Shoes Delivered to Old Naledi

After I got back from Botswana, I sent out an e-mail to friends, family and mainly people that helped me go on our trip, about our trip and what the Lord did in my life through our trip.

 

One of my friends, Jamie Caselli felt moved to do a shoe drive for the children of Old Naledi. Jamie and her Air Force family moved to England from Shaw AFB two years ago. Their family use to attend Alice Drive with us, and she was very involved in our church and the community while she was here.

 

When she finished her shoe drive, she had collected 143 pairs of shoes. She mailed these THREE HEAVY boxes of shoes and paid out of HER pocket the $643 to mail these boxes to Old Naledi. I sent her a copy of the letter I got from Mark Partin (about us mailing these things over there and they would not be resold, and what not) so she could get HER Chaplin at her church on base in England to do up the same type of letter. This way Moruti James will not be charged the customs fees on each pair of shoes.

 

Moruti James e-mailed me on Monday to tell me that he got the three boxes of shoes! Praise GOD! They arrived right before Christmas! I am so excited about this, because now so many children in Old Naledi will now get some new shoes and won’t have to continue to pick the thorns and glass out of their feet. I watched this the week we were there and it broke my heart!

 

I pray that you all have a very Merry Christmas!

 

P.S. Sharon can you please forward this to Amanda Adams, I have misplaced her e-mail address. (AGAIN)

 

In His Steps,

Kim  

Video clip

Here is a video clip I put together today of some of our men playing with some of the children of Old Naledi. It turned out really good. Enjoy! I really miss our friends.

Blessings,
Kim Wright

First Night in Old Naledi, August 31st, 2008

The Vacation Bible School flyer we passed out.

This is a page from my journal while we were in Gaborone, Botswana.

Dated August 31st, 2008

The first night we were at Old Naledi Baptist Church, I gave my personal testimony and Mathutha translated for me. It went very, very good. I wasn't even nervous, like I thought I would be. Praise and worship was very awesome! Something I have never experienced before.

Before we had church Moruti James split us up into groups. He had two of our church members and two of their church members at Old Naledi go out and pass out the flyers we had printed up in Setswana. The flyers talked about the VBS we were going to be doing at the church this week. We also were asked to invite the people to church that evening.

The two young ladies that went with Kristi Hipkins and I were very beautiful young ladies. I don't remember their names.

It was very humbling to see the living conditions in the village. To see how small these houses were was very, very humbling to me. Each of the homes had little fire pits in front of them. The people of Old Naledi did not have electricity, so they used the fire pits to cook over, heat up pots of water, to wash clothes in and to wash their small amounts of dishes in. Everywhere I looked I saw all these fire pits.

The people were very, very friendly and excepting of the invitations to church, unlike back in the states.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
That is all I had written on that date. More to come from my journal at a later time.

I sure do miss our friends from Old Naledi. Whenever I listen to my video clips and hear their voices, it makes me miss them even more.

Before this mission trip, when I would think of Africa, I would think of all the beautiful animals. After the mission trip that is NOT how I see Africa. I see it for all their beautiful, kind, loving and caring people and I cannot wait to return.

Have a very blessed day today.

In HIS Steps,
Kim Wright

http://www.jesusfollower.wordpress.com/

New Photos: Inside Church

Moruti sent me some new pictures today of the church meeting inside the new building. Be sure to check it out and sign the guestbook! I know they read it as they have posted there as well! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for here and it's amazing what God continues to do in Old Naledi, Sumter, Greer and around the world!

In His Steps,
Mareko

Photos

Susan Holladay's pictures added

I have added Susan's pictures from the trip as a slideshow to the blog. Still waiting for some of you to get over to the http://oldnaledifellowship.org site and sign the guestbook. Nudge, nudge, nudge :-)

In His Steps,
Mareko

Old Naledi

Added some more pictures of the building today sent from Moruti James.

http://oldnaledifellowship.org/photos.html


In His Steps,
Mareko

Update from Open Baptist: Old Naledi

Subject: Naledi update

Dear Scott,
Greetings from Gaborone. Trust you are well and being blessed.

We would like you to thank you all at Alice Drive for the investment in Naledi and for the blessing you have been to the folk there.

I went there last night to inspect the Naledi Building. Very, very impressive!! Not complete yet - still some finishing to-do - but in true African style the people are using it already.

By the way there is great excitement in the whole Naledi community - not just the church. Alice Drive can really be proud of what they have done for the Kingdom.

Naledi Church would like the official opening of the building to take place the first weekend of March.

God bless you richly,
Norman and Gabi

New Church pictures

Moruti sent me new pictures today. I have uploaded these to the http://oldnaledifellowship.org . Be sure to head over there and take a look. Also, I know some have mentioned that they have not been to the site to take a look. Please take a minute to view the progress and be sure to leave a message on the guestbook for our friends in Botswana. If you can get on a plane and fly around the world to visit them, you certainly can leave a message of encouragement on the guestbook. :-)

In His Steps,
Mareko

Sports Ministry Update from Moruti James

To: Scott Shipes
Subject: Sports Doing wonders for the Lord

Dumela bother Scott.Hope you are well.We thank God for what He is doing in Old Naledi.Ever since the donation of sports tools the church at Old Naledi has been recieving a lot of kids who come regularly for sports and church service.We do thank the church at Adbc for their contribution.We now have a ministry towards these kids.Do pray with us as we harvest for the Lord.The building continues to take shape every day.We hope to use it first week of Nov.
In His Name
Moruti James

Video

I added Kim's video of Pastor James on the Projects page of the web site. Let me know what you think. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be and I still may make a few changes.

http://oldnaledifellowship.org/projects.html

Mareko

New Photos added

I updated the photo album on the http://oldnaledifellowship.org page. Look under the photos link. The church is coming along really nice.

Does anyone have the interview part with Moruti James in a format we can upload to Youtube? I am talking about the interview we did with him with the kids in the back playing. I would like to upload that to Youtube and then embed on the site. If you can help with that file, let me know.

Wasn't that Susan Holladay who recorded that interview along with Kim? Or was that James? Sorry, for the spotty memory.

Speaking of memories, would anyone be willing to post some of their journal entries from our trip on the blog? You don't have to include anything personal, just a recap of each day. It's a good way for us to continue to focus on what we did and not let it slip into the past.

Hope you are having a great week and enjoying the cooler temps. I look forward to seeing everyone at First Sunday.

In His Steps,
Mareko

Nathan's Pictures, Part 1

Click here for Nathan's Pictures, Part 1

Remembering What The Trip Was About

I have this picture in mind alot lately. It is one Jennifer took on our first day. It tells the story of a little girl who needed air in her soccer ball. We offered a new one and took her old one away. In our eyes it was old, tatered and should have been discarded long time ago. That was not what she wanted or needed. She needed air for her soccer ball and was displeased we had taken her soccer ball away. We offered her both her old one newly filled with air and a new one with air. She gladly gave back the new one and went back to playing with her now filled, firm and bouncing soccer ball. In our eyes we thought she needed something else. We moved to far ahead of her needs and plan. Once we gave her what she really needed, she was happy and we were deeply moved.
We came to Africa to connect and engage with the people of Old Neladi. We can't change everything that we saw to the potential how we know things can be in the states. We can offer the hands of Jesus and give them a little air. This gives them joy and we can celebrate in their joy. What a precious gift they have given me, humbleness.

Scott Shipes

Here are some clips I got while we were in Africa.

Toni

Web Update, Chat with Lame

I chatted with Lame today (using my Raspberry as my Mom calls a Blackberry) while in the doctor's office of all places (normal checkup, no problems). If you have Google Talk or AIM, he is lameluccy@gmail.com and you can chat or with Facebook.

Lame is in South Africa at school (studying theology). He asked about everyone and also asked that we pray for patience that he needs to stay with the program although it's difficult to not be able to attend full time. He also asked that we continue to pray for resources for their programs and his and the other's studies.

I have updated the website http://oldnaledifellowship.org and have the guestbook up and running, be sure to stop by and sign it and leave some words of encouragement for the church.

I plan to update with a picture gallery really soon, promise!

See ya!

Mareko morwa Johane

Mark's Videos

Here's a couple of my videos from the Botswana trip. The first is a compilation of snapshot videos and the 2nd is when we were on top of Kgale Hill. See ya!

Old Naledi Web

Updated web site.

http://oldnaledifellowship.org/

Let me know what you think. I would like to put a link to his video on facebook, add pictures, get the guestbook going. Any other ideas?

My Note from Moruti James

Here is a response I got back from Maruti James. I wrote to him and told him how blessed I was by coming to Old Naledi.

In His Steps,
Kim Wright



Thank you very much for coming to Botswana and blessing us so much.We will forever be blessed.Hope to see you again in Botswana.The children send their warmest greetings.
Moruti James

Update from Moruti James

Dumela,

Hope you are all well. Today the walls are complete. Praise God. Tomorrow we put the roof and the foundation. Thank you for coming to join God in what He is doing in Old Naledi. To all ADBC members we say thank you.

With His Love Moruti James

(sent to Scott's email)

New Website Under Construction

More to come very soon...

Old Naledi Fellowship Website (http://oldnaledifellowship.org)

In His Steps,

Mareko

Precious, Godly Singing

Do you want to know what was one of the things that touched me the most while I was in Africa, in the village of Old Naledi?

The beautiful children’s singing. Singing songs to me, just because they wanted to. I asked them if they wanted me to teach them a song, and over and over they kept singing different songs to me …. in ENGLISH! How AWESOME is that?

Some of God’s most precious creations, these beautiful little girls; maybe about 7 or 8 years old, singing songs to me. Their voices were so precious. Singing just for me, as I held them. This happened the very first day we were there, the very first time these little girls had met me. What a blessing from the Lord!

Thank you Lord for allowing us to be a part of this mission trip. It TRULY was an ADVENTURE of a lifetime! I can’t wait to go back!

In His Steps,
Kim Wright

This is a picture of Precious and I.

She was one of the little girls that sang to me.

The children of Old Naledi playing

*In the picture above, Scott is playing duck duck goose with the kids.


