My Fortress

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock,
in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2

When we first considered moving to Swaziland, as well as throughout
the entire process, the safety of our children was first priority.
Where would we live? Would we be persecuted? Accepted? Safe? We love
our children greatly and consider them in everything we do here. But
even with boundaries, safety precautions, life lessons, and family
meetings God ultimately has His way of doing things.

Last Sunday Lindsay caught a ride home from church with two of her
friends. Through no fault of the driver, they were all in a serious
car accident. A tire on the car blew out coming down the mountain
highway to our home in the valley. The car veered right and struck a
cement guardrail rolling over a few times only to land on its roof and
slide many meters to a stop. The driver and Lindsay fared well with
only minor cuts, scrapes, bruises and "eggs". The other friend injured
his head and arms but is doing well.

As the car collided with the wall Lindsay was thrown to the floor.
While the car was spinning and flipping she hung to the front seat
belt holder knowing if she was thrown from the car she'd be dead.
After the accident she quickly removed herself from the scene due to
the dangerous position on the highway. God is good! Lin was smart!

We as parents often wonder why things like this happen. Why were we
assaulted and attacked at our home, why we have had previous
accidents, injuries, and sickness. Why this now, Lord? We can ask and
maybe we'll get an answer. More importantly God has a plan in
everything. It's hard to accept that when it comes to your children.
He is our refuge and deliverer in near death experiences and those
that bring us to our rightful home with Him.

Thank you for praying for us. It has been felt and seen. Continue to
pray for our safety. Pray for Lindsay's ever growing testimony of the
goodness of God and that lives would be changed. And rejoice with us
for God extending His mercy.

We love and miss you all.

Danny, MaryAnn, Lindsay, Olivia, Sophia and Jude Makaphile

God the Redeemer

"The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous." - King Solomon

A few weeks back I had the privilege of meeting 5 year old Lungelo.
He was sick with a virus and extremely dirty
considering he lives on a homestead with older "sisters". The Discipleship team
organized a serve project to help the children living there even
though it's clear the older girls are making poor choices and not
properly taking
care of the children which is wrong in our culture as well as the swazi culture.

Nevertheless, when I first saw Lungelo he wore a ratty shirt and
nothing else even though it was a cool day. He was dirty with urine
and faeces on his legs. My heart just went out to him not because of
his lack of cleanliness but because he hung his head in embarrassment
and shame, to think that a little boy felt this way due to no fault of
his own. On the serve day a local community member bathed him; we gave new
clothes, brushed his teeth and oiled his skin. He was given a little
teddy bear and then his countenance began to change. Shame
diminished and hope grew. He no longer looked down and to the side but
looked straight into my eyes and smiled. I held him when he was dirty
and when he was clean. He didn't want to be put down but to be touched
and loved.

We went back a few weeks later and the hope was gone and replaced yet
again with shame. My heart was sad, broken and confused. As Solomon
stated I had exercised justice and received much joy. Now the joy was
gone and Lungelo was again neglected; neglected physically,
emotionally and socially.

Today I continued reading in Proverbs and was reminded God sees the
orphan and the injustice, He also says that He is their Redeemer and
will plead their case. We do our part and more importantly God does
His. Pray for Lungelo and the hundreds in the same situation. God
doesn't overlook those in need but Redeems them for His glory!

--
Danny Q

August 15, 2011 Update. Jesus on the Swingset

Jesus never said that He was sick and we healed Him or that He was in
prison and we liberated Him. He said, "For I was hungry, and you fed
me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you
invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I
was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me."
(Matthew 25:34-36)

Move ahead 2,000 years and Jesus could have added and said, "I was
crying and you took the time to find out why. I was lonely and you
were busy but you learned my story. I have never played on a swingset
but you showed me how. No one ever touches me except to abuse me but
you hugged me and prayed for me. I was cold and you knit me a hat and
shipped it from 9,000 miles away. Life was hopeless and you cared."

Yes. I'm crying right now because Jesus words and the ones I added are
very real to me and my family. We see every Swazi child as Jesus
Himself. It's funny that Jesus separates the sheep from the goats just
because they gave a Coke to someone who was thirsty. It's not the
action but the heart. Because of Christ boundless love towards us our
response is giving clothes that we really do not need anyway and
putting a bandaid on a booboo. It's really that simple. Seeing a need
and doing that small act of service in Jesus name.

I am so proud of my wife and children. It has been almost 3 years
since we sold everything and stepped out on faith arriving to help
where God saw fit. Trust me, its not been easy. They have had to
adjust to a new culture, moving numerous times, assault, robbery,
death all around, bringing a new baby into the mix, still
homeschooling (God bless Maryann), trying to make connections and
friends and learning to carry the love of Jesus to thousands of little
ones. We wouldn't trade it for anything.

I hope the pictures show how much my kids are involved in evangelism
and more importantly discipleship. They hold and love children, train
children, participate in all major events, Lindsay disciples hurting
girls, and the list runs on and on. We have given up much but have
gained so much more.

Living here has helped the girls look to future careers which may
change a thousand times. That's ok. They have a wonderful grounded
Biblical worldview. Lindsay is looking at majoring in English
(writing) and minoring in missions. Although she does follow the
medical team here from time to time. I wonder if she will help
translate the Bible in some remote language? Olivia is a born teacher.
Very natural with children. Sophia has a heart as big as the world.
She will definately be in a helping profession.

Think I'm dreaming a little early? No. Absolutely not. MaryAnn and I
have great dreams for them. We also have great dreams for all the
Swazi children. Many of their lives are on a whole new track because
of a little food and love. Seeing Jesus in them. Thank you. It's only
because of family and friends saying go, we'll pray for you and
financially support you to do the work. We pray God blesses you a
hundred fold.

God bless. Have a great week!
--
Danny Q

--
Danny Q