Swaziland Missions Base - Adventures In Missions -

The Gift of Nsoko!

Wed, 9 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

December Custom Trip to Nsoko - Update!

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A quick Swazi update from Toya Mac and her team...

Spending time with the children has been priceless. We have gone to a few care points here where we feed the children daily and did a program for women called beauty for Ashes. It's based on Isaiah 61. These women have been raped, abused mentaly and physically, beaten, kicked out of their homes and forsaken by their families. We spent time with them sharing our testimonies and and allowing them to share theirs. Afterward we read some scripture worshipped together and then our team washed their feet. It was so powerful. The Holy Spirit came into the place where we were in a way that I had never experienced. God is so awesome.

While I was trying to run the program kind of behind the scenes, God told me to get up and speak. (you know how I love speaking in public) Anyway - I read some scripture and God just took contol. I can't even tell you all that I said. What He said to me is that I have to become a better student of the word. I read my Bible but I have to study it like I study other things. I was created for this. I am a connector of people. I was walking around the room laying hands on people and praying for them. I could literally feel the pain coming from the women. At the same time I could feel the strength of the Lord infusing them.

We had a time of worship and then we took the ladies outside for our team to wash their feet and pray over them. I asked the Swazi ladies to sing as we washed their feet and prayed. Once again the Spirit of the Lord swept through all of us. As we moved from woman to woman, the Swazi ladies sang and danced and praised the Lord. Most of my team was in tears. God is so good.

It was wonderful to me to see black and white women ministering together. We couldn't even speak the language but as we allowed God to move, He said what we couldn't. All differences were put aside so that we could honor God. It was so moving. What great glimpse of future ministry.

I am so honored that He chose me to serve Him in this way. It is such a blessing to be able to reach people all over the world. God has been doing a work in the women who came as well. I don't have time to tell everything now. Even if I did have the time, i don't have words to express all that God is doing.

I praise Him for what He has done and look forward to the next thing.

The women on the team have been broken. Each day it's a litte different. On Wednesday, they realized that this wasn't a vacation. All of the touristy stuff went out the window as we delved into ministry. Visiting people's homes that are made of mud and sticks pushed some women over the edge. Most of the day I kept being told this is too much. How much more of this will we see? How do you call this a home? Why doesn't someone do something? We had to be reminded that we are the people who are supposed to be doing something. God chose us to come and see it first hand. We need to bring it back to others so that more can come and others can give. We all have our roles and God is beginning to make it clear what some of our indvidual roles are.

I have watched these women as God has taken them to various states of brokenness and listened to their conversations change. We have declared that this is the beginning of changing a generation. We are not sure how God will use all of us but we have been given a lot of responsibility and we will be catalysts for change in Africa, the U.S. and wherever God takes us.

Keep our team covered in prayer. We need it. Each day I give all that I have in me and let God fill me up again. I am physically exhausted but ready and willing to keep going. As long as God can fill me up I'm willing give it all out again.

Blessings to you.

November Update!

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Nsoko Ministry Overview

Clinic - the clinic is open and functioning. 50 children were chosen from among the surrounding care points to receive the free medical treatment.

Church - When I attended church there were around 20 Swazi's attending. It is meeting in the community building (which we are using as a dorm see below) since the roof structure does not provide shelter in bad weather.

Community Building - We've converted the community building to a multi-purpose building which includes a dorm for the visiting teams. Since the RLMT in June there have been teams staying there almost constantly from RLMT, STM, WR and soon Novas.

Womens Meeting - Philile is leading the women's ministry every Tuesday afternoon. This seems to be going well as several women attend. Philile is very busy with school.

HIV/AIDS Support Group - There are around 50 people in the meeting. Since the group is growing but also people within the group are dying there is a need for trained counselors. I suggest this be part of the leadership development piece we do in Nsoko.

Soccer Team - I wish you could have been there the Sunday I was there. Here is a report I have from the donor of the soccer uniforms: I wish I had a video of one of the most moving scenes yet in Africa for me. We were having lunch and the soccer team pulled up in the back of two pickups (picture 30 people in the back of two Toyota trucks) singing and chanting in the rain. They had just won a match with a goal in the last 5 seconds and were returnig to the Nsoko center in victory! They danced and sang outside the community building/center for some time - church just ended and we joined the celebration. Wow - it was awesome and Gift was in tears.

Gift tells me two of the guys on the team have offers to play at the next level in South Africa. God is bringing meaning to the lives of the men on this team - they are undefeated and tied for first place in their league.

Foster Home - Basically there are 4 young boys and a 14 year old pregnant girl with no place to live. Pastor Gift has put them up with a nearby gogo. We are providing food for the homestead.

Building Projects - All funds for this have come from team funds.

1. We are almost finished adding showers to the back of the community building for team use.

2. We will be adding another water tower and tank and upgrading the system there to save the wear and tear on the well pump.

3. The septic system for the community building was not installed correctly. We will have to do it over. Sewage back-up is a problem.

4. We hope to soon build walls under the metal roof structure to make it the new community center/church. We will also build two rooms behind it one being an office and another a storage room.

5. This coming summer there is a returning RLMT member with his construction company father and brothers who want to fund and build another house or two like Gifts. I am working on a good floor plan that will allow maximum flexibility for use there. These will be temporary staff house and intern housing making it easier for people to some serve for several months at a time. It will also be an income generator for the center as people will pay rent.

Video from Swaziland

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Check out this video from Swaziland by Scott Borg

A Light In the Dark

Sat, 3 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Some time late in the night, two of the Real Life leaders were talking in the kitchen. They were a bit startled when out of the dark, a face appeared in the glass window. When they opened it, there was a young Swazi girl. She told them her name--Abigail, and expressed that she was looking for Bailey. Immediately, they realized this was the girl that Bailey had told the team about just a few days earlier. Bailey wore the glow of new friendship, and spoke passionately about this young acquaintance she had met and poured her heart into at one of the Care Points.

Though the hour was late, they welcomed her into the house, and went to find Bailey, knowing there was more going on than just a casual visit. As it turns out, Abigail's step-mother had kicked her out of her house that night. Her dad was gone--at the clinic for some health concerns of his own. She walked several miles, barefoot, and under the black sky--no streets lights to be found--in order to get to the team house. Bailey was comforted to know she thought of her as a safe haven, but had no idea what to do. Abigail is only fourteen and is seven months pregnant--raped by her uncle.

Bailey fixed some food for Abigail and kept her company in the kitchen, while the leaders tried to discern what to do. The Pastor's phone was switched off, so they had no choice but to walk over to his house. They were grateful that they could see some of his lights were still on, but though the walk was brief, the air was cold and the path was dark. There was also the eerie thought of the black mamba lurking nearby--seen as recently as the day before. How did Abigail make that walk barefoot; in the dark without a flashlight; and alone? It must have taken her almost an hour from where she lived.

Abigail speaks English incredibly well, and especially for not having finished school. She spoke with restraint, though, clearly masking the years of hurt and anger just below the surface. A hateful and neglectful step-mother, her real mother deceased years before, an abusive uncle, an ill father, and an entire culture willing to look the other way while her life comes crashing down. Where is God in this? How do you convey to her that He has been there all along? What words will restore her hope? What conversation will bring her spirit back to life?

After Abigail finished eating, she, Bailey, and the Pastor sat down to discuss the situation and come up with a plan of action. A few minutes later, they concluded that Abigail would stay with the Pastor's family for the night, and they would move forward the following day. How frightening it must have been for Abigail to leave her homestead and her community that night, uncertain of what her appearance at the team house would mean; unsure of what would happen to her and her unborn baby as a result. This is unparalleled hopelessness; the desperation of a child coupled with the burden of an adult.

Matthew 5 calls us to be the light of the world. Without even realizing it, Bailey had shone that light for Abigail. The lights of the team house were visible in the dark of the night, but it was the light in Bailey's compassion, love, and joy that drew Abigail here.

Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Mother at Fourteen

Sat, 3 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What is your fourteen-year-old doing? No, I'm not on an anti-drug campaign, but I ask that question in light of how our fourteen-year-old friend, Abigail, spent her afternoon. The uncle that raped her is currently in jail for the offense, which alleviates only some of the stress of the situation.

Abigail has not gone to the clinic since she first found out she was pregnant, and she is more than seven months along. Given the stage of her pregnancy, her age, and the circumstances surrounding the conception, she would not be able to go to the clinic without receiving the third degree. So, Pastor Gift suggested we take her to the police station, and partner her with a social worker in order to get a waiver explaining there were special circumstances, and the police are already involved.

Unfortunately, the social worker was in another town tending to some of their cases. We sat there for close to an hour before our efforts were confirmed to be futile. Her case is already being handled by another social worker, so they were not allowed to get involved. The officer suggested we go to the clinic anyway, and just explain that we had just come from the police office.

So off we went to the Lubuli Clinic--the same clinic we took baby Moses to back in February '08. Again, we hit a wall. The nurses said she was beyond the point of receiving any aid from a clinic, and would need to go to a hospital for scans. The problem today was that the nearest hospital with a scan machine is nearly an hour away. It was already too late in the afternoon to be able to go.

Additionally, the nurse said they have her HIV results, but she is not interested in seeing them. For many Swazis, the term "ignorance is bliss" seems the best approach when dealing with HIV testing. With Abigail pregnant as young as she is, there are so many variables regarding her future. Many girls in her situation choose to forfeit an honorable, yet difficult life after the birth, and instead, pursue prostitution as a means of survival. With HIV issues, many young girls are also high suicide risks. The decision to find out her status has to be completely up to her, and it is very dangerous to force her one way or another.

The risks of not knowing clearly out-weigh, in our western thinking, but that is not how many Swazis perceive it. For them, enlightenment with a positive status, is basically a death sentence--they feel like there is no hope. Without knowing, though, they can carry on as if they are fine--again, ignorance is bliss. What many of them don't realize, is that with knowledge can also come a better way of life. They are able to get the proper treatment earlier on, and possibly prolong a healthier way of life.

So now, Abigail is faced with a lot of choices--far too many, and too mature for her tender age.

Giving Up Your Children

Sat, 3 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When I walked into the room, Pastor Gift was talking with a woman named Busisiwe. I had seen her down at the Nsoko Center an hour or so earlier, but she didn't speak enough English to explain why she was there. I noticed the growths on her neck, and assumed she was here to ask for money for the doctor; for which I later felt foolish for judging so hastily.

Pastor Gift had asked me to come up to meet her, and took a few minutes to fill me in on what her story was. Busisiwe is at the of her rope, and has run out of ideas and even hope. She has been unable to provide for her children for some time now, and at this point doesn't feel like she can even care for them if food was supplied. She mentioned that she is supposed to have surgery for her tumors, and the doctors said there is a good chance she may not survive. She is dying, and is at the point that she is ready to leave her children somewhere...anywhere.

Busisiwe tried to hold back the tears as she continued to communicate the desperation she has reached. Her three children range from six to eleven. Busisiwe and her kids have been squatting with another family, but resources have run out, and they no longer have anywhere to stay.

While Busisiwe was fixed some food in the kitchen, Pastor Gift and I tried to brainstorm how to handle this immediate need. After a while, we came up with an idea that we thought would work well, at least temporarily. We made a couple of phone calls, and with a little walking through the community, we had a home for them. One of the gogos (grandmothers) in the area has her own homestead and lives alone. She has no source of income, and relies on her children to support her. I know one of her daughters, another gogo, and she is struggling to make ends meet as it is with her own family, and the son of her deceased sister.

We agreed to buy one-months' worth of food for the go-go, Busisiwe, her three kids, and Abigail in exchange for the go-go keeping them with her as her own family. This is true community, and family--taking in one another and working together to make sure everyone has food and other basic needs. This has the potential to benefit all of the individuals involved, if it is a good fit.

Busisiwe was beside herself with gratitude, and even was able to smile for a few photos before she left. I gave her some money for transport, and sent her off with a small meal for the road. She will be returning in a day or two with her kids and their meager belongings, to begin to settle in.

Please, be praying for her health, her hope, and her heart--they all need a good boost. Pray that we are able to be Christ's hands and feet to her and her children, and that it will be a good fit for them, Abigail, and the go-go. Pray, also, that we will come up with a more permanent solution to this frequent and ongoing problem here. This is not the first, and certainly won't be the last time someone shows up wanting to leave their children.

If Ears Could Hear

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Welile is a single mother probably in her mid-twenties. As a believer for less than a year, her faith already far exceeds many others. Her five-year-old son, Siphiwo, was born deaf and mute. After a surgery at eighteen months to loosen his tongue, he still remains unable to speak.

I met with Welile and Siphiwo yesterday to hear their story. Tears filled Welile's eyes as she spoke of the struggle of being a single mother, let alone trying to take care of a child with unique needs. Her family has ostracized her because she refused to take him to a witch doctor for various pagan remedies and to dedicate him to the ancestors. She loves Siphiwo dearly, and it's easy to see through their interactions her tender ways with him. God has gifted her with an incredible amount of patience and grace to take care of Siphiwo, and deal with the critics that don't understand the situation. But she is weary; she has no Christian community or encouragement in her area, and she is depleted.

Her heart is simply to find a way to transcend this boundary so that she can bond with her son. She feels as though the communication barrier has hindered their relationship because she is not able to fully convey to him how much she cares for him, and likewise, he struggles to express even his basic needs. It was impossible to listen without my spirit craving that for her as well.

