Blessed to be a Blessing

Blessed to be a blessing, that is a phrase I have heard ever since I can remember, matter of fact it is even in the bible.   As I think on those words I remember how many times I have tried to be a blessing to others only to be blessed more than I was able to bless them. This has been so true here in Swaziland and Africa as a whole.

Every time Diane and I would go either to a CarePoint, homestead, or just traveling around the villages/communities, oftentimes we tried to bless someone but they in turn blessed us more.

The blessing was in different ways, most times small sometimes big but all in all at the end of the day we were always blessed.   One of these very BIG blessings came to us just yesterday.   It was just this past Monday that the BoMake (volunteer cooks) at Ludzeludze CarePoint had sent word to us that we must come to the CarePoint on Friday at 1 o’clock because they and the village/community wanted to do a little something for us as a “Thank you” for the ministry we had shared with them while we were here.

 Even though we really did not have the time as we are very busy packing and visiting, it’s just been crazy preparing to leave Swaziland, however in Swazi culture for one to be invited to something especially if the function is for you and for you not to go is considered very disrespectful, so of course Diane and I made plans to attend.   And we are so very thankful that we did.

Diane and I arrived at Ludzeludze CarePoint to find all the village/community leadership present, two members of the Royal Kraul (King’s Reps.) to the community, members of government including a representative from the DPM’s office (Deputy Prime Minister), Elders of the community, various community members, key players in some of the (few but) major businesses and of course those kids …all those beautiful children.

Diane and I quickly discovered that this was going to be a “Big deal”.  Not only were their special guests but the village/community had slaughtered a cow on our behalf.   To know Swazi culture you know this is really a big deal as this is done only on very special occasions such as weddings and when the people are honoring the King during special events and certain holidays.   Cows are considered a sign of wealth, with the number of cows a person possesses.   Not only was their beef, we also had chicken, one meat is special and to have two is really an honor.   The Bo Make had also prepared potato salad, beetroot salad, rice and for desert we had apples, oranges and ice cream! (Melted in the hot African sun by the time we were served) but who cared, this was a very special treat for the children.

Before the meal there were various special speakers from all the groups that were present.   Thanking Diane and I for what we had done for the community and even some gave us credit for all of Swaziland. We tried to tell them that if we had done anything good it was because of God first and the help of many fellow missionaries, churches and supporters, however for this occasion they made it all about us.  They really made us feel so very special and yet at the same time Diane and I considered we had done so little where so much is needed.   Near the end of the event the BoMake presented us with a gift they had handmade (See Pics) notice the spelling –priceless!

As the day was ending and it was time to say our goodbyes, it was so very,  very hard to think this would  possibly be our last time this side of heaven to ever see any of these beautiful faces again, the faces and people that have brought so much joy and happiness into our lives.  But who knows God willing we may just be back someday, if only for a short visit.

You know there are times in a person’s life that  , the “Things” you do to try and help, to maybe make a difference no matter if considered big or small, that you really don’t know if in fact you were able to help, to make that  difference.   I for one was not sure if we were able to make a difference  to “ Leave A Mark” for Jesus, but by the response and Thankfulness  we received from one small village / community in Swaziland, Africa it looks as though we did even if in a small way.   So as we left with our hearts full and broken thinking, for a people that has so little but wanted to share and honor us with it, Diane and I felt very special and humbled.   It has been such an honor and a blessing to have been able to share a small part of our life with them.    It has been a very honoring and special day and time that we will never forget.

Thank you to our Church home – Piney Grove Chapel and all those that have supported our ministry with your payers and monetary support while here, it has truly been a blessing to us.   Although it very hard to leave Swaziland and the people (especially the children) we know this is what God wants and because of that we are excited to see what the next chapter of ministry has in store for us. So please join us for the next chapter, (Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota) see you on that side of the pond.

God Bless

Don & Diane

Matt: 25.40

God’s Way or the Highway

I know that most of us have heard the phrase and maybe we have even said it ourselves, “My way or the highway”.  However, for us Christians it should be said God’s way or the Highway.  In this case God’s way is the highway.  When God called Diane and I to fulltime ministry in 2007 we wanted to go wherever, do whatever and serve any and every way He led.   And as you know God led us to Swaziland Africa.

After selling all our worldly goods Diane and I moved to Swaziland February 2, 2009  with the intent and plan to live and minister here at least ten (10) years.  Well that was our way.   But after only 2 years and 10 months God’s way is the highway or rather in this case the airway back to North America.

These past 2 years 10 months have been a very big blessing and at times very challenging but all in all God has done some very amazing things in and through Diane and I.

I know that we have not posted a lot on Face book or have not blogged very often however, when I say He has been doing amazing things you can believe it.

I just feel that when the sriptures tell us “Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing”  I try to do exactly that.   Because the scriptures also say if you seek praise from man then whatever praise or reward is given that will be all  you get.  God knows what we do and even knows the very intent of our hearts and the reason we do those things.

God will give the reward.

I will report that during these 2 years 10 months that Diane and I have seen God work in the lives of the children here in a mighty way and in many different ways.  Ministry looks different in many ways, it’s not just teaching, or preaching God’s word, sometimes it comes in the way of making sure that a food container arrives in a timely manner to have food for the children.   Sometimes ministry is assuring that the budgets and finances are in order, paying the necessary bills to keep the ministry as a whole operating.   Administering medical care, disciplining  children through bible based games and activities and sometimes ministry is just taking the time to sit with an orphan child letting them feel the love, and realize someone cares and values them enough to take the time to give them hope, and around here Hopes Name is Jesus.   That phrase stated by our dear friend and founder of Children’s Cup,  Dave Ohlerking.  Just know that we have tried to do just that… give them hope in every way we could.  It is because of those special times with the children, the relationships we have made with the people and the beauty of this beautiful continent that is hard to say goodbye for now.  

 But as we know, God’s way for our lives sometimes does not line up with our way or plans.   This chapter of our ministry is over and the next chapter is before us. We believe that God sent us here to Swaziland to prepare us for this new chapter.... for serving the Native American people through the ministry of Native American Baptist Missions.   We will be ministering on the Reservation of Pine Ridge, South Dakota.   Not really sure what that ministry will look like, I know we will be starting or helping to start a church on the Reservation.  We definitely keep you updated as we begin our new journey.  But one thing I can assure you of is whatever we do we will be doing in the leadership and direction of the Holy Spirit  sharing hope in any and every way possible – Hopes Name is Jesus. 

Diane and I want to thank each and every one of you that have prayed for us, have supported us with financial help, for anyway you have joined us on this amazing journey.  It is our prayer that you will continue to support us with your payers, encouragement and if God leads you… with your financial support.   As soon as we get settled in the states will let you know how and where you can send your ministry donations, but for now if you are sending donations  to Children’s Cup on our behalf please continue to do so.  Many Blessings and Thank you all. See you on the “other side of the pond”

Love in Christ,  Don and Diane