Zambia photos

Scott returned home last night from his trip to Mozambique with a renewed excitement for our dreams for the Tonga people. Lots of incredible things have already started happening (faster than we ever imagined!) Absolute proof that God is moving through this and not just us. I will be sharing what’s happening in Mozambique this next week.

Alene, you were right about Victoria Falls! We were blessed to see this natural wonder from the air and even received permission to circle over it. Wow! A photo doesn't begin to do justice, but if you look at my new blogger header you will get a peak of what we saw. I'll share more pictures from Victoria Falls and our trip home through Botswana soon.

For now, I want to share a few more photos of our time with the church in Mongu.

Blessings,

Lisa






Here's our wonderful group!










One of the baptisms.










The church invited differant groups to come and share a song. Here are the Bridges and Marcus from Sugar Creek teaching the congregation a new song.








Me with two of our hard workers during the clinic.








Unpacking the medicines that finally arrived just in time!

Zambia trip: part three

The baby needed 300,000 Kwacha to live.

The family had been told when the twins were born that this is what they had to do, but they didn’t even have enough money to transport the mother and child the six hours to where the surgery could be preformed.

300,000 Kwacha is less than one hundred dollars.

One hundred dollars to save a child’s life. There was no way we could say no. We quickly made arrangements to have the mother and child sent to Lusaka. The family was gathered together and prayed with and ministered to. They left with smiled on their faces and plans to leave Sunday morning. They promised to let us know how the surgery went when they return home later in the month.

This situation was one of the things that really struck me. I spoke with several of the Christians about how so many die because they can’t afford to go to the doctor. And if they can pay for the doctor’s visit, then they can’t afford the treatment. Even the hospital doesn’t have the necessary resources it needs to treat the people. While the clinic we held was only a small ripple in all that is needed, it was exciting to see the smile on people’s faces. To see them being prayed for and see a bit of hope in their future.

By Friday night we were still waiting anxiously for news on the medicines coming from Lusaka. Again, we had stepped out in faith and told everyone to return Saturday at two o’clock to receive their medicine. Joseph, one of our evangelists, was in the capital doing everything he could to get the medicine released, but every time we thought we were done with the process they would inform us about one more missing piece of paper.

We finally received the good news late that afternoon that the medicine had been released! Now it was just a matter to get it to Mongu in time. Six hours plus by bus.

On Saturday, we treated the Christians. The church was holding a conference, and people had come from all over Zambia, many walking for two days. Throughout the morning, I watched the clock, knowing that in a few short hours people were expecting the clinic to turn into a dispensary. At one o’clock, a shout of job erupted as Joseph arrived with the boxes of medicines from Holland!

Quickly, we worked with the doctor to unpack and sort through the medicines, knowing that people would start arriving by two. And that they did. I thought it was funny, because time is pretty irrelevant in the African culture, but at two o’clock I looked up and there were about fifty people literally swarming our pharmacy.

God’s timing is always perfect. I was amazed at the week progressed at how things rarely went the way I had planned, dozens of things went wrong, but through it all, God was faithful. On Sunday, we witnessed ten baptisms and enjoyed a five hour service full of praise and joy. Only He knows how many seeds were planted and how many lives were touched. To Him be the glory!

I want to extend a big thank you to Dr. Prem for all his hard work for the people of Zambia!

And to the others who came on the team from the States--THANK YOU!

Next. . .a bit of R and R on the way home, including a spectacular view from the air of one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Can you guess which one?

Lisa

ZAMBIA TRIP: PART TWO

NO ROOM IN THE INN

So there we were, nine o’clock at night and no place to stay. And let me mention, Lusaka isn’t exactly the place where you want to be stuck. There is no Holiday Inn around the corner, or Motel 6 down the road.

Scott talked to the manager of the hotel, trying to figure out what had happened, especially since he’d talked to someone to make sure they didn’t give our rooms away. Scott had stayed at the place we were at and had taken their number, planning to return. What he didn’t plan on, was that the number belonged to the manager. . .who now worked somewhere else. Turns out we did have reservations, but at a completely different place, and thankfully, they still had room.

THE CLINIC

The next day, we left for Mongu. Mongu is located in Western Zambia about 70 kilometers from Angola. Sand is everywhere, and four wheel drive is a must. We arrived at dinner time with plans to get the clinic ready the next day, but at this point, not only where the medicines still stuck in customs, we found out about another problem. The plane transporting the doctor was broken down and six of the teams bags were lost, including most of the alternative medicine that had been donated knowing what we’d bought was stuck in customs.

We made plans to go ahead with the clinic, in faith, believing that God would work out the details. They found four bags, but a second plane had mechanical problems. Finally, a smaller plane was sent in and the doctor, four bags of donated medicines were found by the airlines, and left South Africa and headed to Mongu so we could go ahead with the clinic.

We opened the doors Thursday morning with no doctor and no medicines. You can imagine how excited we were when we heard that about nine o’clock the doctor’s plane had finally landed. By the end of the day we’d ministered to over fifty people. Each person was not only treated physically by the doctor, but an evangelist met with each person, praying over their individual needs, sharing Christ, and often studying the word with them. Several accepted Christ and came back for discipling.




Our missionary pilot, Brian, prays with one of the patients.









Bia, a professional artist on our team, drew many of their faces, then gave the picture to them as a gift.











