Katie in Zambia

Week 1 in ZAMBIA!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Rittenhouse) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:50:00 +0000

We have heard from Katie!!

It was awesome to talk with her.

It has been difficult to communicate by computer because there have been major power outages where the team is staying. They have been in-country for 8 days now, and the power has been off most of that time. It came on for 2-hours once, then came back on yesterday.

The good news: Katie & the team are doing well!! (Not that we expected otherwise).

Team Picture taken just before they left Dallas for Zambia.

She has also been keeping notes… writing as the week has gone by. We will be posting those notes as we get them from her. (We took these notes down as she read to us over Skype)

Read and enjoy these first entries:

COMING HOME

The second I got off the plane I could smell Africa!! It brought back memories of last summer… it instantly brought to mind why I had come back… The orphans, the need, the tug on my heart that I needed to be part of the solution. I was also caught up with a sense of community and belonging. The same feeling I felt last year. The feeling I now had again, since I had come back. This all hit me in an instant when the smell washed over me: I said to myself, “I’m home!”

All my feelings grew even stronger when I went into the customs/immigration area. “Mama,” one of our Zambian EOH (Every Orphan’s Hope) leaders remembered me. It just felt so great to be back. I know I belong here.

CHURCH IN ZAMBIA

We went to church the day the team got here. We went to Chyaeen, Mama & Marta’s church. We walked in and everyone was dancing and jumping around. It was awesome. I was standing there worshipping and praying… and, I looked around.

I was overwhelmed with the thought that people of all different kinds and languages were worshipping the Lord all over the world… at the same time. I couldn’t help wondering why… there is such a difference between the church in Zambia and the church in the USA. And it hit me… the people in Zambia are going to WORSHIP and GIVE to God. Where often in the U.S. we go to church to RECEIVE from God… to get OUR needs met. I need to keep this thought in my mind. I need to remember it… always.

SICKNESS & REALITY:

One day last week our team went to the Chawama Compound (a permanent squatter camp). We were doing orphan updates to send back to the people who are sponsoring the orphans here. At one point more than 200 kids surrounded us as we were walking thru the compound. Us white kids really stuck out. Then all of a sudden they started shouting out “OLD MAN!” “OLD MAN!” The kids started running away from us… screaming. Then we see this old man… he could barely walk… he suffered from AIDS. The “mamas” were calling him names and throwing things at him. They really seemed to be upset at him. Then we saw a mentally ill man… he tore his shirt off and threw a water jug at the old man. It hit him in the arm. It really hurt him. He had to sit down. Then the mentally ill threatened to start beating the old man. But, two other guys came over stopped it all. The old man was able to walk away. Some of the kids came back to us afterward. We asked them why did you do that?? They said because he was old and sick. We told them that Jesus wouldn’t do that. That’s not how to treat people who are old and sick. They seemed to be listening to us…. We’ll see.

That was kind of a major event that day… but we did visit several orphans through out the day… and got updates on how they were doing.

Orphans:

Some of the people we (Every Orphan’s Hope) are working with here are called: OVCC’s (Orphan Victorious in Christ Contact). They are Zambians who bring the items that come from sponsorship to each of the orphans. It’s really amazing to see the OVCC’s servant hearts. Many times it takes them 1 full day to go see one of the orphans. They have to travel to deliver food, encourage them, and be part of their lives. Sometimes the OVCC’s have to ride a bike for several hours to see just one of the orphans. Often times the OVCC’s have jobs and don’t have food for their own tables. Yet they sacrifice so much to LOVE these orphans.

Keep checking in… things are happening quickly… and there is so much to tell.
I’ll do my best to keep up.

NOTE: (from Doug & Gail)… we talked to Katie for a bit today and Saturday. The team is doing very well. They are staying on the outskirts of Lusaka and traveling to orphanages, and squatter camps every day. Katie seemed to think the accommodations were much nicer than she expected. They are however, having some health issues. Nothing too major… upset stomachs, allergies, and Katie has had some recurrent nose-bleeds. Please keep the team in your prayers.

NOTE: Most of these photos are courtesy of Michael Mistretta from the 2008 Zambia trip.
(Great photog huh!!?)

Safe Arrival in Zambia!

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Rittenhouse) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:53:00 +0000

Got word today from Katie.

She has arrived safely in Zambia... and promises details of what she is doing very soon.

