Africa updates....

We officially have reserved flights and plans for our trip to Zimbabwe! The political state of the country has improved significantly over the last couple of months and they are making some strides at turning around the economy. Most importantly, it is safe for both our team and our hosts to spend time and do ministry there. It has been a long road, but very exciting!

Our plan remains the same; to build part of the orphanage, hold VBS and spend time encouraging the local community. We have 14 on our team and it has been amazing to see their resolve and faith during the last two years with all the ups and downs and uncertainty. The Lord has provided the entire way and I look forward to seeing the result!

The team is leaving August 7th and returning to the states August 21st. My schedule looks a little different and I am super excited to take advantage of the summer off from school and spend it putting some of my new nursing skills to practice! I am heading to Kenya July 13 and will stay there until August 8th, working with some local nurses in various locations. One in particular will be Eburru, which should sound familiar to anyone who has followed my missionary journeys in the past. The first college team that I was on staff with planted a small church there in August 2004. Under the leadership of Pastor Steve and his wife Mary (who is a nurse), It has continued to grow into a vibrant congregation that has impacted their community in amazing ways. Two years ago, I took a team from LSCC to Kenya and we spend 10 days in Eburru. It was by far the highlight of that mission trip and many participants have continued to support the community in many ways. Last October, two men from that team returned to Eburru to help build a portion of the medical clinic that Steve and Mary started. I’m so excited to get to work with Mary in her new clinic! It is a huge need in that area and was the very reason that I decided to become a nurse. I actually can’t believe it is finally going to happen! It’s a great example of how the Lord has a specific plan for each one of our lives! He put it in my heart 4 years ago and here we are!

On August 8th, I will meet the team in Johannesburg and we will travel to Harare together. It’s going to be a great time to work with a community that has suffered so much recently. I’m hoping to be able to organize some women’s studies and hook up with some of the local medical teams that will be in the area! I’m excited to once again work with a team to share the hope of Jesus to a hurting people!

After the team leaves from Johannesburg on August 20th, I will stay in the area and make my way to Swaziland. There I will visit care points, orphanages and a clinic that was built this fall. This will be another great opportunity to work in intercultural nursing! All the facilities are facilitated by Adventures in Missions so the main purpose is to share the gospel. I like to think that nursing is my “cover” to build relationships and share about Jesus! I have been drawn to Swaziland for some time now. I don’t exactly know why…except for the fact that they have the highest AIDS rate and one of the lowest life expectancies. For me, this is more of a “vision” portion of the trip. To look into possible ministry opportunities for the future and see where it fits in the plan.

I’m working on specific goals and ministry plans for each location so more updates to follow! God has been laying some things heavy on my heart in preparation for my time in Africa this summer and I’m excited to see that manifest itself into a stretching and impacting adventure!
I’ve gotten a number of inquiries on the status of support. I’ve been putting it off for about a year since it was unknown what would happen. As a whole the team is plugging away. Our postponement put a kink in the flow, but the Lord has mapped out this trip and will provide. Below is a summary of where I’m at:

Zimbabwe: my responsibility is to raise $3880 and I am currently at $1765.18. Any support for Zimbabwe is tax deductible and can be sent to LSCC: 31605 Lake Sawyer Rd SE Black Diamond, WA 98010.

I have been asking the Lord lately if He would have me raise a separate $1000 for medical supplies in Kenya. Their clinic is up and running, but with no official sponsor, supplies are always a problem. This portion would not be tax deductible and not facilitated through LSCC. If you are interested specifically in this, email me to figure it out. I don’t know what this looks like yet, but I feel like the Lord has a plan there. Just waiting and watching!

So we have a long way to go, but God is faithful….

If you would like to be included on the specific prayer list, email me at ajford75@msn.com.

I am always overwhelmed and thankful for the interest and support over the years! This is always a testament to the unity of the body of Christ. It is truly amazing and I am privileged to be a part!

Thank you again and God bless!

AJ