A Cloud As Small As a Man's Hand

It was the first day of the Pastors Conference in Kabwe, Zambia -- a city of about 300,000 people, a 2 hour drive northwest of the capital city of Lusaka. Pastor Eric Mwambelo, the Founder and Director of Kabwe Home-Based Care was speaking to the 2,700 pastors and Christian leaders from 250 churches attending this two day event that focused on the role and responsiblity of the church in dealing with HIV/AIDS. About 14% of Zambia's 11 million people are HIV positive and in urban areas the infection rate is over 20%.

Pastor Eric was talking about the need for new wineskins -- that in order for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done in the 21st century, the church needed to be different and do things differently. New wineskins were needed before God could do everything He wanted to do.

The Lord had also been showing Eric a picture of a small cloud that He wanted to turn into a huge outpouring of God. This picture relates to the story of Elijah in I Kings 18:44 – where God told Ahab to get ready because heavy rains were coming. Elijah went to look for the rain clouds – but saw nothing. It was only after the 7^th time that he saw “a cloud as small as a man’s hand coming up from the sea”. Through Elijah, God told Ahab to take his chariot so the heavy rainstorm was not going to overtake him. In other words, God is about to do something quite remarkable -- He is going to pour out His blessing – and we have to get ready for it – even if it seems right now that there is only a small cloud the size of a man’s hand on the horizon.

As I reflect on my recent trip to Malawi and Zambia, these words by Pastor Eric are one of the things that are burned into my heart and memory. They confirm some of the things that I have sensed from God over the past two years. We are in a time of preparation and we need new containers and wineskins that will enable us to be part of what God is wanting to do.

My second memory of this trip occured in Malawi. I was asked to speak at Resurrection Life Church in Matanda -- a church and community that City of Grace has been partnering with for three years. The church meets in the "almost finished" Community Center that is being constructed by the people of Matanda, Somebody Cares and City of Grace. As I was preparing for the service the Lord spoke to me out of Judges 6 and 7. In these two chapters God was speaking to Gideon about delivering Israel. Gideon's response was a question - "How shall I deliver Israel when my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am in the youngest in my father's house?" In other words, Gideon was asking God how He could use someone who was among the "least of these". God's answer was simple -- I use the least of these because then people will know that I am God -- and that deliverance comes from God!

As I shared this message with the people of Matanda -- many of whom are non-literate, subsistence farmers struggling with malaria, TB, AIDS and just being able to survive from day-to-day -- I sensed that God wanted to encourage them, and tell them that He has great plans for them. That what God is doing in this small village, would be heard around the world and that He was going to do great things in and through them -- even though they were among " the least of these". I saw and heard, that they received this "word from the Lord".

A couple of days later, we participated in a two day event for 800 pastors, church leaders and traditional leaders and 300 youth leaders. On the second day of the event we went to the youth leaders conference. As I watched what was happening, I began to pray and God clearly said to me that the hope of Malawi was among these rural youth. That God wanted to use "the least of these" to change the nation. That there were Gideons in the crowd who He would use in powerful ways.

Friends, the hope of the world is not in politicians, in the highly educated, in the wealthy, but among His people who understand the words of God through the prophet Jeremiah in chapter 9:22-23.

Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts, boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for I delight in these things.

Personal News

The next few weeks are life-changing for us as a family. On May 13 Donovan leaves for Korea to get married. Debbie and I are thrilled that he is marrying Hyesun, a wonderful young woman we love. The big day is June 6. Donovan and Hyesun will be living in the Seoul area for the next 8-12 months while Hyesun go through the US immigration process. Hyesun will continue to work with BlogCocktail (a Korean blogging company) and Donovan will be doing freelance web programming for clients here in the US - and learning Korean.

Debbie and I will be back home on June 7. The summer will begin with a fair amount of travel. I'll be in Toronto, Austin and most likely the west African nation of Burkina Faso in June and July. Debbie plans on spending much of July in Malawi (if you want to join her, let us know).

If you would like to see and read more about what we are doing, feel free to click on:

Our Flickr Photoblog

Home-Based Care Africa

Thank you so much for your prayer and support. We really appreciate it.

Karl and Debbie

Encountering God Once Again in Mgona

Once again I met God in Mgona. Mgona is the perhaps the poorest community in Malawi. 50,000 people call this area home. 25,000 of them are orphans and vulnerable children under the age of 15. Mgona used to be a place without hope -- but times have changed.

Today Mgona has hope! Why? Because God has come to Mgona through His people who have become the hands and feet of Jesus to the sick, the dying, and the widow and the orphan. Through Home-Based care workers, the 110 members of the HIV/AIDS support group, the pastors of churches, the ministry of WOW (Women for Orphans and Widows) and the staff of Somebody Cares Jesus is bringing hope and healing. Where once people asked if God was in Mgona -- today there is no doubt. He is there and He is not silent -- He is speaking loud and clear!

