The least of these...

I've spent a lot of time during the past week glued to the news about Joplin. My heart goes out to those who have lost not only their physical possessions, but also loved ones. I can't even imagine what I would do in that situation.

Yesterday I was out in one of the villages for church and we found out that a young woman's reed house burned down on Thursday. She's a mother of five whose husband recently left her. Scott's lesson, from Matthew 25, couldn't have been more appropriate.

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" Matthew 25: 37-40

It struck me again, that no matter where we live, there are people around us hurting. We are called to be lights, to be different, to be radical. This is how we want to live, and this is how we want to teach the Christians here to live.

The coming weeks are going to be very busy. We are planning to go out with the disciples this week to begin building her a new house. We also very excited to have two mission teams coming within the next week. The first group will be here two days from up north and will help us teach and in conjunction with The ECHO Project, we'll give out vitamins and worm medicine in the several villages. The second group arrives Sunday from Texas. They will be teaching through drama and helping us with two outreach projects in the community.

Lastly, I wanted to share photos from Scott's recent trip to the village of Zongéne with several of his disciples where they continue to do monthly teaching and follow up.

Be blessed. Be a blessing.

Lisa

School uniforms for our orphans

While the main desire of our ministry, African Outreach Ministries, is to make disciples who make disciples, we also strive to help meet the physically needs of those we work with.

For many years, our ministry has worked with dozens of orphans in both Zimbabwe and Zambia. Recently, there was a need with our orphans in Zimbabwe for new school uniforms so that the children would be able to attend school. Last fall, we started The ECHO Project as a way for us to meet the needs we see on a day-to-day basis, primarily in Mozambique, but also in conjunction with our orphan ministry.

Thanks to the generous donations of many of you, we were able to give money to buy uniforms for many of these sweet children so they could attend school.

We have a number things I'll be sharing with you in the coming weeks as we reach out to the community around us along side several summer mission groups that are headed our way from the States and Brazil. We are also in the process of finishing up an exciting ECHO Project fundraising kit we will be unveiling soon that can be used for Sunday school classes, youth groups, ladies classes. Stay tuned for a chance to make a difference!

Be blessed today!,

Lisa

(Some of the children with their new school uniforms)

An the winner is...

Thanks so much to all of you who stopped by and left comments on my blog post for my May contest! I wish I could give copies away to each one of you, but with a bit of drumroll, the winner is...


Julie!!! I'll be in contact with you, Julie, for your mailing details.


On another quick note, Scott and Gabe returned last night from a couple days in the village plus a couple more in South Africa to deal with the finalization of Janelle's house. They brought back with them some cool gifts with them from our friend's farm including raw honey, macadamia nuts, and avocados. (The Dr. Pepper wasn't from the farm, but the boys are very excited that Scott found some.)



While we eat a lot of cashews here (they sell them on the side of the road) I've never made anything with macadamia nuts. If you have a favorite recipe using macadamia nuts, I'd love for you to share it in a comment below.

And don't forget that I'll be giving away more copies of my latest three books later next month, so drop by again soon!

Be blessed today!

Lisa

Lost in the bush

I took a wrong turn and got lost in the bush this morning on my way to one of our village churches. It wasn't that I didn't know the way, (at least I thought I knew the way) but in the past few months the crops have grown tremendously and the road that winds through the bush really isn't anything more than a slightly worn path.

I've noticed the same growth in our own garden. In less than two years, it's taken on a completely different look as all the bushes and shrubs have grown, been pruned, and grown some more.

















There are so many spiritual parallels that struck me as I stood out in my garden today. Jesus often used farming in his parables. He talked about good soil and bad soil, and how the cares of this world can end up choking us and making us unfruitful.

It's a good reminder me.

None of us know when Jesus will return, but He made clear how we should live until that day. Life is full of ups and downs, but I Cornthians 15:58 reminds us to stand firm and let nothing move us. And of the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:2)

Be blessed today as you seek Him,

Lisa

Summer giveaway!

As we head into winter (Yeah!) most of you are getting ready for summer. So in celebration of graduation, summer vacation, and my Christy Award Nominee for Blood Ransom, I've decided to have a summer giveaway!

But not just one giveaway.

Every month through July, I'll be giving away copies of my three latest books, Blood Ransom, Blood Covenant, and An Ocean Away, to one lucky winner. Three winners in all.

So spread the word and leave a comment, telling me that you'd like to participate in this month's contest. Also, make sure to leave a way for me to get ahold of you. This contest closes at midnight PST May 24 and is limited to US addresses.

