Moving to Africa!!!

We Baums' headed out to Tulsa yesterday afternoon to catch the evening session of the Nat'l Missionary Convention. We made sure we got there in plenty of time, too, to peruse the hundred or more exhibits of missionaries all over the world. I had shared with Mike earlier that I was looking for a mission that I could support with tithe money over the next few months/year. Little did I know that I would find an African mission that would not only capture my pocketbook, but my heart. My mind continues to ponder on a place in Africa with the highest % AIDS rate in the world (approx. 46-47%), with the only monarchy left on the continent, and with a unique plan for restoring human life and purpose. The name of this place is BULEMBU.

According to the Partners in Action website:

"Bulembu, a town in Swaziland with heart and vision, is redefining and rebuilding itself. Abandoned by the mining industry, the future looked bleak. The inhabitants deserted the town and left with nothing. In a country further ravaged by AIDS - orphans and babies were impacted daily. But a team of entrepreneurs and social developers see potential in Bulembu and the spirit of the Swazi people. Today Bulembu has a vision to create a totally self-sustaining community, restoring health, education, commerce and providing care for the children."

As we visited with the mission representative last night he shared that the mission is always looking for medical professionals, childcare workers for the orphans, and social workers. I was intrigued with the mission from my first understanding of its purpose; but upon hearing of a specific need for social workers I became almost fearful of what God might be asking of me/us. I can honestly say that I haven't felt conviction like that for a LONG time. The representative also informed us that there are alot of young couples participating in the mission work there in Bulembu. So . . . grandparents to McKenna, you better start praying.

If anything, I hope to learn more and more about the mission and see about ways that I/we can partner with them in a way that doesn't require a permanant physical relocation. Perhaps someday you'll get a fundraising letter to help send us there for a mission trip! In the meantime, check out the mission yourself by visiting http://www.bulembu.com/ and consider supporting them in your own way.