Home!

Posted in General Articles by Megan Cunningham on 5/5/2008

I have been home for two weeks now and what a whirlwind! Life in America is so different and although I am embracing running water and two ply T.P. I am missing my team and the relationships I built there. I continue to learn of God's love for me and His plan. Trusting Him is a daily decision.

I just thought I would share lyrics to a song that met me where I am at... The words are powerful and bring me to tears everytime...

Never Again
Through the grieving of the broken
Hold them in Your hands
And You listen to their prayers

You hear th crying of the orphans
You hold them in You hands
And You listen to their prayers

Wake up God
Move Yourself
Wicked men have crushed You children
We pray
We wait
How long until You say...
Never again
Never again

You see the bruise on the victims
You hold them in Your hands
And You listen to their prayers

You are King forever and ever
You Kingdom come on down
Let justice roll like water, like water
The wickedness will drown.

(Enter the Worship Circle 4th circle)

Heading Home!

Posted in General Articles by Megan Cunningham on 4/15/2008

After several days of saying their goodbyes ...
Megan and her team will leave for South Africa on Wednesday.

They will head back to ALbanza for 4 days of debrief before setting out for home. Please be praying for safety as they have had robberies there recently. On Saturday the team will fly out - have an overnight stay in Atlanta then head out to their families homes on April 21st.

This is Megan holding her percious Daymay!

Her brother reassured Megan that he would take good care of Daymay after she leaves.

Megan will undoubtedly have encouraging testimony on her return ... stay tuned ...

Celebrating is a relative term ...

Posted in General Articles by Megan Cunningham on 3/31/2008

Each day holds something worthy of celebrating ...

Wouldn't you agree? It's been only days since Megan gave us word that baby Benjamin** had reached his goal weight and was released from the hospital. We had been praying for this precious baby boy ... and as excited as we were for this nutritional victory - I have to admit we were selfish in our thrill to see the first picture successfully uploaded to the internet so we could see Megan holding little Benjamin! What a thrill!

Megan sounded strong as we talked with her during the wee hours Monday morning. She tells stories of incredible challenges relationally and culturally and yet finds - on rare occasion - something oddly familiar to tell us about (like Pillsbury baking mixes!) The reality of the end of their trip drawing near and of saying good-bye to their Swazi loved ones and teammates is setting in. Here is an exerpt from a family message that will give you a feel for Megan's comfortability where she is ...

March 28, 2008
"Last night after I wrote you I headed out to the open area of our homestead with two chairs, my ipod and journal. God met me amazingly. As I listened to Enter the Worship Circle I watched lightening all around me light up the clouds and sky. SO beautiful! Lightening here is unlike what I have ever seen. It goes for hours and it is constantly lit up in some part of the sky. I just was so overwhelmed and I know this sounds stupid but it hit me that I am in Africa! Ahhh!! We as a team talk about how we have these moments throughout our time here where the reality of where we are hits us. And as I sat in plastic outdoor chairs in a poop covered dirt area with goats sneezing and dogs chasing each other� I found the calm of the night so soothing. Yes I know sad to say that is a calm scenario but it was just so relaxing. I journaled for a bit but got tired of bugs all over my headlamp so I headed to bed.

This morning has been beautiful. I finally slept well after this whole sunburn thing. I am still quite pink seeing we don't get out of the sun much. : ) But I am taking care of it by lathering with lotion and making sure I put sunscreen on daily. For breakfast we have oatmeal everyday and well after I got sick with it a while back I have not had much of an appetite for it so I have been buying yogurt and granola. Mmmm� Everyone made fun of me and was like wow you really are from Oregon. (Except Allie my west coast buddy) and now today over half the team wanted to eat it so hey I started a trend! :) They have awesome granola here�this morning we opened the new bag I picked out which was tropical cluster. It has banana chips, dried mango and papaya in it... Mmmm� so good. You all would love it!"

So - a couple of fill in points ... the sunburn Megan mentions ... the team has to leave Swaziland every 30 days to renew their visas. This particular time they took a trip to the Indian Ocean. More specifically - to St. Lucia (yes, there's one in the Carribean, too!). She said it was incredible! Also - Megan has been dubbed the 'hippy' of the group because she's from Oregon and likes granola and vegtables. It seems many of the team are from the southern states. She jokes that they all want to eat things fried. Celebrating differences ...