By early Friday, we were running out of medicine and there were no guarentees that the large shipment of medicine held up in customs was going to be released in time. Still, we kept treating patients. The local hospital gave us a prescription pad and promised to honor all prescriptions given. We in turn, would give all the medicine coming in to the hospital. This would fill all the presciptions and give them plenty of extra medicine for their own resources.





Our makeshift phamacy where we filled all the prescriptions












Scott teaching on Saturday







By Friday afternoon, I’d already given out the fifty spots and pushed through a couple more hating to turn anyone away. A young mother came with her family and her four month old twins. Immediately I could see that there was something seriously wrong with one of the twins. Her head was swollen and she was limp. Not able to turn them away, I let them in the end of the line.

Soon after examining the infant, the doctor spoke to me. The baby had hydrocephalus, a situation where the cavities inside the brain would have to be drained and a shunt put in. She would die if not treated in Lusaka.

The cost? 300,000 Kwacha.

Tomorrow I’ll tell you what happened to the little girl and her family.

Blessings,

Lisa

Slide show experiment

After two weeks of travel and ministry, I'm trying to take the day off and rest. (something I'm not very good at). In the midst of unpacking, tons of laundry, and a looming book deadline I'm going to put off for another couple of days, it's the perfect time to fiddle around with something new on my computer. I've put in a slide show and would love to get some feedback on what you think.

Scott has just arrived in Inhambane, Mozambique, thus all the pictures are from Mozambique. Please pray for him and the team from America as they are going to be meeting with government officials to get permission to start a church planting movement in the next few months. We have targeted the Tonga tribe where LESS THAN TWO PERCENT of the population belong to an evangelical church of any kind.

Please pray as they spend the next few days traveling, meeting people, praying through the towns, and sharing Christ.

Blessings,

Lisa

Zambia Trip: part one

I want to share with you some of the highlights of our trip to Zambia. It will give you a bit of an insight into what we do on a trip, a glimpse into the culture and people, and especially how God works miracles!

We left on July first, Scott's birthday, with three days of travel ahead of us. So with the car packed with Jesus Film equipment, items for the medical campaign, clothes for the orphans, as well as our own luggage, we struck off across Africa. The medicines for the medical campaign were still stuck in customs, but we were going ahead in faith that God would work out the details.

BOARDER CROSSING

Unfortunately, I couldn't take a picture at the Zimbabwe boarder, but it's not a sight for the weak at heart. Imagine crowded busses, piles of luggage, long lines of people, cars, and policemen with machine guns. Typically it takes about an hour and a half to cross and that's on a good day. I noticed a couple interesting signs hanging on the wall inside.

1. PUBLIC NOTICE: NO LOITERING OR WAITING

Comical when you have to stand in line for an hour plus.

2. PLEASE DON'T OPEN THE WINDOWS AS IT INTERFERES WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING

Air conditioning? Even if there was air conditioning, there were no doors so why would it really matter if the windows were open?

LIVINGSTONE

Our first stop was Livingstone, Zambia where we spent the night and visited with a new church. It was exciting to see the passion in the eyes of the Christians as they sang praises to God in their language. Allen preached and used the time to encourage the men and women we met with as well as give them some good teaching. Afterward, we ate lunch with the leaders, a wonderful meal of their traditional cornmeal mush and sauce. Our kids had fun playing soccer outside with the neighborhood kids. With a six hour drive ahead of us, we managed to leave around two o'clock and headed for Lusaka.

Scott called the hotel we were booked into and told them we would be late. They assured us it was no problem. We arrived at the capital of Zambia around eight o'clock that night, ate dinner, then headed off for the hotel. When we arrived, though, we discovered that there had been a huge mix-up, we didn't have a reservation, and the hotel was full. So what do you do at nine o'clock at night with eight foreigners and no where to stay?

I'll let you know in my next post on Monday. . .

Blessings,

Lisa

Book Winners!

Congratulations to Patty and Anthony for winning a copies of my latest book, Rebecca's Heart.

Look for more contests in the coming weeks.

Enjoy!

Lisa

Home Again!

Thank you all so much for your prayers for us the past couple of weeks! God did such amazing things on our trip in spite of three broken airplanes, lost medicines and many other difficulties. But God is good and we were able to run the clinic and ministered to over 150 people.

The medicines didn’t arrive until Saturday (the last day of the clinic) but the local hospital was gracious enough to give us a prescription pad. In faith we told people to come back on Saturday at two and gave our prescriptions for the medicines that will still locked in customs. God did a miracle (one of many) and the medicines got to the clinic at 1:00 Saturday afternoon! At two o'clock, about fifty people arrived (at once!) ready to for their medicines and we’d just finished sorting them.

God is good!

I'll be sharing some of the highlights from the trip as well as pictures throughout the next week, starting in the next day or two. I'll also anounce my June book give away winner!

Blessings,

Lisa

Bribes Wanted

Scott asked me to once again post another prayer request as God continues to do amazing things to prepare the way for the clinic.

Due to God's wonderful power and his answering our prayers, the medicine is to arrive in Lusaka, Zambia on Saturday the first.

The problem is, this is a holiday weekend and they admittedly forgot to tell us that not only do we need to have a clearing agent, but they don't plan to work until Tuesday. Basically, they are looking for bribes.

