Fun Time

Great opportunity for meeting more people from the community at last weekend's soccer match. We'd

taken Easter eggs thinking younger kids would be there, but it was mainly teens and young men, so
we'll hand them out next time we head out there. We're so looking forward to the land problem being
solved so we can spend more time amongst our neighbors, getting to know them better and showing
them how much Jesus loves them.

It was dark once we reached the rental where fellow romm-mates, Arlyn and Maria Koopmans, and their friend Dan, from Canada greeted us. I seetld in and sent right to sleep. Waking the next day, I looked out over an expansive valley of sugar cane that sloped up to a circle of mountains...gorgeous! We drove over to the property where the construction of our home is and discovered a beautiful view from there as well. This is a lovely country. During the time Brian came to get me trouble arose concerning this property. Some disgruntled relation of the person we bought it from is wanting to lay claim to it, so things have stopped for the moment until it can be resolved. Satan is doing his best to get us to throw our hands us. We ash for your continued prayers as we face more frustrations.

Psalms 37:7-9 7
Be still before the LORD
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For those who are evil will be destroyed,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

Tammie Arrived

I arrived at the Jo'burg airport being told by customs that my intended stay was too lng. After I assured them that I was traveling through SA to Swaziland and then returning to SA for my departure, they stamped my passport. I proceeded to get my bag and look for Brian out in the main terminal. I noticed his long hair and goatee right away as well a couple other familiar faces. Donnie and Naida Harrington from VA, who had just arrived in a plane prior to mine and Brian had spotted them in the crowd. As big as this earth is, "it's a small world"! We were able to spend the weekend with Brian's mom and dad and had a "braai" (cookout) with a couple of his sisters and their family. Traveling through South Africa was beautiful, but as we approached the mountainous region of Swaziland it was even more so. Thank you Lord, for safe travels!

Going Up

God's timing is perfect. The problem is remembering that when time schedules aren't met according to "our" plans. We had hoped to have the first dwelling completed before the new year, but due to the complications of the initial property and relocating to our current property the building got started later and then we found ourselves facing weeks of rain that slowed the process even further. Thankfully with the labor of a small crew of Swazis, team members: Sean and Nicole, Arlyn and Maria, visitors: Drew, Tate and Wesley we have a good bit of clearing done, fencing, and are at the roofing stage.

Our goals for the future remain in tact regarding building, fish ponds and agricultural projects, but as always our priority is the people. Building deeper relationships with those who have been put before us and growing in faith of a God who sent His son to be our Savior.

Your prayers, donations and encouragement are a blessing to the work and to us. Thank you!

Welcome Koopmans

Arlyn and Maria arrived in Swaziland yesterday. We are so happy that they're there. Brian was stalled with proceeding with construction due to a week of rain and is ready to de done with the "busy work" and ready to focus on the relationships with the people.

Keep the Koopmans in your prayers as they recoup from the long travels to get to Swaziland and as they adjust to a new place, language and life. Welcome aboard, Guys!

Visitors Update

"The trip was awesome! Loved every minute of it. The work was hard, the company was great, and I truly believe that Brian is going to do a great ministry. Africa is an interesting place;  I had never been to the continent and it was awesome to be able to experience it with people that are familiar with the environment. I look forward to going again!" ~Drew Cleveland~

Drew, Tate, Wesley

Fencing the Property

Taking a Break

Campsite

Happy New Year

Praying that you all had a wonderful celebration at Christmas and, as we begin a New Year, that Christ be our focus for all we do and say.

The year ended in Swaziland with work on the house getting up 9 rows of block high.

A connection has been made with workers, neighbors, kids passing the property on their way to school,  and fellow believers; and friendships are being formed.  We thank God for the opportunities placed before us and that we are being welcomed by the neighborhood.

Brian was back in the USA for all the family gatherings over the holidays and is now gearing up to head back into Swaziland for the long haul.  Tammie will be joining him there for a season after her trip to Gautemala to accompany Keely Williams, a new team member for the MannaDR work, at language school.

Thank you for your prayers.  Please continue to pray for this new work as we are aware that Satan is always roaming, looking to destroy.