tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253465283644174982024-03-12T23:05:11.868-04:00FREEDOM in AFRICA 2009Dumelang-
Here we will share our journey as members of Freedom Fellowship in Greer, SC to Old Naledi in Gaborone, Botswana.
Our first group goes to Botswana in late August of 2009 to serve alongside Old Naledi Fellowship helping to break the cycle of poverty and disease and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Follow along, offer words of wisdom and encouragement, join us in prayer.
While we are in country, this blog will serve as a central place for updates on our journey and mission updates.Julie McCombshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482428300480400312noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-6189490583829334972009-09-15T11:15:00.002-04:002009-09-15T11:18:20.432-04:00UpdateMoruti James reported today that the electrician was onsite working on the power at the church and they expect the mechanic to pick up the van today to work on transmission. <br /><br />He states their prayer service will focus on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah+1%3A5-11&version=NIV">Nehemiah 1:5-11</a>. Be sure to continue praying for Old Naledi and Botswana every Tuesday around 11am EDT. God is Good!<br /><br />Kealeboga (Thank you!)<br /><br />MarekoFreedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-25931887338148294112009-09-06T16:10:00.001-04:002009-09-06T16:11:24.904-04:00Back HomeHere's some pictures from Mareko and Nancy. We should have some video up soon and will also add Clay's pictures as a link soon. Glad to be back home and looking forward to the next trip back to Botswana. Thank you God!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/mrsoulmark/BotswanaOldNaledi28Aug5Sep2009?feat=directlink">Old Naledi Photos 2009</a><br /></span></div>Freedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-50049150462732812092009-09-06T09:33:00.001-04:002009-09-06T09:33:09.343-04:00On the plane and heading to GSP. Clay and Scott fly on to Columbia later. Thank you all for your prayers and support. Videos and pictures later!Freedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-28348609764210062162009-09-06T06:43:00.001-04:002009-09-06T06:43:28.036-04:00We are on the ground in ATL. Thank you God!!!Freedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-37366649389051256802009-09-04T12:42:00.000-04:002009-09-04T12:44:18.357-04:00Last day in Old Naledi<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFMH6oGVgvISIHrMqy0WfFoWveU3o8KRXM4OZm_NRQepwMDNnZOB14dKE7UTQzfrqU5RTTWsM4tuqvMu5uQoYHdhTk4ZdFvbRrYCuaG-pPzsYCFo_tISIX2-HEdKH2cJsEWbQLu5mo2w/s1600-h/photo-758358.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFMH6oGVgvISIHrMqy0WfFoWveU3o8KRXM4OZm_NRQepwMDNnZOB14dKE7UTQzfrqU5RTTWsM4tuqvMu5uQoYHdhTk4ZdFvbRrYCuaG-pPzsYCFo_tISIX2-HEdKH2cJsEWbQLu5mo2w/s320/photo-758358.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377654071003642626" /></a></p>We leave Gabs tomorrow at lunch. We have so much to share about this <br>week and look forward to sharing the vision! Please pray for safe and <br>comfortable travel! See you soon.<p>Clay, Scott, Joel, Nancy, Jason and MarekoFreedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-31740184504716771102009-09-04T12:26:00.000-04:002009-09-04T12:27:34.900-04:00New book shelves<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyFRx3ztJg2vmX51idjSppl4zTdDXA1N7b3wikDzctssYn4UddaR_P2ZXMWAhHXtAGwSSHzSgkWsCjoSchFNUgQh_k5iPJhXMvjIdSGwGQsVerXajLv6dgO09mi_YaZcE7hW8mePKIz0/s1600-h/photo-754901.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyFRx3ztJg2vmX51idjSppl4zTdDXA1N7b3wikDzctssYn4UddaR_P2ZXMWAhHXtAGwSSHzSgkWsCjoSchFNUgQh_k5iPJhXMvjIdSGwGQsVerXajLv6dgO09mi_YaZcE7hW8mePKIz0/s320/photo-754901.