A few pictures from Africa

Africa update

God reveals Himself to us in many ways and today, in a small dirt field, in one of many villages in Chikudzulire, His presence was undeniable.

The day started like many, but ended in great celebration. Our team, along with the direction of somebody cares, set out with the task of leading the youth of chikudzulire in building 2 market stands, called hawkers (pronounced ho-kuhs). These stands will enable the community to display and sell the items they have learned to make; soaps, jewelry, hats, totes.

To see the community and teamwork in this group made from about 30 teenage boys and girls was inspiring in itself. They listened intently, encouraged each other, and worked diligently. They laughed and sang as they dreamed together about what the future might hold with this new skill in carpentry. As the first of two stands was completed, the youth burst into celebration. They cheered, laughed, danced, and crowded as many as could fit inside the stand. To say they were beaming barely begins to explain the emotion.

As they continued in their celebration, the clouds rolled in with a beautiful breeze which created the most serene setting in what was moments before, a dry, dusty, mostly empty field. Looking around, there were kids swinging, playing jump rope, kicking soccer balls. The youth were gathered together, working together. The women were crafting and singing. A peace filled the cool air and quieted each of our souls. In the hour that followed, it was clear that the Lord is at work. We could see His joy in the faces of the children, His hope in the singing of the youth.

A new generation is being raised up in the Word of God. Faith and hope in Jesus is changing lives. God is working and He is using the people at Mission and Somebody Cares to provide for the poor, and share His great love. Today, we left humbled, grateful and hopefully transformed.
Today was a gift for us to be a testimony to, and our hearts are overflowing.

Africa Day 1

Check out our church blog @ mission68.org/visionafrica and click on the blog tab. More coming from the Liles soon...

Almost There

We left Phoenix about 30 Hours ago and are now sitting in the airport of Jo-berg, South Africa. We flew directly from Phoenix to London and had a brief 7 hour layover in London. Our group decided to make the most of our time and jumped in a taxi headed to the Windsor castle. It is the oldest and largest castle that is still occupied. The queen spends part of her year there and uses it for entertaining. It was stunning-Our first experience seeing a Castle up close. It was filled with priceless artwork, furniture, swords, jewelry, china and more. It was a quick look into the rich history of the Castle and London. It was an amazing few hours being a tourist and getting to experience something so unexpected.
We are now about to board our final flight into malawi and everything is still surreal. Looking forward to an incredible couple weeks and seeing what God will do through this amazing opportunity...

Almost There

Greetings from our third airport of the day!
We left Phoenix about 30 Hours ago and are now sitting in the airport of Jo-berg, South Africa. We flew directly from Phoenix to London and had a brief 7 hour layover in London. Our group decided to make the most of our time and jumped in a taxi headed to the Windsor castle. It is the oldest and largest castle that is still occupied. The queen still spends part of her year there and uses it for entertaining. It was stunning-Our first experience seeing a Castle up close. It was filled with priceless artwork, furniture, swords, jewelry, china and more. It was a quick look into the rich history of the Castle and London. It was an amazing few hours being a tourist and getting to experience something so unexpected.
We are now about to board our final flight into malawi and everything is still surreal. Looking forward to an incredible couple weeks and seeing what God will do through this amazing opportunity...