Here are some video clips of the children of Old Naledi playing with the soccer balls, hula hoops, jump ropes, and the whiffle balls we brought over. These soccer balls were all bought with money that our children raised during our church's Vacation Bible School. We brought over 192 soccer balls. The kids of Old Naledi had a blast playing with this equipment everyday we were there. This equipment we brought will bring happiness to these children for a long, long time.

Also in some of the video clips you will see some of our team members playing with the kids. Nathan, Jen, Scott and Robin are in here playing handball with the kids. In one shot you can see that Maurita James also got right in there and was playing too. Rizo was having a blast with that soccer ball in one video clip!

I AM sorry that you have to hear my comments in the video clips though.

Enjoy!

In HIS Steps,
Kim Wright

P.S. After the video starts to play, if you click on the middle of the video box, it will take you to You Tube, where the video looks a little better.

Jewelry Making at Old Naledi Fellowship Church

Here is some video Toni shot for me of Kristi and the ladies of Old Naledi Fellowship Church in Gaborone, Botswana making jewelry. I was amazed at how creative these ladies got when just shown the basics. Thanks Kristi and Toni for showing our new sisters in Christ and new trade.

In His Steps,
Kim Wright


P.S. I am sorry, I misspelled jewelry wrong in the video clip! DUH!
P.S.S. Once the video starts, if you click in the middle of the box it will take you to You Tube's page, where the video should be a little more clear.

Lame and the children singing

Here is a wonderful video clip of my new Brother in Christ, Lame and some of the children singing some of our favorite songs. It will make your heart melt all over again. Lame was so encouraging to me the whole time we were there! Thanks Lame!

Have a blessed evening.

In His Steps,
Kim Wright


P.S. After the video starts, if you will click in the middle of the video box, it will take you to You Tube's page where the video should look a little more clear.

Email from Old Naledi

From: Naledi Baptist Fellowship [naledi_baptist_fellowship@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, September 13, 2008 12:07 PM
To: Scott Shipes
Subject: Thank you from Naledi Baptist

HOPE YOU ARE OK.WE ARE BLESSED.WE MISS YOU ALL.THANK YOU FROM THE CHURCH.THE WALLS OF THE BUILDING ARE UP.WE HOPE TO SEND PICTURES SOON.MAY GOD BLESS THE CHURCH AT ADBC.THANK PASTOR CLAY FOR US.TO ALL TEAM MEMBERS WE WILL FOR EVER BE GRATEFUL.
WITH LOTS OF LOVE FROM THE CHURCH.
MORUTI JAMES MPOPANG

For the Children

Dumela,
I have been so blessed to have been chosen by God to go on this life changing experience, spreading his love and will. We were able to see God move physically and spiritually during our visit to Africa. We all grew as friends and now have a bond I hope never dies, we saw and experienced things together that words can not describe and I know we were able to leave lasting relationships in Africa that will never be broken. I am excited to be back and to begin my journey here that God has in store for me, because He even used a wretch like me to give water where it was needed, to provide love where it was wanted and to show me we are all His children. If you ever have the chance to take this journey or one like it, do it, you will see God move and find a joy and love for life you never knew existed. Nathen, Kim, Scott, Mark, Robin, Jennifer, Kristi, Kevin, James and Susan I miss you guys and can't wait to get together again, Thanks for all the Love and Support.

Rizzoh, Matahta, DK, Pastor James, Silika and Nelly I miss you all and will be seeing you again soon and Ke a mo rata

Your Sister Forever
Love Toni

Slide show with a message from Maurti James

Here is a slide show that I made for the presentation I did for the older Awana children this past Wednesday. Enjoy, and I will post more video clips soon.

In HIS Steps,
Kim Wright

Kim's Pictures

Here are a lot of my pictures I took during our mission trip to the villiage of Old Naledi, in Gaborone, Botswana; Africa. I will be posting some video clips a little later.

In His Steps,
Kim Wright

Our Next Step for Jesus?

*The picture above is a picture of the church we are partnering with in Botswana. It is called Old Naledi Fellowship Church.


Dumela! (Botswana greeting like our hello)

I have been thinking, wondering and praying the past two days, "What Lord is MY next step?" What do YOU Lord want ME to do with what I experienced in Botswana? I want to be more effective for Him, and I want to take that next step, but I am still seeking the Lord's guidance on what that might be. I have been thinking of a few things, but I don't want to rush right into it.

I am still adjusting to being back in America, where I feel like I took so much for granted. I thought about that on the drive back this morning from taking my youngest daughter to a Pediatric eye doctor. I wondered if the people of Old Naledi have ever seen a doctor and if so, how often do they go?

The Lord has allowed me to look at people and life in general in such simpler, easier way. In Botswana they have very little, but they are so filled with such joy and happiness to just have people around and the kids to have someone to play with and show them attention. We have so much here and they have so little, but they are still happy people!

A lot of people here in America are so consumed with getting that "next thing!" Do you know what I mean? Like a bigger TV, a cooler phone, a newer car, etc., etc., etc. I was bad about it with the car thing for awhile BEFORE my trip.

I pray each and everyday that the Lord doesn't allow me to forget what I experienced and what HE taught me in Botswana. Right now, I am on top of the mountain top and I DO NOT want to come down! I know that one day I will, but I want to stay up here as long as possible. I also do NOT want to forget what I saw, experienced and what I allowed the Lord to show me and teach me.

