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Posted in AWESOME GOD STUFF
by Abigail Braun
on 5/4/2008
On Monday Amber and I finally had a chance to bring the gifts to the orphanage. For those of you who don't know, a while back I asked my mom to raise money back home for Selulasandla Vashti Ame Village. Which is an orphanage near our house that has 24 orphans ages 6-18. We stumbled upon this place one day when we were actually trying to find another orphanage we heard about. We walked into the yard of this orphanage with intentions to ask for directions. When we got there all the children were in the yard handwashing there clothes. They didn't have much other than there school uniforms. We saw the clothes hanging on the line, and they were full of holes, and didn't look warm at all. Since we knew winter was coming, we asked the Make( Ma-gay) AKA the mother who takes care of all the children, if we could maybe try and help them out. So I spoke to my mom, and she ended up getting about $100 from many different supporters. Which was so amazing, because that ended up being R780 in Swaziland's money.
Amber and I went back and told the Make how much we had raised and got the sizes of the children, and asked where the greatest need was. She said the greatest need was for the 9 year old twins named Zihle and Thandokuhle. They were just brought to the orphanage and had close to nothing. She also said they were in need of winter jackets and polo necks.
So Amber and I did some shopping in town and were able to bring the twins new winter jackets, hats, pants and polo necks. Along with some other winter jackets, polo necks, sweat pants etc. for everyone else. We also got them a soccer ball, jumprope and coloring stuff. Which they loved.
Banele is a 9 year old boy who is so adorable, he is the only one who isn't able to go to school this year because he spent most of the first term in the hospital. So we got him his own special little track suit because he loves to play soccer. He looks so CUTE!
My mom's sunday school class back at home made painted cross window catchers and sent them with me to give to African children. So while we were there I got to present them to all the kids.
One little girl got one with the message " Jesus gives me life", she is at the age where she is just learning to read. When I handed it to her, she stared at it for a minute trying to sound out the words. She finally said " Jesus gives me love" I was like, close enough, he does both. She was so proud of herself that she could read it, she ran all over the house reading it to everyone. :)
So I believe I have told you before about the ladies we meet with at the market everyday. I have been going there everyday now for the past month and a half.I have 2 stories about some of the women there I want to share with you.
*First off there is Nozipho. Who was 5 months pregnant when we met her. She finally had her baby on Tuesday. It was her 6th child, her name is Thandosiwe. We got to go visit her within the first 24 hours she was born. Nozipho is a very strong woman, she was only gone from work at the market for a few days before giving birth and was back to work with the baby 2 days! after giving birth. Pray that the baby stays healthy this winter, it's cold, and she will be outside most of the day.
*I love those women. God has been changing there hearts like crazy. My best friend in Swaziland works there. Her name is Tengetile. She is 24 years old. She is and amazing woman. I have spent a lot of time getting to know her, sometimes she even gets to spend the night at our house. So last weekend she was sleeping over and she mentioned to me that she wanted to be baptized.
SO on Thursday she did just that. Denise and I brought her, and her friend Thul'sile to the Royal Swazi. to use there pool.
We got in the water and I read aloud Romans 6:4-6. Then she testified. She said" I want to be baptized today, because I have heard the word of God and it has touched my heart. I want to live a new life, and live for God."
In the name of the Father,Son and Holy Spirit.You are now DEAD TO SIN AND ALIVE IN CHRIST!!!
She came out of the water singing and dancing. It was so beautiful. She had so much joy. We spent the afternoon celebrating over lunch :)
God is doing big things with TENGETILE LERATO SEYAMA!
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Posted in AWESOME GOD STUFF
by Abigail Braun
on 4/16/2008
Thank you to those of you who said they would like to help support the students in scripture union at my school. They are going to be so happy to here there are so many willing Americans that want to fund there going to this gathering. They leave on Friday! For those who asked how they can support you can send your support to my home address, and my parents will be able to make it accessible to me.
Abby Braun- Support for S.U.
11675 Butternut St. NW
Coon Rapids MN, 55448
Thank you for your prayer and financial support, I really appreciate you all... I will let you know as soon as possible how it all goes!
