The latest exciting news from the Harpers comes from an e-mail from Mark last week (excerpted below), illustrating God's amazing power to do great things through those who believe Him:
From: Mark
Whatever it takes, swing from the chandeliers, scream it from your roof top, run down the street ... with a banner...But whatever you do – Praise the Lord with me. Tell someone else. Not just because of this email, but because He is God and He is good and He has stretched out His hand and proved His hand strong and able and willing – for me!
I have been feeling dry in the Lord. I have been crying out to Him on behalf of Alberto our National Director, For the salaries of the staff and for my passion to see Bethel built and in service reaching youth and empowering the Church. We have been stressed, we have tried making our own plans we have gone into debt (stupid) and I have missed that close fellowship with the Lord and seeing Him do miracles and having the privilege to be in His service.
Today the clouds lifted for me... The Lord has done it again. He has blown my mind. The library roof is going on after almost 3 years of waiting. A Church in Paarl has purchased the materials. A company has discounted the material. Their franchise “engineer” in Nelspruit has supplied a truck to carry the materials, and is sending one of his staff to show us how to set it all up at no cost. The owner of the franchise has donated a fibre filling to mix into the concrete to strengthen it. I am awed.
Plus – I promised the staff that we would start on their accommodation this year. I had begun to lose hope. But the Lord, through a complete stranger to us, but a friend of someone coming out on the work project in July, has donated about R43 000.00 for the foundations and floor.
From down deep – in my heart - The Lord is good.
Thank you Father – for lifting the clouds and showing Your hand powerful and faithful and able
For me!
M
P.S. would also like to honour the men and woman who have been used by the Lord to take Bethel one step closer to completion and fulfilling its purpose. Reaching out to youth and equipping the Church. Thank you very very much. Mark
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
"Encouragement Wednesdays"
Our team leader Craig has asked each of us to take turns sending out a note of encouragement to the rest of the team via e-mail. Below are some of the previous e-mails of encouragement to share with you, and I will continue to send future notes every other week. Coincidentally, my kids just learned one of these very same verses (Joshua 1:9) in vacation bible school last week, complete with cool actions and sound effects (e.g. lots of muscle flexing and lion roars to represent strength and courage)! -Kelli
Encouragement from Joshua (sent by Mary Lou on 6/2) -
The Scripture from Joshua always blessed me and encouraged me. This is what it says:
"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you: I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Even on the other side of the world our God is with us, what an awesome God we serve, Praise his holy name!!!!!!
Blessings to all,
Mary Lou
Encouragement (sent by Laurie on 6/17) -
In Philippians 1:6 we read "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." God has begun a work in each one of us with this trip and our willingness to serve Him. I am grateful that it will be a work both begun and completed by Him. We can rest in this knowledge and trust in the outcome.
Your sister in Christ
Laurie
Encouragement from Joshua (sent by Mary Lou on 6/2) -
The Scripture from Joshua always blessed me and encouraged me. This is what it says:
"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you: I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Even on the other side of the world our God is with us, what an awesome God we serve, Praise his holy name!!!!!!
Blessings to all,
Mary Lou
Encouragement (sent by Laurie on 6/17) -
In Philippians 1:6 we read "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." God has begun a work in each one of us with this trip and our willingness to serve Him. I am grateful that it will be a work both begun and completed by Him. We can rest in this knowledge and trust in the outcome.
Your sister in Christ
Laurie
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Latest news from the Harpers in Moz
an E-mail update from Les Harper on 6/10:
"I have been in Moz for the past two weeks – busy but good ministry – the witch doctor in Mavuiane asked for prayer for healing so we were able to share the gospel clearly with him. He did not make a commitment but God is working in his heart ! Please pray for his salvation – his name is Chefe Mawachi. The well digging continues slowly but surely and the school in Mavuiane is thriving. Several women and a man have commited their lives to Christ in Mavuiane and want to be baptized in August. Praise God !
