Answered prayers...

OK, I'm going to share a lesson that God has taught me through Ntshongweni, being here 5 times and having my heart here for 5 years.  Whatever we pray for that brings glory to God will happen.  The Bible says so...

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (John 15:7, 8 NIV)

Here are four examples of many Africa experiences that give me faith in this promise:

1) Jessica and I weren't sure if we were going to come to Ntshongweni this year. A move and related expenses had us doubting.  We made a decision a couple of months ago to skip renovations to our 1962 "new" house and come back to Africa.  The next day our boat sold and we had financial comfort in coming and being able to help.  Then we prayed for God to guide our efforts.  It became abundantly clear what we needed to do and God provided plenty of resources and more...  See below, the Mission Stitches at our Methodist facing church in Jacksonville Beach provided us with handmade dolls and dresses for the kids.  A friend at work provided beanie babies for the orphans.  God provided the resources to bring glory to Him through answered prayer.

2) The Gumede family boys- Nhlanhla, Sisle and Nkululeko.  We pray for God to reveal the people most in need and the means to help them.  These three orphans lost their father in 2006 and mother in 2009.  Their house fell into disrepair and they had to move into a mud structure with dirt floors and a leaking roof on relatives land.  These boys caught the attention of their principal and our two missionaries Ginger and Zeal were asked to help them.  With the help of God and sponsors in America, their new house on their parents land is built and painted on the inside.  More importantly, the boys went from shy quiet orphans to hopeful and joyful boys.  The oldest had moved to Greytown to find work and is now back working locally and helping his brothers build a better life and be an example for Ntshongweni.  These boys are inspirational.  The photos below show the youngest getting instruction from Pastor Thwala and Jessica on how to paint.  It was a priceless moment.  Imagine the youngest was 6 or 7 when both parents were gone, what a blessing to see him learning lessons from Pastor and Jessixa.  Answered prayer for God's glory.

3) The Mzobe family.  A grandfather who is 78 living with his two daughters and their children.  Through much prayer by many people this worthy family is getting a new home to God's glory.  You can see below that their home is in very poor condition.  6 fatherless kids live here that are amazing.  We went to the girls school yesterday and met with their principal who bragged about how they recently won a major reading award.  Then we met their 4 year old brother Sisle who had drawn a dinosaur on the ground that was amazing- he's 4.  I couldn't hold a crayon when I was 4.  Then the sisters proudly shared his drawing notebook with the group and it was Picasso type art.  Answered prayer for God's glory.

4) The Ndlovo family is doing amazingly well.  Nombusa on the left is over halfway into her University schooling and doing well. She will have a 6 month internship soon.  Next is Nozipo who finished earning a certificate to work in a nursing home and is finding employment now.  Phili on the right is the orphan that took these girls and their families into her own home when they lost power and all of their windows were broken out.  Phili's home picture is shown below and now she has a renovated home and new hope.  Answered prayer for God's glory.

I challenge you to pray for God's glory, open your heart to opportunities that present themselves and watch what happens.  It's truly miraculous.  Special thanks to everyone who prays for these orphans in Ntshongweni, South Africa.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 NIV)