What an incredible adventure I was allowed to go on! We not only formed bonds with the people and children of Old Naledi, but we formed bonds with each other that I pray will never be broken.

Much more of my thoughts to come. Stay tuned!

P.S. THANK YOU to ALL of you who helped me financially and prayerfully to have had this incredible opportunity to go on this trip. You have all blessed me beyond measure!

In HIS Steps,
Kim Wright

*In the picture below, some of the children were playing with my SHORT hair. This happened many times. If anyone had hair, the kids would play in it and blow in it to watch it move! It was very cute.

Missing Africa

As I sit here at my computer, in the comfort of my air conditioned home I am thinking about Old Naledi and all our new friends and the beautiful children we all got to know and formed bonds with. I miss them all so very, very much. I feel like part of my heart was left in Africa. Friday evening when we were saying goodbye, I thought my heart was breaking. It was so very, very hard not to cry.

I miss mine and Toni's Nelly so very, very much. As well as little Bubba, Precious and Mmalebando (pronounced Maliiebando). These children only wanted attention from us and someone to play with. From the first day we arrived in Old Naledi, I fell in love with Africa. I cannot wait to go back one day soon, with my husband.

MUCH more of my thoughts to come.

In HIS Steps,
Kim Wright

Mathata's Email

Here's an email I got from Mathata last night:
*********************************************************************************

Hi Mareko, thanks for this mail man, and good to hear that you have arrived safely back home. we are still well here and buizy with the building project. Thanks so much for all that you have done for us here, you dont know how much you have blessed us, and this means a lot to us.
We have started praying for your next visit. Greet everyone for me more especially your ntsa and katse! Ha! Will keep in touch. Thanks so much!

Because of Jesus.

Mathata and Dk.
Mobile: (+267) 71396163

On Top of Kgale

This is the mountain we saw everyday from Old Neladi while we worked. Mark Johnson and I climbed it the last day we were there before we got on the airplane. The pastor and 2 other leaders from the church were also there with us on the journey. It was a spectacular sight. Old Neladi is left of the lake in the right hand corner of the photo. They tell us no one swims in the lake, something about gators in the water.

Beginning of Something Beautiful

Here is the team and the church leaders standing and sitting what will be the door way to the church. We wrote favorite bible verses on the steel beams. This is where Old Neladi will be taking their "Next Step" with Christ.

This is our last photo with the children and the church. The sun was setting on that day when the photo was taken but that day has not ended in our hearts.

2 Weeks in Africa (Caedmon's Call)

Johannesburg to Capetown,
the plane had barely touched down.
She was taking photos for the friends back home.
This was always where she felt her heart belonged.
She was finally here,
the sky was bright and clear.

(Two weeks....)
And we all can feel the calling,
(Two weeks....)
to make the world a little smaller.
And so a girl got on a plane,
for two weeks in Africa.

Johannesburg to Houston,
she came home on a mountain.
But school was starting, things kept moving on.
Before you knew it, seven years had gone.
She found a picture of her,
standing, smiling,
arms around the starving kids.
She swore not to forget,
she swore not to forget...

(Two weeks....)
And we all can feel the calling,
(Two weeks....)
to make the world a little smaller.
And so a girl got on a plane,
for two weeks in Africa.

And if we follow our dear sun
to where the stars are not familiar.
Faces turn to numbers,
numbers fall like manna from the sky.
Why, oh why?
Oh Father, why?
One village in Malawi now has water running pure and clean.
One church alive in Kenya's full of truth and love and medicine.

We put the walls up, but Jesus keeps them standing.
He doesn't need us, but He lets us put our hands in.
So we can see, His love is bigger than you and me.

(Two weeks....)
And we all can feel the calling,
(Two weeks....)
to make the world a little smaller.
And so a girl got on a plane,
for two weeks in Africa.

An INCREDIBLE Adventure

All I can say at this moment is what an adventure God took us on! He sure rocked my world, in more than one way! Africa is a beautiful continent! The people I met in Botswana and South Africa had some of the nicest, most caring people I have ever met! These people were beautiful, loving and caring people to our group! I have never felt more accepted than in Old Naledi.

It is Monday afternoon here, and 6:57 PM Monday evening in Gaborone, Botswana (The G sounds like an H in Gaborone). I am having so many mixed feelings right now. I am very happy to be home, but I am missing the people and relationships we made in Africa. I miss the beautiful children, our brothers and sisters in Christ we got to know, and just in general I am really missing Botswana right now.

Part of my heart was left in Old Naledi, the village we worked at each day. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do by leaving our friends on Friday evening. A lot of us were having a very hard time keeping our tears back when it was time to load up and head back to the hotel.

I made a very special bond with a couple of children from the very beginning. One being a little girl about 4 years old. Her name is Nelly and she lives a few houses down from the church. What a beautiful little girl, with skin as soft as butter. On Friday, for some reason, I was so tired I fell asleep inside the church with my head on the table. I guess I slept an hour or so, and Mama Maurita (the Pastor's wife) woke me up and told me that everyone was outside getting ready to leave.

