http://thebests.myadventures.org Matt & Naomi Best - New Delhi, India en-us Mon, 8 Sep 2008 09:41:59 GMT 30 http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=if-they-persecuted-me-they-will-persecute-you-also http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=if-they-persecuted-me-they-will-persecute-you-also     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, estim Thu, 4 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=crazy-india http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=crazy-india 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 show Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=india-through-our-eyes http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=india-through-our-eyes Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=community-living-someones-got-to-teach-us http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=community-living-someones-got-to-teach-us    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 Wed, 2 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=anniversary-and-birthday-celebrations-with-the-lepers http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=anniversary-and-birthday-celebrations-with-the-lepers 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. Va Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=the-teams-coming http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=the-teams-coming 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 w Sat, 7 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=rubadubdub http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=rubadubdub This says it all... ...okay, maybe not all, but it's definitely 'INDIA'!! More to come in the next few days...we promise!! Wed, 4 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=daddy-knows http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=daddy-knows 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 onl Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=india-in-a-week http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=india-in-a-week 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 visa Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=this-and-that-of-swaziland http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=this-and-that-of-swaziland 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!!! Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=moshoeshoe-and-andile http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=moshoeshoe-and-andile 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 o Thu, 6 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=my-dancing-white-man http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=my-dancing-white-man 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 Sun, 2 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=meet-yule http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=meet-yule 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 an Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=nkambule-wedding http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=nkambule-wedding 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 homes Wed, 6 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=ncamsile http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=ncamsile 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 g Tue, 9 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=the-joys-of-swaziland http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=the-joys-of-swaziland          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??!! Thu, 6 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=getting-ready http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=getting-ready 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 t Sun, 22 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=am-i-willing http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=am-i-willing 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 Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=our-backup http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=our-backup 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 Wed, 30 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=scotland-here-we-come http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=scotland-here-we-come 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 (Irelan Wed, 30 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=my-grandpa1 http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=my-grandpa1 This is one of the last pictures of my grandpa, taken only a few weeks ago when my mum, sister and brother were visiting. Sun, 27 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=my-first-prosporting-event http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=my-first-prosporting-event 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!!! Sun, 27 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=my-grandpa http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=my-grandpa 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 Sat, 26 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=where-are-the-bests http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=where-are-the-bests 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, So Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=ministry-in-n-america http://thebests.myadventures.org/?filename=ministry-in-n-america 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 Thu, 5 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT