I Can See the Light At the End of the Tunnel . . .

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 4am.
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

'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

This past week I submitted my letter to my principal, Mr. M., for approval to have time off during the school year. As I delivered the letter to his office I said one last prayer -

"Dear Lord - if it be Your will that I have the privilege to serve in South Africa again Lord - I would be honored to do so. And Lord, please let there be no typos in my letter."

As I dropped off the letter, Mr. M. was on his way to give a tour to some visitors at the school. He proceeded to tell me that he had included that we "even have a teacher who travels to Africa" on the poster for Monday's 7th and 8th grade parent night. Could it be a sign that God had already answered my prayer?

Beside my deep desire to return to South Africa and the impeccable timing of the trip with my spring break, I felt like I was starting to hear God say, "Yes - It is My will." Then, tonight, I heard Him speak again. My dear friend, D, celebrated my birthday with me and she gave me a beautiful book titled "The Sings My Soul." The book has 150 of the world's greatest hymn stories. I was so excited because not only do I love hymns - I love the stories behind them. It is so great to have this resource and be able to tell these stories as a worship leader. Anyhow, I flipped the book to pages 210 &211 and the story of "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" (one of my fav's) was staring me straight in the face. The story behind this hymn originates with Louisa M. R. Stead; a woman who ended up living a life she hadn't quite expected. It was marked by unexpected turns, great sorrow, and the call to be a missionary in *surprise* South Africa.

God, I am trusting that You want me to serve again in the heart of Zululand.

Just to rest upon his promise; Just to know "Thus saith the Lord."

Last Year . . . This Year

I don't do it very often, but I find it a good practice to look back with a "forest" perspective and realize how God has shaped certain events and people for very specific times and places.

Last year my heart began to ache when I really realized that I wouldn't be able to physically make the trip to eSikhawini. It was not a possibility for me to take two weeks off of the normal school year. Looking back now I see that God had me right where He needed me.

Staying home meant . . .
1. Other talented folks could step up to new positions of leadership
2. God helped me practice being satisfied even in sorrow
3. God moved me to pray more often for others
4. God gave me time to help my friend Jenny prepare for her mission on the Africa Mercy Ship
5. I realized more and more the needs of my South African friends extend FAR beyond the time that I am there.

This year I am praying that God will return me to Africa this Easter - and that the 5 things staying home meant will be engraved on my heart. I hope to go with a new perpective.

Would you please join me in prayer - that my principal and superintendant give me the blessing to take 5 days off of school? Would you be so bold to pray that they allow me to take those 5 days off with pay - that is as "sick days" instead of "unpaid leave"?

Thank you - I'll keep you posted.
Tracy

No expectations

I am a planner, I like to think things out and know what to expect.
I believe in the instance of preparing for South Africa I could have driven my self crazy with what to anticipate only to be let down. God did not let this happen, he put my mind to rest and my feet in motion. I had no idea what to expect to see and to learn, no amount of information could have prepared me for what I did experience.

I was astounded by the love that we received when we arrived, and by the hospitality of the Mafu’s. I truly felt comfortable and at home in their house and with the team. In addition to being a planner I am a person who likes my space, let me just say God breaks down all barriers that we inflict upon our selves.

Amidst the travel and preparation for clinics it took me several days to realize that I was on another continent. I remember the moment this sunk we were walking from the house to the church across the street for evening devotions, I looked up at the dark blanket sprinkled with stars and realized that this is a different sky then what is at home. I was in Africa.

God uses our dreams and I remember telling the team in the very beginning that I had dreamt of Africa but did not know that God would use this dream of mine to do His will. This realization was so profound to me and facilitated my trust and reliance in God to provide for the safety and necessities on this trip. With out Him I never would have made it. Proverbs 3: 5-6 says to not rely on your self but to acknowledge God in all you do. This is something going to South Africa has taught me and that I continue to need reminding of. What is great is, this is an example of God’s continued teaching as result of going and doing in His name.

My favorite moment, if you know me you would expect me to say watching the elephant tear a branch from a tree, which was amazing however God placed me where I again am not the most comfortable. There was a young child; less then three that one of the guys on the team was trying to administer mebendozle (worm medication) to, this child was not receptive. We realized that this was going to take more then one person and a packet of fruity flavor drink to pass this med. As he cradled the little child in his strong arms we were able to coax the med down. The scene was picturesque.

