Matt & Naomi Best - New Delhi, India

I Don't Want to be Spat Out!

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While in the USA a friend/mentor of ours gave us the new book by Brother Yun. Many of you may have read his autobiography, The Heavenly Man (if not, why not?). His new book, called Living Water, is a compilation of some of his teachings. After a few months of carrying this book from country to country, I finally picked it up, and already have been challenged...

You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

Revelation 3:17-18

When the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes?' The man was speechless. Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' for many are invited, but few are chosen.

Matthew 22:11-14

Brother Yun defines repentance not simply as confessing our sins and asking for forgiveness, but having our "whole lives, desires, motives and plans surrendered to God." God knows who's invited to the wedding feast, we must wear the clothes he tells us to, and not our own. "We must accept His Word and live by it, aligning our lifestyle and choices to match the commands of the King. This is repentance."

As a missionary it's easy to tell myself that I am surrendered to the Lord. After all, I've left my family, my home, my stuff, my comfort zone to live in the mission field and lead teams. However, am I truly surrendered? Often I find myself dreaming of moving back to North America: having my own house, working a 9-5 job, raising a family there...just having a 'normal' life. Sometimes I find myself like the Laodicean Christians in their lukewarmness. However, I can't live my life with one foot in this world, and one foot in God's Kingdom. The first command in the new testament is 'REPENT.' Have I repented? Have I fully surrendered my life, desires, motives and plans to God? Am I willing to go wherever, or do whatever, the Lord calls me to without questioning Him?

Big News!!!

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Just before we left America at the end of January, we received exciting news: in September we will be welcoming a third addition to the Best family!!!! Although we've already experienced our fears and nervousness at being first time parents and the safety aspect that I (Naomi) have to be aware of during pregnancy, we are already seeing God's hand in this!! Since we were first married, we laid the idea of having kids at the Lord's feet: that we would start a family in His timing, and under His control. When we first found out we were pregnant, instantly questions came to mind: How does this affect our immigration process to the US? Will I be safe overseas? Where will we have the child? However, God is constantly reminding us that He is in control and that He has been planning this for way longer than we have...

Since November, when our team got moved from India to Swaziland after the crisis in Mumbai, Matt and I have been wondering 'why not India?' Don't get us wrong, we are super excited to be in Swaziland, and have been praying that the Lord would bring us back to catch up on some relationships we have here. Just, why now? On our way to Swaziland, we stopped in India for a week to see the orphans and friends we have there. The Lord reminded us how dirty, unsanitary and polluted Delhi is, compared with the fresh air of Swazi, and the better health care we can get in South Africa. He knew in November, that if our team was still going to India when I was pregnant, that we just wouldn't be able to lead the trip. Even just a few days in India, we were paranoid about the pollution and open sewages...it's so nice to be in a safer, more comfortable country!!! He is good!!!

We are now in Swaziland for the next three months. I will not be able to do go to the care points, the hospitals or the squatter camp, so please pray for Matt as he's basically leading this team on his own.

Thank you for your prayers.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the New Year draws closer, I'm wondering if this year will be the first year I've actually made a New Years resolution...the top of my list will be: update supporters, friends and family on a much more regular basis!!! So, I start this letter asking for forgiveness for the lack of communication you've had with us over the past few months!! We will be trying much harder!!!

The past few months have been an absolute blessing for us!!! We arrived back in Ohio at the beginning of October, and have spent the last little while visiting supporters, family and friends in Ohio, Chicago, Georgia, Halifax and Cape Breton, being debriefed and planning for the future at the AIM office, preparing for our trip in January, and celebrating the Christmas season!!! It has been almost two years since we have seen snow (or cold weather at all)...it's so beautiful here in Cape Breton, I didn't even argue while shovelling the driveway, I was just overwhelmed by how perfect the Lord had made it all!!!

We are currently in Cape Breton with my (Naomi) family. We were initially hoping to leave Canada on December 27th, but I still have not received my new passport. Please pray for us as we figure out what to do...Matt's sister, Danielle, is back in Ohio from Jan. 1st to 10th. This is the only time we'll have to see her. If my passport doesn't arrive before New Years (which, I know, is in two days) then Matt is going to have to drive back on his own, and I'll fly back to join him when my passport arrives. This is a bittersweet thing: I could be staying longer in Cape Breton, but it also means the added expense of a plane ticket, time away from my husband, and not very much time with Danielle. We called Passport Canada yesterday and they said that the passport should be in the mail within the next few days. However, I am praying that the Lord will SUPER SPEED it up and it will miraculously arrive by Wednesday...please join me in this prayer!!

As the New Year arrives, Matt and I are preparing for our trip back to Swaziland. For those of you who haven't heard, our trip to India was relocated to Swaziland after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India. The Lord has been putting on our hearts the need to return to Swaziland and visit with some of the friends and relationships we have there, so this trip is perfect timing!!! We will be leading a group of 5 college-age students for three months...this is a big difference from the trip of 21 we lead to India!!! Since we already have purchased tickets to India, we will be heading there on January 19th for a little over a week, and then from there to Swaziland. Please keep our travels and team in your prayers during this preparation period!!!

