A Year to get Here

For many of you that have followed our story and lives over the past 5 years you know where we've been, what we've left, and how the journey has brought us to this point.

In July, 2013, as we were praying and waiting and trusting for His direction, God led us to be Directors of Ministry at Hope Center. You can read about that part of the journey here

When God affirmed our call to Aiken and Hope Center we thought the building would be ready for occupancy and ministry in September 2013. Little did we know that it would actually be September, 2014.

That doesn't mean we had nothing going on with life and ministry, Oh there has been plenty of that!  I have been blessed to be a part of a women's (and sometimes men) group that meets for Bible Study and most recently to do Jobs for Life classes.  God has knit together hearts and created friendships through this group.
Scott has continued to work on his classes towards his masters degree in Christian Ministry, has been teaching classes for Christ Central Institute, and is doing interim Children's work at Millbrook Baptist Church.
Add all of that to our chaotic home-life with kids in school and activities and you realize we have been busy!  To top it all, we welcomed our first Grandchild, Stella James Smith, to the world on July 5th and have been blessed to be close enough for trips and visits. (You can see all the baby pics you want here).

We have continued to spend a lot time in meetings and prayer as we worked toward the opening of Hope Center.  There have been grants to write, people and places to speak and share the vision.  There have been needs of people to be met... needing rides, and help, and someone to walk alongside them.  There has been a team to build (which is still in the process) and equip for mission ministry.  There have been details of contractors, and invoices, and building inspections but mostly, there has been a lot of work to be done inside our own hearts to be ready for such a time as this.

Although we had a grand-opening with Governor, Nikki Haley, in February we have not had permission to occupy the building until this past Thursday - September, 4th.

So today we mark a very historic day in our Journey.  The opening of Hope Center.  Today was the first full day of ministry. The morning began with transporting momma's and babies to class.

Trinity academy (Preschool Ministry) under the direction of Anita Stokes had class with 4 leaders and 9 littles.  What a blessing to watch God call people that love little ones and see the importance of reaching them with the love of Jesus even as an infant.  It's such a joy to watch preschoolers begin to learn routines and expectations from teachers, and to see teachers pour their passion into the future generation.

 Morning Worship time at Trinity Academy

 Learning to play together in Centers at Trinity Academy

 Mrs. Pam loving on the Babies of Trinity of Academy

 Mrs. Barbara (a jobs for life graduate) serving the babies of Trinity Academy

 Snack Time with Mrs. Stokes 3 and 4 year old class

Ty, a 4 year old, enjoying being in preschool

Jobs for Life class met in Hope Center with 11 students and 5 mentors and leaders.  A great group of men and women learning and growing as they seek jobs and a better for themselves and their children.  This is the heart-beat of what will happen in Hope Center as mentors are matched with people that are seeking to grow and learn and make positive changes in their lives.

This afternoon the doors opened once again to welcome our first kids to the after-school mentoring program.  Donna Paschal, after-school director, has worked a tireless number of hours organizing, planning and preparing for this day.  Although it seemed like a small start it was a God beginning and we had a great day.  Just last week we thought we had one mentor for these kids and could only have 2 kids in the program and before we finished today we have 6 kids matched with mentors and have 14 on a waiting list.

 Entering the After-School program for the first day of mentoring

 Mr. Scott led worship and Bible Study with the after-school children

 Mrs. Donna mentoring Keon

 Camilla Moyer mentoring AJ

 Mrs. Cindy Merritt mentoring Caleaf

The first mentors and students of Hope Center After-School Program

The verse Hope Center was birthed from is from Isaiah 58:12 ~
“Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; 
You will raise up the age-old foundations; 
And you will be called the repairer of the breach, 
The restorer of the streets in which to dwell."

Tonight we are grateful for those that have journeyed ahead of us with vision and direction from God. We praise Him for His faithfulness and for keeping His promises.  We praise Him for the faithfulness of His people who provided for the 'rebuilding'.  We give God all Glory for the great things He has done.

As Hope Center begins there are still many needs and we know He that began this work will see it through to completion.  We are asking for you to pray to see where God would have you be a part of what He is doing.  We are in need of preschool helpers on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  We are in need of adult mentors to be part of the adult classes and walk alongside students.  We are need of mentors for the after-school program - there are 14 children waiting for mentors.  We also need snacks coordinated and served, and a recreation leader.

If you feel God is calling you, or you might know of someone that would like to serve at Hope Center, please let us know.  We would love to sojourn with you.

Thanks again to all of you who pray for us, love us, support us financially, and encourage us on this journey of Faith!  We love you all!

~ Tonya

2013 - A Year in Review

I can barely wrap my mind around the fact that we have been back in the states for 5 months.

I have done a poor job of blogging since our return, so here's an attempt to catch up:

Praise God for His goodness, mercies and provisions in 2013

When I look back over 2013, I am once again overwhelmed by the goodness of our Lord!

In January: We were blessed to be with family to bring in the New Year. We got to spend a weekend in Tennessee to reunite with a special group of friends. We returned to Botswana to complete our 3-year term. The kids got back in school and we got right back into ministry – Scott preaching at 2 different churches and me leading Woman’s ministry.

