As posted on www.westonsonline.blogspot.com :

This past week I received the unfortunate news that a friend I met on the World Race has gone to be with the Lord.


I met Zacheo (on the left in the picture above) in February of 2006, when our World Race team was working in Guatemala. On our very first day of ministry, Pastor Antonio had led us to a woman's home and explained to us that she desired prayer for her son, Zacheo. He had gotten wrapped up in gangs and drugs, and she was worried sick. We prayed with her and did our best to comfort and encourage her and her younger son.

The following week, we were assisting members of the church on one of their work days. They had gotten a job removing rocks (remnants from the Hurricane Stan mudslides) to raise money for their church building. As it turns out, one of the young men on the work crew was this woman's son, Zacheo. When we had finished our work for the day, we found seats in the shade and chatted as we thirstily drank our bags of water. We talked to him about faith, forgiveness, and the power of God. We prayed with him, and he committed then and there to turn his life around and put his faith in Christ.


Later that same week, our missionary team was given the opportunity to sing on Pastor Antonio's weekly radio program. Afterwards, our new friend Zacheo approached us and related that he had heard us sing, and had felt so encouraged, as if we were angels praying for him. Zacheo came to our church services every night, and by the end of the month he had officially joined as a member. Over the next two years, he remained devoted and continued to grow deeper in his faith.


The night I returned home from our mission trip to New Orleans, I had a message from Pastor Antonio waiting for me. Zacheo had been swimming in the lake, had some sort of unfortunate mishap, and drowned. How exactly this could have happened, they're not sure.

Obviously, his mother and brother are devastated. The church is also heavily grieving the loss: Zacheo was the 'first son', the first convert of the new congregation, and his passing leaves a huge hole in their hearts. Not only must they endure sorrow, the humble community also faces the reality of how to provide for funeral expenses, an exorbitant cost in an impoverished area.

When I heard the news, my heart just broke. Gary and I have been planning our return visit to Guatemala for just three months from now, and I had so greatly anticipated seeing Zacheo's face again. I couldn't wait to hear about what God has been doing in his life these past two years, and to remind him what a blessing he's been to us. (Seeing God work in Zacheo's life so powerfully within those few short weeks had opened my eyes to the reality that God may be wanting to do more through me than 'just plant seeds'; that in some parts of the world, the harvest is truly plentiful, as Jesus talks about in Matthew 9.)

So, God willing, I'll still be stepping on a plane July 2, and on July 3 I will be climbing the hill to the familiar tiny home in the village of San Pablo on the shores of Lake Atitlan. Though I can't see Zacheo himself, I will visit his family. I will bring pictures, I will pray, I will cry, I will smile, and this time I can encourage them with the assurance that God's good work has been completed in Zacheo's life.

As I know that he is now with the Lord, surrounded by the glorious songs of real angels, I do not say 'adios' but 'hasta luego'. I look forward to seeing you again in heaven, mi hermano.

Hi guys, even though I've completed the World Race, there's still plenty I want to write about.  I am now sharing a blog with my husband Gary; you can check us out at:

http://westonsonline.blogspot.com/

I may post back here occasionally with updates about ministries and people from our trip, but for the most part I"ll be hanging out over at the blogspot address.  Thanks!

Thanks to the internet, I have been blessed to keep up with many of the people we met on our trip around the world. As many of you have been partners in praying for the different ministries, I thought I would share some of the updates I’ve received.

Mexico

Juan Carlos was our translator and life-saver during the Red Team’s problem-ridden drive through Mexico. His father is pastor of a church in a remote area of Veracruz, and helped him to plant a daughter church in the neighboring village. While we were there in Mirador, we evangelized door to door and helped lead nightly church services at the church plant. Though conditions were basic, we will always remember the incredible joy and devotion of the Mexican families!

Since then, the new church has celebrated their one year anniversary, members of the congregation have experienced healing, and Juan Carlos has gotten engaged! He will be married the 20^th of Jan. Please pray for the church and for Juan Carlos’ transition to married life!

Guatemala

Our 2^nd church plant was in a tiny village on the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan in Guatemala! We were blessed to live and work alongside Pastor Antonio and his family, and our lives will never be the same! When the church first began, it consisted of only 2 families.

Since then, God has blessed them richly and they have seen many people come to Christ! God has also provided them the resources to buy a plot of land, and they are preparing to build a permanent building to meet in.