Megan will be home in just over 2 weeks and we will be celebrating her return. Please pray for the teams continued ministry, protection, and growth during their final days in Africa - and for their preparations to re-engage in their home environments.

Thank you for following Megan's journey. We are blessed by your faithful partnership with her.

Beth & Randy

**We received word this morning that baby Benjamin is struggling. Regrettably his mother refuses to readmit him. Please pray for her to change her mind and for Benjamin to receive the nutrients he needs.

Strength for today ... bright hope for tomorrow!

Posted in General Articles by Megan Cunningham on 3/19/2008

Life is full of surprises...

That's true no matter where you live, but after living in the U.S. the dailyness of the unknown takes on a whole new dimension for the team in Swaziland, Africa. You just never know what a day holds. None of us ever really do - but somehow here in the West we live with a greater ability to hold on to the illusion.

Megan wasn't able to submit an entry for her blog this week - and honestly, after talking with her during the wee hours earlier this week I'm baffled as to know just what to report. God is doing a work and using the team in significant ways

� and it is not without it's challenges.

Connections continue to be made at the hospital, squatter camp, and school there in Timbutini and Manzini. In all of these the team is exposed to levels of death, disease, and depravity - often in unthinkable measure. Through it they have given testimony after testimony of God's faithfulness to give them the strength and ability to love � to move ahead when they'd rather retreat � to touch � to sing � to pray � to care to a greater capacity than they ever imagined possible. Yes - God is using them to reveal Himself to the people of Swaziland � and in the midst of that, He is revealing Himself to the members of Megan's team in a very real, significant, and personal way.

There was excitement as we talked with Megan...

On the streets outside the caf� where she and her team were engaging over the Internet, a demonstration was taking place. With some concern of violence, all of the surrounding storeowners closed business � including the caf� with Megan's team inside! Once things settled down Megan's team safely returned to their homestead where they'll hold close in ministry this week. We have every reason to believe they are safe but would covet your prayers for the coming weeks for the stability of that region.

Prayer Requests:

Team Health: Nearly all of the team has experienced extreme sickness. Please pray for strength to finish strong in these final 5 weeks.

Team Unity: The enemy would love to infiltrate and distrupt the good work they are doing. Please pray for deep connection and brotherly love and kindness to prevail.

Ministry: Please pray for hearts to love freely with continued care for the dying, diseased, and abused - and for the ability to hold on to hope and spread it.

Megan: For personal spiritual refreshment � she's had little time alone and craves it. Please pray that she'd be filled up in whatever time she has �

Thank you for remembering Megan and the people of Swaziland, Africa. May God bless you in great abundance for your partnership in her ministry there!

GOOD NEWS!

Posted in General Articles by Megan Cunningham on 3/5/2008

I just received a brief call from Megan.

She was able to have her cast removed today!!!

We are so thankful for swift healing!

Although she needs to take it easy for a while - she's able to walk on her own without crutches. She sounds relieved and very happy!

Thank you all for praying!

A God of HOPE!

Posted in General Articles by Megan Cunningham on 3/3/2008

A child is marked with scars from abuse.

A patient we have made relationship with dies from AIDS.

A baby so small and dying because his mother is too sick to feed him.

I hit a wall of being overwhelmed by these oh so common scenarios we find ourselves ministering in. Why God? Where are you in all of this? All week He has been revealing to me that I am not in control for a reason and although it doesn't make sense to me I need to trust Him. He ultimately is a God of love and reason. Seems simple but is hard to grasp when I found myself consumed by the pain and brokenness of the Swazi people.

