Orphan Update

I received some photos today from the Christmas party that was held for our sweet orphan children in Zimbabwe in December!

"The children had a wonderful day with a special meal and games. The children sang for their families and friends, while the caregivers prepared the food for the day and Themba was very appreciative with how well everyone came together to make this a truly shared experience. Themba plans to put the newly purchased pots and pans to good use in the future as well!"

To learn how you can sponsor a child, visit The ECHO Project.

Blood Covenant Trailer!

I'm so excited because Blood Covenant is hitting the shelves next month! For now, you can pre-order it at Amazon or other online places if you want the book shipped to you as soon as it hits the shelves. Or, if you don't want to wait until then, it is available now for download onto your kindle!

Take a sneak peek of the first chapter, click here, and let me know what you think.

Blood Covenant Book Trailer from Lisa Harris on Vimeo.

Together with my wonderful publisher and publicist, we'll be hosting a lot of book giveaways and really cool prizes from the Heart of Africa to promote the book in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

On another note, if you haven't seen my twitter/FB updates, Luiz has a kidney stone and has been in a tremendous amount of pain the past three days. Scott drove him and Fernanda to the capital today, where they are currently talking to a doctor at one of the hospitals there. I will continue to leave updates (which appear on my blog home page as well) via twitter/FB if you would like updates. Scott still plans to return to Houston the middle of next week. Please continue to pray for Luiz and Fernanda as they are still planning to return to Brazil on Monday if possible, and for Scott as he is extremely worn out right now.

Be blessed!

Lisa

Ministry Prayer Request

Since many of you follow my blog as a way to keep up with our ministry, I would like to share a prayer request specifically for our teammates, Luiz and Fernanda. They feel that God is calling them back to Brazil and will be leaving Mozambique this weekend. Scott arrived in Mozambique today so he can spend a few days helping them with the logistics of their move as well as to meet with our disciples.

Please pray for Luiz and Fernanda as they transition back to Brazil, and specifically that God will work powerfully in their lives.

Pray that God will give Scott wisdom, discernment, safety, and health as he travels back to Africa. He will return back to the States next week.

Pray for God's blessings and direction for the disciples in Mozambique. That the Holy Spirit will strengthen and guide them as they continue to teach and lead while we are gone.

We appreciate your prayers as well for our family as our furlough will end soon, and we are already looking forward to returning home to Africa the end of February.

Be blessed today,

Lisa

Bonus Giveaway Winner!

Thanks to the handy "random number generator website", Tom and Patricia are the winners of my bonus giveaway for a copy of Blood Ransom. Congratulations! Please contact me here with your mailing information.


I also wanted to quickly share the final cover of my next historical release from Summerside Press, An Ocean Away. I love how it came together! I'd love to know what you think!

Be blessed today,

Lisa

Yummy Milk Tart Recipe

I've mentioned before that one of the things we are doing while we are back is hosting Night in Africa dinners. While it's been a lot of work, we've really enjoyed the encouragement and fellowship that these dinners have offered.

One of the menu items I have prepared is a Milk Tart from South Africa. I've promised several people who've been to the dinners that I would post the recipe, so here it is along with some tips and photos below. Let me know if you decide to give it a try!

If you missed my radio interview yesterday and are interested in listening to it, you can find it here at InFaithNetwork.com. I had a great time chatting with the wonderful hosts as well as fellow author Bo Caldwell.

Be blessed!

Lisa

P.S. Don't forget to leave a comment on my Bonus Giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Blood Ransom by tomorrow night. You can also watch for upcoming chances to win a copy of Blood Covenant plus I'll be posting its video trailer coming soon! (It's now up on my website if you want to take a sneak peek!)


South African Milk Tart

4 C whole milk
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons flour
2 t vanilla
One, ready-made graham cracker pie crust

Cream the sugar, eggs, cornstarch, flour and vanilla in a bowl. Set aside.

Bring the whole milk and butter to the boil in a heavy sauce pan. Stir constantly.

Add some of the hot milk to the creamed mixture, then pour it back into the pot and heat gently until it thickens, but do not let it boil and stir constantly.

Take the pan off the burner and let it cool a few minutes before pouring the filling into a ready-made graham cracker pie crust and cool.

Refrigerate and sprinkle with cinnamon until time to serve and enjoy!

Bonus Giveaway!