Today a small group of us joined a group of Home-Based Care workers and an HIV/AIDS Support Group in worship. As our Malawian friends sang and danced and as we joined them, I was once again overcome by a sense of God's love for the people of this community and for me. I once again met God among the poorest of the poor -- it seems that often happens -- at least to me.

Tomorrow (April 18) we head out to Salima, about 2 hours from Lilongwe. Brent Stockwell and I will join Jim and Kathy Cantelon to spend time with the leadership of Lifeline Malawi to determine whether a partnership is something God would want us to do.

On Sunday (April 19) I will be speaking in the community of Matanda -- one that I have visited often. The church meets in an open-air feeding shelter used during the week to provide meals to 350 orphans and vulnerable children. Pray that God would speak through me.

On April 20 & 21 Brent and I will be meeting with Theresa Malila of Somebody Cares as well as Visionledd leaders -- planning for future ministry together. Brent and I will also be meeting with Stella Kasiyre, the African Director of Willowcreek Community Church and Dr. Perry Jansen of Partners in Malawi.

We will also be participating with 800 pastors, youth leaders and other Christian leaders in a pastors conference. Pray that God would move in the lives of these pastors as they are encouraged and challenged to be God's hands and feet in the battle against AIDS and for community transformation.

We leave for Zambia on April 22.

Pray for us over these next few days. We need wisdom, insight and direction.

Thank you for your prayer and support.

Karl

Riding the Crest of the Wave

In the fall of 2006 when Karl was in Malawi, God gave him a dream. In that dream He challenged Karl to begin "building containers" designed to hold His blessing (if that is possible) and to prepare for what is to come. Karl clearly understood that God wanted to pour out His blessing on what we were doing in Malawi and throughout Africa, but that He couldn't do that unless we had large enough containers to hold that blessing.

Since that time we have been focusing more and more on building containers -- containers of relationships, structure, and ministry. We have been trying to prepare for what God wants to do.

In recent months God has been speaking to us again. This time, not in a dream, but rather in a growing sense that a tsunami is coming -- not a tsunami that brings death -- but one that brings life!. We feel like we are standing on a beach looking out on the water. In the distance we see a small wave coming at us. As the wave comes closer, it gets bigger and bigger, and as we jump in the water, we know that what God is calling us to do is hang on with all our might and ride that wave - because that wave is a wave of hope and transformation for individuals, families and communities who live in fear and despair all around the world.

God is up to something. In the words of the famous song from the 60's - somethings happening here, what it is, ain't exactly clear". We don't know what the future holds, but it is clear that God is up to something REALLY BIG. In the past few months God has led us to people from all walks of life who have the sense that now, as never before, He is going to change the world and reveal His glory through the widow, the orphan, the poor, the sick, the dying -- and through those committed to seeing His Kingdom come and His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

What does that tsunami look like? Let me give you some tsunami like numbers just from Malawi.

• In 2006 about 120 pastors worked alongside Somebody Cares. Today, it is about 1,200 pastors.
• In 2006 Somebody Cares had 75 Home-Based Care workers taking care of about 350 patients. Today, there are 218 Home-Based Care workers touching the lives of over 3,500 patients and their families.
  
• In 2006 Somebody Cares was impacting the lives of 1,200 orphans and vulnerable children -- today that number is over 6,500.

Can you see the tsunami of impact? Can you see the need for containers to hold the blessings and challenges of ministry? AND, we've only just begun to see what God wants to do! What is happening now is only a small drop in the proverbial bucket. We ain't seen nothing yet!

So, we would ask you to pray for us. Over the next few weeks please pray for:

• Karl's trip to Malawi and Zambia April 14-27. He has several key meetings with African leaders and potential ministry partners that could result in major impact. He needs wisdom, direction and guidance -- as well as physical and spiritual protection.
• In May and June Karl has several meetings with pastors and Christian leaders who are committed to seeing the Church become the hands and feet of Jesus around the world. Pray that God would bless these meetings and that new partnerships would result that would make an impact.
  
• Pray for the planning process of the first City AIDS Summit which will probably be held in Baltimore early in 2010. Pray for God's direction in the planning process. This is the first of what we believe will be over 50 Summits across North America.
• Pray that God would continue to bring us into relationship with the right people and would continue to give us "divine appointments".
• Pray for wisdom to understand which projects we are to move forward with. We have numerous opportunities -- we can't do them all -- we need to do what is best -- not just what is good.
• Pray for the financial resources needed to get the job done.
  

Also, check out our website called Home-Based Care Africa. You'll find some great stories about how God is using ordinary Africans to make a difference on the frontlines of the battle against HIV/AIDS and for community transformation.

