This is a blog from Seth Barnes today; our staff, friends and family are about to feel the affects of living in a forgotten world in a greater way… the funding for our “Children’s Village” that is just getting major momentum is being axed in two weeks if something doesn’t change.
Lisa and I have been giving what we can every month; but it just isn’t enough…
From Seth:
I just had an experience I found humorous. This past month, Swaziland has been front and center for me. We just returned from there last week. Because its AIDS rate is the highest in the world and because hungry, parentless children dressed in rags roam the streets looking for food, I’ve responded and asked my friends to respond. I’m not World Vision or UNICEF, but I can do what is mine to do. Yesterday as I considered its pain, I posted this to Twitter: “I’m meditating on Swaziland’s pain this morning. When you know the people, it is overwhelming. I need help.”
Quickly there was a response in my email. Someone had understood my plea for aid! Somehow, through the magic of the internet, a spiritual connection had been formed. I opened it and read this from Twitter, “You have asked for help on Twitter. A lot of persons are. Follow @911 and help them out!”
*Sigh*
Well, the sad reality is that, Twitter aside, we’ve taken on too much in Swaziland. We feed 2700 orphans (largely because of our partnership with CHC and my friend Tom Davis), but we need more money and people. Our staff are burning out and in two weeks, if circumstances don’t change, I’m taking an axe to the budget. That said, the progress there has been remarkable and has been a faith venture – God always shows up with what we need. Check out the video of our Nsoko base below.
Gary and Lisa,
What does that mean, “axe the budget”????? We NEED to talk…What must we do? Please call me. 616-786-9368.
Jen