In
3 Short Months, I'll be on my way to
Africa
.  

I'm thinking that it's about time for me to start updating this page. I want each of you who is supporting me financially and in prayer to be part of my trip, even as I prepare for it.

A Financial Update:

I have currently raised a total of nearly
$6,000 in dontations and pledges.  It has been very exciting to see God provide for this trip through so many of my friends and family.  Please pray for God's provision as I continue to work on raising the remaining
$4,000.

A Location Update:

Although my initial ministry location will be in Johannesburg, South Africa, my current intention is to spend the majority of my time serving in the Kingdom of Swaziland.  Here are some more specific details regarding the struggles of this tiny (about the size of New Jersey) nation:

Hunger, poverty, HIV/AIDS, and the resulting large number of orphans are among the critical issues which Swaziland must address.

With a population of just over a million, experts believe Swaziland will have over 120,000 orphans within the next five years. Only a handful of orphanages provide services today, so many children are left to fend for themselves on the streets.

Nearly 40% of the adult population is infected with HIV;
The number of HIV infected persons is growing so rapidly that without a turn-around, the country will completely be consumed by this awful disease in a few short years.

Only 10% of 15-year-old Swazi youth will celebrate a 35th birthday. 

Polygamy is practiced among much of the population, contributing to the spread of HIVAIDS. Marital infidelity is generally expected, and remaining faithful to one's spouse is a foreign concept to many.

The family and the local community are highly regarded institutions, but as HIV/AIDS devastates families, these establishments are crumbling.

A Ministry Update:

As a missionary in South Africa and Swaziland, there is much to be done.  Some of the ministries which I will have the opportunity to take part in will likely include:

Working with the local Swazi church to provide food, education, and love to orphans.

Participating in youth ministry to provide hope to young people through the Gospel.

Serving in hospitals where volunteers are needed to spend time caring for AIDS victims.

Serving the local community in building projects.

Mentoring believers in order to make disciples who make disciples. . . 

A Prayer Update:

"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."  ~Psalm 127:1

By human strength alone, very little lasting impact can be made.  Please join me in prayer during the next 3 months as I make preparations to serve God and others in Southern Africa.  Please pray for:

My heart - that I would learn compassion and love and be ready to share hope with those in need.

My team - that God will unite us and give us the ability to work alongside one another for His kingdom.

My support - that God would provide the remaining $4,000 needed for me to participate in this trip.

The people - that God would work powerfully in the lives of South African and Swazi people, using us to meet their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.