"lets get real and do something"

Wow what a weekend! This weekend we launched a new ministry for our church and I was honored to be a part of it. Two friends of mine felt like God wanted them to do something to help the homeless. Temperatures reached record lows in the 20s for south Louisiana. So Wednesday night at church they made an announcement asking for jackets to bring to the homeless. When I heard the announcement I knew I had to help. Friday night I went with three others to my buddy Kenny's house to organize the donations. The response to the announcement was amazing, people gave generously and graciously we filled Kenny's living room and porch with all the donations. It looked like the Salvation Army in his house! We stayed at his place until 3 Saturday morning organizing and making other preparations. After getting a few hours of sleep Kenny, Nicole, Ashton, and I loaded up a truck with donations and also stuff to make a hot soup and headed to New Orleans! We dropped off the donations at the "New Orleans Mission House". We couldn't cook the soup Saturday but we decided to go back the following day to cook it. That's exactly what we did! We cooked a hot soup for 50-80 homeless people. It was amazing we spent four hours hanging out with the homeless. All the guys were grateful and very appreciative for everything. I loved hanging out with those people because that's what they are. We put a label on them "homeless" but they are just ordinary average people that we can learn from. All they need and want is some love. One of the guys told us, "no one spends time with us. People come and drop off stuff and leave and thats great and we appreciate it. But you guys have stuck around and spent time with us and that's rare. Thank you for caring and spending your Sunday with us it really means a lot." I was speechless after that guy said that.

I have a huge heart to love and reach out to people. And I hope I can do it for the rest of my life. What we started this weekend is not the end but just the beginning of a ministry or should I say a lifestyle that we as people of Household of Faith will continue to live.

hope

There are many different words in the English language. We use words to describe, educate, and converse. But of all the words we use, I believe "hope" has to be the greatest and most valuable There is so much meaning behind that one word.

Doctors say when a cancer patient looses "hope" the illness begins to intensify and the patient may lose their fight with the terrible illness. There is power and value in hope! When it comes to Africa I believe God has given me a theme if I can call it that. You may have already picked up on it, its HOPE. I believe God wants his people to keep hope and don't ever lose it. 1 Corinthians 13:13 tells us that there are three things that will last forever- faith, hope, and love. I believe this verse tells us that it will always be available, although we may choose to reject it or forsake it. It is my heart to partner with Jesus and bring hope to the people of Africa.

I realize that the people of Africa have faced some terrible and some undescribable things. I just pray that they will meet Jesus and see the hope that is in Him . Life doesn't always become easier as a Christian but there is a peace, hope, and a grace that comes knowing Christ.

I love the word HOPE. . . I hope that all of us, people everywhere, will never lose hope we will never forget the power, and meaning in it.

website is up

My website is up http://brandonking-africa.com/ it's not totally done please excuse the work in process. Also this morning the Advocate ran an article about me going to Africa and my trip I'm taking back. This morning I went to take pictures for my website and for some business cards I'm making. Sorry this blog is so short... I'll blog again soon there is so much happening

dear francis

While I was in Africa I met three girls from the states that were also on a mission trip. After meeting them we began to discuss why we were in Swaziland. One of the girls asked me if I have ever seen a documentary of Swazi titled "Dear Francis". I have never heard of it. After getting home I searched youtube for any possible trailer or video clips. I found a video trailer. After seeing the trailer I had to order the film.

"Dear Francis" is an incredible documentary of the AIDS/HIV epidemic in Swaziland. It looks at AIDS through the eyes of the Swazi people. And also through the eyes of two young college students from the states. As I watched I became overwhelmed with the statistics:

- 67% of the population lives off of less the 45 cents a day

- 88% of 15 year-old boys will be dead by 2015 because of AIDS

- Swaziland has the highest HIV/AIDS percentage than any other nation

- 12% of Swaziland's population is orphans

- Of those between the ages of 15-23, 53% of are HIV positive

- Witch doctors tell the people of Swazi they can cure their AIDS by sleeping with a virgin

- Hungry children will often have sex with someone for an exchange of food

- Children are often raped by family members and teachers

While watching the film I began to get "choked up". Just at the things these people go through. I learned so much from the film. It encourages me to pray and to do something about it. I believe God holds me accountable to all that I see. I can't wait to partner with Jesus and people to help this nation.

I believe God has shared His heart with me. He has shared his heart for Africa. I know He has heard every cry, He has seen every tear, and He has seen all the injustice. And it breaks His heart. I know that he has not willed that his people will perish and live a life of pain. As I think of Africa and her state I recall this scripture:

Isaiah 62:4

"Never again will you be called "The Forsaken City" or "The Desolate Land." But Your new name will be "The City of God's Delight" and "The Bride of God" for the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride."

My prayer for Swaziland and for all Africa is that they will no longer be identified in what they lack but God would restore/replenish and give a new identity.

I can't wait to get back to Africa and to be a part of what God is doing.

Check out the "Dear Francis" trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rltu7WNhsDk

may is the possible date

Since the day I arrived back in the states from Africa I felt homesick. I bet your thinking "How can that be? You live here in the states." The truth is I can't describe in words how I truly feel. But there is one thing I do know, and that is, I belong in Africa. Africa has stolen my heart. It has a piece of me. Well... it has ME. Its all I think, pray, and dream about. I think about the children. They are the brave, innocent, and strong ones who walk through life's greatest difficulties. And they face it all at such a young age. These children are my heros. Likewise the people I met there were passionate, positive, hospitable servants who were excited to meet you and welcome you to their way of life. I can't wait to go back and see there smiling faces.


As of now the plan is for me to go back in May 2010. I am anticipating that day. But in the mean time I will fundraise and prepare for all that lys ahead. I will need to raise $23,000 in support. A website will be coming soon. (a place to give and learn more about what what is happening in Africa ) Also t-shirts are coming soon. The shirts will be a fundraising item .


Please continue to pray for Africa. And pray to see what God will have you to do to help this incredible place.