Connecting with Lesibovu - Part 2: Local vs. International Missions

I love how as Jesus is preparing to leave the disciples at the Transfiguration, and prepares them for the Holy Spirit's coming, that they ask a question of Him. They're anxious to know when His kingdom will be established and  Jesus tells the disciples that only His Father knows the time. Then, He tells them - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

An issue I wanted to address after hearing it mentioned a few times lately regards concern for local giving versus supporting foreign missions. The questions haven't been asked critically, but honestly, and I certainly do appreciate folks wanting to know how we can invest time and heart into a community across the ocean, when there are so many needs here in our own town. Our team is fully aware of local ministry opportunities, and thankfully, everyone who is serving on the Lesibovu Leadership Team already ministers within their respective churches or community.

Here are a few of the ministries in which our team already serves:
monthly feeding and visiting with homeless men at The Firehouse Shelter in Birmingham, working with a Chilton County based Ukrainian orphan-hosting ministry, pastoring a youth group, leading a college group Bible study, involvement in adoptive family ministry, leading adult small group Bible studies, and many more. The folks who are encouraging sponsorship of these children at Lesibovu already have shown their heart for giving to others here in our own Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria.

We do not intend to place the lives of African children above the needs of homeless men in Birmingham, or children in our own church's preschool ministry. They are all equally as needy for the love of Jesus, the power of hope, forgiveness, and the Truth of the Gospel.


However, there IS a difference. Here in Alabama, (especially the county in which we live) we have a pretty safe, easy-access to food/shelter/clothing world, even for those in need. There is public assistance for those who need food, shelter, and medical care. Even in rural areas, we are not far from churches with food pantries, social services that offer help with any area of need, and government programs designed to help those who are hurting or vulnerable. For children without parents or a stable home life, there is the Department of Human Resources, and they handle finding foster homes for orphaned or abandoned children temporarily, or even permanently. I know, because my son came into my family through this system. It works. He was never without care, and I am so grateful! I have a dear friend ("T") who grew up as an adolescent and teen in the foster system in another state. T's story is hard, and filled with pain. God beautifully redeemed those years and gave her a foster family that she says changed her life forever.

When we first discussed sponsorship, T was passionately concerned, hearing stories of neglect, abuse, and abandonment facing orphans in Swaziland. She was appalled at the dire circumstances many, many children face there, and was determined that her family would sponsor a child. A few days after we talked at length about Swaziland, she texted me late at night: 

"I just had a big revelation. BIG. I've always wondered why people go outside the US to adopt and for orphan care. Because I was a foster kid, my heart has always been here. It never EVER occurred to me that these kids have no advocate or no systems in place to care for them. Had I been somewhere like Swaziland, I may not be alive."

That is what drives us. We know there are instances where our system does fail, here in the U.S., but when is there no hope for an American baby to have care or a family? In Swaziland, it is the norm for children to go without. Their situation is dire. The UN Development Program says that this country will very likely be extinct by 2050 without dramatic intervention, due to the prevalence of HIV, poverty, and malnutrition.

The good news is that we know of the situation, God has given us much that we can share and so there IS hope. People with resources and education can make a difference. One very simple way to do that is through sponsorship. It doesn't cost much, and it multiplies greatly when your contribution is combined with the others from our Lesibovu community. Please consider how you can minister "the to end of the earth" by giving monthly to one of these beautiful children.

Ncobile, F12

Snakekelo, M2

Banele, M8

Let's start at the very beginning...

....a very good place to start. This is the first blog entry from two girls, Alli and Jennifer, who are sometimes silly, usually easygoing, sometimes serious, and who passionately love God and people. We have never done a joint blog before, so bear with us as we learn. This first post is to explain why this blog even exists and what God is doing in our lives.

Almost two years ago, we met a sweet lady named Amy McAdams. She was a wife, mom of three girls, and a good friend to one of our mutual friends. She just so happened to be planning a move with her family to Swaziland, Africa, to serve as a missionary. A friendship was born over stories of the Swazi people, pink lemonade and tacos, and many conversations and online chats since her move in September of 2010. After many talks about how people here in the US need to know of the great need of the Swazi people for Christ, and much prayer, we knew we should go on a short-term trip to minister to these people. First we checked into going with a local team from our area to serve the Swazi people, alongside the McAdams and fellow missionaries, the Clyburns. However, the trip length itself was too great for either of us to commit due to our husband's work schedules and our need for childcare (for our total of seven kids) while we are gone.

God completely worked out another option and we have been approved and encouraged to come - just the two of us. We will be gone for a week, which will seem way too short a time, we know. But right now, that is all we are able to do, and we know that even this brief trip will be something God can use. We have great hopes that He is already working to prepare us, and the people we will encounter, so that we can share His wonderful love with the people in Swaziland, as well as encourage and love on our friends.

The purpose of this blog is to share our journey - from the planning stages of a short-term missions trip, all the way through the days we spend in Africa, and then our return home - and will hopefully be an avenue to glorify the Lord for His amazing provision and guidance.

Feel free to subscribe to stay updated on these weeks ahead. Thank you for reading!

Loving God and His people,
Alli and Jennifer