From an email she sent today:

"I will tell you all the stuff I've been doing shortly. This is the first time we have had power in two days so I haven't been able to write to you. It actually seems that most of Zambia has not had power."

So, stay tuned... major post coming soon!

Winging it to Zambia!

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Rittenhouse) — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:37:00 +0000

After 2 Days of Training... it's time for Katie to fly across the globe to Zambia!!

In the last 48 hours Katie has meet the team she will be serving in Zambia with. They're a great bunch of teens from all over the USA. It's been a time of praying, bonding and planning.

CEO & Founder of Every Orphan's Hope - Gary Schneider has been imparting the vision for loving, caring and reaching the orphans the team will be working with. (More on the details of what the team will be doing in upcoming posts.)

Right now it's about time for the team to head off to DFW and begin their international journey.

The team's a bit smaller than the Global Expeditions adventure Katie went on last year. There are 7 teens going. But, the luggage is packed, the team is ready and we believe strongly that God is going to use them in a mighty, mighty way.

Remember to check back here to the blog... we'll keep it updated as often as possible & you can read more about Every Orphan's Hope by visiting their website.

Thank you for praying for the team's safe travels to Zambia and for the hearts of the orphan's to be readied receiving the love of the Lord.

Called to ZAMBIA!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Rittenhouse) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:42:00 +0000

Dear Friends and Family,

So much happened during my trip to Zambia & So Africa last year. It's taken me a long time to sort through all that I went through and focus on my memories. Over the last few months God has done so much in my life and the lives of the orphans, widows, and African people that I worked with during the 2 months I spent in Africa.

Someone told me there is something about Africa that just changes you. I look back at my trip and seeing what God did, how He touched so many lives, and I've learned what they said was right: THERE IS something about Africa that changes you. My heart has been changed forever.

We ran a camp for orphans off the street and gave them some love, food and Gods word. To see their faces each day as we came out to huge groups of them was just indescribable. One of my team mates, Ryan, and I worked with a group of 15 boys ages 14-17. One of our boys was named "Bright." He had three younger brothers. He works in the mines 12 to 17 hours a day to provide for them and help them stay alive.

Also there was Macoka. He was 17 and he lost his dad when he was 1 year old. He also lost his mom when he was 10. So, he had to drop out of school and look for a job. When we met Macoka, he had no job. But, at camp we had the chance to help him know that the Lord was his hope and He would help him. He felt bad about being an orphan. We shared how the Lord cares for orphans and that they are special to Him. The day before we left Zambia he came to us and said because of
that hope he found a job and committed to a hope and love in Jesus.

The clincher in Africa: the men don't do any house work like washing the dishes or the clothes or anything. So, one day we had talked with our boys about how Jesus came down and He was a servant. He came to love those who did not feel love. We began washing their feet to show them that love. Ryan and I were washing the dishes. The boys were so surprised when they brought us the cups, that Ryan was washing dishes for them. It gave us another opportunity to share that Jesus was a servant and He came a long way to serve and color did not matter. All 15 of the boys got down and wash cups with us! Wow!! That was so not what they are used to. God worked in us and them.

Zambia was amazing!

In South Africa we went door to door and talked to people. Really showing them love by helping them wash their dishes , clothes and we even built a fence. It was hard but God really showed us how just serving allowed us the opportunity to talk about the Lord and people came to the Him and wow! What a miracle!

We went in to the schools and taught them and God gave us so many situations to share about him. The South African government is trying to make a student government in all the schools and we were able to talk to them about things that teens all over the world deal with like drugs, sex, alcohol, and gangs. God really worked through us. He gave us all the words to say.

Through every thing that went on God gave us the words to say, the way to act and so on. I could not have done any of this with out the prayers and support of all of you

14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the scriptures say "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring Romans 10:14-15

Thank you. You are all people who sent me. You really played a big part of everything that went on, you helped us live out this verse.

Religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

God did so many amazing things from the people and teens of south Africa and seeing the faces of the widows and orphans of Zambia I could not have done this without all of you thank you so much; for everything you have done for the people of Africa and in my life as a believer.

God has laid on my heart to go back to Zambia. My heart is truly with those people and the orphans.

I will once again be working with the organization: Every Orphans Hope. What drew me to this organization (after I met them through Global Expeditions last summer) is they found out there was 10 million people in Zambia and 2 million of those people are orphans. EOH - President & CEO Gary Schneider really did his research and asked why doesn’t anyone help the orphans and bring them the love of Christ? Many of the Zambian churches said they have tried but there is so many orphans they just can’t and they are ashamed of what they are unable to do.