We do pray that you all are having a wonderful time with family during the Christmas season!!

Thank you for your continued prayer and support,

Blessings,
Matt and Naomi Best

mattandnaomibest@yahoo.com

Support us?? For those of you who feel the Lord is leading you to support us financially, thank you so much, the Lord will bless you in your giving. The easiest way to give us support is through our blog, clicking 'support us' in the left hand column and then fill out the credit card information. You can also support us by sending a cheque (clearly indicating that it's for Matt and Naomi Best) to:
Adventures In Missions
P.O. Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470
Please note that Canadian supporters can not receive tax reciepts, we are sorry for this.
Thank you so much, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!!

If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also!

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The title of this blog was Jesus' words to his disciples before He was arrested and killed. Now thousands of years later the Christians of India are seeing these words lived out against them. Tension between the Hindu majority and Christian minority in Orissa, India has long existed, but has never reached such a scale as it did last week. Orissa is one of twenty-eight states in India and is about a days train ride from Delhi. Orissa caught the attention of the international media in 1999 when an Australian missionary and his two sons where burnt alive after finishing a Christian fellowship meeting. After a Hindu religious leader was murdered last week by an unidentified man, violence broke out against Christians in misplaced anger. As of today, 558 homes and 17 churches have been burnt to the ground, and 16 pastors and church members killed. Another 12,000 people are relocated in relief camps where the government is offering protection, and a unknown number, estimated in the thousands, have fled into the jungle without food or water.

This type of persecution may only happen in what we think are far-off lives of pioneer Christians and missionaries, but it is the reality of many believers world wide. During an international conference a pastor of a Chinese home church was asked why there was so much persecution in China and not in America or Canada. He replied with a question, " Do you daily submit your life to God and boldly preach the gospel?".... where the gospel is being advanced there will ALWAYS be opposition. Persecution takes many forms, it is not all physical abuse, sometimes as westerners we fear the mockery and neglect of friends more than the physical abuse. Would we be willing to die for Jesus? Socially or physically?

Let us be united in prayer for our brothers and sister. Eph. 4: 3-6 "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit. Just as you were called by one hope, when you were called by one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Although one may be Indian, American, African, or Asian in God's eyes we are one body working for the same purpose. Pray for strength, encouragement, and perserverance as their faith is tested.

Crazy India

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As most of you know, our team headed back to the US and Canada at the end of July. Leading the team was definitely a different experience for us. We have always been leaders for teams in Africa, but never the leader that lived with the students, bought the groceries, dealt with all the finances, counselled the students through tough situations they met in India, etc...It was such a rewarding two months as we saw all 17 students surrender so much to Christ, and allow Him to speak to them and lead them. India is such a different culture than America, Europe, even Africa...it is just crazy!!! These students didn't just step out of their comfort zones here in India, they leaped!!!

When Jesus gives us an example of prayer, He says, "YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN (Matt 6:10)." This is our prayer!!! We desire/long to see the Lord's Kingdom come, not only in Heaven, but here on earth!!! That is our prayer, and the Lord has shown us that one of our rolls in bring His kingdom is through discipleship. The Lord then threw us face-first into discipleship with our team. Don't get me wrong, we didn't have time every week to spend an hour at a coffee shop with each student allowing them to vent their problems...but, then again, neither did Jesus. We just ate dinner together, ministered together at orphanages, leper colonies and slums, prayed together, worshipped together, laughed together, threw water balloons at each other, lay sweating on the roof together when the power went out, celebrated birthdays together... The Lord brought all 21 of us together for two months to experience true community, to seek his Kingdom!!

UPDATE:

Only a few days after our team left, we travelled to Thailand to spend a little time with each other and in intimacy with the Lord. We were definitly blessed during this time, and highly recommend a short trip to Thailand for anyone who lives close enough!!

Two days after our return from Thailand, Matt's dad arrived in India. He braved the heat and humidity (you have no idea!!!) for 7 days in order to visit the orphanages and some Delhi tourist sites with us!! It was so great to spend time with him, and show him our life and ministry here.

So, what are we doing now?? As most of you know, we head back to America/Canada in October for a three month sabbatical/support raising trip. The Lord is leading us back to India in January so we are in need of a slightly longer term visa, something we weren't able to get in Africa. We will be applying for these, as well as my (Naomi's) Canadian passport, visiting family, supporters and churches!! Until then, we are continuing to follow up with different relationships that our team members built while they were here (at the leper colonies and orphanages). There will be a three month team arriving at the end of September whom we will do set-up for and introduce them to the Indian culture, their ministry sites and relationships that they can continue while we are back in America.

Hope to see you in a few months!!!

India Through Our Eyes

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Community Living- Someone's Got to Teach Us!

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What would it be like to really live without care of possessions, money, or status? I'm not really sure, but I know it is a beautiful thing.