So you might ask your self what I did experience that was so unexpected. The amount of people who were waiting for us at the clinics, the joy and hope of the people in the community and the ACM staff despite their living situations, the openness and reception of God’s love and care. These things are humbling and greater then inspiring to me, I hope that I will be able to hang on to the smiles and the warmth that the people shared, for it is truly of God, for the rest of my life.

Message from Megan O.
2007 & 2008 Medical Missions Team

Joy! say it again Joy!

The best way to convey the emotions that were surging through us all is South Africa, is to share a few of the entries from the journal I kept during our time there. God worked in so many ways, but the token I gleaned was joy. Joy, from the Zulu people and joy that the God we serve here is the same God they worship there. He is the same no matter where you choose to meet with him, and that is a beautiful thought.

Monday 6-25-07, eSikhawini, South Africa
It was awesome waking up on a Monday morning and finding myself in a beautiful country! No J.O.B. today! We had another clinic and, man, was it busy. There were so many more sick children here than in any of the other places we've been so far. I held a baby girl to try and make her eat. She was two months old and was the size of a newborn. She was so dehydrated. She would have fit perfectly in my carry on to bring home, but the rest of the team advised against it. We gave her mother some medicine for her baby, but only enough for tonight. The hope is she will be back tomorrow so we can follow up and we will give her the rest then. Working at an OB-GYN and seeing all of the couples struggling with infertility, I couldn't help but be a little angry that a 16 year old could have a baby and not know how to take care of it. Today's verse in my journal is Romans 8:28,

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

Tuesday 6-26-07, eSikhawini, South Africa
Today was by far the most difficult day for me. Yesterday we had to turn people away, but told them to come back today. They came back, but we still turned away 125 people, mostly women and children. It was so emotional to see young women with babies on their backs, walking back to the other side of the gate. Mercy went out and picked up two vans full of "her kids" that were sick and in need of our care. The young girl with the dehydrated little girl came back! Praise God, her baby looks ten times better. She left with the medicine and the confidence she did a good job. Sharon did a great job of encouraging her. I hate that we're leaving soon, it feels like we just got here. It is raining tonight for the first time, it feels like the weather is reflecting the way I feel. I can only pray God will let me come back next year. Today's journal verse is Proverbs 15:30,

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."

Praise God we are going back! God answers prayer and I am so excited to see how he will challenge us.

"I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in him will I trust." Psalm 91:2

A message from Kristi
2007 & 2008 Medical Outreach Team

Yes, Without a Doubt, Yes

"Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is
missing." Isaiah 40: 26

I chose this quote last year, because it reminded me that God wasn't surprised that I went to serve His people of eSikhawini, South Africa. He knew each and every person, who was of greatest need, and directed us to share God's love with them. That was His divine purpose for us, and it was the mission in which we accomplished. I didn't go to eSikhawini for personal reasons, it was just where I knew that God needed me to be.

While preparing for our trip, a co-worker once asked, "Do you really think that you can make a difference in their lives, in just two weeks?" My answer was, "Yes, absolutely, without a doubt, yes." We might be the only medical professionals that these people see for a year, or ever. But God just needs their attention of a moment, to share His eternal love. And on this mission, I believe that our team was the vessel for carrying such a message of God's love.

Once in eSikhawini, South Africa, I found it to be a truly remarkable place; they have seen war, terror, famine, drought, and death, yet they still lift their eyes to heaven, and raise their voices singing songs of praise to God. Truth be told, we have so much more to learn from the people of eSikhawini. It is for these reasons, that eSikhawini will always hold a special place in my heart, and it is why I am returning in 2008.

For every person who has made the statement, "Some day I want to do something like that." I encourage you to, "Get up and Go!" Don't just sit around waiting for the opportunities to come to you, go out and find where God needs you to be. Trust me, He won't be surprised at where you end up. He will be grateful that your there serving His people.

-Truly-
Katie
Medical Outreach Team 2007 & 2008
eSikhawini, South Africa