Scott Borg - Adventures In Missions -

Four Minute Challenge

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A friend put this video on his blog. Take 4 minutes and challenge yourself. Let me know what you think.

Taste and See

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Psalm 34:8 "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who trust in Him."

This was the text for our sermon yesterday in church. I must say I needed that sermon. We had a big fun day with over 300 kids on Saturday - games, singing, and a nice lunch with meat! The Discipleship Team (the group of 6 dynamic Swazi's who do the children's ministry at the Care Points) planned the whole day. It was amazing and when I get home I will try to get some video up of all the kids singing.

But the night before the fun day every member of the Discipleship Team (D-Team) were at overnight vigils for funerals. One member - Dheli - had her sister die last week. The sister was 29 and left behind a few children. The youngest is 4 months old. The dying wish was for Dheli to take care of the child. Dheli is young and single and as she told us when we talked with her, "I am a mother now."

The funerals here start of a Friday night, go into an all night vigil, then people are buried at the homestead at sunrise. It amazes me that even though there is a funeral to go to almost every weekend, people just keep on with their Saturday schedules. The whole D-Team was up all night and then led the program for 300 children for several hours Saturday morning and afternoon. How they do it I have no idea.

In the sermon Pastor Walter talked about how you cannot taste the goodness of God unless you go through the trials of life. The people in church were praising and thanking Him at the top of their voices - for they have indeed tasted and seen the Lord is good - and they trust in Him.

I still have a lot to learn.

In A Weary Land

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Just a few minutes here to give an brief update from Swaziland.

Marcia and I have been leading a group of men these past few days and it has been an great experience. To see 12 men giving of themselves in this country is rare. Among these men are three NFL players who are very large - bigger humans than the Swazi's have ever seen. The response is amazing. The players have hearts of gold and we are having a good time together. Wish there was time for a picture or two!

Today was not as easy day. We started at a care point that serves 261 children. These kids come from very rough backgrounds a live across the street from the city dump. The teacher told me that when a garbage truck comes to the dump the kids leave the care point to run across the street to pick through the new trash. One little one around 4 years old was chewing on a chicken wing and the teacher said he got if from the dump.

Then we went to visit the homestead where a mother of 5 died last week. She left behind 2 children in grade school and two teenage/20 year old daughters who each have their own babies - one only 3 weeks old. They live in two mud houses and have nothing. 7 more orphans in Swaziland now. The guys prayed and shared and we stood in a circle to surround the women to pray over them - a group of men protecting Swazi women and standing in the gap for them. We saw the crops around their house were failing from drought and prayed for rain. It started raining just a few minutes ago - now 7 hours later.

The we went to the homestead of an 8 year old girl who drowned yesterday in a pond. We sat and prayed and cried with the grandmother and father and some other family members. Very sad and tragic.

In each place we bring some food. In the first home one daughter who is 19 has 2 years of high school left. She has no money to pay the school fees. The guys dug into their pockets and paid the year school fees - $250. Amazing.

We have seen highs and lows in our first week here - and more often than not the internet has not worked to even try to update you all! please pray for us as we travel tomorrow to Nsoko - the hardest hit area of Swaziland. We have another group coming in so the logistics and overall work will double for Marcia and I. We are already a little tired - although as I type this Marcia is visiting at the hospital. I don't know how she has the emotional or physical energy to do it.

Well gotta run. Pray for us please -

Scott

Marcia's Haiti Update

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

http://marciaborg.myadventures.org/?filename=haiti-supply

Sunday Afternoon Update

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I got a call from Marcia. The past few days they have been visiting and supplying Pastor Prophete and his wife Betty, along with a Dr. Patrick. Prophete has been a pastor in Haiti since 1974. Beyond the church his ministry has a school and small hospital including a birthing center.

This morning they met 7 pastors who have nothing- don't even have shoes. The team took in a giant truck-load of supplies for the churches and communities these pastors serve.

This afternoon and evening they are in San Juan to encourage the AIM missionaries who live there, Miguel and Kristen Shaul.

Monday they head back to Santo Domingo to head home.

I am sure Marcia will post some pictures once she gets settled back home over the next few days.
Thanks to all who prayed and gave - the response has been overwhelming and the aid brought to Haiti has been significant in the lives of those the team has touched!

Sunday Night Update

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I want to testify to the goodness of God in providing for His people. What a humble position for our team to be in- carrying the monetary support of our own friends and family and churches to such a desparate place.

We brought all of our "loaves and fishes" to the Lord just like they did when Jesus said, "Bring them to Me." We all know how He then multiplied them to feed his people. We have experienced this very same power. Every night when we came home and counted our funds we always had the same amount of money left for the next day. We bought hundreds of dollars worth of food and supplies, large cooking pots, blankets, clothes and shoes. On the way back at night we all dipped in our pockets only to find as many bills as we started with. Over and over we bought food and supplies and drove them to the Haitian border for pastor Prophete, Then we made a new list for the morning supply run and shopped some more and guess what? At the end of the day we still had more than enough money in our wallets. We began to just laugh and laugh every time we counted the money. We couldn't believe our eyes at all that was continually left over. Even tonight as I write we have recounted our funds and laughed at God's goodness and are able to provide an abundace for the Haitians who are now flocking to another border near us in San Juan. What an amazing God who is faithful in His provision and who will not leave or forsake His people. He has truly multiplied the miney but also our time, our efforts, our compassion, and our love.