Happy Reading!

Lisa


Contest is limited to the United States and is 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.

Gettin' in the grove..

(Early morning prayer time with the disciples)

I think it's taken me longer than usual to settle back into live here in Mozambique after so many months away, but we've finally got back into our school routine and are making progress there, so that has helped.

While the kids and I are working hard to finish up the school year (we will finish in August) Scott has already started meeting with his key disciples during the week for an intense study of the Word. They are also meeting weekly for prayer and fasting. It's exciting to see their passion and desire to learn and then share what they learn with others. Scott is also working on recording Oral Stories Bible for them that can be played on MP2 players for training of the disciples to go out and teach and for people who can't read.

The ECHO Project

We recently had our first official ECHO project board meeting via Skype and I'm so excited about the plans for the future. A pharmacy in South Africa gave us vitamins at cost. We will be giving them out primarily to pregnant and nursing women in the villages we work in as well as specific children and elderly who need them.

Want to get involved?

In connection with one of our supporting churches in Katy, Texas, we are putting together ten short videos about life in Africa that will be used for their summer mission program as their children's classes raise money for The ECHO Project and those we are ministering to here. We have several ideas we will be putting implementing in the next few months that can be used for children's program, youth groups, women's Bible classes, sororities, or anyone who is looking for a fun yet profound way to make a difference. I'll share with you more about this project in the weeks to come.



(Preparing vitamins to be distributed in the villages)

Summer Giveaway

I'll be hosting a giveaway toward the end of the week. This will be one of three giveaways I'll be doing throughout the summer, so be sure and stop by!

Be blessed,

Lisa

A Place of Peace

The kids and I are reading Case for A Creator for Kids and while this version might be for the younger generation, I've found it convicting and a great reminder the One who created life.

It's one of the reasons why I love going to the game park. I can't watch the huge variety of animals and bird life without believing there is a Creator.

The book of Psalm states it perfectly in the beginning of chapter nineteen. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork."

One of the things I enjoy the most in Mozambique is the sea. The vivid blues of the water, the constant crash of the waves against the shore, and the lingering smell of saltwater in the air. For me, sitting on the beach and watching its every changing moods is a place of peace.

While I'd can't live at the sea, we are currently looking the possibilities of building a house near the bay. Rent keeps climbing, but we found land for a good price. The photos (except for the lion) are views near the land. What I love about the water, whether the ocean or the bay, is not just the sense of peace it brings me, but also the reminder of the greatness of the God we serve.

What about you? Where is the place that you find the most peaceful? What place reminds you that God is real?

Be blessed,

Lisa

Letting go...

I remember clearly the day we brought Gabriel home. I'm positive I didn't sleep that night, because I was so worried that he'd stop breathing. He was so tiny and perfect and a huge answer to prayers.

But even with all the concerns I felt that night and in the coming weeks on being a new mom, there was one thing that never crossed my mind. And that was the idea of one day letting go.

Fourteen years later, I'm certainly not ready to let go of my children, but I realized clearly this past weekend that letting go begins long before they walk out the door for collage, their first apartment, or even down the isle.

My youngest turned ten this past month and for his birthday, he asked if he could learn to dive. Still young enough to snuggle, but now old enough to learn to scuba dive. I wasn't ready. You can't imagine (or maybe you can) the fear that passed through me as I sat on the boat with my three kids beneath me in the sea as the younger two dived for the first time. It didn't matter that there were a number of dive masters below with them, watching their every move. These are my babies. And yet, not so much babies anymore. Thankfully, the scenery was so stunning that I was able to stay distracted. At least a little bit.

I'm slowly learning to let go, with a heart full of prayers that they will continue to learn and grow in the coming years...and never be too old to snuggle and sometimes, to even let me call them my baby.

Enjoy the family and friends around you today.

Lisa

Life's ups and downs

I’ll be honest. Things have been crazy the past few weeks. I mean really crazy and not always in a good crazy way.

We said good-bye to Janelle along with another family who left South Africa, dealt with unresolved car problems, had a cyst on my arm burst, learned of the unexpected death of two friends, sorted through boarder problems, mourned with my mom over the loss of her dog, found out about a tax audit (can you believe the timing?) endured internet issues (meaning no internet for days), grieved with a friend who’s marriage has fallen apart…

I’ll stop there, but then there’s also the not quite as important things like the Wii went out, the DVD player went out, the TV’s going out…

It’s been a constant barrage of stuff that has to be dealt with beyond the normal ministry issues. You know what I mean, the urgent vs. the important.

God’s good, though, at always helping to put things into perspective. I just finished reading a non-fiction book about a woman who was the only survivor in her family during the holocaust. I’ve also been closely following our friends in Japan who are making a huge impact for the kingdom of God as they minister to hundreds of people who have lost everything.

Somehow, not having a Wii suddenly seems very unimportant. And even the more serious things are still things we’ll get through.

This weekend we’re headed off to the beach thanks to a free weekend given to us by the owners. We need it. Of course, we’ll spend Sunday in the villages and Scott will still be working on taxes while I help him get everything together, but it will be a blessing for our family to spend some real quality time together for the first time in several months.

Along with all of this, I’ve started reading Stormie Omartian’s Power of a Praying Parent. Through it, I’ve been reminded of the power of prayer and how essential it is to make prayer a priority, “…for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but …the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

What about you?

Whether the things you are facing today are simply small and irritating or if your world has just crumbled apart, look to Him remember that our “momentary struggles are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us!” (Romans 8:18)

To end on a positive note, I just received some pretty cool news. Blood Ransom is a finalist in the Christy Award category for Contemporary Romance. This was completely unexpected, though very exciting news for this book. If you don’t know about the Christy Awards, you can check it out here.

Be blessed today!

Lisa

Settling in...

I realized today that it's been several weeks since I've posted. Life has been a bit...well... hectic so far this year to say the least. March and April were spent primarily helping Janelle (my aunt) pack up her home for her move back to the US.

We loaded up a container with her things, sold what was left, and finished closing up the house. Scott came at the end to help with some of the logistical things like switching over the utilities to the new owner amongst many other things.

Once we finally realized that our second vehicle wouldn't be fixed by the time we needed to go, we packed up our truck and headed home. As you can see from this photo, we had to wrap everything in plastic garbage bags because it was pouring as we left.

Thankfully, we made it home with out any problems (except for missing a turn while Scott and I were busy talking). It was clearly good to be back together again!

We are now so thankful to be back home in Mozambique, but even here things have started with a bang. Scott is already back to his teaching and preaching in the villages. We also have guests from South Africa who have been with us since last week. They feel that God is calling them into the mission field and are spending a week with us to observe our ministry.

On a quick writing note, I had a great time doing an interview about my books and The ECHO Project on Blog Talk Radio last Friday with long time friend John Gaessler. You can listen to the archived interview here if you missed it.

Be blessed this week!

Lisa


The kids were also excited to finally get back to the beach for our day off yesterday. (And so was I!)

The end of summer...

While summer is getting ready to fade into winter in my part of the world, I spent sometime outside this morning, listening to the birds and watching the bees search for nectar. It will be a while before winter is here, but in the meantime, I'm enjoying the slightly cooler weather along with the beauty of summer's end.




What beauty do you see in your world today?

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1

Be blessed,

Lisa

People of the Book by Kathi Macias

Today, I'd like to introduce author Kathi Macias to you. Kathi is a multi-award winning writer who has authored more than 30 books and ghostwritten several others.

A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs.

Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences, and won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association).

Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time buzzing around in their new ride: Al’s 2005 sunburst orange Corvette.

Kathi's books caught my attention because she uses them to tackle real events through a fictional story--or as she calls it, 'fiction with a mission.' Here's an excerpt from her latest release, People of the Book.


"Eighteen-year-old Farah, who lives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with her family, wants nothing more than to develop a deeper, more meaningful devotion to her Muslim faith. She sees the month of Ramadan as her chance to draw nearer to Allah, and she pursues that goal throughout the holiday. All goes well until the prophet Isa—Jesus—appears to her in a dream and calls her to Himself. At the same time, her only brother, Kareem, who has never liked Farah, actively seeks an opportunity to expose her for the sham he believes she is.

"Meanwhile, Farah’s seventeen-year-old cousin, Nura, has begun to frequent an online chat room where former Muslims gather to discuss their new faith, based on their belief that Isa is much more than a Muslim prophet—He is actually the Son of God. While there, Nura becomes acquainted with an American girl of Muslim ancestry—now a devout Christian named Sara—and a friendship quickly develops. However, Sara has problems of her own due to her fifteen-year-old brother Emir’s involvement with a gang.