We have medicines that will spoil if not properly refrigerated, so please pray that God will yet again grant us another miracle as we work feverishly to clear the medicines through customs.

Continue praying as well that this ministry will be a blessing and life changing experience for many. I'll have lots of pictures to post on our return.

Blessings--and don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win one of my books in my end of the month drawing.

Lisa

PRAISE GOD!

UPDATE: God has just preformed His first miracle for our upcoming ministry trip! In the past few hours, the Doctor recieved his approval to practice at the clinic in Zambia, and Holland just confirmed that it was shipping the medicines now! Wow! Plus nine additional boxes of medicines were donated, and we have worked out a way to get them to Zambia in time for the clinic.

One thing I've learned is that while people and systems are never predictable. . .

GOD IS.

He's shown his faithfulness so clearly these past few days. Please continue to pray that all the details will continue to be worked out, that He will grant us energy and wisdom during the long trip ahead of us, and that He will move among the people, and bring many to Him.

Keep praying!

Lisa

Clinic Update and a FREE book drawing!

Thank you all for your prayers. We just received news that the medicines can not be shipped until July! Well, that's a bit late for next week's clinic. So, despite the huge disappointment I'm feeling right not, we're on to plan B. We are still working out the details, but for now, it looks as if the doctor will spend his time volunteering at the local hospital, which will still be a blessing to the people.

And instead of the clinic, we've decided that I will run a VBS for the children. This will take a lot of energy to pull together, but I'm excited to see how God will use this to reach out. I will also use material that I've already put together so at least I'm not starting by scratch.

As for the free book. . .The rest of my week will be spent buried in my book deadline and planning for our ministry trip. So, to make things fun, leave a comment and I'll have a drawing the end of the month for a free copy of my latest book Rebecca's Heart.

Spread the news and have a great week!

Lisa

Urgent Prayers for Medical Clinic!

With the plans in place for the medical clinic to take place in Zambia next week, there are still some major details that have to be taken care of in order to run it.

1. As of today, the medicines to be used at the clinic have still not been shipped from Holland. Even after they arrive, they will have to go through customs and transported from the capital to Mongu.

2. Final approval for the Doctor coming from the states. We are hoping to hear that this has been taken care of.

3. While we run the clinic, we will also be having a big evangelistic push. Every patient will be prayed with and the Jesus film will be playing in their language each day. As of now, we have not been able to contact the man in Zimbabwe with the church’s Jesus film equipment.

While all of these things have been in the works for quite a long time, things continue to be blocked. But I read an amazing passage this morning from II Kings.

“When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. ‘Oh, sir, what will we do now?’ the young man cried to Elisha.

"Don't be afraid," Elisha told him, "For there are more on our side than on theirs!" Then Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!"

The Lord opened the young man's eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire." II Kings 6

What a powerful reminder that our fight is not against flesh and blood, but "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

Our God is on our side!

Lisa

School's out!

While most of you are well into summer vacation, we've just ended our second term and are getting ready to enjoy our winter break. The end of every term brings about a whirlwind of activities from the meetings with teachers, to final soccer games, to report cards, to school cake sales. After such a busy week, we are looking foward to a few days of down time before we leave on our ministry trip to Zambia next week.

I've also been thankful for God's blessings of new friends as we continue to settle into into the area. This week was spent getting to know a few people better by visiting over tea and working with some of the teachers at Jayden's class's cake sale.

Please continue to pray that all the red tape for our upcoming medical clinic will go through. With only a week and a half left, there are still a few things that must be done. We are praying that God will put us in contact with the right people who will push this through and that the medicines will arrive on time.

From a chill South Africa!

Lisa

A HEART TO HEART INTERVIEW

WITH SUSAN MAY WARREN

I’m so excited to be able to share my recent chat with inspirational author Susie Warren. Not only is she a prolific writer, Susie’s also a former missionary to Russia which gives us a thing or two in common. And her latest release, Everything’s Coming Up Josey is for everyone who wanted to know what it’s REALLY like to be a missionary. You won’t want to miss this book or any of her other books!

LISA: What was your initial reaction in finding out you sold your first book, and how many books have you sold since then?

SUSIE: Disbelief? Shock and Awe? I remember reading the email and thinking…is this some sort of cruel joke? And after I confirmed that no, Tyndale seriously wanted to publish MY book, well then, I think there was some loudness, maybe screaming, probably some chocolate consuming involved. Oh, and tears of joy and thankfulness. Not necessarily in that order. By the end of this year, I’ll have 17 books on the market. Yeah, wow.

LISA: Tell us some of the background behind the idea for Everything’s Coming up Josey?


SUSIE: For years, my friends (the ones who received my Warren Report during our missionary service in Russia) would tell me – write your story! Only, I couldn’t quite figure out the format. It all sounded so…blah. UNTIL Steeple Hill challenged me to write chick lit. I love the chick voice, and when I sat down to “give it a try” the words just flowed from me. I found myself laughing out loud and thought, hey, maybe I CAN write chick lit. So, I researched the craft, and took down every crazy thing that happened to me that first year in Russia, and finally got to write about all the crazy ideas and experiences of a freshman missionary. No, Josey isn’t autobiographical…but it’s close enough. *g*

LISA: I find in my own writing that I often grow alongside my characters, especially spiritually. Are there ways that Josey made an impact on your life?