In February: While we were busy readjusting to life in Botswana, Scott preached every Sunday and had the privilege to return to SC to be a part of the Millbrook Baptist Missions Conference. I had to opportunity to go to Lobatse Baptist and teach the ladies some basic sewing skills.

In March: Scott returned from SC. We had a 3 day getaway to Bufflesport with our missionary friends. We led a Sunday School training and made preparations for the 1st ReFresh Teacher’s Conference.

In April: We welcomed our dear friends, Karla and Lisa. We spent 3 days in Kasane – got to visit Vic Falls and did an Evening Boat Safari on the Chobe. We hosted the ReFresh Teacher’s Conference for over 350 teachers from all over Botswana. We said goodbye to a precious missionary – Clay and to our dear friends and fellow missionaries – The Barkers. We led 2 Children Ministry training sessions and welcomed Mark Partin from Alice Drive. We spent a week showing Mark the ministry, working toward the completion of the Feeding station in Old Naledi, and seeing the preschool ministry in Mosojane.

In May: We celebrated Makenzie’s graduation via Skype (one of the hardest parts of being a missionary overseas - missing the big life events). We welcomed our 2 summer interns – Joe and Abbie. We served at the GBC after-school program. We ran a Sunday School training at OBC. We welcomed Shan Rose (a dear friend with DEEP ministries). Shan helped us prep for the MBC mission team that came the end of May. Together with the MBC team we ran our 3rd VBS in Gakuto village. We hosted our 1st woman’s conference in Gakuto thanks to Janet Jenkins & Living Hope Missions. God made clear our direction forward – to keep doing ministry in Botswana but live in the USA.

In June: We said goodbye to MBC team. We welcomed our friends the Davis home from their furlough. We added a precious family – The Whites – to our home (who we were blessed to walk our last 6 weeks of life in Botswana beside – both discovering a new meaning of “walking by faith”). We started a Bible Study/small group in our home with the Gakuto Youth. We travelled to Mosojane to serve and say our goodbyes in that village.

In July: We said goodbye to Joe and Abbie. We hosted a teacher’s conference in Lobatse. We learned that God had provided a place for us to live in Aiken, SC. The body of Christ, through Millbrook Baptist, set the entire house up for us. We said lots of goodbyes and continued to pray for direction for our future ministry. One week before we departed Botswana, God made clear our direction - to return to SC to serve as faith-based missionaries with Christ Central Ministries in Aiken. We packed up 4 boxes, 12 suitcases, 6 carry-on bags and said our sad goodbyes as we completed our 3 year mission. We were welcomed stateside by our families and spent the 1st week at home at Edisto Beach.

In August: We registered the kids in their new schools. We tried to adjust to a new pace of life. We celebrated all God had done in and through us with our church family in Sumter, Alice Drive Baptist. We began meeting, planning, and praying with our new mission family at Christ Central. We watched our kids re-enter the American school system and find their place in life and church (which was by far one of the hardest parts of returning).

In September: Scott began leading/teaching a GED program every Saturday. He was able to help 6 people get their GED before the end of the year. Josh and Joe began playing football. Chandler began mentoring/tutoring a 9-year-old boy through the Christ Central Mentoring Program. We began making preparations for the opening of Hope Center – the building we will direct ministries out of. I met with and observed “Prosperity Project” in Columbia to begin preparations for the after-school program at Hope Center. Josh and Joe began an after-school reading program. Parker continued to find his way in Middle School and began going to youth group on Wednesday evenings.

In October: We continued to meet and pray weekly with the Christ Central Team. Scott continued the GED program. I began a Bible Study for Ladies (mostly single mother’s of kids that attend Christ Central) – teaching “Money Matters”. Josh & Joe finished their football season with a win. We had lots of meetings and did lots of networking. The kids got their 1st report cards (which were all good) and we celebrated our first Halloween back in the states.

In November: Parker went to an adventure Camp with a Friend. We finished up our “money matters” class and began a “servesafe” class with the ladies. We made a trip to Columbia to observe the free dental clinic and make some preparations for the clinic that will be on-site in Hope Center. We registered all of the Christ Central kids and helped connect Christmas Sponsors for every one of them. We celebrated Thanksgiving with our kids and family. We found out we are going to be GRAND PARENTS – we are thrilled!!

In December: Scott completed his 1st year of his Masters program with North Greenville. Of course he has a ‘A’ average and looks forward to finishing in 2014. I was blessed with the opportunity to return to Botswana to be a part of a ladies conference, host the youth for dinner, and run a Christmas event for the kids of Gakuto. It was strange to return as a visitor instead of a resident. I am so grateful to able to keep the relationships going that were established during our time there. My precious 'african' daughter, Elizabeth, travelled for 3 days by bus to come and see me (What a sweet reunion). In Aiken we prepared our home for Christmas. We took all of the moms from our Money Matters Class shopping for their kids for Christmas (thanks to the sponsors). We distributed Christmas gifts for 19 families that sponsors had provided. We worked hard to get Hope Center building completed and ready for the Grand Opening on February 3, 2014. We celebrated Christmas with both of our families and had all of our children together on Christmas Morning.

We give God all the Glory for the things He has done. We look forward to 2014 and what He will do in and through us. Please continue to pray for our family, the work at Hope Center/Christ Central Aiken, and the ministry and people of Botswana. Pray for clear direction and discernment as we plan and prepare for 2014.

