A NEW YEAR

IT'S FEBRUARY? Well, Happy New Year anyway. 2009 faded into the past like it was a vapor and I can't help but think of what Solomon said in Ecclesiastes, "One generation passes away, and another generation comes; But the earth abides forever. ... That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which it may be said, “ See, this is new”? It has already been in ancient times before us. There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of things that are to come by those who will come after.
Solomon also wrote in Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
Well that's where we are. We would do well to remember that nothing is new and even as we continue planning what we believe is the direction we are to be moving in, we rejoice (big time) in the fact that it is God who directs us.
Africa Harvest of Hope didn't begin with some well thought out plan. (We're not being self depricating when we say this) we're just stating the fact that we were moved in our hearts to do something, and we are thankful that it is God who directs our steps. We have many plans for 2010 but it would be a good idea to lay them out before Him and everyone who will pray with us as we "plan our way".
First, we ask you, friends and followers of AHOH, to pray for Herbert and Emily and those working at the Children's Home in Korogwe. They have been incredibly busy this last year as well as fighting off the oppressor's darts of illness and trials. Please remember them in your prayers. They have worked diligently to prepare to receive new children into the orphanage and that's not as easy as it may sound. There is extensive red tape they must continually find time to unravel and work through. They also make sure all the children are doing well in their studies and when any of the children are ill they make long treks to the clinics, sometimes in the middle of the night. So many incredible God stories we hear from them (via the phone) we'd love to share...
Second, as you know our first Food Packaging Event was awesome. We're still in awe of what God did that day. So, with that excitement still motivating us, we have set the date for our second event. Details will be up shortly. BIG thank you to Breann Crain our new blog-ett-er for AHOH.
Third, our trip that is coming up in April. Alan and Shannon will be joining 90+ doctors, nurses, dentist, one mom and a landscaper. Not really only one mom but for sure one landscaper. Alan will be a Fundi (handyman) and Shannon will be a cook/nursery worker. Watch out Tanzania. They may need some Pepto after we leave. After a week in Singida with the Medical Missions Team they will be traveling with Herbert and Emily (AHOH Tanzania Team) to Mbozi in the south of the country. After that they will finish the trip with a week at the Children's Home in Korogwe visiting with the team there and sharing with the children and the people in the village what God has put on there hearts. Please pray for a safe and productive trip.
Forth, is an exciting fundraising event that Lauren Mosher from Lifehouse Theater will be putting together. From what we understand this will be a night you won't want to miss. It set for Friday, May 28 at the Fox Theater in Redlands, CA. We'll be sharing more information as the event unfolds.
One more thing to think about; Many people have inquired about going to Tanzania with AHOH. This needs to be something that has been prayed about and seriously thought through. We by no means want to discourage anyone but it needs to be a desire that flows from deep within your heart. This is the only way you can truly be sure it's something you should be doing. We will be putting a team together to go in Late October 2010. If going to Africa to serve is a burden you can't shake let us know. The cost for a two to three week trip is usually about $3,500. We'll sit down with you and share all that is necessary for the trip and we can help you with sponsor letters as well. We've already begun to pray for the team that will be going. If that's you, please be praying for the team as well. God knows who they are.
We opened hardly believing January had already whooshed past and closed with information about the team trip in October. Lord willing, that leaves November and December wherein we will continue to be ever thankful to and for our Savior and all He has accomplished for us in the year of our Lord 2010. God bless you all!
Prayer reminders:
Herbert and Emily Mwaimu and the AHOH Team in Tnzania (Spiritual warfare)
Food Packaging Event, March 27, 2010 (Enough volunteers to package 100,000 meals)
April Trip to Tanzania (For God to lead Alan and Shannon through a safe and productive trip)
Lauren Mosher and the fund raising event to be held Friday, May 28 at the Fox Theater in Redlands, CA (For God to bless her with all she needs as she gives her time to plan this event)