My time in Ukraine was the perfect blend. Our first week we stayed with Vicki and Richard Nelson. They are an awesome couple who moved to Ukraine three years ago instead of retiring. Richard is a dentist and works with a small team of people doing dental outreach to villages and orphanages. Vicki is the queen of crafts. One afternoon we were able to tag along and see the Nelson's in action. It was a great day of songs, games, crafts, check-ups and teddy bears. Teddy Bears? Vicki requested bears from the James Fund charity to hand out to each child after they finish their check ups or dental work. The bears are a such a comfort and treasure for the children, not to mention adorable. The Nelson's are also helping to start Smile House. Smile House will provide a place where people can come and receive dental care and other services.
This last month taught me that God knows what i need even when I don't know. I was in desperate need of rest. Most of our time with the Nelson's was spent relaxing. We spent the entire first day jumping up and down because everything in there house made us excited. Real beds, a nice shower, movies, games, peace and quiet, internet, great food and wonderful fellowship. We also got a in some sight seeing in Kyiv and some retail therapy. Two of my favorite sites were St. Andrew's and the Lavrapsa(really the Lavara, but I could not remember so I renamed it.) I am not one for lots of detail so hear goes. St. Andrew's is a church constructed on the site where Andrew claimed the city for Christ. The Lavrapsa is the largest monestary
complex. At one time it might have been the oldest but most of it was blown up and rebuilt in 1998! If you want to see creepy dead monks in caves, this is the place.
Our second week of ministry brought back the good o'le days of summer camp. We left the comfort of home and our Ukrainian mom and dad. Andrew and Jenny Kelly have been working with orphanages and transitions homes for many years. Currently, they are building a camp. Pinebranch is in the process of finishing construction on a meeting hall/ kitchen/ dorm, and several smaller cabins. We jumped right in and with in matter of days had mastered flooring, meter and circular saws, building bunk beds, spackling, sanding, varnishing and my favorite Wigofolding( the wind barrier you put up before you install siding.) The days were long but we had a blast. Andrew taught us so much and we worked along side some wonderful Ukranian men. They were always looking out for us and and calling us strong anytime we lifted any object over 10 pounds. Our favorite job was playing with Abbie. The 8 month old genius baby. We all fell in love with her and fought for her attention constantly. We also added an honorary member to are team. Jared came to work with the Kelly's for three months. He had just arrived a week before us and he was such a great help to us. All in all we had a great time at camp. I will not soon forget all the laughs and memories of my this last month.
Thanks so much to everyone who made this last month so great.
Vicki and Richard Nelson
Andrew, Jenny and Abbie Kelly
I have been so blessed this year to have a group of supporters like you, who have blessed me and given me such encouragement. It is because of you that I am FULLY FUNDED! I am so thankful for each of you, and the prayer and support you have provided has been priceless, and I could not have done it without you. It is you who moved an orphanage in Mozambique, gave clothes to Guatemalan women, gave shoes to Swazi children and loved on Cambodian HIV orphans. This has been yourrace as much as it has been mine. Thank you again and God bless you.
My friend Sara needs a bit more funding to finish the Race, and I ask that you consider transferring your monthly or one-time donations to her. She is a beautiful woman of God, and I don't know what I would have done without her this year. She has been a blessing in my life, please be a blessing in hers.
Hi! I'm Sara, a Chicago native who has fallen more in love with Jesus and the nations over
the course of the past 11 months. Since leaving on the World Race in
July 2008, I have been preaching, teaching, praying and serving around
the globe. The amount of financial and prayer support I have received
up until this point has been incredible. However, with just two weeks
left on my adventure, I am still $2800 short of my total financial
goal. This is where, I hope, you come in.
Would you prayerfully consider joining my financial support team and helping complete my journey?
Please visit my blog http://saraellis.theworldrace.org/ to read more about my World Race experience or please click here to
join my support team. If you have any questions, feel free to get in
touch with me. Thank you for your prayers and I look forward to having
you as a member of my support team.
