Prayer Calendar

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

It's In The Bag . . .

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!!!!

Pack & Sort - Success!

We had a great 1st Pack & Sort. Meds have started arriving and it is exciting to see how God is providing. We started by praying for the patients that we saw last year in the clinic. It was a really special prayer time and it really motivated us to have people's names in our hearts and minds as we work tediously at sorting, counting and packing.

Thank You

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;

Great Coupons at Costco

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.

Prayers of Hope

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

2009 Medical Donations

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!

3 Months Will Sneak Up On You

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.

1. Pray for our Zulu brothers and sisters for health, safety, and the chance to know Jesus better.
2. Pray for our team that we are protected spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Pray for unity and compassion to grow within our team as we get to know each other.
3. Pray for the preparations before the trip that we have medicine to collect, that finances are provided, and that arrangements are smooth.

Writing Your Support Letter

This can be a somewhat daunting task especially if it is the first support letter you have written. Pray first before writing your letter. God will give you the words that communicate your heart of excitement for this short term mission. It has been my experience that people from all parts of my life really love receiving the letter regardless of whether or not they are able to provide financial support. So, please walk forward in faith that God will bless you through this process.

What to include in your letter:
1. Why are you going on the mission trip?
2. When are you going and for how long?
3. Is there a scripture verse that you might want to include?
4. What are we going to do on the trip? What will be accomplished? (there is a lot of this information in the trip binder)
5. Let your supporters know that it would be appreciated if they would send their support by May 1st.
6. Explain that our team needs to raise around $79,600 (appx. $3,800 a person) in order to travel to South Africa, purchase medicine & supplies, and serve the community of eSikhawini.

Here are a few links to help you get started:
Nursing student's trip to Guatemala
Volunteers for China sample letter and ideas on who to send your letter to

Here are some samples which should personalize:
sample 1

December 2008
Dear Family & Friends,
God has given me the opportunity to go on a short-term medical mission trip to South Africa with Africa Christian Ministries this upcoming April (April 3- April 19). The team I will be working with will serve the tired and the sick in and around the township of eSikhawiniwith with spiritual and physical health care. Our team will provide medical care to patients as we minister in Jesus' name.
I am writing to ask you to prayerfully consider joining our team through your support. First, please partner with me in praying for the people we will be serving, for my health and effectiveness as a team member, and for the many details of this mission trip.
Second, please consider supporting me financially for this outreach. Our team must raise $79,600 in order to effectively serve the people of South Africa. If you would like to join the team in this way, please send your tax-deductible gift and the completed form in the envelope or via online at the following secured websiteI have provided by March 15th. I am also including a list of medical and supply needs that can be donated to this trip if you would like to participate in this way. Thank you for praying about being a vital part of our team. I look forward to telling you all about the work that is accomplished through your generosity.
Sincerely,
(NAME)
(Add a handwritten note to personalize the letter.)

sample 2

Sample Fundraising Letter – Gulf Coast Mission Trip
Send to Friends and Family

Hello! I send greetings from Royal Oak.
This summer I will be going to eSikhawini, South Africa with a group of short term missionaries from a myriad of metro Detroit churches. We will be working through Africa Christian Ministries to provide medical care to the people of the Kwa-Zulu nation who have been ravaged by the AIDS epidemic. [Include some stats that stir your heart] There will around 21 people on my team that will set up medical clinics and serve around 1000 people who normally do not have access to any medical care. I am excited to have this chance to serve people, and I know that God will use this trip to teach me a lot about God, myself, trust, and what God is doing in this world.

Now, I want to ask for your help: I need prayer and I need financial support! I will be so thankful if you help me with the first, no matter what you decide. I hope that you will begin praying about this trip and about being part of my financial "support team." I need to raise about $3,800 to help pay for transportation to and in South Africa, medicine, and supplies by March 15th. I hope that you will be able to help financially--any amount that you give will help me get to the South Africa (and back!). [NOTE: Your gift will be tax-deductible.] But the most important gift that you can give is prayer.
If you are reading this letter, it is because I consider you a friend. I want you to know what God is doing with me and I want you to be a part of God’s work and of my life. I hope that you will keep me in your prayers and let me know what you think about this (and use the chance to tell me how you are in the pre-addressed envelope or online at the following secure website ). I hope to be in touch with you soon so that I can give you more details about my trip. Thanks for reading through this and for any support that you can give me. I look forward to telling you all about the work that has been accomplished through your generosity.
With love,
Name, Address, Phone Number
Email Address

Financial Support

We welcome financial support for the 2009 MOT. This year we will need to raise at least $79,600 as a team in order for the trip to take place. The funds are used in a myriad of ways: airfare (even our coach tickets are expensive), meals, electricity, water, lodging, guard dogs, transportation, specific needs of Africa Christian Ministries, and medications such as antibiotics, antiparasitics, and other prescription medications.You can easily contribute in a couple of ways:

(1) Contact someone on the team and let them know you would like to support them. They will provide you with a letter about the trip, a donation form, and the specific details about who to make the check out to. These donations are tax-deductible if paid by check.

