We are here . . .
Praying for peace in our hearts - lives transformed and even for the mundane like favor through customs and luggage that arrives on time and intact!
Thanks to everyone who made this a reality - May God use us to be His hands and His feet. May our Zulu friends find hope and healing.
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Yes - it's there. . .
A few things before we head out.
Please be in prayer for Isaiah and Mercy, the team that awaits us in South Africa and for our team members especially as many of them are facing trials right now.
We are meeting at Kensington at 4a
m.
Pack your personal bag 50 pounds or less.
Below you will find a note from a friend of ours who traveled to South Africa with us on this medical mission. I thought her note embodied how wonderful the connections are with the people we meet in South Africa. Let it be an encouragement to you today.
I have been insanely busy with the last two classes of my masters. I don't know how I managed to leave the two classes of this course plan that have the most tedious, intense assignments, but I have not stopped moving since January. I have 3 weeks, and I am DONE, and that has really been on my mind lately. "Just get through this."
So, last night, as I rushed through the foyer of Pawley Hall at Oakland University on my way to class, some pictures being displayed caught
my eye. Now, it might just be me, but pictures of African Children seem to be everywhere. I don't know if it is just that so many images from my own experience there are in my heart and mind so others jump out or if there is just more awareness now. Maybe it is a combination of both. It always intrigues me, because no matter where the pictures are from, I feel like I know the people, or like there is some kind of camaraderie offered in the poignancy of the images. I
don't know these people, but somehow, I do. I don't know this situation, but somehow, I do. Anyway, last night, these images were just gorgeous. I didn't have time to stop, but I noticed they had been taken by a high schooler--a girl Cari, from Stoney Creek High School. Wow! Even more amazing!So, on break, a couple of us meandered down to the store and then were taking in the pictures in the foyer. I was going through the cases, looking intently at the beautiful faces. I was trying to see if there was anything to indicate where these laughing, yet serious, children were from. So many things reminded me of the Zulu friends I had made in 2007. There were lines of students waiting for school to start. There were laughing girls, and stoic boys. Then there was a picture of a girl in a white lawn chair against a bare wood floor. "Wow," I thought, "That totally could be the church at Empembeni! But, I bet those chairs are pretty common. They are here, at least." I began searching the faces, thinking how funny it would be. Just maybe, some kind of pure coincidence, that these crystal clear faces matched the images burned into my memory.
I turned a corner, met up with one of my classmates, and screamed and teared up all at once. There, one of the individuals who I made a very personal connection with, was staring out of a frame at me. Rejoice, one of the strong women who helped us pray during our
clinics and who does so much for ACM, sat at the corner of the Empembeni church, hesitantly fingering her song book while having her picture taken. "I know her! I KNOW HER!" I yelled out loud. The classmate next to me was a bit stunned, but then said, "These are really good. Actually, a guy I went to school with does something like this. I don't really know about it, but Prem is pretty into it.""PREM!!! What?! He is 'pretty into' eSikhawini...WHERE I WENT!" (Prem is actually a photographer as well. He went to SA a while back and actually has set up their website, etc.) My excitement caught the attention of a couple more classmates. They came over to where we were standing and I filled them in. In my loud, arms-flapping sort of way. One of the other women, Mary, said "So, this is Rejoice, huh? Like, 'Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel!' This brings tears to my eyes seeing you with tears in your eyes! Actually, one of my co-workers goes somewhere over there. She passed out her envelopes again. Pat ."
It was my turn to scream again. And I think I might have jumped up and down at that point. "PAT!!! She was on the team when I went!"
I walked back through the display and saw a portion of Sabelo's face, and Mercy's sister--other workers at ACM. Things I hadn't picked up on in my first inspection. Things I wasn't necessarily looking for!Honestly--honestly!!--what are the odds??? Well, when working with God, odds really don't matter. In SA, the people call our team "The Winter Doctors" and each year, as their winter approaches, people in the area surrounding the church start asking for them to come back. Word of the Winter Doctors has made its way around eSikhawini and people look forward to the annual visits, but word did not stop there, it has flowed through the channels here in Metro Detroit and is touching people here just as much. Word of the Winter Doctors and of what God is using them to do among the Zulu people is spreading here, too.
