From:Mark and Debbie Blosser
          Your Missionaries in Swaziland

It almost seems like a year since I last wrote, so much has happened!

Voice of the Church Dedication: The big event of the last number of months was the dedication of our new Swaziland national partner, Voice of the Church. This partner broadcasts to Swaziland by four FM transmitters. One of the King's wives attended and spoke in the celebration, as well as our TWR president, Dr. Thomas Lowell. It was a joyous occasion of praising the Lord for what He has done! I just love to hear and SEE the African music. Singing and praising the Lord in Africa is always accompanied with the art of body movement.

Peter to RVA: At the end of August we packed up most of Peter's belongings and headed up to Nairobi, Kenya, where we settled Peter into Rift Valley Academy. We traveled up with our good friends, the Lowells, who also have a son, Matthew (Peter's friend), starting in the same school. Our plans are that Peter will finish out his last two years of high school there, Lord willing. It was a fascinating trip to me, as I got to see a country which I had visited back in 1976 when my brother and I rode through on motor bikes. It seems that the country has slipped backwards in some areas, but advanced in others. They now have modern supermarkets and even a mall. However, the city didn't look as clean and the roads seemed to have deteriorated. We were privileged to visit the office of Trans World Radio in Nairobi, and to meet the staff.

Debbie and I were impressed with Peter's new school. It seemed to be well organized, have an excellent staff, student body and campus. Peter also seemed positive about this new beginning as well. From his e-mails, it sounds like he is fitting in and adjusting well. How we thank the Lord for this opportunity and privilege for him.

While in Nairobi, a strange thing happened to us. Debbie complained about some sticky substance being on the seat of the car and getting on her jeans. When we got into the hotel room, I looked closely and saw that the fabric looked cut. Upon closer inspection the material just fell apart, like the material had come in contact with battery acid. I immediately checked Peter's pants and sure enough, he had holes in the back of two of his favorite pairs of pants! Even the bottom of a T-shirt was eaten away. Debbie checked a dress she had worn the day before... holes in it too! Someone must have put a battery on the seat and let it fall over. What a disappointment! The Bible says that the joy of the Lord is our strength, so we started to count our blessings. We were all healthy and had come many miles with no physical injury. The Lord has blessed us with a happy family and meaningful work. A few clothes destroyed was a minor thing when we look at the big picture. Besides, we now have an interesting story to tell you!

We Moved: As soon as we arrived back from Kenya, we shifted into moving mode. A mission-owned house had come available and was being renovated. We were living in a rented house and were therefore asked to move. So, the second day after our arrival home was moving day. Actually, we were quite happy to move, as this new house is much more to our liking. It even has a fire place! Fortunately, the weather turned cold one more time before summer set in and we got to enjoy a fire one night. An added little blessing. (Debbie even broke down and let the dog in–just once--to enjoy the warmth. Mark had to drag her back outside, she loved it so much!)

We have, along with you, watched in horror as terrorists made devastating attacks on America. Yes, it was terrible, but there are lessons to be gathered. How quickly earthly structures can crumble! Are we building in areas which will last for eternity? Where is our faith? In man's accomplishments or God's? In all this though, our hearts go out to those who are injured or have lost loved ones. We pray for wisdom for our leaders.

Thanks for your interest in building the kingdom of God in people who listen to the broadcasts. The good news IS changing lives.
Your partners in Africa,

Mark and Debbie Blosser

Read about Trans World Radio at : www.twr.org