Perhaps you noticed that we had an unplanned hiatus from the weekly GLOBAL NOTES. Our blog was “caught” in a recent update and it took a little while for the “release.” We are up and running again — better than ever.
Having enjoyed ten days vacation with our family, Connie and I returned to full work weeks. As I was catching up on all that happened while we were away, I discovered that a small contingency of Swaziland leaders who had come for the Global Leadership Summit at Connection Pointe received leadership inspiration and resources from more than GLS.
The background: Apostle Meshack Zwane came to GLS at Connection Pointe in 2016. Meeting Lee Smith, who has led several Connection Pointe trips to Swaziland with his wife Lisa, they struck up a friendship that has grown over the last year. Meshack and others from the Kingdom Embassy Church came to GLS again at Connection Pointe, this time with two women who provide leadership at the Njojane Care Pointe where our sponsored children are. LaSalette Duarte has visited us before. This was Pastor Angie’s first time.
Dan and Pastor LaSalette
Pastor LaSalette sharing the story of the children in Swaziland and the great need they have.
The weekend: Our Swaziland friends were welcomed into Kid City to interact with the children. This is how Dave Wohlenhaus, Children’s Ministry Team Leader, described their time with them:
Great visits in Kid City. Fun to see the kids respond to them. One little boy in the hallway pointed at one of the Swazi ladies and told his mom, “that lady’s from Africa!” Great conversation starter. The Swazi team was so kind and eager to learn. Partial Children’s team sat down for a meeting with all of them and ended up talking for 1 ½ hours.
They also attended our Small group Leader training event Sunday after church. I am putting together some books and curriculum resources to give to Lasalette this week before they leave.
Monday evening: I had time to visit with Pastor Muzi and Pastor Angie before our Swaziland dinner where 70 people came to be updated on the ministry there. When I asked them what their favorite part about the trip had been so far, both replied, “Kid City at Connection Pointe.” They went on to explain that they have so many children in their churches in very difficult situations that it was refreshing and exciting to see so many children come to Connection Pointe to receive good teaching and care. “They are the future, and we have seen how to teach so many children.” They were inspired, motivated to return to minister to the children in their care. As noted above, Dave is providing them with some resources.
Pastor Angie and a new friend.
Pastor Angie…
The lesson: God used GLS to bring a group of Swazi leaders to Connection Pointe for more than leadership training. They also received inspiration and encouragement in children’s ministry from our Connection Pointe children’s staff and volunteers. Well done! And our Connection Pointe children were given memorable encounters that they could share with their parents. “That lady’s from Africa!”
I would have loved to hear that conversation.
Til next week,