Wednesday Morning Update

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This from an email I received from Marcia:

I am heartbroken for the Haitians. We have talked and prayed with many. Last night spent time in the hospital. Most people have something amputated. It is a pitiful sight. Difficult to share with them because they mostly speak Creol and French. Every age group, both genders, just fill the place up with casts and stumps, dressings and pain. They look lost and devasted. They are homeless and still dont know where their family members are. There are many children here on the street with one small bag of their lifes belongings and an aunt or neighbor or friend or brother or sister, etc. When you ask about their family they immediately say, My father died,or My mother died, and on and on. Their stories are horrific of grabbing the children and running for the door when they felt the shake. Some made it and some didnt. This morning we see the same family that we met with last night, sitting on the corner.

We have been giving out diapers and wipes and pedialyte to the moms with babies on the street. We can buy those things here. We have been giving Michaels stuffed animals to the little ones. They accept them quickly and draw them in to their chest and hold them in a hug. It is a small and beautiful comfort. We have also been buying mels and handing them out on the street. These are refugees for a time. Most all of them are looking to escape Haiti and want money for a ride into Santo Domingo, which is not possible.

One girl we helped last nioght was crying out in pain and holding her stomach. She was just sitting on the sidewaalk outside of the hospital along with her sister and some family. It seemed to get worse as we talked and became unbearable for her. She had told us that her father had died in the quake and that she hadnt eaten or drank all day. We ended up carrying her into the hospital and staying with her for a bit. She became scared in there and refused the pain shot. She went back to the sidewalk because she did not want to miss the ride to Santo Domingo that she thought she was getting. Anyway we gave her some pedialyte and she was still hurting. We believe the stress was too uch to bear for her last night. So much grief and loss.

That is one short story of millions of course. We have seen alot of AID and the atmosphere is in many ways a wonderful thing. The compassion of people of of many countries is all in this place. People stop to help and to talk and share stories, info. Taiwan had a great group with medicine. Lots of helicopters and military everywhere. Red Cross, World Vision, Compassion, USAID, UN, NYPD and NYFire Fighters were at the gas station with us this morning. I talked with them. They were driving into Haiti this morning.

Thursday Afternoon DR/Haiti Update

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

1:30pm Eastern Time January 21st:
Marcia and Sam and crew are in Jimani (border town DR/Haiti). All are safe and healthy.

This morning they arrived in Jimani not knowing what to expect. Last week our DR staff member Miguel Shaul has made contact with a pastor in Port-au-Prince who needed medical supplies and food. Since then we've been unable to contact him due to communication lines being down. They prayed. The team met up with Miguel in Jimani and were praying and discussing options when Miguel jumped from the car saying, "There is the pastor!"

The pastor was at a gas station, dropping off a wounded person, and headed back to Haiti. Marcia and Sam and team were able to immediately hand over ALL the supplies they had gathered in Gainesville - $2200 worth - and put it in the back of the pastor's truck. The plan is tomorrow the pastor will return and the team will meet him with a load of food stuffs they can buy on the DR side.

They say the hospital is full, but the streets are "normal." There are lots of aid workers there. They have been talking with two young mothers with young children who were from Port-au-Prince, had fled after the earthquake and were just sitting exhausted on the sidewalk. They seemed traumatized - every time a car went by they felt as if another earthquake was coming.
Depending on how things go they may go into a small town near another border that has gone from its normal population of 3000 to more than 20,000 - people are leaving Port-au-Prince in drives going wherever they can for help.

Please keep praying as they follow the Lord's leading.

DR/Haiti Update

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Just off the phone with Sam and Marcia. They made it fine but had some problems with the rental van. But, being the DR and Sam they were able to find other transport to rent. Because of this they were delayed but they are on their way to Jimani now.

Marcia said almost the whole plane was filled with Red Cross and World Vision and other aid workers!

Thanks for all the support of the little group - they are small but mighty and so very thankful for the support of family, friends, and community!

Marcia and Sam to DR/Haiti

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

For the past few days I have been up to my eyeballs in Haiti relief. I have been in constant contact with AIM missionary on the ground Miguel Shaul who courageously hitch hiked into Port-au-Prince the past few days. More people are coming on line within AIM to coordinate the organization efforts which are mounting every moment!

Our personal family response to the tragedy is to send Sam and Marcia from the coming Wednesday through the next Monday. Sam speaks fluent Spanish as well as some French and Creol, has made yearly trips to the DR and Haiti for 10 years, and dearly loves the people. Marcia will be able to use her nursing and spiritual insights to heal and encourage. Two other friends from Sam and Jill's small group at church are also going.

Please take a look at Marcia's blog here and keep up with it as we will update as possible for the next 10 days.

Also note Miguel and Kristen Shaul's blog here to get more updates.

Anyone who wants to contribute to Sam and Marcia's trip (we are funding the travel ourselves - just looking for donations for supplies on the ground) you can through the "Support Me" button on the left.

If you want to contribute to the AIM organizational efforts you can do so here.

We covet your prayers for the whole situation and especially for Marcia and Sam as they travel and minister.

Support Update and Amazing video

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

There are times in our lives when we need to see God work. Either we need it physically, spiritually, or emotionally. When I reached out to you a few weeks ago Marcia and I had a need of finances. I am thrilled to be able to report back to you how the Lord has worked through some of you to meet that need.

In that last report I said we were $5000 behind for 2009. Well, that need has been met through a variety of generous gifts. I am really humbled by that. I can't explain it other than God moving in people's hearts. Wow.

Another need we had was replacing $600 a month in lost support. We had one family step up to $250 a month. Wow - how amazing is that? With the large deficit resolved and the faith of a single family for $250 a month I can trust the Lord for the remaining $350 a month we are lacking.

I ran across this video this morning and wanted to share it with you. It is a story of another organization - not AIM - but it is indicative of the kind of work AIM is doing. Through the efforts of a lot of dedicated people, including Marcia and I, we will see more of these kinds of testimonies in the future.

If you want to support us you can use the link on the left. If you want to support a child we work with in Swaziland you can go here http://hopechest.org/.

2009 Swaziland Ministry Report

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

2009 Swaziland Ministry Report

We want to give a brief report on the ministry Marcia and I are involved with in Swaziland as well as update you on our support status. We spent 4 months in Swaziland this year!

Timbali Crafts

In this craft coop 90 women are able to bring income to their impoverished homes. In March Marcia and Julie Anderson (founder of Timbali and AIM missionary) put on a retreat for the women. Marcia works hard stateside to fill orders for purses. If you want to check out the website it is TimbaliCrafts.org

Children/Orphan Ministry

AIM has moved to support 23 regional care points which serve over 2700 children daily. In this initiative Marcia and I serve as liaisons with Hopechest and our field staff. In addition to feeding the children we've built kitchens, dug wells, held birthday and Christmas parties, and supported a discipleship team made up of Swazi nationals to reach their own people.

Leadership Development

Training leaders took Scott to Swaziland, South Africa, Botswana, Uganda, and Ethiopia this year alone. One who participated in Botswana is a leader of leaders, heading up a university ministry of over 600 Christian students at the University of Botswana. He said, "the training was of great value to my life as a leader."

Staff

We have 17 full time staff in Swaziland. These incredible people are a mix of Americans, South Africans, and Swazi's. They work hard to make everything happen there in Swaziland and are our heroes. Scott works extensively with them to advocate here in the US home office as well as plan and coordinate vision and expansion for the ministry in Swaziland. We're currently working with 12 more individuals and families to get on the field as missionaries to Swaziland.

Support Needs

In 2009 Marcia and I came in $5000 short of our personal support needs. We hope to erase this shortfall before the end of 2009. Your prayerful consideration of this is appreciated.

One reason for the shortfall is the loss of monthly support. We are about $600 a month short of what we need to keep going. You can support us using the "support me" selection from the main menu on the left. We are looking for new monthly supporters as well as offering opportunities for current supporters to address this need.

Throughout the years it seems like when ministry is gaining momentum the support raising becomes a challenge. Then we remember our trust is in the Lord and His timing is perfect. Please pray for us to have big faith to help us through this current support shortfall. We will update you all on our support progress over the next few months!

Blessings,

Scott and Marcia

What Do You Want?

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What Do You Want?

I want a life characterized by the abundance talked about it John 10. Rather than seeing my life stolen, killed and destroyed, I want to live it to the full. To me this means a few things:

In relation to God I want a place of freedom to worship Him with joy and freedom of expression.

I want to love my family and I want my family to know that I love them.

I want to leave my mark on the world in whatever way God intends. I want to release this to Him as I live out my life.

I want music in my life every day. It is a medium He uses to lift my spirit and move my heart to beat with more joy and hope.

I want to put myself around happy people living genuine abundant lives. In the fullness of abundance there is grace to look over all the imperfections in people and just enjoy them for who they are and see them the way God sees them instead of the way I think they should be. I want to rid myself of judgments and expectations for people and rather let maturity, joy, and grace super cede the ways people annoy me or hurt me or let me down. I want to live above hurt and offence and rather decide to live within and project out the forgiveness I receive daily from the One I offend and hurt on a consistent basis.

Rather than deny or ignore the deep issues of life in a fake Christian induced fantasy world, I want to wrestle with these issues with a heart lightened by the fact that He is in control and has a plan and will never let me down.

I want purity and personal holiness to become a journey of adventure rather than a legalistic burden filled pursuit.

Instead of protecting what I have in order to stay safe, I want to risk it all and see what God does.

I want to ruthlessly de-clutter and simplify my life. What I do each day, where I go, what I eat, where I live, what I wear - it'll all burn anyway. The only thing that matters is loving God and loving people.