....For God loves the person who gives cheerfully 2 Corinthians 9:7
Siyabonga Kakhulu!!!!
*Thank you very much
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Posted in AWESOME GOD STUFF
by Abigail Braun
on 4/16/2008
One month from today my team and I will be flying out of Africa, our adventure will be over. But so much is still to be done.
Tomorrow is my and Teresa's last " Cherish" group. Monday and Tuesday we finished up 5 out of 6 of our groups. It is amazing to look back and see all that God did through that study, and that school. School in done Friday, but I am still going to be meeting with one of our groups regularly, it is the 2 older girls, Vanessa and Zawady. They are doing Form 3 at Somnjalose. Meeting with them in the past few months has been amazing, God is really working in there lives. I can't wait to see what he is going to do with them in our last month here.
I haven't given a support update in quite a while, I have almost raised all that I need.
A BIG thanks to all my supporters. A special thanks to my monthly supporters, all that I have done here could not have been done without your support. I pray that God is blessing you through your giving.
Thanks to all of you I have raised.... *$8,292.72*
Thank you to those of you who sent me birthday wishes.
On April 10th I turned 19!! I had a pretty great day, the women at the handy craft market threw me an amazing party. They bought me a cake and a bunch of African snacks, decorated the area where we uaually have Bible study, and sang and danced for me. They all made me amazing gifts, beautiful jewelery and such. It was so much fun. I have pictures I will have to post later. Then in the evening my team made me an American style dinner, and spent the rest of the night celebrating. :)
Thats all for now, more updates soon.
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Posted in Fundraising!
by Abigail Braun
on 4/11/2008
First semester ends for all schools in Swaziland on April 18th. They get a month off before second semester begins. As I have said before I help out in Scripture union at Somnjalose high school. I have gotten to know some of the students very well, the Lord has been working in mighty ways in a lot of their hearts. The students in Scripture Union really love the Lord, there are about 20 students who come regularly, sometimes more, sometimes less. But I can tell that most of them are really seeking after the Lord. They spend half of there lunch hour daily in beautiful worship to the Lord. I love the way they worship. They are free in there words and volume. Something I have noticed here, that is different from my experience in America is the way youth worship. From what I remember about high school church experiences, everyone was always worried about what they looked like, if anyone was looking at them, you never wanted to be the loudest one, and were always afraid you would be asked to pray in front of everyone. Atleast that was my experience.
But here in swaziland I see something else with the youth.
I see them daily, choosing to praise the Lord.
Singing at the top of there lungs.
Praying with intencity.
Thanking the Lord for what they have
Not caring who's around, or if they are going to look stupid.
Last week, the Treasurer Delisa, got up in front and read a letter that was sent to the school regarding the S.U. It was an invatation to attend a gathering of all the S.U's around. It is to be held on April 18-20, the weekend after the last day of school. They have this gathering every year, it's so all the students that attend Scripture union at each school can meet together and talk about what God has been doing in their school that year. There will be speakers and such I do believe. I don't know all the details. But the students at my school can't go unless they have R300, to get the group in. With the R300 as many kids can go as they want, without it only 2 students can go for R40 each.
They don't have the money, but I think it would be a really good thing if they were able to go.
Please be in prayer for this, God will provide. R300 is about $38. That is pocket change to God, I don't want money to put limits on the opportunity these students have. So we are asking God to provide and make a way.
If any of you would like to contribute anything, it would be much appreciated.Just leave me a comment, and I can let you know how to do so.
Keep these students in your prayers, especially that God will work in them and show them new things next weekend.
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Posted in General Articles
by Abigail Braun
on 4/6/2008
Last Saturday for team ministry we did some painting at Somnjalose high school, where I teach. The home economics teacher needed her room re-painted. So my team took on the challenge of the African hardware store.
After looking at the paint chart with over 30 colors on it, and then being told they actually only had 5 of the colors, It was easy to choose light brown, it was either that, bright green, black, dark brown,or just white. After buying brushes and such we asked for a stir stick, and they replied " Stick, why don't you just look outside." So thats what we did, after finding ourself a stir stick. We cleaned and painted the room.
