Certificate of Completion - Entrepreneurship Training

Living Way's Entrepreneurship training has come to an end. The five remaining entrepreneurs and I completed phase three of the course yesterday afternoon. We are now certified by the South African Institute of Entrepreneurship in the course of Microplanner Training in Entrepreneurship. (I wonder how many times I can say "Entrepreneurship" in this blog.)

This is an exciting time for the local entrepreneurs who are now ready to begin their own businesses. Although they have been equipped with tools and training, there is much more work ahead. This is just the beginning!

To support and encourage the students, Living Way is helping to pair each individual with a business mentor. They are also coordinating a support group for the students and will arrange business workshops when possible. Although Living Way is committed to coming alongside of the entrepreneurs, they will not run the business for them. Their program is about empowering and equipping the under-resourced, and to share the good news of the gospel in order to break the cycle of poverty.

Again, I feel so blessed to be a part of this training program. I not only learned oodles and oodles about the basics of business, but I was also introduced to cultural differences in business and to the emotions and sacrifices that are part of the process. I pray that each entrepreneur is graced with hope, prosperity, and fruitfulness. Above all else, I pray that the Lord is the owner of their business and that His name is glorified.

Fun Frank Fotos

Here is an itsey bitsey taste to the "frank family fun" we had when my mom and aunt came to visit me in Cape Town, South Africa.

Good bye Franks

My mom and aunt leave to go back to the states today. Please pray for their safe return. And please lift me up in prayer as it will be hard to say "good bye".

Missing Luggage

My mom and Anne have been here for two weeks now and my mom is still missing her luggage. Ugh! The suitcase not only contains her valuables, but also donations and gifts for Living Hope (and for me!). If you could please take a moment to shoot up a quick prayer for her luggage to arrive safely before Wednesday, that would be much appreciated. (she leaves to go back to the states on Wednesday, so it would be great if the luggage came before then).

God's Rainbow

Last night I had a very intimate prayer time with the Lord. I reflected on His promises and provision for my life. It was quite powerful.

This morning I woke up to the most radiant rainbow right outside of my window. The beginning of the rainbow actually began on my front lawn. What is so astounding is that a rainbow symoblizes God's promise to His people. (Story of Noah's Ark).

Isn't it amazing how God can communicate to us. This beautiful rainbow spoke magnitudes to me. It affirmed the prayers of promise and provision that I had just spoken to the Lord. Wow, God is good!

Fishing

Stanton took me out fishing this weekend. We joined a handful of locals on a dock in the harbor. It wasn't long before I felt a tug on my line. I reeled in what I thought was seaweed, but was overly suprised when I discovered a squid on the end of my fishing pole. How fun! I caught a squid! Cool huh?? Stanton wanted to teach me how to clean and cook it, but I ended up giving it away to a young girl who visited the homeless shelter next door. I figured with my mad fishing skills it would be easy to catch a dozen more. ;)

So Trav, what do you think about that?! Maybe you should come and visit your fisherwomen sister and she'll take you on a guided tour. Book your reservations now...

Training and More Training

I just finished an intense week of training. Last Monday - Wednesday I participated in phase two of Living Way's entrepreneurial development courses. Thursday - Saturday I attended Grassroots training, which is aimed at teaching individuals (and corporations) how to manage, think and lead more effectively. By Saturday afternoon, my brain was fried! To say the least.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in these training programs. I'm not exactly sure how the teachings will come into play in my life but I do know one thing - the Lord is preparing me. A friend recently told me to "Pay attention!". Pay attention to what's going on in your life, to reoccurring themes and teachings that are taking place, to places and to people, etc. Pay attention! Because the Lord is preparing you for what's to come.

With that said, I'm excited to see how my recent business and empowerment training will be put to use. I patiently, yet eagerly, await for God's plans to unfold. Because His plans and His purpose is so much grandeur than we could ever imagine.

Are YOU paying attention to what's happening in your life? