Waiting.........

We are still in the states. Diane and I had planned on moving back to Swaziland at the end of September . However soon after labor day  we  were presented with a partnership  proposal and asked would we be willing to pursue this possibility. Diane and I have always tried to be sensitive and willing to hear from God , we considered this proposal was God telling us to wait . Wait on moving back to Swaziland until we see if this partnership will come to fruition and if in fact it does that it will allow us to better minister  to the children (people) of Swaziland. We are  excited about the possibility of a partnership, however  the delay  of returning to Swaziland  and the people we love and are passionate about  makes is hard to wait . But we know Gods timing is always  best and waiting on Him is worth it. This thought brings to mind Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all you heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths".  Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." These scriptures reminds me that,  Gods timing is perfect, as all of Gods ways are perfect. Gods timing is never early and its never late. And if we wait on Him , he will give us the strength to do the things he calls us to do. That we will rise above the issues and trials of life and ministry, we will run the race and He will give us strength and ability to accomplish the task. We must remember that God operates according to His perfect timing/schedule  Not ours. Diane and I are excited and “antsy” to move back to a place we consider home and begin ministering  and reveling Jesus in all we do to the children/people of Swaziland. Please pray with us that we will rest in the knowledge that God is in control and use this time in the states to renew, reflect and to better prepare to do the ministry God has called us to do. Blessings, Donald & Diane

Reflections / Directions

As I reflect back on "Our Journey" I am reminded that Gos is in control and He guides our paths. When God inspired Diane and I to go on a short term mission trip to Swaziland in August of 2007, we had no idea we would fall in love with the Swazi people, especially the orphans and vulnerable children there and we certainly did not expect God to call us to fulltime missions but He did . Beginning our journey we sold everything we owned joined Children's Cup in December of 2007 and moved to Swaziland 14 months later. God was doing amazing things in us and through us with Children's Cup and in Swaziland. We were settled, feeling very much at home , honored and privileged to be serving God and the people of Swaziland. When God pressed upon our hearts to resign Children's Cup and move from our beloved Swaziland I must admit I was not happy, this was home , we were comfortable ,we were doing what God had asked us to do, we had sold everything to move to Swaziland, and now God is making it clear to leave. However our journey was not ending,God opened a ministry opportunity back in the states , to help plant a church on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota working with the Sioux people. We moved on the reservation living in a "fifth wheel rv.After helping to build relationships with the tribal leadership, securing land with a building, getting the land and building ready for "the church" again God impressed upon Diane and I to leave, our mission was complete. However our journey was not complete. Again God opened another ministry opportunity just 30 miles away in the "Bad lands" to help with a youth ministry. Things beyond our control the ministry there would not continue. But again our journey (ministry) was not over. God lead us to Arizona to help a struggling ministry that was working with the Apache people. After a few months again Diane and I felt our work (ministry) there was complete, the ministry responsibilities was turned over to another couple. After leaving Arizona God connected us with a ministry working in Alajuelita, Costa Rica. The ministry wanted Diane and I to start a children's ministry based on the model used in Swaziland. We went to Costa Rica and within three months had the ministry up and running, and was turned over to the ministry and locals. I know by now most of you reading this must be saying or at least thinking "Wow this has been a crazy journey". Well I must agree, it has been a crazy journey but one that God has lead us on and been with us every step of the way. I believe God has taken us on this journey to help us grow personally, spiritually and for Diane and I to gain various ministry experience . Learning different cultures and making personal and ministry relationships that are priceless. Bringing us to the next step in our journey, back to where the journey began Swaziland! After an recent opportunity to go back to Swaziland, revisiting friends, contacts and seeing the relationships that we had build while living there was still present most if not all even stronger, we feel God impressing us to return "Home" to Swaziland. After visiting several ministries in Swaziland and receiving offers from three to join them. Rather than joining one ministry, I feel God is wanting Diane and I to start our own ministry there, we will also partner with some of the established ministries that we feel has the vision and ministry like what God has placed on our hearts. Our plans is to establish a CNGO ( Christian Non Governmental Organization), our primary ministry focus will be children( orphan & vulnerable) in the rural / bush areas. We also plan to minister to the Swazi staff/workers that work with the terminally sick mostly those with HIV(Aids). I have began the process of forming our CNGO , scheduling a meeting with the Minister of Health and other Swazi government officials. Our plans is to move to Swaziland mid to late September / Early October. Please pray that we find favor with the Swazi government, for the purchase of a affordable and reliable ministry vehicle.