We had a great time, and the teacher loved it.
Then yesterday for team ministry my team met up with the Manzini team in the rural area. We had a carnival for the orphans in the area. Over 200 kids came. We set up a bunch of little events. Vanessa and I were in charge of face painting. There was also a moon walk, a ring toss, a slip and slide, bobbing for apples, necklace making, balloon animals etc. Then when they were done playing we made them all hot dogs and icees. Then before they went home a girl from the Manzini team, Katie gave the gospel message. It was a great day, I really enjoyed seeing the smiles on the kids faces as I painted
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Posted in AWESOME GOD STUFF
by Abigail Braun
on 3/24/2008
John 13 " It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. The evening meal was being served , and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that he poured waster into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."
On Thursday a few of us had the chance to talk about this story with about 20 woman and one man at the nearby cultural market. Dd one of my team mates goes there daily, and Teresa and I go at least once or twice a week. After discussing this story, and the importance with them we got to do our own feet washing. Jesus being the master and king of all the earth, got down on his knees and did the job of a servant. He calls us to do the same to each other. Dd, Teresa and I got to serve these people in that same way.
The next day, Good Friday. We read the story of the Passover feast, or the last supper. And took communion together. In remembrance of Jesus and the blood he shed for our sins. We got to have good conversations with the people at the market, many of them had been taught before that only certain people could take communion. We got to share with them and give them the opportunity to take it, that Jesus shed his blood for all, and forgiveness is for everyone. Jesus wants all those who believe to partake in it to remember Him and what he did.
Then since we weren't going to be able to meet over the weekend we read the story of the crucifixion, and the resurrection. And celebrated it with them. Dd brought Easter baskets for the little kids, which is something they had never heard of here. The kids loved it.
Today is Sunday, this morning I went to the International Church for service. Michael and Jb, the guys on my team did a drime, along with some of the youth from the church. Drimes, are dramas put to a song, instead of speaking the parts. They did one to a song called " Please" it shows the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus. How people denied he was Christ, and some people chose to worship him. And how he was put on trial and then handed over to the people to be crucified. But then, like he said, he rose 3 days later!!
Worship was great, we sang a song I haven't heard in a while… but the ending says, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. Which is what the pastor spoke on this morning.
Acts 2:24 NLT " But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in it's grip." ` or in some translations it says, IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR DEATH TO OVERCOME HIM.
*Pictures to come*
Which is so amazing, because to humans it is impossible to overcome death. But not for God. Like it says in Luke 18: 27, " He replied, ‘ what is impossible for people is possible with God.'."
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Posted in General Articles
by Abigail Braun
on 3/16/2008
Last weekend all the girls from my team, and team Swazi. Took a trip to Alabanza, in South Africa, the place we lived last semester. They invited up back for a weekend prayer retreat. It was nice to go and have sort of a mid-trip debrief. On Sunday after church, I had the opportunity to go to Atteridgville, the township where I did most of my ministry last semester. I went back to the cresh and saw my friend's Magdalene and Martha. Also my little friend Mongesa, a little girl who goes to that cresh. It was amazing, Magdalene invited me over to her house, and I got a huge surprise. Precious, a woman I met last semester who was in the hospital with her premature baby, is now living with Magdalene. Keep her in your prayers, she is having a lot of problems.
But it was a great weekend, God answered a lot of prayers. We never thought we would get to see some of the people we met last semester again. AND WE DID. J
My week
On Monday we got home from South Africa.
Tuesday and Thursday, I spent the day at Somnjalose high school. Our schedule problems are getting better, but still come up from time to time. We were suppose to meet with 4 groups, but ended up meeting with 3. So it worked out pretty well. It has been raining all week, so we had to meet inside for a change. Over the weekend, they had a new classroom added on to the school, they said we can use it whenever we need to. Praise the Lord. Having to sit outside in the grass a lot of times is hard, because the girls don't want to get their uniforms dirty. So now we can meet inside sometimes J Our " Cherish" study is going well, we are on the 3rd or 4th lesson with all of the groups. So if all goes as planned we will have more then enough time to finish all 8 lessons before we leave.
