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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