In response to this need, EOH started: CAMP HOPE, a Bible camp outreach ministry designed to share the life transforming gospel of Jesus Christ with orphans. Working with and through local churches, the Word of God and the gospel of Christ are shared along with life application lessons, AIDS awareness/prevention
lessons, crafts, games, worship and prayer. The curriculum at the camp is designed to anchor four life-transforming messages in the hearts of the orphans: Truth, Faith, Hope and Love.

I’ve seen with my own eyes what a difference God make in these orphan’s live through Camp Hope, EOH, myself and others willing to stand with these needy kids.

For more information about Every Orphans Hope go to http://www.everyorphan.org/

When I went to Zambia the first time it took a lot to get there. I did not have all of the funds to go till the week before I left and God taught me how to really follow His will. But through all of that, I learned to rely on Him in all I do.

When I was there I fell in Love with Zambia. The Lord told me I was to go back to there. And while I wasn’t sure when or how that would happen... it has now become clear: I have been offered the chance to serve with Every Orphans Hope from May 25th though the end on July this year.

So I am asking once again if you could help me GO and love the orphans. So they can come to the Lord

If you are able to help in the way of funding please leave a comment to this post, include your email address, and I'll drop you a note with instruction on how you can help. All checks need to be made out to Every Orphans Hope, and put my name in the memo line. The total cost of this Missions Trip will be approx. $6000

But I don't just need financial help... I need your prayers as well

Prayers that God would be the center of all we do, that the Zambian people would come to know Him. And, that the team that is going would be effective. The main thing we are praying for is that God would receive the glory through everything that goes on in Zambia

If you would like to get more updates you can keep coming back here to my blog.

Thank you so much for how you have helped me go and the way many of you will help me go back

In our Lord God

Katie L. Rittenhouse

KATIE IS HOME!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Rittenhouse) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 20:50:00 +0000

Katie is home from Africa!!

Updates coming shortly...

SOUTH AFRICA - Update!

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Rittenhouse) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:45:00 +0000

Team Update...

Jul 30 2008 08:15:58:293AM

We have had over 50 salvations not including the children. God is really working and the harvest is definitely ripe. The people here are eager to hear the gospel. The teams are doing great. Our VBS has grown each day and we are falling in love with the kids. God is also ministering to the Americans and changing their lives. Praise God

Update from So. Africa

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Rittenhouse) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:54:00 +0000

New Team POST Today:

Jul 28 2008 05:52:37:783AM

Today is our last day of ministry in the Squatter Camps. God has done many amazing things. We have had many people commit their lives to the Lord and seen many people healed of various diseases. God is so good!!! We travel back to the states on Wednesday evening. Please pray for us as we travel.

Messages from So. Africa

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Rittenhouse) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:21:00 +0000

We've had less contact lately from the team.... But, here are some recent posts from South Africa:

Jul 27 2008 12:01:40:830PM

From a paper written by a Zulu student during class:
My happiest day was at my school when there were people from America. It makes me feel happy and proud of Jesus who I trust. And it also makes my school be important to me and think that they are people who use their money for coming to teach the word of God to us like the Americans. The thing that make me see that God want us to believe in Him is that the Americans didn't come to teach us or help us in our subject, but they came and teach the word of God and I am thankful for what they did and I am still want to know more about our savior who is God.
The other day that makes me be happy is when Jesus came in my life, and I believed that He died and forgive out sins.
- Patience

Jul 27 2008 11:54:55:020AM

From a paper written by a Zulu student during class:

Our happiest moment in time was when in our school we had visitors from America and for most of us it was the first time we ever had a white teacher stand in front of us. So it was a wonderful experience for us. We consider it the happiest day of our lives. We wish for more days like these. They taught us a lot of things and the amazing power of the Lord
- Degrecia

Jul 27 2008 11:51:04:360AM

God has been doing amazing things here in South Africa. This week has been our first week of ministry and we've been traveling to different schools teaching subjects such as math, English, history, science, and incorporating the Gospel into it. Today my group taught eighth graders with the help of a translator. The second class we taught Arts and Culture; we asked to kids questions about South Africa, and in turn they asked us questions about America. This was a great opportunity for communicating with the students! We explained what we thought their flag symbolized biblically and Dooba shared his testimony. At the end of class, five boys committed their lives to Jesus! The third class was also Arts and Culture and we did the same discussion. I shared my testimony at the end and told the kids that I came to South Africa to tell them what Jesus did for me and that He can do the same for them; that he loved them and would forgive them for the mistakes they've made. I asked who would like to know Jesus and commit their lives to him and 50 students raised their hands! I got the opportunity to pray with them. In our fourth class we taught English, read two stories, and explained having a relationship with Jesus. I shared my testimony after the first story and at the end of class, 33 kids committed their lives to Christ! Today, 88 souls will be going to heaven when they die. Today, I learned just how much of an impact my words have.
- Joelle

