Sweerin Family Ministry and Travel Update

I am amazed and honestly surprised each time I write a new blog post how much time has gone by since the previous blog update. As I reread the last blog update, I was reminded of how God desires our devotion, our time, our thoughts, and I was once again challenged. For many of us who have a list of things we hope to accomplish each day, it can become so easy to lose perspective, and begin to strive in our own strength. As we strive, we can walk farther away from the rest that God desires us to have. I know I have mentioned in previous updates, but it is a lesson I am still learning. To abide. To remain consistent and intentional in my relationship with Jesus. 

 

As I reflect on how I am personally abiding in my relationship with Jesus. I have asked myself these questions: 

• Do I trust the words to Jesus?
• Do I believe the words of Jesus?
• Do I receive and believe the unconditional love of Christ?
• Do I have the joy of my salvation? 

I know when I am not connected to the vine, my fruit is not life-giving. It can lead to such a negative cycle that can be so difficult to break. Being dependent on ourselves will leave us utterly and totally barren. Without God, we cannot produce any good fruit. Nothing of any lasting value will come from us. 

Now, we do have an enemy that is ready to plant seeds of doubt, to make us feel inadequate, unqualified, and not accept the love of God and His forgiveness. From a young age we work so diligently to hide our sin, to cover up, to make ourselves look better than others. I can see it at work in our own children. The preservation of self. It is not easy to have the truth and the sin exposed, but it is truly God's love for us. He doesn't desire us to be bound by our sin. There is freedom in repentance if we allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. 

As we abide in Him we can have His rest. Our days may still be full, but our reliance will be upon God and not ourselves. 

As we abide, we can be:

• We can be at Peace with God.
• We can be free from guilt.
• We can be free from legalism.
• We can be secure and settled in His love.
• We can be established, rooted, and grounded in our faith.
• We can have confidence and assurance of our salvation.

As we look to our ministry here, we pray that it would be led by God, and seasoned in prayer. We want to be and do what God desires us to do. To be used by Him for His will and purposes. We want to remain obedient to God and continue to show the love of Christ to the people around us. We have many plans, desires, wants, and dreams for this growing ministry. So please pray for us and with us as we entrust our family, and each area of this ministry into God’s hands. We believe that His plans will prevail, triumph, succeed, and bring forth good to this community.

                                                                                                                    

Family Update

We are excited to share that due to the generous giving of many friends and family; we have been able to purchase tickets for a trip back to the States--- (End of Aug-Mid Nov.) We are looking forward to seeing you all again!!!!!   

Prayer Requests

• Pray for our family as we prepare things here and begin to plan out our time there.
• Pray the parents and the community will join together and be able to build a grade 7 community classroom. 
• There are 2 toddlers at the Children's Home that will be transferred back to family as they no longer have a need for formula and have family that can raise them. Please pray for these little ones and their families as it is a big transition.
•  The housemothers have been their sole caretakers and have come to love them very much. So, this transition is hard on them too. We are no longer caring for their physical needs, but spiritually we can pray for these little ones when God puts them on our minds. 

 

If you want to partner with us financially you can write a check to 

Faith Assembly of God. Please write Zambia in the memo line and send it to: 

     5112 Lafayette Rd.

        Elk Run Heights, IA 50707

If you are interested in giving online please follow these steps below: 

• Click on this link below and it will take you to the church website  https://www.faithassemblyerh.com/

• Locate and Click on Tithe to follow the steps and make a donation. 

• Important Note: Be sure to switch from Tithe to Nate Sweerin in the drop down window to designate the funds to us.

OR we have Venmo (contact us for details)