"The lives of Farah, Nura, and Sara ultimately dovetail until each finds herself at a place where her faith is put to the test. Will they remain faithful to the end? Will God protect and keep them safe in the midst of persecution and treachery? Or will they be required to pay the ultimate price for their faith?

To learn more about Kathi, please visit her website or her blog.



Book Trailer for People of the Book



Be blessed today,

Lisa

God's amazing creation

Yesterday, my aunt and I spent some time up on the nearby mountain where she treated me to some time at a spa. Not only was our time extremely relaxing, but the view was incredible. Photos don't do justice to the stunning backdrop of the mountains, the green valley, and the white, shifting mist, but I had to share some of the beauty of God's creation.

Please pray for Janelle, who will return to the US tomorrow. I'll stay another week to finish some last minute details and get rid of the remaining things here, before leaving for Mozambique with my family.

Be blessed!

Lisa

It's here!

I'm always so excited to hold a new story in my hands, and Summerside did an incredible job with the cover of An Ocean Away. It's even multi-textured, something I couldn't see by just the photo.

Be blessed!

Lisa


"New York's high society might prove more treacherous than the wilds of Africa"

Saying Goodbye

It's been a season of goodbyes. Almost a year ago, Allen Avery, our teammate, father, and mentor passed away. For the past month, I've been in South Africa helping Janelle close up the house in preparation for her move back to the United States. While I've been so thankful for the opportunity to be with her during this time, it's been very emotional.

There have been other goodbyes during this last year as well. We spent last October through February on furlough, and while I don't mind saying goodbye to the days of traveling, it's always hard to say goodbye to the friends and family we were blessed to connect with while we were there.

In January, we said goodbye to our teammates, Luis and Fernanda who returned to Brazil. Then this morning, I had yet another goodbye to face. Friends from SA that we've known for almost six years are immigrating to Australia and stopped by to see us.

I hate negative blogs, but face it. Goodbyes can hurt. Change can be emotional and lonely.

But there is a positive side to all of this. I'm reading through the Bible with the kids this year and I've been struck over and over of how God is with us. Every day. Every moment. Through good times and not so good times.

Here's what Moses said to Joshua. "Be strong and courageous. The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

If you're feeling overwhelmed today, lonely, or discouraged, turn to the One who created you. The One who longs for a relationship with you.

"See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry...But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

You can read the entire passage in Matthew 6:25-34

Be blessed today,

Lisa

The ECHO Project & International World Water Day

Most of us take it for granted. Our morning coffee, the hot shower we took before work, the meal we had last night, the sprinkler system we just turned on in the front yard.

We turn on a tap—hot or cold—and it’s there. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, our water is clean and always available.

But not everyone has access to clean safe water.

• Did you know it is estimated that 30,000 children die each day from water that is contaminated?

• Did you know that 85% of the diseases of African children under the age of five are caused by water-borne illnesses?

• Did you know that twenty percent of the world has difficulty getting access to clean water?

How can you and I make a difference?

March 22 is International World Water Day. It’s a day to focus on the need around the world. It’s a day to make a difference.

The ECHO Project has an urgent need to raise $7500 to complete a water well in the village of Massavana, in Mozambique. While this might seem like a small solution compared to the great need around the world, this well will make a real difference to the several hundred people of this village.


If you are able to help, please make a donation today. We are now set up for on-line donations at www.theECHOproject.org. (Click on Donate) You can pay with your credit card or Pay Pal, or you can mail a check to:

The ECHO Project
327 Sandy Creek Dr.
DeSoto, TX 75115




Thank you for helping us“Speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves…the poor and helpless, and seeing that they get justice.” Proverbs 31:8

A day in the life...

In the midst of packing, we were excited to celebrate my aunt signing a contract on her house. We drove up into the mountains west of us, went to church, then stopped for lunch at one of the hotels overlooking the vast, green valley. The fog and mist were heavy and it was cool, but it was also great to spend some time away from the house and packing.

I wanted to share a funny story from Scott who is still in Mozambique. He's spent the past few days out in David's village teaching with some of the disciples. Sunday night, he had to drive to the capital in order to pick up some legal papers for our car, so he stayed in one of the local hotels.

Here is his conversation with one of the employees.

Scott: There is no remote for the TV.
Employee: We are sorry, but we are having a problem in this area.

Scott: I also asked for the internet.
Employee: Sorry, it isn't working, we are having a problem in this area.

Later that evening...