More Team Updates from the ZAMBIA part of the Mission

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Rittenhouse) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 20:19:00 +0000

Jun 29 2008 08:32:38:000AM

Teams visited local churches in Zambia and some got to share message this morning. The teams are very excited for tomorrow as we are going on Safari. The teams will have the opportunity to see giraffes, elephants, lions, antelopes, etc as well as sample the local flavor of foods.

They deserve a day to rest as they have been working so hard the last couple of weeks!!

Jun 27 2008 02:22:35:267AM

Teams ran day camps on Wednesday & Thursday with numerous orphans. They were able to disciple many by sharing their testimony and leading discussion groups with the young people. Today teams are spending time at the 5 completed orphanages working with the children & encouraging them.
Please continue to pray for your young people as they are continuing to invest in ministry here in Zambia! They are not growing weary & ask that you not grow weary in praying for them!!

Jun 24 2008 02:29:05:583AM

Teams are continuing their work on the orphanage today! Yesterday they moved over 2,000 bricks and today will be digging ditches for water & sewer lines as well as install block for the homes. They are encouraged knowing that their work is helping to complete 4 homes for the orphans!!!

Greetings from KATIE in AFRICA... Watch!

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Rittenhouse) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:58:00 +0000

We recently received a video greeting from Katie.
Here it is:

It's great to see her and know that her heart is submerged in the love for the people she has been serving. Rare to get a video like this from the field. (And thanks to Ron for shooting it!)

Thanks for the prayers for Katie and for the Africa people God is using her to reach. Please keep the prayers going... She still has more than a month of adventure to go!!

On to South Africa

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Rittenhouse) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:15:00 +0000

We talked to Katie in a short phone call yesterday...

She wanted to thank everyone who is praying for her, and knows how important all of you are to the successful outcome of this journey and mission.

She was extremely excited about the weeks she has been spending in Zambia. Apparently they had just finished running a "camp" for the orphans they went to work with. She said her experience working at the Christian camp, Pine Cove, here in the Tyler area had come in very handy.

The big event for today... she and her time board a plane and head for South Africa! Once in Jo-Berg, she will be working with Rich and Michelle Franzen from Impact Africa http://www.Impactafrica.org

I (Doug) had the opportunity to go to South Africa last year, and first hand got to see many of the places Katie will be going.

South Africa is a country like few others in Africa. It is a mix of extreme poverty

vs. maybe the most westernized society on the continent.

Katie will be visiting several shanty towns that are home to 10's of thousands and sometimes 100's of thousands of people. Disease is rampant. Poverty seemingly inescapable. She will be spending a lot of days serving, reaching, and relating to the people who live in these huge squatter villages.

One other change... much of the original team that went to Zambia will NOT be making the trip to Jo-Berg. But... an entire team of new missionaries will join Katie's group... flying to South Africa next week.

Please pray for Katie as she enters her 2nd month of service in Africa. And, pray that God will continue to use the entire team in a mighty way.

This JUST in.... Pix of Katie from Zambia

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Rittenhouse) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:12:00 +0000

We just got some pictures of Katie ministering to the people in Zambia. The pix were taken by Ron Luce... Teen Mania's President and Founder who was able to visit the Zambia team this past weekend.

Missionary Updates from ZAMBIA

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Rittenhouse) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 11:47:00 +0000

The Missionaries in ZAMBIA don't currently have access to the internet. But their Team Leaders have been able communicate some of the following updates from the field by driving an hour away to an available internet cafe:

Jun 20 2008 04:45PM

Michael from says:

We started doing a VBS for a group of older boys and I thought \"Perfect! How can older boys tire me out?\" But managing a group of 13-14 year olds who speak a different language and are in a different culture was much harder than I expected! Some thought they were too cool, some were too quiet; some just spoke to each other in their language and laughed at us. It was hard to know how they could retain anything that we wanted to teach them.
But on the last day, kids we had given up on talked about how they learned the love of Jesus. They remembered what even I forgot we taught them! I smiled as they compared our love with the love that Jesus has for them. They could not ignore or understand how we would leave our homes and travel so far just to love them and set an example for them. It was such a blessing to be with them.