She has done her research, and Siphiwo needs one of two things. Either a "cochlea implant" or hearing aids. The cost for either is too great for Welile, but would open a whole realm of communication for this family of two. In the short time I spent with them, I could easily see her genuineness in believing that God will move. Her faith spoke volumes, and she said that she trusts God, and knows He will bring something to pass in His way, which may not look like either of these answers. Please prayerfully consider how you can be a part of God's plan for Welile and Siphiwo, whether it is prayer, financial support, medical advice, or any other way you can think of.

Update From the Field

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Here is a story from Lisa Page: We picked up Elisa at school and then drove towards Ngunya to get Kiwi. He quickly ran home and changed into his best pants, t-shirt, and his new shoes. He climbed into the van looking more timid and shy than ever. I sat beside him gently rubbing his back, but he would barely even look at me. Right now I really wish I spoke more SiSwati. I wonder if he has any idea why he is coming with us.
The five of us arrived at the police station to file a report and begin an official investigation. I spoke with one of the police officers to tell her what we have seen and heard from these two children and to show her the scars that cover Kiwi's extremities. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to make official statements to the police because I will not be here to defend those statements in court. So, Jess and I sat with the two children while Pastor Gift met with the police to make statements. Elisa and Kiwi were beginning to laugh and play with us, but I still wondered if they had any idea what was happening.
As a teacher in Atlanta Public Schools, I have had more experience working with social workers and the Department of Families & Children than most people. I was curious to see how this process worked in Swaziland. Some parts were remarkably similar. Pastor Gift made statements to the police, a government doctor who examined the children, and a social worker who will be starting a home investigation for each of these children.

Here is a story from Amy McAllister: Our first day here we met Dudu. She is dying of AIDS and literally wasting away. She is skin and bones now and in her final days. She is leaving behind a 7 month old baby and a 7 year old little girl. When we went into her bedroom to pray for her, the Spirit of fear was overwhelming. She is scared of death; she is scared of what will happen to her babies, and she is completely filled with fear. The next day my teammates, Sara and Natalie went with her and Pastor Gift to the hospital. They held her hand for hours and tried to ease the fears that were consuming her. Death is coming and she cannot stop it, she can only change the way she will receive it. I pray Dudu finds peace before she passes.

Nsoko Update March 2009

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Adventures In Missions continues to build our ministry in Nsoko, Swaziland. In the last year we have seen tremendous blessings on our ministry there. In 2009, we hope that this ministry will continue to grow and expand. We are excited to share with you what God is doing through the Nsoko project and look forward to seeing God bring hope and healing as we come alongside this village and its people. Thank you for your support and prayers.

Nsoko Numbers:

The Nsoko Project feeds approximately 700 children at 9 different care points daily.
8 teachers have been trained and received certification to teach the preschool children.
We have cared for 40 men and women who have tested positive for HIV and AIDS by providing transportation to receive their needed medical care and offered them a monthly session in a support group.
In 2008, 5 World Race teams visited Nsoko to serve and we will continue to receive teams in 2009.
In 2009, we expect approximately 250 individual short term participants.

Nsoko Construction:

Construction on a medical clinic was completed and now children and families are receiving medical care.
A playground for the children of Nsoko was built and is in active use now in Nsoko.
The community is receiving fresh water thanks to the digging of a well in the community in 2008.

Nsoko Stories:

A home was built for Nsoko resident Philile. Prior to this she was living in a small, one room shack where the walls were falling apart and the structure was close to caving in at any moment. Thankfully, we were able to build a sturdy, cement two room home for Philile and her children.
Community leader Pastor Gift and his family were able to move into the house that was built for them on the property of The Center. This will enable them to live closer to where he will be ministering to the people in the community.
We were able to renovate the home of Nsoko local Elizabeth. Prior to this she was lving in a home were theives could easily break in and harm her or the multiple children for which she is responsible. AIM replaced broken windows and installed bars over others to protect Elizabeth and the children from intruders.

Beauty From Ashes

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A Tribute to Grandmothers

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We need to honor grandmothers. If you have one, today would be a great day to do that. They often carry more on their shoulders than we will ever know. In Swaziland, they are carrying the whole country. Tara Stephenson shows us their soul and her photography talent in the following blog:

Swaziland:a tiny round dot in Africa located west of Mozambique and north of South Africa. This country has the highest rate of the infection of HIV in the world. Life expectancy: 31. The country consists mostly of grandmothers (nickname Go Go's) and thousands of orphans. The land is green and mountainous. The people are starving, unemployed and sick........yet despite the scenario most would label "hopeless," they have overwhelming amounts of JOY. The Go Go's life stories are filled with tears and strength. The orphans dance and consistently giggle.

The Go Go's take care of the orphans. They cook, work in the fields, and try to provide a means for the kids school fees. In most cases, the whole household is in survival mode.

These are some pictures I took of the Go Go's as a tribute to not only their strong hearts but the hope that radiates through them. I was able to visit many at their homes and I found beauty among their despair. I found the survivors of the countries greatest loss-people. They have an anchor or hope.

"We have this hope as an anchor for the souls, firm and secure."

Hebrews 6:19a

Nsoko Update January 2009

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There are fourteen people coming to Nsoko later this month for a Vision Trip. They will experience ministry at the CarePoints and will visit homes in the area doing a census, and finding out the needs of the people. Pastor Gift is recruiting some youth to help as translators for the Vision Trip.

We are planning a retreat for some of the Swazi women, including counseling and helping with spiritual and mental healing. This is for women we interviewed plus about 10 more that are suffering with HIV and taking ARV's (Medication).

We are having the gogo's (grandmothers) in the area each paint their own I AM box. We have done this project with many of the children; it gives them an opportunity to talk about whatever they need to and to be prayed over. The outside of the box is decorated to tell of their stories and memories. On the inside is a mirror with their God-given SisSwati name and its meaning along with a Bible in their native language. When it is finished, they take the box home and remember they are God's beloved child.

The medical clinic is close to completion; there is about a week left of work and then the electric company needs to come and hook up the power for electric and water to work.

Praise Reports

Baby's surgery was a success. I was able to

see her and she is up and playing and smiling.

Philile is looking healthy and because she has responded so well to the new medication. She will not need to start taking the stronger stuff, which is good because the stronger ARV's have many more side effects. Praise the Lord!

New Video Posts

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

New Video Post 2

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

December 2008 Update

Thu, 1 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The clinic walls are all up, there are 6 rooms in the building. 4 exam rooms, a reception center, 2 rooms dedicated to the live-in nurse, and 2 bathrooms. The clinic should be open by the end of Jan and ready for the vision trip coming in. Here are some photos (taken on 12/8/08)

The community center is finished and functioning, the church has been using it every Sunday since March 2008, and they have hosted several workshops and community meetings.
The church had their end of year celebration this past Sunday. Every month, on the first Sunday of the month the church provides a meal to the parishioners.

We have built a house on site for Pastor Gift and his family and they are now living in it, though they do not have electricity yet. They are able to minister to the children and community from close proximity.