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377649758992346370" /></a></p>They now have two and we placed an order for 3000 Pulas worth of <br>children's books thanks to our vacation bible school kids!Freedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-226192903753559462009-09-03T17:26:00.000-04:002009-09-03T17:32:43.390-04:00GakutoWe traveled to the remote village of Gakuto today. There is a church <br>building there; but, no current pastor. The last young pastor failed <br>morally and the church planters now face major obstacles on finding a <br>replacement suitable for the situation he created. Please pray for <br>Gakuto (pronounced "Ha Koo Toe"). We also visited the chief of the <br>village and his family for prayer and consultation. The chief's <br>mother is a christian and shared her testimony with us. We then went <br>to the primary school to visit the head master and to pray over the <br>school. The church must have a presence there in Gakuto because many <br>folks from Gaborone are moving out there and they expect the village <br>to grow 10x in the next ten years. We can't get behind there because <br>the vaccum will be filed by another force if not the church. Prayer is <br>critical!<p>We also went out to some other remote rural churches, including one <br>started by David Livingstone and the London Missionary Society in <br>1907. That was a true inspiration and a major piece of Christian <br>hertitage. We prayed for a terminally ill man and his family- 11 <br>people packed into the hut to pray for him.<p>We joined back up with the group in Old Naledi for the youth service <br>(young adults). Joel and Jason gave their testimonies and Pastor Clay <br>even preached from the floor for illustrative purposes, they got a <br>kick out of that!<p>We ended the night at a Brazillain steakhouse, it was an embarrassment <br>of riches compared to the feeding station.<p>Tomorrow is our last full day. We are procuring shelves and desks for <br>the library and going to a bookstore to place book orders for the <br>children's library. We hope to have the wiring complete for the church <br>tomorrow if all goes as promised.<p>Clay and Mark got authentic cowbells in the village of Molepolelei <br>today. It reminds us of hearing the cow herds in the Khalahari on <br>Monday.<p>I will have incredible photos from today online once we get home. Know <br>you are missed! We send our Love. Goodnight from Gaborone.<p>via iPhoneFreedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-80104462128770936722009-09-02T15:38:00.001-04:002009-09-02T15:38:50.322-04:00WednesdayToday was a full work day. I think we made about 5 or 6 runs into town <br>for hardware and supplies. We restored the water lines and gas lines <br>for the feeding station- it took most of the day. The kids had a meal <br>but it was mostly corned beef from a can ( well, Nancy said that <br>wasn't like the corned beef we know and I agree) and a piece of bread.<br>We also got an electrical contractor to come out to the church- well, <br>we had to go get him with the van. We hope to have full power to the <br>church before we leave.<p>We also helped with Awanas tonight with Joel stepping up and leading <br>the bible story. We made almost 100 cross necklaces for the kids <br>before they went out into the setting sun. We have some much to be <br>thankful for with our kids' programs back home. Supplies seem optional <br>here!<p>Tomorrow the team is going to work on the electricity and assist the <br>feeding station. Clay, Scott and Mark are going back out towards the <br>Khalahari to visit a remote village and look at the outreach programs <br>we are being lead to start there. Please pray that we have safe travel <br>and comfort. Pray for electricity at the church and for the library <br>work we are doing.