Change Their Story update!

We are overjoyed at how God has led many to give toward our goal of raising $11,000 for a well for Lesibovu. We have a matching donor, and if we can get to that number, the expenses of digging and placing a well at our CarePoint will be completely covered. Our desire and prayer is that God will provide the funds soon so that it will not be many more months of hauling water and drinking contaminated water for the people at Lesibovu. On our next trip to Swaziland in June, I would love to see a well functioning in that community.

 

Lastly, enjoy these before and after photos of how your giving is impacting this community. The first photo we took on the trip in 2012, of some sticks in the ground that marked off the proposed kitchen area. There was no roof, and when we were there this past summer, on a rainy day, we were struck by the idea of these sweet ladies cooking out in the elements. Until that moment, we had never thought about the cold, rain, and heat that they endure daily to cook for over 100 children. We left money when we were in country for the kitchen to be completed, and today, it is done. Walls protect children from toddling into the fire, and keep animals out of the way, while a roof protects the bomake from being rained on or baked in the hot sun that is present this time of year.

These photos remind me that we are investing. We are making a difference. We are not just sending money and hoping it helps. We are doing things that make a real, practical change in the Swazis' daily lives, and that type investment is powerful. The kitchen, the shoes bought for 160 kids - those things give hope!! They represent a relationship between Lesibovu and our community here in the US, who are their partners in this life, and who are wanting to show Jesus' love to those who are learning that they are valued and important.

We have two days left to raise funds as part of Change Their Story! If you have contemplated giving, or have any questions, please let me know. You can go to this link to directly donate right now: http://tinyurl.com/lesibovuchange. We have had donations of change received from many children over months that has added up to hundreds of dollars. We have a church family selling magazine bead bracelets to try and reach the goal - set by their children! - of $1,000 to donate to the well. Other families collected funds instead of giving gifts at Christmas, or just donated generously from their personal accounts or business fund so that now our total is over $6,000! We are over halfway there, so please pray that God continues to bless and provide. Thank you for giving already! We are so grateful and encouraged.

Super Duper Awesome Swazi News!

What a joyful Monday this is! I was notified officially today that Lesibovu has received a matching grant by the awesome non-profit 3for5. 

They will pay for HALF of the cost of putting in a well at Lesibovu!! This means we have to raise much less money. Every $1 we earn, donate, or raise becomes $2!! Though $11,000 seems like a daunting figure, it can be done as we have seen God work in many other circumstances already to provide for the CarePoint.

If you are considering a donation as year-end giving, any amount you give will help us to reach our goal of $11,000, and then that will be doubled by 3for5! I know of families already choosing to collect funds instead of exchange gifts for Christmas and that is one way you can help. You can also join our Change Their Story campaign here.

We need additional team members and have a few weeks left to make a real difference in our fund raising by requesting that people give NOW, before December 31st, if they would like the tax deduction. Please consider joining us, sharing on Facebook, emailing friends, and talking to those you know about the need for clean water at Lesibovu, and how we can work together to meet this goal. I am praying God uses those who are willing to join in this effort. I'd love to see it completed by the time we travel back in June! Will you please pray about that with us? Thank you friends!