Fencing - The fencing that is around the property only encloses the Pastor's house, the Center, and the Clinic. There is still a need to fence in the fields for farming.

We are currently helping more than 30 HIV positive men and women and a few children with accessing their Retro Viral Therapy and food. This is going to be the basis of the Home-Based Care wing of the project.

Future Plans:

Leadership School will fully function in 2009

Agricultural project for sustainability

Orphan houses

Prayer Requests and Praises:

Baby is going in for surgery on the 11th of this month to have her tonsils taken out.

Philile was sick and not doing well for a while but now she is stable again, Praise the Lord!! She and her family are living in their new home, but it still needs to be painted.

On behalf of Pastor Gift, he would like to extend his thanks to all of you, thanks for assisting us throughout the year!!

November 2008 Update

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Clinic:

They have met with 18 men and women who are HIV positive and are providing food for them to take their AVR's, and providing bus fare for some who can't afford to get to the open clinics. There is a huge need for the clinic to be functioning on site.
As for the building, there have been some delays but we think that it will still open on schedule.

Carepoints:

They need money for bars on the window; just last night one of the carepoints (Joyela) was broken into and the food was stolen. Please pray for transitioning some of the children at the closest care point to come directly to the center.

Church:

The numbers have tripled and there is a desperate need for chairs to accommodate the people coming to the service.

Leadership School:

This past weekend (Oct 25) they had 50 people attend the first training workshop. They will be doing the workshop once a month. They learned about HIV/AIDS, gender issues, constitutionalism, separation of powers (politics), and the importance of participating in community development. The people that came gave a good response to the teaching, and they are excited about the youth involvement.
Needs: 24 tables, 2 flannel boards, and a projector. They would like a special budget for refreshments during those sessions

The purses:

The women are responding better than expected. 13 women came to the center everyday to sew. He thinks that they will meet their deadline for the first batch.

Gama Family:

The house will be finished by Friday and the family will be able to move in by next week.
Philile is sickly again, but she is being monitored. One of her kids is suspected to have HIV.

Baby:

Diagnosed with a tumor in her throat, that has grown so big you can see it on the outside of her chest. She is suspected to have HIV as well, but can't get tested until her Father gives permission.

Children's Village:
Still in Phase 2

Pastor Gift says, "May I pass on to you my family's gratitude for making it possible that the children join us in NSOKO. God be with you all. Thank you."

Nsoko Update, Nov, 2008

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We recently received an update from the staff at Nsoko and wanted to share it with you.

Pastor Gift says, "May I pass on to you my family's gratitude for making it possible that the children join us in NSOKO. God be with you all. Thank you."

Join us on a Vision Trip to Swaziland

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This January 28 through February 4, join Karen and myself, plus Gary and Lisa Black, on a life-changing vision trip to Nsoko, Swaziland.

You'll be exposed you to the devastation and beauty of Africa. Swaziland, a nation of a million people, now has highest percentage of orphans in the world. It is desperate for help and the children of Nsoko are among the most needy. By going to them, you can make a difference and your life will be impacted forever.

How Nsoko got started

Lisa relates the story: "One day my husband Gary was showing some of the World Racers an area an hour and half from our home, when they stumbled upon a group of starving children. They had not eaten in weeks, and the grandmother that was trying to care for them was beside herself with grief. She told us she never stopped praying that God would hear her prayer, and send someone to help the children.

The children in this area all have a story. Some are double orphans, meaning both parents have died, some as young as 5 are the oldest living member in the household, and struggle to care for their siblings. The poverty is overwhelming, the number of very small children fending for themselves is heart-wrenching, and the rate of HIV/AIDS affecting every age group of this country is mind-blowing. Yet the vision and hope are inspiring."

What we'll do

When the church of America links hands with the church of Africa, miracles begin to happen, for everyone. You will experience the beauty of the land and it's people, and be changed forever. We will start our days with prayer, and then go to minister by feeding the children, playing with them, holding them, praying for them, teaching them, and singing with them.

We will minister healing to the GoGos and encourage them in their daily lives. We will see the community center and the site of the children's village you will help build. If you are a doctor or a nurse, you can provide medical care out of our new clinic. We will enjoy genuine African worship and meet the people of Nsoko. You will hear their stories and realize that they are no different than you - they have dreams; they love their children, and life has cost them more than they could pay.

We'll also spend a few days meeting and ministering alongside a team of World Racers (the team that Karen and I coach) and will see what a lifestyle of radical abandonment looks like.

Where we'll stay
Nisela Farms, in the LaMatata Guest house, is where we'll be staying. We are fortunate to partner with the owners of this beautiful game preserve just a few miles from Nsoko. Lions, impala, ostriches, and warthogs wander just a few yards outside our restaurant. One or two afternoons we'll go on a safari. Breakfast and Dinner will be served there. Gary and I will teach in the mornings and John Kale will lead worship.

Please join us!

Some of you need to scout this out as an opportunity for your church to engage with orphans and AIDS in a meaningful way.

For others of you, it's just time for you. If you think you might be interested, please put your name down here in the comment section below so we can contact you.

Or, if you have friends you feel need to go, let me know that as well.

E-mail Alison Sellers for more info

Nsoko update

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Swaziland Update

"I have a dream that when God remembers Swaziland, there will be spiritual freedom. This spiritual freedom will manifest in the physical. There will be no more hungry children on the streets, prostitution for food will stop, HIV/AIDS will be overcome and people will live long and see their children's children." Pastor Gift

We here at Adventures in Missions are so blessed to have people like you who stand in agreement with Pastor Gift's dream. We are excited to report the progress that has happened in the past few months in Nsoko, thanks to much prayer and willing hands and hearts.

Nsoko is a place of vision; a vision "to disciple a million orphans, using Jesus' model, to become world changers." The vision is becoming a reality, and many efforts are being put into action recently with the construction of a community center and the digging of a much needed well, as well as the construction of cooking shelters. We are continuing to raise funds for the construction of orphan homes, a marketplace and a team house. Once those are complete the vision will continue with the training of the mothers and grandmothers who are willingly taking on 6 - 8 children and building a safe, God centered home. Here the children can grow in Christ and in community, where they are provided meals, education and love. As they move into adolescence they will be given opportunities to become apprentices for small businesses and schools, and will be taken on short term missions to be shown how to plant the kingdom all around them. What an amazing blessing and addition to the kingdom they will be!

We currently run eight care points around Nsoko, where the beginnings of this vision are taking place. We serve 500 - 600 children a day at our care points. More and more children, and now even adults are walking miles to reach these care points for their one daily meal. And you are part of this; you are making all this possible with your generous donations.