<br>We send our thanks and hellos to all back home. We hope you like the <br>pictures, many more to follow.<p>In His Steps, Mareko<p>via iPhoneFreedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-81114921007618315302009-09-02T15:22:00.001-04:002009-09-02T15:22:34.165-04:00Plumbing done Freedom style!!!<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1W2RiaPLlXOjb_vY-i049xISs1mUkQPG_3rAvVpnTBpUEYypkCaAzlGioJ8ZUk0DJ2z0mES1bhiWHlPbddCmXE4wkel49u6luH5OnS_XVt6s9yXE7TU4-vNyYl4xCYckubN-Xima4u8/s1600-h/photo-754167.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1W2RiaPLlXOjb_vY-i049xISs1mUkQPG_3rAvVpnTBpUEYypkCaAzlGioJ8ZUk0DJ2z0mES1bhiWHlPbddCmXE4wkel49u6luH5OnS_XVt6s9yXE7TU4-vNyYl4xCYckubN-Xima4u8/s320/photo-754167.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376952685848624114" /></a></p>Freedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-8194367939474925362009-09-02T15:21:00.001-04:002009-09-02T15:21:48.697-04:00Story time before feeding station<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lUNPVNM5CIla6RnZerJczRW48uDaxMoRCb84lUoMt-zYjqgUPA8-KbXlZvHcRBH0Jl8ITiKBQZZxBuR0KEMG47jPbLJ6PZ9VKEy_isBM10zoviDlu7RXbBYgbnqS5gTi5QTKmNPBs5c/s1600-h/photo-708698.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lUNPVNM5CIla6RnZerJczRW48uDaxMoRCb84lUoMt-zYjqgUPA8-KbXlZvHcRBH0Jl8ITiKBQZZxBuR0KEMG47jPbLJ6PZ9VKEy_isBM10zoviDlu7RXbBYgbnqS5gTi5QTKmNPBs5c/s320/photo-708698.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376952485741006114" /></a></p>Freedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-59585551766084445412009-09-02T15:20:00.002-04:002009-09-02T15:21:08.286-04:00Kids at Awanas<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYs7WqC2_LlmX55knfGhWpHn0FxP3unvGS93ctiPgDJQ5peojvJhS4gui2DuDwEJ1eU2W7UuA9djLw1CZeUScK8953oh7rp9HgT18PGT5nRWYbKtHOBlDFCLtzqV73LkLhqLe2JhEb_Y/s1600-h/photo-768288.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYs7WqC2_LlmX55knfGhWpHn0FxP3unvGS93ctiPgDJQ5peojvJhS4gui2DuDwEJ1eU2W7UuA9djLw1CZeUScK8953oh7rp9HgT18PGT5nRWYbKtHOBlDFCLtzqV73LkLhqLe2JhEb_Y/s320/photo-768288.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376952314175568098" /></a></p>Freedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-44272292637399367002009-09-02T15:20:00.001-04:002009-09-02T15:20:24.149-04:00Joel teaching story of Jonah<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ym3_UalbCCtoQAurlhOjBr5QOG7kdkW2Ap8oWUs8Hg8PxMPNyNaNSWbtL8wpUFQ6VFbtxMF1Wx4_AepB-jxXE_mHxGc7yJpQ8ZqqufPjIVPV45j6eSHWChcrL6S67UfqLjJl2U20BKE/s1600-h/photo-724150.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ym3_UalbCCtoQAurlhOjBr5QOG7kdkW2Ap8oWUs8Hg8PxMPNyNaNSWbtL8wpUFQ6VFbtxMF1Wx4_AepB-jxXE_mHxGc7yJpQ8ZqqufPjIVPV45j6eSHWChcrL6S67UfqLjJl2U20BKE/s320/photo-724150.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376952127633964066" /></a></p>Awanas bible story with Joel and Moruti James translating.Freedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-68558437914901681182009-09-02T15:19:00.001-04:002009-09-02T15:19:50.160-04:00Making cross necklaces for kids<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwwGY1aGRVOqLsgQm-2_FaC1rtGbz5xhC2mYbzSNdp5f87Vam411lr4mJoDN4HPwL0oh22FFl9_5Bj8myMn9wzTsUWVP8BRk0IRrRUNy_Hskjj6HrwinODTRAKhVy5N2S2eV_AWLz1h0/s1600-h/photo-790161.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwwGY1aGRVOqLsgQm-2_FaC1rtGbz5xhC2mYbzSNdp5f87Vam411lr4mJoDN4HPwL0oh22FFl9_5Bj8myMn9wzTsUWVP8BRk0IRrRUNy_Hskjj6HrwinODTRAKhVy5N2S2eV_AWLz1h0/s320/photo-790161.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376951982274025042" /></a></p>Freedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-18947633667738185402009-09-02T15:18:00.000-04:002009-09-02T15:19:09.180-04:00AWANAs Old Naledi<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXptAfZpe6O3-nIqo3fVSfAmcOGux2InQ_6W-YolDsduCkSjcBofN3yIhJK4a28vXCKl7Vl72bCc2PV5JQvBTWO8jrXJWmFYURm0NJ-J-DPxS68hrJ7kwpNJJilblydWxGQpI-ienFcM/s1600-h/photo-749181.