Hartnett Update - 4

Well, we are now in our final week here in Botswana and God continues to work in us and through us and through the church in Old Naledi. I have been wrapping up various projects (got the floodlight installed for the church yard without causing any major electrical fires, finished fixing cabinets in the Tlamelo Project kitchen), and the ladies have been busy with various women's ministries. Today they are running workshops for womens ministry and for sunday school teaching and then we are all going to the game reserve for a picnic lunch. We continue to enjoy spending lots of time with the people in Old Naledi, being mutually encouraged as we share our faith and lives.

Moruti had mentioned that a large number of the people (youth and adults) attending the church can not afford a Bible and that they would also like to be able to provide Bibles for those they visit as they do their weekly visitations and evangelism in the village. So, God led us to a source of a large supply of Setswana Bibles and I purchased 4 boxes (240 Bibles) for the church. Moruti and the church were delighted to receive them. They gave away 4 of them just yesterday to 4 neighbors from the village who accepted Christ after this week's visitation.

Please pray for our final few days here as we have to say goodbye to all our brothers and sisters here in Old Naledi and prepare for our journey home. Also pray for safe travels. We will be stopping overnight at a bush camp for a brief safari on our way to Johannesburg South Africa and our flights home.

Kagiso,
Dave H.

Women's Workshops

Today we had workshops for the women in the church. It was really great. Barb taught on how to teach Sunday School, and Julie and I taught on how to study the Bible. Afterwards we had a picnic. We brought some food, but apparently not enough because the people in the church went and got a lot of meat and cooked it. The picnic was at the game reserve, so there were monkeys everywhere eating our food. It was a blast. Tomorrow is our last day in Old Naledi. We will miss it.

By the way Kevin, I went to Mug and Bean. The manager volunteered an apron and cap for me. He took me behind the counter and into the kitchen where he took pictures of me with his staff. :) I'll show you the pictures for proof. He also offered me a job!!!!!! That was hard to turn down, but I think I'll stay at Bluestem until Feb. like i told you.

sincerely,
evie

A bit about the NBF...

At our meeting on the 15th of July, we looked at the History of Naledi Baptist Fellowship, the current situation, their mission, vision and opportunities in the future. I wanted to just highlight 2 of these points:

Vision - "It is the present the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ first in Old Naledi, Goborone then to other parts of Botswana. We believe that a nation without faith in God is a perishing nation." Theirs (and ours) is an outward focus, with the Gospel being the unifying hope and directive.

Opportunities - These were shared as a time of brainstorming, with a desire to ask, "what can we do together in the future to further the Kingdom of God?" Evangelism, Prayer (we decided to share monthly prayer requests with each other), Training (pastoral, vocational, teaching of the women and couples were the areas that were in most need), Exchange Program (to continue to visit each other, to connect the names with the pictures, to have this be a "both ways" exchange), Missionary Work (both short and long term, non-agenda partners are the ones that bless the NBF the most, who come with the desire to pursue friendships not just "special" projects that include a photo shoot afterward).

It will be a joy to continue to ask "what can we do together" and to see how God responds.

Visitation

Yesterday we went on visitation with the leaders of the church. It was amazing to see these 20 yr old guys just sharing the gospel and offering prayer to old ladies, young men, and girls alike. Just walking into a house respectfully and without fear, presenting the life-changing message that the people of Botswana need. Please pray that the church in Old Naledi would continue to be a light to the darkness of the community. Jesus Christ is worshipped in Botswana.

Botswana is Beautiful

It's that time of year here in Botswana where you can leave your doors and windows open with no threat of insects. you can leave your jackets at home and not worry about the heat or cold. In other words, it's perfect. But apparently, the "cold front" here that is happening is causing difficulty in punctuality for church services. As Moruti James stated, it is understandable that the weather has been cold, but everyone still needs to be prompt for services.

The people that we have met have been just great. Yesterday we spent some time trying to paint the picnic tables for the feeding project. It was our great joy to let some of the kids in on the work. Their tecnique is a bit different from ours. They taught us to scoop out the paint with the brushes and slap it on the wood, each scoop using more paint - which tends to result in a sticky, muddy affect. (maybe tomorrow we'll try to get there before the kids do).

Today was church. Moruti James taught on Jude 1:1,2. He taught about calling and servanthood. It was a convicting call for all of us to live in slavery to Jesus Christ and get out of the situations in our lives that keep us from hearing God.