We are pleased to report that we have received word that four projects which were being worked on over the past couple months have been completed. Our first big praise is for the Community center that was just finished. The overall vision for this community center is to be a place to feed hundreds of orphans, hold training classes for teachers, AIDS workshops, house Handy Crafts' and a place to hold worship. As of now the building is being used as a church for the surrounding community. In addition to the Community Center the amazing gift of water was given to the community. The well has been dug on the property, and the man who dug the well claims that this is the first time for his company to discover such a great flow of water in Swaziland! They are now able to pump out thousands of liters per minute; better than any well dug by this company in Swaziland. The Lord's hand has truly been on this place.

There have also been kitchen shelter's constructed at all eight care points. Now the only current issue facing the use of these shelters is the lack of firewood. A solution has been offered by the chairman of the Community Fund. They are clearing trees for farming and have offered to sell Pastor Gift bags of fire wood for a small fee. This has been an example of how the local business men have taken interest in this project and are becoming involved in resolving issues. Pastor Gift now has to consider how to get the firewood to the different care points that are spread out. Please pray with us that they will find a solution.

The last accomplishment has been Pastor Gift's own home. The completion of the house allows Pastor Gift to move his wife and children onto the property, allowing him to be able to manage this project on site, and be able to minister to the community from within. All of these construction projects and those yet to be finished are supported by serving hearts like yours.

We at AIM along with Pastor Gift have a dream and a vision. You have become part of that dream when you decided to help support and care for the children in Swaziland. This community needs a light in the darkness, and it is you who are bringing hope to a seemingly hopeless situation. Pastor Gift continues on to say in his report back to us that;

"I am in dilemma but I still have hope. I have hope because I have a dream. I can dream because there are people I am in covenant with. I praise God for people like you because you encourage me to hope against hope. I do have faith in God. I do have faith in His prophets. I still believe something can be done. Please dream with me that the people in dilemma will soon see the light of day."

May this report and Pastor Gift's dream inspire you to continue partnering with us as God leads you to. We believe the Nsoko Project is the answer to the dilemma the people of Swaziland are facing. Your heart for the children of Swaziland is encouraging to us all. Thank you for your commitment to help us care for the least of these.

All About Swaziland (info + pics + facts)

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Swaziland

Rolling hills and beautiful plains. Bright blue skies and breathtaking sunsets.
Yet, the beauty of the country doesn't begin to compare to the beautiful people there.

Bright eyes and big smiles.

Hugs and handshakes.

They are quick to laugh and quick to love!

It's a beautiful country full of beautiful people, but it is dying.

Rapidly.

There are many problems in Swaziland, the first being poverty. With poverty comes a lack of education. With ignorance comes violence. Yet none of these are the biggest problem facing Swazi today. The biggest problem is a deadly disease.

AIDS has taken over Swaziland, making it the most AIDS infected country in the world with over 44.2% that are HIV+. The population fell from 1.1 million 2 years ago than less than a million this year - which means the people are dying faster than they're being born.

The statistics are heartbreaking.

Life expectancy is 28.7 years
44.2% are HIV+
Between the ages of 15 and 25 girls have an infection rate of 56%
There are presently over 100,000 orphans in the less than 1 million population
58% of children don't go to school because they can't afford school fees/uniforms
70% of children will be HIV+ by the time they are 15 years old
Only 1 in 10 children will make it to the age of 30

According to the UN statistics, the entire country will be dead - wiped off the face of the earth- by 2050.

That is, unless something drastic happens.

Well, guess what... We want to be that something drastic!

We believe that, as Christians, we are called to care for the 'least of these'. (Matt 25:40) We are commanded by Christ to rush to their rescue- to feed them, to clothe them, to give them something to drink. (Matt 25:34 - 40, Matt 10:42) We know that God wants to save this country from death and destruction, and we are called to help Him carry out His plan!(Isaiah 1:17)

But it doesn't stop there.

We don't want to just "save" them from death. We don't want to just sustain the life they are living. We know that God has more for them, He wants to give them a hope and a future! (Jeremiah 29:11)

We have many plans, hopes, and dreams to help the people of Swaziland- especially the over 100,000 orphans AIDS has left behind. From food, water, clothing, medicine, discipleship, and education at carepoints, to building a children's village in Nsoko, these plans are already taking shape. Now we need your help!

Help make these dreams a reality! Join us today and help us give these children a hope and a future.

Click here to give today: Give to our needs in Swaziland!

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Click View All Blogs to find out more about Swaziland and how we're helping the people there.
Click Browse Our Photos to see pictures from past trips and current projects.
Click Update Alerts if you'd like an email update each time we post a new Swazi story.
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Come to Swaziland this fall!

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Upcoming Trip to Swaziland: September 8 - November 8

The people of Swaziland have few or no material possessions, are in the midst of a seven-year drought that has led to zero crop yield and are afflicted by a nationwide AIDS pandemic. And yet, they have an enduring spirit...

"There is an unnatural resilience, a strength the Swazis find in their faith... Joy leaps out of them, in spite of all the adversity they face, and it comes directly from God. They are my inspiration." -Excerpt from a recent interview of AIM staff member Dennis Brock by Phil White for Relevant Magazine

You could spend two months in Swaziland this fall, serving God through caring for widows and orphans and helping start up the Nsoko Project. Swaziland is an African country that has been devastated by the AIDS virus and desperately needs people who will go and be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing a message of love, hope, and salvation.

Will you go?

Is God calling you to step out in faith? Are you willing to abandon your personal comfort to see what he has for you in Africa? Click here to fill out a Quick App and see if you're a good fit.
To read more about this trip, click here.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Once we receive your application, we'll send more details and contact you to discuss the program. If you have questions, contact our Admissions Department.

Open Spots for Kenya and India Trips: September 8 - December 8

Also, there are still openings for our three-month trips to Kenya and India this fall, starting in September! In India, your days will be spent ministering in the leper colonies, doing VBS's for churches, and bringing hope to the slums of Delhi.
To read more about this trip, click here.

In Kenya, you will minister in the slums of Kibera, serving the poorest of the poor through sports ministry, door-to-door evangelism, and open-air meetings to share Christ.
To read more about this trip, click here.

The Sound of Hope - buy a shirt and help orphans!

Mon, 26 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Sound of Hope is our brand new campaign at AIM - helping us raise funds and awareness for our orphans in Swaziland (and orphans we are caring for in Kenya and India.)

BUY A SHIRT that HELPS ORPHANS!

Clothes for a cause - why not? Get a cool shirt, help orphans, and then spread the word everytime you wear it! When you buy this t-shirt, you are giving hope to orphans in Kenya, Swaziland, and India. The proceeds from this shirt go to care for orphans in desperate need. Join the movement today! Wear it. Share it. The Sound of HOPE is here.

Just click here:

SOUND OF HOPE - loudspeaker T

The Sound of Hope is a movement; a music partnership. We empower those of you with a voice - singers, songwriters, musicians, poets, speakers - to share the stories of the 150 million orphans around the world. YOU have the power to wake up a generation to the needs of these children - and to give HOPE to a hopeless generation! Today, you can be the VOICE for the cause - to speak on behalf of the 150 MILLION orphans left alone and forgotten around the world. Awaken a generation by raising awareness and money to the help orphans around the world!