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXptAfZpe6O3-nIqo3fVSfAmcOGux2InQ_6W-YolDsduCkSjcBofN3yIhJK4a28vXCKl7Vl72bCc2PV5JQvBTWO8jrXJWmFYURm0NJ-J-DPxS68hrJ7kwpNJJilblydWxGQpI-ienFcM/s320/photo-749181.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376951804226641666" /></a></p>Freedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-89453206627864435232009-09-02T15:17:00.000-04:002009-09-02T15:18:00.760-04:00Plumbing TIA style<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYMFsRfDTcGoHtHQJNBspPIcpTTDEDzqSoTuvhXZPFzk-dJAdGqPtQHLtpd_2CHfDUrv1lAZ0h3sMWrmd6KkZqpkZU7mRpOg22NzDWg09bifrBrN4bz-51-zCa7Gb-CCEeSMYtH1xrx0/s1600-h/photo-780762.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYMFsRfDTcGoHtHQJNBspPIcpTTDEDzqSoTuvhXZPFzk-dJAdGqPtQHLtpd_2CHfDUrv1lAZ0h3sMWrmd6KkZqpkZU7mRpOg22NzDWg09bifrBrN4bz-51-zCa7Gb-CCEeSMYtH1xrx0/s320/photo-780762.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376951508389248322" /></a></p>This took some tinkering!!!Freedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-48277766030975100142009-09-01T14:40:00.002-04:002009-09-01T14:41:03.982-04:00The new church<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsS2jvSChu9YfzEqEJSxYVsK9Q7y7N1cizpH3SudXoGUliQU3xEQXGCAHQI4Du_y4hDnC-h6yEA9qznGOULCwPYW-hr5qbVxwfkND9ZIn9YDAD5Ov3Xhr-x6Pqr4kYmhWslautCgMzkI/s1600-h/photo-763983.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsS2jvSChu9YfzEqEJSxYVsK9Q7y7N1cizpH3SudXoGUliQU3xEQXGCAHQI4Du_y4hDnC-h6yEA9qznGOULCwPYW-hr5qbVxwfkND9ZIn9YDAD5Ov3Xhr-x6Pqr4kYmhWslautCgMzkI/s320/photo-763983.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376570903413543746" /></a></p>Amazing sight!!!!Freedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-62904753478994689952009-09-01T14:40:00.001-04:002009-09-01T14:40:11.160-04:00Church grounds<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAPghqA65pcYWDdQZR11EcB2TZnLprE_ZhPsSzx_wMDNsjqOAcMLdQ0-0ic-Qs0ppzrzOzzeFmin9SCZ0EcLhUw8eAfPDJtuhuu7RgVHTESZ78UUgW0EAbv2WAowcaoAzoEuxmhfnkE8/s1600-h/photo-711161.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAPghqA65pcYWDdQZR11EcB2TZnLprE_ZhPsSzx_wMDNsjqOAcMLdQ0-0ic-Qs0ppzrzOzzeFmin9SCZ0EcLhUw8eAfPDJtuhuu7RgVHTESZ78UUgW0EAbv2WAowcaoAzoEuxmhfnkE8/s320/photo-711161.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376570676552770786" /></a></p>Freedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-9595919189948206062009-09-01T14:39:00.001-04:002009-09-01T14:39:36.108-04:00Dumela from the kids<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HWp3yv-M5nnjQ7fuqAmEgRE-iGfBdrYHBCXukJmp-wA7K5SKH-NDjT0V47HIv-VvDS45i3ex9gjV8GOlPIiKSxOpOnJ3p1_DfPd1RC3oe35e56sr46DgNL4ogG5BTxJLlpIaXTDob-M/s1600-h/photo-776109.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HWp3yv-M5nnjQ7fuqAmEgRE-iGfBdrYHBCXukJmp-wA7K5SKH-NDjT0V47HIv-VvDS45i3ex9gjV8GOlPIiKSxOpOnJ3p1_DfPd1RC3oe35e56sr46DgNL4ogG5BTxJLlpIaXTDob-M/s320/photo-776109.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376570529114628194" /></a></p>Freedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-17351184931885657112009-09-01T05:22:00.000-04:002009-09-01T05:25:00.627-04:00TIAThis is Africa. We learned yesterday that we can never plan life and <br>that God is always in control. We set out for Khatsu game park very <br>early yesterday and TIA kicked in...<br>Random thoughts about the trip....<p>1. You never take a combi church van (Toyota van with very low <br>clearance) off the beaten path. Please know right now this was not our <br>idea and we went with Moruti James and Matada, we were not cowboying <br>it! We didn't find out until later that they had not seen this part <br>of Botswana before- they have family where the pavement ends, but have <br>little experience past that...