A few days ago, we returned from a short trip to Livingstone and thought it would be good time to update everyone on how our family and ministry is doing.
Our recent trip to Livingstone was basically for health purposes/medical care.
Melanie has to have her thyroid tested from time to time to make sure it hasn't
fluctuated too much. We also wanted to take our children to the dentist. We were so blessed to get all of these appointments done
as it is not so easy with Zambia still being in a severe drought. There is very
limited electricity. The power will only come on for 6 to 12 hours depending on
the day, but we got through the appointments in good time with several solutions we were hoping for.
Unfortunately, just before leaving Livingstone Melanie took a fall while holding
Levi which resulted in an elbow x-ray. Thankfully, she had no fractures just some bruises and soreness. Levi was totally fine which was so good
for his momma's heart. We ended up staying an extra day just to make sure all was
good with them both.
Back at home, we have had a few visitors, and there will be more in the month of August and September. It is great to have some fellowship and support in the work that is before us each day.
The day before we left for Livingstone. We enjoyed having
grades 7, 8, and 9 from Simumbwe school. They came to visit our mission where
everyone worked together to help show them around the farm (machinery,
gardens, and animals). In the primary school we set up an earth science station, microscope station, and a human
body station. The students also got to see some household appliances
which many have never seen before. It was a great education opportunity for
everyone.
The Simumbwe teachers came first to discuss their hopes for this program, and it helped us understand which educational supports we could prepare for them.
The human body station. The students were learning about the different systems of the body in preparations for their upcoming exams. The thing they loved the most though was listening to their own heartbeats through the stethoscope. I could tell by looking at their eyes when they heard it. They were absolutely amazed. The children all waiting their turn at the microscopes. They were able to view different slides of maize stalk/root, leaf, chicken blood, etc.There was also a station for rocks, minerals, gems, fossils, seashells, and etc that the students could look at with magnifying glasses. We also had different books out that allowed them to see the different rocks they have been studying about.
Church has also been fun as Melanie has been working with Derick (the
Sunday school teacher) on teaching a material we received through Samaritan's
purse that was provided to the AG village churches. Kids have been memorizing
verses and singing songs weekly. On most Sundays they outnumber the adults
greatly so the opportunity to minister is very exciting.
In June the AG churches brought their children's ministries together and had a time of teaching, prayer, and praise followed by some snacks and fun games of soccer, netball, and jumping rope. It was a great opportunity to meet the other children's leaders and the children under their care. We pray that these events can continue in the future.
God has been faithful
to bring us through so many ups and downs and we owe Him our praise.
We did want
to let you know we had some more expenses recently that if the Lord lays on your
heart to partner with us it would be much appreciated.
Every 2 years we apply
for an extended work visa which allows us to stay in the country. We will be
applying this month as our current visa expires Sept 1.
We also still see a need
for a 2nd vehicle in the future. Our large family living 2-3hrs from town with
rough 4X4 roads is an expense we must always plan for. We are looking at a
Landrover that our mechanic is selling that has been rebuilt with an automatic
transmission by him. This would allow Melanie to be a bit more comfortable on
the road as she doesn't have to think about shifting and can just focus on
off-road driving. The owner is currently asking $18,000. We will need to add
in more seats and make a few more adjustments to make it work well for our needs, but we believe this vehicle would be very useful to the ministry.
In the midst of the business and uncertainties of life we can become lost in it all. A heart of unthankfulness can enter so quickly. This scripture was brought to my attention a few weeks ago and I have continued to read it each day. This Psalm gives us a call to praise him because he is great, and worthy of our praise. It is a call to trust in his unfailing love, and to find hope in his promises. It is a call to revere the Lord, and walk in obedience. As you read through this Psalm I pray that it will be an encouragement to you. The Lord is right and true and is faithful in all He does. May this give you hope today.
Psalm 33
1 Sing joyfully to the Lord,
you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
2 Praise the Lord with the harp;
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
3 Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.
4 For the word of the Lord is
right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.
6 By the word of the Lord the
heavens were made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars[a];
he puts the deep into storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord;
let all the people of the world revere him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
10 The Lord foils the
plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
11 But the plans of the Lord stand
firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is
the Lord,
the people he chose for his inheritance.
13 From heaven the Lord looks down
and sees all mankind;
14 from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth—
15 he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.
16 No king is saved by the size of
his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.
17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.
18 But the eyes of the Lord are on those
who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.
20 We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.
In Christ,
The Sweerins
What do we do in Zambia
1. Discipleship
2. Community School
3. Community Orphanage
Read our blog: nathanandmelaniesweerin.blogspot.com
To financially partner with us:
Write a check to: Faith Assembly of God. Write (Zambia) in memo line, and send it to:
5112 Lafayette Rd. Elk Run Heights, IA 50707
Online Giving: www.faithassemblyerh.com
Click on Tithe and follow these steps---To designate funds to us, switch from Tithe to Nate Sweerin in the drop-down window.
Contact Information
E-mail: nmsweerin@hotmail.com Nate’s WhatsApp: +260-95-591-6920
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