This moment was even more poignant when I figured out that this year's team is leaving Friday. The beauty of the moment stopped me in my tracks. Slowed everything that was rushing about me and my life, and reminded me once again of the glory of our God. Although SA is never far from my consciousness, there are times when my heart forgets the real depth of the experience there. At this time of extreme stress in my life, I needed that reminder. I absolutely love that images of gorgeous, strong children bring me back into the center of God's love.
written by MW
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Just a couple of reminders that Sarah sent us today:
March 21st (tomorrow - Saturday): pack and sort at KCC starting at 1 pm. Sarah will provide some lunch and drinks. Come ready to work. It's my understanding we are going to have a TON of meds to sort and count. We're also going to take some time to go over some very important travel/packing details, and do some very important praying!!
What to bring on Saturday: bring with you any meds you've collected, any money you've raised from the pop cans, and any other checks you may have to add to your support. We need to be finishing up with the collecting on both of those fronts so we can finalize things. Also, bring with you the name and e-mail address of your point person. I must have those by Saturday!!!
Malaria meds: Make sure you've gotten in touch with your doctor and are getting those meds, and any other shots you need to get.
Commissioning: We will be commissioned by KCC at the New Community service on Wednesday, March 25th at 7:00 p.m. We'll all try to sit together so, put that date on your calendar if it's not already.
Potluck: Our potluck dinner is next Friday, March 27th. All family and/or friends who are you biggest supporters are welcome. But, I need to know ASAP (tomorrow at the pack and sort if possible) how many folks you'll be bringing so we can divvy up the food responsibilities and be sure to have enough for everyone. It starts at 7 pm and will go until about 9 pm. We'll be providing a lot of information for both you and your families and then allowing time for everyone to ask any questions they may have.
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I have updated the Packing List. You can download a copy here!
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Would you pray?
Prayer is our most powerful tool in ministering to others and making Jesus known in our own backyards and across oceans. Your prayers have carried us throughout the years as we have traveled back and forth bringing medicine and healthcare providers to the Zulu community. Would you please pray alongside us again?
Follow this link to print our prayer calendar.
Thank you
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Berkley High School really put it in the bag - collecting 17,000 Ziploc bags in 3 days for the 2009 South Africa Medical Mission. We are SOOOOOO grateful for their help - these donations WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!
We will transport all of the medication in the larger bags to keep bottles separated and protected. Then, when we arrive, the 'pharmacists' will prepare the prescriptions and package and label each one of them in an individual ziploc bag.
Student Leadership sponsored the event and they did an AWESOME job. There were posters, announcements, videos, and even the windows were painted with reminders. The Chairperson for the event, TK, did a great job organizing, collecting, and motivating. Pretty Impressive for a 15 year old! Thank you so much.
In all 17,000 bags were collected.
1st Place: Ms. Church’s Class
2nd Place: Ms. Lafferty’s Class
3rd Place: Ms. Warren’s Class
Way to Go Berkley High School - You Make a Difference In This World!!!!
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John 15:7 / Philippians 4:6,7
Pray about everything. Pray without ceasing. Just pray!
Matthew 6:33 / Luke 9:23
* Pray that Christ will be the CENTER of everything we do.
Acts 1:8 / Matthew 28:19,20 / Galatians 6:9,10 / Matthew 5:16
* Pray for the Mafus, as they prepare for our visit and go about their daily work of providing hope and love to the people of eSikhawini
Mark 10:45 / 2 Corinthians 4:5 / Romans 12:1 / John 14:21
* Pray for the people we will see - the nameless, faceless people that will soon have a HUGE place in your heart
* Pray for the names we saw on the cards at our pack and sort.