<p>2. The beaten path can also include more dirt roads than most of can <br>imagine here. We drove for 2 hours after the pavement ended.<p>3. The Khalahari desert is a rough,rough place. But, people do call it <br>home and so do more donkeys than I have ever seen! That also appears <br>to be the preferred mode of transportation.<p>4. God wanted us to see and meet the bushmen. We did and they helped <br>us without hesitation. You would have to pick up a Natl Geographic to <br>see these images- most refuse to allow pictures. I never would imagine <br>a hut made out of old beer (cardboard milk cartons) cartons- African <br>recycling!<p>5. The bushmen make a great bow and arrow set- not too sure what they <br>kill with it, but it's not a toy! Their bead necklace skills using <br>porcupine quills are also very exceptional. No "made in china" <br>stickers here.<p>6. China is here too, they are financing the road construction that we <br>went through.<p>7. When you rent a land rover from the game park, check the petro <br>level first!!! We made it to the first watering hole in the park about <br>the time we made the executive group decision that we didn't want to <br>spend the night in the bush with over 300 lions in the area. So, no <br>lions yesterday. We are all very thankful for that even if we wanted <br>to see them when we left!<p>8. That long dirt road gets even longer and more difficult when <br>pulling a broken-down church van. We towed it on dirt road for 2 1/2 <br>hrs. Jason is now known as Mater (see Cars movie) for his driving and <br>towing skills. It took almost 6 hrs to get back to Old Naledi.<p>9. Gaborone never looked as good as it did at 0100 am last night when <br>we rolled (literally) into town.<p>10. Despite the circumstances of our adventure yesterday, it was an <br>advenutre and our team is much closer because of it.<p>We are starting late today (see above); but, should be working on <br>electricity for the church building and getting the water lines fixed <br>at the feeding station. Vandals broke in last Saturday and stole all <br>of the copper tubing for the gas and water, that is heartbreaking, but <br>we can fix it. God can make it right! Pray for the team to find extra <br>strength and endurance today.<p>I could write volumes about yesterday; but, not on a phone keyboard. <br>Know we are all good, tired, thankful beyond measure, excited, <br>challenged and ready for more TIA!!!!<p>Mareko<p>via iPhoneFreedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-14816986655685607802009-08-30T14:47:00.000-04:002009-08-30T14:52:54.730-04:00Day of celebrationWe had such an amazing day today with the church celebration and <br>feast. It was the most people I have ever seen on the Old Naledi <br>property. God was shining his love today and we all were loved. It was <br>a proud day and we all worked hard feeding the community the feast <br>after the service. We just got back to the hotel and the shower never <br>felt better. Clay gave a great message and we had a member of <br>parliament as our guest of honor. There were staff and members from <br>Open Baptist and other churches.<p>We also got to see Moruti James' new grandson born last week to <br>Matadha and DJ. Beautiful baby boy named Loape. I can't hardly <br>describe the feelings of community we felt today. We should have some <br>video and great pictures when we return. The most incredible moment <br>was watching all the children and church members dance in celebration, <br>it was pure and amazing joy!!!<p>Tomorrow we are taking a 2 hour trip to a game park. It will be a day <br>of recreation and download. We start the construction work on Tuesday. <br>Time for sleep and rest now.