Scott: Why is there no hot water in my room?
Employee: We are sorry, but a part broke and we expect the part to arrive tomorrow and will be fixed tomorrow.

So much for a nice hot shower after days in the village as he, of course, will be gone by the time it is fixed.

You just have to laugh.

Be blessed,

Lisa

The Heart of God

I'm reading through the Bible this year with my kids using The Story from Zondervan and I'm really loving it.

Right now, we've just finished reading about the Israelites dramatic escape from Egypt. Yet all too soon, they have already forgotten God's faithfulness and power.

If you read through the book of Exodus, the Israelites complained. Continuously. Back in Egypt they had pots of meat and all the food they could eat. (Of course, they seemed to forget that they were also slaves being worked to death.) Now they didn't have meat, enough variety, nor was there enough to drink. Their feet were tired, their brows were sweaty, and they wanted out.

All of this complaining came after the ten dramatic plagues against Egypt. After God had orchestrated for the Egyptians to beg them to leave. After God's hand parted the Red Sea so they could escape from the Egyptians. Though every episode, God showed His amazing power again and again.

Of course, it's easy for me to say what I would have done. I wouldn't have ever complained about being thirsty or hungry for meat. I wouldn't have ever begged to go back to Egypt and a life of slavery. I would have been the one who stood up with Joshua and Caleb and said, "Yes, we can beat all these scary giants living in the land we've been promised because God is with us!"

Maybe.

I find it interesting that God allowed the Israelites to get thirsty. He allowed them to crave meat, and sent them into a land filled with huge bounty, but also fierce enemies.

Why?

I think He wanted them to feel their needs, yet still trust in God. And I also don't think that it was the fact that they were thirsty that made him angry or even the fact that they went to Moses with their needs. The problem was that they didn't trust God to provide. They didn't believe that the heart of God was full of love for them. Nor did they didn't believe in His power and greatness and His seriousness about obedience. They didn't look back and see all the times that He had recused them. Instead they couldn't look past the problems in front of them.

How many times do I do the very same thing? I worry, fret, and complain, doing things my way instead of turning to Him?

The world we live in is broken. There are people hurting everywhere from the recent tragedy hitting Japan, to world hunger, to broken homes and marriages. We all know that the list could go on and on.

The heart of God wants us to turn completely to Him in every circumstance and trust in His power and leading.

Here's what Jesus said in the book of Matthew. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

God calls us out of this world to a relationship with Him. He calls us to live radically for Him. To trust Him no matter what.

Be blessed,

Lisa

Heart of Africa giveaway winners...

Thanks so much for everyone who participated in my latest giveaway! I loved reading through your answers about your favorite animals. And thanks to Random.org, I've drawn the winners!

Grand Prize Winner (Framed animal wildlife photos and copies of the Mission Hope series and An Ocean Away): Joanne S.


1st Prize (Copies of Blood Covenant & An Ocean Away): collettakay

Runners up (Choice of Blood Covenant or An Ocean Away): CarlybirdK, dawnkreger, terenn, nomysticalmask

For those of you who didn't win, all these books are available at your local bookstore or on line at places like Amazon and Christianbook.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts on these stories.

Be blessed!

Lisa

The ECHO Project

It's been a while since I posted about The ECHO Project, our new non-profit that we started to help meet the physical needs of those we work with, but God has done some amazing things through people who have joined us in being a voice to those in need.









*Creek Kids on Mission, from Sugar Creek Baptist in Houston, raised over $4000 by collecting change to help a young boy in need of an operation.

*A sorority from the University of Texas donated over $1400 to help put a young woman through trade school after finishing high school in Zimbabwe.

*An apartment manager donated in the name of all of his renters for Christmas.

And the list goes on. We are so blessed by the generosity of those who have given and who are helping to make a difference.

Just recently, we were able to give $900 toward uniforms so some of our orphans in Zimbabwe could go to school.

But the needs continue.

Yesterday, Scott spent the day out in the village and while he was there he met a young boy who was ten, but looked about five or six. He clearly needed better nutrition and help with his physical needs. This is exactly who we want to help. To make a difference in the lives of people we come in contact with who have needs, both spiritually and physically.

We've recently started a blog in connection with our website where you can sign up (on the top right hand corner) for the posts to come directly to your mail box. I'll also be sharing updates from time to time on this blog as to what God is doing through this ministry.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” Proverbs 31:8


PS. Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win at my Heart of Africa Giveaway!

Be blessed!

Lisa

Visit www.theECHOproject.org