I want to speak my mind. Rather than living in fear of offending or hurting feelings I want to let out of my mouth the words of Life that so often come and take the risk that they will be misunderstood or rejected. I want to impart wisdom and perspective that will help people around me grow. I want to release and refine the Spiritual Gifts gifts in me that are stifled and wasted.

I want to learn to express myself in creative ways for the purpose of getting things out of my head and heart and into the lives of those who mean the most to me.

I want a life characterized by deep contemplation of real issues with the backdrop of Grace and Sovereignty of my Creator who loves me.

I want the Godly satisfaction of living a life characterized by authentic loving relationships, a heart free from condemnation, sin and death, and a spirit set free to follow God and experience the world He has put me in and the life I lead as a gift to enjoy fully.

What do you want?

New From Swaziland Pt. 1

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Back home for 2 weeks and finally getting some video up. I'd like to show you a new ministry we're launching in Swaziland in the form of informal foster homes. It all started with a mother bringing her three sons to Pastor Gift. Her husband had died, she was in bad shape physically and she just could not care for these boys any more.

Staff on the ground in Swaziland mobilized to help move these boys on the homestead of a nearby grandmother (gogo). If we can provide food and other basics she can oversee the kids.

Shortly after the three boys showed up a 14 year old girl 8 months pregnant came. She had been kicked off her homestead and has a difficult story which I have noted in a previous blog.

Then a 4th boy came and knocked late in the night. He had run away from an abusive situation and had no place to go.

If you would be interested in donating financially to this project you can do so at

https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=swazi&tuid=1007517

From Swaziland

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So far since I've been to Swaziland this time I have been working with a team of people on a "Vision Trip." These are folks interested in learning how to help over here.

We've been to several different care points and seen what has been accomplished and what is still needing to be done. It is great to see all that God has done in the past few years but daunting to look at all that is left to do!

My favorite parts of the trip have been a few short conversations with a few pastors who look to me for encouragement and advice. One was asking me several times to "move to Swaziland, we need you here." That is nice to hear.

I guess to be honest I have been struggling this trip - there are several things that have been difficult for me but for now I will just say I am a bit discouraged. I hope those of you reading this will take a moment to just pray for me.

Tomorrow I am scheduled to preach in a church where I have never been. If it still happens I will be sharing a message on "identity" that the Lord gave me before I came here. I have been waiting for an opportunity to share and this may be it.

Thanks for listening - I hope to have something more to say later about what is happening here in Swaziland. It is a privilege to be here and serve any way I can.

I get home Thursday this week.

A Light In The Dark

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Here's a blog by one of our staff in Swaziland - life at Nsoko keeps being very challenging for those who live there as well as those who minister there. I will be there in two weeks.

Please keep it all in prayer!

A Light In the Dark

By Traci VanSumeren on 09/29/2009

Some time late in the night, two of the Real Life leaders were talking in the kitchen. They were a bit startled when out of the dark, a face appeared in the glass window. When they opened it, there was a young Swazi girl. She told them her name--Ncobile (name changed), and expressed that she was looking for Bailey. Immediately, they realized this was the girl that Bailey had told the team about just a few days earlier. Bailey wore the glow of new friendship, and spoke passionately about this young acquaintance she had met and poured her heart into at one of the Care Points.

Though the hour was late, they welcomed her into the house, and went to find Bailey, knowing there was more going on than just a casual visit. As it turns out, Ncobile's step-mother had kicked her out of her house that night. Her dad was gone--at the clinic for some health concerns of his own. She walked several miles, barefoot, and under the black sky--no streets lights to be found--in order to get to the team house. Bailey was comforted to know she thought of her as a safe haven, but had no idea what to do. Ncobile is only fourteen and is seven months pregnant--raped by her uncle.

Bailey fixed some food for Ncobile and kept her company in the kitchen, while the leaders tried to discern what to do. The Pastor's phone was switched off, so they had no choice but to walk over to his house. They were grateful that they could see some of his lights were still on, but though the walk was brief, the air was cold and the path was dark. There was also the eerie thought of the black mamba lurking nearby--seen as recently as the day before. How did Ncobile make that walk barefoot; in the dark without a flashlight; and alone? It must have taken her almost an hour from where she lived.

Ncobile speaks English incredibly well, and especially for not having finished school. She spoke with restraint, though, clearly masking the years of hurt and anger just below the surface. A hateful and neglectful step-mother, her real mother deceased years before, an abusive uncle, an ill father, and an entire culture willing to look the other way while her life comes crashing down. Where is God in this? How do you convey to her that He has been there all along? What words will restore her hope? What conversation will bring her spirit back to life?

After Ncobile finished eating, she, Bailey, and the Pastor sat down to discuss the situation and come up with a plan of action. A few minutes later, they concluded that Ncobile would stay with the Pastor's family for the night, and they would move forward the following day. How frightening it must have been for Ncobile to leave her homestead and her community that night, uncertain of what her appearance at the team house would mean; unsure of what would happen to her and her unborn baby as a result. This is unparalleled hopelessness; the desperation of a child coupled with the burden of an adult.

