Urgent prayer update

I just spoke to Janelle, Scott's aunt who asked me to post an update on Allen. He was just admitted into ICU with a serious lung infection and the next few hours and days are critical. We ask for your prayers that God will heal him and bless him with many more years with his family and doing the work he loves. Allen and Janelle have spent their lives in Africa serving God and have been a tremendous blessing to so many. Thank you to all of you who have continued to lift them up to the Father during this difficult journey they are on.

Scott and I will be at a board meeting for African Outreach Ministries this weekend, and then fly out on Tuesday to return home to Africa. Our time here has been blessed and we are grateful for the time we were able to spend with Allen and Janelle and so many of our friends and family,

Blessings,

Lisa

Update on Allen

Here is the latest update on Allen from Janelle. Thank you so much for keeping him in your prayers!

Dear friends and loved ones, those who support us in prayer.

I would like to give you some specific things to pray for with Allen. We are here in Wheaton with the children and Allen has done a lot of resting. But there are some things that have begun to give problems in his recovery from the radiation.

1. The fatigue has deepened as we have been here "resting". He has trouble climbing stairs, even just dressing and preparing for the day. Just these types of simple things leave him breathless and exhausted. Please pray that this will lift and he will regain his strength.

2. As a result of his fatigue, he has been breathing very shallowly. Now his chest has begun to hurt him and we fear that part of his lungs are collapsing because of lack of use. Please pray that he will have the strength to inflate his lungs and that health will return.

3. He also is having much trouble with his legs. They go into periods of cramping and it is very painful. This is particularly when he is asleep, which disturbs his sleep an can leave him tired from lack of sleep, as well as the fatigue.

But praise God:

1. He began having a problem with double synapses during the last week of radiation, where the brain would record things again, as though they happened twice of three times. But they had only happened once. Just in the last several days, this has really improved. We believe it is God's hand on the swelling of the brain and bringing down the irritation. We rejoice to see this getting better. Praise God for the improvement, that ask God that it will continue to improve.

Thank you again for all your prayers and expressions of love and concern. We praise God for each one of you who pray for us. God has heard your prayers - that's why I wanted you to pray about these specific things!

May the Lord shine his face on each of you today (and tomorrow and the next day!). :)

Janelle (and Allen)

Orphan Sunday

There's a sweet little girl I know. She's nine years old with big brown eyes and a smile that will melt your heart. She loves learning, and even though she's missed quite a bit of school because of illness, she works hard to keep up with her studies. It's been tough, for her though, because the country's political situation is turbulent and schools have been closed off and on the past two years. When she's not in school, she has an older sister and they love playing together.