It is almost painful to visit friends at the different leper colonies. Not because of deformaties, poverty, or the immense sorrow that 'should' exist in their lives, but because I know that they will be making me tea, and taking their last few Rupees to bye me a meal. How can I go into these places that in our mind need 'fixed,' and get served and treated better than I do in most Christian homes I visit?

In America we hold seminars and Wednesday night discussions on community living, and what it means or how we should incorporate it. However it goes no where! If we look over Acts 4: 32-37.... the early church felt that what they owned was not their own, and that they shared everything. No one among them was in need because they took care of each other. So, here we are 2,000 years later totally missing the concept, but having Hindu lepers living out Acts 4 community.

I have wrestled with these thoughts, and can not understand why I have not once been asked for money or food, but only served and been shown love! Why are we always so internally depressed and unhappy even though WE have the 'Love' of the eternal Father. Maybe we replace our reliance on the Love of the Father with possessions, money, and status. But who really should care about that? Timothy said, " We brought nothing into this world, and can not take anything out!" So, thankyou Lepers for teaching me simplicity, community, service, and love.

Anniversary and Birthday Celebrations with the Lepers

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The team has been here for three weeks now. It has definitely been a different experience for us being the primary leaders of the team rather than just the set-up leaders (as we were in Swaziland). The Lord is really stretching our team members as they share in community living, a totally different culture, and orphan, leper and slum ministries. Our heart's cry is that the Lord will break out of the boxes that they've put Him in and build a love relationship with each of them. We desire to see His Kingdom come in the hearts of the participants and in the leper colonies and orphanages!!

Our team is split into three different ministry groups, going to three different orphanages, three different leper colonies and a slum. It is exciting for us as we get to spend time in the leper colony and orphanage, Asha house, where we'd initially built relationships.

Just last week we attended a wedding anniversary celebration for our friends, Valli and Vasu, at the leper colony. Valli grew up in a different leper colony, and then was married in an arranged marriage to Vasu, a leper. She was married four years ago, at the age of sixteen...phew!!! Although she only speaks a very little bit of English, I have been able to form a friendship with Valli. Every time we visit her, she brings us into their home, turns the fan directly on us, plays a Tamil (a language of Southern India, the language this leper colony speaks) movie, buys us snacks and chai. Despite the fact they don't have much, I'm learning that it is a blessing to them when they bless us.

Next Tuesday, we have been invited to a birthday party at the leper colony. Canapanch is our 'Indian Santa Claus' and will be turning 71. He is an Indian I enjoy teasing, and is very fun to visit. Every time we bring someone new to visit him he takes out all the photos he has been given by previous AIM participants. Just last week he showed Matt how to put on a traditional South Indian lungi, a piece of cloth wrapped around the lower body, and a head wrap. It was quite entertaining!!! It is amazing to experience the joy and laughter the Lord allows between people who aren't from the same culture, religion or language. We are learning to just trust Him even when we don't know how to communicate, or are confused by the conversation!!!

The Team's Coming

Sat, 7 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We have been in India for a month now, and God has been moving in huge ways. Much of our time has been spenting hanging out and loving the staff and children at the orphanage that AIM supports. We have also been spending a lot of time at a leper colony. God has completely broken my heart for this place, and taken my heart to depths of compassion it has not seen in some time. They are some of the most gracious, generous, humble people I have ever met...and no, they are not 'yet' believers. Please pray for us in this area: that language barriers would be broken, and the gospel recieved.

Right now, we are preparing for our teams arrival in two days (June 9th). There are 18 students who we will be leading in ministry and discipleship for two months. They will be serving Jesus at three different leper colonies, three orphanages and a slum here in Delhi. Please pray for wisdom and discernment as we lead this team.

This is Shibu and me at Emmanual Orphanage where our students will be teaching school. When we were in India in 2005, we spent two weeks at an orphanage about 7 hours (by train) from Delhi. Shibu and I became very good friends. It was a huge surprise when we arrived at the orphanage here in Delhi and found that he had moved and is now living so close to us!

Jitender is one of the oldest boys at Asha House. He is an amazing man of God, and has a desire to serve Him in the hard places!

Rub-a-dub-dub

Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This says it all...

...okay, maybe not all, but it's definitely 'INDIA'!!

More to come in the next few days...we promise!!

Daddy Knows

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We're finally in India. Actually, we've been here for a week now, getting reacquainted with the culture and trying to remember how to navigate around the crazy streets of India. We had forgotten how interesting and unique India is. It's definitely a culture set apart from anywhere else we've been; a night and day difference to USA/Canada and Swaziland (which, when you're in India, you realize is not that different from the America's). It is definitely a good thing that we came here a few weeks early, as so much has changed since we were here last; even that which is the same takes a bit of recollecting!!

