Swaziland 2014 - A Man on a Mission

On July 5, we will once again be leading a team to Swaziland, Africa.  Over the last 8 years, God has called almost 100 people to be a part of this journey and the ministry of Beyond Survival.  God has not only used these people to minister, but has ministered to their hearts through this experience.  This trip is no exception.  We are watching God put together the 2014 team right before our eyes.  We are praying He will lead, guide, and provide for those He is bringing to our team.  It is not too late to be a part of this year's trip.  If you are interested in going with us, you do not have to live in Colorado Springs to be a part.  We have seen God bring people from all over to join us over the years.  I have an informational sheet as well as an application I can email to those who are feeling called to join this mission.

On this trip, we plan to continue our work with many different organizations. As God brings our team together, He will help us define the details of the work we will be doing.  As always, we will be ministering to orphans at the Halfway House, Abandoned Baby Center, and David Hames Preschool.  We also plan to do some home projects and repairs at various Swazi homesteads(some of which are child-led homes).  Our team will be doing a pastors' conference and blessing these men and their wives with clothing and ministry supplies.  We will spend our time as well investing in the leaders there that give of themselves on a daily basis.  We hope to be a source of encouragement and resources for them.

We are excited to take Sam on his first trip to Swaziland.  If you haven't had the chance to get to know this boy, you are missing out.  He is a funny, charming little guy that lights up every room with his smile.  He has such a sensitivity to the things of God and seeks Him passionately in his life.  I love watching him make his faith his own and know that this trip will be a HUGE part of that process.  Over the years, he has seen pictures, watched videos, heard our stories, and even had the privilege to meet some of the people that we minister alongside when they have visited us in our home.

Recently, Sam celebrated his 10th Birthday.  Rick and I took him out to eat to celebrate.  Rick asked him, "What is your favorite thing about our family?"  His response was, "That we do work in Africa."  I love the heart of this boy and am so excited to see how God uses this trip to impact his life.  He is ready to accept this mission.  We desire to encourage and support him in this endeavor.  We would covet your prayers as we take this step of faith as a family once again.

A Special Message from Sam:
I want to go to Swaziland because I'm the only one in my family that hasn't been.  I also feel like God is telling me to go.  I want to see the wildlife and all the nature.  I also want to go to the Halfway House to see where Isaiah and Laila lived and meet other children.  I feel like God is going to talk to me in Swaziland.  I feel like God is going to do something big in my life there.  Every night I hear God's voice saying, "Go to Swaziland, go to Swaziland."  It would make me very excited to be able to go.  

If you would like to invest in Sam and this trip, we would be so blessed by your partnership in this ministry.  Checks can be written to Mountain Springs Church  with "Swazi-Clapp" in the memo and mailed to 7345 Adventure Way, Colorado Springs, CO  80923.  Donations can also be made with a credit card via the church website, www.mountainsprings.org.  Choose "Mountain Springs Church - Woodmen".   After putting in the amount, select "Swaziland Trip - Laura Clapp."  This will allow the funds to go towards our family's trip expenses.  You may also donate towards our trip online at www.beyondsurvival.org/give/.

The cost for each individual is $3,850.  All gifts are tax deductible.  We can't wait to share with you all that God has done in us through this trip!