I went outside where our group was, along with all the children and the church family of Old Naledi. As I listened to the Pastor, Maurita James tell us all how much they appreciated our help, he then called each of us up to the front to present us with a small token of appreciation from the ladies of their church. They had made each one of us a card and had used the craft items we brought over to decorate the cards. What a beautiful gift! One I will treasure forever.

When this was over, our team went back into the church to gather our things and a team member and good friend now, Toni, told me to look out the window. I saw little Nelly walking down the street. Toni pointed out to me that she had put new shoes on Nelly. Toni also had made a special bond with Nelly. I told Toni then that those were the shoes I had brought over for the children. I went outside with my camera to take a picture of Nelly. I found her, and she gave me a hug and I told told her that I would see her soon. I took a picture of my precious Nelly in those shoes.

I can't write down right now all of what we experienced, as I would be here for days. I am still trying to process it. I had so much fun. God really moved me and broke down some walls in my life that I had been building for years and years. Thank you Kristi and Toni for that night of talking and encouragement. It was all a God thing!

Thank you God for allowing me to go to Africa for this trip! I can't wait to go back to Old Naledi one day soon! I would do it tomorrow if I could. Please be praying for our whole team as we get back to the hustle and bustle of our lives. If everyone is going through the culture shock being back in the United States as I am, then I am not the only one trying to process this whole trip!

Thank you to all of you who helped me financialy and by your prayers to go to Africa. It was a life changing trip for me and I will never be the same again! I just pray that God will help me to remember all that I saw and all that HE taught me on this trip!

MUCH more of my toughts to come soon so stay tuned!

In His Steps,
Kim Wright


P.S. This is a picture of me and my beautiful Nelly. What a beautiful smile she has! I miss her so much already!

Welcome Home

Photos are GREAT! Thanks for the investment that you've made into the lives of our friends and brothers and sisters in Naledi. You have blessed them beyond measure! Welcome home. DChisam

Mark's Pictures

I know Scott is going to upload everyone's pictures to one album but in the duration, here's a link to mine. Thank you to everyone who went on the trip and to everyone back home supporting us in so many ways. It remains the highest honor of my life to serve alongside Africa and you.

View Album

Get your own

Also, if those who have the emails from the Old Naledi group could send those to me via email when possible, I would be most appreciative!

In His Steps,
Mareko

Home Again

Sunday, September 7, 2008
Home Soon
We are now in Atlanta, everyone has cleared customs and several of us have Starbucks in hand. Our flight was relatively painless and early thanks to a quick in Dakar. We have tons of pictures and stories and challenges to share. We should be at ADBC around 1230. Thank you all for your prayers and support.
Don't forget to add Old Naledi to the top of your prayer list!!!!
In His Steps,
Mareko (Mark)

Day of Rest

Well, God does have amazing planning skills! He knew we would be exhausted and ready for some down time away from church construction and feeding stations. We are going to do some market shopping and lunch before heading to a game park for a sunset dinner in the bush. I know we will be replaying all of the events and faces from the last few days in our heads as we step away from the hard work for just a few hours.
We should be ready for foundation concrete to be poured for phase 1 of the church building today or first thing in the morning. Yesterday, we bought some extra tools (basically a heavy steel rod with a sharp point to break the hard African dirt) and that made our job run a little faster. However, it was incredibly hard dirt and the sun was a little warmer yesterday.
Some of the crew cleaned the feeding station (a little overdo) and made a big difference there. We all helped with the feeding station again and then took the kids back to the church yard for more fun with hula hoops, jump ropes and soccer balls. We also got to witness their Awana program in the church yard that would inspire any program back in the States to make do with what you have!
To top it off last night, we enjoyed the greatest of foods here in Africa -> Pizza!!! Of course, I kid a little but we did go to a pizza place in Gaborone that was very tasty and filling for all. I am using the business center computer and now have to end my session. Know that we are having the experience of a lifetime here with our brothers and sisters and continue to ask for your prayers for safety, comfort and effectiveness! God is doing amazing work here and it is the greatest joy to be here and be a part of it all.

In His Steps,

Mark

Happy Birthday Austin

Hey Austin-

Happy Birthday from Robin in Botswana!!!!

Boogie in Botswana

What a great couple of days we have had here in Gaborone with our brothers and sisters of Old Naledi Baptist Fellowship. Our faces hurt from smilin' and laughing with these wonderful folks AND our backs and hands hurt from digging in the hardest dirt on the face of the earth. We have been busy digging the foundation holes for the new church building. We also got to experience our first duty at the feeding station with over 130 children fed. We then took them to the church for games. It's amazing how much fun you can have with soccer balls, hula hoops and jump ropes. These children are so happy to be showed any attention, especially from an adult who just wants to help them play and be a child.
We also had the great privilege of joining Old Naledi's Tuesday prayer service. James played guitar and the Holy Spirit was amongst in a powerful way. It was a true highlight for all as we stood in a circle with our brothers and sisters to sing to our Father. Wow! I am getting chills just thinking about it. Can't say enough about how outward and upfront is the faith of these people.
Right now we are enjoying a meal (well, waiting on the food) and enjoying the wireless access (as you can see). Please know that we are well, happy and enjoying the hard work and fun times. We hope to post some pictures tomorrow if possible.

