Urgent Prayers Needed

We have just come across yet another bureaucratic roadblock from the Mozambique government as we prepare for the upcoming Medical/Dental clinic next week. Without intense prayer and the power of God directly intervening, we will not be able to conduct the clinic. Scott is enroute to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, for an unsceduled trip to talk directly with the Minister of Health, Education, and Foreign Affairs. Without their final permission, the doctors will not be able to treat people.

Please pray that God would grant us favor and allow the evangelistic medical/dental clinic to happen. May the Clinic be used by God to bring many to a saving relationship with Christ, heal many from the strongholds of the spirit world, and begin a mighty wave of God's glory as His church multiplies throughout the region.

Please pray to for the team from Houston who will be departing Thursday May 24. The clinic is sceduled to begin on Monday May 28.

Below is a short video with some recent footage from Mozambique.

Blessings,

Lisa

Magic Charms take two. . .

If you read my post yesterday you might have wondered what happened to the photo. Since it didn't show up, I'm posting again today.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Lisa

Magic Charms

God continues to work things out for the upcoming clinic in more ways than we could ever imagine. The opportunity to use the hospital facilities is a true blessing. There are still a number of things that have to be worked out, but we are trusting in God’s faithfulness.

Scott took this picture in Inhambane on one of his recent trips. Most of the stores had these leaves hanging in the doorways. They are there as magic charms to keep away evil from the businesses. It is a vivid reminder of how much work there is to do.

Blessings,

Lisa

Netball Fever

Yes, netball season has arrived! The only problem is, as an American, the game is completely new to me. So when Mariah began playing on a team this year, I decided it was time for me to find out a few of the ins and outs of the sport.

This information was gathered off the internet, so I make no claims that all of it is completely accurate, though I’ve been chatting to friends about the sport to learn from them so hopefully most of it is right.

Netball is a team sport that originally derived from basketball. In fact, it was once known in the United States as women’s basketball. Normally the game is played on a hard court with hoops on both ends, but here the younger school children play on grass courts. With seven players on each team, each must wear bibs that are abbreviations indicating their position. It’s important not to play “offside” but only in their allowed area of the court. This too depends on your position.

Positions are Goal Shooter, Goal Attack, Wing Attack, Centre, Wing Defense, Goal Defense, and Goal Keeper. Only the Goal Attack and Goal Shooter can score goals directly. Another interesting fact about the game is that players are not aloud to take more than one step while in holding the ball. In order to move the ball toward the goal, the player has to throw the ball to a team mate. The ball can also not be held for more than three seconds.

One of the reasons for the lack of running and dribbling is due to the fact that the game was invented back in the late nineteenth century where their clothing hindered such movements. Here in South Africa, the game is very popular among school children beginning as early as kindergarten as far an aid for motor skills.

I've posted some photos of Mariah playing one of her first games.

Enjoy!

Lisa

Mother’s Day marked one of many scheduled power outages, so we spent the afternoon grilling chicken and potatoes outside while enjoying Allen and Janelle’s company. Mother’s Day also marked seven baptisms in Mozambique. Scott had just returned a couple days previous with a very good report from his working with Bia and Gustavo. They are meeting with three groups who are being taught and discipled.

The medical clinic is scheduled for the last week in May and things are slowly progressing. While the government continues to want addition paperwork, we are excited about the doors God has opened up. Thirteen people are coming from Texas including one doctor and one dentist. Also working at the clinic will be a South African doctor and his wife. Another blessing of the clinic has been the opportunity to start a study at the hospital. Please pray for the clinic and for many open hearts!

Be blessed today!

Lisa

TAG, you're it!

Tammy Alexander tagged me to play this blog game! And when you're done here, check out her website to win a copy of her latest relaase, Remembered, from Tammy's best-selling Fountain Creek Chronicles series!

Eight Random Things About Me

1. I’ve worked in a bank, a daycare, a hotel headquarters, the telephone company (delivering the yellow pages door to door with a severely injured ankle), as a banquet waitress, and at a fast food restaurant.

2. I once skied in the French Alps. (This disaster story might make it into a book one day!)

3. The only thing I’ve ever collected is books by Victoria Holt. Because of her influence, when I was thirteen, I wrote in my diary that one day I’d write a gothic romance. (Which I’ve done!)