Two years ago, her father took another wife. Not too long after that, the new wife, and her father died, leaving her mother and the two girls alone. Now her mother's health is failing, and the future is uncertain.

~~~~~
Around the world, hundreds of people are using today as a moment to highlight the plight of orphans in the world. Because this is such a vital ministry, I wanted to take today to share one way you can get involved. The mission group we work with, African Outreach Ministries, has recognized the needs of these beautiful children and in partnership with prayer warriors, supporters, and sponsors, are currently working with over 300 at risk children in southern Africa. Instead of placing these children in an orphanage, they live with extended family and church members and receive help with food, school fees, and medicine as well as spiritual and emotional counseling.












ZAMBIA

In the Western Province of Zambia within AOM churches, over 160 “children at risk” receive care and support from AOM. School fees are paid, school uniforms and shoes are purchased and the families of these children are supported emotionally and spiritually within the churches. AOM’s Zambian missionary, Grace Mulyata, oversees this work.


















ZIMBABWE

AOM’s orphan ministry arm in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe is Themba Le’Ntandane (Hope for the Orphan). The ministry of Themba is directed toward destitute children who have lost one of more of their parents. Themba helps these children and their caregivers by providing school fees and uniforms, securing medical care for both children and caregivers, and by providing spiritual and emotional nurture for the family. Because of food shortages in the country, AOM has also been providing food for the children the past two years through the generous donations of people like you. Themba Le’Ntandane is supported by sponsorship programs, both within churches and through individuals.

If you're interested in sponsoring a child, or learning more about the children, please contact Janelle Avery by email.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to
keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

May our love for these beautiful children reach far beyond today!

Lisa

Holiday Giveaway!

I’ve managed to avoid the swine flu, but ended up at the doctor anyway this week with what the doctor diagnosed as a “very bad infection.” Like I didn’t know! ☺ In the end, I feel as if I’ve lost a week, but I am gaining back my strength, and now feel almost 100% better.

With the holidays around the corner, I have an irresistible contest for this month! (Remember the chocolate hint?) My sister-in-law has started CK Creations where she makes and sells some of the best toffee you’ve ever tasted. So this month, I’m giving away a ½ pound of CK Creations along with a copy of my Montana Mistletoe and three holiday cookbooks! For the toffee, you can choose between Milk, Dark, White, and Peanut Butter, or a sampler box with all four flavors!

For a chance to win, all you have to do is leave a comment below! For those signed up to receive my yahoo newsletter, you'll be automatically entered if you qualify. (North America mailing addresses only please for this contest.)

I’d love to hear from you, too. What’s your favorite homemade holiday treat? Leave a comment below and share! Recipes welcome! I'll draw a winner on November 16th!

For additional chances to win a couple great books, visit a new blog I’m a part of that is showcasing fiction from all over the world. This week, we’re giving a way a copy of Scared, by Tom Davis, and The Gentlemen’s Conspiracy by Nick Daniels. You won’t want to miss either one of these fantastic releases. Stop by and leave a comment for a chance to win.

And lastly, if you’re looking for the perfect gift to send to friends and family, order your own Almond Toffee by CK Creations. Email Cheryl here. It’s the perfect holiday (and anytime) gift!

Blessings,

Lisa

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws. North America mailing addresses only.

Life in Crisis

The suspense series I’m working on right now is about ordinary people faced with extraordinary situations. They’re not secret agents or spies sent to save the world, but instead people, like you and me, who’s lives are changed through both the challenges they face and their reliance on God.

But as we all know, a crisis isn’t limited to the pages of a fictional story. And in real life, the ending is rarely tied up neatly. Many of us have walked through a situation where the pain and heartache seemed out of control and there was nowhere to run.

In the past few weeks that I’ve been back in the States, I’ve had opportunities to meet with a number of people whose lives are in crises. As I’ve cried with them and prayed with them, one verse has really stuck with me. Paul says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18.

We live in a fallen world. Life is hard. There is sickness, financial struggles, loneliness, and loss and while it’s impossible to always understand “why” there is one thing that we can cling to. Isaiah 41:10 tells us not to fear, because “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.”

