Emmanuel Christian Fellowship - McGregor, TX

There will be worship from 7:30 p.m. until about 8:30 p.m.  At that time, we’ll come together and enter into corporate prayer over the things that need our attention.  We’ll stay in prayer as long as is necessary!!!  Hope you can join us! 

Sanibonani!!! (Greetings!!!)

Things are going good!!! Been down in Nsoko with Alexis and Emily Black and with Team Ignite of the World Racers. There were 6 care-points that we got to visit last Friday. During these visits we were to be praying and listening to the Holy Spirit as to which care point we would serve at the care-point I chose to serve at is called Joyela. It’s pretty cool! I was clueless the first day, but have kind of taken charge. The teacher there has pretty much given me these kids…ages 2-5. There are 21 total, but each day there may be 14-18 that attend, at least so far. But, it’s all good.

These care-point are pretty much a small brick building…if it’s one of the better ones. There is dirt and rocks everywhere. Every part of you gets covered in dirt being here. The bandana I had on my head was brown, where it should have been white and none of the kids had touched my head. But this is life here. We Americans are quite privileged…it definitely opens your eyes as to how much we are really blessed!!!

A Swazi lady, not a Gogo (grandmother), gave me my Saswati name Monday! It’s: Makhosazana. It means: Girl of the Nation. I told Pastor Gift, a Swazi about it and he said the literal translation is: Princess. So that’s pretty cool. The students address me as: Auntie. But I think they address anyone who is in a type of teacher role this…not quite sure. The weather has been great! It’s been hot, but some cold spells have been coming through and making the day and especially the nights quite pleasurable and even cold…and its summertime. We’ve been sleeping in tents down in Nsoko and the lions have been keeping us up roaring and doing all night. We are sleeping pretty close to them. The first night many of us woke up thinking they were right outside our tents. The second night we knew they weren’t there, but they still kept us up. We went on safari and saw some cool animals. I hope to send ya’ll pics soon of what all I’m getting to see and experience. The people for the most part are very nice and the children are starving for love and affection, for pure touch and hope.

The Gogo’s at the Joyela care-point are very nice as well. They all got together at the end of the day (Wednesday), just before my bus came to pick me up and they asked me would I pray for them. It was such an honor for me to have the opportunity to pray with them.

Monday, Albertine, the main lady running this care point told me that it hadn’t rained in a long time. At the end of this day, I asked the teacher and Albertine if I could pray for them. They said yes and in this prayer I asked the Lord to send rain. Later that day, talking to Alexis Black, one of my team-mate, she prayed for the same thing at her care point. There was no rain that day or Tuesday, but Tuesday night around 9:30pm, it began to rain and it rained all night until about 4:30am. This was at the Nasela Campgrounds where we were in our tents and I was hoping that it was also raining at the Joyela care-point. The next day (Wednesday) everywhere was mud from the down-pours, even at Joyela!! I believe God answered our prayers.

Albertine called me to the side where it was just her and I to show me how they cook the rice for the children. In this alone time I asked her, did it rain a lot here? She said, ‘yes it did.’ And I told her, “God sent His rain here.” And she laughed and smiled and said, “Yes He did.” This is the day that I was asked to pray for all the Gogo’s that I was talking about earlier in this message. Perhaps Albertine told them about the day I prayed for rain…and because it rained, maybe this brought them some hope that God is really there. I don’t know, but they did not leave early as they had before, but they waited so that they could receive.

Things are good!! I am looking forward to seeing the things God is going to unfold in these people and in this area and at this care-point…at all the care-points. So, this is the latest update…I could probably be here for a couple more hours telling you what’s going on here…the experiences and things. But in time I’ll get to. Hope everyone is doing fantabulous!!!

Love you all!!!

~~Traday~~

:o)

After being awake for 48 hours in my journey home from Swaziland, I’ve about recovered and sleep patterns are back to my irregular normal. The trip was maybe the best ministry experience ever for me. I loved every minute of it. The Blacks are an amazing ministry unit. Everyone has their own role, with their own passion and purpose. I’ve known them a long time, but they’ve gone to another place in their anointing. It was an honor to witness first-hand what they’re doing in Swaziland. I really encourage you to check out Gary & Lisa’s blogs. There is nothing easy about what they do. But, they’re happy and living it out…fully alive…focused…on target. Orphans are the primary focus for the Blacks. Gary and Lisa also facilitate and coordinate for teams stationed is Swaziland who are affiliated with G42 / The World Race and Adventures in Missions. Rarely is there a dull moment.

If you’ve got a heart for orphans in Africa…click on these links: Breathe Africa, Children’s Hope Chest, Saints Coffee. I met the men who run these ministries. They’re the real deal. Each are on the ground making sure that what you give actually gets to the belly of a kid. I saw it for myself.

Traday didn’t come home with me. It would have required harnessing her in ropes and hauling her in a wheel-barrel to get her to come back. The woman is dialed in big time! It was instant love with the Blacks and she is family. Please remember to pray for them all and thank you for the financial support you send Traday’s way. She is doing the Kingdom. It is her dream…it is her passion. She smiles a lot! It’s all good!!!

While I’m camped here, I found out while in Africa that Lisa needs to have surgery. I visited the local hospital in Swaziland and that is not an acceptable option for her…nor would it be for you either. We need to get her back to the states for proper care. I have talked to a doctor buddy of mine in Waco who is willing to do the procedure for her on a gratis basis (which is an amazing blessing!) The actual hospital expenses are expected to be somewhere between $7,000-$10,000. Patti and I are planning to facilitate her recovery while she is here. Airfare has been arranged so I’m putting this out there for prayer and response if God lays something on your heart. I’m willing to discuss this with anyone who has questions. If you want to contribute….make your check payable to: VineLife Ministries International - POB 176 - McGregor, TX 76657. We’ll make sure that Gary and Lisa get the funds.

The address above also works for your gifts to Traday Caufield!

Next week, Andrew Shearman will be here for 3 meetings. Some of you have never been exposed to Andrew’s ministry. I’ve asked him to do his sermon series on the 42 Generation! It is his passion and life message. I promise you that you will love this guy! He has been like a father to me for many years. He has always been a good friend and trusted advisor. Patti, my kids and I love him very much! Please make every attempt to avail yourself to the whole experience of worship and spiritual download. It is my understanding that Nursury and Children’s activities are being arranged. CHECK THE CALENDAR PAGE FOR MEETING TIMES!

CLICK HERE!