Life. Different.

LOVE. Friendship. poverty. Shift. Laughter. Silly Faces. Worship. dancing. Games. Rice. CHANGE. Duck. Trust. Soccer. Red Dirt. Pomegranate. Mud. Hiking. Honor. Land Rover. Wisdom. Stars. Dialect. Smile. Faith. Sugar. feet. Calling. Strength. Desire. Tears. Goats. children. Hugs. Praise. sharing. Focus. Memories. Jesus. Water. fear. Chosen. High Five. Heart. Guidance. church. Gratitude. Will. rest. fortitude. Creation. Time. Moments. Help. Bond. hands. Sickness. Mother. Peaceful. Need. Disciple. Unity. weakness. Beautiful. Moon. Relentless. labor. Song. Warmth. Fearless. Heaven. Clapping. Chickens. Road. Shoes. Devotion. Amenities. Life. Backpack. Medicine. Serve. Joy. Language. perspective. wonder. Welcome. Give. Home. Father. 

Adventure of a Life Time

At this very moment, we are literally down to just hours away from our departure for Africa.  I am quite sure I am working purely off of adrenaline as I mad rush around the house finishing last minute cleaning projects, packing, and any other things that enter my mind that *need* to be done.  I am pretty sure my kids think I am crazy :).  In all of my madness, just the thought of Africa brings me to tears.  I am anxious, nervous, excited, joyful and eager to experience God in a new way.  My biggest desire and prayer is that I can love the way God loves.  That through me, His pure love will be bestowed upon the people of Mozambique.  I want nothing more than to be a vessel.  To be what He desires me to be.  I am nothing without God and I am nothing without His grace.  What an honor that God sees me fit to show His love in this way.  My prayer is that I can do this humbly and selflessly.  All the honor, all the praise, all the glory belongs to HIM.  We are so excited to go on this journey.  Thank you for going with us....

Africa - here we come!

XOXOX,
Erin

p.s.: I will blog and post pictures as I can!!!

September

Last January, I created a personalized calendar through Shutterfly. I chose a family photo and scripture for each month.

Tonight, I flipped from August to September. My eyes immediately were drawn to the photo, which is one of my favorites of Jake and I.

Then, they moved over to the scripture I had chosen.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19.

The Great Commission

Last January, Jon and I had no idea we would be headed to Mozambique, Africa during the month of September. We did, however, PRAY our willingness to go where He lead.

It has been just overwhelming watching God work through every detail of this opportunity. From the prayers and support to the care of our children, He has provided a smooth road. Watching our dear family and friends WORSHIP God through us by their prayers and support has literally brought us to tears.

Thankful. Times Ten.

We're going to Africa

The words of one of our most beloved worship songs echo through our minds constantly these days.

"I'll go. I'll show
The power of your love
The world. Will know
The power of your love"

And that's what we are jumping out of our seats to do. After years and years of recognizing the desire and impression on our hearts designated towards outreach and missions, we have our first opportunity to "go". And we are going to Mozambique, Africa. How awesome is that?!

We are beyond words to be given this amazing opportunity to share God's love. Where we feel unequipped, we know that He will equip us. Where we feel unskilled, we know at he will provide the tools. Where we feel a language barrier, we know the Spirit will work through our actions. We know and trust that HE is in this all. And He will provide all that is needed.

We are asking for prayers. Lots and lots of prayers. Please pray specifically that God will be working in our hearts, preparing our hearts and minds for what's to come. Pray for our health, leading up to the trip and during the trip (we have received our immunizations, but are still at risk for malaria and other sicknesses). Pray for our children, as we will be away from them for over a week. And please pray for our financial efforts as we raise money.

We are so excited to share this journey with you and can't wait to see the way that God will use us to show His love.

XO,
Jon & Erin

Mozambique

Mozambique

Jon and I are BEYOND THRILLED to announce that we have been given the amazing opportunity to be on the leadership team heading into the country of Mozambique, Africa. 

This will be our very first missions work together and we can't wait to see the many ways God will use us in Africa.

We will be providing our services by building latrines (outhouses) and assisting in other village building projects.  I (Erin) have the amazing opportunity to co-lead a VBS style children's ministry program to the children of the village!!  

Alongside our friends, we will bond together to build....

faith. love. and hope.

 Amongst the people of Africa.

Please take a moment to watch this video from the previous Mozambique missions trip.  

Here

Donations are Tax Deductible.

Payable to Radiant Church with an indication that the money is to go towards our account.

Jon and Erin Wiens

15433 W. Cottonwood Cir.

Surprise, AZ  85374

jwiens03@gmail.com and ewiens13@gmail.com

We appreciate your prayers and support as we embark upon this new journey!!

Today we prepare for Kids' Camp '11

SOOOO EXCITED!!  For many reasons.... here are a few:

1. Kids Camp is my favorite event of the year.

2. This year, our team has the honor of facilitating camp - our very own Pastor Mikki is the speaker :D

3. We get to escape the summer heat (yesterday reached 119')

and...

the best reason of all...

4. Jake AND Maddie are going. :D

As we head into Camp Week it brings back memories of last year. Below are those highlights...

 :)

First Haircut!

Yes, she is 3 1/2.  Yes, I am JUST now giving her her first haircut.  I was holding on to that long hair for sooo long, but knew it must come to an end... considering only a portion of her beautiful blonde hair was long, as she had many different lengths of hair.  Her hair seemed to grow in stages - maybe due to the daily headband she wore as a baby :D.  


Finally, I was able to say goodbye to layers.

Thank you to Miss Christa...

 

Sweet Lexie Lu!