Praise God, we are expecting several teams from SA who are bringing funding to build church-schools in 3 of the rural areas where the schools meet under trees. Also got some help from my ladies bible study to make skirts for about 60 of the orphan girls ! So many blessings to count. Thank you Lord !"
"I have been in Moz for the past two weeks – busy but good ministry – the witch doctor in Mavuiane asked for prayer for healing so we were able to share the gospel clearly with him. He did not make a commitment but God is working in his heart ! Please pray for his salvation – his name is Chefe Mawachi. The well digging continues slowly but surely and the school in Mavuiane is thriving. Several women and a man have commited their lives to Christ in Mavuiane and want to be baptized in August. Praise God !
Praise God, we are expecting several teams from SA who are bringing funding to build church-schools in 3 of the rural areas where the schools meet under trees. Also got some help from my ladies bible study to make skirts for about 60 of the orphan girls ! So many blessings to count. Thank you Lord !"
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Team preparations
Our team continues to meet every other week leading up to our August departure. We are in the process of gathering ideas and materials for the teaching portions of our mission (kids' camp and teaching English to local teenagers). We are also diligently learning about the details that will impact our trip (travel prep, trip schedule, etc.), and praying for wisdom and guidance as we prepare. The Harpers are so busy doing great work over in Moz. We will continue to connect with them as frequently as possible to receive updates, and iron out the details of our mission schedule.
The last members of our team (including myself), have gotten our required vaccinations. My arm is very sore as I type this from getting 4 shots this morning! And since I went straight from the travel clinic to work today, I am hoping I don't forget my Typhoid pills in the refrigerator at my workplace -- I'm not sure my co-workers would appreciate seeing a box of "live Typhoid" nestled in next to their lunch.
To get ready for our meeting next week, we are all reading our mission guidebooks for our discussion focusing on spiritual preparation. Plus we will each be more officially articulating our personal goals for the trip. More team details to come after our meeting next week...
Kelli
The last members of our team (including myself), have gotten our required vaccinations. My arm is very sore as I type this from getting 4 shots this morning! And since I went straight from the travel clinic to work today, I am hoping I don't forget my Typhoid pills in the refrigerator at my workplace -- I'm not sure my co-workers would appreciate seeing a box of "live Typhoid" nestled in next to their lunch.
To get ready for our meeting next week, we are all reading our mission guidebooks for our discussion focusing on spiritual preparation. Plus we will each be more officially articulating our personal goals for the trip. More team details to come after our meeting next week...
Kelli
Monday, June 8, 2009
Team Member Bios
A little about the New Hope Moz team - Craig, Penny, Mary Lou, Kelli & Laurie:
Craig (Team Leader) -
"Lord willing this will be my 6th time going to Mozambique, Africa as a leader of a small missions team from New Hope Church. Going on these short term missions trips is so fulfilling -- you think when you go that you will be giving of yourself, but you end up bringing back so much more. The Harpers and the people of Mozambique have captured part of my heart. I just love the way this missionary family has shown the love of Christ through their love and involvement in every part of the community there. I have been so blessed to touch a small part of all of this. Awhile back I would have laughed if someone said I would be going on a missions trip to Africa. For a small town farm boy, traveling out West or going to Canada for fishing was the most adventure I wanted. Now I just love the way God has softened my heart and has given me the desire to share who He is with others. My father just couldn't understand why I was going on my first missions trip. Out of love and concern at the time he told me I couldn't change the world. I just thought to myself maybe I can't change the world, but God can change my world."
Penny - "The Lord called me into missions when I was attending a missions meeting at college. I majored in Bible and Missions at a Christian College I attended. After attending this college I went on to become a nurse. The Lord has called me to tell others of his saving grace and help others. I am married and have three sons and two grandchildren. I enjoy working in the Awana Club with children during the year. I go into the HC Detention Center twice a month with another person to minister to the ladies there. It has been my desire since I started going to New Hope Church to serve on a short term missions trip. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve in Mozambique."