SUSIE: Josey learns that God has prepared her all her life for her season in Russia and I believe that in writing her story, God reminded me that he uses each season of life to prepare for the next. Although I’m not in the season of international missionary right now, He gave me the ideas and material for this season as a writer. It gives me peace, also, that He’s at work in my life, wherever I’m at.

LISA: As a former missionary can you tell us about how your experiences in Russia changed your life?

SUSIE: I had the rare opportunity see God at work in very real, tangible ways. Like, when I prayed for toilet paper, or for babysitting help, or even for my car to have enough gas to make it home on a cold Siberian night. My life in Russia taught me that God cares about EVERY area of my life…and if I can just trust Him, I’ll find more joy and peace than if I had struggled through alone, on my terms.

LISA: Everything’s Coming Up Josey is your first Chick Lit. Share how writing this book was different from writing your romantic suspense?

SUSIE: Chick lit is more authentic, I think – especially the first person voice. The character can say what is really on her mind, without having to couch it in internal thought, or author intrusion. Also, I like Chick because it deals with the nitty gritty of every day issues that can seem so huge to us at the time. Romantic Suspense is also more of an event oriented story, where Chick is a slice of life. There is so much humor to be found in everyday life if we’re willing to look at it with the right perspective. I enjoy exploring that.

LISA: You’re quite a prolific writer. Can you share with us some of your other series/books available?

SUSIE: Some would say I don’t have a ‘niche’ because I’ve written everything from historical romance to historical suspense, to mystery, contemporary romantic suspense and now Chick. But I sorta want my niche to be “A Great Read by SMW” – the idea that regardless of the genre, you’ll get a story packed with adventure, humor, suspense and characters who touch your lives. With that preamble out of the way, here are my series…(and thanks for asking!)

The Deep Haven series – suspense and romance on Minnesota’s north shore (Book 1 – Happily Ever After was a 2003 Christy Award finalist, and ACFW Book of the Year. *g*) Happily Ever After, Tying the Knot, The Perfect Match.

The Heirs of Anton –.A suspense romance series set in Russia about four generations of women who solve a mystery and discover God’s promises along the way. Ekaterina, Nadia, Marina, Oksana

Team Hope – A team of Search and Rescuers who put their lives…and hearts…on the line for others. Waiting for Dawn (free online read) Flee the Night, Escape to Morning, Expect the Sunrise

Mission: Russia – A group of friends – Russians and Americans -- fighting for freedom. The first book – In Sheep’s Clothing is a 2006 Christy Award finalist! Book 2 – Sands of Time, out in September 2006.

Everything’s Coming up Josey – what happens when a girl from Minnesota follows her dreams to Russia...?

LISA: Wow, what a fantastic list! And contrats on the being a Christy Award finalist. That’s no small thing. I’ve read many of your books, have a few in my to read pile, and need to grab a copy of the rest.

Now, what is the number one thing you’ve learned from your writing journey?

SUSIE: That it IS a journey, and if I look at the competition out there, the journey becomes overwhelming, and just about selling books. But if I keep my eyes on God, and listen to His voice, the journey is about discovering who he is in my life and how He longs to delight me with every story, every word. Every season.

LISA: How do you balance family and writing?

SUSIE: Ah, balance. *g* Well, for one, I try and pare down the non-essentials from the essentials. I have two kids I homeschool, so I try and focus on them first. Then, I go to my office and spend about 6 hours working. My kids have learned to respect my time, because I respect theirs. That’s an important lesson, I think. When my other two come home from school, I take time out to debrief their day, maybe give them a snack. We also have dinner together as a family. And, I try not to be a tyrant about things like clean rooms and balanced meals. Sometimes pizza and messy rooms are okay. *g*

LISA: Any future plans for your writing you’d like to share? Any specific dreams you’d like to accomplish in the area of writing?

SUSIE: I am really excited about a new series I’ll have out (hopefully) in 2008 with Tyndale – a merging of my suspense/romance and chick voice – I call it Super Chick. I think the correct genre is Chick Thrill. It’s about a woman named PJ Sugar who finds her niche as a PI assistant…going undercover to solve crimes. It’s also about the universal search to discover who we are in Christ…and the many different identities a woman wears. I think it’s a perfect combination of my chick voice, and SR stories.

LISA: Because I know where are many aspiring writers out there, can you share any tidbits of wisdom on getting published?

SUSIE: Research the publisher you’d like to be published with. Discover what kind of books they publish, and then ask yourself what niche/twist you have to offer. An original story that still fits with their publishing style will catch the eye of a publisher. And work on craft…because in the end, usually the good story is the story that sells.

LISA: Great advise. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog!

SUSIE: Thank you, back!! *g*

For more information on all of Susie’s books, check out her website and blog!

Susan May Warren
author of...soul-stirring fiction
www.susanmaywarren.com
Read my blog! www.scribbles.susanmaywarren.com
Susan May Warren's blogs at www.faithchick.com

Goodbye to Sharon Dittrick

Yesterday, most of Scott's family gathered in Grand Junction for the memorial service of Sharon Dittrick, his aunt and Janelle's sister. I've always felt so blessed to have married into such a large close family, and Sharon and her children were especially close to Scott. Rod was once Scott's college roommate, and we always stop through Little Rock to see Sherilee, Randy and the kids whenever we can.