On Wednesday and Friday I helped at the Lobamba cresh. A cresh is kind of another name for a pre-school. Only here in Swaziland the cresh isn't only for 3-5 year olds. They also take in the other children who are older and can't pay school fees. The Lobamba cresh has 2 small buildings, one for the really little kids ( about 25 kids) and the other with the older kids ranging from 6-13 ( about 20 kids). I help out with the older kids, helping them do there English lessons, leading games and music, and correcting math stuff. On Friday, a woman from Ireland who I guess had been there before, came and donated $10,000 to put in running water, 3 toilets and a lawn mower. They threw a huge party celebrating the occasion. They were so happy for the help, they haven't had their own water supply or toilets for a long time. YAY.
The interenet is being really weird. I better go, so this doesn't get erased.
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Posted in General Articles
by Abigail Braun
on 3/5/2008
March 4 2008- some encouraging scripture in times where it's hard to trust and have faith
Psalm 139:7-10
"where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I ride on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."
Daniel 2:21-22
" He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in the darkness, though he is surrounded by light."
Both of these scriptures have shown me that God never leaves me, or stops thinking about me. He has planned what I am going to do, and will guide me and show me where to go. He controls world events, why is it so hard for us to believe that he controls each of our lives? God controls all things, big and small. We can try to hide, and take control. But as it says, If I ride on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me." No matter how far I try to run, or where I go to hide. God will be there and He will be in control.
It's only girls at the house right now, the boys on my team are on a 2 week walk across Swaziland. They joined with a group from the Peace core who are doing an AIDS awareness walk. They left on Saturday, and for 14 days they will be walking across the country speaking and spreading awareness. I am not sure if the people he is with from the Peace core are Christians, but pray that they are in a good atmosphere, and are able to share the word of God and encourage the people they are with by bringing life and light.
Anyways, since the boys have been gone, us girls have been having some fun ;) Tonight we had a worship service and prayer time. I was flipping through my Bible and came across a verse that I had never read before, that is something I have heard before but never knew it was actually scripture. It is Hebrews 13:1-2-
" Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."
I had heard of this idea before but never knew it was scripture. I think it is really a good thing to think about, anytime a stranger is put in front of us, we have the choice to love them or ignore them, or even shun them. If we think of these people as possible angels, or even just think of the fact that they are a child of God we should treat strangers a lot differently than we do sometimes.
I can think of a personal examples of how I have treated a stranger, :
On Sunday, Teresa and I went into town and were searching for a church we had heard about. But after searching for over 45 minutes, we decided to just go somewhere else. We ended up on a street we recognized, we had walked by this church called " Word of Hope Ministries." before. So we just decided to go. As we were walking up to the door to go in, a woman in her early 20's ran up to us, grabbed my arm and said " Sisi, I don't want to live like this anymore." " I am addicted to alcohol, I am sick and I want to stop." She just kept mumbling these things over and over, and put her head into her shirt and kind of started to cry. We didn't know what to say at first, because we could tell she had been drinking. She smelt of alcohol badly. So our initial thought was to leave her alone, because this time of year there are drunk people everywhere.
But I just got this bad feeling, we couldn't just go into church knowing she is out there and not do anything. We invited her to come in with us, but she said they would not accept her in her condition, and there was no talking her out of that. She had mentioned that she hadn't eaten or slept all night. So we ended up just going and getting her something to eat, and then just sat with her and listened to her story. We were actually able to learn a lot about her. We wrote down some scriptures for her, and prayed over her. She kept saying she wanted to go into the church for deliverance. But in the end she sent us in the building ahead of her, saying she would meet us in there. She never did come in, and when church was over, she was gone.
So then in our minds at first we were like " Did she just use us for food." " Did something happen to her?" blah blah blah.
But when I read this verse tonight it made me realize, we did all that we could do. We entertained a stranger who seemed to be in need. She may not have " needed" the help, or may not take anything we said with her. But we treated her with love, and accepted her when no one else around would.
Angel or not, I see the importance of entertaining strangers.
