Adventure Soccer

A sudden reminder of the battle we are in as the news of our good friend Eric's injury trickled in.  Eric is Swazi & is instrumental in the success of the soccer camps that are held for Swazi children across the country.  He works very closely with our missionary friends Doug & Tasha Myers.  Recently, the very first Swazi run soccer camp was held with Eric directing it...a huge milestone for the ministry.  Today he lost his left hand in a brick building accident on a new church project.  Tragic.  Praying that God will use this injury for His purpose & that His unending peace and comfort will overtake Eric and his family in this time. 

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So much talk of New Years resolutions....  This year I committ to being the light in the darkness, the comfort during sadness, the solution amongst problems, humble in the face of my own pride & ego.  Lord help me to be the light as I follow You! 

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On this Christmas night, may our hearts prepare Him room.  May our lives reflect His love. 

A very Merry Christmas to you & your family on this very special day,
Matt

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Happy Thanksgiving!

In one of our homestead visits, our team packed supplies up a hillside to a small cluster of mud sided shacks.  We were told that a larger family lived there with many kids & that the father was very ill.  They were in need of basic supplies & food.  As we approached, we spotted at least six young kids gathered around the boiling water pot seasoning the water with pinches of dirt.  The father sat on a nearby log, unable to tend to the fire.  His leg was horribly swollen but his eyes welcomed us as he gestured to us to come closer.  The children drew in as well as they realized that the bags of maize(corn) & rice were for them.  We left all of our remaining supplies with that family that day.  They were grateful & we were heart broken.

I asked if we could pray with him for healing in his sick body.  He replied "Yes...but please pray for my children.  I am frightened that they will be all alone when I pass.  Who will care for them?"

We prayed that day, laying our trembling hands on his leg & touching the small heads of his children.  I am thankful today for that opportunity.  I am thankful for my beautiful wife & children.  I am thankful for my health.  God has blessed me.  

That was 18 months ago in Big Bend, Swaziland.  I received a photo recently with a report on his condition.  God has blessed him...as He has all of us.  He is there to walk with us & support us in every trial & challenge we face in life.  Our friend in Big Bend continues to fight & enjoy life with his children.  My prayer today is that you enjoy the gift of your family this Thanksgiving Day.  Happy Thanksgiving!

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.  His love endures forever."  Psalm 118:29

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A small girl was found in the hospital parking lot in Mbabane, Swaziland with a few items in her small hands.  In one hand she held her health records card.  In the other a small piece of bread.  She had been left there...abandoned.  

Her sad story begins to change at this point.  A phone call to Robin Pratt, director of the Sandra Lee Centre orphanage in Mbabane, & the process would begin.  Abandoned, abused & HIV positive, her new life with her new family started that day.  A life with a bright hope for a future.  Her new mother & new siblings were waiting.

This is why we support Leadership for Africa & the Sandra Lee Centre in Swaziland, Africa.  The shocking stories can be turned into something beautiful.  Your support of Adventure Soccer has helped to impact hundreds of lives here in our own communities & in Swaziland.  Thank you!

Today, this young girl has experienced a loving touch & self worth for the first time.  She happily attends school & receives the medication she needs to suppress the HIV.  I encourage you to take the time to get to know these kids at Sandra Lee Centre through their website.  http://sandraleecentre.org/Kids.aspx  Each child has a short bio that I am certain will inspire you to continue to serve here & possibly in Swaziland some day!

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