(2) Via the Web with you credit card at the Kensington Community Church website. The dropdown menu will allow you to designate the you are supporting for the trip.

(3) Via the Web with your credit card at the Africa Christian Ministries website. Please make sure to include that you are designating the funds for the 2009 MOT or for a specific team member.

We thank you for considering supporting us financially.

Medicine Needed

The 2008 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.


1. Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol)
2. Ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin/Advil)
3. Benadryl/Claritin
4. Robutussin or cough medicine
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. Reading Glasses (+1.5 or +2.0)
14. Toothbrushes/small toothpastes
15. Wheelchairs and Walkers in good condition
16. Ziploc Brand Freezer Bags (Gallon, Quart, Sandwich, and Snack sizes)
bolded items represent our biggest current needs!

All medications should be unopened.
Tablets are preferred.
Generics are accepted.
Adult and Children's medications are needed.
Expiration date should be May 2008 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.

People Helping People"

Your opportunity to help...

Provide a Mangazi Scholarship for $500.00
When we think of what this amount of money can do in South Africa...the memory of Mangazi comes to mind. Her life was defined by her love of life and the Lord...she was a teacher who gave her all to her students and encouraged them to work hard. She also worked tirelessly in the church and sang like an angel. She awarded her own money in the form of scholarship funds for students she felt were deserving. ACM carries on Mangazi's scholarship through our General Fund by sponsoring young leaders in the church, such as Cebo (Bible Studies) and Spha (Agriculture), with college education funds. Mgazi died 4/06. She is survived by her husband and 2 children.

In Memory of Lihli $250.00
Remembering, Lihli, a young mother, who lived without running water or electricity in rural Ghubetuka. She had a quick humor and a strong will that helped her beat HIV/AIDS the first time it tried to claim her. She went on to devote her life to helping others who were suffering with AIDS by attending health classes with them and standing in line for hours at the clinic when they were to sick to stand. Through our Feed the Children funding...we have created a special "care package" - a6 months supply of supplements and fresh food, which helped Lehli almost hang on until she was eligible for antivirals. In the end she was just to weak to survive. She died earlier this year and left 3 young children in the care of her blind mother. ACM continues to provide these care packages to those in the ACM community in need.

Survivor Challenge $25.00 - $100.00
Mrs. Elsie Nkosi is a survivor - of the challenges put before her. Alone, she is caring for a paraplegic son, her orphaned grandchild who is on medical treatment and 7 other grandchildren. She has been a translator for ACM's medical teams and is always so encouraging and inspirational to anyone who is blessed to be in her presence. ACM offers food for families like Mrs. Nkosi's through the Feed the Children program.

To make a contribution visit the Africa Christian Ministries Website

Free Rice

Just Another way You can help another: FreeRice

FreeRice is a sister site of the world poverty site, Poverty.com.

FreeRice has two goals:
1. Provide English vocabulary to everyone for free.
2. Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.

This is made possible by the sponsors who advertise on this site.
Whether you are CEO of a large corporation or a street child in a poor country, improving your vocabulary can improve your life. It is a great investment in yourself.

Perhaps even greater is the investment your donated rice makes in hungry human beings, enabling them to function and be productive. Somewhere in the world, a person is eating rice that you helped provide. Thank you.

God Provided

medline
Originally uploaded by tracysbluehouse

It has been just over a week since our team returned from South Africa. I am always amazed at what God does while we are there - but I am even more perplexed - surprised - and filled to overflowing with what God continues to teach us once we come home.

I was just looking at some of the photos we took and I came across this one in which we had placed all the meds out on the tables to be sorted once again. God provided us an overabundance of medication to provide for the Zulu people. No doubt He would do this - but somewhere back in March when we really started collecting the donations - I doubted. I can see, now, that God not only answered our prayers - but he blessed us beyond measure. It was a tremendous blessing to be able to leave an ample supply for the year ahead - I am certain God will continue to use this to minister to people in a big way.

With the 2007 trip behind us - I will continue to update this blog with the stories that continue to unfold in South Africa and here with our team.

