New bus and 3 ton truck!

Here is a picture of the new 'used' Van for the Project we were able to buy with the funds ($9519.58) you wired. Choolwe went to Durban, South Africa last week and delivered it to us last night. Praise God! It can seat at least 7-8 persons!!!

The Canadians also sent us $9800 and we have managed to purchase a new 'used' 3 ton truck for the farm. God is so good !!!

The Farm truck was badly needed to be used as the main vehicle by the Agriculture department. It will be used for ferrying produce to and from the markets as well as transporting seed and other necessary supplies. Choolwe Moono is a local motor vehicle dealer that helps us find good values on vehicles.

“God is so good… and all the time.” This is a saying a very good friend says to me often by way of encouragement. I was again reminded of God’s goodness when Joshua preached at my church, Cascade Community, in June. Joshua urged us - Western Christians to “live radically for God”. He taught that once Jesus is a part of your life and living on the ‘inside,’ He has the right to rearrange your internal furniture. In other words, let God be the one who leads you, who defines your priorities, who arranges your life for you. It’s not a comfortable way to live but the right way to live – fully surrendered to Christ. This is 100% in line with what God has been leading our pastor, Nate Hettinga, to teach us. Our church has a vision and a mission to live Inside Out – God and others centered.

For me personally this journey began to take shape with the coming of my 30th birthday. I began to dream of what I could do to celebrate. The more I dreamed the more extravagant my plans became and, of course, the dollars just kept adding up.

I asked God to give me an idea of what would be most satisfying because I knew what I was dreaming of would be empty. He answered me and gave me the idea to support a child. My husband and I were very excited to pick a child, pray for this child, and support the ministry of the Lazarus Project Orphan Fund. My excitement continued to grow for reaching the orphans of Zambia.

I had the privilege of meeting with Joshua and Bill Snyder (a friend of Joshua’s and Cascade’s head elder) to talk about how Cascade could support the project. I learned that there was a desperate need for a vehicle to transport the street kids to the orphanage and simply to get from place to place. I shared this excitement and opportunity with Cascade Church. “If 1000 of us gives $10 then we can raise enough money for a vehicle.” This amount was so attainable for almost everyone. I am proud to say that my church rose to the occasion and we were able to give a significant amount towards buying a vehicle. Is God done? No, not yet! I am eagerly waiting for his direction on how we can continue to support the Lazarus Project.

Update on the corn grinder

"Thanks again for your help in raising money for the corn grinder. We could not do what we do without the help of so many wonderful people such as you. We raised a total of $1733.29. We had estimated the corn grinder would run around $2000. When the actual bids were mailed to the Bishop and his wife, they were considerably higher than we had anticipated. Our estimate to purchase in Africa was about $5000 short! We all started to pray for God's guidance with this dilemma. A few days later, Bishop Joshua got word from UNICEF that they had purchased a corn grinder for the orphanage, and it would be assembled at the end of August. So, as you read this email a Corn Grinder is a reality. We praise God for providing."

"That still left $1733.29 raised originally for the corn grinder! Just a few minutes ago, I got off the phone with Gladys in Africa. She said the boys are in bad need of uniforms for school that starts next week, and asked if they could use the money to buy the uniforms. I remember from being there that the children are required to wear uniforms to attend school in Africa and only about a dozen of the boys had uniforms and even some of them had no shoes! With the $1733.29, all 60 boys will have uniforms and shoes to wear to school. This is a huge thing. It was so clear that God saw a need, and thanks to you, each boy will be in school with his new uniform getting an education. The great thing is, they have their corn grinder and uniforms too! Kind of gives you goose bumps, doesn't it? Thank you and God bless you."

For an update on progress at the orphanage and our goals for the New Year, visit the Goals page.

LPOF founders visit the orphanage!
More on the Orphans page.

"We went to the Lazarus Project today. It was so strange, I felt like I had been there before. I am sure it is due to the pictures that Don and Bill brought me. I was able to talk with a couple of the on campus teachers. They told me about how they are testing the new street kids to determine what grade level they fall into. They also said they had teachers on site up to the 7th grade and from then on the orphans would be bussed off campus to complete high school. After that The Lazarus Project would help them get grants for college or teach them a trade to enable them to move out on their own, but if they didn't make it on their own, they would always be welcomed back to the orphanage. There are currently over 60 orphans. They range from 7 to 18 years old. It takes about three weeks for the children to adjust after being rescued from the streets. They come in scared, feeling closed in and not used to being told what to do. Usually after three weeks, or so, they start trusting people and enjoying having food. They really like school! They now have uniforms that they are required to wear to school - blue shirts, black ties and black slacks. They love having uniforms. It makes them feel respectable."