4. I once cooked over a fire for fifty people for a week. (Personal reminder: Never to volunteer to do this again)

5. I’ve been offered chicken ovaries, clabbered milk, mopane worms, pizza with bananas, and fish heads. (Note: I didn’t say I’d eaten all of them!)

6. I’ve lived in eight states and four countries. (And have been blessed to visit many more than that).

7. I only drink water and occasionally juice and milk. On a very rare occasion I drink tea or coffee. (Coffee in France is a must! Don’t ask me why.)

8. I once spent eight hours making one liter of red palm oil from palm fruit. (Don’t try this at home!)

Here's who I've tagged to play next: Ronie, Patty, Beth, Lynette, and Dana.

Have fun!

Lisa

Prayer Update

Scott is doing well in Mozambique as God continues to open doors. The clinic will be held at a Methodist Hospital instead of a separate location. This will give our dentist a chance to work in the hospital's dentist office--an office that is currently closed. Those not working directly with patients will have the opportunity to minister to both patients our doctors see and patients throughout the hospital. There is currently no outreach being done in the hospital and the administration is very open to this!

I spent all of yesterday morning at a hospital about fifteen minutes from home where Rosie was seen by a hearing specialist. Unfortunately, the hospital doesn’t have the correct machines to check her hearing properly. The doctor is arranging for Rosie to see a colleague of hers at another hospital where she can be tested. This doctor isn’t convinced that Rosie has a hearing problem, but this of course will have to be ruled out.

In the meantime, I’ve talked to Rosie’s parents about some ways to work with Rosie through communicating to her, reading to her, and playing games with her. They have been very receptive of this. In fact, this morning I heard David working with Rosie while he worked in the garden. I’m thrilled that they are making the effort to do all they can to help her.

On our way home from the hospital, I took them to see the largest Baobab tree in the world. It’s located just off the road we were on, a short drive from our house. This tree has a circumference of 46.8 meters (about 153’ 6”) and is thought to be 6000 years old. There is a cavity inside the tree that used to be used as a pub which could accommodate fifteen people.

Thank you so much for your prayers!

Lisa

Update from Mozambique

First I want to share a photo of Gabriel, Dillan and Mariah in their sports uniforms. Mariah participated in her first net ball game today and did fantastic. Gabriel played a soccer match and as always loves playing the sport. Dillan, one of his friends, came home with us afterward to spend the night.

As for Mozambique, I’m anxious for Scott to return to hear more about the work there as communication between us is very limited. We are able to send text messages and have received one email from him. Internet access is also very limited and difficult to access.

He’s been involved in two things primarily. Helping to set up things for the upcoming medical clinic and participating in discipleship classes that are being held throughout the week through new contacts in Maxixe and Inhambane. We are excited to see that God is opening doors with people and softening their hearts. The Tonga are known to be a resistant people to the gospel, but God is moving!

Here is a short excerpt from his letter.

“We found out about a Bible club that meets on campus. One of our contacts, Manuel, introduced us to the club leader, Sergio. He is a quiet young man, but really a nice guy who loves the Lord. He says they have been given a “blank check” to do things on campus and have even been given a room to meet in. We will spend time with him on Saturday as he will come over to attend some of the discipleship classes the Fuentes are teaching. He could be an incredible open door to the campus.”

Another visit was made to the minister of Education who is interested in us holding an English camp. Some ideas discussed were using materials like Lets Start Talking, the use of Bible/Christian videos, group mixers and games in English. Relationships and evangelism will happen in the small groups as the doors open.

I'll share more about the discipling when he returns and I have better information. Please continue to pray for Scott, Gustavo, and Bia as they reach into the lives of the people.

Blessings,

Lisa

Prayers

Emily, David, and Rosie have become a part of our family the past two years. Both David and Emily became Christians about eighteen months ago and since then have been a part of leading several more to the Lord. David is from Mozambique and has already gone with Scott on one trip. We are excited to see how God will use David as he continues to grow in his faith.

Yesterday we took Rosie, their daughter, to Dr. Middleton, a good friend of ours who is also a part of the upcoming medical work in Mozambique. Rosie will be three in June, but stopped talking a few months ago. The doctor confirmed to us that during the visit that she has some degree of hearing loss, possibly severe. He has refered us to a specialist who we will see on Monday. This will let us know the extent of her hearing loss.

Please pray for this family. They have already had lots of pressure from extended family to participate in various traditional practices to appease the spririts. We know that God is the only one they need to seek. Please pray for their spiritual strength and that God will work mightily in their lives during this time. Pray also that God will give us wisdom in the situation.