After a few days of time away with Scott to celebrate our twentieth anniversary, it's back in the swing of furlough, starting with dinners planned every night for the next week. In looking ahead, it's hard to believe that in another month--and after logging many more miles--we'll be heading back home to Africa. In the meantime, our time here continues to be busy, but a blessing, and we are grateful to everyone who continues to encourage and pray for us during this time!

As for the bonus giveaway...

The winner of my last giveaway already had a copy of Blood Ransom and asked that I draw a new name so someone else would have the chance to read the book. So...if you haven't read Blood Ransom and would like to win a copy, leave a comment letting me know why you'd like to win the book. I will pick a name at the end of the week!

BTW, For those who are looking forward to book two, Blood Covenant, the book is available for pre-order on Amazon! And watch for ways where you can win a copy right here on my blog in the coming weeks.

Be blessed today!

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.

Need a dose of Encouragement?

I don't know about you, but the past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity for our family. Between a busy furlough schedule, homeschooling, and book edits and marketing for my upcoming releases, it's often finding it hard to keep things in balance. Thankfully, in spite of the business, we've been blessed to find some down time to spend with family. And, Scott and I are getting ready to go away for a few days to celebrate a belated 20th anniversary. (Yeah)

So if you need a dose of encouragement for your New Year, I have a remedy! If you're living in the Dallas area take a couple hours Saturday to hear my close friend Lynne Gentry and Gail McWilliams give you the boost you need!

Did you know that over 46 million people suffer from a vitamin B12 deficiency—and most don’t even know it? How bazaar that abnormal can seem normal. But what if things could change?

A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause weariness, fatigue, confusion, numbness, being out of balance and loss of memory. Everyday life can reflect these symptoms too. Weariness and fatigue may indicate worry. Confusion can depict loss of focus. Numbness is a way to handle unresolved conflict and pain. Being out of balance is everyone’s challenge while juggling overbooked lives. Loss of memory depletes us most when we forget who we are and the purpose of our life.

Lynne Gentry is teaming with Gail McWilliams this Saturday to launch a new series designed to get you back into the race of life to win. Start your new year with a dose of encouragement. Visit here for more info.

Happy New Year!

Lisa

Merry Christmas!

Before I sign out for the holidays to spend time with family, I want to announce the winner of my Christmas giveaway. Congratulations to Margo from my newsletter list! I'll be contacting you this week.

Thanks so much to all of you who took the time to stop by my blog and share what you were looking forward to this Christmas. I really enjoyed reading through your comments and hearing what you had to share.

On another note, be sure and come back after the New Year as I will be hosting several giveaways in the coming weeks that will include copies of both Blood Covenant, book two in my Mission Hope series, as well as my upcoming historical An Ocean Away which is set in both Northern Rhodesia (Africa) and New York in the early 1920s.

For another chance to win a copy of Blood Ransom be sure and stop by Carman's Continuous Delights blogspot on Wednesday. She's currently running an end of the year celebration and is chatting with a number of authors with some great giveaways. Don't miss it!





If you're looking for some great fiction bargains, check out my website later this month. I'm almost done updating the site, and it will include a way to purchase signed copies of some of my older books at great prices.


Lastly, as a reminder of what truly matters this season, I'd like to share a couple poems written by my daughter.

Merry Christmas all!

Lisa


THE ONE

On this day
The Christ is born
The Son of God
The Son, the Lamb
Mary gave birth to Thee,
One we've waited for eternity.
Mary, Mary, had Thy Son
Of our God
The mighty one
Thank you, God.
Thank you, God.
For this wonderful sacrifice of love.



THE REASON WHY

One by one the wise men came
Down to the city of Bethlehem.
They brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh
For Mary and Joseph,
For their new baby Jesus.

We don't celebrate Christmas
Simply for presents.
We celebrate Christmas
Because Jesus was born like you.
And the difference was,
He was without sin.
He was God,
Outside and in.

Mariah, December 2010

Christmas Giveaway!

With the Christmas season upon us, I'm so looking forward to spending this holiday with family for the first time in many years. It's a huge blessing for our family to hang out with cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents so we can nurture those relationships.

Every Christmas, I love giving away something from the Heart of Africa as a small thank you to my readers. This giveaway will
include four signed copies of my books plus tea and chocolate from Africa. Everyone signed up for my Yahoo newsletter will be automatically entered into the December 21st drawing so if you haven't already done so, be sure and sign up. Plus, if you leave a comment on this blog post, I'll enter you into the hat as well. Leave a way for me to contact you and let me know what you're looking forward to for Christmas this year.