We were blessed to be able to stay with Sharon when we were in the states last year and spend some time with her before she died. As her family gathers this week to remember special times together, my prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Goodbye Sharon. We miss you!

Lisa

Remembering what's really important

We finished the kids’ homework this afternoon when they decided to go bike riding. The sun was shining and there was time before dinner, so I send them outside to have fun.

But no. They wanted Mom to come riding with them.

I groaned inside. I was tired, had dinner to prepare, and a Bible study to teach in a couple of hours, not to mention that dreaded deadline that I was, as always, behind on.

I smiled and told them I was feeling too old and too tired to ride today.

Jayden countered that I was only twenty-four and thus had to have plenty of energy.

I smiled at the compliment. Don’t I wish I was only twenty-four.

Then I remembered that days like this don’t come everyday. Days when my boys just want to be with me, play with me, and laugh with me. Tomorrow they’ll be hanging out with friends or off to school. But today they want me. So I put on my helmet and took off down the road behind them with a smile in my heart.

Take a moment today to remember what’s really important. Family, friends, God’s love, life. . .and have a great day!

Lisa

DEADLINE

Once again I find myself in the middle of a heavy book deadline. Of course, I've really put this on myself. My deadline isn't until August 1st, but I'd like to finish the manuscript by July 1st. July is a busy month of ministry for me personally as I am coordinating the upcoming medical clinic we are running in Zambia. There will be a number of things to do ahead of time and I want to be able to focus on the work once we are there.

I'll be sharing more about the clinic in the next week or so, but instead of coming up with something profound for the day, I thought I'd share a couple of great pictures, then get back to my word count.

Blessings!

Lisa

FAMILY FUN AND PRAYERS NEEDED. . .

Gabriel had a soccer match in Polokwane, about an hour from here. Besides the fact that we had to leave at six this morning, (on a Saturday!) we had a great time. He played well and always enjoys getting out on the field and giving it his all. Since McDonalds is a huge treat for us (we don’t have one nearby), I spoiled the kids with happy meals on the way home. Then they all fell asleep and I cranked up the praise music and enjoyed the drive home through the mountains, past tea and banana plantations, and through the pine forests.

Our team is a bit spread out at the moment. Scott and Janelle are in the states for Janelle’s sister’s memorial service. Their family is very close, so I am thankful Scott is blessed to go as most of his family will be there. He has also spent some time dealing with the house we still own in Dallas. (We tried to sell it unsuccessfully before we left for Africa) The renters that have been living there are moving out and we are putting it on the market. We really need it to sell right away and the market is not great right now. PLEASE pray that it will sell quickly.

Allen has gone to Zimbabwe for the weekend for training, so please pray for him as well as he is traveling and teaching. Lastly, our medical clinic and evangelistic campaign is just around the corner in Zambia, and we need a prayer covering for all the preliminary details to fall into place and that many will be blessed both physically and spiritually through this.

Blessings!

Lisa

HEART TO HEART: An interview with writer Sharon Hinck

I’ve just started reading Sharon’s debut book, The Secret Life of Becky Miller, and this is a book you need to read. Not only it is hilarious, the spiritual message is powerful.
I recently chatted with Sharon about her book, beginning with her initial reaction when she found out that she’d sold her first book.

SHARON: My whole body went numb and tingly. I think I whooped, but then had a calm discussion with my agent about the contract. After I hung up, I was CONVINCED I’d imagined the entire phone call, and had to check my caller idea to confirm that my agent HAD actually called me.

LISA: Tell us some of the background behind the idea for your story.

SHARON: I’ve noticed in my own life and that of my friends, that we feel immense pressure to be great moms and wives and succeed in a career and/or volunteer in leadership positions at church, school, and community. Yet we never feel like we measure up. You’d think Christians would have more sense of God’s GRACE, but we seem even more driven, because we layer on the expectation to be a “super Christian” as well. I wanted to tell the story of a woman with these struggles who finds out that her life DOES make a difference (and she doesn’t have to be Mother Theresa for that to be true).

LISA: Wow, I can really relate to what you are saying. I find in my own writing that I often grow alongside my characters, especially spiritually. Do you relate to your heroine, Becky Miller, and if so, what kind of impact did she make on your life?

SHARON: Yes. She wrapped up all the crazy expectations into one neurotic bundle and showed me a lot about myself and my drive to do Something Big for God. She also reflects the truth God has been showing me about how His grace is made perfect in my weakness...not in my talents, strengths, accomplishments. In my WEAKNESS. Ugh. I hate weakness. I prefer the heroic, the strong. Letting Becky face failure, rejection, financial struggle, and unanswerable questions regarding some physical/health issues that arise was a little hard for me, because those are all things I continue to confront. Of course the good news is, she’s more of a hero than she realizes—in the small, loving decisions she makes in her “ordinary” life.

Because of Becky Miller’s story, my small group Bible study gals now don’t let me get away with it when I start harping about how I’m not measuring up to all I wish I was accomplishing. They tell me to read this novel called “The Secret Life of Becky Miller.” Gotta love those friends. GRRRR!

LISA: Becky Miller struggles to be the super mom so many of us feel we have to be. What advice to you have to us as women as we strive to juggle life without feeling as if we’ve joined the circus?

