sized, and the neighbors friendly. We were flabbergasted.

However, we didnt want to presume that this was God's provision, and acknowledged that we might just be jumping at the first thing that came our way. We walked to the side of the house and prayed that if this was the house that the Lord had for us that the agent would drop the price by R200... without us asking he offered to drop it E300! Within 2 hours of coming to town, we entered into a lease agreement for where our family would stay.

For the last (near) 3 years, this has been our home - the only place that our son Michael has known. We have made friends, built tire swings, drawn cartoon animals on the walls, acquired animals, and grown as a family. It has been home. Today, the Lord has provided a new place for us. It is smaller... a little less certain... definitely quirkier. But it is God's provision. Our new child will be born there in November. We will remain a family. It will be our home.

Thank you for your prayers during this time. We are in awe of the wonderful things that the Lord has done through and for us. With the encouragement of what He has done, I am certain that there is greater things to come. Thank you for being a part of that.

With love,

Jim & Lisa

Fwd: YWAM Southern Africa

I thought I might forward on this newsletter about just a handful of the works that YWAM is doing in Southern Africa. Blessings! Jim **************** YWAM SOUTHTHERN AFRICA NEWS – 001   I am taken aback by the reach, the influence, and the expanse of it all – so many people, so many ministries so many hearts and lives being touched and being changed. This one is all over big, as it is wide - and you and I are a part of it!                                                                         Hello, my name is Christabel Lwiindi. I am a member of the Support and Service Team (SST) for the Youth With a Mission National Leadership Team. It is an initiative spear-headed by Stefaan, the National Director. Its purpose is to serve and support all the different bases within the region of Southern Africa . My role in the team is specifically communication – as in linking the different YWAM bases through exchanging of information. My prayer is that through this information exchange, our bases will be more attuned to each other thereby, know how to support and pray for each other in all ways possible.   As part of my portfolio I recently travelled on a tour of a total of six different YWAM bases. On them, I interacted and interfaced with YWAM staff and students, at times going out with them to their outreach stations. One after the other, I saw that YWAM Southern Africa was so much more than what I had known until now. I realized that you and I fellow YWAMer, are all a part of something bigger than ourselves.   Some of the ways YWAM is reaching Southern Africa base by base   Durban   YWAM Durban's Dignity Centre serves needy individuals and families who find themselves in challenging situations. Situations such as un-planned pregnancies, HIV/Aids infected and affected, women, children and families in crisis, counseling as well s mother and child after-birth care. The Dignity centre empowers them so their dignity may be restored.   Bethlehem   Sewing ministry that changes lives – single ladies with children are given skill that brings them income thereby changing lives, impacting their homes and communities.   Kruger Park   A home is so much more than four walls and a roof – it is a place to belong. YWAM Kruger Park 's Ten thousand homes is a movement of people committed to bringing hope and homes to orphans and vulnerable children of sub-Saharan Africa .   Johannesburg   Joseph Project's reach to the community in the inner city of Johannesburg is worth noticing. They champion young people, and grow them to take up roles as leaders.   This is just a peek-preview of what YWAM is doing in and around Southern Africa . From the Communications Desk of YWAM Southern Africa NLT, I am appealing for NEWS or anything of interest from your individual bases. I will further out it in the Newsletter such as this one which will be sent to everyone.   Thanks Christabel Communications Desk YWAM NLT

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The Last Day of Preparation

Today was another day in the line of days where we go up the mountain, down the mountain, up the mountain, and down the mountain, over and over again. Between picking up electricians, plumbers, visitor, and then taking them back down  - it was  very motor-vehicle sort of a day.

After 2 days of being without electricity, we ended up spending a lot to get an electrician to come and put in a new cable to the SEB (Swaziland Electricity Board) power box. It was dark by the time it was installed, and I actually had to drive our car outside the gate so we could get some light. After that was done, we went to SEB to inform them that the cable was ready, and to please do the finishing touches. Whilst they did not come out that night, around 10am today, they arrived and got the power back. Praise God!

The next thing that we have been dealing with is the water tank. It seems that we have a leak. In the last 4 days we have had 18,000 liters of water delivered... today we realized we are almost empty again. Ugh...  So now it is back in the morning to hook up another tank and hopefully that will work. Please be praying for this.