Daddy has been working a lot on my heart this week. While we were in South Africa, I was battling Him about going to India. Don't get me wrong, I have wanted to be back here ever since I left in 2005, I just didn't feel ready. My biggest fear was loneliness. We were moving from our base in Swaziland with 10-15 full-time staff to a base that's only just starting, where we were the only staff. I didn't think I was ready to be alone. Even on the plane, I spent a lot of time just crying out to Daddy because I was afraid for what was coming once we stepped off the airplane in Delhi. I didn't feel ready. However, he kept telling me over and over again, "Daddy knows.Daddy knows.Daddy knows." He reminded me that as long as He's going with me everything will fall into place. I knew without a doubt that He was going with meHe was sending me to IndiaHe knows!!

This week He's shown me that Daddy really does know

This past Friday, Matt and I headed to the orphanage, Asha House, where our team will be working. We know most of the staff from when we were here last time (although, it is a different orphanage that is only about 1.5 years old). During the drive there, I wasn't too keen on being there for the afternoon. However, Daddy knows, and He sent me there that afternoon for a reason.I fell in love with India and the people here. While at the orphanage I had some great conversations with some of the female staff, the start of great friendships, I fell in love with the orphans (not a hard thing to do), and I fell in love with India. Daddy once again reminded me that He knows!!!

He knows what's going to happen in half an hour or 10 years!

He knows what my passions are and how to reach them!

He knows my fears and that His perfect love drives out fear!

He knows my doubts and what to say to rid my mind of them!

He knows how to love me, and does just that!

He knows that I'm going to fail, and loves me just the same!

What do I have to worry about, because.Daddy knows!!

India In a Week!!!

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It has been a while since we have last blogged...my apologies!!!

A bit of an update...

April 10th we packed all our belongings in two bags each, said bye to our friends and ministry in Swaziland and headed to Jo-burg, South Africa. We dropped off our passports and visa applications at the Indian Embassy. Matt and I, along with my friend Alisha, hopped onto a charter bus and headed down to Cape Town while we waited for our visa to be approved. While there, we stayed with an amazing couple from the States. They welcomed us into their home, and blessed us with amazing community and fellowship. Cape Town is very beautiful and so were able to spend a week just delighting in the Lord's beauty and watching stunning sunsets!!!

Last week we then headed to Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa, to spend a short amount of time with great friends of ours. It was a much needed time of relaxation before we lead our team in India!!

Finally, today we head back up to Johannesburg, pick up our visas and fly off to India on Friday. The Lord has continually confirmed our trip to India. Just last week as we were at the Indian Embassy, we were informed that they would only give us a 3 month visa. This posed to be a problem as our trip is 4 months long...uh oh!!! We basically just sat in the waiting room praying that they would extend it to 6 months. Praise the Lord, they did!! Before we applied, this embassy had never given anything longer than a 3 month visa, yet we walked out with a 6 month one!!

We hope to continue to be in touch during the next few months. Our team arrives on June 6th and will have a team blog that you can keep up-to-date with:08in0602rl2.myadventures.org

This and That of Swaziland

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The last few weeks have been busy for the Best's. It seems like every second day I say to Matt, "I need to put this (or that) on our blog," but it's only now that I've had the chance. So, there's a little bit of catching up...

Discipleship Under the Lapa

The World Race teams have been travelling through Swaziland/South Africa/Mozambique for the past three months, and it's been a blessing to be able to sit in on their teachings and discipleship. For two weeks we gathered in the mornings under the Lapa (an african, thatched roof gazebo thing). It has been crazy to see the Holy Spirit move in our lives as well as the students here. We have learned so much...hopefully in the next few days we'll be able to share some of what the Lord's teaching us with you!!!

Our Mozambiquan Adventure

Our Mozambiquan visa expired on March 20th. Since being in Swaziland we've planned so many trips to Mozambique that have fallen through. Since we had the visa, we decided we must go!!! So, a couple of weeks ago we were dropped off at the Mozambiquan bus stop at 6am to catch a public transport combie (15 passenger van). We weren't taking into consideration that the previous morning there had been a public transport strike and riots in the city, halting all transport, and scaring off a few Swazi's (don't worry, everything is fine). Therefore, no one wanted to go to Mozambique that day and the combies don't leave until they are filled up. We sat for 4 hours at the bus stop waiting for the combie to leave. We finally made it into Mozambique at 1:30pm, and were informed that the last combie leaves for Swaziland at 3pm. Needless to say, we went to Maputo for lunch (we found a great sea food restaurant for prawns and calamari) and hopped right back on a combie to come home. It was a lot of travelling, but a fun adventure that we shared together!!!

Baptism Saturday

Two of the students living next door to us were baptized at Mantenga Falls on Easter Saturday. It is definitely the coolest place to be baptized (in the eyes of a photographer that is!!). Matt helped baptize Marcus, who asked to be held under the water for 30 seconds while the guys poured out prophesies and prayers over him. He said that despite the fact that he was underwater, he could hear their prayers clearly and word-for-word...so cool!!!

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday proved to be a busy day for us.