Please pray that God would provide Bibles in their native language, Tzutujil. The Tzutujil New Testament was translated and printed 30 years ago, but at this time it is impossible to acquire a new copy. There is a huge need for the Tzutujil people to have the scriptures in their own language. (If you have any resources in this area, please contact me at stillsmallvoice99@yahoo.com)

China

God is moving in China, and as such we get frequent reports from our missionary contact there. We are especially delighted to hear that he and his wife are expecting adorable baby #2! Please pray for their ministry and their family in this exciting time. One way to support the ministry is to shop from http://www.plateauproducts.com/index.html - they produce and sell leather baby shoes, which gives them a legitimate visa to stay in China.

Egypt

In August, we spent 2 weeks in a Coptic Orthodox community in Egypt. We were blessed to live in the Bishop’s home, and learned much through our conversations with him. Bishop Thomas is a very godly man with a great heart for the Lord.

Unfortunately, we’ve received word that he was recently in a serious car accident. Several of his friends were killed, and he was badly injured. Please pray that God would heal him completely, and provide comfort as he grieves the loss of his friends.

Kenya

Over 1 million people reside in the slum of Kibera, and many don’t yet know the hope of Jesus Christ. Pastor Mike has just begun a brand new church plant, and was excited to report that 13 people attended the first service!

Pastor Jackson Maleya has also been pastoring a young church in Kibera, and during our time in Kenya we saw them move into their own church building. God provided an amazing location: the top of a hill, overlooking the slum area. We were thrilled to know that the sound of God’s people singing in worship would float to the people below. A few short months later, they have already outgrown their space, and are praying for a bigger, sturdier building! Pastor Jackson is also preparing to start a Nursery School, a vital need where many don’t have the income to send their children to public school.

Please pray that God would bless both of these churches to be lights in a community of great need. They are also praying that God would provide the resources for needs such as building, books, and musical instruments.

It's hard to believe these are only a few of the places we've encountered this year... God has done so much, and it's thrilling to see that the seeds we've planted are growing and producing great fruit!  I hope you have been encouraged by the updates; if you would like to know more about anything or anyone specific, please e-mail me. 

God Bless,

Katherine Weston, WR '06

Well, the race has been over for about 6 weeks now, and I’m amazed about how quickly life has been flying by. It’s been a whirlwind of travel, visits, and catching up with friends all over the country. It’s been a time of readjustment to the self-importance of American news networks, the overwhelming choices available in American supermarkets, and trying to figure out how to keep my spiritual life active and relevant in more ‘mundane’ environments. In many ways, the transition has been much more smooth and easy than I had anticipated. In fact, I may feel more ‘at home’ here than I did before I left!

Coming home, though, I’m just starting to realize the impact that the world race has had on my life. Before the trip, I was focused on the purposes of the trip itself – I wanted to make an impact for God’s kingdom wherever we were… I wanted God to work through me, to bless the nations! Now that I’m home, I’m becoming aware of how meaningful that experience will be for the rest of my life!

Every time I go to Starbucks, I will think of Pastor Antonio who picks coffee in Guatemala… every time I hear about Oprah’s new school in South Africa, I will think of Zizipho, and Ramorra, and the many other students we met and prayed with in that nation. Any time someone will share a doubt about God and miracles, I will have to tell my China story.

The very fact that Gary and I sold our house, a car, furniture, quit jobs, to put our lives in God’s hands will forever challenge those around us to respond to God’s call. Already, we are seeing the beginning of the impact this past year has had. We pray in faith that we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg in terms of God’s work throughout our lives!

A couple of months ago, I got an e-mail from Seth Barnes about Swaziland, telling about some different ministry opportunities there. Initially, I didn’t even think about it, but as time went on, God begin to really create a hunger in me to go to Swaziland, to meet the people and see the various ministries there. I was blessed to have the opportunity to go, when we ended up with a few extra days at the end of the world race debrief, before it was time to fly home.

I have to admit, once I stepped off the tiny propeller plane, I found my experience in Swaziland to not be anything like I expected. I know, I know, World Race motto: Don’t have any expectations!

First of all, I had thought that Swaziland would be more of a ‘wild Africa’ experience: mud huts, women wrapped in colorful sheets, walking around with baskets on their heads, that sort of thing. Imagine my surprise to discover the tap water to be of better quality than back home in California!  Next, I completely fell in love with the vivacious character of the people. So much of what I’ve heard about Swaziland has to do with the AIDS crisis, and the number of kids being orphaned. Around the world, desperate situations leave kids tired, hungry, and serious. But everywhere I went, I found laughing, friendly children, ready to jump into my arms and play. They are so affectionate! And I couldn’t help but fall in love with all of them. I’m telling you, little black babies are the cutest in the whole world!