Scott is still in Mozambique. I will have more to report on his time when he returns as we can only send text messages for now. Things seem to be going well.

Blessings,

Lisa

Expired!

I've shared on several posts of the difficulties the people in Zimbabwe are facing. One of the factors that makes things difficult is the currency issue. I couldn't believe it the first time I saw one a Zimbabwe dollar with an expiration date!

"Pay the bearer on demand FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS on or before 31st July 2007."

After that, the money isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

Inflation since January of this year was about 2,200%, said to be the highest in the world. The exchange rate continue to fluctuate dramatically, but is currently around 15,000 Zim dollars to one US dollar (bank exchange) On the streets the exchange is a bit higher.

Scott has some Zimbabwean friends he often stays with while working with the churches in Bulawayo. They told him, for example, that they used to go out to eat with friends once a week. Then, because of the financial crisis they started going out only twice a month. Then it was down to once a month. Today, they can't afford to go out to eat at all.

Teachers are quitting because the cost of transport to get to the school is more than their salary. School fees are becoming out of reach for many. Doctors and other professionals are leaving the country leaving behind inadequate medical care. Every person has been affected.

Please pray for the people of Zimbabwe and especially the churches we are working with there. May they be a light for Christ during this difficult time!

Blessings,

Lisa

Thank you!

Thank you so much to those who have sent me notes of encouragement. There have been no changes yet, in either the house or the upcoming clinic in Mozambique, but I'm feeling peace at knowing God is in control.














Scott returned from another week of language school on Thursday, just in time for a holiday weekend. Some good friends from Joburg are here, so yesterday we decided to go to Kruger for the day. They will be here until tomorrow, then Scott leaves for Mozambique on Tuesday to work with Bia and Gustavo.

Please continue to pray for our work and endurance!

Here is my encouragement for you today!

We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. We pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Col. 1:9-14

Blessings!

Lisa

PS Had to add this photo as well. Jayden was listening to my walkman then slid on his daddy's sunglasses. "This is what some people do to look cool, mommy."

God works for the Good. . .

I've had to remind myself this week that God DOES work for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Ever feel that way?

Our team has been praying heavily about the people of Mozambique. Only 1% of the Tonga people are evangelical Christian. The Tonga are known for their witchcraft and hold instead to their traditional beliefs and customs, rejecting Christianity and Islam in the process. What little the Tonga's know about Christianity comes mostly from the Catholics who have had a presence there for probably several hundred years. They have built a large church in the city and it severs as a base for the region. Many of the people have gone to Catholic schools, but have never embraced Christ.

The need is strong.

The work very hard.

We had planned a medical clinic the end of May to help the people in a tangible way as well as a chance to build a bridge into peoples lives. The doors, though, seemed to have slammed shut. We are struggling to get permission to run the clinic, and may not before the doctors plan to arrive. They might be able to work with one of the local hospitals, which would still be a help to the people, but not what we would prefer.

We ask for your prayers as we seek God's wisdom in this situation. That we will follow His plans for these people He longs to have follow Him.

The second door shut this week was on our house in Dallas. The buyers backed out at the last minute. Apparently, they were in the process of working with another agent on another house at the same time. Once again, we ask for prayers for wisdom as in this situation whether to continue to try and sell or to put in renters.

On a more positive note, Jayden celebrated his sixth birthday at a new restaurant in town with five of his friends and had a great time.










The kids also participated in their school’s Big Walk fundraiser. Gabriel walked about 20 miles in four and a half hours!










Lastly, here are a few photos we took from a hike in the mountains near us. Gabriel’s missing the photos as he’s always far ahead of everyone else!

Writing Life and Prayer Requests

WRITING LIFE:
Someone recently asked me how my writing was going, so I thought I’d give an update. The last two months have been full of edits for three of my books coming out this year. Each book goes through content edits and line edits with two different editors. Once the book is ready to go to print, it’s edited again for any last minute corrections. Editors are a huge part in the book publishing process, so I’m thankful for those working to make my stories even better.

I have four books coming out this year. Tara’s Gold, a full length historical set in Iowa, releases in July through Heartsong Presents. I’ve just had a peek of the mock-up cover and it’s just what I’d imagined. I’ll be sharing it soon. I’m also putting together a video trailer for this humorous mystery that I’ll post as soon as the release date gets closer. Be sure and watch for it!