The bottom line is that you can double your chances of winning by leaving a comment here and signing up for my newsletter. (The winner’s mailing address is limited to the U.S.)

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas!

Lisa Harris


This contest is limited to US residents and 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.

Mozambique Update

Untitled from Lisa Harris on Vimeo.

While our time in the States has been a blessing, we miss deeply our teammates and the Christians back home. Even without our presence, though, God continues to move among the people, and we praise Him for continuing to transform lives.

We recently received an update from Luis and Fernanda about baptisms in three different villages. Please pray for these new Christians!

Be blessed,

Lisa

Amazing Online Event!

75 Christian Authors * One Amazing Online Event

The Christian Review of Books in conjunction with CrossPurposes Bookstore
is excited to announce the first annual Christmas Book Signing Bash.

Beginning on the day after Thanksgiving and lasting ten days (26 November
- 7 December), this book signing will be an unprecedented online event. 75
of today’s favorite Christian Authors have come together to answer
questions, chat with their readers, and offer signed copies of their
books—all without leaving the comforts of home and hearth!

Readers can search by author, title, or genre at the Christian Review of
Books and then follow the purchase links to CrossPurposes Bookstore and buy autographed copies of each book featured. The authors will sign the books and ship them
to the customers.

For a full list of participating authors, visit the CRoB or check out my page here!

Heart of Africa winner

Congratulations to Michelle who won my Thanksgiving giveaway. Thanks so much to all of you who stopped by and shared! I'll have another fun giveaway next month, so be sure and stop by.

Be blessed,

Lisa

Happy Thanksgiving! (And a giveaway!)

(Posing with fellow writers Jane Thorton and Lynne Gentry)


One of the great things about being home on furlough is the chance to catch up with friends and family we haven't seen for a long time, as well as the chance to spend time with family over the holidays, something we haven't done for seven years. We've been extra busy--and without internet the past week--but were blessed to be back with the church in Dallas that we attended before moving to Africa.

Then on Monday night, I was able to visit the crit group that meets at author Lena Nelson Dooley's home. I began attending this group before I was a published author, so it was so much fun to catch up with some of my author friends, some that I've known for years, and others that I've been blessed to get to know more recently.

Even though it's a couple days early, I want to wish all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving. As I spend this year's holiday season back in the States, I'm reminded of the great blessings of both freedom and opportunity, something I never want to take for granted.

And I'd love to hear from you! What are you thankful for this year? As an expression as to how thankful I am to you, my readers, I'll choose a winner from the comments who will receive a necklace from Africa and a signed copy of Blood Ransom! Please leave a way for me to contact you. I will draw a winner on the 29th.

May we be thankful for friends and family, and especially the gift of life through Christ Jesus.

Be blessed today!


(More writer friends-- Kellie Gilbert, me, Lena Nelson Dooley, and Ronie Kendig)


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.

Never stop dreaming!

(Signing copies of Blood Ransom for Zondervan to use as giveaways.)

It's been such an encouragement for us this past month, to meet with different churches and individuals who are engaged in our ministry and this past weekend was no exception. We spent all day Sunday with a church outside of Chicago who supports our orphan program. Scott spoke during two services, as well as to the youth that evening, while Janelle and I spoke to the children. That night, Scott was also able to share about our ministry in Mozambique to a large group over dinner.

We also had the chance to spend some time with Janelle and her children and grandchildren which was also a huge blessing, as I was able to meet five of my nieces and nephews for the first time! Another thing I really really enjoyed is a taste of fall, something we don't see in Mozambique.

We left Chicago Monday afternoon and headed for Michigan so I could meet with my editor & marketing director at Zondervan. I've been really excited about this chance to meet face-to-face some of the people who work behind the scenes on my books.

Visiting Zondevan reminded me of another meeting four years ago, when I first met Sue Brower (she's my editor at Zondervan) at a writer's conference. I hadn't planned to go to go to the conference until the last minute, and when it came time to sign up for author/editor meetings--where authors have 15 minutes to talk to an editor about their book ideas--there were only two publishers left, one being Zondervan.

In my mind, Zondervan was completely out of my league as a writer, so I almost cancelled at the last minute. I finally decided to go to the appointment, thinking it would be a good learning experience. I never imagined once that one day, I'd actually visit as one of their authors. This experience has reminded me of a lot of things that I've been learning the past few years.

