We have been in Idaho for the past week.  When we drove over the border from Utah, I almost felt like I was coming home, since, of course, I spent my first four years in the U.S. at Boise Bible College.  We have been staying in Boise, and will continue to do so for the next couple weeks.

We spent this past Sunday two hours away in Buhl, ID.  I spoke at Buhl First Christian Church.  I was given the full sermon time to speak.  My best friend and her family used to attend this church, and so I had been there multiple times before.  I was glad to see so many familiar faces, and catch up with those who I knew.  At the end of my presentation, I challenged the congregation with donating enough money for a travel generator ($800).  Since there is no electricity in the rural areas where I will be ministering, this small generator would enable me to do many things that otherwise would not be possible.  However, the congregation was so generous, that it gave over $1,000!  There were also a few people who said they would send a check later, which means that the church has a potential to give enough for a house generator ($1,200)!  God is so good, and His people have been so generous.  We are extremely thankful for these friends in Buhl, ID!

In addition to that, a high schooler in the church is doing her senior project on JM2Z, and announced that to the church after my presentation.  She has decided to help raise money/supplies for back to school packs.  The children in Zimbabwean schools are not provided with any school supplies at school, and these items can be very costly for the parents to provide.  These back to school packs include pencils, pens, erasers, rulers, etc.  The senior who has taken on this project is very much appreciated!

We have several other churches and many individuals we are in contact with in the Boise area.  Please pray that all of these meetings and conversations would go according to God's will.  We thank Him for His provisions, and trust that we will continue to see Him through those we come into contact with.

This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to speak at the Evangelical Free Church of Lander.  I was scheduled to speak here last year, but I ended up getting sick the night before, and was unable to speak.  So, I was very glad to be able to come back.  I spoke to the adult Sunday school class, sharing all about JM2Z.  They were extremely welcoming and friendly, and many people visited us at our display table after the main service.  We had many generous givers and people committing to pray for us.

The next day, Monday, I spoke at the local high school to a large group of freshman. I shared about Zimbabwe, the economy, the currency, the people, the culture etc. The students were interested, and asked many inquisitive questions. Although, such a speaking engagement gives no return to the ministry, it's an opportunity for me to serve others and create an awareness about the country of Zimbabwe. Although, it took a little of my time in preparing and planning, as well as delivery, it was a blessing to do so.

Then, on Tuesday evening, the couple we are staying with (Frank and Sue Berch) opened up their lovely home for us to have a fair trade party.  I have many items (a sample can be seen above) that are hand made by Zimbabweans, everything from jewelry, to instruments, to paintings, to carvings, to figurines.  While in Zimbabwe, I was able to purchase these items from the people, which provided them with an income.  We are then able to sell them for a slightly higher price here, and put that money right back into the ministry.  We had a great attendance of people that evening.  Many items were sold, and there were also people who signed up to be monthly donors.  During the time, I had a group of people start an impromptu Q & A session with me about JM2Z.  They were very interested and asked some very good questions, helping them get to know about the people of Zimbabwe, the need, the ministry, and myself.

Tomorrow, we leave for Roy, UT. On Sunday, we will be visiting Roy Christian Church. I have the opportunity to share in both main services, mainly to thank the church for the generosity, because in the Spring, they sent several boxes of donations. I will also be sharing in the youth Sunday school.  It was in fact the youth that headed up the gathering of donations for JM2Z. I look forward to meeting with this group of teens who took it upon themselves to serve our ministry in such a tangible way. 

After our Sunday engagements we plan to head over to Boise ID.

Please continue to pray for traveling mercies as we spend many hours on the road covering many miles of road. Thank you for stopping by and staying updated with our travels and our continued journey. We appreciate YOU!