Just wanted to let everyone know that on Monday the team was able to visit a Bible school (not sure what the name of it is). It is a school that a SMCC member has been sending books to. 

They have had a good time winding down from the activities they have been part of. In a couple of hours the team will start its journey back home. Pray for safety as they travel and that everything will go smoothly.

I can see again

So today the team was able to hand out 78 reading glasses to the pastors. Apparently when they would come in they would try the glasses on and be very excited to be able see again.

On Saturday the team will be going to only one village instead of a couple to do a distribution of things, a clinic, and spend the rest of the day getting to know the Zimbabweans more.

If everyone can be praying for continued strength for the team as they have been very busy and a few have been fighting a cold. And for the work God has been doing in Zimbabwe.

Friday morning update

Since the last update the team was able to see many, many people for the clinic and meet many of the widows of the town. Since the pastors conference has started they have been doing a mini clinic there and then going in the afternoon to the villages for a worship service and for other clinics.

The pastors conference has been going well. They have approximately 130 pastors that have come in for the conference. When they got to Zimbabwe, they had all the bags but one. This bag had a lot of reading glasses and other things. The team was able to get it back yesterday and will be distributing the glasses to the pastors and others. These reading glasses were important because a lot of the pastors in the area need them to be able to study and read the bible.

Please be praying that the team would have good health throughout the rest of the time in Zimbabwe.

update

Just a quick update. The team made it to the Binga area safely, though they had a few hiccups getting there. Customs was no problem, but they had some issues with the visa though it was taken care of and were able to get on their way. Sunday they had a worship service. Monday and Tuesday they were supposed to start the med clinic but they didn't have the right approval. They had the approval for the area but not from the country. They had to go through the proper channels so a bunch of phone calls made and that was taken care of and they were able to start the clinic on Wednesday. While they waited for the approval they were able to visit with the widows and children of the villages. The clinic was short but effective. They saw over 80 patients in a 2 1/2 hour period.

They have been busy from sun up to sun down, but are excited to continue the clinic the rest of the week and have the pastors conference start.

If everyone can be praying for good health and that God's word would be heard and that the pastors conference would go well.

update travel

Hey everyone, just wanted to give a quick update. The team made it to Johannesburg safely and is waiting for their flight to Victoria Falls. From there they will have a 5 hour drive to the Binga area.

Please pray that the rest of the travel will be safe and that there are no issues getting through customs.

Mary Upham: About Me

I have been wanting to visit Zimbabwe and the Carlson's ministry there for years, so I am delighted this is the time the Lord has opened up for us to go! He has formed a great team and I am very glad all of the Carlsons -- including Rob's bride, Caitlyn-- are going. It will be wonderful to be able to minister alongside and learn from these dear ones.

Please pray for the medical clinics we will be holding in each of the villages. Our resources are limited but our God is not! 

We desire to minister to the people physically, emotionally and spiritually in Jesus' Name and that they will be blessed by the Holy Spirit. I know we will be touched too as we interact with these dear people.

Thank you for your support and prayers.

Mary

2 Weeks to Go

We have just under 2 weeks to go until we depart. We have all of our supporters to thank for the very full list of supplies that we will be able to take. As the trip itinerary stands right now, we will be able to visit 2 elementary schools during the morning of the first two full days we are up and running in addition to all the other ministry opportunities that we already have the chance to participate in.

Meet the Team

Meet the Team (from left to right): Steve, Todd, David, Andrew, Malia, Paul, Mary, and Phil.

We will be embarking soon for Binga, Zimbabwe on a short term trip to help the church in Binga in its ministry. There will be a Pastors Conference, Humanitarian Aid, and a Medical Clinic.

If you'd like to donate supplies or give financial support please contact SMCC or Bethany Church via AndrewBetts@fuller.edu.

Keep checking back because there is more to follow!