"Love them Megan. That is what I have put before you. You cannot save them. Only I can. Show them my Love! "

So I began to pray for the sick. Pray for miraculous healing not just physically but in the hearts of the Swazis. I began to pray that He would show them the hope found in Him and as I prayed I found passage after passage about His hope, love and joy. So beyond anything we can even comprehend. The verse that was in my head pretty much 24/7 this week was-

"May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace,
so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13

"Lord, that is my prayer for the Swazi people. Fill them with Your joy and peace that their lives and spirits overflow with Your hope. God take this nation! Do a mighty work. Thank you for the hope and joy you have put in me. Thank you for your goodness. Thank you for having a plan and purpose so beyond me. Help me to trust you fully even when it doesn't seem to make sense. I love you Abba. Amen."

RESTORATION

Posted in General Articles by Megan Cunningham on 2/18/2008

As I sat in the squatter camp, my body exhausted still trying to adjust
to having a cast and walking with crutches, I began to pray that God would energize me.
I was on a step watching as my team was able to run around and tickle and pick up kids.
I sensed frustration building and prayed for God to bring a child to me since I couldn't round one up.
A little girl peeked her head from behind the tree. I waved and she soon was snuggled in my lap.
Her body sank into mine as if we were a puzzle.

Kristen and Michelle (two of the FYMs that teach at the school) came over and began
to tell me this little girl's story. Her name is Rosa and she is a Mozambique refugee.
She speaks little to no English or SiSwati.
She was usually energetic and engaging.

I looked down in my lap and my heart broke. She was quiet and her eyes were sad and serious. Kristen continued to explain that Rosa had witnessed her dad being beaten the night before. Traumatic for any 6-year-old but the reason was because her dad is abusive to her. She came to school for the teacher to find all the signs of abuse.
Rosa snuggled closer as they talked and refused to eat the food put in front of her.

I began to pray. I prayed restoration of this beautiful girl. That God would take over her thoughts and dreams. That she would feel and know His Love! As I said amen Rosa broke out saying, "I love Jesus, a bunchy bunchy." Over and over she repeated I fought back tears so moved by the change that had just occurred. By the time we left she was laughing and running and playing. A grin ear to ear. She was like night and day.

The power of prayer is so huge!

Please be praying-

Our team:
Continued unity
Healing- my foot,
many are having frequent stomach aches
Energy as we switch ministries each day
Wisdom making decisions daily
Our ministries:
Safety
Healing and restoration
They would know the love of Jesus

(Another note from Megan's Mom: We talked with Megan in the wee hours of the night. For some of you the news of her broken ankle may be fresh. She wrote about an injury on her team blog - but learned it was worse than she originally thought when she visited the doctor last week. You can read her team blog entry here:
http://08sw0121rl3.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=god-works-through-every-day
Megan will return to the doctor on March 4th to check progress (the day after her 20th birthday!). Hopefully, it will have healed enough that she can have the cast removed. If not - she'll have the cast for another 3 weeks. She sounds very upbeat - making the best of the situation ... feels confident in the medical care she's being given. Please pray for swift healing and comfort! Thanks ... Beth)

The Swazi Nation

I'm in AFRICA!!!

Posted in General Articles by Megan Cunningham on 2/4/2008

Wow! So it has been two weeks and it feels like so much has happened!!

Lets see... quick summary!

Training camp--

So cold in Georgia!! Snow on the ground and yeah cold. We stayed at a church rec center... and so all us girls were sleeping on the floor... Everyday we had breakfast and then two sessions and then a "drime" practice session. Those sessions were either team builders( aka... obstacle course, get everyone across the wood planks... etc.) and then teaching times about missions, prayer led by the spirit and spiritual warfare. Each night we had awesome worship! Led by two guys named Chris and Tom and they were all about worship circle and it made me so happy!! Seriously awesome times!!! Anywho after worship we had another teaching time.... about surrender mostly and wow it was intense! People crying alot and such�but amazing stories of healing and change.

South Africa--

We stayed at a camp called Alabanza and seriously beautiful place! We were super jetlagged just kinda hung out for about 3 days and then took the 9 hour drive to Manzini, Swaziland.

On our way we got pulled over twice and then one of the vans broke down and so half the team actually got to our "home" about 6 hours later... Ok and wow our "home". Ha!