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Posted in Prayer Requests
by Abigail Braun
on 2/21/2008
Blog: Prayer requests
I have a lot of prayer requests lately, I was hoping that you all could pray for my team and I, a lot of crazy things have been happening.
First of all, Please pray the safety of Cassie my leader and our vehicles. Cassie has been in 2 wrecks in the last month. One totaled our car and injured a little Swazi girl, and the other kept them from getting over the border in time. Our team had to go across the border on Monday to renew our Visa's. So we spent the day in South Africa. All the FYM's including me, rode in a rented bus thing that got safely across. But Kate and Cassie, and a few others were in our Blue Kombi behind us and were in the accident. So they ended up having to stay in S.A until the car was fixed. We see that satan is trying to attack us, and keep us from ministry. Because since Cassie had my teams house key with her, we had to spend the night at the Swazi teams house about an hour away from all our ministry. So most of us missed the next day of ministry because we had no way of getting in the house, or transport to get there. So all in all please pray for our safety and that our vehicles won't be attacked anymore.
Next, Pray for mine and Teresa's internship. We have been having a lot, a lot of conflicting schedules with the school. Crossing the border Monday messed a lot of our study times up, and we tried re-scheduling but the students sport schedule's make it really hard. We keep thinking we have it all sorted out, but then something goes wrong. Teresa and I know that this study is what we are called to do, so please pray that these schedule problems stop discouraging us. And pray that God will make a way for us to meet with all the girls that need to hear the words in the study.
Thanks for the prayers.
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Posted in AWESOME GOD STUFF
by Abigail Braun
on 2/17/2008
A day in my life
Some of you have been asking the question: " What does your day usually look like." So I decided to try and explain it as best as I could.
For the first month I was here, everyday looked really different. But I am now trying to get into a more regular schedule. So this is a rough feeling to what a day here will look like for me.
Sunday- I get to sleep in, because the church I attend doesn't start until 11:00. So at 10:50 I leave the house, because Ezulwini Evangelical Church is just down the road from us, so it takes less than 5 minutes to walk. Service runs from 11:00 to around 1:00 or 1:30.
After going home for lunch, we usually do something as a team. The last few weeks we have been going to the Royal Swazi( a really nice hotel with a pool and wireless internet) we go and swim for the afternoon. Then are home for dinner by 6.
Mondays: After waking up and grabbing some granola and yogurt ( it's one of my staple foods here) Teresa and I take a walk down to the main road to catch public transport to Samnjolose high school. Where Teresa and I have 2 different groups of girls that we meet with on Mondays for our Abstinence study. From 1-2 we attend scripture union.
Tuesdays: Same thing, we have 2 groups of girls with which we do our abstinence study. We also have scripture union, but Tuesday's Teresa and I are in charge of doing the sermon, and sharing of the Word. After school, the scripture union hold what they call a "Deliverance service" which we also help with.
Wednesdays- Will usually be my off day. Where I can do whatever. I usually go to the internet and hand wash some laundry on this day. And relax, maybe go swimming and go out for coffee. Etc.
Thursday- I meet with one group of girls for the abstinence study. And then spend the rest of the day at the market doing Bible study with the women there.
Friday- I don't have a for sure schedule for Fridays yet, but my plan is to spend the day helping at a cresh in Lobamba. I went there this past Friday, and the kids are so adorable. And the teacher really needs help, teaching them how to write and keeping them entertained. So I am probably going to do that.
* After ministry- We have to be home by 5 or 6 depending. We wat dinner around 6:30 as a team. Then spend the night, doing ministry prep., playing games, watching movies. Some nights we attend different youth groups. Etc.
Saturday- Is family ministry day. So we spend the morning and afternoon doing some sort of ministry all together. We have gone to the hospital a few times, and today(Sat.) we went to one of the school's that some of my team works at and organized a bunch of different activities for the kids that hang around the school grounds on weekends. We played football(soccer), netball, racing, b-ball, sang, dancing games etc. it was a lot of fun.
Then at 2:30, I have choir rehearsal at the church until 4:30 or 5.
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