Our first day, we drove out to Bulembu, a formerly abandoned mining town that is slowly coming back to life. The sun shines down through gorgeous green tree-tops, and hydrangeas in full bloom line the road. God is opening up many doors for ministry in this area, located in such a beautiful valley. Orphans in Christian homes such as ABC Ministry are learning who their true Father is, poor children are being fed and educated at various care points, and soon there will be a Christian leadership development center (headed up by Gary Black). There are so many opportunities to get involved, and if you are feeling called to go, you are surely blessed!

Then, we went with Julie Anderson to her care point, where she runs a craft co-op discipleship group with a large group of women. Most of these women are grandmothers who have taken on the burden of caring for their orphaned grandchildren. Through the craft co-op, they have a chance to learn new skills and earn a small income. We got to see them working on beautiful hand-made purses and small grass baskets. Though the money they raise will definitely help provide for the needs of their families, the greatest thing they can gain is the salvation and hope that only comes from Christ Jesus. Please pray for these “Gogos”, that they will grow deeper in their faith, and be able to teach and provide for their loved ones.

Our last full day, we went to a Christian youth rally in the capital city of Mbabane (pronounced: ma-bonn). Youth teams from America paired up with local Swazi youth groups to produce an amazing day of fun , sports, drama, dance, and worship. Hundreds came together to praise God, black, white, it didn’t matter. The personal highlight for me was hanging out with the Real Life team members – young people age 19-24 serving in Swaziland for the summer. They were trying to grill us on our world race experience, while I was trying to hear about all of their Swazi stories of the summer! I was encouraged again about my commitment to disciple youth in America after the world race, to encourage teenagers in their faith and equip them to go wherever God may be calling them to. Praise God!

I am so thankful to God for bringing me to this amazing place, and for all the great people I met along the way.  Thank you to Julie and Ellie for sharing your house with me.  Thank you to Jumbo and Creek for all the rides to and fro.  Thank you Jacci for your stories and your support, and thank you to Seth for believing that God had something to show us.  Though I didn't receive a specific calling to missions while in Swazi, I was confirmed in so many other things: my passion to disciple youth, the need for Christians to reach out to their hurting brothers and sisters around the world, my desire for a life of obedience to God's will, a heart to pray for the innocent victims of AIDS.  And, I am brought full circle by a reminder of something God pointed out to me in Guatemala, 10 months ago:

"Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. "   James 2:15-17

Between two consecutive weeks of running Beat the Drum, we had the privilege of running a weekend youth camp for grade 7s in a town called Ugie. We only had about 3 days to prepare for the camp, entirely from scratch, but everyone pulled together to put forward their best effort, and God blessed it phenomenally!

The weekend was designed around a theme called “Quest”; with kind of a ‘Lord of the Rings’, ‘knights and warrior princesses’ feel. We talked about the unseen spiritual battle between good and evil, and how each person plays a part, whether they know it or not. We taught about their identity in the Lord, and how valuable they are to Him. After each session, we met in small groups to talk with the students, answer QUESTions and to pray with them. This is the most valuable time in youth ministry, building the relationships and connecting one on one.

We also had fun, played some great games, bonded in our small groups, made up chants (go PINK team!), and built great memories. I was particularly impressed with my girls, who had CRAZY energy for the outside games, but were wonderfully attentive and respectful during our small group talks. A rare and blessed time with thirteen year olds, for sure!

Saturday evening, we split the guys and girls for a special time – with the girls we lit candles (to remind us that we are the light of the world!), and made bracelets (with special beads to remind us that we are princesses, because our Father is the King of Kings)!

The most exciting time of the camp, was at our Saturday night service, when Gary shared the gospel with the eighty seventh graders in attendance. He invited them to come forward if they wanted to accept Christ, and we were all amazed and overjoyed when every student jumped out of their seat and rushed to the front of the room! We were able to pray for them, and give each student their own New Testament, which the small group leaders signed and dedicated individually. We rejoice in the work that God was doing in each student that weekend, and we pray that they will continue to grow deeper in their faith.