The great news is that we did manage to have some fun today with our new student, Mariana. We had a great family meal all together, and afterwards had a time of worship and then prayed over the entire house in anticipation of students arriving tomorrow.

Speaking of which tomorrow marks arrival day for all of our students! We will be picking the first one at 11:15 am, then at 1:00 pm, and the other will be arriving around 4 pm. Planning on having a big family night, and then come the morning DTS officially starts!

Blessings!

It Comes Down To This

Today was a very stressful day as we are running around putting out fires with very little time to do so. : *stretch* *big sigh* --- it's good to come home after such a day - even if it is 8:00 pm by the time you make it there.

So it comes down to this: We met with the lawyer who is responsible for the property whilst the owner is out of the country. He alerted us to the fact that the Swaziland Government has made an offer on the same property - however, because they have not been able to contact the owner, nothing has been moved forward (this is good for us).

Today, the lawyer finally contacted the owner and has left a message for him to contact them and share his wishes for the property. Basically, does he want to sell the property to the government, or does he wish to allow us some sort of concession, or opportunity to purchase. It is coming down to this.

We need prayer. We are walking into the key moments of our miracle. I feel somehow as if we are walking on a precipice on which one side is fear and terrible failure, and on the other is faith and victory. We believe that it is on God's heart that YWAM starts in this location. It is certainly on ours as well. We need to pray for the miracle and keep praying for it. I believe it's going to happen.

As you read this, we would appreciate your stopping and saying a quick prayer. Thank you.

We've Upgraded our Website

We've upgraded our website: same info, new style: www.ywamswaziland.com

Transformation

The base is quickly transforming. With our first student arriving in 2 days, we have had to put in the extra effort. Matt & Jim spent the majority of the day putting together bunk beds, and Elizabeth cleaned the kitchen spotless. Meanwhile Lisa, and Hlengiwe shopped to make sure there would be food at the base (our heroes!). Tomorrow, a YWAM team from Heidebeek will be coming to help with the final touch of scrubbing all the walls. Their help is going to push us to reach our goal of finishing by tomorrow night. After that?... We will have our first staff party! Dinner, PopCorn, and a movie! :D

I've added some photos of the transformation of the base.

Before

After

Before

After

Property: It Must Be Official

Today was a great day as we moved in all of our YWAM belongings that had been in storage for the past 9 months. It was fun seeing all the things that make our base our base again. Elvis' (one of our first students) tambourine was hung on the wall with great ceremony, the DTS books were all placed on the bookshelf, and the flags of the nations were rediscovered and poised for hanging around the lecture hall. It was truly a homecoming for us all.

Tomorrow will be the first night that staff will be staying at the base again, and thus marks the official beginning!

In other news: Jim twisted his ankle 2.. count them 2 times today. Thank the Lord we also discovered all the crutches we have (and don't know why we have so many of). :D

Photos to come!

YWAM Property - The Cleaning Process

And the universe smiled on us today...

Today marked day two of the cleaning/preparation of the new property. And with it we have had a rather large mercy from the Lord as almost all of the power to the main house still works. As I mentioned in an earlier post, no-one has lived on the property for the last 5 years. Which means that not only has time degraded things, but vandals have come and stolen cabling, roofing, and anything else they can scrap - in fact, 3 of the 4 houses have no electricity due to theft. However, the main house we are using is still in tact. Praise God!

The next great thing: Not only did the electrician come out to see the house, but the water man came as well... along with the locksmith... along with the carpet cleaners. Count them, 4 crucial services that all came out on the same day when we needed them. Now, for many of you this might not seem like a big deal, but let me tell you... some days if you can just get ONE person to come out when you need them it is a coup. Today everyone came.

Tomorrow will be a big day for us as well as we are moving in the YWAM furniture. Our "stuff" has been in storage for the last 8 months in a friends garage. We will be spending the bulk of the day transporting these things. Once into the house, we can officially say we've moved in - just in time for our first student who arrives on Friday.

Prayer Points:

• Please keep praying that we will be able to transition into a long-term agreement. Right now we are on the property temporarily as the owner tries to contact his lawyer (a seemingly impossible task) and can make a more formal agreement.
• We've heard that there is at least one other interested buyer. Let's pray we can come to a quick agreement so we can "lock down" the property.
• Our section 21 (non-profit status) STILL has not gone through. 