I love these people here. We girls have made friends already. Becky is named Maipelo and I am named Buipelo.

Barb was sick yesterday from an antibiotic but is better now. I am having trouble sleeping at night. For us, please pray for continued health and energy. For the church, please pray for discipleship among the women. It is evident that the people who have given their lives to the Lord here, are living for Him with their whole heart. Please pray that we would imitate these examples.

Can't wait to share our pictures and our experiences with Harvest when we return.
We are looking for Chompers. He will not be forgotten.

Gaborone Girls

We're here! It's been a great couple of days. Glad to hear that the Botswana Boys are home safe. Our layover in Frankfurt was great! We took a bus tour. Here in Botswana, we got our hair braided, played with the Old Naledi kids, got new names, worshipped, and prayed with the sick. It has been great so far. The weather here is ridiculously nice. The people here are gentle and smiley. The sand and smell are five-years-familiar. Feels like "home" in some ways, except for that the spirit of God is living among the people of Naledi. May it be so in all the corners of the world one day.

Home, Sweet Home

Hey all,
I just wanted to quickly post that Kevin and I returned to Kansas late last night after about a 42 hour travel experience. All went well until we got to Chicago, where we waited an extra 5 1/2 hours due to weather delays. Oh well, it gave us time to get ourselves acquaited with the emergency exits and floatation devices that our plane is equipped with. Hoppers thought it was fascinating. We're planning on filling in the gaps in the days to come, as well as waiting the word from the Gaborone Girls.

In all ways thankful,
Dave (and Kevin)

One day and counting....

This is the second to last day here in Botswana. Tomorrow (Wednesday) at 1:30 (6:30 am CST) we fly from Gaborne to JoBerg and then from JoBerg to London, London to Chicago and then arrive in Kansas City Thursday afternoon. It will be so good to get back to the states, but our time here has given us a perspective of the Kingdom of God that we couldn't have seen elsewhere. We hope to fill you all in soon, but for now...

O Siame,
David and Kevin (blazing the trail for Evie, Becky and Julie)

Elephants and cheetas and monkeys... OH MY!

Hey all,

Another quick note from your favorite Botswana boys. Today was another exceptionaly great day, except that I've been missing my wife and son a whole bunch. We spent the morning working at the church/Tamelo project. The church was has a tin roof and a bunch of tree limbs had grown onto the top of it. When ever the wind blew just a little bit it scraped on the roof and drowned out the prayers/services. So I combined my roofing and landscaping experience and climed on top of the roof and cut off a bunch of limbs with a hand saw. Now, my arm feels like jello - but they'll be able to hear the services.

Meanwhile, dave and dave replaced light bulbs and exterior light fixtures. I guess theivery has been a real problem lately durring the night services out of cars in the lots. All the lights were burnt out, so fixing them should help a lot. Funny the things we take for granted in our western culture.

Then this evening, we took a "guided tour" of a 24,000 acre game preserve. We saw all kinds of sweet animals we don't have at home. Most of them I don't know the names too. It was a lot of fun. I got some sweet video. You can come to my house and watch it sometime.

Tonight we had dinner with some missionaries who are on their way out of Botswana. It was fun and encouraging and also gave a lot of insight to the country and the work being done here. How's that for a run on sentance? Now we're here, updating you. But the cafe closes in 10 minutes... so this is Kevin Porter signing off.

Blessings,
KP and DR

pass the torch

Hey guys,
Thanks for all your updates. We are way excited to meet everyone and to see what you've been talking about. See you in the air.

evie for the girls

Sunday in Naldei

Today was the day that I've been looking for since out trip started, as we were able to worship with the Old Naledi church. We have been able to get to know so many people during the week, and today was a day to gather and worship in song, scripture and in the Word. It was really a sweet time of fellowship. Here's a picture of the fellowship hall before worship began...



The morning began in typical smaller church fashion, with the door being locked because the folks with the key hadn't arrived. I loved the fact that people weren't up in arms because we didn't start right at 9:30, but instead enjoyed the time to talk and greet each other in the Lord. As I write that sentence, I really mean it...they greet each other and are genuinely thankful that that other person is there to worship and praise.