In His Steps,
Mark

Hey Susan!!

Alright girl, what's this call Billy Joel stuff?? Heard the Ambien worked well... can't wait to hear the rest of that story!

Spent some time Saturday with your folks, lots of my folks, and some that we share, at the Campbell U. football game. Uncle Gene was honored during pre-game as part of the team there from 1950! (program was disbanded due to Korean War) A touching experience for the clan! I hope that the jet lag didn't knock y'all off your feet with the extended getting there trip.

I'm still praying for you, the group, the mission, God's lessons, and HIS GLORY.

Look forward to seeing you, and wish John could do a stint as a Christian standup comic. That boy cracks me up! (read his posting to you)

Love you so much,

Dixie

DAY 2

We made it yesterday "on time" TIA. We worshipped with them and fellowshipped and most of all we ate very well with them. Today's work was hard and fun. Africa dirt is "glorified concrete". It fights back when you hit it. We dug 11 holes with 1.5 meters dip 18 inches square. We have 30 more to dig. We will pour concrete and place steel in the footings on Wednesday and start walls the next day.
The sewing and crafts was so.ming knew for the ladies and children. They chose to make purses to sell.
We had 200 plus children to teach and play with. Their stories were amazing. They all wanted to help dig because they wanted to be part of building the church.
We are tired but in full spirit.
The soccer balls were a blast and the Hula Hoops.

Thanks for everyone's prayers getting us here. God's has heard their prayers and all you and us are a part of hands working with the church in Old Neladi.

Clayton, I got to play Duck-Duck-Goose!
Scott Shipes

Praying for You

I am delighted to hear via Gabi that you made it to Gaborone. I trust that the soccer balls were released. Please know that we are praying for the team and for your work at Naledi. Thank you for your gracious spirit as you faced unprecedented travel disruptions. Please give Moruti James and Mma Moruti my love and blessings. Donna

Off to Botswana this morning

We made it to South Africa last night around 8pm local time but were too late for the flight to Botswana. We stayed in a hotel here in Jo'berg and are now up and ready to take the shuttle back to the airport to head to Gaborone. We should be in country by 9am. We will make church and start the week off the right way, in worship. It's been a much longer journey but we are a much closer group (if not a little smellier). See ya!

Antionette

Just a quick message from your kids. Destiny says"I love you mommy snd I hope your having a great time in Africa, and I hope you have lots of fun! (P. S. don't forget the rocks.) "
Dante says. "I love you mommy and I miss you, please stay safe and know that we send you our love every night by angel delivery. Love Dante!"
Hey hon all quiet on the home front all my love!

Susan....

Hello! Much respect and many prayers for you. Just wanting you to know we're thinking of you. May your trip not be in vain. I am sure God will use you and those around you. Lots O' Love! Stephannie & Family

Susan? You OK?

Billy Joel, eh? Not McConahey (sp)? I thought we discussed this, young lady. Drugs are for sellin', not for takin'. Despite this, we are all praying for safety and rest for you all. I suppose I need to focus my prayers on one particular person!

Jordan and Jacob ran themselves ragged at the WH game. Dad will watch them tomorrow as I go forth to the sacred hunting grounds. While there in my solitude, I will pray for an awesome work to be done by our group in Botswana. I might even pull for the Taaaagers tomorrow night, if Scott and Mark promise to confiscate that pill bottle. I predict 34-13 Climpsin.

peace and love
John

Pray for Flight to Gabarone tomorrow

We have a chance to hopefully catch a flight from Johannesburg, South Africa to Gaborone, Botswana tomorrow afternoon that is scheduled to depart after we should arrive in South Africa from Senegal.  Of course, that all depends on us getting out of Senegal as planned at 7am tomorrow.  We are being fed well and enjoying the $4 French coffees here in Dakar. In case you were unaware, Senegal is a former French colony.  The meals are on Delta, along with the rooms, but coffees are extra. We learned that the hard way!  The internet phone is doing okay as long as the internet is fast enough.  I will give a plug right now for magicjack.  It's a great deal and is working good enough to make free calls but it's dependent on the internet speed. 

 

So, focus your prayers on our flights:

1.  Get out of Senegal on time to make the plane from Jberg to Gaborone

2.  Pray for room on the plane from Jberg to Botswana for the who

It's gonna be okay and we will be too!

 

Susan and Kristi send "Hello" and "I Love You"'s to their kids and husbands

Kristi also says "Austin, no more tears!"

Mark says "Go Tigers, Beat Bama!"

Scott says "Pray, Pray, Pray" and "Go Tigers"

Robin says "Howdy to All"

Kevin says "Ain't seen no stew pots yet!"

Susan (on Ambien) says "Call Billy Joel"  >> you had to be there!

 

Several of us are in the bar area (drinking coffee and Pepsi Light (aka Diet Pepsi)) playing cards and watching CNN.

Thanks for your prayers!

Still in Senegal

We are still in Senegal and this has been delayed again. We should leave the hotel at 2am local and not 9pm. The flight is scheduled to leave at 7am local get us to South Africa at 6pm South Africa on Saturday.
Our internet phone is not working so well and we need someone from ADBC staff to call VIP travel and tours 1-850-878-4657 to let them know of our delay. Our reservation code is JSMUUP. So far, we have gotten some extra rest but we are a little restless. Keep praying!!!

