Fighting for Botswana!

For those of you who don't know, I have been accepted to be part of the Salvation Army's Mission Team, Project 1:8 when they go to Botswana, Africa in December this year. I am really excited to be going and to be a part of the work that God's doing over there, even if it is only short term.

I just wanted to give you a bit of background about what I'm going there to do. I will be leaving on 30th November and returning on 23rd December. While I'm there I will be working at the Salvation Army Maiye Camp. "The camp's mission is to facilitate and provide, through partnerships, quality psychosocial support to orphans and vulnerable children and youth in sub-Saharan Africa." (www.masiye.com)

Our aim while we are there is to:

1. Encourage the people in the local Corps/Centres
2. Learn the issues associated with poverty and HIV/AIDS
3. Pray intelligently for Botswana
4. Assist in leading camps with local camp counsellors
5. We will also be visiting other Army programs and projects, which will include the Home Based care program which is run by the local Salvation Army Corps. They provide Palliative care and Psycho social support for the sick.

Mission Teams aim for short term missions is not just to take Jesus to people who desperately need Him...but it's also to equip people who are in mission in their own church, to empower them and encourage them to become more effective in their churches and communities. Going to Africa might seem like a really exciting thing to do...but it's not a holiday! It's going to be challenging and even life-changing. This is something that is surrounded by ALOT of prayer and only God can get us there and teach us what He wants us to know!

In writing this blog I am asking for your support! I have never been to Africa before. I did camps for disadvantaged kids for 9 weeks in California, USA...kids who were in foster and group homes etc. It was a challenge but one I'd take up again and again if given the chance. However, Africa is a whole different story. These kids are orphans who are in some way affected by AIDS or Hepatitis and a whole bunch of other diseases...some of them, it's sad to say, are curable diseases...and yet they aren't being cured because they can't afford it. I want to ask that you support me in one of the following ways...if not both!

1. Prayer!
Ephesians 6:18 says, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."
1 Timothy 2:1 says, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone."
And James 5:16 says, "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

Nothing is going to help me and the others on the team more than prayer. If you feel that there's something you want to do for these people in Africa and you just haven't been called to go or it's beyond your means to help in any way, PRAY!! Prayer is our most POWERFUL and EFFECTIVE tool ever! Dont EVER underestimate it and think 'I'll just pray.' Don't just pray...pray with all your being! Because its your direct line to God and He wants you to offer up your prayers and requests to Him in FAITH knowing that He has the power to answer ANY prayer! Nothing is impossible for God (Matt 19:26)

2. Financial support!
In Acts 2:42-47 Paul speaks about the believers meeting together and committing themselves to the teaching of the Apostles. It speaks of many miracles and wonders. In verse 45 is says, "Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need."
In Matthew 19:21 Jesus says, "Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then come, follow me."

By 30th September I need to pay $3700 for this trip, not including vaccinations etc. I want to let you know from the outset that this is something that I have felt God calling me to do for some time now. I know, and He has proved this in the past, that no matter how small my finances are to start with He WILL provide the means to get there! I know He is the GREAT provider! What I am asking you to do is to pray and ask GOD if He wants you specifically to support this. I believe that God has something for me to do and to learn in Botswana. For this reason I know He will be faithful and get me there. I am asking you, whoever you are, to prayerfully consider whether He is pressing at your heart to support me in this mission.

If you feel that God is leading you to support this and sponsor me then please send your sponsorship/support money to Jodi Hoffmann PO BOX 3121 Erina, NSW Australia 2250...or for more info email me on jodi.hoffmann@aue.salvationarmy.org

Thank you for your prayers and any other support you can offer!

Bless you guys heaps!!

Your sister in Christ

FIGHTING FOR THE CAUSE!!

Jodi