This is a long one, but if you read it, I think you'll be really encouraged.
This came from a friend in Florida, she used to sing on the worship team with Gen and I want to do all that I can to support her and what God has placed in her heart...
Dear Family and Friends ~
I just want to share with you an exciting opportunity I have been given...
Several months ago, I learned of the desperate situation facing many orphaned children in Swaziland, Africa. As you know, Swaziland is where I spent many of my early years and it holds a very special place in my heart. I recently found out that a dear Swazi friend named Lucy, has begun taking in orphans. These children have been left totally abandoned, seeking food, shelter and with empty, frightened hearts, they are simply trying to survive. Lucy and her husband Isaiah have very little themselves but are giving everything they have to assist these small children. Having no place to keep the children at night, they come during the day and are feed what is available and taught some basic education and most important, about the Lord! I spoke by phone with Lucy and Isaiah a couple weeks ago and heard their hearts. I am told that just in the small town of Siteki (where Lucy resides), there are already 25 coming to them and the numbers are increasing by the day! A local hospital has contacted them, asking if they "would please come get some newborns", left abandoned on the side of the roads and paths. It is so amazing to me that as Americans we are also in a financial crunch, giving up our daily Coke (or Pepsi) to save a buck, yet these Brothers and Sisters in Christ are giving EVERYTHING they have, on the front lines of the battlefield for the sake of the little ones and the gospel. At this point, because they have no place to house these little ones, the children return to the night, often sleeping by themselves under the bushes and stars. There are 5 year old children walking miles, often carrying infants on their hips, to receive the food and love Lucy has...this breaks my heart! I can not sit back and just watch without asking, "Lord, is there something I can do to come along side my Brother Isaiah and Sister Lucy, to encourage them, sending in reinforcements to help them in this fight".
On September 15, 2009, I will be returning to Swaziland to "scout out" the need. I have companies willing to send packets of food containing protein and vitamins mixed with cereal. I have people who have said, "let's go build a structure to house these children and keep them from harms way". I have medical supplies ready to go. I have others asking to send money, BUT I need to see it first hand. I need to see the accountability. I need to see the numbers. I need to see if there is a place we could send a team next summer to build or refurbish a current structure, I already have at least 15 people ready to go! I have a "medical team" willing and ready to go! Though Africa and other parts of the world are filled with the need for such things, God has lead me back to my hometown of Siteki, Swaziland. Who would have ever thought that God would work in such a way. He does far more than we could EVER think or imagine...
PART two...While I was in the midst of my recent "trial", for lack of better words, the Lord spoke to me and said, "One day you WILL teach again, I will give you what to say". Several months ago, I was asked to share my testimony at a Women's Conference, I had no doubt it was the Lord leading, reminding me..."you will teach". I believe He has given me the opportunity to encourage women, to come along side and say.."keep going, press on!". Shortly after the women's conference, (out of left center field), the Lord said, "the women of Swaziland deserve to be encouraged too...go!". My reaction..."You have got to be kidding me Lord, a women's conference in Swaziland, are you even serious? This is very out side the box..there is nothing like that there!". I also so kindly reminded the Lord that Swaziland is in the middle of nowhere! When you think about what these women endure, the death about them, orphans needing homes, their country literally dying, oh yes, they do need encouragement! They do need to feel loved! They do need a time to simply sit and be still before our Lord and Savior. So as I was contemplating the women's conference, I sent an e-mail to another Swazi friend, asking if a women's conference is something that could be done, acknowledging the cultural difference. Word quickly returned stating, "this is something the women are very interested in, we already have 30 wanting to come". Praise God, because that is ALL HIM. There is no way I could have ever thought or imagined that God would return me to Swaziland to encourage the very women who 40 years ago watched me take my first steps and encourage me in life.
The following is what the Lord has laid upon my heart to teach..."I am the Alpha and the Omega says the Lord God, who is, and who was and who is to come, the almighty"-Revelation 1:8 . Three sessions, perfect! The Lord God who was...establishing a very strong foundation for God the creator. The Lord God who is...present with us now. Our Rock, our anchor! - The Lord God who is to come...Heaven! This world and all it's tribulations is not our home!
What has transpired to this point...
1. My dear friend Kari Saul, her daughter Kasi and I will be departing for Swaziland September 15, 2009 and returning September 27th.
2. We have 60 women from Calvary Chapel Palm Harbor who have sponsored a Swazi lady for the conference that will take place Saturday, September 19th, 2009. By sponsoring, they have agreed to first and foremost, pray for a Swazi sister every day!
Along with prayer, each sponsor put together supplies for the conference, which includes a pen, notebook, book marker, candy, lotion ect...they are also writing notes of encouragement and include a picture of themselves so that the Swazi sister can see who has been praying for her. We will also provide breakfast and lunch along with worship, teaching, prayer and fellowship.
The purpose, to simply come along side of our Swazi sisters and encourage them! I have 4 Swazi women helping me with the music, keeping the music "familiar", not hindering worship.
3. The children of CCPH are collecting "picture Bibles" for us to take to the orphaned children, so that they might "see" this Jesus we speak of. They are writing notes, drawing pictures and including pictures of themselves, that we can take to the Swazi children. They also are praying for their Swazi friends.
4. The Feed My Sheep ministry (a ministry to the homeless) is collecting hygiene items, such as tooth brush, toothpaste, Vaseline, flip flops, cloth diapers and such. I will be taking these items to the children.
5. They youth group at CCPH is collecting "pocket change" so that it might "change the life of a youth in Swaziland". They want to ensure that as we see a need, we will have the finances to assist...they thought it up all on their own. How cool is that?!?
6. Baycare Healthcare has donated an overwhelming amount of medical supplies to take for our "medical missions trip". As we get a team together for this, we will ship the material over. I will take some supplies, such as first aide supplies on this trip.
As you can see, a lot has happened and so much coming up. I ask for your prayers. Though we are each paying our own way and some have asked about financially supporting this trip (and I will provide info below), I first and foremost am asking for your prayers. Please pray for Kari, Kasi and myself as we travel to Africa. Pray for the women's conference. Pray for the Swazi children. Pray for those caring for the orphans. Pray for upcoming teams. Pray as maybe you are lead to go next summer. As you go about your day, pray. As you think about the orphans, pray. Prayer is vital and through the power of Christ, it changes lives! "Pray without ceasing" - 1 Th 5:17
If you wish to financially support this trip, you can send a check made payable to: Calvary Chapel Palm Harbor - 32676 US Hwy 19 N. Palm Harbor, Florida 34684. Please mark attn: SWAZILAND on the check and envelope. Each of us have purchased our own airline tickets, yet, there is still need for traveling and supplies expenses. We are trusting God to finish what He has started!!!
Thank you in advance for your prayers.
In his Light,
Lynda Hetrick
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