You will be able to keep track of Karl via Facebook and also through Flickr -- where you'll find lots of pictures.

Many of you have asked us if we need financial support. The answer is yes! If you would like to find out how you can support us, please send an email to Karl.

Thank you for your prayer and support. We REALLY appreciate it.

Finally, here is a picture of Debbie with Theresa Malila the Executive Director of Somebody Cares Malawi (they are much better looking than Karl, so we thought we should end with a picture you will appreciate!).


Karl and Debbie
Riding the Crest of the Wave

Dessert Evening with A President and a Chief!

Shortly after his election, President Obama met with the remaining 4 living Presidents. It was an exclusive meeting behind closed doors. Well, while we can't match 4 Presidents, on March 30, you'll have the opportunity to meet with 2 Presidents (one who is also an African Chief)! AND, it will be open to the public!

Who may these presidents be? The first is Theresa Malila, the Founder and President of Somebody Cares in Malawi. Somebody Cares is one of our strategic partners in Malawi. This will be a great opportunity to say hello to Theresa, hear more about what God is doing in Malawi, ask questions and find out more about how you can get involved.

Our second president is Jim Cantelon, the Founder and President of Visionledd. He and his wife Kathy will join us for this casual evening and you'll learn about what God is doing through the church throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

So join us for food, friends (both old and new) and lots of information about what God is doing on the continent that many of us love.

So, here is the important information:

When: March 30 at 7:00 pm
Where: 3769 E Morrison Ranch Parkway, Gilbert, AZ 85296

How Do I RSVP?

We would really appreciate it if let us know you are coming -- so we have enough dessert (but not too much). You can RSVP by:

• Sending an email to Karl.
• Via Facebook . Please remember you need to be logged in to RSVP.

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Karl and Debbie

Please RSVP to karl@visionledd.com .

Looking forward to seeing you there!

An Update on Karl and Debbie and an African Pastors Conference

Here we are -- and it is already the middle of February! Can you believe it? It seems that the first 6 weeks of 2009 have just flown by.

Tomorrow morning (February 8) Debbie and I are leaving for the campus of Baylor University for meetings with leaders involved in HIV/AIDS ministry in Africa. Several key people will be there, and we would ask that you would pray for:

• A safe trip there and back. We are driving the 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometres) from Phoenix to Waco, Texas.
  
• That God would enable us to connect with the right people and that we would have those "divine appointments".

A few days after we return from Texas, Karl will be flying to Edmonton, Canada to celebrate his father's 80th birthday as well as meet with some pastors and mission leaders from local churches. He will also be attending the Missionfest Conference and connecting with several key leaders doing work in Africa. Pray that this will be a fruitful trip.

Once February is over, we'll be home for a while -- but there is much to do. Here are some of the things on our calendar you can pray for:

• Plans are taking shape for the first City AIDS Summit. The Summit will be held in Baltimore sometime between the end of February/beginning of March. We'll begin laying the groundwork for the Summit with a group of churches there.
• Theresa Malila, the Founder of Somebody Cares (our partner ministry in Malawi) will be in Baltimore and Phoenix March 18 - April 7. We are helping to organize the trip and will be hosting Theresa while she is in Phoenix. Pray that God will anoint her and bless her time of speaking in churches, schools, with government officials, etc. If you would like to know when Theresa is speaking, feel free to contact us.
• Karl will continue to meet with pastors and Christian leaders about ministry partnerships Africa. Pray that God will bless those meetings and that partnerships will develop with the right churches, people and organizations.

Pastors Conferences in Malawi and Zambia

In April Karl will be going to Malawi and Zambia to participate in two pastors conferences, meet with potential ministry partners and see how some of our ongoing projects are developing.

The conference in Malawi will bring together more than 800 pastors -- most who are from the peri-urban and rural areas surrounding Lilongwe. While we do on-going pastoral training with many of these pastors, this conference will be a unique opportunity for them to be together, learn and deepen their relationship with God. What these pastors learn at the conference will be taught in their churches for the next several weeks!

Most of these pastors live on less than $1 a day. They can't afford to come to an event like this without help. For $20 you can help a pastor attend this two day event by paying for his or her transportation, food and teaching materials. If you can donate $40, then we can send a pastor and their spouse.

If you would like to help Malawian pastors attend this conference, you can make your check out to "Visionledd" and put "Malawi - Pastors" in the memo line. We would like to see all 800 pastors sponsored by March 31. If you would like to help, send your checks to the following address:

In the USA
Visionledd
PO Box 20158
Mesa, AZ 85277

In Canada
Visionledd
PO Box 460
Burlington, ON L7R 3Y3

Thank you so much for your help.

Thank you as well for your encouragement, prayer and support. We are deeply grateful for all of you.