Matthew 5 calls us to be the light of the world. Without even realizing it, Bailey had shone that light for Ncobile. The lights of the team house were visible in the dark of the night, but it was the light in Bailey's compassion, love, and joy that drew Ncobile here.

Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

A Life and More

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This week I received back some receipts from the ministry in Swaziland - we reconcile everything back to give good accountability to the expenses on the ground. As I went through the receipts one stood out to me. Then I received an invitation to view a video made by a group who was just in Swaziland the end of the summer. This group was from a church in California and they did a great job! The girl in the video is the same one connected to the receipt I have posted here. Sad realities in the life of Swazi's. In two weeks I will be going back to Swaziland to the same place where this video was taken. Please pray for Marcia and I, the staff on the ground, and our Swazi friends.

**update** Join us on a work trip to Nsoko, Swaziland in March! Click here for more info.

WOW!

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

It seems like most of the time I write about Swaziland it is depressing. But today I have an incredible video to show you. Marcia wrote a while back about Capo Beach Church who sponsors a care point in Swaziland. Once again there are a string of people who have been involved to bring this place to where it is today - but we must celebrate this accomplishment in the video below!

In July I rode in the crane that was followed by the semi carrying a container full of a playground - and the looks we got on the 20 plus miles we traveled through Manzini and into the rural area were filled with gaping open mouths!

We've had to wait a month to open the container. You see, the church had sent a group of people to put the playground together, but the container was re-routed from South Africa to Hong Kong and arrived 3 days after the group left! So, the good folks at Capo Beach sent over ANOTHER team to assemble the playground!

I Am Alive!

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Last week we were leading a team of people at AIM's ministry center in Nsoko " one of the most impoverished areas of Swaziland. One thing we did was begin building a small storage building at one of the care points called Mahangeni. They had only a stick building with no door which provided no security to store things like food, water, and firewood.

The morning we started building our little project there were two members of the community council who wanted to offer their thanks for our contribution to developing their community. Now this seemed a little over the top to me since what we were building was little more than a shed for your back yard. Hardly worth the attention of two community officials!

After beginning the building, one of the officials, a man named Sabelo, needed a ride with me back to the main ministry center. Sabelo is the development officer for the local chief in the area. As we pulled away from the care point he began telling me how much it meant to his community for someone to come and contribute. I was touched.

Then pretty soon he asked if our organization offered cash donations. I was kind of expecting some kind of ask, but he was so friendly and unassuming I took his request as an honest desire for support in his role as a community development officer. I explained we did not do cash donations but rather focused on providing food to needy children at the care points as well as building projects such as the one we began that morning.

He understood and we went on in silence for a while until I couldn't resist and asked what they needed cash donations for. Since the man asking was the community development officer, I thought it would be for some type of community development. His answer surprised me. He simply said, "We need coffins." I was taken back and humbled by his request. After a simple probing question he explained.

"Our people are dying and we have no money for coffins. Usually people are wrapped in a blanket and set into the ground. The families are able to pay for simple funeral catering (the funerals are at their homes and the dead are buried there as well) but coffins are expensive."

"How much is a coffin?"

"Usually around $150."

I was humbled by this conversation. I was broken talking to a man in charge of developing a community whose main challenge was burying the dead.

Later in the week after the group had gone home we were back in Manzini and someone close to me took me aside asking in whispered tones for some help. You see, someone had died in their community and " you guessed it " there was no money for a coffin. The funeral was in two days and I did not have $150. Also I was not sure it was the right thing to do " setting a precedence like paying for one person's coffin. There is no way to pay for everyone's coffin who is dying here.

This morning we went to church with our friend Pastor Bheki and Josiah and Meredith. Bheki was tired since he was up all night " for the night vigil part of the funeral for someone in his church. A young boy around 7 years old had died in some kind of accident. Josiah preached so Bheki would not have to.

We can't seem to do much to stop the death from happening. But we are trying to bring hope and relief to the living. Little Andile (see Marcia's blog) lays in the hospital fighting for life. Every day is a challenge to survive.

At the Children's Bible School at the care point last week the group asked the kids what they were thankful for. With typical exuberance and without hesitation a 4 year old boy shouted, "I am thankful to be alive." Have you ever heard a little child thankful for something as mundane as life? A toy, a puppy, a piece of cake, and mommy and daddy " but life itself? Things are different for most everyone here in Swaziland.

Please keep praying for us and the people of Swaziland " every day brings a new challenge.

Water!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Water is life here in Africa. I guess it is life everywhere but in some places like here you just don't take it for granted. I have been reading through the Bible this year and have been impressed how often water is related to life itself " life with God. Still waters, rivers of life, clean water over a dry and weary land.

In 2007 our friends Ed and Linda Langfeldt donated some money for a project here in Swaziland. Since Ed has spent a lot of his life drilling wells in Indiana we thought it would be appropriate to put the money toward a water related project.

One of the care points here had no water source " the ladies doing the cooking were literally walking a mile and getting dirty water from a creek " the same creek where the cows did their thing. This care point has a long unpronounceable name, but we have shortened it to Ntabas.

