Shields Family Update

New water well-project by BMI in South Africa

Lately I have been posting more about some of the reasons why Jacinda and I feel called to ministry in South Africa and why we think YOU should come over to South Africa on a short term mission trip with Blessman Ministries.  

But we wanted to give you a personal update about the fundraising and what we have been up to lately. First, if you have not already done so, please check out and sign up for newsletter updates from Doc (Jim) Blessman at his "President's Blog."  Lots of really amazing things are happening in South Africa.

Also, new ambassadors, Dustin and Rene Blessman (blog: http://www.livinglifeloud.blogspot.com/), have recently moved to South Africa.  Rene is helping lead the feeding ministry that gives over 7,000 meals a day to children all over South Africa and Dustin is helping head up the fish-farming program among other things.  

Meanwhile, Jacinda and I have been busy visiting churches the last month and we are so incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us in this adventure.  We are constantly amazed by the support that God has built up around us.  If you have given any money to support us please know that we are extremely thankful and grateful.  We could not do this without you.  

Our last update I mentioned a church that I grew up at, American Lutheran in Rantoul, IL.  This past weekend we did a presentation to another church that I grew up in, First Lutheran Church in Pontiac, IL.  It is also the church where Jacinda and I were married and where Stella was baptized.  

July 7, 2007

God has blessed us tremendously through this congregation.  Not only has First Lutheran been excited about Blessman Ministries and supporting us, but they have supported us during our months of fundraising and transition living in Pontiac with Jacinda's parents.  

When we moved back to Illinois from California after my internship finished in August we saved up money to pay our bills to get us by.  And even though Jacinda's parents have been amazing in allowing us to live with them we still needed some income to help with extra expenses.  I told the leadership of First Lutheran that I would be living in Pontiac and would be willing volunteer to help out at the church.  They responded by asking me to help teach confirmation and Bible study and... offered a stipend to help support us!  Recently they have asked if I would be able to add a few more responsibilities to my plate to increase my stipend further.  From the beginning this was an incredibly wonderful and unexpected gift!  

Also, last weekend, Nov. 16, Jacinda set up a vendor booth at the First Lutheran Fall Bazaar with different artwork she has done in the past and some new stuff (you can check it out here: http://www.jacindashields.com/).  Many people from First Lutheran (and some not of course) ordered drawings from her.  God has truly blessed her with the talents she has and the financial support that her work brings to our family.  

Usually Jacinda works in black and white, but this is one she did for Jim and Beth in color ink.

God has truly been taking care of us and providing for us every step of this journey.     

Stella is growing like a weed and changing on a daily basis .  Just last week I noticed her watching me drink my coffee in the morning.  She would watch the mug from the table up to my mouth and back down again.  She had never done that before!  (It's the little things!).  She started grabbing her toes and trying to pull off her socks just the other day, too.  She is a very happy girl who smiles and laughs a lot.  She has lots of people around her who love her and pray for her.        

3 Month Birthday! Nov. 9

Our fundraising has also been going really well.  As I mentioned many people have expressed excitement about supporting us and even coming over to South Africa.  From what different churches have pledged to us, already donated, and through the support of individuals we are over half way to our fundraising goal!  

But even though we are well on our way we still have quite a bit more to raise.  If you are interested at all please pray about how you could support us and Blessman Ministries.  If you would like to support us financially please use the link above to go to our "Support Us" page.  It gives more specific instructions on how to give.  Or you can email us directly and talk to us about how you might be able to contribute.  

As Thanksgiving fast approaches please know that we are so thankful for you and all the people that God has put in our lives.  We are thankful for who you are and how you have shaped our lives.  Each and every person in our lives has helped make us who we are.  God has blessed us richly through you and for that we are thankful beyond measure.  So when we are scarfing down turkey, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and stuffing we will be saying thank you over and over again for everyone in our lives! 

May God bless you abundantly and may you have a blessed Thanksgiving filled with friends, family, food and, of course, thanks!