Want more info?

Do you want to be a SOUND OF HOPE ARTIST? It doesn't matter how big or well-known you are - WE KNOW YOU CAN HELP! No matter if your audience is 5 people or 5 million, you can help by sharing info about The Sound of Hope online or at your event, and allowing your audience to give. Contact us for more info about THE SOUND OF HOPE ARTIST PLAN. Tailor the plan to how little or how much you'd like to be involved - from as little as making us your myspace friend, to as much as writing a song for the orphans, and then going overseas to SING IT TO THEM!

Make us your myspace friend or send us message today at www.thesoundofhope.org, leave a comment on this blog, or contact me at erickabennett@adventures.org.

How you can tangibly help Swaziland

Sun, 25 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I have had many people ask me for specific ways in which they can tangibly help in Nsoko, Swaziland, and many have sent money for clothes (see Lisa's blog).

Here is a list of what we need urgently and what will help us start educating the children and producing our self-sustainability projects...

Most of Phase One is done - the Church is planted, (see video), the community center is built and paid for (we are feeding hundreds everyday, doing workshops on AIDS and teacher-training five days a week in the community center), the security fence is up, and the ground is graded.

Our immediate needs are:

Drilling of bore hole and pump - $7500 ($5000 raised; need $2000 more)
Electricity for whole village - $2500 (ready to be installed)
Pastor Gift's house - $12,000 (He will be managing on site)
Transport to get food and medical - $375 per month (to reach all 7 care points)
Clinic built and furnished - $19,125 (doctor has donated all med equip)
Church building, open steel plan - $7000 We have already out grown the center!
Sewerage $588
For $350 a month we can provide a package of Maize, Maltabella, (porridge), Beans, Oil, Sugar, Salt and Soap for 120 kids!

Think about that: for $350 a month, 120 of our "Children of the Dirt" can eat nutritious food once each day - this has not happened in this area for a long time!

The eight orphan homes where we will house six to eight double orphans (a double orphan is where the mom and dad are both deceased and the child has no other family at all) are ready to go up now as we have the construction teams waiting. A church or a business could sponsor a home for $22,589. We have the mothers ready to move in.

Then soon after, we have to start working on the market place in front of the village. The locals can sell all of their goods to help with the self-sustainability of the project. Then the vegetable gardens, the essential oil fields, and the fish ponds will need to be in place to produce income on a monthly basis. Each double orphan will be in charge of her own 10 meters of garden. They can sell it, buy more meters and become their own entrepreneur. We are helping orphans to build life skills and deinstitutionalizing them!

Remember, you can come and see all of this happening right before your eyes on a vision trip - just contact us if you're interested!

If you want to make an online donation, please click on "Give to the Nsoko Project", or click "Support Me!" and get the mailing address to send a check. Make sure and note what you are wanting to give to (Nsoko project).

Swaziland - Kevin and Christi Bowman's story

Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Christi Bowman and her husband Kevin went to Swaziland a few months ago and it wrecked her. The ministry there does that to a lot of people. She went reluctantly and got ambushed by God. While visiting the Nsoko carepoint she felt God saying, "Pick up that little girl over there." And for an hour she resisted the Lord. Read what happened next from Christi:

About an hour later, Jumbo showed up with some water, and Kreik mixed some drink mix in with it. We helped line the kids up to get their drinks. I noticed the little girl again. She had gotten her drink, and was aimlessly, almost deliriously, walking through the crowd. She had no one to go to it seemed like, but it looked like she needed a place to rest. So I picked her up and sat her on my lap. It was then that I felt how feverish she was, and the walking around delirious, made sense. She didn't feel good. It was the middle of their summer, and she had this nagging cough. She was also sneezing a lot, and there was green stuff caked around her nose.

Purplish OPEN sores COVERED her body, and fluid was oozing out of most of them. Bugs were on the sores, and flies were swarming around her. The meal at the care point had been served, and all the kids were eating. She was on my lap so she hadn't gotten her bowl of food. These kids walk MILES a day for one meal, so I didn't want her to miss it. I pointed to someone else's bowl, and asked her if she wanted a bowl. She shook her head no, and laid it on my chest. My motherly instincts kicked in, and I began asking around to see where this little girl's mother was, so that maybe her mother could make sure she ate something. The adults told me she didn't have a mother. It was safe to assume that she has no father either...so she was completely orphaned.

She had to walk there; it must have been hard for her, given the condition she was in. And then once she was there, she was forced to walk around deliriously in her feverish condition, as there was no shade, no shelter, no adult to rest on. It was then that I began to regret not picking her up when I first arrived in this God-forsaken place. She could have had another hour to just rest.

As I held her, with her head on my chest, tears came flooding down my face. I turned away from her, because I didn't want her to see them. I couldn't help but think of my own children at home. When they are sick, they become a prince or a princess for the day or for how ever long they need to be. I put them on the couch, and I prop a pillow or two up, just right, behind their sick head, and I cover their bodies with a warm blanket. They get a bell, or a noise maker that they can ring to get my attention whenever they want it.

I send my husband to the store to get sprite, and whatever else I feel might be good for them, and their condition.. I cried because their was no one to do that for this little girl. I wanted to, but the sad reality was I was going to be taken back, in an air conditioned vehicle, to one of the nicest hotels in Swaziland. I was going to get a hot shower, and be taken to a nice restaurant for a hot meal. After I was done with my hot meal, I had the option of swimming in a nice pool, and I had a comfortable bed to get a good nights sleep in.

I have never been more ashamed of how I take my blessings for granted. At that moment, I could have given all that up to stay there with her. I didn't have that choice though. As they called me to the car, I had to give her up, I had to let her go, and again she just stared at me...she stared into my very soul, and all I could do was kiss her and tell her I was so sorry. I was sorry for a lot of things. I was sorry I hadn't listened to God's spirit in me telling me to pick her up earlier. I was sorry I had wealth, and she didn't. I was sorry she had to continue living in God forsaken country, while I got to return home to America. I was just sorry.

I wanted to be so much more than just sorry. It was there that God told me He would bring us back, and that I would be able to do so much more than just be sorry. I was going to step in where there was no mom, and be a mom. I was going to be able, one day, to bring hope into a hopeless situation.

Now that she's returned, she and Kevin feel God calling them to go back. Christi can't sit still - she has to respond. And so should some of the rest of us. If you're not doing widows and orphans somewhere else, join us in caring for the nation that is dying of AIDS faster than any other in the world.

The sacrifices required in leaving America behind are many, but as this video about our ministry in Swaziland makes clear, something must be done. Someone must go.