Romans 8:32 / Philippians 4:19
* Pray for friends and family
John 13:34,35 / 1 John 3:18
* Pray for our team - for each member that you know, are getting to know, and will soon know very well :)
Romans 8:32 / Philippians 4:19
* Pray that meds come in
1 John 2:15,16 / Romans 12:2 / Lamentations 3:22,23 / Numbers 23:19
* Pray for safe travel without hiccups, for smooth transitions at customs, for the arrival in SA of ALL our bags unharmed
Isaiah 26:3 / 1 Peter 5:7
* Pray for protection and health
Romans 5:8 / 1 Peter 3:18 / Ephesians 2:8,9 / Titus 3:5 / 1 John 5:13 / John 5:24
* Pray that everyone has a deeper and richer relationship with Christ as we journey together and that as we celebrate Easter together that we would know that Christ Paid It ALL. May we truly know that no good work will earn our salvation - Christ Alone has already given us that gift and we can freely accept this gift. (Thank you Lord)
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2009 Buddies
Andy - Prasanth
Angela - Jessica V.
Sarah - Brooke
Cari - Jessica F.
David - Sanjeev
Tegan - Anya
Pat - Linda
Tracy - Joanna
Sharon - Cathy
Drew - Tony
Andrew - Sumila
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travel
We will be flying economy flights through South Africa Air. Your seat arrangements have been made for you so that we can sit as a team. Please do not attempt to make changes to these arrangements. If you have concerns, please talk with your trip leaders.
You will each be allowed 1 personal checked bag. Your 2nd checked bag will be a team bag that contains medical supplies.
We are going to pack our bags heavy this year and to the maximum capacity for our flight TO South Africa.
Checked baggage dimensions for international travel to South Africa
23 kg (50lb) each and maximum dimensions of 158 cm (62 inches) each.
Checked baggage dimensions for international travel to the United States 23 kg (50lb) each and maximum dimensions of 158 cm (62 inches) each
We will weigh all of our bags before we leave. We will pack them to their maximum weight capacity with additional supplies. Be prepared for this!!!
*****************(no changes from previous posting)*********************
Carry on luggage is called Hand Baggage internationally.
We are restricted to 1 piece of hand baggage with the following dimensions: One piece of hand baggage not exceeding 115 cm (45.3 in) and 8 kg (17.6 pounds) in weight.
Follow this link for the international hand baggage restrictions upheld by South Africa Air.
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A great big thanks to these churches for their medical/medicine donations. This trip wouldn't be possible without you!
Mt. Pleasant Bible Church
Kensington Community Church
Genesis the Church
May God pour out His blessings upon you.
Matthew 10:7-9 (NIV)
As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts;
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Sarah and I took a little shopping trip to Costco last night to pick up some meds with some of the money that was donated through pop can returns and selling snacks at school. God has really been using creative ways to provide medicine for the Zulu community. He's crafty like that!!
We walked into Costo armed with our medicine coupons and began our quest for the best deals. What we found was very interesting - Kirkland brand (Costco's generic brand) hands down beat every coupon deal in the store. Not only were the prices cheaper than their name brand counterparts sitting side-by-side on the shelf, the Kirkland brand provided a significant increase in the number of pills provided per bottle.
The moral of our story: If you go to Costco to buy medicine (they do have the best prices around), buy the Kirkland Brand meds.
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Hello Everyone,
Linda mentioned travel pillows for the plane ride. It is really important that we get some sleep on the plane so that we are at full energy levels when we arrive. There are a lot of different travel pillow options:
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We will be flying economy flights through South Africa Air. Your seat arrangements have been made for you so that we can sit as a team. Please do not attempt to make changes to these arrangements. If you have concerns, please talk with your trip leaders.
You will each be allowed 1 personal checked bag. Your 2nd checked bag will be a team bag that contains medical supplies.
Checked baggage dimensions for international travel to South Africa
We will weigh all of our bags before we leave. We will pack them to their maximum weight capacity.