Mark

Stuck in Senegal

Well, first we didn't have tickets when we got to Columbia because someone thought we had e-tickets AND someone else forgot to mention the tickets were safely secured in the safe at the church. But, God made it work and we got off on our trip without delay.

 

However, we are now stuck here in Dakar, Senegal because of a plane malfunction.  Delta has put us in a hotel on the other side of the city and we are not sure when the plane will be ready to head to South Africa.  We have heard that a mechanic is enroute from Atlanta (Delta) to repair the plane and we now think 3am is the departure.  We were just told we might leave the hotel at 9pm local time (it's 8am on the East Coast in the USA, Friday morning) and fly out some time after midnight.  So, pray with focus for the mechanic and a smooth departure from Senegal.  We are on the coast looking at the ocean, the 1 hr ride from the airport to the hotel was an eye-opener for many.  It's trips like these that really make you appreciate clean streets and basic security.  But, other than tired and a little slap happy we are fine and safe and God is in control.  That's easy to say when you can't do anything and have no idea what is going on.  But, our mission is to be here and we will take it as it comes.  We will post more when we get to Botswana!

--
Mark H. Johnson

Praying you through and home in good time

Hey Susan Holladay!
I am so thrilled for you and proud too! You are a brave, strong woman of faith that I admire greatly, and I am proud to call you cousin!
I've been praying a hedge of protection around your group, the trip, the encounters, the people you will meet, and the lessons that God will give you through your trust in Him!

I plan to visit you in Sumter on Sept. 13th to hear your tales of wonder.

LOVE YOU!
Dixie

Phone number while in Africa

803-883-2095 this number can be used to contact us while in country.
The only caveat is that must be connected and on (its an internet phone). See ya!

--
Sent from my mobile device

Mark H. Johnson

The bus is loaded and we are ready to go

Are we all ready to go yet? I was ready yesterday! Not really, but it sure feels like it.

We got ALL 22 of our checked bags (and our carry-on bags) loaded on the bus this VERY humid South Carolina evening. I don't think anyone wasn't sweating when we were finished. We packed two last minute bags, weighed, and reweighed our bags this evening. We are praying that my scale, that we were weighing our bags on, is as accurate as possible to the airport scales, because we are MAXED out on our weight with the things we are bringing over to our new friends in Botswana.

I am so excited I can hardly stand it! I pray that I will be able to sleep tonight. I have not gotten very much sleep over the past few nights.

I can't wait to get over there and love on those beautiful children!

Thank you in advance for your prayers, we all appreciate it.

Have a blessed Wednesday evening.

In His Steps,
Kim Wright

Ready to go

We are all set and ready to go. Excited yet scard, who knew. Please prey for us and keep us in your hearts. Thank You for all the support.

Holladay-test

Testing... uno dos tres

Prayers for our Families

As we draw closer to the day of departure and the beginning of our journey to Old Naledi, I want to ask you to lift my family in your prayers. School just started and this is only Tricia's 2nd year teaching 1st grade. While it is SO MUCH easier than last year, I can see tension and anxiety in her eyes. Please pray for smooth classroom time and at home while I am away. I am going to miss a few soccer games and flag football games for Miles and Dylan but they both have been so encouraging for me. Miles had his kid's church group praying for our mission trip last week! Talk about awesome! Dylan is a little worried the man-eating ants are going to get us (if you saw the last Indiana Jones movie you will understand his fears); but, I have assured him that is a lot of Hollywood and not really true (I hope :-) ). So, just remember to include our families who will be missing us while we are in Africa ministering and building the relationships with our new friends.

I look forward to seeing you on Thursday morning, bright and early. I encourage you to write on the blog if you have family members you would like us to remember and lift in prayer. It's always harder on the ones we have to leave and they will need God's comfort and protection just like us!

See ya!

Ready to Roll!!!!!!!!

I can't believe this day has come soooooo fast! I am so excited and anxious to see what God has in store for us. The emotions that I am feeling are so real and undescrible...I can't even begin to put into words what I am going through. I am 100% sure that there is a reason for the things I have gone through in my life, the battles and struggles I have faught and overcome! I pray non-stop for the good Lord above to show me who He wants me to talk to and to give me the words to speak. I know that this trip is going to be a great adventure and an awesome life lesson for me to figure out who God wants me to be.

I also know that because of this trip, I will have 10 amazing, lifelong friends, whom I will never forget.

It's not Thursday yet?? What's taking so long?!?!?! I can't wait to leave!

God Bless,
Robin

send me, I will go video

What an amazing video. It is deeply sad how true it is. Many people say they believe in Christ Jesus until we are called to do_________ (Fill in the Blank). I have know for a while that I was suppose to "go and tell" people about Jesus but was not sure of my own abilities to "tell". What I forgot was that it would not be me telling, it would be the Holy Spirit. I did not trust in my Heavenly Father. Now, totally different. I teach so that I can teach young children about God. I teach so that I can share my love for Him with them. I teach so that I may have an effect on families. I teach because that is what God has called me to do. I am so excited that He has given me this opportunity to show love and trust in Him and look forward to seeing what He has for me to learn.
Kristi

Send Me

Prep Note from Scott

Great meeting yesterday. Checked out the bags and stuff we have to pack. Confident we are going to fit everything.

