Forgotten Voices' Mission:

"Demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ by equipping local churches in southern Africa to meet the physical & spiritual needs of children orphaned by AIDS in their communities."

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Brief Update from the Ground

I was able to talk to Ryan on the phone this morning for the first time since the group took off for Zimbabwe last Wednesday.  He was so apologetic that they have not been able to blog much.  They have spent the past several days in the rural Mtshabezi area.  The internet there has been terribly unreliable throughout the trip.  While at Mtshabezi, they followed the days of a young girl, named Neatness, who has been receiving assistance through her local church.  Ryan said that they got up at 4:30 am each day, because that is when Neatness starts her day.  He said the time with her was "magical" and he cannot wait to share the videos, pictures, and stories. 

They are back in the Bulawayo area for tonight, and are off to see all kinds of wild animals at Hwange tomorrow.  When I was there in 2006, we saw rhinos, giraffe, zebra, hippos, warthog and many others.  The only animal that was somehow in hiding while I was there were the elephants!  I hope that Darren, Matt, and Steve have more luck, as elephants are just incredible creatures to see in the wild!  Ryan said that he will likely be able to blog much more often in Zambia, as the internet is more reliable.

Thank you for praying for Forgotten Voices, for the churches that are serving day in and day out in Zimbabwe and Zambia, for the churches in the U.S. that are sharing the story and supporting the African church, and for Ryan, Darren, Matt and Steve as they travel and serve God through this trip. 

~Katie

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you are doing well Ryan, can't wait to see you when you're back man. Stay safe out there!

Nate and Ellen Shaffer said...

Ryan and friends,

Being able to follow you on twitter has been a thrill for us tracking your progress here! Thanks for giving us so many insights into your days there as you are able. We're praying for you and eager to learn from all you accomplish there.

Nate and Ellen