Update from The Sweerins

To all our loved ones. We again thank you for all your prayers and encouragement during this time. We have received numerous messages that have helped us look to God. When God said in Isaiah 55,
⁸ For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
¹⁰ “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
¹¹ so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
 God is the almighty creator and giver of life. He loves his creation who blatantly turns from Him each and every day. We follow the schemes of satan and our own sinful flesh. Jesus Christ is the perfect sacrifice and whether we accept it or not, God is who he says he is. Although we certainly question our decisions at times, we can confidently say that God does love us and he is in control even when we think our life is spinning out of control. We have been holding onto the hope and peace that he can only give through his Word. God knew that we would need people around us during this time, and we are so thankful that God brought Nick, Scott, and Katie to us for a short time. We know it must have been difficult for them as well, but they came along side us and helped us wherever we needed them.  
Things have going pretty well the past couple weeks as far as ministry and projects are concerned. The community has taken action on building the school. Their initiative is very encouraging. Brick layers have been taking charge and things are moving forward. We are still uncertain if it will be completed by January 2014 (the beginning of Zambia’s school year) but we are excited regardless. Melanie has been busy organizing curriculum as well in hopes that it will be completed.
My brother Nick was a huge blessing for us and the ministry. We are so grateful to him. It didn’t matter what the need was, he was ready and willing. Scott and Katie were also a great help. There 3 week stay allowed us to accomplish some larger tasks. Nick and Scott spent most of there time on the roofs of 6 different buildings, sealing nails and roof caps before the rainy season arrives. This was a long hot job and we are so thankful it was able to be completed before the rains. Katie was amazing as well. Her nursing skills helped multiple people in the community who came for medical help. She relieved Melanie of several household tasks as well as helping organize our donations store room. Finally, our Michigan friend Gretchen (who has spent several years in Zambia recently) came out for a visit. She brought much laughter and encouragement that truly meant a lot us. She also helped Melanie with the primary school curriculum. and loved spending quality time with Natalie so that Melanie could get a few things done. Thank you all!
The final thing we want to share is that we are coming to the US in a couple weeks. This decision was not an easy one for us to make, but we believe it is what God was asking us to do. We have decided to put our goals, plans and our ministry here in Zambia on hold for a while. After much prayer, we believe God is asking us to return to the U.S. We hope to spend time with family and friends that have also been grieving with us during this time. Although we will continue to grieve, we will return sharing Elijah’s testimony of life and God’s peace and provision that has been poured out on us. God truly has been faithful. We look forward to seeing you all and ask that you pray for the ministry here as Jako and Amber are also still in the U.S.
Sweerin Family