Jun 20 2008 04:48PM

Stephanie says:

Our ministry group was to discuss the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. I told Grant that he should share about becoming a follower of Jesus and lead the prayer. Grant said he was scared to lead so many children to the Lord; he had never done anything like that before! I encouraged him that with God anything is possible and that He can use anyone. So, Grant started the discussion and told them how Jesus wants a relationship with them. He glanced over at me to signal that I should lead the prayer, but I told him it is his turn and time to step out and stretch his faith. God brought him here for such a time as this! Grant smiled and continued to lead every one of those children in a prayer of salvation. Tears streamed down my face as I watched this transformation in the children as well as in Grant. The power of God was great in that moment and I will never forget it.

Jun 20 2008 04:48PM

Hannah says:

Monday we met the young girls from the orphanage that we would be working with. We sang songs with them and played games. At first they were shy and reluctant to interact with us, but as the day went on they became more open and relational. On Wednesday we shared the testimony of Jesus and his love for us; as a result most of the girls gave their life to Him! Beth and I shared our testimonies and answered questions for them.
God is doing a personal work in me through all this! When I was sharing I felt unequipped and that I needed to be more passionate, convincing, and acceptable. My MA prayed for me and opened up doors to how I can be used by Jesus by just being faithful to Him! I am so thankful for the work God is doing here in Zambia and in my life.

Jun 20 2008 05:20 PM

Ministry Update:
Hello from Zambia! Ministry is going wonderful here. On Saturday we had 300 children at a day camp were we were able to feed, play with, and share Jesus with them. This weekend we will be attending a church service with the Zambian people and also doing an afternoon camp in one of the villages. On Monday we will begin building an orphanage and doing another day camp with the children.
All of the students here are doing well! Thank you for your prayers and support; the Lord is being glorified here!

Stacy and Gus (Trip Leaders)

Jun 20 2008 05:07 PM

Shane says:

When we came to the village, there were hundreds of kids, young and old, and I could see they were all starved. Not of food but of love, affection, and truth. At first as we interacted many hung back and stared at us, but as we continued to relate they could tell we were friends to them. The kids were so real and genuine as they began to experience the love of Jesus as they never had before. My heart broke for them as I saw how much they needed true love. There are tens of thousands of people just like the ones I got to interact with! Being here has really opened my eyes to the need in the world around me. So many people do not understand the love of Christ, but I will do what I can to spread His message.

Jun 14 2008 03:07 PM

Today the teams visted some of the homes of the orphans they will be working with. This was an eye opening experiecence for them.
Tonight the teams will have a time to share stories and learn about specific ways to minister to the Ugandans.
Tomorrow they head to Churches of the families of the orphans.
On Monday they begin VBS with hundreds of the orphans in the camps. They will be working with the same orphans all week developing relationships and showing the love of Jesus.
They are in a more remote area of Zambia and internet access is over 1 hour away.

Jun 14 2008 02:58 PM

Although the Zambia teams do not currently have access to the internet, they have contacted the Global Expedition office to let us know that everyone has arrived safely! They are looking forward to starting ministry and are excited that the time they have been waiting and training for has finally arrived!

Katie's in ZAMBIA!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Rittenhouse) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 17:14:00 +0000

Talked to Katie this morning!!

She was on the ground in Zambia!! Doing well.
It's 7 hours ahead of CDT time there. (It was about 11am our time // 6pm her time)

Today... she spent here first day in the orphanages.
She said it was a real blessing and can't wait to go out again tomorrow.

Praise God she is there!

May He use the entire team to bless the children in Zambia!!!

Trip Itinerary

noreply@blogger.com (Doug Rittenhouse) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 03:44:00 +0000

June 9- June 11
Head to Garden Valley, Texas for your trip’s beginning. Over the next three days you will meet your leaders and team, be trained and prepared for ministry in Botswana, hear some great speakers that will challenge you in your own spiritual walk, and draw close to God through incredible Praise and Worship. You won’t want to forget to call home to let your parents know how everything is going – especially to tell them about Commissioning Night!

June 12
Depart Garden Valley, Texas… you are off to Africa!