Our friends Andile and Moshoeshoe (see previous blog) have just built their first house on their own homestead...we are very excited that they finally have a place of their own!!! Their house dedication fell on Easter Sunday and Matt was asked to preach at it. It was a great opportunity to share the gospel and challenge a group of Swazi's (especially since they weren't at the Easter services). This is the only time he's ever spoken to Swazi's where they were interested and commented on it later. However, only a few hours later, they were celebrating with a cask of a home-brewed alcoholic drink. Please pray for the hearts of Swazi's, that it won't just go in one ear and out the other, but it will be received and lived out!!!

I (Naomi) was only able to stop by the house dedication for a few minutes as I had been asked to take photos at another service in the south of Swaziland, Nsoko. A group of people with G42, one of AIM's sister organizations, believe that the Lord is building up a remnent of Swazi's that will lead this country to Christ...that remnent is in Nsoko. On Easter Sunday G42 ordained Pastor Gift as their first pastor, with their first church plant in Nsoko. It was a great day despite the fact that it rained all morning and we had to walk through 6 inch deep mud to get to the tent. Everyone was decked out in their Sunday best, and looked great from their ankles up!!! Many people even went bare foot!!!

A Long Awaited Visitor Arrives

Alisha, one of my best friends from Cape Breton Island, arrived in Swaziland on Wednesday. We are so excited to have her visiting, show her around Swaziland and introduce her to our friends here!! We took her to a snake farm on Thursday where we all held an albino boa constrictor. I was very proud of myself as I've been to the snake farm twice before and never had the guts to actually hold the snake!!!

I'm sorry this message was quite long, but hopefully a good catch-up with what's going on in Swaziland. We now only have a few weeks left in Swaziland before we have to travel to Johannesburg, South Africa to apply for Indian visas. In only a month we'll be heading to India to prepare for our team this summer!!!

Keep checking out our blog in the next few days, as Matt has some exciting Swazi news and photos that he'll be posting!!!

Moshoeshoe and Andile

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Moshoeshoe and Andile are our closest Swazi friends. I (Matt) met the two of them when I first visited Swaziland in 2006. In July we moved on to the same homestead they were living on, and formed an even closer bond. They have been married for over three years, and are still without any children. This is percieved as a very bad stigma in Swazi culture, and the pressure from the family to begin using Sangoma's (witch doctors) and muti (traditional African medicine) is tremendous. We have tried to encourage them and pray with them for the Lords will and blessing. Please keep them in your prayers that they wont be drawn into ancestreal worship, and other practices that are not pleasing to the Lord.

The four of us love to go and cook meat, and swim at the local river/waterfall. I have tried to teach Moshoeshoe how to swim, he is getting better, but I think he has invented a new style. Naomi has failed to talk Andile into getting in the water, but has helped make her into one of the meanest pizza cooks in town. Anyway, please lift us up in prayer as well, as we are striving to learn what discipleship really looks like, and that God would give us wisdom in our ministry.

My Dancing White Man

Sun, 2 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

On February 16th, Matt had the privilege of being the Best Man in his friend Dennis' wedding. Dennis has lived in Swaziland for about 3 years and met the woman of his dreams, Zwakele!!! It has been interesting to see Dennis and Zwakele get engaged and married 'Swazi Style.' Like all Swazi's, Dennis had to pay for Zwakele with cows, and although their wedding was 'western style' with the brides dress and bridesmaids, they danced up the aisle... after all Swazi are great at dancing, on the other hand Matt had a little trouble finding his rythmn...

I personally think he stole the show!!!!

Let's not forget the rest of the wedding...

On Saturday Dennis and Zwakele had a small wedding with about 150 invited guests. However, this is unusual in Swaziland. Usually, anyone and everyone show up to a wedding in the community, invited or not. So, on Sunday, they had the exact same ceremony but in the local community, where four times the amount of people were squished into a church a sixth of the size...it was hot, but all had a great time!!!! I had the privilege of taking the pictures of the wedding, so here are a few...

Dennis met Zwakele half way down the aisle, and they walked the rest of the way together.

The ceremony on Saturday

The flower girl was so cute!!!

The groomsmen...not really sure why one of them is holding flowers!!!

The ladies!!!

And now, the bride and groom...

Matt looked so smart in his vest and tie...In my opinion, definitely the best looking one there!!!

Meet Yule...

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Our main ministry here in Swaziland is making friends with everyone and anyone we meet, whether in our office, on the street, in the rural area, in the hospital, in the squatter camp, or on our homestead. We desire to show them the true love of Christ: one that is greater than poverty, greater than AIDS, greater than ancestral holds. Yule is one of these friends...He always seems to be at the grocery store, street corner, or pizza place when we're there. Sometime I think he just waits on the street for someone from AIM to drive by. Everyone here at AIM knows Yule!!!

Yule is one of thousands of people in Swaziland suffering from AIDS. He has also just recently been diagnosed with TB, and is on medication for it. We often see him with kleenex up his nose and in his ears because he can't control the bleeding.

We ran into Yule on Christmas day while we were ordering our Christmas dinner (it was Pizza). We had the privilege of sitting with him while he ate the fruit, juice, milk and sandwiches we gave him. It was great to see him laugh and smile on Christmas.