<p>We are all tired and exhausted; but, we are all smiling! God is good. <br>Know you are loved and missed!<p>P.S. Clay and Jason drove today on all the table and chair runs. Glad <br>I left my license at home. It's hard enough to drive on the left;but, <br>shifting with the left is just too much change at one time- especially <br>with others in the truck too:-)<p>Mareko<p>via iPhoneFreedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-52195175720409053632009-08-29T10:45:00.002-04:002009-08-29T10:52:51.837-04:00Dumela from GaboroneWe made it to Botswana safe and sound last night around 9pm local time. We all had a great sleep last night after a long day of travel. The trip was long; but, tolerable for everyone and no major problems after Clay and Scott from Alice Drive beat the door closed (long story and not a good one with Delta) on the flight to South Africa. <br /><br />Today, Clay attended and spoke at a funeral for one of the elderly volunteers at the church while the rest of us slept in. Then after the funeral, we all climbed to the top of Kgale Hills. I can't decide if viewing the new church building was more spectular than the view from the top of Kgale-it's a close call! Both are true testaments to the power of God! We are heading back to the village soon for dinner with the church family and to walk the village. Tomorrow is going to be a great day as we celebrate the new church building and also the 10th anniversary of Naledi Baptist Fellowship. Hey, we saw two troops of baboons on Kgale Hill. That was cool!<br /><br />Please know that we are so excited about what God is going to do through us this week here in Botswana. Please continue to pray for our endurance, strength, compassion and understanding. Pray for everyone in Old Naledi and all of Botswana!<br /><br />In His Steps,<br />Mareko and the Freedom Fellowship and Alice Drive Teams!Freedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-57584275626502962902009-08-28T11:31:00.001-04:002009-08-28T11:31:52.062-04:00We are on the ground in South Africa!!!! Thank you God! More later and we all made it!!!Freedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-23191258982672734062009-08-27T19:55:00.001-04:002009-08-27T19:55:46.989-04:00We are on the plane and ready for on-time takeoff. Still waiting on Alice Drive team, they are here but still walking/ running to the gate...Freedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-34743849700486315202009-08-27T18:14:00.001-04:002009-08-27T18:14:49.773-04:00AtlantaWe made it to Atlanta after a delay on the runway in Greenville. Our <br>friends from Alice Drive are having some issues with tickets in <br>Columbia; but, they are enroute. Please keep praying for travel. We <br>depart at 2010 if all goes as planned. I'll post again when we are <br>onboard.<p>Mareko<p>via iPhoneFreedom Fellowship serving in Haitihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04968721363077353749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-425346528364417498.post-74301947467577813662009-08-27T14:43:00.002-04:002009-08-27T14:47:20.163-04:00THINKING AND PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU ON YOUR TRIP! SURE WISH I COULD BE WITH YOU!!!! I'M A PRAYER PARTNER FOR EACH OF YOU EVERYDAY WHILE YOU ARE GONE !!! LEARN, LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH, TEACH, LISTEN, SPEAK, WORK, WITNESS, PRAISE, SING, HUG, SMILE, TOUCH, CRY, CELEBRATE, BLESS AND BE BLESSED!!!!! LOVE YOU ALL AND CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR ALL ABOUT IT! YOU EACH INSPIRE ME AND I LOOK FORWARD TO TAKING THE JOURNEY ALONG SIDE YOU, GOD WILLING, NEXT YEAR!<br />JULIEJulie McCombshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482428300480400312noreply@blogger.com1