From the Field

The kids have enjoyed watching America Ninja Warrior and so a discussion about an obstacle course turned into the idea of wanting to construct a rock wall for the kids to climb up.  So last weekend the kids, Megan and my left hand worked on constructing a rock wall structure for the kids to play on.  Once it was finished, the kids have enjoyed climbing on the wall, even Madison enjoyed trying to climb up the wall.
Source: Rock Wall Construction from Erin Meier – Asia Pacific

Let’s be honest. We all have one of “those” weeks sometimes. The week where you get a speeding ticket, you lose something important or you just don’t have the energy. It’s been one of those weeks for us. The traffic police have been ruthless, our brakes on the truck started leaking, we ran out of water at our house, we hit a snag with a project that should not be a problem and our kids seem to be on an out-of-school-boredom-so-we-are-going-to-argue-nonstop kind of kick. But, in the midst of frustration, it has also been a week full of blessings. We have a Work and Witness team of 11 from PointLoma Nazarene University (PLNU) ministering with us in Lubumbashi. Nine people were baptized, four of which were on the PLNU team. We were able to spend some quality time with a family from the kids’ school we have wanted to get to know better. A neighbor down the street shared water from his well with us. We are all in good health and our vegetable garden starting sprouting. And, as in previous years, after a group of university students spend time with our kids, they are convinced that college will be the best place ever. These are the weeks we have to hold on the tightest to God’s Word. “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5b NLT) “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”…
Source: Finding Blessings in the Midst of Frustrations from Fothergill – Africa

Just hours before delivery, an ultrasound revealed that her baby wasn’t going to be okay, her baby had developed early one, without a brain.  A few hours later, her baby was born and the love between a mother and her baby was just as evident in her as it was in any of the other new moms.  She held her baby, feeding her, loving her and caring for her like everyone else.  The fact that her baby wasn’t going to live very long didn’t matter.  Each day when I would see them, I would ask how she was doing and the mom or grandma would smile and say everything was well, and it was well.  Lineth was blessed with a baby, and she loved that baby and trusted God to see her through each day, and I know He will. I wish my love could come that easy, without any reservations, hesitations, expectation or desire of being loved in return.  I wish I could have God’s love, just like this mother showed, love for each of us no matter what our response to that love is, and be willing to give it all for someone else, just like God gave Jesus to us.  For me, this is a picture to remember.
Source: A mother's love from Erin Meier – Asia Pacific