Back to Africa

 

Dear Friend,

Hello, I hope that this letter finds you and your family doing well.  We have been busy with lots of activities here at the Schwartz house, but all has been good.  I’m going back to Africa, as a team co-leader this time!  Clint will not be going with me on this trip, which gives me the opportunity to help lead the team. On September 23, 2013, I will be traveling to the countries of South Sudan and Uganda to take part in a 10-day mission trip.  The Vineyard Church has been working with pastors in Yei, Sudan and Kampala, Uganda, for several years and our trip will help to continue to build relationships with these African church partners.  
 
My team will fly to Yei, South Sudan, and we will serve in a few different ways:  We will work with the children from the New Generation Dreamland Children’s Home on an art project, as well as participating in some Bible teaching and other activities letting us share God’s love with these precious kids (James 1:27). The art will be featured at our annual event, Art for the Heart of Africa, taking place this year on November 1—all the proceeds of this event go back directly to these children in South Sudan! Two members of our team are medical professionals, who will conduct medical clinics for the children of the Dreamland, as well as children in the community surrounding the orphanage.  The Vineyard built a children’s medical clinic at the Dreamland last year, and our team will work alongside Joel Amule, the new medical officer we have employed to care for these children on a regular basis. We will also look for opportunities to continue to expand our partnership with the orphanage and the ministries taking place in South Sudan.  In addition, our team will also make a 2-day stop in Kampala, Uganda, to see the work of Pastor Mwesige Solomon, who has a wonderful church, school, medical facility and other exciting ministries, including micro-finance projects funded by members of the Vineyard. 

I am excited about the chance to serve, and I ask you to join me in this ministry opportunity.  This trip provides an occasion to meet the physical and spiritual needs of a community that is desperately in need.  More than anything, I would value your prayers for our team and for those whose lives will be touched by God through us.  I believe that God answers prayers, and ask you to pray for safety, good health, smooth travel, and financial support.  Just knowing that you will be praying will give me peace as I go into an unfamiliar place. 

Beyond your prayers, if you are led to join me by financially supporting this mission, I would be grateful. 

Each member of the team needs to raise $2,400 to cover the cost of travel, housing, food and materials for the trip.  I am committed to funding at least 25% of this trip with my own resources, and am hopeful that you will join with me in raising the rest of the funds needed. This is a journey that God has called me to and I would greatly appreciate any level of support you are able to offer.  Thank you, in advance, for considering joining my team in prayer and/or financial support. Both are so important!

Below is a response form; please forward any donation to the Vineyard Church with check or money order payable to "The Vineyard Church", with my name and “2013 Sudan trip” written in the memo line.  All funds for the trip must be received at the Vineyard Church no later than September 7, 2012. An accounting of all funds will be available, should you desire to see it, upon our return. If you’re able to join the prayer team for our trip, please send me an email to my address listed below. I look forward to keeping you in the loop on our requests and in letting you know all about how God has worked through this team when I return. 

The children of the New Generation Dreamland Children's Home