Dream big. (Don't stop dreaming, no matter who you are, or how old or young you are!)

Never give up. (Coming from a writer this means even with rejection after rejection.)

Work hard. (Yes, following a dream can be extremely exhausting work!)

Step out of your comfort zone. (This is another hard one for me!)

Pray daily for God's direction.

This last one has been key for me. Through the process, I've watched God bring things together that are definitly more than I ever imagined or thought possible--often with Him pushing me in directions I wasn't sure I wanted to go.

I'd love to hear from you! What are you dreaming about today? How has God lead you on your journey whether you've "arrived" where you want to be or not? I've found that it's along the journey (during good times and bad) where I learn the most.

Be blessed!

Lisa

Thank you, Creek Kids!

Yesterday, I mentioned our launch of the ECHO Project, a ministry that will reach out to those we are working with in Africa who are in need physically. Today, I want to share how God is already using people to make a difference.

Creek Kids on Mission, the elementary classes from Sugar Creek Baptist Church, have been saving money in banks for the past few weeks. Part of the money they have been collecting is going to help a young boy who is in one of our house churches. He needs an operation, but he will have to go to South Africa. Without the operation, he will continue losing his motor skills and eye sight. The other part of the money will go to help pay for nutritional supplements for children in need.

Last Sunday, we visited a half a dozen of the elementary classes and had a great time interacting with the children. It was such an encouragement to us to hear that not only did they know who we were and who we are working with, but that they had been praying for us. And the money they collected--over $2400--will make a big difference in these children's lives!

Thank you Creek Kids on Mission!

Launch of The ECHO Project!

The ECHO Project from Lisa Harris on Vimeo.

For the last few months, I've been busy working behind the scenes on something that I'm so excited to finally be able to share about! In our day to day ministry, we're constantly faced with the physical needs of the people we work with. Earlier this year, I started feeling that God was going to lead me in a new direction. Then Scott and I were talking one night and he told me that he wanted me to start a non-profit that would help increase our resources that would in turn meet some of these physical needs.

I hesitated. A non-profit? I'm not exactly the run-an-organization type.

But I couldn't let the idea go. There are so many needs everywhere I look. So many people hurting not only spiritually, but physically as well. And I have access to resources that could make difference.

I also needed help. A close friend of mine, Lynne Gentry, and I have been working on writing a series together that deals with some social issues in Africa, and I knew she too has a passion for those who need a voice. Together, we started talking, praying, and dreaming about how God might use us to make a difference, and the ECHO project was born to help individuals through Education, Compassion, Health and Opportunity.

Even though today is our official launch, several who we've mentioned the project to have already stepped forward to make a difference. A sorority raised $1400 through a silent auction that will go to put a young woman in Zimbabwe through trade school. A group of Sunday school classes in Houston raised over $2500 by collecting change last month that will allow a young boy to get the life-saving operation he needs. A youth group bought bracelets made by Alex to help support him and his family.

Ordinary people, like you and I, making a difference in the lives of individuals.

There is one verse in particular that has motivated Lynne and I as we've worked to get this project going. "...speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. (Proverbs 31:8)

Will you help us be that voice?

Dare to become involved and let the ECHO be heard around the world.

Visit The ECHO Project website for more information or email us for more information on how you can get involved.

Be blessed today,

Lisa

Life on the other side

(High school foot ball game with friends on Saturday).

It was quite a weekend as we met with a number of different people, both old friends and new ones, visiting and sharing about what God is doing in Africa. While the pace remains hectic, not only are the kids keeping up with school, but we are enjoying the fellowship and, of course, the food--which also means that we are thankful to access to a gym where we live! So far we've enjoyed a couple African meals (I fixed these), Brazilian, and good ol' southern BBQ.

Last night, I met with a local book club (photo below) and had a great time sharing an African meal and chatting about Blood Ransom and ministry. It was a real encouragement to meet with these wonderful ladies and hear some of their stories.

There was one other exciting thing that happened over the weekend, but I'll be sharing more about that in a new post tomorrow along with some exciting news about some doors God is opening in our ministry.

Stay tuned!

Lisa

Disciples making Disciples

November Update from Lisa Harris on Vimeo.