Please pray for Yule...Pray that He won't only want money or food, but that He will truly want Christ...

Nkambule Wedding!!!

Wed, 6 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

At the beginning of this month we (along with Matt's sister, Danielle) were invited to the traditional wedding of the Babe (father) on our homestead. We're still confused about how Swazi marriage/weddings work, since this man has been married to this women for years now...why are they only now getting 'married???' We've asked many Swazi's, but even they seem to be a little confused about traditions, so we've settled with the fact that sometimes we don't need to know what's going on!!! It was a really interesting day with everyone dressed up in traditional wear (I tried to pick pictures that are G rated), dancing all day and slaughtering a cow to feed the crowds (everyone and anyone can come to the celebrations). Enjoy the pics!!!

Babe Nkambule with two of his sons, watching his wife (the bride) dance.

Babe Nkambule and his wife dancing together. They danced for hours!!!

More dancing and loin clothes!!!

Everyone dresses up in traditional wear, and walks around the homestead, while the bride is covered in fur and dances before the groom with her face hidden.

Ncamsile

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Upon arriving in Swaziland, I didn't really have a passion for the hospital ministry. Matt visited the men's ward every day, yet I was reluctant to follow him. That was until I met Wandile and Ncamsile.

Wandile and Ncamsile were 'bed mates.' Matt and I visited Wandile regularly, as Matt knew her from when he was in Swaziland in '06. She went to be with the Lord only a few weeks ago after suffering from HIV/AIDS and TB.

I continued to visit Ncamsile. Over the past 1.5 months I've seen AIDS and TB slowly take over her tiny body. At first she was able to feed herself and wash herself. However, in the past few weeks her weakness took over, and she had to rely on me (and others) to feed her, take her to the bathroom, and bathe her.

A week ago I visited her during the evening visiting hours. She was so weak she barely had the strength to talk and even swallow her food. That night she threw up all her food in front of me. She felt so ashamed, and my heart continued to break for her. I gave her a copy of the New Testament as I left, and told her over and over again that God loves her. I shared what Jesus had done for me, and how He wanted to be Lord of her life. I told her how she didn't need to be afraid.

As I left that night, I prayed, "Lord, if she's ready to go, take her now. She doesn't need to suffer any longer. However, if she's not ready, give me or someone else the opportunity to tell her once again how much you love her."

That same night she called a nurse over to her bed, "I want to accept Jesus into my heart," she told the nurse. Not long after the nurse prayed for her, the Lord took her to be with Him.

I praise God that Ncamsile no longer has to suffer. I can just see her sitting at the feet of Jesus, not suffering, but delighting in his presence and soaking in every word He's saying.

The Joys of Swaziland....

Thu, 6 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Bucketsfor bathing, for peeing, for storing water, for garbage canscan't live without them!!

Avocados, avocados, avocadosI'd eat them every meal if I could, and they cost nothing!!

Mango trees, soon to bear mangoswe have five trees on our front lawn at the AIM team house.

Actually, all fruits and veggiesthey come so cheap at the market!!

Blue Death and Doomthe two best ant killers.

Cadbury chocolateneed I say more??!!

King Piewho can resist that flaky pastry and melted cheese??!!

Smooth Cottage Cheesenever did like those lumps!!

Speed bumpswho doesn't want to be flying off their seat every 5km, cuz the driver's definitely don't slow down.

RoostersI always dreamed of waking up to a chorus off roosters throughout the valley. I just never thought it would start at 2am, which leads to my next point

Ear Plugs!!

Lack of reflectors on the roadsI think that will be my new ministry here in Swaziland, equipping the roads with reflectors so we can actually see where the road goes at night.

Fat is better than Skinny

To be continued

Getting Ready

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Sorry we havent written much lately, don't give up on the blog as we will be posting regularly from Swaziland. I am very excited to see good friends, and to pick up living in a culture that I have fallen in love with. Please also pray for us as we will be entering a country filled with enourmous challenges and heartbreaking strories. How can I, as a follower of Christ be in Swaziland, a country with a huge orphan problem, not be moved to action? Please pray for wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit as we arrive in Swaziland.

I read a post from my mentor in South Africa of the most horrifying stories of children being raped and abused. These were mostly orphans who are being exploited, and he is working to get them adopted... but I dont think that people truly understand the devils hold on Africa through lust. What else compells a father to rape a daughter, a grandfather, a granddaughter, an Uncle, a nephew? There is such spiritual warfare and bonds that need to be broken through intercession. The stories he shares, and ones I have seen and heard for myself, are unimagineable. I won't even share them because a heart needs to be in a place ready to receive information like that.

Anyway enough of that, I could go on forever.... but please be in prayer for us as God has laid HEAVILY on our hearts orphans and AID's victims.

Much Love, Matt and Naomi..... we will be arriving Thursday evening.

Am I Willing???