God never said that all difficult situations will be taken away. In fact I Peter 4:12 tells us not to be surprised at the painful trials we are suffering. But through Christ and the workings of His Spirit, the void can be filled. James tells us that we are blessed when we persevere under trial, because we will "receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12) With God as our strength and heaven as our goal, the journey is worth it.

Keep your eyes focused on Him today!

Lisa Harris

Sunset in Swaziland

Someone reminded me today that I hadn't updated for a few days, so I thought I write a quick post. Things have been hectic here as I try to keep up with school, keep the kids on a semi-normal schedule, and do all the "extra" things we need to do. The kids are doing well and are enjoying making new friends.

One of the extra things was my first live radio interview today. It turned out to be a lot of fun and not near as scary as I expected. :-) I'll post a link if they put the interview in an archive.

Thank you so much for your prayers for Allen. He finished the last of his chemo and radiation today. The doctors expected him to be flat on his back during this last week, and yet once again, God stepped in and he's been up and around, and doing well. They have three weeks of rest with family, before returning to Houston to reevaluate what the next step is. Please continue keeping him in your prayers in the coming week!

Lastly, I'll be holding another fun contest (think chocolate) the beginning of November, so drop back soon!

Blessings!

Lisa

Not of this world

I’ve mentioned in previous posts, how coming back to the US is always a bit of a shock to my system as I step from one world into another. And in a sense, I’ve realized that I really don’t quite fit in completely in either setting.

In Africa, life goes by slower. I shop in the open market, worship on Sunday morning beneath breezy palm trees, and work hard to communicate in a foreign language.

Here in the US, life seems to rush by because of people’s busy pace. Stores are huge and packed with everything imaginable, and while I speak the language, I’m often clueless about various cultural things like TV shows, movies, and music.

This morning I was reading Psalm 91 and was reminded of one constant. No matter where I live in this world, if I make the Most High my dwelling place, He will be my refuge. In this chapter, the Psalmist pens some incredible words about how to find rest in the world we live in.

*He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

*He is my refuge and my fortress.

*He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.

*He will call upon me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I show him my salvation.

Wow! Trouble is everywhere, no matter where we live, but so is our Heavenly Father!

What about you? No matter who you are or where you live, you will face situations that will drag you out of your comfort zone, challenge you, and at times, bring you to your knees. Be reminded today that whatever earthly situation you are facing, dwell in His shelter and He will be your refuge and fortress for the days to come.

Blessings,

Lisa

And the winner is...

Before I announce the winner, I have to say I was thrilled by the response to my latest giveaway and loved reading your great beauty tips. Thanks for sharing!

I used Random.org to draw the winner to keep things fair and square, so drumroll now please...

The winner of the Swazi Secret gift basket is Muttlets1mom!

Congratulations! Please contact me at contact.harris@gmail.com with your snail mail address.

If you didn't win, please stop by my blog again soon as I'll be holding monthly giveaways for the next few months including my yearly Taste of Africa Basket, and a Christmas surprise you won't want to miss!

Here are your Beauty Tips:

1. My tip is to drink alot of water and always use moisturizer w/sunscreen

2. Drink lot's of pure water and stay active! Oh and deal quickly with stress!

3. Best beauty tip is to drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest, limit sun exposure and use a good sunscreen.

4. Beauty tip: never use soap to cleanse your face. Way to drying. I use Aveeno foaming face cleanser with feverfew, which is good for my face.-Carmen

5. My favourite beauty tip for shiny, strong, and overall gorgeous hair is to dampen it slightly with warm water, then to massage a bit of olive oil into it right before bed, braid it, put a towel over your pillow and sleep like that, wash it out thoroughly the next morning.-Alison

6. My natural beauty secret is to use olive oil as a make-up remover.

7. I work out an hour a day and try to eat healthy.

8. A natural beauty secret I use is resting cool cucumber slices on my eyes...it erases the dark circles and sometimes even removes my headaches!-Lora

9. I have used olive oil and almond oil to slather my body in after bathing! My body soaks it up in no time!-Annie

10. I spritz witch hazel on pimples-Megan

11. My favorite natural beauty remedy is to make a face and body scub made out of olive oil, sugar, and aloe vera. It's really moisturizing, and it clears up blemishes as well. -Janette

12. 1)Don't sun tan--nothing ages your skin more.
2)Avoid using harsh soaps and chemicals on your face, and lastly,
