"And let us consider how to stir up one
another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the
habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day
drawing near."

My partners in Christ,

I write to you with exceeding joy, knowing
that the Day of our Lord is fast approaching. The hour of His return has been my
focus over the months and I pray that it remains that way. I also pray that
through hearing of His amazing works in Swaziland, you will be encouraged to
stand strong in the battle that's already been won.

            My
heart is most thrilled with the events of this past week. Today marks the last
of our nine day long spring break. Many of my teammates traveled back to South
Africa to visit old friends and ministries which left the house to just seven
of us. I am so grateful for the hungry atmosphere that came with the much
needed space. The group frequently met with God individually and together,
resulting in extensive growth. Every night was spent reading from the book of
Hebrews along with a sometimes lengthy discussion and meditation period. Last
night the study was concluded, but I trust that the changes in my heart
throughout it will be lasting.         

            Aside
from the Hebrews study, our "mini family" did many other things together. Just
yesterday five of us girls went back to one of our family ministry sites in the
nearby township to paint a school. The school is run by Gugu, a vibrant woman
who has volunteered the past 10 years to giving free education to children.
Gugu's desire for the school is to have it as something the kids don't have to
be ashamed of. When compared to the city schools, theirs is often referred to
as a shack. A few weeks back, the entire team went to the property for some
hard labour. After the team day there and our completed painting, I'm certain
the children and Gugu will have better eyes for the area. We still have a few
more coats with some decorating to follow and one of our team teaches at the
school twice a week so the project is ongoing.

            The
spiritual growth the seven of us have gone through entails much more than what
was mentioned. Because of such a pressing into the Spirit, the devil was at
work. We've dealt with a lot of spiritual warfare concerning safety. A strange
young man, now thought to be under some sort of witchcraft, came to our house
on more than one occasion even after being confronted by the guy staying with
us. After a restless night for all of us he hasn't been back. Another incident
occurred just following the painting party at the school. We girls had decided
to walk back instead of calling for a ride because our leader had been up the
previous night dealing with the stranger at our home. After being followed by a
man for quite a ways, we were suddenly attacked. He was quite forceful and
defended himself by thrashing a screw driver until he was able to run away with
my bag. Praise God all of us are okay! My bag had virtually all of my values
(i.e. Camera, iPod, phone, and wallet) which was very disconcerting at first,
but the Lord was quick to reveal my heart's treasures to me and I am completely
at peace about it now (note Hebrews 11:25-26). All of us do request, however,
that you cover our team in extensive prayer. We've been very in tune with God
throughout this, recognizing his source of ultimate safety and power and we
would be so thankful if you continued to pray this realization over us.

            So,
those events marked the last days of our spring break, which means this week
will involve getting back into the swing of our usual ministries and
discipleship times. I am looking forward to meeting with my friends from the
market, Hope House, the Youth Center, and the gas station. You'll be pleased to
know that those relationships are ever flourishing. Every Tuesday at the Youth
Center, myself and two of my teammates are doing a bible study for the sewing
ladies. They always take an hour or so for lunch where we discuss topics
centered on "God's purpose". I am thrilled at the response we've been receiving
from a few of the women. The study is tying into their families, marriage, and
especially into their work. With only six Tuesdays left with them, please pray
that there would be a great spirit of healing and revival with the group. The
Lord has also been moving just as much with Sizwe from the gas station. Our
first meetings with him were more "question and answer" periods, but now he is
sharing alongside us by being a translator for our interactions with locals who
come into the station. He is also focusing on pouring his new found insights
into some of his closest friends. Please keep Sizwe's spiritual and mental
strength in your prayers, as he is facing tempting job offers that he agreed
would only "cater to his old lifestyle." Glory to God, though, for the immense
progress we've seen in Sizwe, the Youth Center women, and others not mentioned
in detail.

            I
don't want to overwhelm you with lengthy descriptions of my life in Swaziland,
so if you are eager to hear more I encourage you to read the blogs of my teammates
and I. The links that are in bold are the people who I am in ministry with. I
also urge you to take a look at the guy's blogs as they have been doing intense
leadership classes at one of the local high schools on a day to day basis.

The URLS are as follows:

Alenebrunkhurts.myadventures.org

Lorettawang.myadventures.org

Jilliangray.myadventures.org

Laynecarson.myadventures.org

Jessicagourley.myadventures.org

Sarahtaylor.myadventures.org

Maryhollis.myadventures.org

Sarahkeppinger.myadventures.org

Allysabolles.myadventures.org

Davieingram.myadventures.org

Ryancharmichael.myadventures.org

Blairnightingale.myadventures.org

Tylerbussanich.myadventures.org

As always, I
appreciate your special interest in God's work through me and around me here in
Africa. I am constantly encouraged by thoughts of home and the love and
opportunities that await me there. I leave you with selected pictures from
ministry and our spring break hike. As you get a peek into my world here keep
in mind that these are only glimpses of our eternity.

My prayers and blessings,