Karl and Debbie

Our Malawian Mother Passed Away

This past week while I was in Colorado Springs, Debbie received a phone call from Malawi. Theresa Malila, the Founder and Director of Somebody Cares (a Visionledd partner ministry) called to let us know that Harriet, our Malawian mother, had passed away.

I clearly remember the day I first met Harriet. We were coming back from a village we had visited and stopped on the side of the dirt road. Suddenly a short, stocky woman came running across the field towards us. She was excited to see Theresa Malila, and as we got out of the van she looked at me and said "you are my first-born son". For some reason God gave us a connection, and from that day forward, she was my Malawian mother. Debbie met her a few months later, and became her daughter-in-law.

The day Harriet died she was working in her garden. She began to feel ill, was taken to her small home, and died there later that day. We were really sad when we heard the news, because even though we had only known Harriet for about two years, she had a special place in our heart.

Harriet was a "go-go", a grandmother who took care of 16 children. She was 70+ years old (having lived almost twice as long as the average Malawian) when she passed away. Harriet took care of her grandchildren in a small group of one room houses near a community called Mvunguti. Like the great majority of Malawians, Harriet lived on less than US$1 a day. She worked hard in her garden to grow maize and other vegetables. She raised a few chickens for food. Harriet's home had no electricity, and the nearest well was more than 1/2 mile from her home.

Harriet loved God. She believed in His faithfulness and goodness. She worshiped Him when life was hard and when she experienced His blessing. Debbie and I last saw Harriet last October. We spent about an hour with her and it was a wonderful time. As we left, Harriet gave us a chicken to say thank you for visiting her again. We told her we would visit again the next time we were in Malawi. But now, we'll see Harriet again in heaven.

We are telling you about Harriet because her life tells the story of literally millions of "go-go's" throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. Everywhere we go we find grandmothers and widows struggling to take care of five, ten, fifteen or more children who have been orphaned by AIDS. All go-go's like Harriet need is a bit of help -- help learning a skill so they can become involved in an income-generating activity like making soap, raising chickens or pigs, or sewing school uniforms. Help with some fertilizer and seed for their gardens. Or help with some clothes or shoes for them and the children they are taking care of.

Debbie and I are committed to helping go-go's like Harriet. If you would like to join us, send us an email. We can help you make a big difference in the lives of go-go's and orphans.

Thank you so much for your prayer and support.

Karl and Debbie

2009 Is Starting Out With A Bang

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas season. Our Christmas this year was a bit different. Our son Donovan's future in-laws from Korea started their visit with us on December 22. In the two weeks they were with us, we celebrated Christmas and logged more than 2,000 miles around Arizona and Southern California. I think we were all tired at the end of our time together. The picture to the left is the group of us at the Grand Canyon on December 27.

Despite the fact that Mr. and Mrs. Cho couldn't speak English, and we can't speak Korean, we managed to build the beginnings of a good relationship. As we dropped the Cho's off at Los Angeles International Airport on January 3, we knew that despite our cultural and language differences we had begun the process of becoming a family. That process will deepen as Donovan and Hyesun get married in Korea in June! We are excited about what God has done! I think the picture on the left gives you an indication that Donovan and Hyesun are a happy couple!

On The Ministry Front

The first few weeks of our launch into our new ministry has been very encouraging. God has blessed in so many ways -- words of encouragement, divine appointments and financial blessing. We have been amazed by how God has brought old and new friends to us who have have already given over $30,000 to provide wells in Malawi, support the work of Home-Based care volunteers in Malawian communities and provide for the ministry needs of Visionledd and Somebody Cares in Malawi and here in the USA.

We are so very grateful for God's blessing and encouragement. But, we've only just begun!

Coming Up!

The next few weeks are busy and we need your prayer. Here are some of the things you can pray for:

• January 13-16 Karl is in Toronto for strategic prayer and planning meetings with the leadership of Visionledd.
• January 19-22 Karl is in Colorado Springs to meet with potential ministry partners as well as attend meetings in his role as the Chairman of the Board of Youth With A Mission's International Communications Network.
• February 8-12 We are driving to Baylor University in Waco, Texas to participate in workshops and meetings dealing with church and ministry partnerships between North Americans and Africans and how that together we can do an increasingly effective job of caring for the more than 25 million orphans and vulnerable children in Africa.
• Church Relationships. In the next few weeks we will be in contact with churches in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Maryland and North Carolina about becoming part of a movement to walk alongside African churches doing HIV/AIDS ministry. Pray for wisdom and favor.
• Finances. Pray that God will continue to provide the financial resources for the work of Somebody Cares and Visionledd in Africa and in North America.

Thank you so very much for standing with us. We appreciate your prayer, encouragement and support. Feel free to send an email to Karl if you want more information about how to walk with us on this excellent adventure.