SHARON: The biggest trap I fall into is putting God’s responsibilities onto my shoulders. HE has provided salvation for the world. That’s not MY job. Yet often I act as if the entire world will fall apart if I don’t do more, more, more. And I forget that God can work in my husband’s life and my children’s lives, and meet the needs of my friends through many different means. It’s NOT all on me. I’m learning to show up each morning and let God know I’m available for where He wants to use me. I ask Him to guide my steps as the day goes along and alert me to when to step forward, and when to stop to breathe. (I used to show up each morning with my lengthy “To Do” list and tell Him to bless my plans).

LISA: What is the number one thing you’ve learned from your writing journey?

SHARON: I need to write for an audience of One. When I began writing novels, I worried about the time I was spending on something that might not ever see tangible “success.” But as God reassured me that He valued our time together over a keyboard, I decided to accept that IF my writing was proven to be a waste of time, my time was His to waste, and I would be at peace with that.

LISA: Any future plans for your writing you’d like to share? Any specific dreams you’d like to accomplish in the area of writing?

SHARON: I have three more books coming out with Bethany House in the next few years. (A sequel to Becky Miller and two stand-alone novels). I’d like to improve as a writer. My dream is to be at peace with God’s will for my writing life and to neither dig in my heels in fear, nor rush ahead of His plans.

LISA: Because I know where are many aspiring writers out there, can you share any tidbits of wisdom on getting published?

SHARON: Many author’s sites have great general tips, but I’ll share one specific one that I find many aspiring writers could benefit from. After writing your first novel and honing it as best you can, and getting critique from a writer’s group or skilled friends, while you are submitting it, BEGIN THE NEXT NOVEL. Most of the writer’s I know received their first contract on their fourth, fifth, or tenth novel. I know that sounds depressing, but many then were able to go back and get contracts on earlier manuscripts after getting their feet in the door. Meanwhile, you continue to learn so much through each story you complete. Write for the sheer joy of telling the story. Edit for the joy of learning to hone your craft. Submit the finished product out of a generous heart willing to share it, and start the process again. Don’t keep tinkering with one novel for years and years and years. Or if you must, at least write a second one on the side. :-)

So much of getting published is matching the right idea to the right house with the right hole in their list, with the right timing and the right editor who clicks with you. It’s hard to help that happen if you only bring one manuscript to the table.

LISA: I love your tag line--stories for the hero inside of all of us. Who’s your hero?

SHARON: Without a doubt, my husband, Ted. He has shown me depths of Christ-like love that amaze me. His willingness to read my work, encourage me, spend extra time with the kids when I need to write, all enabled me to pursue this dream. I have the typical artist personality—up, down, and inside out. His unwavering strength helps to ground me, and his mature faith in Christ reminds me where to keep my focus.

LISA: Thank you so much for sharing with us today, Sharon! And many blessings as you write for Him!

SHARON: Thanks so much for inviting me to your blog!

If you have any questions you’d like to ask Sharon, please leave a comment for her, and she will get back to you. And don’t forget to pick up a copy of The Secret Life of Becky Miller for yourself!

Blessings!

Lisa

LOVE A GOOD MYSTERY?

Suspense, Mysteries, Cozies...everywhere you look in the bookstores, they are taking up more and more shelf space. The reason is simple. People love them. People want them.

I’ve recently started writing for Barbour Publishing’s new mystery line, Heartsong Presents: Mysteries, where the first book in my Cozy Crumb Mystery series, Recipe for Murder, will be released in February of 2007. I’ve also joined up with the Keep Me In Suspense team to promote inspirational suspense and mysteries. For both readers and writers, this is your door to the inner workings of writing inspirational suspense and mysteries. We’ll talk about police procedures, clues, red herrings, and so much more. Like how to keep a reader on the edge of his seat. Or how to make your story a "page turner."

We'll also discuss the newest inspirational mysteries and suspense books coming out, who's writing them, and who’s publishing them. Whatever your question is, we’ll be here to tackle it.

Check out these upcoming guest bloggers!

James Scott Bell - bestselling author of legal thrillers.

Colleen Coble - bestselling author of romantic suspense

Kathy Mackel - bestselling author of "chillers"

John Robinson - critically acclaimed author of "film noir" detective thrillers

Gayle Roper - bestselling author of mysteries

Stop by www.keepmeinsuspense.com today and sign up for blog postings to come automatically to your email box and be entered in June’s book giveaway contest.

Also, tomorrow I'll be posting my interview with Sharon Hinck and her fun debut novel with Bethany House, The Secret Life of Becky Miller. Be sure and stop by!

Blessings,

Lisa Harris

PRAYERS FOR UPCOMING MEDICAL CLINIC. . .

I’m coordinating an upcoming medical clinic that will be held in Mongu, a town in the Western Province of Zambia. We have one doctor arriving from the states with several other Americans as well as a large number of Zambians who will help with this effort. The three day clinic we are holding in the beginning of July will run along side the showing of the Jesus film in the Lozi language and will have a strong evangelistic focus as we strive to meet both the people’s physical and spiritual needs.

Today, one of our church leaders in Zambia is meeting with the Deputy Secretary to insure that we are approved to hold the clinic. We are also awaiting the arrival of medicines that will be used during the clinic. Receiving these goods, of course, is essential to the running of the clinic.