June 13
You will fly from Dallas, Texas to Johannesburg, South Africa. After arriving in Johannesburg on the evening of the 13th, you will catch your next flight straight into Lusaka.

June 14
Arrive in Lusaka, set up camp and be ready to hit the town with the gospel after meeting our global partners and getting the last bit of training.

June 15
We will be focusing on some evangelism efforts in town as well as doing some much need work projects on some of the orphan homes.

June 16
Sunday we will attend a local church in Lusaka. Following church, your project will conclude country orientation and perhaps even have a couple hours of free time in the afternoon.

June 17-23
Now hang on as you start your first week of Bible Camp with hundreds of orphans. You and your team will be camp counselors and share the gospel in creative ways through out the week. Your love and investment into this lost generation will change your life and theirs for eternity.

June 24
We have just a short time to recover and to take in some fun activities in town before we gear up for the next wave of orphan students.

June 25
Your leaders will have church with you and cover some life changing subjects that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. We will then have a bit of free time and pack up and drive to our next campsite in Livingstone for our next camp.

June 26 - June 27
Our second week of camp we will be with a new group of orphans and put to work the lessons you learned from the first week.

June 28
Today you will have some time to debrief as a team and country before heading out to travel to your African Safari.

June 29
Get ready for some great viewing of African wild life as you head out to one of the best game parks in Southern Africa.

June 30 - July 1
We have a few days to enjoy the wonders of Africa. Of course, we have to take some time for shopping (animal carvings make excellent gifts and abound in Africa). We will take an overnight Authentic African Safari as well – see lions, giraffes, and much more in their native Africa. Game drive with BBQ lunch and dinner-- What could be better? We will also take some time that evening to reflect on our experiences and share stories and testimonies. That's better.

July 12
We will start with some time with your Global Partners learning some details about ministry and then head out for your first day of ministry right after lunch. That evening your leaders will continue with more equipping to make sure you are ready for the next week.

July 13
You all will attend a local African church and be apart of an energetic worship service that you won’t easily forget. That afternoon we will be back on the base, and maybe do some laundry or enjoy some free time.

July 14-18
Now, you will start your first full week of ministry in your designated informal settlement. There you will see first had the hard core issues facing millions of Africans. Two teams will head out of town to a smaller village for the week and see the more rural side of Africa. Each team we will also have a chance to help do some fun children’s ministry. We will be targeting a section of this massive settlement. A large majority of people are unemployed, so we can expect almost everyone to be around and they will be anxious to visit with us through our translators. We will visit some of the same homes over several days as we truly develop relationships with the people.

July 19
Today we will have some fun time taking in some of the unique African culture and a bit of shopping for those special souvenirs.

July 20
We will attend a local church in the area where we have been working. Our invited friends will be there and we will introduce them to the church pastor and cell group leaders. These new believers will be grounded in the Word and discipled in love as they join this part of the Body and continue in their new life with the Lord. Also bring your camera this day you may get to wrestle with some lion cubs and feed a giraffe.

July 21-26
Now the other teams will head out for some time in the smaller villages while teams based in Joberg continue the home to home and children’s ministry in some of the worst squatter camps in Joberg.

July 27
Again we will attend a local church in the area where we have been working. Our invited friends will be there and we will introduce them to the church pastor and cell group leaders. These new believers will also be grounded in the Word and discipled in love as they join this part of the Body and continue in their new life with the Lord.

July 28
All teams will be focusing on making a lasting impact on our community for our last day of ministry. We will continue to help the local church through follow up and discipleship.

July 29
We have a few days to enjoy the wonders of Africa before we head back to the United States. Of course, we have to take some time for shopping (animal carvings make excellent gifts and abound in Africa). However, before we leave we will want to take an overnight Authentic African Safari as well – see lions, giraffes, and much more in their native Africa. Game drive with BBQ lunch and dinner-- What could be better? We will also take some time that evening to reflect on our experiences and share stories and testimonies. That's better. (Note: Please don't forget to bring $100.00 mandatory for the all-inclusive Safari tour).

July 30
Say good bye to South Africa, but we know many of you will leave your heart there and hopefully return soon. Depart in the afternoon for your flight back to Garden Valley.

July 31-August 1
You will arrive back in Texas for a couple days of debriefing. Enjoy your last few days with your team in Garden Valley as you debrief from this wonderful expedition in Africa.

August 2
Head home on a mission to continue living out your faith everyday; share good stories with your friends and family; and show them all of your cool photos.