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Both of us have been reading the book "The Irresistable Revolution" by Shane Claiborne. We have both been challenged by a quote by Rich Mullins...

"You guys are all into that born again thing, which is great. We do need to be born again, since Jesus said that to a guy named Nicodemus. But if you tell me I have to be born again to enter the kingdom of God, I can tell you that you have to sell everything you have and give it to the poor, because Jesus said that to one guy too...[And he paused in the awkward silence.] But I guess that's why God invented highlighters, so we can highlight the parts we like and ignore the rest!" (pg.98)

Whoa!!! When I read this, I was one of the awkward silence people. How can that not be a smack in the face. Here I am, complaining that I can only have one 50lb backpack to take to Swaziland, when God has asked me to get rid of even that.

God humoured me yesterday during my quite time...I was worshiping along with Hillsong United. The first song stated, " All I need is You, Lord," the second, "Everything I need is You." I know that I believe this, but do I really live it?? I was frustrated...I want to live this, but am I willing to give up everything in order to live it?? I still love to get new clothes; I still love the fact that I have access to the internet and phone; I still love electricity; I still love being surrounded by friends and family. How can I sing the song "All I need is You, Lord" when I'm afraid to give up these little things???

I don't want to be a 'Highlighter Christian', I want to be a 'Radical Christian!!!' What am I going to do about it???!!!!

Our Back-up!!

Wed, 30 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We are so blessed to have amazing friends and family. Every day I am blown away by the support and encouragement we are given by people here at our AIM base, at home in Ohio, at home in Cape Breton, at home in the UK (we have lots of homes). As we've been hanging out and training with fellow AIM staff I have realized more and more what a blessing it is to have both our families supporting us 100% as we begin our life in missions. Not to mention the many friends and extended family that are backing us up in prayer and finances. God reminds me every day that we have dozens of people interceding on our behalf. It's incredible the blessings that God gives, both to those who give and those who receive!!

I'm now reminded of our wedding day... It was beautiful because Christ was bringing us together to serve him as a couple rather than separate. Not only that however, but it was beautiful because we were surrounded by our closest friends and family. It wouldn't have been the same if we weren't celebrating with: those who had raised us, those who made the biggest impacts on our lives, those who encouraged us to follow our dreams, those who had shared laughs with us, those who had shared secrets with us, those who had been rebellious with us, etc... It wouldn't have been the perfect day it was without our friends and family.

One of the hardest things (if not the hardest) about leaving for Swaziland is leaving all these amazing people. Over the past few weeks we've had to say goodbye to our families and our friends. It's been hard (to say the least) however, it's so encouraging to know that their prayers are with us. Through our past missions experiences, we've learned that financial support is nothing compared to prayer support. We can't go alone, we need the prayer warriors back home to come with us.

Thank you for all your love, e-mails, financial support, and most important, your prayers.

SCOTLAND here we come!!!

Wed, 30 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We're going to Scotland, and I'm sooooo excited!!!

We've just bought our plane tickets to Swaziland, and with Matt's expertise on finding the ultimate cheapest flights, it's the same price to take 10 days in Scotland and visit my family. It's crazy, even though I really wanted Matt to meet my family and my homeland, I never really thought it would happen...and it is already!!!!

It was also an eye opener with my grandpa dying at how disconnected I am from my family in the UK, so God has really blessed us to be able to go and visit before we our gone for... well who knows how long?!?

So, we're leaving the States on July 15th, will be spending 10 days in Scotland and England, and then heading to our final destination, our new home, Swaziland.

As I already mentioned, Matt is the King of finding cheap flights. The downside: stop overs. So, by the time we reach Swaziland we'll have been to 8 different airports: Cleveland, Chicago, Shannon (Ireland), Dublin (Ireland), Manchester, Glasgow, Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Johannesburg (South Africa), a 3 hour train ride and finally a 10hr drive to Swaziland!!

What an adventure!!!

My Grandpa...

Sun, 27 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This is one of the last pictures of my grandpa, taken only a few weeks ago when my mum, sister and brother were visiting.

My first pro-sporting event...

Sun, 27 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

On Friday, our friends, Josiah and Meredith, treated us to a day out in Atlanta, Georgia. Josiah was Matt's best-man, so it was great to meet his new fiancee and spend time with him before he heads to Swaziland for the summer. They had a great day planned for us, from a picnic lunch, to a hike up Stone Mountain, to a game of scrabble in the park, and then an Atlanta Braves baseball game. No one could believe that it was my first pro-sporting event, so they were excited for me to experience it. I was a little apprehensive at first, I mean, who watches baseball??? However, just the atmosphere in the stadium was a ton of fun...I was so excited about all the cheering, and waves that I didn't even watch the game...haha Thanks guys for the great day!!!

My Grandpa...

Sat, 26 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

I never lived close to my grandpa. Even when we lived in Scotland and England, I only ever saw him a few times a year. In the past 14 years since moving to Canada, I've only seen my grandpa 3 times. However, I have so many memories of him...

I remember the huge, beautiful, victorian house that him and granny used to live in.