Sexual Abuse in Swaziland

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

SWAZILAND: Every third woman sexually abused as a child, says report

Photo: IRIN

An alarming number of girls in Swaziland have been abused

MBABANE, 9 April 2008 (IRIN) - One in three Swazi women has suffered some form of sexual abuse as a child; one in four experienced physical violence, a new United Nations survey revealed this week.

The study by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is the first of its kind conducted in a country where anecdotal evidence suggests an alarming number of female children are victims of abuse. More disconcertingly still, the mushrooming population of orphans and vulnerable children in Swaziland provide yet more opportunities for sexual exploitation to occur.

In two years, 200,000 Swazi children will have been orphaned by AIDS - more than one-fifth of the current population, according to UNICEF. With HIV prevalence at 33.4 percent among people aged between 15 and 49, the country has the world's highest infection rate. As a result, life expectancy has halved from nearly 60 years in the 1990s to just over 30 years today.

"Disabled children, children out of school and orphans are some of the most vulnerable groups," said Jama Gulaid, UNICEF representative in Swaziland. "Poverty and the high prevalence of HIV create high numbers of marginalised children."

The survey, the National Study on Violence Against Children and Young Women, based its findings on interviews among rural and urban communities. Disturbingly, it concluded that violence and sexual assault against girls primarily took place at home.

"We found that 75 percent of the perpetrators of sexual violence were known to the victim," Gulaid said.

"It is not surprising that sexual abuse of girls is a household problem, because Swazis reside in multi-generational homes, usually isolated farms," said a researcher with the non-governmental organisation, Women in Law in Southern Africa's Swaziland chapter. "Relatively few girls are raped by strangers in towns because less of the population resides in towns, and there is a heightened awareness of security there".

Rapists don't use condoms

Often the abusers are the girls' own fathers and boyfriends. Only 43.5 percent of girls said their first sexual experiences were freely willed and devoid of coercion: a little less than five percent said they had been introduced to sex as rape victims.

We found that 75 percent of the perpetrators of sexual violence were known to the victim

Underscoring the urgency of addressing violence against girls was the AIDS crisis.

"Rapists don't use condoms, and if a father or uncle are so inclined to rape a daughter or niece, or a boyfriend forces himself on his girlfriend, the danger of HIV transmission is rife," said Victor Ndlovu, a voluntary testing and counseling officer in the central commercial town of Manzini. "Add to that the reluctance of girls to report abuse or in many instances to rightly understand they have been violated, we are faced with a serious public health challenge, aside from the individual suffering incurred by the girls."

A third of Swazi females interviewed for the study reported they had experienced emotional abuse. Often, the perpetrators had been abused themselves as children.

"The established 'hand me down' passing on of abuse is evident from what we were told," said Pamela Dlamini, a sociology student at the University of Swaziland, who was one of the survey interviewers. "Emotional abuse of girls is mostly carried out by the girls' female relatives, who were abused themselves. Sometimes there is jealousy. Instead of reporting an abusive husband or unable to police [the girl], the girl's mother or aunt will treat the girl as a rival. This comes from a culture where any post-pubescent girl is considered eligible for marriage in a polygamous household, even if she is 13, although Swazi culture does not allow for the incest we find rampant in households where abuse occurs."

Although officially a middle-income country, the UN Development Programme estimates more than two-thirds of Swazis live in chronic poverty, about the same number - over 600,000 - currently depend on food assistance from the World Food Programme and other donor groups.

The report noted that "Violence can damage the emotional, cognitive and physical development of children and thereby impact economic development of Swaziland by degrading the contribution of affected children".

The way forward

Less than half of sexual assaults and other abusive crimes are reported to the authorities. Swazi children were found to have sought help from the police or social welfare counselors in only one out of five cases that resulted in injury serious enough to consult a doctor.

The way forward appears to be through education, instructing girls about what constitutes abuse. "I spoke with many girls who said they did not understand that they had been abused. They felt abused, physically and psychologically, but no one told them this was not normal," said Dlamini.

The report backed Dlamini's observation, noting, "The numbers suggest a lack of understanding of what sexual violence is and how and where to report such incidents".

Educational programmes in schools would assist in a country where primary school attendance is relatively widespread, and instruct girls on the type of behaviour acceptable when they return home.

"The large numbers of sexual violence incidents happening in the home underscores the hidden nature of sexual violence and presents one of the largest challenges in preventing sexual violence in Swaziland," the report said.

http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=77685

Somebody's Baby

Thu, 8 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Ever left your crying toddler in the Church nursery, or your kindergartner on the first day of school, or even a pre-teen at a summer camp? They look up at you with "Please don't leave me, Mommy" tears brimming, lower lip protruding, arms reaching out to for you to pick them up. You know there is nothing you can do; the time has come and you have to leave, but you feel a little nauseated. And the second you get to your car, you let the hot tears flow.

My last week in Nsoko felt just like that. I did not have a choice; I had to leave these precious little ones. They didn't understand, and in many ways, neither did I. They tried to crawl in my car after my final goodbye. I kept explaining over and over, that I was coming back, but everyone says that to them, and most never do.

Maternal instinct is a powerful thing; I still check on my all my kids in the middle of the night (even the ones that are
taller than me!), and I think about the Children of the Dirt all the time.

The same way I awaken with a start, wondering who in my home has kicked off their covers and might be cold, I awaken several times a night, and wonder what the community of Nsoko is facing today.

I often think we are so arrogant to think that our children would never be in that situation. Sometimes, I think "what if..." What if something did happen in our country: a plague, a war, a catastrophic event. What if we were all gone, except Noah, the baby of our family, or the baby or your family? What if our five year-old prince was suddenly alone on this earth? No parents, grandparents, brothers or sisters, just little Noah walking around vulnerable, alone, searching for food, exposed to the elements, scared, and prey for predators.

Would someone who didn't know him take him in, feed him, love him and protect him, simply because God commanded them to? Would a stranger make a sacrifice to save my baby?

See, my motives here? They are all somebody's baby; they could be yours.

We can all do something, no matter how big or how small.

It matters to them...

Click Here to Give to the Nsoko Project

He was too young to die

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As I continue to answer God's call to care for widows and orphans, and to work with everyone at our organization with the same calling, we find it can be a heartbreaking task. This story has had me at my desk in tears for most of the day. All around the office we've been grieving. As we pray comfort for Pelile, and for our teams in Africa, I feel called to share this story with you...

Read what these two World Racers have to say about Moses, the baby they were given to care for in Swaziland:

From Megan:
I climbed into the backseat of our kombi after a long morning at the care point, expecting a semi-normal answer to the question, "How was your day today?" When I turned to our ministry contact Pastor Gift, he replied, "We got a baby today."

"We got a baby today?!" I said back to him a bit confused. He proceeded to tell me a story that ended with my team caring for the tiniest baby boy.