As the time continues to get closer, please pray that the government will approve the clinic and that we will receive the medicines in time. Pray also that we might be a light to the people of southern Africa.

“He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19

Blessings,

Lisa

OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES. . .

This is my sweet daughter, darling princess. . .and language tutor. It’s amazing how quickly kids can pick up a language and how humbling it is when your children have to correct your pronunciation. When we lived in Joburg, English was everywhere, so I never considered learning Afrikaans. Now that we’ve moved to a more rural area of South Africa we are finding Afrikaans spoken everywhere.

Today, I sat outside with Mariah, laughing together as she tried to teaching me some of the basics. She speaks without an accent. I can barely pronounce the words, especially considering that every other word comes straight from your throat. She laughed with me and tried to get me to gutteralize the words. (okay, that’s probably not a word, but hopefully you get the point.)

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:3-5

May we all have the courage to become like children. Ever learning. Ever seeking. Ever laughing at the days to come.

Blessings,

Lisa

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.





Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.





Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.





News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. Matthew 4:18-25




(Photos taken along the coast of Mozambique)

TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT. . .

Okay, I don’t know about you, but I have a definite personal space marked around me with a big black permanent marker. Stay on your side of the line and I’m happy. Cross that line and well. . .You probably don’t even think about until someone walks up to you a few inches too close and makes you take that big step backward. Know what I mean?

Depending on who you are, your back ground, and culture, your personal space isn’t necessarily the same as mine. That’s when the problem comes in. If I need a foot and you need two, I’m liable to back you right up against a wall.

Take for instance yesterday at the store. I’m next in line and there’s one woman behind me. The store’s not crowded, but when I turn around there she is, standing less than an inch from me. I notice the long EMPTY space behind her. There’s no one there. No reason for her not to give me my much needed personal space.

And she didn’t even notice that she’d come WAY too close for my comfort.

I find this part of culture very interesting. Another good example is alone time. Not only do I need my space, I crave time alone. It’s something I don’t get too often living with three kids and being involved in ministry. While I love to be around people, I also find peace and renewal in a quiet room where all I can here is my own breathing.

The African culture is completely opposite. Scott once mentioned to an African friend how he’d love to spend a few days at a monastery in total quiet, just seeking God. To Scott, that was peace. To the African, the thought of being alone was literally frightening. He couldn’t imagine not being around people constantly. Noise and people made him feel safe.

It’s made me think how God has made each of us unique and has a plan for us.

“From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” Acts 17:26-27

Blessings,

Lisa

COMING BLOG EVENTS. . .

June is going to be packed with interviews with some wonderful Christian authors, book give aways, as well as more insights into our life in Africa as we strive to bring hope to the world around us. So visit my blog often (or sign up to receive it straight to your email) and don’t miss the following interviews!

*Tammy Alexander shares with us about her debut novel, Rekindled, that has already hit the CBA bestseller’s list with book one in her new Fountain Creek Chronicles historical series.

*Sit in on a heart to heart interview with Sharon Hinck and her debut novel The Secret Life of Becky Miller, a heartwarming story for the hero inside all of us.

*Meet best-selling author Susan May Warren. Former missionary to Russia, Everything’s Coming up Josey is for everyone who’s wanted to know what it’s REALLY like to be a missionary.

*Don’t miss this interview with Lynette Sowell on her debut novella coming out in Windswept Weddings where wedding bells are ringing, but there are storms on the horizon that may keep everyone from reaching the church.

Also watch for specific prayer requests on some upcoming ministry needs including a medical clinic we will be running in Zambia in July to help meet people’s physical needs as well as their spiritual needs.

Blessings!

Lisa

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? PART TWO. . .

Lisa: In the first part of my interview, we saw the need for the Tonga people to hear about the good news of Jesus Christ. In looking at an unreached people group, what are the logistical steps that have to be done in order to start a church planting movement among the people?

Scott: First of all an in depth study of the people has to be made so we can see the complete picture of the group. We made a survey trip to Mozambique in March and after narrowing down where we wanted to go, Antonio spent two weeks doing intense research for us. One of the first things that has to be done is registering with the government and making sure we do things legally. Our resources are limited and we lack man power, but God has blessed us with a church who shares our vision and is helping to put together a team for us. This team will then come to South Africa where we will train them in our philosophies, church planting strategies, and materials. They will then be sent into Mozambique.

Lisa: And once the team is set up there?

Scott: They will start in the population center and begin with a house church. We target the middle class because they will then take the gospel with them back to their villages. As a team, there are many aspects that have to be looked at. There is language learning, identifying leaders among the people then discipleship training for new Christians so they will in turn go to their villages and do the same thing among their people.

Lisa: This would be what will hopefully jumpstart a church planting movement?

Scott: Exactly. A church planting movement is rapidly multiplying of house churches among a people group. We don’t just want to baptize someone and move on. Each Christian is discipled and trained to go out and reproduce their faith in others. This is done by training up leaders and intense discipleship.

Lisa: Thank you so much for sharing and giving us an insight into this new work. If you are interested in partnering with African Outreach Ministries we need you! We need both prayer partners and financial partners with our ministry through individuals and churches. Please contact Scott for further information at sgharris@mac.com

Check back for more about reaching the Tonga for Christ in the weeks to come.