Ruby (on the left in front of the old kitchen at Ntabas) is the main gogo who cooks at Ntabas. Ruby is 78 years old and has never been married or had kids of her own. But she has taken care of plenty and even now has several children living in her home with her. Now can you imagine a 78 year old woman carrying 5 gallons of water on her head for a mile up a hill from a creek? Well, this was Ruby.

The summer of '07 my father was in Swaziland with Marcia and me. We worked very hard for a few days putting in a cement block stand for a large water tank for the Ntabas care point. It was great to see Ruby light up when we put in the water tank and stand so she would not have to carry water so far and we could also provide clean water delivered to fill the tank. (On a side note, I think Ruby likes dad " their birthdays are only a couple weeks apart and the same year and when she saw us this time around she asked about him and brought a picture of the two of them together in 2007!)

Well this has all worked very well (no pun intended) until a church that supports the Ntabas care point " Warren Baptist in Augusta Georgia " donated money to drill a well on site at the care point.

This is a huge improvement to the water system we put in a couple years ago because now there will be enough water to have a garden. Also it will be more cost effective than filling up the water tank with delivered water.

So you can see how it takes several people to come along and do what they can to make something good happen. I am so blessed to show you this short video we took early in the morning when the drilling equipment was on site.

Water is truly life " and thanks to the hard work of so many, life will get better for Ruby and the children she feeds every day at Ntabas care point.

We Dont Help Each Other

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Lindiwe is one of the women who sew purses for Timbali Crafts. In fact she is literally the face of the ministry as her picture is on the front of the Timbali Craft flyer. Marcia and Julie Anderson were with her just last weekend for a big retreat for the ladies.

This week her husband died suddenly. They have ten kids - the oldest is 20 years old. A couple days ago Marcia and I were out near her house and decided to drop off some food to the family. Turning off the paved road we follow a gravel road. After some time we veer off the gravel road onto a narrow dirt path, which leads to a foot path which leads to her house. Upon arriving at the house we found a few small buildings " one cement block with two rooms and two or three other mud huts with thatched roof. There were several little kids running crying with crusty noses. Lindiwe was in town apparently making funeral arrangements. We met the oldest daughter, left the food, and took the second oldest back to the paved road so she could catch public transport to a clinic " she was sick too.

All this was a very sad and tragic scene of the struggles in this country made more personal by the fact that we know this woman Lindiwe. Can you imagine being left with 10 children and little to no income? Through her bright smile she has communicated the hope the Timbali ladies find in the Lord and in their small income from the purses they sew. The days ahead will be difficult.

But what struck me most and what I can't get out of my mind was the man we met on the way to the house. He was about my age or older, walking along the dirt path. We passed him as we were almost at Lindiwe's house. He waved us down and asked us where we were going. I figured he needed a ride but we were going the opposite direction. I rolled down the window and he smiled a kind smile as we told him we were looking for Lindiwe's house. He brightly responded that he was the neighbor " we could see the blue door of his house from where we were stopped. He then got very sad when he referred to the sad thing of the husband dying and leaving all those kids behind.

I suggested it would be a good time for the neighbors to come around the family and help them. He said flatly, "In Africa we don't help each other." I was shocked. Here he was talking about being the neighbor and being sad about the loss but stating without remorse or shame that he would not be helping the family. In this far flung rural area far off the main road I would think people would stick together " to reach out and help and be a community. But I guess once again I misjudged the culture here. Or maybe I just misjudged the kind face of the man we met.

After we left him to deliver the food I thought of our encounter and a hundred responses " like the Golden Rule for example " that I wish would have rolled off my tongue. Then I wonder about my own heart and how much I truly live by that very rule. Yes we delivered $20 worth of food to a needy family. In the days ahead they will need much more. Here we pass people every day in desperate need, yet I find it the norm to go about my agenda with little more than a glance. But then I think it is not possible to help everyone " not even possible to help more than a few. But when I look away am I in some way protecting myself from the reality in my face every day?

This is my struggle. I hope that the motivation of my heart is to do more than that man " that I don't harbor a sentiment as his, "In Africa we don't help each other."

How about you?

Leadership Training

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Last week I was in Maun, Botswana for a week of leadership training. There is an organization there who each year sponsors a two month missions training school for Botswana nationals. This year there are about 30 people enrolled and what a group they are! Mostly 18-25 year old university students, these young people were inspiring and a lot of fun to be around.

While I trained during the day, we all went out in the evenings for outreaches in surrounding villages. There are 84 villages with no gospel witness. There is a need for church planting in this area and the hope is that this training school will help raise up these ministers to plant churches.

We went to one village and the team set about gathering people and singing songs. Once there was a crowd they built a big fire (it was COLD since it is winter here!). The whole village gathered around the fire and heard stories from the Bible - all leading to the gospel. It was a great evening with many seeds planted and several people accepting Christ.

The man I am pictured with is a leader of a student group at the large university in the capital of Botswana. He says there are 400-600 students at his meetings each week. So these students in the school are influential in their own circles!