Soccer balls need to pull some air out of them, I think. Plan is to pack just one for each one bag for each of us with the supplies.

This will give each of you the chance to bring items you desire to bring with you on the trip.

I sent a request to Moruti James to see what specific items the children may need and for the church. Humble folks so we will see what he says.

Thanks again for everyone's openness sharing. No doubt this the team God has taken years to assemble to allow our hands to bound for 2 weeks with Jesus.

Scott Shipes

Old Naledi video

Oops!

Sorry about that last post. Wrong Blog!

Thank you Scott

Thank you Scott for stepping up and leading this mission. We are in great hands because we can see the hands of God working through us all. 2 weeks and counting!

Go Botswana!

Scott Shipes is Here

Mark, love you for setting this up. It is great.

The Great Commission

Kim-
You know what blows my mind about that passage? It's the fact that the very people who saw Jesus' miracles in the first person, saw him crucified and saw him arise from the dead...still doubted he was who he said he was!!!

How could that be possible? They weren't blind, deaf or stupid! They were human! There has never been anything like Jesus Christ and nothing before or after will be the same. That lifts me when I find myself doubting the path I have taken or when Satan whispers in my ear that I may be wasting my time going to Africa because Jesus was just a story or a myth. Listen, if the the people who were there actually had the gumption to doubt him, it's okay if I do the same from time to time! But, I believe and I know!

See ya!

Howdy, Part 2

As you heard on Sunday night in the library, I grew up at Alice Drive when it was on Miller Road. I made my profession of faith at the age of 9 and was baptized by Dr. Haselden in 1979. I was very much into the youth program and even dedicated my life to full-time ministry on a youth retreat at the age of 15. But, due to choices and circumstances, I ran from that commitment and even ran from God for a long time.

It was my wife, Tricia, being saved while on a military trip in Honduras, that brought me back home to God. Of course, at first, I didn't see it that way and Satan did his best to keep me from seeing the light that was shining on my path. God was always there for me, waiting for me. I had to get past trying to make everything perfect and learn that there was nothing that was going to satisfy my looking for that "something" to make my life perfect. He already made it perfect and it was right there in front of me, waiting for me to accept it. It also took a long time for me to tear down the walls and get rid of the old excuses that were keeping me away from God's presence. I know the prayers of some of the faithful at ADBC made the difference and I thank God for those who have prayed for me for so many years. Tricia is such a blessing and a lifeline for my life. I would not be on this mission trip or on the path I am on today without her by my side. God brought her into my life for a reason.

But, God allowed me to experience everything for a reason and I know that even my darkest and most lonely experiences and "time in the gutter" were for a purpose. He wants to use me to reach others who are also in the midst of the same, and far worse, circumstances. That is reassuring and also what inspires me for these mission trips to Africa. Having the awareness that God rescued and protected me so many times is a heavy thing. But, it is also the highest inspiration that will be there to draw upon on during those long flights and the lack of comfort we will sometimes endure. I know God loves us and he loves that we want to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those little children and those suffering in Africa.

I can't wait for the plane to take off and the journey to begin. Nonetheless, I know that my personal journey towards Africa started so many years ago and I look forward to what God is going to accomplish through us in Botswana and around the world. We are laying the foundation for the bridge to connect ADBC with Africa and with the Sumter community. No pressure there, right?

If you want to waste some time and can't sleep (Kim, not necessarily talking about you ;-) ), you can check out more about me, including pictures of my beautiful wife, 2 boys, my dog and cat, et al over here : Johnson Family Web

See ya on the 28th ready to roll!!!

Ready, Set, Fly!!

This is Kristi! I accepted Christ Jesus as my savior when I was about 6 years of age. It took me 20 YEARS to understand that I could be loved unconditionally, to know awesome power and to fully trust who you can not see. During those 20 years I lost my first husband and had to watch my son go through great pain. He (age 4) had not be told of God's amazing love and did not understand why he could not have a father. Little did he know he did have a father!! He had a Heavenly Father. I am now married to a great, God fearing man and we have 2 other kids. It is my passion, my drive and my purpose in life to tell all kids that they have a Heavenly Father that is always there ready to love!!

So saying that I am passionate about God's children puts it mildly.


Serving Him is such a blessing!!
Kristi

We are on a Mission from God!!!

Hey everybody, I am so excited to be taking this next step for Christ. We are going to be the hands and feet of Jesus. It just doesn't get any better than that and I am so pumped to be going with such a cool group of believers. Listening to testimonies last night in the library really brought us closer to each other. It was amazing how we opened up and let our defenses down because we know that Jesus changes our weaknesses to strengths once we let him. That's what God is asking us all to do. We will open our hearts, minds and hands to the little children of Old Naledi and in turn be transformed by the power of God through us.

I hope everyone is okay with this blog format. If you want to change anything, please let me know. We will add a photo gallery link once we have photos; but, in the meantime, I am going to link to my album from the South Africa trip to Mamelodi last summer.

See you all soon!

In His Steps, Mark