I remember when I lost my helium balloon in their dome ceiling.

I remember when all the grandkids sang 'There are People Dying' to him and granny.

I remember that he never let us go up to the attic, but we often sneaked up there anyway.

I remember his collection of Beatrix Potter books.

I remember doing puzzles with him.

I remember climbing Arthur's Seat with him and all the other grandkids.

I remember his illegible writing on the cards he would send.

I remember the time he told me about how him and granny met.

I remember watching him shave over the kitchen sink every morning.

I remember how he used to buy old brown bananas and mush them up on his toast.

I remember how he let us put sugar on our cereal when mom told us we couldn't.

I remember watching television in bed with him.

I remember the sticker books that him and granny would always give us.

I write all this because today, my grandpa passed away. I can't say that he didn't live a good life, because he did. My grandpa celebrated his 90th birthday this past February. This August him and granny would be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary (did I mention that granny was one of his students in university...so sly). Grandpa had 4 children, and 11 grandchildren, all who love him very much.

The last I saw of my grandpa was 2 years ago when I went to Scotland to spend Christmas with him. Yes, I would have liked to see him more recently. However, my grandpa was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease a few years ago. When I went to visit him, he still remembered me, and told me stories about him and granny when they first met and courted. THis is how I remember my grandpa.

Over the past few years, my family has seen my grandpa get sicker. We are praising God today because we know he is now celebrating in Heaven...he is with his best friend, Jesus. My mom had the privilege of going to Scotland only a few weeks ago to see her father one more time. She said that even in his last days, when he wasn't able to speak, he still said Grace before every meal. My grandpa was a man of God, who never complained during his illness...he trusted God that this is what He had for him, and that was a good enough reason for him!!!

I love my grandpa!!

Where are the Bests???

Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Wow, we've had quite the adventure over the past few months!! God has blessed us incredibly!!

On April 19th, I (Naomi) finished my science and engineering degree at St. Mary's University. THe same day Matt finished working with the Salvation Army, and we headed up to Cape Breton. For the next week and a half we had a wonderful relaxing (sometimes boring) time visiting my family and friends, sharing our future in missions with my church, and eating at the Herring Choker (my fav restaurant)!!! God also provided a HUGE answer to prayer when I was able to obtain my Canadian Citizenship the day before we headed to Maine visiting my sister and brother-in-law and then to Ohio to spend a week with Matt's family. Finally, this past weekend we've been in Georgia at AIM's training camp for new staff.

The past weekend was a blessing as we got plugged into the AIM family again. Matt and I have missed so much of the fellowship and love that we had while in India, South Africa and Swaziland with AIM. As we've reunited with so many people, and met so many more staff, we already feel so welcomed and accepted here!!! It was great to meet a girl who will be joining our ministry team in Swaziland in September, as well as a couple who will be leading the Jeffrey's Bay team in South Africa (not too far from us).

For the next month and a half, Matt and I will be helping out at the AIM base here in Georgia. Currently Matt is outside in the Georgia heat (which I love since it's my first taste of summer so far this year) helping to build a new cabin before the summer training camps start at the beginning of June. While we are continuing to raise support during the month of June, we'll be helping to train 15-22 year olds as they follow God's call on their lives, and head out to a summer of missions. We're really excited for the teams to come, to share God's heart with them, and just glorify Him!!! Please pray for the smooth running of these camps!!!

We are currently still in the support raising process. We are about half way towards our monthly goal. Please continue to pray and seek God as to how He wants you involved in our ministry in Swaziland. Our goal is to have all our support raised, and be in Swaziland for mid-July...we'll continue to keep you updated...

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Ministry in N. America

Thu, 5 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Countdown: 74 days before going home to Swaziland.

It has been 9 months now since I have been back in N. America, and staying in the mindset of ministry is so difficult. I do prison ministry with the Salvation Army, and it has been an awesome, humbling, mind blowing time. At first I had to look deep in my heart to find the love and compassion Jesus would have for these guys. I struggled with "how do I have compassion on this guy who tied his wife to a bed and beat her with a pipe." But as I prayed, and talked to more and more guys, the root of these problems stems from drug, alcohol, and sex addictions, and most guys in prison are all repeat offenders. My heart started to break, and I was overwhelmed with how to bring the transforming power of Jesus to these guys. The only answer that I have, is to pray to intercede for them, and ask the Holy Sprit to soften hearts, and give the right words at the right moment. Pray that the Lord would continue to sustain me in my last few months of ministry. I will truly miss it, and am thank the Lord allowed me to experience it.

There are some really funny stories though!! When a guy gets out, I will go and meet with them, and hang out. One guy stoped dead in his stride and said," Man you need to pray for me, I am getting some bad vibes." So, I prayed with the guy about his suicidal tendencies right there on the busiest street in the city. Guys have tried to choke me, put feces on me, and even get me to take off my pants. All in all it has been fun, but I cant wait to be back to Africa.

Pray for Naomi and I as we continue to raise support and prepare to leave.