Thank you all for being a part of our ministry. Your love, prayers, encouragement, and financial support mean the world to us.

Much love - Tonya

"HE Knows"

"He knows my name. He knows my every thought and He hears me when I pray."

We are so thankful for those of you that have prayed for and with us. God has certainly heard our prayers and has answered beyond what we could have imagined!! Isn't that just the way our Mighty God is?? "To Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations, for ever and ever! Amen!" ~ Ephesians 3:20-21

As I shared before we have been walking in complete faith, trusting Him to show us each step. This week He has shown His faithfulness over and over. He has used His body of believers in Aiken, SC to completely set up a home for us. He has used His faithful followers here in Botswana to provide a vehicle for us for when we arrive. He has provided financially to ship some of our belongings back. He is faithful!!

Last week we knew - through His provision - that we would move back to Aiken but we were unsure about jobs and where we would serve when we arrived. Today - exactly one week before we fly out of Botswana - He answered those questions too.

Today an email conversation between Scott and Judy Floyd (director of Christ Central Aiken/Graniteville) began. Judy asked about what we planned to do for jobs when we returned. Scott replied that we were seeking and praying but that if she knew of anything to please keep us in mind. He also told her that we are looking forward to serving at Christ Central alongside them.

Judy's email reply took us to our knees. Please read a small portion to understand:
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"As you know Christ Central is an all volunteer ministry to people in need, but if there is a specific position of need that requires 30 or more hours a week, the director (in this case me) is able to offer some level of support and the missionary or missionaries are permitted to raise their own support that can be run through the mission books and 100% forwarded to you.

Christ Central would love for you and Tonya to pray about whether God if calling you to join us for a one year's commitment to establish the ministry of Hope Center in Graniteville.

Hope Center is a 15,000 sq. ft. building that Mike and Stan are rebuilding to the glory of God. It will be an education and job training center and also a Christian community center for preschoolers to senior adults. The commercial kitchen is due to open Sept 1 and the remaining parts of the building should be finished before year's end. We hope to offer Jobs for Life, GED, after-school mentoring for children ages 5 to 18 years, and and other job related programs. It will also include free medical and dental services to people who are uninsured or under-insured.

Hope Center has been a journey of faith for us and we have prayed for several years for God's choice to lead this ministry....we are believing that God is calling you and Tonya. Let me know if I can answer any questions.

Prayerfully yours,
judy "

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And our reply:

Judy,
To say we are blown away would be a complete understatement!!!

Scott and I have been praying for over a year now and have trusted that HE knew the next steps for us. We have trusted and waited and followed one step at a time. Sitting at our kitchen table exactly one week from the day we will fly out and reading your response was an absolute 'holy' moment!

As we sit here in tears of joy - it is without doubt that HE has answered our prayers today!!! He is more than faithful!! We are 100% sure that Directing the ministry of the Hope Center is His answer to our prayers and the prayers of many!! We are so excited about the future and look forward to serving HIM alongside you and Roger!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All Praise and Honor and Glory to HIM!! Thank you for praying, for giving, for encouraging us and for being eyewitnesses to His faithfulness throughout our journey!

Continue to pray for our transition back, for our new position as Director's of ministry at the HOPE Center and for our continued ministry in Botswana.

With a grateful heart ~
Tonya

Walking by Faith

It's hard to believe we are at the end of this chapter in our lives. In two short weeks we will board the plane and head across the ocean to begin the next chapter. As the pages turn God gives us glimpses of what is next but continues to ask us to trust Him with our futures.

These past few months have been super busy and super emotional. We were blessed to host two interns that were just like family to us. We loved having Joe and Abbie here serving with us. We have traveled to say goodbyes in the village of Mosojane (6hours north). My heart broke as I held each face in my hands, reminding them that Jesus loves them and thinks they are special. After serving there over the 3 years and running 4 VBS they all came out to tell us bye. My heart was overwhelmed at the crowds that waited and pushed just to hug us. My prayer for these little ones is that they understand this Love of God and will come to know Jesus as personal Lord and Savior.

We spent 4 weeks hosting the youth of Gakuto in our home for Bible Study. I loved to see their desire to grow and know more about Jesus. The connections we made with these 5 young adults made it even harder to say our goodbyes in the village. Gakuto is where we have served and loved for the past 3 years. Going around the 'greeting circle' after church with tears pouring down my face, just praying that these people understand this Love we have shared - The love of Jesus Christ. One lady told me that she had never seen such love! Please pray with me that the church of Gakuto will remain strong, they would keep a desire to learn and grow in the Lord, and that they would be a lighthouse in their village.

We have served and worked in Old Naledi trying to see the feeding station on the church grounds through to completion. We have invested in individual lives, prayed, loved, and cared for the needs of many. Goodbyes are never easy! Please pray for Naledi Baptist Fellowship as they love and serve in their village. Pray that they will be a beacon of Christ's Hope and Love to this village. Please pray for a sweet young friend in Naledi that is pregnant with twins. Pray for her health, for her to make the right choices, and for her to walk with the Lord. Pray that God would send someone to support and encourage her.

