Back Home!

Hello everyone!

We made it back home safe and sound. I know I sort of stopped posting... The last few days were so busy and intense that I just couldn't find the time. Here's what happened the last few days in Africa.

Thursday- July 22, 2010

We woke up and went to Erindi Game Preserve. It was beautiful! It was a good opportunity to rest and relax. We had a game drive that evening; how amazing that God created each of these animals. It was just an awesome experience. Looking out the window to our rooms, we could see all kinds of wildlife- Giraffes, Hippos, Elephants, Crocodiles, Rhinos, and LIONS! It was such a blessing for this time.

Friday- July 23, 2010

We spent the night at Erindi. This morning we woke up and had a game drive at 6:30 am. I am having a hard time putting my experience into words. Some of our team members had an up close and personal meeting with Stompy the Elephant. We got back to the center around lunch time. Today was also the last day of our Kids Club in Five Rand; there were 200+ kids there. Thankfully our whole team was able to help with it. On Friday night there was a youth event at Victory Christian Church. We watched the Blind Side; what a great message in a movie. Percy shared the gospel; he did a great job.

Saturday- July 24, 2010

This was our last full day in Namibia. It was a busy day as well. Louise held a teacher's workshop and Tom held a Discipleship workshop. We also went to Five Rand to watch Hidipo's soccer team; he's really doing a lot for the boys there. On Saturday night, we said our goodbye's to the L.O.N. Team...We had a Braai (it's not a party without the food!) ALSO, we had a face paint party...EVERYONE participated! It was a great time to unwind with everyone and just have a great time.

Sunday- July 25, 2010

Today we went to Victory Christian Church. It is such an up lifting place! After Church we left for the airport.

Thank you for everyone who was part of this team, this is not only the people who went to Africa, but this includes everyone who supported us, those who prayed for us, and those who encouraged us. I have really grown in the Lord through my time in Africa.

Laura Williamson

Day 5 & 6: Praise God!

Hello Everyone,

I am sorry I didn't write about yesterday. I am going to combine both days into one....SO, here I go...

Everyday has been jam packed with things to do. Yesterday, our team was split between doing programs at schools and doing construction. I did a special project at Victory Christian Church; I started painting a mural of Noah's Ark in their Sunday School room. We had our Kid's Club at Five Rand, it was out of control.



The construction finished the second house there as well. Four generations were living within a 8x8x6ft building, on a dirt floor. They are now have a second building that is 21x11x8ft with a concrete floor. The key point of the project wasn't the building, it was Christians performing a labor of love and developing a relationship with the family. Stacy was invited into the existing home to pray for the great grandmother, who was unable to walk. The last day of the project, the workload was so great that the team "left it all at the construction site" (not a memeber of the team had any energy left at the end of the day). It would have been easier to give up and take short cuts, but the team was commited and powered through till the end. The family is so grateful for everything. Praise God for all the work that we are doing; He is just amazing!



Today was another full day. There was a women's Bible study at the Duran's house. I finished up my mural at the church. We also had all the MANLY MEN at the Kid's club in Five Rand. We had about 200 children. We needed their MANLY voices to rise above the crowd; it went smoothly! In the words of Shawn, "What a pretty picture, sweetheart."






After dinner, We all went to Victory Christian Church for a second day of Discipleship training with Hidipo's soccer team. Jon shared the gospel with the boys; it was good. I was sitting by the same boy that I sat with the first night; his name is Matty. As Jon prayed for the boys to personally accept the Lord, I heard Matty whispering the pray along with Jon. I was able to spend a little more time with Matty, and I gave him Louise's Bible (Well, she told me that she had an extra one, it was ok!). Please pray for Matty, his family, and all the boys on Hidipo's soccer team.

Me and My Brother in Christ, Matty :)

Tomorrow we are leaving for Erindi for our Safari, WOOT! WOOT! Gonna see some LIONS!


PRAISE GOD!


I feel like dancing!


Shawn (He Spoke), Louise (She Corrected), & Laura (I typed)

Day 4: A Day of Firsts

Hello All!!

Today was just such an amazing day! So much happened today. The construction group spent the entire day at the site. They tore down a 'house' and are rebuilding one in its place. They are working hard and doing a fantastic job. It is just so amazing what God is doing through us here. So in answer to Adele's request here are some pictures of the construction workers.

The rest of the team did a program at a local elementary school; we told the story of Jonah and the Whale by a skit, sang songs, read a book, and Louise lost her voice. By the way, Chris makes a great Jonah, Percy makes a great whale, and Sandy makes a great boat Captain (in case you ever feel the need to cast them in your next Broadway showing of Jonah and the Whale); the kids love them!! Aimee, our superstar from San Diego, was just amazing at leading the songs; she is so talented. (PS. They LOVE Justin Beiber in Africa...Baby, Baby, Baby, OHHH.) Also, Sandy swallowed a fly; I don't know why she would swallow a fly. The same team also went to Five Rand for the afternoon kids club, which was a bit rowdy, but the kids really enjoyed themselves! I feel like it is making an impact; the kids can just be kids! We were also greeted by the cattle once again...

Tonight, Tom held a discipleship class with Hidipo's soccer team. The boys were of all age ranges, and there were about 25 in attendance. Tom had them break into small group for some discussion, and the class went really well.

On a personal note, I titled this blog "A Day of Firsts" because I have really stepped out of my comfort zone. This morning, I lead devotions...I was extremely nervous. I also shared my testimony tonight with Hidipo's soccer team. Again, I was really nervous, but I left it all up to God. It was definitely Him; there is no way I could have done it on my own. This was a milestone day for me, and I'm loving it!

Praise God!!

Laura

Day 3: Sunday

I am sorry to post this late. When we got back last night I was so tired.

On Sunday, We went to church at Victory. Louise and I taught Sunday School, Tom gave the sermon, and Shawn and Mae Leah gave their testimonies.

After Church, we all went over to Tony and Catherine's house for a Braii (BBQ), and we did devotions. It was a great time of fellowship; the food was fantastic!

Then a small group played tennis, and the rest of us went on a hike up Monkey Mountain. It wasn't too strenuous. When you get to the top, you can see a very far distance. It is just so amazing to see God's art work; it makes me wonder how people can look at something so amazing and not believe. It breaks my heart.

It was just a great day of rest. I am sorry that there aren't any pictures in this issue. It's 8am and everyone is eating breakfast; I scooted away to post so that you would know what was going on.

Laura

Our Second Day: Stoep and Stairs

Hello Everyone back in the States!!!

A lot happened today; Louise held a teacher's workshop. There were about 22 teachers that came from 5 different schools. They were very grateful for the resources that were provided. She shared strategies for teaching English; you must ask her about the "Stoep and Stairs" :)

Tom lead a discipleship class; about 26 people of all ages came to participate. Stacy gave her testimony. The participants were very quiet at first, but all it took was one person to get the ball rolling. It was learning experience.

The construction team finished the house project in Five Rand, . They poured concrete and sealed the holes to make it waterproof; this was done so that the family would not have to sleep on the dirt floor. Now, they are on to their next task.

Some of the ladies did a bit of shopping at the woodcarvers market and the grocery store.

and finished our day with a not so competitive, haha, game of Encore at the Duran's house.

Cabbage is bigger in Africa! Isn't she cute as a bug?

Mae Leah, Bekah, Aimee, and Laura.... later tater tot

First Day of Ministry

We started off the day with devotions; Tom A. did an awesome job leading this morning. We talked about faith, and it helped to overcome any fears we may have had. Then, we met with the Leadership Outreach Namibia team, who we are working alongside. They are truly servants of God. We prepped for our afternoon Kids Club and construction projects.

The enemy is prevalent; before we left, we had car troubles, and... Percy drove and had the ladies push the kombi (van).

At the Kids Club, in Five Rand, we had 50+ kids; we played games, did crafts, taught art, and presented the story of Daniel in the Lion's den through skits and songs. Midway through our Kid's Club we welcomed a herd of cattle to our group. At this point, we aren't sure how the Manly Men did in the construction project. We will keep you posted.

The L.O.N. team along with the Duran's ministry is amazing with not only how they touch lives, but also how they spread God's love. We are excited as tomorrow we are holding one of our first discipleship classes and teacher training.

We are looking forward to see what God has in store for us...

Sandy, Percy, and Laura

We are HERE!

Hello Everyone!!

We made it safe and sound, Praise God! I am extremely tired, so we are off to bed :)

Laura

PS. To those of you who know my fears of flying.... I wasn't so scared! Totally Awesome!

Today's the DAY!

Leaving for the Airport in a few hours. I am so excited! This is going to be an adventure of a lifetime!

Laura

It seemed so far away

Good Afternoon! Well, we are leaving on Tuesday. I've feeling pretty anxious and a mix of other emotions. I wanted to thank everyone for the well wishes and prayers. Today, for me, it has become real; we are going to Africa, to a place we're many people may never see. This is just such an amazing opportunity! I never thought I would be doing something like this, but with God, it is possible.

Below I have posted a prayer calender (in case you missed it at church today, or you live really far away :).

Please Pray for us :)

I will do my best to keep you posted along the way, but for now it is time to get packing!

Laura Williamson

Two Weeks

We are two weeks away from leaving!

Car Wash

Car Wash

Saturday, July 26

8am-2pm

Another opportunity to support our mission trip.

Suggested donation: $10 for passenger cars and small trucks and $15 for SUVs and large trucks.

Youth Auction & Bake Sale

Don't forget tonight is the Youth Auction and Bake Sale. This is a great time to not only support us in our trip, but to support the Youth at LifeBridge Church!

So We'll see you at 6 o'clock!

Help Support our In-Country Ministry

We have a few fundraisers planned!!

Come to Rubio's in Carmel Mountain Ranch
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010
3:00pm- Close
20% of your purchase will help support our in-country ministry!!

Download, Print this flyer, & Take it with you>> http://www.scribd.com/doc/30675273/Life-Bridge-Church-Namibia-2010-Rubios-Fundraiser-2010-05-19-1

Other fundraisers include:
May 12- RB Souplantation
May 27- CMR California Pizza Kitchen

II Timothy 2:2

The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.