Africa Update...

I heard from Chappy briefly late yesterday. So far, no one in the group is sick; however, from what I have been told, it usually takes 24 hours before any "flu-like symptoms" rear their ugly heads. The group will be visiting a feeding station in the Tonga all day today that is run by a modern day saint named Ellie. Her husband was tragically run over by a car last year while walking down a road......he and Ellie had worked together in the Tonga for over 50 years. Let that sink in. Can you imagine a couple giving up their entire lives to a people who are dying of AIDS, who sometimes are quite savage, and who are dirty and unlovely? When her husband died last year, she told the ministry team she is staying. Africa is her home, and the people of her region have become her family. Chappy gets to hug Ellie's neck today. I hope he hugs it tight, because today, he is hugging a high servant of the King of Kings. Awesome to consider, isn't it???

***

On another note, if you'll take a look at my side bar, you will notice I have published Hope's story in book form. 30% of the proceeds from the book will go to Amazima Ministries to feed the hungry and care for orphans in Uganda Africa and 60% of the proceeds from the book will go to Reece's Rainbow Waiting Children (a ministry that finds homes for orphans with Down Syndrome Internationally). I will keep 10% to pay for shipping costs for those who are not able to order from the internet. With the holidays around the corner, you might want to consider clicking onto Hope's photo on the right and entering the BLURB site to purchase a few to give as teacher's gifts or office gifts. With an order of 5 or more books, shipping is a flat fee of $6.99. While I am not a professional writer, it is a testimony from the heart and 100% of the proceeds go to help two wonderful causes! Over the years, many have encouraged me to write Hope's story in book form, but I couldn't manage to find the energy and time until I realized I could use her story to help support "the least of these".

***

Again, thank you for your many prayers for Chappy and his team.....he was unsure he would be able to contact me today, but if I get an update, I will post. The region he will be serving for the next couple of days contains the largest population of people with AIDS in the world. An estimated 10-15 children in this region die a day from AIDS, but Ellie, the 70-something year old widow saint (who has been described as a "real character"), continues to bring light and hope to those in Africa who have become "her people". Father, I pray you'll pour out your richest blessings upon Mrs. Ellie. Continue to give her good health as she literally embodies your hands and feet and serves the African people in the Tonga. May they come to know You as she ministers to them, and may thousands upon thousands enter Your Kingdom that is to come by way of the sacrificial service of Mrs. Ellie and her husband.

***

"And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand." Revelation 8:4