Monday in Nairobi

We had a wonderful opportunity to meet up with some Westover Missionaries on our layover in Nairobi. Steve McMillan waited patiently for us as we stood in line for 2 hours to receive a visa to leave the airport, and then took us to meet the others at a restaurant to eat and fellowship. We were joined by: Mark & Annemarie Dye, Steve & Melinda McMillan, Beth Byerly, and Dan Entwistle.

Friday/Saturday/Sunday

We arrive back in Harare where Judy and Rebecca do a quick turn-around
to head out to the women's retreat. The details and location of the
retreat changed many times over this past week, but it was amazing to
see God work everything out to a lead us to a beautiful location that
was even more wonderful than the retreat planners could have hoped for.
About 35 women (who are in a weekly Bible Study together, but maybe
don't know each other that well) gathered for a weekend, and hopefully
had a bit of a 'retreat' from the current frustrations of living in
Zimbabwe. Several of the women have been without running water in their
homes for 6 months. Many are dealing with the loss of a spouse or other
family member, loss of their farm/property, children who have had to
move out of Zimbabwe to find work...
The theme of the weekend was 'Be Still and Know that I am God". Many
shared their hearts and love and dependence on God. We went to
encourage, but were so encouraged ourselves!!

Retreat Ladies

On Saturday, Lynn and Wes visited several orphanage homes administered by Hands of
Hope. A local church has oversight at each of the homes. They met with the children, heard incredible singing, gave them food treats, and met with their caregivers. The children were beautiful and touchedour hearts a great deal.

In a land of so much suffering it is amazing to see the local church respond in a way that bears witness to Jesus.

On Sudnay, Lynn & Wes attended worship at the River of Life church and met with Brian Oldreive afterwards from Farming God's Way. Brian explained how Farming God's Way is training and equipping teachers, widows, and others to farm in a way that yields a high crop without destroying the nutrients in the soil. It is a way to do sustainable farming without a great deal of resources. This is vital because the resources in Zimbabwe are greatly depleted. Brian is starting to train others about Farming God's Way throughout Africa and other developing nations. Non-governmental organization's have started to request training as well.

Thursday/Friday

We headed out to Karanda Mission Hospital. We were able to visit and have
prayer time with the staff. Friday morning we sang in the hospital
(along with the staff thank goodness) and distributed a good amount of
nuts, granola bars, and treats to the patients. Pastor James shared with
us about the goat project, which is moving along slower than they would
like, but we are encouraged by their plans for '09.
Pastor James then took us into several villages surrounding the hospital
where we were able to leave food packs and snacks.

Karanda Hospital

Goat Project

Inside a village home

Distributing Food Packs

Wednesday

Rise and shine early to head to Kapfundi - the area where Lynn & Judy
first served in Zim. We traveled with several others - church leaders
and missionaries. The village is now very poor. There is a school and
clinic - with one nurse - whom we had the privilege to meet. She shared
her frustration with having no medicine or supplies with which to work.
We had the opportunity to distribute several food packs to the most
needy. As we were preparing to depart, we were asked in to pray for the
village. Pastor Lynn was then asked to preach (Jeff O. - thanks for your
prayer at the airport to 'be ready to preach, pray or share' at a
moment's notice!) Two hours later we started to depart once again, and
were offered a meal the village ladies had prepared for us. It
was very humbling - as there is very little food to be had in the area.
What lovely, gracious people.

Tuesday

We started off the day with a short tour of the Harare Theological
College (which Pastor Lynn's father started under a tree many years
ago!) where Westover supported missionaries Sean Doyle and Chris Goppert
teach. We then had the opportunity to spend the day and evening at a
small game park outside of Harare. We were the only ones on site and
were treated to a lot of special attention from the owners, Gordan and
Debbie, a lovely Christian couple, who are struggling and discouraged
along with most everyone else in Zimbabwe! They shared some amazing
stories - from situations to where God worked miracles in their lives,
to Gordon's tale of tracking the largest lion in the country. We hope we
provided some encouragement for them.

Saturday & Sunday

We have arrived safe and sound, but have had a difficult time getting on-line. We had the opportunity to spend Saturday with Jephat and Garikai with Hands of Hope. We visited Shalom Children’s Home (that Westover helped purchase), two feeding stations, and Goshen Farm – where they have built 3 dome earth homes for orphans. They hope to have orphans at both Shalom and Goshen within the month. Sunday we attended a special Shona church service with wonderful music and preaching (Lynn preached). Today we met with David and Helen Hobbs, who shared more about Shalom Children’s Home – very impressive couple! We enjoyed a lovely braai (barbecue) with the Everswick clan tonight. We head to Kapfundi on Wednesday and Karanda on Thursday. We may not be able to post again. Thanks so much for your prayers – we so appreciate them!

Earth Dome House

Garikai & Jephat

Feeding Station

Feeding Station

Sunday Church Service

Departing Tomorrow!

TUESDAY, JAN 6
Zimbabwe Team: Pastor Lynn & Judy Everswick, Pastor Wes Ward, REbecca Pittard

We've about finished packing (thanks for your generosity in donations of snack bars, fruit bars, chocolate, candy, gift items, and $1 bills!), and are looking forward to departing Wednesday, 1/7 from the Greensboro Airport/Northwest Gate. Please join us for prayer at 2:45. Hope to see you there!

Wes - "Peaceful"
Judy - "Thankful"
Rebecca - "Excited"
Lynn - "Ready"