September will bring two releases. Montana Mistletoe is a fun, contemporary Christmas collection you won’t want to miss. It features three other great authors, Kim Sawyer, Lena Nelson Dooley, and Debby Mayne.









Massachusetts Brides will be available in books stores and Wal-Mart in September. This brings together my first three Heartsong novels, stories very close to my heart, Michaela’s Choice, Rebecca’s Heart, and Adam’s Bride.


In November, A Matter of Trust will be released. This is my first full -length contemporary from Heartsong presents. It has a thread of suspense with a stirring romance you won’t want to miss!

I’ll be sharing more information on all of these books as they release, as well as Barbour’s new mystery line that I’m writing for that starts in January. I've also posted a link on my blogs top right hand side where you can read the first chapters of my books as they release.

Currently, I’m lost in the African bush as I write my first international suspense. As I come close to the mid-way point, I’m loving the journey with my hero and heroine and thankfully my critique partners seem to be enjoying the story as well. I have a couple editors interested in the story, so I’ll be waiting to see what develops with this series.


PRAYERS:
*One of our precious board members, Beverly, will be going in for surgery for a brain tumor. Surgery is tentatively set for the 26th of April. Please pray for a successful surgery and a full recovery.

*We are working through the final process and paperwork for our house in Dallas. Please pray that the sale will go through in the next couple weeks as planned! Selling this house will be a huge answer to several years of prayer!

*Tomorrow is the open house for our home here in South Africa. We are hoping to move to Tzaneen as soon as possible to make things easier on the kids. Please pray that God will quickly send us the right buyer for the right price.

Blessings to each of you!

Lisa

A Taste of Africa

I’m sure I’ve mentioned before that I love trying dishes from all over the world. Roclette from France, Fufu from Togo, Curry from India, Gali Sisi from Ghana, and oh, I know I’ve mentioned my favorite Mexican!

Here’s a recipe I first made about fifteen odd years ago, over an open fire at a missions camp in Texas, for about 50 plus kids. (That in itself is another story.)



Yassa au Poulet --or Marinated chicken in a lemon and onion sauce.

MARINATE

2 Cups chopped onions
2 T chopped garlic
1 ½ t chopped fresh chilies
½ t ground ginger
1 t pepper
1 T salt
1 C lemon juice
1 ½ C water
1 T oil

Pour ingredients into a zip lock bag along with a cut up 2 ½ to 3 pound chicken. Marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Heat 4 T of oil in a heavy skillet. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat the pieces dry. Brown the chicken in the hot oil, turning them frequently. As they brown, transfer the chicken pieces to a plate.

Pour off all but 2 T of the oil and remove the pan from the heat. Strain the marinade through a sieve and remove all excess liquid (save). Heat the oil in the skillet and add the solid contents from the sieve. Cook while stirring for about 5 minutes or until the onions are soft.

Return chicken, ½ cup of the liquid marinate, and ¼ cup of water to the pan. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce heat to low. Partially cover the pan and let simmer for 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked.

Serve with hot rice.

Check back for more mouthwatering recipes!

Blessings,

Lisa

Happy Birthday Jayden!

Wow! It's hard to believe that Jayden, who was two when we moved to South Africa, is six years old today! He wanted to spend his birthday with his daddy, but Scott had to drive to Mozambique today to sign some official documents for the government regarding our registration in the country. Since Scott only had to be gone one night, Jayden will be making the five hour trip to Maputo. He's quite an excited little. . .big boy!

Please pray for Bia and Gustavo. They are leaving today with Allen and Janelle who will be helping them for the next few days get set up in Mozambique. We have a small rented house where they will be staying and starting the work. Next month will be our medical campaign, and we are excited to have two doctors and a dentist leading the clinic. Dr. Prem will be returning after being our doctor last year in Zambia, as well as a South African doctor friend. We are all praying that there will be at least one house church started by the time the medical clinic begins.

Coming next. . .a taste of Africa

Blessings,

Lisa

Musings from a Tex-Mex girl

Okay, I admit it. Living in Texas for almost seven years before moving here completely converted me to the wonderful world of Tex-Mex cuisine. We used to visit these small hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Dallas that had some of the best Mexican food I’d ever tasted. Quesadillas, tacos, fajitas, guacamole. . .I love it all!

I honestly didn’t expect to find Mexican food here in South Africa. We learned fairly quickly that everything tastes a bit different here. Even if it’s an American brand. This often translates into my recipes during out to be quite different that I envisioned. (Remember the gingerbread?)