We are helping host a teacher's conference this week in Lobatse - reminding these teachers of the power they have to change lives. We will say our goodbyes to the sweet friends in Lobatse that work daily at the church running an after-school orphan care project. Pray that God will continue to strengthen them and that the good work they are doing in the lives of children will continue. Pray that the kids they serve will understand the love and grace of Jesus Christ and will come to know Him as Savior.

Our kids are winding up their last week at school here. Please pray for them to have closure and grieve as necessary. Pray that God will prepare hearts of friends to recieve them when we arrive back in America.

As all of this comes to an end and we work to pack our bags please be in prayer for us. We have travelled this journey by faith. We have walked with God and watched as He provided everything we needed. We have watched Him open doors and change lives. We have watched Him transform a village and individuals. We have trusted Him to complete the good works that He began. He is forever faithful!

We have been praying and waiting since last October for God to show us our next step - Walking daily in Faith. We have tried not to worry or fret (which on some days was VERY hard). We wondered where we would call home and settle our kids into school. Last week we got an email from my sister, Felicia, saying that God has provided a house and office space for us in Aiken, SC. We are so grateful for His provision. As I write, the body of Christ is busy at work setting the house up for us. We are humbled and beyond thankful!

We have several prayer needs as we transition - please join us in praying:
1. That God will continue to lead us in the way forward as we seek to continue our ministry in Botswana while living in the states.
2. That we would have clarity and direction as far as jobs.
3. That our children would adjust to new schools and get the help they need with their education.
4. That our cars will sell in Botswana so we can purchase cars in the states.

We appreciate all of you that been on this journey with us. Your love, financial support, encouraging words, and prayers have made an eternal impact on our family and the children of Botswana. Our prayer is that you will continue to support the work God is doing in Botswana.

With much love and a grateful heart ~ Tonya

Immeasurably More!!

Eph 3:20 ~ "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

We have had an Immeasurably More few weeks!! So incredible it's just plain hard to put into words. This morning I was reflecting on all the Lord has done and was in tears and speechless. 'Thank You'just seems too little to say.

We have known since we arrived in Botswana that our mission was to reach Leaders of Children. We have worked in lots of churches and children's ministry conferences but God continued to impress upon us that the Leader that has the most influence on a child is his or her teacher. God gave us a vision to do a conference for School Teachers. We were unsure what that would look like or how we would manage to do it, so we began to pray for direction. When Scott mentioned this vision with our friends, Pam and Steve Workman, they shared that they had been dreaming and praying about doing the same thing.

We began to meet together and pray and brainstorm about the possibilities. We watched God open doors as we prayed. Scott and I knew of two teachers that we definitely wanted to be a part of this conference. I wrote my dear friend Karla Hafner and told her to begin praying and ask Lisa Avins if she would be interested as well. Karla wrote back and said that they were both very interested but knew that it would only happen if God made the way.

We continued to watch God open doors as we prayed. Karla and Lisa talked with their principal and got permission to ask for the time off of work to come. We prayed for favor with the superintendant and within a few weeks they wrote and told us that they were given the time off with pay and subs provided. GO GOD (Immeasurably More)!!

We prayed about how we should promote and invite teachers. In our finite minds we thought it would be best to only invite teachers from the closest villages to Gaborone, since we would not be able to lodge them. Pam, the headmaster at the The Learning Centre School, was invited to speak with the ministry of education about the conference. When she arrived at the ministry things seemed to be in chaos so she texted me to pray. A few minutes later the deputy secretary came out and said , "Yes we know about your conference. We are very excited and are appointing 300 teachers from all over the country to come. We will pay for their lodging and their transport costs." He also said, "People have offered to help our schools by sending sports equipment, or setting up computers, but none have ever asked to invest in our teachers. We are hoping this will not be the only conference you have like this!" Pam could hardly believe how GOD had done all of the work and we were just left to praise HIM - (Immeasurably More)!!

We prayed over details, invited more speakers, and began to prepare topics to present. The week finally came (last week) and we got to watch God at work ~ AMAZING (Immeasurably More)!! All of the teachers came. They were very receptive of all that was presented. They began to see themselves in a new light - as the ONES given a unique opportunity to change the world... one child at a time. On the last day of the conference, Steve Workman, pastor of Desert Streams Fellowship, presented the Gospel. 207 people scribbled their names on little pieces of paper (just torn from their notebooks) stating they had prayed to recieve JESUS as savior and Lord!! - Praise be to God!! (Immeasurably More)!!

When I reflect on the week all I can do is give thanks!! Thanks to everyone that prayed! Thanks to Lisa, Karla, Amy, Barbara, and Pam for speaking Truth into the lives of the teachers of Botswana. Thanks to Scott for his energy and passion that he freely pours out!! Thanks to Steve and Pam for being obedient, for hosting the event, and for sharing the life changing message of Jesus! Thanks to The Sumter School District teachers and friends for giving so generously for the 100's of prizes given away to the teachers of Botswana. Thanks to Our AWESOME GOD - for saving souls,for changing lives and perspectives,for giving teachers a reFreshing outlook, and for using ordinary, broken people like us!!

Hope you enjoy some of pictures of "ReFresh"


Psalms 71:8 ~"My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long."

Preparing for Goodbyes

How do you prepare for Goodbye? I have not been able to wrap my finite human brain around that question. I know there are lots of people that are preparing for goodbyes ... spouses deploying, family members terminally ill, aging parents, kids moving away... the list of possibilites is endless. I pray if you are in that place of preparing that God will give you the grace and peace that only HE can!!