It was a blessing to be a part of the training and put into practice so much of what I have been learning at Fuller these past three years. In fact during the time I was training I was also working on a final project for a class I took in Leader Training Models - and the assignment was to design a training program for leaders! So I basically taught exactly what I had prepared for the class. Another example of how the course of studies I have taken fit in so well with where the Lord is taking us in ministry.

Now I am glad to be back in Swaziland with Marcia. I need to write an update every day as there are incredible stories to be told as we walk through each day here. I will try to be more diligent to share these all with you.

Timbali for Mothers Day!

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Incredible Needs

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

How can I tell you all that has happened in the last month in Africa? Impossible without a few hours and a bottomless cup of coffee. From Swaziland to Mozambique (which was a day to enjoy the ocean and the most amazing shrimp you will ever see) to South Africa to Uganda to Ethiopia. What a journey. All along the way Marcia and I found ourselves in the presence of need. Need from the widows, orphans, pastors, and staff in Swaziland. Need from the hurting American team members in South Africa and the grieving parents across the ocean. Need from the orphans of Uganda and Ethiopia. Need before us, beside us, and behind us. Overwhelming need. Relentless need. Insurmountable need.

But in every situation of need Marcia and I found God's grace and provision. He met us in our personal need - for strength, for wisdom, for discernment, for comfort in our hearts as we faced it all together. We needed each other and the Lord used us together.

In one place in Uganda I came face to face with incredible need. One community I traveled to is called Rapha. To get to this small village very close to the Nile we drove on not much more than a foot path deep into the lush green bush, passing many huts and small farm plots of banana, manioc and maize. We passed people struggling under heavy loads and children scampering out of their huts to see a car driving by. Cries of "Malungu" (white man) came through all the green vegetation.

Once we arrived, we met some wonderful children and two brave "parents" all living in an orphanage. I was shy to take video in the vacuum of relationship so I can't show you all I saw. But I can tell you about Bosco and Juliet, the husband and wife who seek to take care of 44 children living in this jungle outpost with little to no resources. Both with beautiful smiles and strong faith, Bosco limps with a cane from an accident that broke his knee-cap last year. He has no money for surgery but still works to father the children and eek out a living raising some small crops and three pigs on the land. Juliet is his young wife who teaches the children about Jesus but slumps some under the heavy load of responsibility.

22 children live in dark rooms the size of my bedroom with dirt floors and no electricity. Tattered mosquito nets hang from the teetering bunks that sleep two children to each mattress. Outside the fire smolders from cooking the porridge for the days meal. One top need from these hard working people is for medical supplies. They travel far for medical care and the children are often sick in these conditions.

The good news is that a church in the US has agreed to sponsor this small community. They come to visit in a few days and will bring some much needed supplies and encouragement. I went many other places I might be able to tell you about in the coming days.

While Marcia and I are drained from the work of meeting needs while we were in Africa we know there are those here around us in our own community of family and friends that are also in need at this time. I know the Lord sees each of us in our need and knows our hearts. He has not forgotten us.

A Hard Week

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

How do I describe the last few weeks of life for Marcia and me? Impossible. This past week weve had the assignment to deal with a tragedy in South Africa. One of AIMs First Year Missionary participants, Sarah Buller, died in a car accident this past Sunday. When we got the word we left Swaziland immediately and flew into Port Elizabeth, SA. We found a disaster area. The remaining team members were in shock, three young people in the car were healing from various injuries, and there was much to do in order to transport Sarahs body back home to Minnesota.

With the great help of Pastor Andrew Pierce from Lighthouse Church (AIs partner in Port Elizabeth) we were able to work through many issues with detail regarding Sarah and her belongings. I had many conversations with Sarahs mother and father in Minnesota as we prepared for the memorial service here in SA.

The service itself was a blessing as it was a celebration of Jesus in Sarahs life. Although we never met her, Marcia and I are sure she was a very special young lady.

Much more to say and people to thank but time is short - time to board another airplane.

Marcia and I have now parted ways here in South Africa. She is waiting on her flight through Paris and Copenhagen back to Atlanta. I am waiting on my flight to Uganda where I will be until Wednesday and then on to Ethiopia.

I can only say that the Lord has sustained us in these difficult days. I sit here on the floor in the jo-burg airport in tears for all weve walked through " not on my behalf but on behalf of the tragic loss of a daughter and sister to a great family back in Minnesota. His grace is sufficient in all things. I look forward to joining my family again 10 days from now. I miss everyone very much.

Thanks all for ongoing prayers.

I Saw The Future

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What if you could get a glimpse of the future? Would it change the way you would live? Remember the Back to the Future movie and the mean kid Biff who drove his car into a manure truck? In one of the sequels the adult Biff takes a sports encyclopedia, sneaks onto the time machine, and goes back in time to give the book to the younger Biff. Of course the younger Biff bets on all the sports events already recorded in the future and makes millions, changing his life forever.

Here I am on the plane flying back to Swaziland trying to manage the long hours of travel it takes to get there. I was walking down the isle and I saw the future. There was an African man dressed in traditional garb with his Bible out. While waiting for the bathroom to open up, I could overhear him telling a middle aged white man about Jesus.