*****************
Carry on luggage is called Hand Baggage internationally. We are restricted to 1 piece of hand baggage with the following dimensions.
Follow this link for the international hand baggage restrictions upheld by South Africa Air.
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Hello Team,
The Pack & Sort Days are:
Saturday February 28th (1-4 pm) - Kensington CC)
Saturday March 7th (2-5 pm) - Kensington CC)
Saturday March 21st (1-4pm) - Kensington CC)
More to be announced as we assess the number of meds we collect. Please encourage your supporters to be praying for you and the team as well as our meds collection.
If you are purchasing meds or Ziploc brand bags from Costco - the flier this month is chock full of great coupons. You do need a membership card to shop at Costco or you can go once and get a temporary card for a 1 time visit at the service desk. The coupons are mailed to your house if you are a member. The coupons are also available at the entryway of the building.
Here's the lowdown:
Ziploc Bags (gallon, sandwhich, or quart): $2 off (limit 5 per coupon)
One-A-Day Vitamins & Citracel: $3 off (limit 5 per coupon)
Tylenol: $3 off (limit 3 per coupon)
Pepcid AC: $3 off (limit 5 per coupon)
Benadryl: $3 off (limit 5 per coupon)
Motrin: $3 off ((limit 5 per coupon)
Since the limit is per coupon - bring lots of coupons - ask your friends for their coupons!!
Happy Shopping.
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We have a really diverse team this year.
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Over the past couple of weeks, a few verses from Romans have crossed my path. Not once, not twice, but three times. The prevalence made me take notice and I now realize that these verses are prayers for this team. Would you pray alongside us?
Father God, Precious Jesus, Holy Spirit - Thank you for you Word. It is divinely written and is still a teacher to us as we prepare for Your next mission. For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. God, would You help us to persevere as we press on towards this mission? Would You remind us every day that You are in control of every detail? Finances, Medicine, Travel, Health & Safety, Spiritual Growth, and most of all Service in Your Name for our Zulu Friends. All of it, Lord, You will help us strive toward the goal. You are our encouragement. May our hearts leap with joy because Your Word is true and faithful and it gives us great hope.
Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:4-6) Yes God, we pray that You weave our team together - using each one of our gifts at the right time. Lord help us to be a flexible and strong tapestry that has one clear picture that proudly and boldly displays the Glory of Your Name. Amen
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The 2009 Medical Outreach Team is in need of the following items:
Would you please help us?
Dropoff can be arranged at Genesis the Church, Kensington Community Church, by mail to Africa Christian Ministries, or to a local home of one of our team members.
Contact Sarah for information on how to do so.
Download a flyer with the list of meds on it here!
1. Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol)
2. Ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin/Advil)
3. Benadryl/Claritin
4. Sudafed
5. Antibiotic ointment (e.g. Neosporin)
6. Antifungal Creams (e.g. Lotrimin/Lamisil/Clotrimazole)
7. Hydrocortisone (1%) Cream (e.g. Cortaid)
8. Multi-vitamins/Iron (Adult and Children)
9. Imodium
10. Tums
11. Vaginal Creams (e.g. Vagisil/Monistat)
12. Pepcid/Zantac
13. Toothbrushes/small toothpastes
All medications should be unopened.
Tablets are preferred.
Generics are accepted.
Adult and Children's medications are needed.
Expiration date should be April 2009 and beyond.
We will accept any brand of medication, however, we have found that Costco, Target, and CVS have provided the number of pills stated on the bottles and they have the most consistent packaging. We love the 100 tablet or bigger bottles!
Thank you for your support!
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I almost fell off my chair today when I saw that we have exactly 90 days until we are on a plane and headed off to South Africa to care for our Zulu brothers and sisters. Time sure does sneak up on a person. Although 90 days seems a bit overwhelming - God is with us. He has our backs. Therefore - let us draw near to him in prayer.
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