At Home in Swaziland--

Our homestead is interesting lol. I am getting used to it. Kinda. lol. Ok so our hut. All the girls are staying in a circular hut that has a straw roof and cement floor. It has 7 sets of bunk beds and we have each decorated our area with pictures and things from home: ). The bathroom also called the long drop or Jumbo�the stench is incredible seeing it has been right around 90 to 100 in temp! The "shower" consists of a tin room with no roof and the door falls over. You fill a bucket and "bathe".... Let me tell you - you don't get real clean...lol. The kitchen has a fridge and no counters and almost no storage and possibly the smallest oven ever! lol. Oh and yeah no running water! Pah! Cooking takes forever! It for surely is an adventure!! We have to get water from a bin that catches rain water. Let's see what else about our homestead... oh we have about 30 goats and 3 dogs and 8 chickens and 2 geese which equals poop everywhere!!!! Hmmm I think that is it about where I am living--- Oh just joking! I can't believe I forgot the BUGS!!! They are HUGE!!! And I mean huge!! I We have beetles the size of my two big fingers together. and we killed a spider with fangs, hair and the body was about the size of my thumb no joke! It was national geographic time! Sick!!!

Ministry--

We are still settling in and it had been a bit of an adjustment.... to say the least. We have been able to go to two hospitals and my heart broke as there were kids in beds and then another set on the floor under the beds since there was not enough room.... It was so great to be able to love and care on the kids and pray with their moms (magi) and grammas (gogos)... We also were able to visit a school and the abandoned baby home in Mbabane (pronounced (Ba ban) It was a blast to be able to hold them and love and play but it has made me miss Grace and Justice a ton! I held a chunky baby at the hospital that reminded me of Justice and I seriously almost cried!

We are still getting ministries set up so it is taking patience and things... Our team verse has been 2 Tim. 1:7.... such a good reminder ("For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.") Also I have been praying through Romans 12. Which has so much in it... everyday I see and learn something different!

I have been learning SO much and miss you all but know that God is truly at work here and I cannot wait to be able to write more!

Ok got to go... LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!

A quick word from Megan's Mom:

We spoke with Megan on the phone during the night. Even with the challenge of delays and being dropped more than once - it was so good to hear her voice. She sounds strong and confident and very much at peace. She said she is sleeping really well and generally feeling great. She was unable to connect with her email provider for some reason (unable to pick up or send) and was unable to post to her blog. She told us her access to communication will only be once every two weeks (the team had traveled a distance from their base). If our experience was any indication - it may be sketchy at best. Please continue praying for Megan and her team as they adjust to life in their new surroundings and learn to live with and love each other and the Swazi people. We hear in Megan her love and dependence on the Lord - more answered prayer, for sure! The above message was taken from a family post she was able to get out. You're all family - right? (smile)
Thanks again � Beth

First Leg ...SUCCESS!

Posted in General Articles by Mom Cunningham on 1/21/2008

Hey friends of Megan!

I just got a brief call from her in Atlanta! She successfully made the connecting flight and meet up with her team and found her bags waiting for her! Megan said she was able to sleep for most of the Portland to Orlando flight ... a major answer to prayer!

She'll be in training camp until Saturday when the team leaves for Swaziland. We hope to hear from her before she leaves the country.

Thanks so much for your faithful prayer support. I know it means a great deal to Megan. It sure means a lot to Randy and me, too!

Anchored in hope,
Beth

Leaving on a jetplane...

Posted in General Articles by Megan Cunningham on 1/20/2008

I leave in just four hours for the Atlanta and I cannot believe the odd range of emotions this last week has brought to me. I have battled tears as I say goodbye to friends and family. As I hugged and kissed my niece and nephew that were so unaware of having auntie gone for 3 months, as I went out with my sisters and mom and realized how sweet our friendships are. But I have also been so over the top excited and have loved chatting with my team as we talk through the struggles of packing up everything for three months. I have a new appreciation for the word simplicity. As I have been reading and going through the devotional that talks about community and love I soon realized that I will have that when I come home... I have that!! I have a true and amazing group of people around me!!! So sweet was our time of prayer and worship as my supporters sent me off!!! : ) Thank you to all who came. It was a great time of encouragement! Here are some pics from my Send Off!!! : )

Will write more from Swaziland!!!

Check out the team blog link on the left for more blogs and things from my team!
: )

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