Sunday morning, as our last activity together, we had one final ceremony – a time of initiation and confirmation. Each leader ‘knighted’ the students in their small group, and gave them a necklace with a handmade cross. I was blown away by how powerful it was to look each of my girls in the eye, call them by name, and dub them a warrior princess in the army of God.

Personally, this was one of my top favorite ministries of the year. I LOVE working with youth, they are at such a valuable stage in their life, when they are choosing what their lives will be about. There are so many pressures pushing them in the wrong direction, and I am honored to be someone willing to point them towards God. I also feel so confirmed about this life calling – working side by side with Gary to love and disciple teenagers. We are praying hard for the opportunity to do this full time back in the states, hopefully for years and years and years. Though we’ve volunteered in youth groups before, and loved it, being on the race this year has really confirmed this passion in our hearts, and we can’t wait to get started!

We were blessed to top off an intense month of ministry with a weekend at the wild coast – a beautiful, remote, unspoiled piece of Africa. Our leader Anna-Marie claims it as her favorite place in the world, and it’s not hard to see why.

Rolling green hills, dotted with the occasional Xhosa hut (all painted turquoise, for some unknown reason). The wide expanse of sky, which dives into the brilliant blue Indian ocean. Wandering herds of sheep, galloping horses running free, whales breaching off the coast. It was the perfect place to meet God and thank Him for the great work He’s done through us this month.

The highlight was a daylong hike from our camp to “Hole in the Wall”, a natural formation. We hiked along the ocean cliffs, with spectacular views all around. We probably saw at least 8 different whales, blowing their spouts and slapping their tails into the water.

Many times, we would crest the next hill only to stop in wonder and absorb the beauty. What joy to think that the creator of this magnificent beauty, He is the one who designed us, cares for us, is preparing a place for us in heaven. The glory of His creation truly knows no bounds.

“May the glory of the Lord endure forever.”

In the kingdom of Swaziland, at the northeast corner of South Africa, AIDS threatens the future of the whole country. In Swaziland,

-HIV/AIDS infection rates are at almost 50% of the population.

-90% of hospitals are filled with patients dying of AIDS.

-10% of families are headed by orphans.

-A 15 year old today has only a 10% chance of living until age 35.

-Average life expectancy is 33 years.

-Unless something changes, Swaziland will be extinct by the year 2050.

As a Christian, as a human being, I cannot idly stand by and do nothing while a hundred thousand orphans suffer, as their nation perishes. God calls us to be His hands and feet, to show His love and mercy by caring for the needy. In a nation where children can't even expect to be able to grow up, there is literally no hope without Jesus Christ.

In the next two weeks, I am headed to Swaziland, to meet the people, to pray with them, and to see what God is doing there. I feel that God has specifically called me to visit Swaziland, before coming home from the world race. What He can possibly accomplish through me I don't know, yet I know that I must do something.

I invite you to join me in a commitment to stand by those who are suffering: You can pray; take a short-term mission trip to Swaziland, or a longer-term commitment if God calls you; sponsor a child or a family. But please, don't do nothing. The life of a nation is at stake.  Check out http://youngheroes.org.sz/

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'" The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Matt 25: 37-40

Hi friends - just a quick note to let y'all know that we are heading out of J-Bay. 

We have about 3 more ministry projects to do, in South Africa, before the ministry part of world race is officially over.  I'm excited that they're all working with youth - my peeps!  Anyways, please be praying that we will finish out strong. 

Also, I am praying about the chance to go to Swaziland before our flight home - really feel God calling me to go, but don't know yet if it will be some kind of ministry work, prayer, meeting people or what not. 

Don't know what our internet access will look like, so just wanted to keep y'all in the loop. 

Love you guys!

PS- USC football rules!  6-0, baby!!!!!!

Howdy!

So, yesterday was our final race leg of the year.  I'm proud to say that Team Doulos arrived first among the American Teams!  (read: third place overall!)  Gary, Sarah, Ashley, and I had a great time cruising down from Pretoria to Jeffery's Bay in a red Ford Focus.  Gary did a fantastic job handling the wheel and driving on the left side of the road! 

After a looong stretch of ministry, debrief, and early mornings, we were blessed to be able to sleep in this morning, then wander off to the beach for coffee and quiet time.  The next few days we will be preparing for "Beat the Drum" ministry: teaching abstinence and HIV prevention in schools.  Please pray for the upcoming ministry time, that it would be very fruitful, and that we would be a time of focus on what God is doing. 

God Bless!  =)