3)Look at your mom, grandma, and aunts. If you come from a good-skin gene pool, the chances are you'll have great skin too (if you don't abuse your skin).-Janice

13. My skin really improved when i started using oil (jojoba) or shea butter to moisturize.-Mim

14. A natural beauty tip that I follow is too drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin. -Lee

Blessings,

Lisa

Settling In

Springtime in Africa. A photo from our garden.

After a difficult time getting to Houston from Tulsa (We were 29 hours late due to airline issues!) we are settled into our new, temporary housing. We've spent the past few days connecting with those involved in our ministry here in Houston as well as fellowship and prayer with Allen and Janelle. Many of you have told me how you are praying for Allen and we appreciate your prayers so much! God truly is doing miracles in his life. I've posted the latest update below.

Remember to leave a comment here for a chance to win the beauty collection from Swazi Secrets! I'll draw the winner tomorrow! And watch for another fun contest next month from the Heart of Africa!

"Dear Loved Ones and Friends!

We have now finished another week of our journey and, today, Allen finished 3 1/2 weeks of chemo and radiation. There is only one thing we can say, and we want to say it again and again. -- God is good!!

We last wrote that Allen had turned a corner and was getting better, but I don't think we really appreciated how much that was due to God's hand directly doing the turning!! Allen continues to get better every day. He is stronger, out walking daily, doing exercises, going shopping with me, he is more spacially oriented, his short term memory is back, he is alert and connected with life. He sits on the computer and I sometimes have to remind him what time of night it is!! :) And we know with certainty that it is God who has made this happen.

We were talking to the doctor this week and were discussing how much better he is. She said that she could see that he was a totally different person than the one she met when treatments started. She said that, yes, the treatments were having their effect, but that really, the improvements were coming "from above" (as she puts it). Also she said that they found that short term memory could return only after the 6 week treatments were complete and then after some time. She was absolutely amazed at the tremendous improvements he has made, and she expressed that to us.

We know it is God who has turned the tide for Allen. It is God who has decided that Allen should live and not die! We want to say that all the glory is His and we are humbled and so abundantly blessed by His kindness and goodness to us.

We are still on this journey, we haven't seen the end yet. But we do know that God is with us every step of the way, because we have seen His sign. We again thank each of you for your many many prayers! We ask you to continue. The journey continues, day after day. But, praise God, we are living in the sunshine of His light, and not in the shadow of death!! He has been so very good to us, and we thank you again for your prayers. You have blessed us and sustained us as we have moved forward. May you be blessed!!!"

Thanks for your prayers,

Lisa

Things we love...

...about visiting the US.


1. Public Restrooms that have toilet paper (and don't smell)
2. Unlimited fountain drinks
3. I don't have to make my own maple syrup (I did offer, sis)
4. All you can eat buffets
5. Mexican food (Texas here we come!)
6. Roads with no (or very few) potholes
7. Fall colors
8. Cousins, cousins, and more cousins (And grandparents, of course!)
9. Customer service that actually exists
10. And in spite of 1-9, hearing my kids tell me they miss Africa (And so do I!)

Don't forget to leave a comment on my last post for a chance to win a wonderful beauty basket from Swaziland!

Blessings!

Lisa

It's giveaway time!

In anticipation of Blood Ransom’s release from Zondervan in March, (and simply to keep things fun!) I’ll be hosting a number of monthly giveaways with all kinds of cool things, straight from the heart of Africa!

To kick things off, I’ll be giving away with a collection of beauty products from Swazi Secrets! This gift pack contains a range of natural oils and cosmetics produced by a not for profit company set up to empower rural Swazi women. Each product is based on oil produced from the kernels of the Marula tree.
(You can find out more about their products here)

This month’s giveaway contains handmade Marula soap, body lotion, Marula oil (to be used as a moisturizer) and lip balm. The winner will also receive a copy of Massachusetts Brides, my historical romance collection from Barbour.

For a chance to win, leave a comment on my blog with a way to contact you. And if you have a natural beauty secret you use, please share it with us as well!

Want more chances to win? For this contest, those signed up to receive my newsletter who meet the contest rules (You can sign up here or through the link on my blog) will be automatically entered , so leaving a comment on my blog will give you a second chance!

Look for many more opportunities to win neat gifts items from Africa like jewelry, chocolate, photos, and books, including my yearly Taste of Africa gift package in December!