But when I think about all of this, I still wonder HOW? My heart breaks every time I say a "temporary" goodbye - knowing I will see them again. My heart breaks as I watch others say goodbyes to their kids leaving to go on mission a continent away. My heart breaks as I watch others say goodbye to their dying family members. My heart breaks as I continue to watch my sister and family grieve over the goodbye that was said 5 years ago to Baby Wills. So why does this heart of mine break? I have often said through the years, "Goodbyes HURT because our hearts are built for eternity where there are NO goodbyes!" I know that is TRUTH and I long for that day of no more goodbyes! Still I'm in a place of trying to prepare for the goodbyes that are coming.

These past few days have been some the hardest on the field. I had to tell 2 of my "daughters" that we are moving back to the States. These 2 have been with us from the beginning and God has knit us together. They were both so incredibly sad that it broke my heart in two. I reminded both of them that we still have 5 months together so we need to celebrate our time together. Still how will I do it come July? How will I leave my daughters, who live in poverty and need, not knowing if we will see each other again this side of Heaven?? I (and they) can only do it by the grace of God. We will cling to this verse: 2Cr 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Please be in prayer for us as we are making preparations and telling our friends and family here we are leaving. Pray that God will give us Grace for every conversation and complete Peace that He has perfect plans for EVERYONE!!

Pray specifically for Elizabeth and Mercy. Pray for their breaking hearts!

Continue to pray for the work still to be done before we leave in July. Our calendars are full of appointments, trainings, kids camps and conferences.

We love you all and appreciate your continued love, prayers, encouragement and support!
~ Tonya

What's Behind Us - And What lies Ahead

We were blessed once again to have the opportunity to travel to the states for the holidays. What a joy to be with our kids that are stateside and see the rest of our families and friends.

We spent Thanksgiving in the mission house in Sumter,SC with my sister and kids, my mom and dad, and all 7 of our kids. Scott preached at Alice Drive Baptist Church the Sunday after Thanksgiving. I was a joy to worship with our sending church and get so many hugs and greetings.

We were able to be with Makenzie and Tyler at the launch service of NewSpring Greenwood where Tyler is on staff as production director. We loved our time there and are excited to see what God is doing through that church.

We got to experience the new Christmas production at Millbrook Baptist, that my Mom, my sister,Felicia, and her family were in. Once again it was great so many friends and church family members. It's always like going home when you see faces that were there when you were a kid,teen and young adult in that church.

The kids and I had a wonderful week with my sister, Lea and the cousins. We enjoyed some Christmas time activities with them, seeing lights, decorating the house, shopping and cooking. When we are together it's like we've never been apart!

The boys and Scott were part of the kids Christmas Program at Alice Drive Baptist - where, of course, my "showmen shipes" stole the show! :D (Isn't that what all proud momma's think?)

We spent 10 days at Edisto Beach where we celebrated Christmas with our kids and Tyler's Mom, Donna. Then had a week with all of my family - a wonderful time of laughing, singing, sewing, eating, playing games, and just making awesome memories! We were blessed to have Meredith(Chandler's girlfriend) and Micah join us for a few days. I'm sure they left with some 'culture shock'after hanging with our crew! :D

After the new year we had a Fun and Fabulous weekend reunion with several of our dear friends. We stayed up til the wee hours of the mornings playing cards and games, laughing, talking and enjoying our time together. I love how God knits peoples hearts together and when they reunite it's like there was never any time or miles between them! That's how it was for all 25 of us in the Keelty home. The Chennaults, The Chandlers, The Arthurs, The Keeltys and all of the Shipes Clan in one house - GLORIOUS!!

We had the chance to share our hearts and ministry with a small group of sweet ladies at Millbrook. They blessed our hearts and our family with many goodies to bring back to Botswana.

I spent the last week in the states helping my 2 grown kids get settled back into college and helping my Momma while she recuperated from Retina Surgery. I was grateful to be there to help since so I often I miss these "life-things"!

It's been one week since we made it back to Botswana and we have spent that week trying to recover from Jet-Lag! Not much time to rest - the kids started back to school this week and Scott did too!! He began his first class on-line through North Greenville University. He is working on his masters in Christian Ministry degree. I'm so proud him he made a 97 on his first assignment in over 28 years.

Scott and I began to make preparations for the coming year. We are filled with anticipation as we fill the calendar with events. There is already a conference scheduled for April that will reach 300 public school teachers. Please pray with us as we plan for this. We pray that many teachers will be refreshed, renewed, and recharged and that they see the importance of their job in the lives of Children. We believe that by reaching the teachers with the gospel many children can be impacted for Christ. We are excited to have 2 special friends from Sumter come to serve at that conference with us. Please pray for Lisa and Karla as they make preparations to come this way.

We have scheduled a week in Gakuto with Millbrook Baptist again and are so happy that it is working out for their return. Please pray that God would prompt those that should be part of this trip. As excited as I am for this team to come, It brings tears of joy to think how excited the kids in Gakuto will be to see them again. When Millbrook left last year the kids told us they were counting down the months until they could come again.

