hpc: elevate goes to africa

2006-07-31T08:33:00.000-07:00

We just got back from the Mkaya Game Park yesterday - saw lots of elephants, giraffes, impalas, rhinos and of course lots of their dung (not sure if I can say that, but we really did see a whole lot of that). We really experienced a relaxing two days in the African bush in our own private fully furnished huts. The team laughed it up watching Robert Douglas perform an authentic African dance around the fire (we have pictures). Today we were able to start painting another carepoint so it can open before school starts, and play games with the children. The team was able to pray over several people in the community with AIDS - believing in the healing of Jesus (1 in 2 people that you see have AIDS). The average life expectancy is 28...the love of Jesus is so needed. Children's Cup really is a beacon of hope in Africa. Please pray for the children...Mary represents 1 in 2 that are raped or molested by their own father....Mary is 13 years old and accepted Christ at our Friday night service. Tomorrow we will be traveling to Mozambique...one of the poorest countries in all of Africa....praying for people from mudhuts to stick huts.

2006-07-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

What can I say……words cannot express how awesome this day has been- God is so good. We were able to almost completely finish painting a Children’s Cup Carepoint in Manzini so that it can open up for bible studies and tutoring before school starts back up. It is so beautiful, everything here is beautiful- the mountains, the children, the hunger for God’s love. We just finished a youth night- we had three churches and one school represented for this night of worship and sharing of the gospel (130 youth). Everyone on the team helped with the service from worship to preaching to dramaa (such unity of the Spirit), and at least 40 young people received Christ. Praise God!!!!!! After that praise there is nothing else worth writing. We are just here to make Jesus famous and tonight He was in Manzini, Swaziland.

2006-07-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the airport in Manzini, Swaziland- very small plane

Finally here...90 percent of our luggage made it...and the other 10 percet will be here tomorrow. God's hand protected us throughout all the flights...no delays, everyone was safe and of course tired and unsure of what day it is...but completely ready for tomorrow and the opportunities that await. The place we are staying is beautiful..we are blessed. The influence of Children's cup in this country is evident- the love of Jesus is touching the hurting...we are honored to partner alongside of their vision...it's about the children. Be in prayer for us tomorrow as we embark on our adventure here in Swaziland.

2006-07-25T03:36:00.000-07:00

Well we are in London (the Queen says what’s up)…..and loving every minute of our journey…nine hours of flying behind us and sixteen hours and fifteen minutes more to go. We got off good - with our 25 checked in suitcases after moving clothes and supplies around to make every suitcase 50 pounds since supposedly our scale was off by like 10 pounds (thanks though Doug for all your efforts). Let’s see what else has happened - Jacob tried to go through the medal detector with his booksack on and couldn’t figure out why it kept beeping - he was tired. Mostly, we just can’t wait to be in Africa - we are ready to be spent, ready to bless, ready to work hard, ready for the opportunities to share about the hope we have in Jesus. Thanks for your prayers and support…please be in prayer for rest and good health, and most importantly for us to be His light unto the world.

P.S. Want to give a special thanks to Tiffany (who really put the legs to this trip to make it happen), and Stephanie (oh you know what you did).

2006-07-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

Twelve days and counting...
Some of our Elevate part time interns from Healing Place Church will be leaving for Swaziland, Africa on July 24th and we are in the midst of prayer and preparation. Our team will be part of building a veranda for classes and also for the kids to play under at a Children’s Cup CarePoint. In the afternoons, we will lead kids clubs and visit hospitals with dramas, puppets, crafts, Bible studies and games. We will also conduct a few worship services throughout the week. We will have the opportunity to minister at orphanages and also to minister in Mozambique- which is one of the poorest cities in the world. The team members are Connie Firmin, Natalie LaBorde, Jacob Triche, Elizabeth James, Lindsay Yates, Colleen Thorp, Robert Douglas, Natalie Spera, Donna Lewis, Michelle Gros and Robert Gros.
Please join us in praying for the following: Financial provision, safe travel, preparation in the hearts of team and people we will be ministering to, total dependence and obedience on Holy Spirit, and favor with the ministry and people. Thanks so much for your support!

Check out some pictures from past trips: