#zimbabwetrip

Sorry we haven't blogged for a few days, but since I'm now having to do everything coz of all the invalids I don't have much time to sit quietly & write! :) Amazing how much we rely on both hands working to do things in life. The EQUIP was amazing. God was indeed threading everything together. The worship was fantastic & God spoke clearly through the folk who taught. Rich & I had the privilege of teaching together which was great fun. What an amazing bunch of guys we work with in Zim. We so loved meeting new people, connecting with old friends & making new friends. The fellowship times have been so satisfying. It has delighted us to watch our 4 kids grow in this time, all 4 were dancing much better during the worship! As well as seeing them interact with so many different people at different levels. This afternoon we got to pet lion cubs. We managed to stay intact :) We leave for SA tomorrow morning. We'll miss this nation, it's a beautiful place but we're excited to be coming home! Lots of love from us all xx

Well! Today we had an unplanned adventure.... We went on an elephant ride as a family. We were merrily tramping through the african bush when 1 of the ellies got grumpy & heaved itself into the back of Rich & John's. They were hanging on but the impact was severe & ended up falling off. Rich hung onto John & tried to take most of impact to protect him. The result was to broken left arms. God went before us the entire time. It's a long story for an sms but there was HUGE evidence of God's presence. From the way they landed, to the doctor & specialist who were miraculously available, to the owners of ellies who have been amazing, to the community here who have helped, to all of u who prayed for us. THANK U for your care, your love, your support. It's at times like this when the going gets tough that one sees the beauty of fellowship, friendship & community. We so appreciate each one of you. Hopefully we can be part of the EQUIP tomorrow! Lol xx

Greetings from Botswana! We spent yesterday morning @ the launch of Mochudi church plant which is lead by Elson & Judith. They were planted out from Church for All Nations, Gabarone. It was a special time of celebration & many of the congregation were baptised by the Holy Spirit. It was a privilege to minister along side good friends. Elson & Judith were also on church planters with us 3 years ago. It was also exciting to see God using Emma to bring prophetic encouragement to others. We're now driving to Gweru, Zim via Francistown. Botswana is a hot, dry, flat country! :) but beautiful people. The Zim Equip starts tomorrow afternoon. We're looking forward to seeing old friends again from Zim. Lots of love from us all xx

We've arrived safely in Gabarone after a 11 hr journey. All 5 of us were subjected to Rich's insistance of travelling the 'scenic route' after driving thru Villiers. We went via interesting places like Grootpan, Swartruggens & Ventersdorp to name a few! I never realised these places existed, nor knew I needed to know about them :) Rich was so happy going the less travelled route! Sadly we were unable to listen to the CD a couple of the NHC'ers recorded for him - their rendition of 'Shaka Zulu - payback time'!! We're looking forward to staying with Peter & Leanne Bell tonight and catching up with them. Thanks for all your prayers and birthday wishes to Rich. The L-O tribe xx

Just come off the lake & now on our way back 2 Lion's Den 4 the night. Saw a pride of lion along the banks this morning, what a treat! We'll be packing up & heading south early 2moro morning, arriving home either sat or sun. Lookin 4ward 2 cooler weather!

Howdy from lake Kariba! Back with comms again. Spent an amazing 3 days teaching, preaching in Tonga fishing villages. Showed the Jesus movie to 2 villages which has been translated in2 Tonga. Ppl were amazed & impacted by gospel. Saw many salvations & healings. Wow! Had special times of ministry here amongst all of us on the boat as well as in the villages. God has led us day-by-day. On top of all this, been blessed by fantastic sightings of elephants, crocs, hippo's & birds. Had a 5 hr boat trip 2day, about 2 stop. Got 1 more village 2 visit 2nite & 2moro. Much love from the L-O tribe xx

Spent y'day travelling across Kariba dam. What a life! On very large boat with 10 adults & 4 kids. Stopped in middle of dam 4 a quick swim 2 cool down, serious adrenaline rush! Had 2 keep our imaginations in check all the time. Later went fishing amongst ellies, crocs & hippo's 4 2nite's dinner. Em caught a tiger fish...go girl! Off 2 villages now 2 meet with chiefs & preach. Loving being part of God's work here, what an enormous privilege! xx

Yesterday was final day of GTT. Was another very significant day in the lives of leaders who came. God used the truth of His word, the power of personal testimony & the anointing of His Holy Spirit 2 impact people powerfully. Very special time. We're now off 2 Kariba dam 4 the week 2 join friends (bruce & sue douglas) who are involved in lakeshore ministry 2 Tonga tribes along the lake. We'll be living on the boat 4 a week. We're all very excited 4 the next chapter of our adventure. Not sure if we'll have comms on the lake. Love the L-O tribe xx