Scott is scheduled to travel back to the states in Late February to be part of the Millbrook on Mission Conference. Such an honor and privilege to be a part of that. We took part of that conference the March before we came on the field in 2010. Nothing like being in the church that God used to transform your life and call you into ministry. Pray for Scott as he travels and shares the stories of what is doing in Botswana and southern Africa.

There are plenty of other things on the calendar like preaching, trainings, supporting other missionaries,church events and Bible Studies. There is one date on the calendar that we knew would come but realize is so close when we wrote it down. July 25th!

July 25th,2013 or there abouts, we will finish our term of service in Botswana. Our family will return to the states for Scott to finish school, Chandler to graduate, Parker to start High School, and the twins to get some help in their education. At this point we have no idea where God will send us to serve but one thing we do know is that He is in control and He has a perfect plan for all of our lives. He knows exactly where we need to be and what He needs to accomplish in each of our lives. Please pray for us as we face the future - that we would be discerning and wise. Pray that we have clear direction about the future of our ministry in Botswana. Pray that we would stay in the center of His will for us. Pray that we finish this term well ~ "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."-Act 20:24

We love you all and appreciate you!! Your encouragement, prayers, and support are vital to the ministry the Lord has called us to!

Thanks for reading! Until next time ~ Tonya

See what God's been up to in Botswana ~ 2012

Sitting here this morning Praising God for all He has done!! I am amazed that HE is able to use two ordinary, yet willing people to accomplish what HE has planned and purposed! “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen!” Eph 3:20-21

Join us in Celebrating His Work in our ministry and lives in Botswana ~ 2012:

January – We said our goodbyes and left our boy Hunter (for the 1st time) to return from our stateside visit on Jan 11th. We kept 3 sweet Missionary kids (Meredith, Micah & Peyton) for their parents to go to a Missions meeting for 2 weeks, started homeschooling Parker, and celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary.

February – Scott ran 4 weeks of training at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church, did teacher training at Believers Destiny Academy, we kept 2 more sweet girls for missionary friends of ours (Maddy & Myah), and Chandler went camping in the Central Kalahari with the Lions.

March – Ministered to a family we love as a part of “Remembering Wills”, Ran training in discipleship for 3 weeks at Desert Streams Fellowship, Scott preached at DSF, hosted the hors d'oeuvres for the MK prom, continued with 3 weeks of training at Believers Destiny Academy, did a weekend of training with Branch Ministries in Silibe Pikwe, Chandler and Scott were part of a hunting/purity retreat for Missionary kids – Chandler killed his 1st impala.

April – Celebrated Good Friday at Desert Streams Fellowship with a baptism service, Scott spent 10 days in Zambia leading a Children’s Ministry Conference, celebrated Chandler’s and my Birthday, and ended the month heading to the Okavango Delta to camp with friends (in Wild Botswana).

May – Scott led a weekend training in Francistown, we said goodbye to a great friend of the boys – Micah Davis – as he headed home for college, celebrated Parker’s 13th Birthday, led training at Growing Faith Church, welcomed my sister Felicia for a 2 week visit, welcomed and helped a team from Highland Baptist serving at GWest, welcomed our 1st intern of the summer – Drew.

June – We welcomed our dear friends the Keeltys who came to serve and vacation with us, We welcomed and served alongside our friends from Millbrook Baptist Church, did a week kids camp in Gakuto village with MBC, Keeltys, and Drew, went on a safari and to Victoria Falls with the Keeltys, celebrated Scott’s 50th Birthday and the twins 7th, welcomed our 2nd intern of the summer – Kayli, and said TOO MANY Goodbyes.

July – we did Sunday School leaders training at Open Baptist Church, welcomed a team from Alice Drive Baptist church, Ran 2 kids Camps in 1 week alongside the ADBC team (despite having the Flu), and welcomed our girl – Makenzie – back to Botswana.

August – traveled north to run a kids camp in Mosojane, led the 2nd annual Children’s ministry conference at Open Baptist Church, spent some precious family time with our girl, said goodbye to Kayli and Makenzie, and did 2 days of teacher training at The Learning Centre School.

September- Scott preached at Tati River Baptist in Francistown, we helped with the 20th Birthday celebration at The Learning Centre School, Scott spent 10 days in Zimbabwe serving with “Call to Africa” leading Children’s Ministry conferences in 3 different locations, kept Peyton and Meredith so their parents could go to a mission meeting, Chandler and Meredith starting dating, Chandler and I went to “Passion World Tour” in South Africa our friends, our family went camping at “Warm Baths” in South Africa, I became the leader of “W.O.W”(women of worth) ministry and had our 1st Bible Study, and Parker went back to school to start his 8th grade year.

October – Started “Hope for Gakuto” – spent my Saturdays in the village taking pictures and getting kids sponsored, Scott led Sunday School leaders training and preached at Tati River Baptist, welcomed Clay Smith our lead Pastor from ADBC, spent a week of ‘vision casting’ with Clay, hosted the 2nd ‘W.O.W.’ Bible Study, Scott preached at DSF and we kept some sweet MK’s again!
November- spent an afternoon of vision casting with guys from Johnson’s Ferry Baptist, shopped and packed gifts for ‘Hope for Gakuto’, Scott preached at Tati River Baptist in Francistown, hosted the “WOW” Christmas party and Bible Study at our house, went to Lobatse to help teach sewing to women that run an orphan care center, and hosted a surprise Birthday Party for a sweet young Missionary - Allison.