I'll draw a winner on October 15th. Spread the word!

Lisa

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws. Winners must live in North America.

More Rejoicing!

Here's a message from Scott.

"Today at the English Club, Ernesto said he wanted to be baptized today when he learned others were yesterday. Then Lionel ask why he couldn't too. So, after the study, we went down to the water and baptized them.

Sure love these guys! God is doing some wonderful things in their lives. Just wanted to share, Scott"

Scott and the kids leave tomorrow to pick up some things at Allen and Janelle's in SA, then onto the airport to fly out on Sunday. Please keep them in your prayers, along with David and Emily who will be keeping up the studies while we are gone.

Blessing,

Lisa


English Club


Ernesto and Lionel with Scott






Bay at sunset



Little Scott (I just had to include another photo)

Baptisms

Today Scott had 3 baptisms, two of which were from the English camp from this summer. Isaias and Ivanildo. Innocencia is a neighbor and friend of David and Emily. It was a wonderful day!

Update from Life in the States

It's been a busy couple weeks since my arrival back in the States, filled with emotional ups and downs, but through it all, I've been amazed (though I shouldn't be!) of how faithful God is.

One of my main reasons for returning this year was for my oldest to meet his birth mom for the first time. (Thus the reason for our road trip.) God worked through that situation this past weekend and it ended up being a very positive step in his life that I'm so thankful for. Many of you who knew about the situation have lifted up prayers on our behalf and I'm so grateful for your support through this.

Many of you have also been praying for my husband's uncle and our precious co-worker. Allen and Janelle are like parents to us and grandparents to our kids, so this has been an emotional time for all of us. Below is the latest update from the family regarding Allen's health. We continue to pray for God's complete healing in his life! Because of this situation, we have decided to extend out stay and Scott (who was already planning to come for meetings in November) was able to change his tickets and return next week with the other two children so we can spend some time with the family and take care of some things together.

From Janelle: "Allen started the chemotherapy and radiation a week and a half ago. He has had only 8 treatments and he is remarkably better! It is amazing to see the difference and it absolutely thrills my heart to see my wonderful husband return. We are so very very thankful!! We continue to ask you to pray that his brain won't swell and that the treatments will continue to kill every cancer cell in his brain. We have heard of several people who have survived this cancer and we are praying that God will grant that blessing to Allen. God is able to do this! We praise God for his goodness, and we ask you to continue to stand with us in prayer, thanking God for his goodness and asking him for complete healing!"

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Eph 3:20-21

Blessings,

Lisa

I'm a. . .grandma?

Okay, maybe not a grandma, but David and Emily are like our children, and definitely a part of the family. I can't wait to hold their new blessing named . . .Scott.

To add to the baby fun, our sweet kitty, Patches, had four kittens in one of my pots! She's a great mom and Mariah is loving the experience.

ACFW Writer's Conference

I arrived back at my in-laws after a wonderful writer's conference in Denver. It was such a blessing to connect with so many friends. I roomed with Patty Slack, who's been a special friend since college and Lynne Gentry, an longtime close friend who I co-wrote a Medical Thriller with. We laughed, stayed up way to late, and encouraged each other. It was also such a blessing to connect with other long-time crit partners, friends, and editors, Beth, Debbie, Susan, Janice, Darlene, Ronie, Mary, Rachel, Sue, Jeane. . .and so many more wonderful novelists and editors.

One of the highlights was spending a day learning from a leader in the publishing industry, Donald Maass. If you're a writer, I highly recommend his book, The Breakout Novel, as well as any of his in-person classes. He really knows how to help you push your novel to the next level.

I borrowed a camera, so my photos didn't turn out the best (and I wish I'd taken more!), but I'll post the ones below that turned out fairly well. :-)

I'm on my way to my mother's tomorrow and am looking forward to seeing her. Thanks so much to all of you who are praying for this upcoming trip as we have some important things to accomplish, as well as Allen and Janelle as he continues to go through treatment.

Blessings,

Lisa



Posin' with Patty


Deborah Vogts & Beth Goddard, longtime friends and crit partners


Ronie Kendig, another international suspense writer!


Sue Brower, my wonderful editor from Zondervan.


Mary Hawkins from Tasmania who once visited us in South Africa. It was a joy to see her after all these years.


Lynne Gentry, fellow writer, co-author, and friend


Lena Dooley, one of my first writing mentors who taught me so much

Conference time