We began with prayer, singing, announcements, scripture and the youth choir sharing 2 songs with the fellowship. I was then asked to come and bring the morning's message. I've got to tell you, preaching with an interpreter is really cool! The young man who translated from English to Setswana is nicknamed "Champ" because he is a really good football player.
His given name is Matata, which means "problem" or "worries". This man gives our enemy plenty of problems as his fire and passion for the Lord is unmistakable.

We closed our time with a song of greeting and said goodbye to every person gathered in that place. It was really sweet and powerful. From the young to the old, men and girls, we all greeted each other and wished each other well until we meet again. This practice of passing the peace is one that I would love to see our church in the States practice, as it reminds us that we are not there for ourselves only, but for each other as well.

Lunch was served by Barb Hartnett (what a wonderful woman she is) and we had Moruti (pastor) James and Deacon Julian over.
The best part was the stories shared and the fact that Julian slept through 1/2 of the afternoon. I just love this culture...

It's hard to believe that we fly out in 3 days...time really flies when you don't focus on time.

What's the low-down?

Hey guys! What's the weather like there? What should we be wearing? And also, are there any last minute needs that we should bring along with us when we come? We are excited to come. Thanks for blogging about what you've been doing. We want to learn like you guys are.

The girls.

Another very quick update from the Botswana boys.

I have about 3 minutes to pack in days of writting, so sadly I have to be brief. The Lord continues to teach us more than we could every imagine through His servants here. Their joy in the midst of so much hardship is amazing.

Today, we had a meeting with the leaders of the Old Naledi church to discuss our (Harvest fellowships) partnership with that church. We spent much time in prayer. We also heard and expressed needs, visions, and desires. It was a fufilling time that my 3 minutes can't do justice to. I'll try to write more about it later or you can ask me about it. God was pleased with our time and prayers I think.

Here's a picture of the group that met:

(l to r - Kevin, Moruti (Pastor) James, Mothusi (seminary student from Old Naledi), Deacon Julien, Dave Hartnett, Ma Otto (local missionary), Ma Becky (or Barb Hartnett), Deacon Champ, and Moruti Dave Robinson.

Otherwise, today was a bit of a break from the very busy scheduals we had. We picked up some kids from sports day camp, but otherwise we just got to see Gabarone and do some shopping and relaxing. It was good.

I think now we will get to see some of the coutryside of Botswana as we are going to visit a missionary named Heidi who lives outside Gaborone in the village of Kumakwane (I think that's spelled right. Here's what the drive looked like:


Thanks for keeping us in your prayers.

Kev and Dave

PS - Never play soccer with African kids. They'll play circles around you. (Dave's edit...at the beginning of this video you'll see proof)

Update from Dave and Kevin

Hey all,
The computer is just about to kick us off, so here's a very quick update. built tables for 30 kids, sat in dirt listening to a story about Cain and Abel, made new friends, drank Grapeizer, bought gifts for the little women, emailed, and with a minute 55 left on the internet, we are going to go minigolfing with guys from the feeding project.
We'll be updating later.
Thanks for the prayers!
DR and KP

P.S. When we say it's going to kick us off, that means that our paid time is just about done. Here's a picture of where we have been getting on the internet...

And one from Dave...

Today is day 2 of the Africa adventure. Not only did we head to a meat market and a chicken ranch for the feeding project, but we both ate a catepillar (Kevin will say that it tastes like dirt and sand, but don't believe him). Here's a picture of the brave Chompers eating one...

Still haven't seen any giraffes or hippos, but we have seen a number of signs that say "don't feed the baboons."

I have been greatly encouraged by your prayers and by the people here at Old Naldei. They are beautiful and full of joy and life. There is so much need, but there is a sense that God will accomplish His will and His Kingdom will be established. I am learning so much from them.

Until next time,
"Moruti" David

A Quick Note From Kevin

Hey All,

We're here in Botswana! The travel was much easier than I expected (and by the way, London is beautiful). Since arriving in Botswana, Dave and I have been very busy, but more than anything else we are learning so much from the church here at Old Naledi.

I've been blessed to be greatly welcomed by the youth men (who are also the elders). They've involved me in prayer meetings, youth group planning, visiting the sick, bringing the gospel to the viliage and so much more. I have learned much from them. The workers are very few and the harvest is so great.

Sadly, the internet cafe here is about to close so that's all I have. I'll try for more next time. If you see my wife, tell her to check her e-mail and hug her for me. Also, kiss that beautiful baby of mine.