A beautiful sea of faces greeted us as we exited the bus. Piercing blue eyes, giant smiles, boisterous laughter and energetic hugs from the gypsy children made us all lose our hearts immediately. We came to the village to minister and yet again, God was using these people to minister to me. Our group did a drama, sang some fun kids songs and presented the gospel. At the end everyone was praying together to receive Christ. One girl with pigtails, who was no more than 5 or 6 years old, had her hands tightly clasped and raised in front of her. Other children were tightly intertwined with team members. On my lap was a 8 year old boy, Milton Yoshi. He had been my companion from the start. As we prayed, I began to cry. The love that God has for each of us overwhelmed me. God has been reminding me that I am dearly loved. Tenderly, sweetly, extravagantly loved. Looking at each child, man and woman, God was saying " Dearly loved, dearly loved, dearly loved." I wanted to shout it from the rooftops to each one of them, " Do you know that you are dearly loved?" All I could pray was that each person there would know God's love. His love changes everything. It means everything. It is everything.
"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is Love. Whoever lives in love lives in God and God in them."
I John 4:16
God is love. It is as easy as that. God is the originator, creator, source of love. It is not a feeling that is fleeting or negotiable. He is love. He cannot change. He cannot waver. He cannot be what He is not. I have traveled the world searching how to serve God best. Looking for strategies to present the gospel and bring people to Christ. Striving to have the knowledge to be the most effective missionary possible. I discovered what I already knew but had taken for granted. God is love. I am dearly loved. Everyone I meet is dearly loved. There is whole world of dearly loved people. God is calling us to love. God is calling us to himself. Tears streaming down my face, I held Milton, tighter hoping that my arms would tell him he was dearly loved. Praying my eyes moist with genuine affection would communicate a piece of God's heart. Waving goodbye from behind the bus windows, my heart was wrenched and rejoiced all at once. Leaving was awful but being dearly loved and loving dearly is truly a treasure I would give my life to pursue.
This album is from our first week of ministry in Targu Mures, Romania.
The last few weeks have been such a blessing from the Lord. The kids are amazing. We went there to teach them but they ended up teaching us. They are thankful for everything. Small and big. They pray and expect that they will be given what they ask for. They believe they have everything. These kids are so happy even though so many hard things have happened to them. They have all lost so much, but you would never know because praise and thanksgiving flows out of them every moment. Each of them is so thankful to God for saving them and changing their live. Everynight they gather and sing songs expressing their thanks to him. The songs fill the night until the children are too tired to carry on. Then they all cry out and pray to God. Chechwa prayers of thankgiving for arriving home safely, for healing their sickness, for the healing of their sick friend, for the provision of food and shelter, and someone to take care of them, for the sacrifice of Jesus, for a God who listens to their prayers, for God himself. The sound is more beautiful than anything I have experienced. I may not know the exact words but I can hear, feel and see the faith and love and joy pouring out of each of these children. Our voices combined was yet another picture of heaven for me. I will never fully be able to put into words the experience I had at Temane Orphanage. It was simple, pure. Many times I couldn't believe what I saw further God's kingdom. Coloring pages, paper, crayons, marbles, hair clips, hugs, games, laughter and fun. There was no earth shattering movement of the spirit. There were no prayer vigles or revival meetings. It looked nothing like what I expected coming into Africa. However, it was more tangilble more palbable. Love. Love that came from each child. Not only for their God, but for one another and me. I have travelled the world and I have never experienced community like I did at Temane Orphanage. They are family. The body of Christ brought together through tragedy and heart break. The body of Christ bringing glory to their father in heaven.
Another facet of Raise Up! was discipleship. Every night as we gathered around the fire to pray and sing we would read stories from the Bible. Upon arriving, we asked the kids if they knew the stories of the Old Testament. A few of the older children knew some of the stories but most did not. No better place to start then the beginning From creation to the battle of Jericho, we would tell the stories of God's faithfulness and glory. As the smaller children drowsily stumbled to their mats, the older ones would crowd around the bible engrossed with the illustrations. The first few nights all the characters were identified as Jesus. Slowly we would turn each pages introducing the spiritual likes of Abraham, Joseph and King David. The wonder in there eyes humbled and reminded me how to treasure the word.
