There are times working here in Swaziland
that I just look around and think, "This is really hard." I mean, the
physical basic needs here are so much bigger than me and the people are so used
to hearing the gospel people don't know true love of God that can make them a
new creation. It's just hard.

This week I was reading n Matthew
and came across the beatitudes. I have read them many times before but they
took on new meaning as I read them again. They say,

"God blesses those who are poor and
realize their need for him,

for the Kingdom
of Heaven is theirs.

God blesses those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

God blesses those who are humble,

for they will inherit the whole earth.

God blesses those who
hunger and thirst for justice,

for they will be satisfied.

God blesses those who are merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

God blesses those whose hearts are pure,

for they will see God.

God blesses those who work for peace,

for they will be called the children
of God.

God blesses those who are
persecuted for doing right,

for the Kingdom
of Heaven is theirs."

I realized that this being hard is
part of being a Christian. It is part of a longing for God's kingdom to come
and for sin to vanish. It is longing for his holiness to swallow up pain and
death. I, along with the rest of creation, await that day in eager expectation.
Until then I will strive to be a person that God blesses. A person who is leaning
on him for every breath, running this race, proclaiming truth, loving his
creation, and praising his perfect name.

I do have a prayer request. We have
a Swazi girl named Treasure who is living with the team and goes to ministry
with several of the girls to act as a translator. She is 19 and has become a
dear friend. A couple weeks ago she became sick and had to have emergency
surgery. She is doing much better now and we are so thankful we were able to
take her to a nice clinic and love her as the child of God she is. However, now
we have a large medical bill that her family would never be able to cover. We
as the Church would like to pay it. With the surgery and medicine we are still
about $1, 500 short. If you would like to give even a very small amount, please
give a check to my parents who would then be able to pass it along to me. Thank
you so much.