Happy 2013!!! A new year has come, a new home for me is coming and a new look to my blog is here!!!!
I pray that as you reflect on 2012 you are able to see God's hand throughout it. Through the ups and the downs, He never left you. He is always there to be your refuge, your strength, your cheerleader and your loving Father!
2012 had many ups for me:
1) the visits I had with family (Some had been over 3 years since we had hugged)
2) the growth of Children's Cup not only in size but also in depth
3) my staff doing so well I was moved out of my position over sponsorship
It was not all sunshine, there were also downs in 2012:
1) the death of my ex-husband and father of my children, Keith Chesterman
2) the 5 month hospitalization of our Swaziland director, Mitch Hildebrant
3) the realization that I would not remain in Swaziland
God is faithful and whether it feels like something was up or down or good or bad; God works it all out for His glory. I strongly believe in the verse God gave me for my journey to Africa which I have quoted often. "Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope!" Ephesians 3:20
As I prepare to move to South Africa in March 2013 my ministry will be the same just different than what it has been!
SAME
Still with Children's Cup
Still working with orphan and vulnerable children
Still working primarily with Swazis
Still being obedient to what I feel God says
DIFFERENT
Will be living in Nelspruit, South Africa
Only initial staff will be myself and Mitch and Char Hildebrant
Will have to get new resident permits sorted for South Africa
We will be partnering with existing ministries to start new CarePoints in Badplaas (about halfway between Mbabane, Swaziland and Nelspruit, South Africa) and Mahushu (the other side of Nelspruit).
Change is challenging, so please keep me in your prayers. I know by 2014 I will be amazed to see all that God does and I pray I can be faithful to the task of starting Children's Cup in a new country. I will deeply miss my dear friends and co-workers in Swaziland that I have spent five years building relationships with! But, my heart swells like a proud parent, that so many have grown and taken over the ministry in ways that allows me not to be needed in Swaziland. It is also comforting to know that although I am in another country, it is only a couple of hours from Mbabane and we will be partnering and visiting often.
I covet your prayers during this time of change.
Specifically for:
1) Peaceful and smooth transition to South Africa
(Mitch's hopefully final surgery is today and upon Char and his return to Africa, is when we move to SA, probably in March)
2) Please pray that Mitch's surgery is successful and he has a complete and quick recovery!
3) Grace for getting necessary organizational and individual government paperwork to be received and processed timely and correctly
4) The logistics of housing and office (please check out http://www.mitchionary.blogspot.com/ for how we are trying to purchase a facility that can do both)
5) That I walk in joy, peace and continued obedience for 2013!
Thank you for being so faithful to read my blogs, to support me with prayers and finances and just to send me your love and encouragement throughout the journey!
Ngiyabonga kakhulu kakhulu!!! "Knee-yah-bone-gah
gah-koo-loo gah-koo-loo" which means
I thank you soooooo much!!!
Happy New Year!