I find irony in that. Here I am a middle aged white man going to tell people in Africa about Jesus and on the plane there is an African telling another version of me about Jesus. And that my dear friends is the future!

Did you know there is a global shift in the power centers of Christianity? The church is growing leaps and bounds in the southern and eastern hemispheres of our little globe. The church in the north and west, where we live, is shrinking at an alarming rate. As the US becomes more European in terms of our post Christianity every day, I sometimes wonder as time goes by - who will come to tell us (the north and west) about Jesus?

Let me fill you in on some behind the scenes plans I believe God has for His world. He is going to raise up an army of orphans from places like Swaziland and He is going to use them to reach the world for Jesus. This is His redemption plan for the AIDS pandemic the enemy is trying to use to wipe out the entire country of Swaziland. (The UN says Swaziland will not exist by 2050 if AIDS is not curtailed)

So you can see why I get excited when I see an African sharing His faith with a white man. God has taken me back to the future on this airplane. I want to be a part of what I believe to be His redeeming plan. How about you?

I am going back to Africa betting on the future of the 2600 orphans being fed and discipled through the work of a handful of incredible people on the ground and a whole lot of givers and senders back home. I think that bet could change not only their lives but in fact literally change my world.

The Women of Swaziland

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

AIM has a mission team visiting Swaziland. They got together to have a wonderful banquet for some of the women who volunteer at the care points to feed the children.

One thing that is outside the culture of Swaziland is to reveal personal struggles and emotions. People, especially women and children, need to have safe places to share their story.

One the the team participants, Katie Rowland, put together a wonderful video of the event. I watched it in tears this morning as it describes in their own words the difficulties of the lives of these courageous women.

Marcia and I are headed back to Swaziland March 19-April 12. We covet your prayers as we give ourselves to bring help, healing, training, and empowerment to our staff there and the people of Swaziland.

Also, if you have not done so already you should sign up for the alert updates of Marcia's blog too!

Lastly as a convenience if you want to support the ministry you can use the "support me" button to the left.

12Stone Tithe Video

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Marcia and I have been attending a church in our area named 12Stone. In fact, we just joined last week! We are thankful to have a church family again. Take a look at a recent skit performed in church - as of today it's got 78,000 views on youtube! Check it out!

Greetings from the Borg Family!

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We enter this Christmas Season deeply thankful as we reflect on the year behind us!

Jill, Sam, Michael, Josiah, Meredith, Marcia, Scott, Anna, Maylin, Elliot

We've gained several beloved family members with a daughter-in-law and two grandkids. We've grown in our faith and learned to trust God through more seasons and circumstances of life. Of course we think of family and friends during this time as well, and remain thankful for your involvement in our life - both in the past and in the present!

In ministry at this time we remain involved in Africa. The work in Swaziland continues to grow! Presently we are involved in supporting our staff there who work to feed and disciple 2700 orphans. This year we have seen churches, kitchens, and houses built. We've seen wells dug to bring life- giving fresh water to dry areas. The children at the care points are showing growth in their relationship with God - they are happier and healthier and improving in their behavior. The hard work is bearing fruit and making a difference in needy lives. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Marcia has been busy helping reach our goal of selling 3000 bags for Timbali Crafts (http://www.timbalicrafts.org/) by Christmas! This ministry has expanded to help 90 disadvantaged women work to support their families.

I (Scott) continue my distance learning studies at Fuller Seminary. Now over half way done I hope to finish by mid 2010. The training has been practical as I have been able to apply it directly and immediately to what I do here at AIM. I am excited to see where this will take us in the months and years to come. Increasingly we find our hearts tuned to bringing the love of Jesus to developing countries in training emerging leaders, and helping those who suffer most - women and orphans. Of course you all know we depend on the generosity of others who want to partner with us in ministry. We would consider it an honor to partner with you as well. We are currently in need of several new ministry partners both in regular financial support as well as prayer support. We also welcome one time gifts! If you are interested in supporting us, you can do so on this web page above on the "Support Me" button.

Our prayer is that your Christmas Season will transcend the current-event challenges, and that you may experience the joy of celebrating the birth of the Savior.

Much love, Scott & Marcia

Trip to Africa

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What if you could cure a debilitating disease for $20? What if you were in a line of 50 people with Elephantiasis waiting for the medicine to cure you only to find out there is only enough to pass along to 10 people? What if you had walked 6 miles and waited all day just for the chance to get in line? What if you were one of the 40 people who limped away empty handed to walk all that way back home with no hope?

10 days ago I returned from a trip to Uganda (details to follow to answer, "Why was Scott in Uganda?") I was with a small group and along the way we visited a community health ministry in western Uganda. There were about 400 people there waiting for us - many who had walked for miles to be there to show us their medical problems, even though we were not doing a proper clinic.

The most heart rendering thing I saw in this setting was the scene described above. The effective treatment for this condition is a simple anti-biotic. $3 a month for 6 months and these feet will look as normal as anyone else.

If you would be interested in helping, let me know. I can get the money to the Ugandan ministry that runs this health center. I would love to be able to help as many of these poor souls as possible.