Friday, July 01, 2016

JULY 2016 Letter LIVING WELL

We stepped out on a new limb with God on this last mission trip to Zambia. We took a 14-year-old girl with us! Never mind that her dad was on the trip too or that we have known her since birth. We had no doubt about her character or her abilities . . . . . . . but she was still a 14-year-old girl! 

Brianna playing with WCS girl.

We all know that 14-year-old girls can be self-centered and whiny. We work really hard while we are in Zambia and we need every person to add to the team and not drain energy from it. 

Our prayer was that she would be able to pour into the lives of the kids there and not need pampering. We were not disappointed!


But this isn’t just the story of a mission trip. . . . This is a story of investing in the lives of young couples and families. 

They loved her!
Because of YOUR prayers and support, we have taught, counseled, and mentored young couples that now have families. We believe that our Lord produces fruit from this kind of investment.

One of these couples came to our Bible study class as newly marrieds 20 years ago. We have seen this couple grow and develop in their faith, their leadership, and in their family. We have seen them handle financial success and suffer severe illness – all with faith and courage. They have faithfully served others while raising three girls.

The time had come when the oldest girl met the criteria (high school, have a parent with them) to go to Zambia with us. God called her and her dad to experience ministry in a third world country together.
Brianna leading the puppet team.

Brianna and WCS puppeteers.
This 14-year-old girl has now paved the way for others! She was a valuable part of the team. On the last day, she was very teary. We asked her later to share her feelings at that time. 

I was heartbroken to leave the kids because I had built strong relationships with several of them and knew I would really miss them all. I feel like God used the kids to show me that you can be happy even in the worst of situations, you just have to have a positive attitude and trust that the Lord has a plan for everything and everyone!

We believe that it is the parent’s role to nurture their children’s faith and give them guidance in their walk with the Lord. We require a parent to go with any high school child that goes on mission with us. We see our role as facilitators for that journey of faith. We give them the opportunity and the tools to interact about it.

We hope YOU will rejoice with us as YOU see the fruit of your support! We have more great stories to share. Go to our Facebook page or blog for more stories and pictures.

Our love in Christ,
Donna and Ed Edwards

P.S. Thank YOU again for YOUR prayers!

The water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life. 
John 4:14b 
LIVING WELL is a life source, not a life style.