Blessings,
KP

PS - no matter how much you get pressured by the Muruti (pastor) don't try the fried catapillers. They taste like dirt and sand. But, the youth guys will think it's funny. Tit for tat I suppose.

Arrival in Botswana

So here in southern Africa, it is currently 9:30 pm, and in KS it is 2:30 and let me say that “all’s well.” Leaving KCI, we landed in Chicago, made our connecting flight to London –Heathrow and flew overnight. In London, we took the Underground to the Westminster area. We saw Big Ben, Westminster Bridge, Westminster Abbey, St James' Park, Buckingham Palace, a little establishment called Chequers, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and Parliament Square all in about 3 hours. We loaded back into the Underground and flew almost 11 hours to Johannesburg, where we met up with Dave Hartnett. After about a 4.5 hour drive up north, we crossed the border from South Africa to Botswana.

Whew!!! This day was full of firsts, and was capped off with a prayer meeting with many from Old Naledi Fellowship. Dave, Kevin and I sang, danced, prayed and talked with Moruti James, Mothusi, Champ, Lame (“Lam-a”) and a number of others. I was asked to give a word of encouragement, and passed along the greeting from the people of Harvest Fellowship and the church in Manhattan. Tonight, we’re relaxing at the apartment of Dave and Barb Hartnett, with a full day ahead of us tomorrow as well.

I have to say that so far, this adventure has been fascinating. I feel as if we’ve just begun to scratch the surface of what we have to learn from these friends. They are so warm, joyful and hopeful, and have a relationship with Jesus Christ that is contagious.

In London

Big Ben and Big Dave (and Chompers...)


Kevin's twin (if he had hair...)


We highly recommend the sausage and mash

Hi from Evie

Hi Dave and Kevin. If you're reading this, that probably means that you made it to Botswana and that you're loafing around on the internet. Congratulations. Please tell the Old Naledi church people that they are being prayed for today! If you get a chance, shoot us back some prayer requests for them. Our girls Bible study will pray for them. And tell them I can't wait to meet them.

evie

Arrival in Kansas City

Kevin and I have begun our travel. We're in the Kansas City International terminal right now waiting for the plane to begin loading. By the next time we check in, hopefully, we'll be in London. Our flight from O'Hare to London is a "little" close, so we'll be "running with the Bulls".

Thanks to the Harvest family for praying for us today. It was a powerful example of the body of Christ coming around and caring for us. We miss our families, but know that they're being taken care of.

Hartnett Update - 3

We have been really busy the past few days and have not had time to get to the internet cafe. Things have been going very well. Barb and I were guest speakers/discussion leaders for the youth this week. We met with the leaders on Tuesday night and then with the whole youth group (about 30) on Thursday night. We have also been busy with various projects and service with the Tlamelo project and church.

I have had several conversations with Moruti regarding your visit...They have planned a church leaders meeting and prayer time with them and all of us on Saturday the 15th. The primary purpose of that meeting is for the Old Naledi church leadership to tell us all about their church, their various ministries, prayer needs, etc. and for us to discuss and pray about our potential partnership with them. (We) are invited to participate in include Tuesday evening church prayer meeting, Wednesday morning visitations throughout the village, Thursday evening youth meeting, and helping with the daily Tlamelo feeding project. Also, they have several work projects they would really like us to do, which I think we will schedule for Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. (We) will do the carpentry work to build a new 14 ft. long picnic table for the older kids eating at Tlamelo and we will repair the 6 smaller tables for the little kids. When Julie, Becky and Evie arrive the following week, we will have another work project to paint them. (We also have lots scheduled for the week they will be here).

Please communicate to all the team members that the weather pattern here, and forecast for the next several weeks, is quite warm. You guys will definitely NOT need winter coats. Barb and I have only been using a light jacket in the evenings after sundowm, and have not needed any jacket or sweater during the day....

Kagiso,
Dave

5 Days and Counting...

It hit me this morning that in only 5 days, this picture of a Botswana sunset will be a reality. Kevin and I met for a few minutes today and we looked through Colossians 1:9-12 as the basis for our time in Africa. It is our prayer that we would be filled with the knowledge of His will, and so walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all we do and say and think, to bear fruit, to grow in our understanding of God, and to be strengthened as we joyously worship the Father.

Would you join us in that prayer?