Sunset in Swaziland

I’m leaving this afternoon for Denver to be a part of the American Christian Writer’s Conference in Denver, Colorado. The trip has made me do some reflecting of my writer’s journey that started almost thirteen years ago. I started out knowing only that I wanted to fulfill a childhood dream of writing a book, never imagining where it would take me.

It’s been full of ups and downs, hard work, steep learning curves, rejection letters—many, many rejection letters-- and after six years my first contract. But what an amazing journey. It has taught me disciple and patience. It has brought to me amazing friends who have critiqued with me, cried with me, and rejoiced with me.

I think one of the most surprising things about this journey has been the spiritual side. My characters’ spiritual journeys is often my own and as they grapple with issues, it’s often really me longing to understand more about God and how He works in our lives.

Psalm 139 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for m were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

How amazing that whatever our journey, with its ups and downs, hard work, rejections and rejoicing, that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us, who knows us intimately, and has called us to be His own.

Early Morning Risings

Oh, the joys of jet lag. I made the mistake last night to stay up late, thinking I'd be tired enough then to sleep all night. Didn't work. So after laying in bed and trying to go back to sleep, I'm up trying to see if I can get some things done.

We had a wonderful few days in Swaziland mainly resting which we all needed. Spent one day in the game park, though we saw very little wild life. The one highlight was watching ten rhino take a mud bath very up close. That was pretty incredible.

Then on Friday, Gabe and I left for the States and are now with my in-laws. It was great to worship here in Scott's hometown and visit with friends we hadn't seen for a long time. I'll spend the next two days taking care of a number of things, including getting ready for American Christian Fiction Writer's Conference in Denver. This is an important chance for me to connect with editors, learn from the experts, and spend time with some of my close writer friends who will be there. I'll post more about that later!

I would appreciate prayers for our family as we are apart. Scott is in Zimbabwe for a couple days, working on some things with our orphan program while my youngest are with a close friend in South Africa. As a mommy, it's not easy for me to be so far away from them! For now, though, I'm looking forward to my time with Gabe, as we have a number of important things to accomplish while we are here.

I'd also like to ask for your continued prayers for Allen and his family. From a medical standpoint, the news they received this week was about the worst it could be. The situation is extremely serious, the tumors very aggressive. We are all looking to God for our strength as they face this physical battle, knowing He is in control.

I was reminded yesterday of an incredible scripture from II Corinthians 4:16-18. "Therefore, do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Be encouraged today!

Lisa

Celebrating

A WEEK TO CELEBRATE:

Before I jump into the post I had planned for today, I want to share some special news. As Scott continues to teach in our house churches about commitment and discipleship, our children participate in many of these studies, especially on Sundays.

This week, Jayden came to us and told us that he wanted to commit himself to following Jesus by being baptized. So this afternoon, we went down to the bay and celebrated with the angels in heaven!

Never step away from this path you’ve chosen, Jayden. He who holds you in the palm of His hand is faithful.

We were also privileged to take part in the baptisms yesterday afternoon of seven from the village Scott’s been teaching at as well as one young man from the English camp. Praise God for the way His is moving!





COUNTDOWN:

As some of you know, I’m getting to return to the States with my eldest son for about three weeks. We leave in the morning to first spend some family time in Swaziland (no, not Switzerland) before heading to the airport in South Africa. We have a lot of things planned during our time back, including some visits with family and for me, attending the American Christian Writers’ Conference. I’ll be posting when I have access to the Internet, though I’m not sure how often that will be.

Please pray for our safe travels (we’re doing quite a bit of traveling/driving) while we are gone.

More soon from the other side of the world!

Lisa

Scuba and book sightings!

SCUBA:

After having to wait for his instructor to get better, Gabe finally was able to continue with his scuba classes. He's loving every minute of it and his teacher said he's doing great. Tomorrow he'll spend some more time in the pool and then, weather permitting, they will do an ocean dive. I guess my little boy is growing up.




BOOK SIGHTING!:
One of my friends sent me these photos after spotting a couple of my books at a Walmart in Texas. Thanks, Lynette! With no bookstore for several hundred miles, this was extra special for me to see!