Thank you again for support and encouragement. God has used you to make eternal investments in the lives of our children in Temane. May you be blessed by His extravangance.
A few weeks ago, we posted a blog requesting your assistance- and through you, God has provided! Before leaving South Africa, we learned that all the money for Raise UP! Had been supplied. Thank you all for allowing God to use you in this way.
The Rudolph's, who run the Temane Orphanage, traveled from Mozambique to South Africa to help us purchase supplies. As we shopped for boxes, toothbrushes, and other items we watched in awe as we continued to spend, but our money continued to multiply, going further than we ever dreamt. God's provision was incredible! In addition to our anticipated program expenses, we were also able to provide such needs as shoes, rain jackets, backpacks, school uniforms, notebooks, glue and erasers. Each of these items offers yet another opportunity to teach them responsibility and ownership.
Kara and I arrived at Temane Orphanage, MZ, on Friday, March 6th. The reunion was joyful and long anticipated. Greeting each child, we thanked God that they were healthy. Most were just as we remembered, if not a bit taller.
Raise UP! Began on Saturday. We presented each child with a clear plastic box containing basic toiletries. The children were informed of the expectations and the rewards that would follow the meeting of these expectations. It is wonderful to see the children emerge from their tent, boxes in hand and head toward the shower. We then check that the boxes are clean and all its contents are inside before giving rewards to encourage this good habit.
Sunday was for each of us the best World Race day thus far. We washed each child's feet and slipped new crocs over their toes. Handing out backpacks, rain jackets and school supplies, we saw the gratitude radiate from each child's face. As we placed each new item in their waiting hands, we instructed them on how to care for them.
Over the last two days we have watched the children take great care of all their new belongings. Shoes are washed daily, backpacks and school supplies are put away.
Jaco, Maria, and Eric have done an amazing job raising these children. The foundation they are laying is solid in the knowledge of God. Through Raise UP! we have the privilege of coming along side and supporting this process. God is using Raise UP! To provide practical needs that express His love. Each night after dinner, the children gather around and break out into a sing-a-long/dance party of praise for what God has done. They stand and express thanks for big things such as their new shoes and rain jackets, as well as small blessings like arriving home safely from school. God is at work here in Temane, and we count ourselves lucky to be a part of what he is doing.
Thank you again to all who were faithful to obey the voice of God and generously bless these children.
When we arrived at Temane Orphanage in Mozambique, our eyes were open to a world we could never fully comprehend. Twenty-four orphans were found in the bush after the devestation of Cyclone Flavio in 2006 by a man named Eric. He would now care for them and protect them. However, Eric did not have the means to provide much else.
Jesus 4 Africa is a ministry started by Jaco and Maria Rudolph. Native to South Africa, they left home to preach the gospel in Mozambique. God interwove Eric and The Rudolph's paths. Once Jaco and Maria discovered Eric and these children, they knew God was calling them to help. With little more than their own personal support, the Rudolphs set about the task of caring for these children. First, giant revival tents were purchased to provide shelter. One tent for the boys and one for the girls. Food is three meals of mealy meal and soya mintz, a soy meat substitute. Surveying the grounds of the orphanage, you would find a shower enclosure made by reeds, a toilet situated over a "septic tank" (a hole 4 meters down) and a playground that was provided by a short-term mission team from a previous year.
Our purpose at the orphanage marked a new phase in everyone's life. The Rudolph's are on the brink of launching into the first phase of their long-term vision. The children are months away from having walls, beds and a better life. Our team was wrecked, and we wondered what more we could do. For now, it was to move the orphanage to the new site.
Jaco has a vision to provide a dormitory building with a kitchen, running water and electricity. But, $20,000 would be required to provide electricity to the original orphanage site. So, Jaco decided to use his other piece of land so that his dream of better providing for the children would become a reality.