Blessings!

Lisa
www.africanoutreachministries.org

WHY MOZAMBIQUE? PART I. . .

A HEART TO HEART INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT HARRIS

African Outreach Ministries is preparing to train and send workers to go into Mozambique to share the gospel with an unreached people group, the Tonga tribe. With church in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, why move into Mozambique? Here’s what Scott had to say.

SCOTT: AOM’s vision has always been to move into other parts of southern Africa, specifically for church planting movements in unreached people groups. We’ve been praying that God would open doors for us to be able to do this, and he has!

LISA: That’s exciting, but it’s hard to believe that there are still people who don’t know about Jesus. What exactly is an unreached people group?

SCOTT: We define it as a tribe where less that five percent of the people are Christian of any kind.

LISA: Wow. Those figures are startling. So tell us how has God begun to answer this prayer?

SCOTT: We received an invitation from a man named Antonio in Mozambique who saw the need for the gospel to come to his people. He has been active in doing research for us to help us choose a tribe. God has also been faithful in connecting us with people who also have a passion for these unreached people. There is a church in Houston who has caught this vision and will be working with us to make sure that the Tonga people are reached with the gospel of Christ.

Lisa: Why the Tonga people?

Scott: Logistically it makes sense because we can get there in a day, but more importantly there are no evangelical missionaries there and few Tonga speaking churches. Without a doubt this is an unreached people group.


Lisa: Why do you think the Tonga people haven’t been reached with the gospel yet?

Scott: They are highly animistic. This means that they are involved in things like witchcraft and ancestral worship. They have also been traditionally resistant to outside influences. Most of the churches in the areas are not in the people’s heart language and few of these Christians are actually Tonga, meaning the majority of the Christians living among the Tonga are transplants in the area from other tribes.

****
Thank you for taking the time to read about the need for the Tonga people to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Check back on Monday for part two of my interview with Scott on WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? We are currently needing both prayer partners and financial partners to join with us as we reach out to southern Africa. If you’d like to learn more about our ongoing work with African Outreach Ministries, Please contact us at sgharris@mac.com

Blessings!

Lisa

WINTER IS HERE. . .

I know it's hard to believe for you who are ushering in summer, but for those of us in South Africa, winter has arrived. All week, I've been pulling out the electric blankets, space heaters (brrr, there is no central heating here!), the kids winter uniforms for school, and moldy sweaters (after a very wet rainy season) that still have to be washed.

Scott's dad helped to repair our very leaky roof now that the rains seems to be over, but there is still lots of other winterizing things that has to be done. (like get rid of all the mold!)

The good thing is that the skies are a beautiful blue and I'm enjoying the warmth of the sun until it drops below the horizon in the late afternoon and is replaced by the chilling winds.

So enjoy your sunny weather as I shiver writing at my desk with a heater at my feet. LOL

Blessings!

Lisa

THANK YOU!!!. . .

I have to admit that I cried this morning as Scott left to take Sandy and Farrel to Joburg where they flew out of tonight. It's been such a wonderful time having them here with us. Such a wonderful blessing. It made me realize just how blessed we are.

Not only do I have great inlaws, I have a mom who's always beleived in me. (Thank you , Mom!)

I have a wonderful sister with her great family who always encourage us.

Church familes who continue to support and pray for us.

Friends I chat with on line for encouragement not to mention those who give me great feedback on my writing.

Yes, this missionary life can get lonely and discouraging at times, but today, I am simply thankful.

Blessings,

Lisa

A few more highlights from their visit

ELEPHANTS. . .

We enjoyed taking Scott's parents to an elephant training center for Sandy's birthday. This center is located about thirty minutes from our house. They take in elephants from game reserves that are overpopulated or where elephants are being culled and train them. They then are moved to game reserves where tourists can go on elephant safaris or simply interact with the animals. (These animals are never sent to circuses). We were able to ask tons of questions about the elephants, and the information was so interesting. I really enjoyed learning about these stunning animals as well as becoming aware of the problems that arise when the human population leave no room for these animals. For example, South Africa's land can support 11,000 elephants, yet there are 25,000 in the country.

On the way home we also went to see the world’s largest baobab tree. You can actually go inside the tree to where it used to be a pub.

Blessings!

Lisa

We had a great cell group last night, and we are growing which is exciting! David, one of the new Christians, shared his testimony which was very moving, and Scott's dad offered him some words of encouragent. It's neat to see the excitement in their eyes as they ask questions and follow the lesson. Please pray for this small group as they grow in their faith.

Tomorrow- Pictures from a visit to an elephant training center for Sandy's birthday.

Blessings,

Lisa

SURPRISE!!!. . .

My internet's been out all week, but now that it's up and running, I do have some fun news to post. Last Saturday night, we celebrated Scott and his dad, Sandy's, birthday with a surprise party. I have to admit I was nervous when it came down to pulling it off, but it went without a hitch. They turn forty and seventy on the same day (July 1st) so this was a great time for them to celebrate together. I invited several families over and we ate Mexican food and sat around telling stories. It was a lot of fun, and yes, they were very surprised. It's hard to believe they have just one week left here in South Africa with us. We're enjoying every minute of it though!

Blessings,

Lisa