When we were getting ready to leave Mozambique for our furlough, several of the disciples came to Scott, concerned that while we were gone, everything was going to fall apart. Our teammates, Luiz and Fernanda had to go back to Brazil for a couple weeks at the same time we left, so this only added to their concern.

But we saw things differently as we continually encourage them to make their faith and this ministry their own. We saw it as a chance for them to rise up and grow spiritually. And they were not alone, but have the Holy Spirit working in them.

We have already seen tremendous signs of their grown over the past few months. On Monday, we had five more baptisms. Three were students who attended our English camp, and two are disciples of disciples. After the baptisms, one of our young disciples decided that as a group they needed to do something to help these new young believers. Spiritual attacks are always heavy and family situations can be difficult as well.

On their own, the disciples decided that they would spend the rest of the week fasting and praying that God would strengthen the new believers. Praise God for the growth of the Christians. Pray that God will answer their prayers and strengthen the new believers as they begin this new journey of faith.

Be blessed,

Lisa

A day in Katy

Yesterday we had a wonderful day, spent with a church in Katy, Texas who has adopted the Tonga of Mozambique and who will be working with us to reach out to them. They have already sent several small teams to during the past year and we are looking forward to hosting more teams in the following years and working with them.

I did a book signing and we also sold 2011 fundraising calendars with photos from Africa and handmade bracelets by one our our Mozambique disciples. All proceeds went to the ECHO Project, a ministry we will be launching later this week that will help with the physical needs of those we are working with. Details coming soon! As you can see, Mariah loved helping with the money.



Also, in connection with our traveling and visiting churches, we had some updated photos of our family taken this last week, so I thought I'd share one. It's hard for even me to believe how big the kids are getting.

Be blessed today,

Lisa

Photos by Tracy
www.tracyscottphotos.com

What to say...

I've always wondered if I would have anything to blog about if I lived full time in the US. I mean, life would busy and eventful, but who really wants to hear about a trip to Target or how much time it took to drive the kids to soccer practice during rush hour. At least in Africa, life always seems like an adventure, and I can blog about elephant stampedes, power outages, and exotic illnesses.

But now I'm here in the US where I've been pondering lately what to blog about. We're busy, like everyone else, and life seems to run a lot faster here. I'm convinced this is because there is simply more things available to do. With everyone having their own personal transportation and a good road system, it's easy to go where you want to go and fit more (and more) things into your day.

One of the things I'm thankful for here is both the opportunities and choices available, but while we are busy with running and connecting with people on furlough, I see everyone else running around me as well, many of them tired and stressed.

For the past couple years, I've followed Chip MacGregor's blog. He is a well-known literary agent in the Christian market that I was blessed to be able to hear speak at a conference a few years back. Yesterday, I was struck about some things he wrote on his blog. He and his wife have spent the past year trying to downsize their lives and live simpler. Opportunities are everywhere, yes, but he's chosen to focus on doing a few things well. He's even decided to quick blogging.

Toward the end of his post, he writes "I just want to put my head down, and love Jesus, and work on books. Maybe do some effective ministry in the lives of people...I was reading my bible the other day, and was struck by Saint Paul's words to his protege, Timothy, he continues. "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life."

A quiet life.

So what does that really mean? Simple? Boring? To me it actually sounds peaceful, calming, inviting. Can we really find simplicity, quiet, and rest?

I think so.

I also believe that this statement translates to our lives wherever we live. For me, the verse is a reminder to think about what is really important to me and focus on those things. Do them well. Live in peace. Take time to enjoy life. Live a quiet life.

But how? Slow down? I know. It seems impossible when you look at your schedule, your calendar, and the demands on your life. And life is more than just going from one meeting to the next. Emotionally, life is full of ups and downs, unexpected engagements, loss, love, death, sickness, and triumphs. But in the midst of all of this, how often do we stop be still? How often to I really connect with my children, with my husband and friends without multitasking or worrying about where I have to go next?

So here's my list of how I want to live a more simple, quiet life so I can make the most of each moment.

Live everyday for Him. Simply. Honestly. Passionately. 100 percent.

Support my husband unselfishly.

Be there for my children, without distractions.

See those around me and move out of my comfort zone to connect, minister to, and listen to.

Don't buy what I don't need. Don't covet what I don't need. Be content with what I have.

Never take for granted the freedoms and opportunities I have.

Impact someone's life for the better today.

Take time to stop and notice something in God's creation today.

What about you? I'd love to hear what you have to say about living a quiet life.

Be blessed,

Lisa