As we wrap up our 2nd year here – we will Host the ‘Hope for Gakuto’ Christmas Party on Saturday complete with Jumping Castle, Great Food, and Lots of Gifts and Smiles. We depart Botswana on the 20th to head home for holidays. We look forward to seeing our kids we miss so much and our families. We will see lots of friends and family and return to Botswana in January to continue the work God has called us too.

Please Praise God with us for what HE has done. We give all Glory to HIM!! We are thankful for the way HE works in and through us. Please continue to pray for our Next Step in our service to HIM. We love you all and are thankful for your part in our lives and ministry!! ~ Tonya

Zimbabwe!

I was blessed to work in Zimbabwe last week. Ken Galyean, with Call to Africa led a team from the U.S. and Gaborone, Botswana with Open Baptist Church as part of Close Connections. Ken brought his trusted side-kick, my friend, Clyde Watts from Oklahoma. They arrived a week earlier to work in village area near Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, a must see for anyone. Witnessing decisions made for Christ from was the best view for the team. We are reminded there is such a need to support the local pastors to disciple the new spiritual infants. When I met up with them they were not slowing down. They were a holding soccer (football) training camps in the local schools in Bulawayo.

In Zimbabwe as in Botswana, churches are allowed to go into schools to coach, pray, lead Bible studies and evangelize. It was interesting to listen to the school leaders worry about the other schools cheating to win. Tournaments in the past have been chaos because of it so there is no trust among the schools. Ken and Clyde assured them the games would be fair and in the spirit of good sportsman ship. I also met Ernie, a local hero from Bulawayo who played on the Zimbabwe International basketball team in his day, (he is 37 now) who is coaching young boys. He shared his vision to teach basic ball skills and plays with a focus to build their leadership through Christ. Ernie feels the players watch too much TV and play “street ball” with no regard to rules. He is praying for the opportunity to build sports based ministry in the schools of Bulawayo.

The team went to a local school to do an outreach. My job was to share the Gospel with them at the end of program. I was in my element I have to say. We had music, a puppet show and drama to share Jesus' message to them. I love watching the children as they marched in single file in their full uniforms with not a smile but blank face looking straight ahead. The teachers were the same, looking all serious and stern keeping t. I was not going to let that remain for long. Children kept coming and coming and coming to sit on a concrete slab in the hot sun to hear our message. There were nearly 750 children at this school. Within minutes we were cheering and shouting “Pepsi-Cola” and “Jesus Christ”, clapping and laughing. What can I say, caffeine and Jesus works for me in the morning. The rally team did their job and then I was able to share the Gospel. Like I said, I was in my element God helped me realize something that morning. The kids were paying attention and impacted by what they were seeing but even more, the teachers were moved and connected to what was happening. The stern looks faded away and laughter with big smiles replaced them. They felt relaxed and eager to hear what we were saying and sharing. When it was over and the children were heading back to their rooms in single file, I ran ahead and started shaking hands, high fiving, and fist pounding. As the passed I thanked them for their beautiful smiles and shared Jesus loves them. I cracked up when the teachers ran into the line to receive what I was sharing. I was able to thank them for their hard work and teaching these beautiful children. The joy on their faces to hear someone recognize their work and appreciated was outstanding. Teachers give great hugs when they are appreciated and I received some good ones. The rally team started doing it too and it was awesome to share the love of God in that school. The head master asked the church to come back again to encourage the children and teachers like they did today. Learning moment for me was as much as I love the children and reaching out to them, the greater impact was inspiring and encouraging the school leaders through Christ.

Ken had an amazing day on Saturday I have to share. He was invited to speak to some local pastors because the bishop to this group of pastors had a dream that frightened him. He dreamt he was leading his church flock to hell because of his teaching. I have to be upfront, by definition this group churches is a cult. They have a prophet over a church that tells them “divine inspiration from God” with no Bible. It is based on works. This bishop was afraid and wanted direction from someone concerning this dream. God used Ken in a mighty way. He spoke to over 40 prophets and pastors from the church about biblical truth and God's plan and grace. There was a mighty awakening to God’s Word and His Kingdom on that day. The bishop got it and began to weep. Out of 42 of them, only 2 had a Bible but all committed to preach the Word of God. OBC was able to provide an audio bible of the entire New Testament and 30 of Charles Stanley’s sermons from “In Touch Ministries”. Pray that local church leaders disciple and build these leaders for the Kingdom of God in truth from His Word.

I was also able to lead a one-day Children’s Leadership Training in Bulawayo as well. We had 41 leaders representing 9 churches in the area. It was a success in that they embraced the leadership principle to build and grow their children’s ministry with Passion, Attitude, Teamwork and Honor. The principle of reaching the mental, physical, spiritual and social aspects of children was new to them from a church perspective. They only focused on the mental and spiritual part of children. They understand it has to be balanced in all 4 areas and deliberate to reach the whole child for Christ. They cannot do it alone; they need the pastor’s support and the work of others to make it happen. Pray for these leaders as the recruit and develop leaders for their children.

