HPCC Afrika Blog

Took down the Afrika blog for this years.  Made a back up for the team but it was still tough.  I can't believe it has been a month since getting home.  What will happen this year?  What does God have in store of us this year?  Will Bhule survive the year or should we have tried to do more.  We will never know, but pray that all will be in God's plan and not ours.  A new season and new adventures...........


Check back from time to time and see what is happening.  I am hoping to try and post more and different types of topics.  Till then,

In His Service

Constrasting Differences

For those who are interested can follow the teams blog here:  http://hpccafricahope.blogspot.com/.  So these are my personal thoughts and musings.  The differences between where we are staying and where we are working is night and day.  The people, children, etc. who are living on the street in 100%, no money poverty just astounds me.  They have to pay for their shelters, so that forces them to find, get or steal money anyway they can.  I have met and talked to so many men who are willing to work, but can't find it just tears your heart out you can't help them more. 

The local unions are holdings the kids hostage by striking and forcing the schools to close.  If the school tries to stay open the principle and leadership are threatened or attacked.  We have not seen any of the rioting as of yet, however we have seen the effects and heard it.  We can't work in the after school learning center because of it.  We have been able to clean it up and bring in a graffiti artist who is doing a mural on one of the walls.  We have some minor work left and painting and building of the new chalk/play/game center which will be completed later in the week.  It really breaks my heart seeing this.  Education is the way out for any child, to become productive in society and  change their circumstances.  If the adults don't get their act together, how are the kids expected to move forward.  Children attending school are required to spend, x amount to attend classes, buy a uniform and pay for transportation and lunch.  This is at a government ran school!!!!!!  That is not public education.........Please be praying for these kids, the teachers and administrators.

4 Days.......

Wow, the excitement is starting to get unbearable!!!  A short time left before the team leaves for SA and there is so much to be done.  Getting the house in order, no finalization on the prospects of a new job and ensuring we have everything ready for the trip.  Still have to remember God is in control and has a plan for this trip and beyond.  Have always had a difficult time with relinquishing control and planning but it seems to be getting harder.  It is time to trust Him for all things, just not those things I can control.  Boy, we starting learning things before the actual trip has started.  Do were serve an awesome God or what????

21 Days

Things are coming much faster now.  Prayers for team members are being answered, we continue to meet for prayer and building the team.  We have started to get more information about what we are going to be doing.  A theme that is starting to appear is HOPE - hope in what Christ has done for the world, hope in helping one another and hope in sharing Christ's love with others.

Psalms 65:5 - You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas....

I pray the love we show for our brothers and sisters bring hope to them no matter where they are.

We are getting closer

It has been a while since I posted anything.  Had another meeting with the team.  It is so wonderful getting ready for this years trip.  Working and praying together, we are growing much closer.  The anxiety of not knowing 100% what we may be doing and going to another place, building new relationships.  It will really force me to trust God even more.  The stretching is a good thing but difficult at the same times.  I am very excited to see what He has in store and the relationships built.  Till next time.......

Working with the team

Saturday was a wonderful day.  Some rain and sun but a lot of hard work and wonderful company.  The mission team did some yard work for a hospice home.  Took out several root balls, put in some flower beds and general cleaning up.  It was a great time working with the rest of the team and getting to know each other.  Learned one member went to school and new  a friend of mine.  Boy, we live in a very small world.  May God bless the inhabitants of the home and watch over them.

God's Plan for Us

As the team embarks on the road that is this years mission, we are not just planning or learning of the specifics.  God is working in each of our lives, to pull back the layers we have built up over the years so that we can be effective.  Today was our second meeting and we learned more about what we will be doing.  The local community project we will be working with and learning how we need to be praying and thinking of the trip itself.  During these times, we are learning from each other and building relationships that will impact us in ways we can not dream of.  God in His infinite wisdom has put together this team so that we can show His love to others.  It is about His plan not ours...........why do I forget this?

The Cross

Wow, Easter is upon us and The Cross should be staring directly at you.  Why would a man want to be crucified for someone he never knew on earth?   What would any of us do for a neighbor or family member?  I am thankful Christ did what His Father asked of Him over 2000 years ago.  This way, as we know Him we will have everlasting life.We find is so difficult to to share our faith with others when Christ died a horrible death not knowing us.  We should all be challenged on this day to go forth and spread the Good New, that Christ has risen and He is forever waiting for us.  Our life on this earth is so short let's not waste it doing whatever but showing Christ's love to our neighbor every day, no matter if they are a few away or thousands of miles away.........

First Missions Meeting

Wow, the first missions meeting for this years trip.  Don't know where we are going specifically but South Africa here we come.  It is going to be great getting to know the new folks and reacquainting with members from last year. More to come as we work and learn together during our preparations. 

Africa Missions 2010

It is getting closer.  The teams first meeting to prep for this years trip.  I am starting to get so excited.  Can't wait to get to know some new folks and continue to build relationships with members from last year.  God has some amazing things in store, we can't even fathom the challenges, heart ache and blessing that are before us.  I pray I am receptive and willing to follow His lead in all we do.

First Official Post

Well things are starting to take shape.  The Summer Africa Mission teams has it's first meeting on the 28th and boy is it time to start getting excited about this years trip.  The preparation is as challenging as the trip its self.  New members and old alike get time to really get to know one another.  Local projects will start to manifest and God will show us how to work together.  Some great times are in store!!!  Stay tuned to what may happen.....