Africa Feb. 16

Hola Amigos!

Hello from South Africa…yes, I’m back here again. It’s been a hectic few weeks since the Holidays. Just have a look at my travel schedule on the right and that should pretty much fill you in on things. Now that I’ve made it back to Africa I feel like I can finally hear myself, and God a bit more clearly. I suppose I shouldn’t be that surprised, that so much of the “white noise” disappears. For me, there aren’t nearly as many things to demand my attention – distractions that trick me into thinking that they will actually give me life or restore my soul.

A STORY OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS.
In the midst of the hectic schedule, I’ve been really privileged to see God’s faithfulness to me…Particularly with this trip to Africa. Financially it was tight, so I didn’t really feel like it would be wise or that I was to risk putting this trip on a credit card. Then, out of the blue, a friend of Houston, rather unexpectedly, donated almost exactly the amount I needed for the flight! Living life on the edge of God’s great adventure is scary and fulfilling all at the same time. I’m blown away when things like this happen. To be honest, I don’t really have the words. Thank you just doesn’t feel adequate. Especially, in the midst of so much economic struggle across America. The simple fact that someone went against the advice of so many and gave generously and extravagantly is a reflection of God’s heart for His people.

To top things off…my flight from London to Johannesburg was canceled until the following day due to the about 2 inches of snow. (Seriously, 2 inches!) Anyway, a day and half in Heathrow Airport isn’t exactly my idea of a fun time. Fortunately, I’ve got “people”. My good friend Ken from New Haven was flying in from the USA the same time and was being picked up by our close mutual friend, Johnny, who lives in London. So I ended up in a warm home with friends, good food, and a warm bed – Many thanks to Johnny, Lisa, Pete and Gabi!

I’m always amazed how God shows His faithfulness to me…via His people.

Much Love,
David

PS. By the way, London is really beautiful in the snow!

A New Year - Jubilee?

Hello Friends!

Happy New Year! Can you believe we are 3 weeks into 2009?!

Most have us have probably been keeping up with the news and realize that the word “recession” is what is being used to describe our current economic situation. We’ve all seen the “for sale” signs on homes. We all have heard of, or experienced, a recent job loss. And there’s not much talk of an up swing in the near future. I guess this isn’t much reason to look forward to the new year. And we’ve all probably wondered if it will actually be “happy” at all!

In times like these the natural thing to do is simply hunker down and survive. It’s simple dollars & cents preservation. However I keep thinking, what would Jesus do in a recession? Would he just weather the storm or would he be even more radical? Would he give more? Would he share more of his food, his life, his time, his energy? Would he feed more hungry people? Would he heal more sick people? I somehow think Jesus was The Great Revolutionist and would move in the opposite spirit of the times. After all when everybody wanted him to be a military hero and liberate a nation, he instead hung out with little unknown nobody’s – the under belly of Jewish culture – beyond simple prostitutes and cheaters, but also a known terrorist (Simon, the Zealot). The upper crust wasn’t exactly in his entourage. He was just a carpenter. Probably scruffy and bearded (sort of like me at the moment). He didn’t really seem to come off as the guy trying to get his hands on the levers of power.

So it stands to reason, that in a time when the instinct is to fortify our lives and survive this time of perceived lack I would venture to say that Jesus would be even more generous! Over and over thru the story of God and his people, the most opposite solution seemed to win.

So here’s what I propose - my new years resolution of sorts - to be more generous that ever before. And I would love you to hold me to it. Not just with my time or energy, but with everything – yes, even money. We all need to trust God, whether we raise our own finances or we have a steady paycheck.

Yes, it’s scary. But we serve a generous God. So, do we have a deal?

Much Love,
Dave

Hello Friends!

Merry Christmas to you all! Hope this find you well. I've posted my year end letter to sum up how this year has been - and what a year it's been! In addition to our project, Ten Thousand Homes, caring for around 200 orphans in South Africa, we've also launched a new website and put out a new video.

I've posted the video on the blog...it's to the right. Or you can check it out on youtube...HERE

Also, you can check out our new website: www.tenthousandhomes.org. We're still working out some of the kinks, but it's available. We hope you like it.

And one more little whistle on this fancy blog....If you click on the letter below you can see it in a larger format. Gotta love technology sometimes.

THANK YOU!
I really appreciate all you. Each of you has given and contributed in some way. I hope you know that I wouldn't be able to do this without you. Thank you for believing in me and God's heart for Africa's orphans.

Merry Christmas,
David

PS. If you're interested in giving, all contributions are tax deductible.