The soccer tournament went will that day as well. No chaos, no cheating, just good sportsmanship. The gospel was shared and a desire for church leaders to help the schools use sports to minister to their students was overwhelming. I think Ernie maybe be busy in Bulawayo.

Next, we went to Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, for a larger scale conference with pastors and children’s leaders. We had 89 pastors and 19 children’s leaders registered. The thirst for the Word of God and the courage of the local church in Zimbabwe is nothing like I have ever seen or experienced. I came here thinking we were going teach at a slow pace but they wanted a full marathon. Run hard, run strong and run long would summarize their desire to learn best. It was way beyond my expectation and understanding of the church here. Their drive and desire to be soaked in the Word and truth is incredible. I see Kingdom minded vision and direction here. When you are immersed in something big like this, I mean God big like what I saw there, you know He answers prayers and cares for His Church. I think of Kathy Tucker of Aiken, SC who shared with me before we came here as missionaries, how she has been praying for Zimbabwe for years because of the oppression from it's political leaders. I witnessed her answered prayers as well. The church here is thriving and hungry.

With this blog I cannot close with out sharing a concern most of the pastors expressed to us about the local Church. The success of the church here does not come without temptation. There is great concern over prosperity gospel and African Traditional Worship distracting churches and pastors with blessings and bribes to the ancestors. TV pastors from Africa and USA showing the churches to ask for blessings and healings with little to no gospel is overwhelming. Pastors escorting in fine cars and led by men in dark suites and dark sunglasses. It is very appealing to churches with little or nothing. The standard theme with the ATW church is “God’s divine word revealed through ancestral and spiritual deities.” Teaching you can have Jesus and your ancestor Gods. Prophets say they have God’s word for the church and they keep a strong hold on the flock. In either practice, there is no grace, no Holy Spirit and no Jesus the Savior, just God and church leader, giving blessings and wealth to those who demand it or pay for it. Truth is diluted and distorted; people and churches are led astray. You see why the earlier comments about Ken's time with those pastors was such a God thing. Pray God will send leaders, teachers and pastors to address this battle and help the churches.

Thank you for taking time read my blog. Please pray for the requests I mentioned. Pray for Hunter and Makenzie while they are away from us at university. Pray for Chandler, Parker, Joe and Josh as they adjust to the last term for the school year. Pray for Tonya as she keeps they wild bunch together. We love all of you for your prayers and support.

Scott Shipes

The Whirlwind of our Winter!!

Sitting here in Awe of the fact that we have now lived in Botswana for 2 years. Reflecting on God's goodness to us!

We are coming out of our Winter in Botswana (Summer in USA) - It literally happens overnight here. We go from mild days and cold nights to HOT!! To say we were busy this winter wouldn't seem to do it justice. Since the arrival of my sister on May 23rd to putting Makenzie on the plane home on August 19th, we have had someone at our house the whole time. Although it can be very tiring to host so many, overall we love having people with us.

This Winter we hosted 4 Kids Camps in 4 different villages. We were the leaders of the Children's Ministry Conference held at Open Baptist Church in early August. We have hosted 2 college interns and 2 short-term mission teams. Thanks to the gifts of others we handed out over 75 Bibles this Winter alone, and assisted with the logistics, coordination and finally the delivery of the food packed in the states for orphaned and vulnerable children of Botswana. During all of this, we were bless to have vacation with friends from the states and have a wonderful 3-week visit with our Daughter. Just typing it all makes me say "whew"! We Praise God for His Strength that is made perfect in our weakness! Without Him none of this is possible!!



We posted earlier about our 1st Kids Camp in Gakuto alongside the Millbrook Baptist mission team. Our 2nd Mission team came in July from Alice Drive Baptist Church. It was neat to serve with our sending church (even though we only knew 2 of the 7 members). We got to know all of them very well during their 10 day stay. The ADBC team did 2 kids camps with us - one in the village of Molepolole and one in the city of Gaborone at the Learning Centre School. Despite having the full-blown flu in the house and among the team, we served over 400 kids that week and 14 young teen girls came to know Jesus as Savior. We praise God for His saving Grace!!

When Makenzie came we travelled north to the village of Mosojane to do a Kids Camp there. We had about 150 kids come each day. I always love serving with my own kids. Chandler ran Recreation, Scott did the Bible Teaching, Parker & Makenzie did Music, Kayli (summer intern) did crafts, and I was in charge of the 150+ PBJ sandwiches made each day! This is the 3rd time we have had a Kids Camp in Mosojane - so the kids are getting to know us. We are thankful for the Pastor and His Wife that minister to these kids on a weekly basis. We Praise God for His provisions!!

On the home front this winter we celebrated Josh & Joe's 7th Birthday, Scott welcomed the Big 50, the kids finished their second term of school, and Joe lost his first tooth. We praise God for His faithfulness to us!!

As the summer approaches we are preparing to start the last term of school and Scott is preparing for a long to trip to Zimbabwe. He will be traveling throughout the country doing kids camps and leading the 1st Children's Ministry Conference in Zimbabwe.

Please pray with us for the Conference in Zimbabwe, for traveling mercies for Scott, for the everyday life of the rest of us, for our kids in the States - Hunter started his freshman year at Charleston Southern and Makenzie started her senior year. Pray for us as we plan and prepare for the future of our ministry. We love you all and are grateful for your prayers, love and support.

~Tonya