This isn’t a bad thing, mind you, just different. I’ve come to love South African braais, their Indian food and curries, (something I never enjoyed in the states), not to mention mealie-pop and sauce cooked over a fire. Even my kids love this. So both countries have their have their pluses.

But I still miss my Mexican food.

Last weekend we took the kids to a new restaurant in town. We rarely eat out, so this was a special treat for all of us. And even bigger treat for me was that this restaurant features Mexican food.

I choose the quesadilla, one of my favorites. Thick tortillas filled with chicken, salsa, and. . .cottage cheese?

Yep, you read that right. The lumpy sour cream was cottage cheese.

I studied my plate. I can take the salsa not tasting anything like Pace. I can take the lemony guacamole. But cottage cheese?

I had to laugh.

Tonight my Peace Corps friend is coming over and guess what we’re having for dinner. HOMEMADE fajitas, guacamole, and REAL sour cream. I can’t wait.

Blessings,

Lisa

Safari photos!

Because I owe several of you emails, I thought I'd mention that there's currently a problem with our server. We can receive emails and have internet access, but are not able to send for now.

For the meantime, I thought I'd post a few photos from our latest trek into the bush. I'm planning to put together a short video to share soon as I know we got some fantastic footage, but so far I haven't had a chance to even look at what we took. BTW, you might chuckle at the turtle, but the kids went nuts over them!

Blessings!

Lisa

God leads the way. . .

God moved powerfully during the recent trip Allen made to Inhambane, Mozambique. During his prayer walk through Inhambane, God led Allen to pray for a retired government administrator who was sick. Allen enjoyed getting to know the family and then told them that God had directed them to pray for the man's illness, i.e., a very swollen leg and foot. Two days later, Allen and Monwabisi returned to check on the man and found him walking without his cane and praising God for healing his leg and foot. He is looking forward to our next visit in April with Janelle and the Fuentes.

Please pray for this man as well as three other new contacts, that God can use them as the beginning of our house churches in Mozambique.

Scott, Allen, Bia, and Gustavo left for Zimbabwe today to meet with some of the church leaders from Zimbabwe and Zambia. They will spend the next three days praying, training, and studying together. We recieved word to night that they arrived safely in Bulawayo, but that there was no power. Inflation, by some accounts, is now running over 3000% and basic food stuffs are becoming more and more scare and unaffordable. There now seems to be very little light at the end of the tunnel. Pray for our churches and for all the entire Church in Zimbabwe that they will steadfastly look to Jesus and ask for His power to stand up under these difficult times. (Updates from Allen)

Please keep them in your prayers this week as they work with the leaders!

Blessings,

Lisa

Quick Update

It's been quite a hectic week and a half with company literally in our home every day. I’ve had a number of exciting things to share, but on top of all that’s been going on our internet has been off. We also had a power surge yesterday that totally blew out several power strips and the surge protectors for my computer. Thankfully, the computer still works fine and no serious damage happened.

April 2-6 We spent time with Bia, Gustavo, Allen, and Janelle every morning to pray and plan for the work in Mozambique. Bia and Gustavo move to Maxixe next week.














April 3rd We found out that we sold our house in Dallas! This is a huge praise for us. Please pray that final process goes through smoothly.

April 7th We hosted a Passover with a number of friends and had a very blessed time.














April 8th Enjoyed having another family over for dinner. We’re excited because this couple will be joining our medical campaign to Mozambique in May. He will be one of the doctors working in the clinic. Our kids especially enjoyed the evening because they each had a friend to play with.













Barring internet problems, I have a couple exciting stories to share about the work here later this week.

Blessings,

Lisa

Home Again

We're back home after a few days visiting Kruger Game Park during the kids' first term holiday. We so enjoyed the fun of driving through the bush and seeing the animals. One of the highlights was a pride of lions with five cubs. We also saw two large elephant herds with their babies.




























This week, it’s back to work. We are excited to welcome Gustavo and Bia to our team. They are Portuguese speakers with a heart for missions and will be joining us for the next seven months. During this time they will be in training and helping us as we begin the work in Mozambique. We're meeting together everyday this week for prayer, training, and fellowship.

We are so excited to see what God has in store for the work in this country. I’ll be sharing a couple amazing stories of how God is moving in that place in the next day or two.


























Have a blessed day,

Lisa