April 2015 Update

Friends

It has been a while since our last correspondence. We are happy this is due to a very busy and exciting beginning to 2015 for our family and ministry. Having come out of a season that was trying in more than one way, we find ourselves more expectant and confident that He is using our partnership to accomplish the work He has started here in Southern Zambia.

Life in a family of eight is always eventful. Our kids continue to teach us on a daily basis, and it is a joy to watch them develop into their giftings on a daily basis right before our eyes. Recently we returned to Zambia from a much needed break to the beach in South Africa. It was a time of rest and enjoying the presence of God's company as a family. We also were able to visit with His People Church in Johannesburg, which is the planting church of Mazabuka Community Church where we serve on leadership. Elise continues to home school our oldest five children. Her example of determination and patience is something to behold. While education in the classroom continues, it is often the everyday experiences and rawness of life here that produces the greatest life lessons. When it is all said and done, one of the greatest gifts from living in Africa is the people God has used to create us to become both as individuals and more beautifully.......as a family!

Lots is happening in many areas of our everyday life. Most noticeably over the last few months has been a re-focus on development at our rural ministry center dubbed "Eleeo Project". This 14 acre rural property is situation in the middle of 5000 rural Tonga villagers and was gifted to us by Chieftainess Mwenda. Our heart for the development of this property is to utilize it as a base to conduct ministry, community development and outreach all focused on the embodiment of the Greek word "Eleeo"......to speak or act with compassion. The drilling of a new well on the property is scheduled to occur over the next few weeks and we would appreciate your prayers surrounding not only a successful drill but also plenty of water! We also recently raised funds to purchase a solar water pump that will be able to pump over 2000 gallons of water a day. It will allow us to further construct the project as well as help develop the agricultural ministry by providing year round irrigation. Construction also continues on the bunk houses designed to host short term teams from the States as well as Zambians traveling from far away to attend certain seminars and functions. While much has been accomplished.....there is still a great deal that needs to be done. We are confident, when complete, Eleeo Project will serve as a model of what happens when a community honors God as its foundation! If you are interested in getting involved you can learn more by getting in touch via email or donating online by clicking here.

We are also gearing up for the busy May - July season of short term mission team visits. Last year we were introduced to Love Africa Mission, an organization based out of NC that sends short term mission teams to Africa every summer. Last year's teams proved a huge success and blessing for all involved and we look forward to hosting four teams over the next few months. If you would like to learn more about Love Africa Mission trips you can check them out by clicking here.

Much of the rest of our ministry areas continue to develop. Elise's ladies Bible study for the local farm worker's wives is constantly producing testimonies of lives touched and changed. Recently we distributed winter clothing to around the eighty ladies and their families. What a joy to serve these amazing families as a family. We also continue to serve on the leadership team of Mazabuka Community Church where we have fellowshiped over the last three years. Luke continues to handle the lion share of the preaching on Sundays and we recently have seen the creation of three new home groups. Elise also enjoys her weekly ladies Bible study with the white farmers wives. Elise has close friendships with these women and our kids also enjoy friendships with their kids. This is such a blessing. While we have wrestled from time to time with the fruit we were seeing from these ministries......more and more we are hearing how lives are being transformed through our partnership. What almost a decade in Africa has taught us is, that building relationship and His Kingdom takes time.....sometime a lot longer than we anticipate. We are learning to come to grips with that and we are more committed than ever to finishing this amazing dream He has prepared for us to realize.

While living out ministry in rural Africa if full of blessings and unique opportunities, it can also be very hard and lonely. As we close we want to express just how precious it is to be connected with such amazing partners as you. Your love and support over the years has continually provided a tangible example of His faithfulness. Thanks for taking the time to catch up on what has been happening in our lives........we love you guys! Make sure to keep on the lookout for future updates by following our "Eleeo Project" page on Facebook.

With Love & Honor

The Whitfields <><