Moving day was long, hard and hot. Three giant truck loads later, everything was moved. Clothes, pots, tables, tents, toys, the children's belongings, the toilet, and even the chickens and goats arrived at their new home. After a few days at the new site, the team and children had cleared the land, dug holes and moved the beams for the new building. Looking around we could see that so much had been accomplished. Looking ahead we saw many challenges. A few days later we were leaving. Some of us could hardly bear the thought of leaving the children and the orphanage unfinished. God had been showing me that these children need a mom, someone to raise them. Jaco and Maria are in the process of trying to move to Temane to be with the children but they need someone now. After speaking to Maria, the urgency to return was undeniable. My brain was going 100 miles an hour for days with ideas to return and help the children. Raise UP! was the culmination of this process.
And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generation; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. Isaiah 58:12
My idea was to teach the children about respect for themselves, others, belongings and their environment. Each of them would have a box in which they could put the items they earn. This process would give the children ownership and help them develop responsible habits. More than anything, I want to be a part of raising these children.
It seemed a bit impossible for everything would work out for us to go back. However, I knew that God said He would make a way. Only trust and time would be my best and worst enemy in the weeks to come. It was incredible to know my purpose and to think God would use me in the lives of these kids. Also, it was maddening watching days pass by without any signs of God's promise. Fighting for control only to apologize and turn it over to God once more. Frustration, exasperation, peace, trust, faith and and finally elation. Tonight, God made way. Tonight, God's promise was fulfilled. Tonight, I found out that I am going back to Mozambique.
Seventeen members of our squad spent the month of January in Temane, Mozambique, partnering with Jesus 4 Africa Ministries, run by Jaco and Maria Rudolph. Among other ministries, their main focus is the Temane Orphanage.
Twenty-four orphans were found in the bush of Mozambique following the devastation of Cyclone Flavio in 2006 by a man named Eric. He took responsibility for them. He would now care for them and protect them. However, Eric did not have the means to provide much else.
Once Jaco and Maria discovered Eric and these children, they knew God was calling them to help. With little more than their own personal support, the Rudolph's set about the task of living out God's call.
Currently the children sleep in large revival style tents on grass mats with blankets. At this time, a building is being constructed to offer more suitable living conditions. In order to prepare the children for this transition, several of our team mates feel called to return to Mozambique for the month of March. This preparation will consist of, among other things, the Raise UP! Project.
Raise UP!
And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.
-Isaiah 58:12
Raise UP! is a respect and incentive program coupled with discipleship. The goal is to establish routine in order to teach respect for themselves, others, their belongings, and environment. The goal is that through these children, we may set the foundations of this generation firmly in the Lord and His Truth, so that they can raise their children to repair and restore the breaches of their nation.
The respect incentive portion of the program will focus on scheduled rewards for adhering to established guidelines. Each child will be given a box, which they can personalize. The first week will focus on each child receiving all the incentive items which include: toothbrush, soap, washcloth, small toys, etc.
After the initial one-month course, additional materials will be sent via e-mail, complete with scheduled rewards to be given by orphanage staff.
Teaching the children to care for their boxes and contents will help them to form good habits of taking ownership and responsibility. With guidance, these habits will overflow into all areas of their lives.
Our vision is to invest in this generation. We are asking for your help to Raise UP! a foundation for these children. Below is a list of supplies and costs needed to obtain them.
Supplies:
Box $10 per child
Incentive Items $20 per child
Rewards $200
Teaching Materials $200
Miscellaneous $100
Total $1,220
Click here to give to this Project. Please write "World Race Ministry - Mozambique" in the space provided in order to make sure your gift is designated to this ministry.
On a personal note, I am fully funded. God has shown his faithfulness through all your generous gifts and pledges. For those who feel led, please give any additional funds to this project. The funds will be used to further God's kingdom in Mozambique by raising this next generation. Consider it a Kingdom investment. God Bless!
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over
the course of the past 11 months. Since leaving on the World Race in
July 2008, I have been preaching, teaching, praying and serving around
the globe. The amount of financial and prayer support I have received
up until this point has been incredible. However, with just two weeks
left on my adventure, I am still $2800 short of my total financial
goal. This is where, I hope, you come in. 