Mcolisi (or Moses as we call him) is four weeks old, and his mother Pelile is suffering from AIDS. She has not been able to feed him because she is no longer producing milk. She has four other children, and now is teaching her eight year-old how to "mother" her siblings.

From Traci:
Krystle and I took Moses to the hospital. After some blood-work and x-rays, the doctors decided to treat him for pneumonia and malnutrition. Krystle volunteered to stay at the hospital. This morning around quarter to six, Gary came in to tell me that Moses had passed away. Apparently, he just stopped breathing.

It has been a roller-coaster day. Pastor Gift, Aaron, and I rode down to Nsoko to tell Pelile. She was crying, but consolable. I have been a mess all day. Back and forth-sometimes laughing while we play cards, and other times breaking down. I know that this was all a part of God's plan.and that awareness has been raised about situations like this.

My question is: What will you do? I want to know what you will do to prevent this. What will you do to encourage me to never be the same; to never take life for granted; to never waste a second thinking about what I can do for someone else's life?

There is so much tragedy in this story. The tragedy of a mother's life soon to be cut short by AIDS and TB. The tragedy of her children who will be left behind as orphans, the oldest an eight year-old girl who'll soon be "mom" to her siblings. The tragedy of Moses, a precious baby whose life was cut short.

And yet, the greatest tragedy is one you might not realize - the tragedy that this is normal in Swaziland. Everyday there, children are orphaned by parents dying of AIDS. Over 130,00 AIDS orphans are struggling to survive in Swaziland now. Everyday, children die of disease and poverty, without parents to care for them, without food, without the proper medical attention. Most of them die unnoticed and unknown... until now.

Today, you've heard Moses' story. You know about this beautiful little boy who impacted the lives of so many in such a short time. Though he never had the chance to grow up, other children can - with your help.

Now it's time to answer Traci's question: What will you do?

He was only a few weeks old, but his short life can help bring hope and life to thousands of children in Swaziland. Today, give a gift in memory of Moses. Today, help change tragedy to hope!

Click here to give a gift in memory of Moses, and choose "Nsoko Project" from the drop down menu.

*To read more about Baby Moses, visit these links:

Moses--The Funeral

Holding Life in Your Hands

how can i love one boy so much??

(PLEASE REREAD) God save this dying world

The Life and Death of Moses

This Christmas, GIVE HOPE.

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Dear friends and family,

She was a beautiful little girl, probably not more than two years old. She toddled over to me in tears, inconsolable. I couldn't understand why she was crying. Even though I was in Africa, I thought through all the normal American childcare questions. "Is she hungry?" No, they'd just eaten - and though it was a less than appetizing meal of maize, her stomach was full. "Wet diaper?" No, the children here have never seen a diaper- this little girl wasn't even wearing pants. Then it hit me she's sleepy. I reached for her, and she instantly fell asleep in my arms.

I held her, watching her as she slept, wondering when she last had anyone to hold her. I wondered if she had anyone who told her she was loved. My heart ached as I sat there in the dirt, not wanting to let go. But it was time to leave

I had to leave her there, on a mat in the dirt, alone, without even a blanket. I wondered if there was anyone who even cared if she was okay. I fought back tears as I walked away

"and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.
She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:7

A lowly birth for the Messiah. His first "baby bed" was a food trough for animals! I try to imagine that cold night, and the frustration Mary must have felt. Giving birth to a child in a stable, and laying him in a manger couldn't have been what she imagined. I think of all the nurseries I see in America, pink and blue, beautiful, warm and safe and then I imagine Jesus, as a newborn, out in a stable in the dirt and hay with the animals.

Our Lord deserved so much more! But then, doesn't every child?

When I think about the birth of our Savior, I can't help but think of the children I met in Africa. I think of their lowly births - into poverty and disease. I think of them, not sleeping in a manger, but sleeping in the dirt or on a cold cement floor. I think of how so many go to bed hungry and sick. I think of those beautiful little girls and boys who have lost both their parents and are now orphans, left alone in this world.

Maybe that's why Jesus cared so much about "the least of these"- because He'd been there. Maybe that's why He commanded us to care for those in hopeless situations, for He is the one who came to bring hope to a hurting world!

" your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost."
Matthew 18:14

This Christmas, there are millions of children in need of hope-- children in desperate situations who need to see the love of Christ from you. Here at AIM, we are working to help orphans in Kenya, India, Pakistan, and Cambodia, but our most desperate needs are in Swaziland, Africa.

Our dream for Swaziland is to see The Nsoko Project succeed. Swaziland is the most AIDS infected country in the world, with over 130,000 orphans. We recently broke ground in the city of Nsoko to see an orphan village built. It will be a community full of love, healing, and hope. It will provide homes for the orphans, a family environment, and projects to teach them to build a business and sustain their families, and we've already begun! Our first priority is to get a building and fence built to provide a safe place for the children. To see this happen, we need $22,000 by January 1st.

Your donation will provide a place for the children where they are safe from violence and abuse. It will provide an environment where they can begin to be educated and taught skills such as gardening, fishing, and how to run a business in the marketplace. These skills will give them a way to provide food and other basic needs for themselves and their families.

As we enter a festive time full of family, fun, and food, let us not forget these little ones. As you light your Christmas tree, pray about bringing light to the dark places around the world.
This Christmas, give the gift that will outlast you. Give hope to a child in need.

To give to orphans around the world, click here: https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=orphans

Thank you, and of course Merry Christmas!
In HIS hands,
Ericka Bennett
Development Coordinator
Adventures In Missions
erickabennett@adventures.org

To find out more visit: http://swaziland.myadventures.org or our partners at www.g42global.org

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:
to look after orphans and widows in their distress"
James 1:27

What is a care point?

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

In Swaziland orphans and vulnerable children can usually find housing on a rural homestead of a distant family member. Homesteads are the way traditional Swazis used to live, and to this day many rural Swazis still live on or have rights to a homestead. Homesteads are usually brick and mud structures or huts or concrete block buildings. A homestead can have as many as 5 or 6 units on the property, and it is not uncommon for 15-20 children to be living on a homestead. Care Points serve as gathering places for the children in a given community.

Each Care Point varies in what it offers for the children, but basic reason for existence is food. As long as there is food to be given out the children will gather. The cooking and caregiving is usually done by Gogo's (grandmothers). Some of the Care Points offer informal education. Some of the Care points attempt agricultural projects, but these are complicated by the fact that the majority of the locations don't have a water source nearby. A few of the Care Points have very motivated "caregivers" who do their best to also provide social interaction for the children in the form of games and songs. The number of children serviced by each Care Point varies between 30-125. Children ages 2 and up will walk anything from 5 - 90 minutes to come to a care point and eat.

Here at AIM, we are involved with 14 care points, and are presently feeding 900 children daily. We're excited to say that this number will grow to 1,600 next year!

Below is a video from Tom Davis, one of our partners through Children's Hope Chest, explaining a care point...