In 2008, The Vineyard Church here in Kenner entered into a long-term partnership with Vineyard Boise and Vineyard Church of Columbus in an effort to come along side local Vineyard Churches in Zambia, Africa to see long term transformation and to see the Kingdom of God fully present within the life of this country. Whether its building deep water wells and biosand filters with Seeds of Hope International, training lay leaders at the local churches, or simply praying for the sick and the marginalized, we long to see the Kingdom of God break in and renew this little part of the world. This blog is a place where you can join us as we seek to accomplish this mission.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Seeds of Hope International

Scott and Sandra mixing concrete for bio-sand filters.

Michaelynn and Julie assembling a bio-sand filter mold.

A young girl in Mapalo getting water from a hole in the ground.

Seeds of Hope has been working in Zambia since 2003. During this time they have provided safe drinking water for over 250,000 people. This has been done by drilling 98 new wells, repairing 242 broken wells, and building and installing 1,850 Bio-sand filters. Working through Zambian nationals, SHIP is pioneering a replicable model for holistic Community Development Resource Centers built on Biblical principles and values. Our vision is that the Resource Centers will have a multipliable impact and that the concept will be adopted and replicated throughout all of Zambia and into other countries in Africa.

During our trip the team was able to spend three days working with SHIP. During this time the team had the opportunity t visit the work that is happening in Mapalo and see hands on what a drill project looks like. They also assisted in the building of Bio-sand filters. They did this by mixing concrete, setting molds, and one over our team members Scott was able to do some welding. A mold that had not been being used was repaired and returned to the production line.

The next day our team went out and installed 10 sand filters bringing clean water to 50 people for the next 30 years. Not only did they install the filters but they also prayed for the families and brought hope to people of the community.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Team Update 05/19/2009

Wow, what a week it has been. I know we have not updated much but getting internet access that works has been challenging. I will try my best to fill you in on everything.

So here we go:

May 14-15 - The kenner team worked with Seeds of Hope building and installing Bio-Sand Filters. It was a great experience for each one of them and God move in great ways.

May 16 - The kenner team put on a one day VBS for 350 children in Mapalo. Yes that is 350! We had planned for 200 but quickly had to readjust. What an awesome time this was.

While all of this was going on Robb Klipp did leadership training for 25 local Vineyard Pastors. And myself along with the Columbus and Boise teams headed to the Kesempa region where we worked with local Vineyard Pastors in the area.

On Sunday Robb, Stephen (Columbus), Dan (Columbus), Shelton (Boise) and myself each went to a different Vineyard church in the Ndola area to do the Sunday teaching. What an awesome time it was we each say God moving in big ways. At the churhc in Twapia where I was three people gave their lives to Christ.

Yesterday we took the 14 hour trek down to Livingstone where we will conclude our trip. Today we will be working with Best Lumbia who is the Regional Overseer for this area.

On behalf of the team we thank you for all your prayers and looking forward to seeing you soon!

Blessings,

Shawn

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Wednesday - May 13

On behalf of the team:

Thank you all very much for your continuous prayers and blessings. Our trip so far has been rather overwhelming but we are blessed to know that the overwhelming feelings are that of God showing us what we can do to bring the kingdom to earth. We are currently (as I type) working with Seeds of Hope and making bio-sand filters by hand. We have churned concrete, molded the cast, and even sweat a little. ;) Tomorrow we are going to install the filters we made today in the homes of the Zambians.
We really appreciate your care sent through our blog but please be patient in our response back as we are not capable of internet access very often.
Everyone is well and safe. We are trying to adjust to our new lifestyle and time zone!!!

Until later---

Grace and Peace

Shawn
Robb
Clint
Scott
Sandra
Julie
&
Michaelynn

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Trip - Day 1


Michaelynn snuggled up in her Snuggie at the gate in Atlanta. - 3hrs to Depart




The Kenner Vineyard Team ready to deaprt from New Orleans.





THE JOURNEY BEGINS

After all of our preparations it is now time to go. The team will be meeting at the airport at 6:00 A.M. today to head out. The next time you hear from us we will be in Johannesburg, South Africa.