Dear supporters,

 

Prior to becoming a Christian two and a half years ago, I never felt a desire to go to Africa. However, the instant I gave my life to Christ, God burdened my heart for the people, specifically the children, of Africa. As I've been praying for God to reach those kids, God has opened up doors for me to be a part of the answer. I got a call from Rubie Palmer (http://rubiepalmer.theworldrace.org/) last year as she was on the World Race, and she was telling me about her time in Nsoko, Swaziland and what AIM was doing over there. She also mentioned some ways that Cole and I could help. I began looking into Swaziland and AIM, and how missions might fit into my senior project of Landscape Architecture at Washington State University next year.

 

My ministry will be focusing on the land and the education. In regards to the land, I will be planning the layout of the hundred acres that make up the Children's Village in Nsoko (http://swaziland.myadventures.org/index.asp?filename=the-nsoko-project). The plan will incorporate orphan housing, a school, a community center, sports fields, fish ponds, a marketplace, and cropland. For the education portion, I will be creating an elementary "landscape" curriculum that teaches the children about plants, water, and soil, and how to be self-sustaining.

 

Cole is going to be applying his business management and construction skills to the supervision of a rose-geranium oil project. He will need to manage the development of the irrigation system used to water the shrubs. The goal of the rose-geranium oil project is to make the Children's Village financially self-sufficient. More than likely he'll help with other projects in the area and disciple the young kids working alongside.

 

First and most importantly, we are asking for your prayers that God will give us strength and safety on this journey. However, we are also asking for your support in helping us raise funds to go. We are looking to leave some time in August or September, and staying through April (with the possibility of staying longer depending on funds). The total cost of the trip is $25,000, which includes traveling expenses for both of us to Swaziland, as well as living expenses (rent, groceries, insurance, etc.) for eight months at $2500 per month. Any amount that you can contribute will help. Our hope is that you will be Spirit-led in your giving. We know that God will provide for us, and we appreciate your support.

 

In Him,

 

Melissa and Cole Palmer