Mary Lou -"In 2005 the Lord called me to go to South Africa for the first Mission trip I had ever been on. Knowing nothing about Missions I went with an obedient Heart and a spirit of adventure. It was life-changing for me and this will be my fourth trip back to Africa. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to serve Him in this special place."
Kelli- "I have always had a sense of adventure and have enjoyed traveling to numerous parts of the world. Now God is using this sense of adventure to serve Him. I am married, work part time, and am kept very busy taking care of three active boys. Some might think this is not an ideal time in my life to be away from home. However, I am putting my faith in God as I feel called to Africa now as part of a journey He is taking me on. I am so excited to see what He will teach me and allow me to experience as I serve Him through this mission trip."
Laurie - "I am looking forward to a great experience in Mozambique. This trip is an opportunity to both serve others in a practical way and to learn new things from God. Mozambique is a Portuguese speaking country and this is very exciting for me. I grew up in Brazil SA where they also speak Portuguese. I am thrilled to be able to speak Portuguese again and help our team by working as a translator whenever needed. God's timing is perfect as it relates to this trip, and we look forward to sharing our experiences with you. Thank you in advance for your prayers. We depend on them as we experience this adventure together.
Craig (Team Leader) -
"Lord willing this will be my 6th time going to Mozambique, Africa as a leader of a small missions team from New Hope Church. Going on these short term missions trips is so fulfilling -- you think when you go that you will be giving of yourself, but you end up bringing back so much more. The Harpers and the people of Mozambique have captured part of my heart. I just love the way this missionary family has shown the love of Christ through their love and involvement in every part of the community there. I have been so blessed to touch a small part of all of this. Awhile back I would have laughed if someone said I would be going on a missions trip to Africa. For a small town farm boy, traveling out West or going to Canada for fishing was the most adventure I wanted. Now I just love the way God has softened my heart and has given me the desire to share who He is with others. My father just couldn't understand why I was going on my first missions trip. Out of love and concern at the time he told me I couldn't change the world. I just thought to myself maybe I can't change the world, but God can change my world."
Penny - "The Lord called me into missions when I was attending a missions meeting at college. I majored in Bible and Missions at a Christian College I attended. After attending this college I went on to become a nurse. The Lord has called me to tell others of his saving grace and help others. I am married and have three sons and two grandchildren. I enjoy working in the Awana Club with children during the year. I go into the HC Detention Center twice a month with another person to minister to the ladies there. It has been my desire since I started going to New Hope Church to serve on a short term missions trip. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve in Mozambique."
Mary Lou -"In 2005 the Lord called me to go to South Africa for the first Mission trip I had ever been on. Knowing nothing about Missions I went with an obedient Heart and a spirit of adventure. It was life-changing for me and this will be my fourth trip back to Africa. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to serve Him in this special place."
Kelli- "I have always had a sense of adventure and have enjoyed traveling to numerous parts of the world. Now God is using this sense of adventure to serve Him. I am married, work part time, and am kept very busy taking care of three active boys. Some might think this is not an ideal time in my life to be away from home. However, I am putting my faith in God as I feel called to Africa now as part of a journey He is taking me on. I am so excited to see what He will teach me and allow me to experience as I serve Him through this mission trip."
Laurie - "I am looking forward to a great experience in Mozambique. This trip is an opportunity to both serve others in a practical way and to learn new things from God. Mozambique is a Portuguese speaking country and this is very exciting for me. I grew up in Brazil SA where they also speak Portuguese. I am thrilled to be able to speak Portuguese again and help our team by working as a translator whenever needed. God's timing is perfect as it relates to this trip, and we look forward to sharing our experiences with you. Thank you in advance for your prayers. We depend on them as we experience this adventure together.
Muvuiane Well
Our last post shared the challenges being faced by the Harpers in Mozambique, as they are trying to build a well in a nearby village . It looks like they are making great progress on the digging of the well from this recent picture. Please continue praying for water!
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