Thanks and blessings! We will be writing more soon.

Jim & Lisa

YWAM Swaziland Property - It's a go but still need prayer!

We received word tonight that YWAM can move onto the property! Just in time... we have exactly one week till the school starts. :D From tomorrow we will be working every day to get the electricity, water, housing sorted out. There is A LOT to do. Please be praying for us. :)

As for the arrangement, the owner said he is still trying to contact his lawyer to sort out a contract and so we are moving there on a "temporary basis" until it is sorted out. Please continue to pray with us that everything will work out well so we can stay indefinitely, and that God will open the way for YWAM to own the property.

Lastly, Lisa and I are planning to leave our house and move to the property once we can assure we have the property for good. We will need to give one month's notice soon, so the sooner we hear the better. Appreciate prayer here as well.

THis is it guys! The Lord is opening doors and staying true to the words He has spoken to us a base!

Thank you for your CONTINUED prayers, and the prayers you have been throwing out already. This is a great move for YWAM Swaziland.

With blessings,

Jim & Lisa

Please Pray - YWAM Property

These next few days are crucial for YWAM Swaziland. We have been in discussion with the owner of a property which we would like to use for YWAM. He is supposed to get back to us tomorrow or the next day with his answer.

Please pray that his response would be favorable and that he would let us use the property rent free, or just give us the property.

Thanks!

Jim & Lisa
P.s. the land is on "4k Road".. how prophetic is that? :D

YWAM Swaziland - The new DTS, and Praying for Property (June 2009)

Sanibonani! Greetings to all of our friends and co-workers across the world. As you may know, YWAM Swaziland has just come back together after a 2 month extended vacation which was precipitated by the Naves going to the USA to visit family. During this time, Nini Shongwe worked with YWAM Kruger Park in South Africa. Petros & Elizabeth Kunene stayed in Motshane and made contact with pastors in the area to promote for the upcoming DTS. Matt ended up heading back to the USA as well, and Thembenkosi remained in Muizenberg to finish his School of Biblical Studies (SBS).

Now that we are back together as a staff we are busy preparing for the July 20 Discipleship Training School (DTS). It has really been a walk of faith for us as we still do not have a property, nor a large number of students apply so far. However, we all believe that God has led us to run this school and have been walking a path of trust that He will provide all that is needed.

Speaking of property, we are looking at a 45 acre property in the hills of Mbabane as a possible permanent home for YWAM Swaziland! This property fits in well with the direction that God has been speaking to us. Over the past years we have had numerous individuals who have prayed for us and believed that God was going to provide a property on a mountain as well as words of His provision. We don’t know how it will work out whether we will buy the property or if it will be donated (the cost of the property is likely somewhere around $400,000 USD ) but we believe that God is going to ‘get our feet onto the property’ and then He will sort out the rest. Please be praying along with us. You can see pictures of the property at: http://tinyurl.com/swaziProperty - we would also appreciate any contacts you might have for individuals or organizations that are interested in such projects.

Right now is a very crucial time for the ministry. We will be pulling our YWAM possessions out of storage for the DTS and are not sure that after the DTS we would be able to use the same place. Anyway, we are ready to make a move to something permanent and with the time crunching down on us, it is vital that we see our provision soon. However, we have been spending a lot of time in prayer as a staff and believe that God is asking us to “ask Him” for this property. With that encouraging word, we are continuing the march of trust and dependence on the Lord. Please stand with us in prayer. On a sidenote: after asking for a confirmation of God’s intention for the above property we, for the first time, noticed what street the property is on: 4K street – which happens to also be the name of YWAM’s global evangelism strategy. Praise God!

Lastly, we are still waiting for our official government recognition (Status 21). It has been over 2 years that our papers have been on the desk just waiting to be signed. While not holding us back from running the DTS, it does hamper us with the issuing of visa’s for students, gaining a organizational bank account, and moving forward of other projects. This is an exciting time. Thank you for standing with us during this pioneering process. Please continue to spread the word about YWAM Swaziland, and organize and/or encourage to send outreach teams.

With love,

The staff of YWAM Swaziland
Jim & Lisa Nave
Matt Demaris
Nini Shongwe
Petros & Elizabeth Kunene
Thembenkosi Kunene