A Warm Welcome Home

It was so wonderful to be greeted by familiar - smiling faces - knowing that we had been prayed for and thought about for for over the past two weeks. Our final leg of the trip started early Friday morning in eSikhawini - we awoke to no water - not a drop - but God's love was overflowing. We had to part with our dear friends and it did cause us to shed a tear or two. We drove to Durban - returned the vans - and speedily checked in as a group. We hopped on the plane at 10:25 am and took off at 10:30! Whew - that was close. We landed in Johannesburg shortly after and had a long layover - we shopped, ate, slept, and reminisced with our teammates. Later that evening we hopped on an 11 hour flight to London Heathrow. We were all antsy by the time we started circling in air around London. We saw all of the "sights" - Big Ben, the Eye, the Palace, etc. from the air. We weren't allowed to land until the airport was officially open after it had been shut down due to the bomb threats. We of course - thought that it was quite silly that the airport was closed - but we had no idea about what had happened they day before - we have been "out of the loop" on world events. Security was TIGHT in London and several of us were searched - but we all made it through. We spent some time doing our final shopping at the duty free stores - gathering up Aerobars (shelly shared hers with me on the plane - thank you) - and taking a showers for a mere 3 pounds! We gathered together for a final prayer - and then took our last flight into Detroit Metro. We arrived at the McNamara Building and spent quite a bit of time working our way through passport control, collecting our luggage, and U.S. customs. When we came through the doors we were greeted by our friends and families. I felt myself begin to tear up as the last two weeks hit me in the chest - yes -GOD had DONE a work through us and in us. He is FAITHFUL to the end.

June Prayers

Thank you to everyone who intercedes on our behalf, on behalf of the Zulu People, and for the work of our mighty God.

• Prayers for continued focus on God, the maker and creator and sustainer of all things.
  Continued prayers for the health of all our team members (and their families) as we prepare to go and probably fail to get enough sleep in the next few weeks.
• Praises for better water service at the Mafus!!! And prayer that it continues :)
• Prayer for the teachers who are finishing up their classes for the year - for continued strength, energy and patience to the very end. And, of course, prayers for the students who are finishing up as well!
• Prayers for continued financial support to reach, and exceed, our goal. We are praying specifically for $6,500 to be provided.
• Prayers for continued team unity and bonding
• Prayers for favor with the travel folks so we can each take three bags - or at least ensure that all the supplies we need will be able to go with us and arrive there safely.
• Prayer for the Zulu People - that God prepares their hearts to know Jesus and that God uses us demonstrate his hope and everlasting life.

Prayer Requests from the MOT

We thank you all so much for praying for us.

• Prayers for continued focus on God, the maker and creator and sustainer of all things.
• Continued prayers for the health of all our team members (and their families) as we prepare to go and probably fail to get enough sleep in the next few weeks.
• Praises for better water service at the Mafus!!! And prayer that it continues :)
• Prayer for the teachers who are finishing up their classes for the year - for continued strength, energy and patience to the very end. And, of course, prayers for the students who are finishing up as well!
• Prayers for one final passport to arrive.
• Prayers for continued financial support to reach, and exceed, our goal
• Prayers for continued team unity and bonding
• Prayers for favor with the travel folks so we can each take three bags - or at least ensure that all the supplies we need will be able to go with us and arrive there safely.

Romans 15:5-13
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs 9so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written:
"Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name." Again, it says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people." And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples."And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him."
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 4:9-11
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Isaiah 41:8-10
"But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Acts 1:8
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, [and eSikhawini] and to the ends of the earth."

Another Successful Pack & Sort

We had a great day packing and sorting on May 19th. Folks came in to help from 11 am until 6 pm. We were really amazed and so thankful for all of the donations from local churches. It is really overwhelming to see how God uses so many people to do His work. A sincere thank you to all of the churches who contributed meds, glasses, and medical equipment. We were overjoyed to receive the donations and we know that the Zulu people will be equally grateful for the help.

Just a few pictures from our pack and sort in the "cage" at Kensington.

Kristi carefully records cough & cold medicine.

Cheryl and Melissa pack up ointments and creams.

Wow - Look at these wonderful donations from local churches!

Prayer Needs - May 2007

The 2007 eSikhawini Medical Outreach Team is asking that you support us in prayer.

1. That God would give the MOT(Medical Outreach Team) favor and protection in all circumstances and that God would make Jesus Christ known to the Zulu people. That they would know His redemption and accept Him as their Saviour.

2. That God would provide an overflowing abundance of medical supplies for the MOT to bring to eSikhawini. We are are still in great need of medication - and we are praying in faith that God is going to provide!

3. That God would restore the water supply back to the Mafu's.

4. That God would develop our team into an effective vessel - that seeks Him in all circumstances.

5. That God would deliver all of us and our luggage on time & safely to Africa and back to the US. That customs would be an easy process for our entire team.

April 21st Pack & Sort Day

Here are a few pictures from our first day!

The realization that we are headed to South Africa in such a short amount of time started to reach our hearts and minds on our 1st Pack and Sort Day. Through the willingness of God and the generosity of so many people - there were meds to start counting and recording. We continue to pray that they keep coming in - as there are so many needs and so little ability to acquire medical care/treatment in South Africa.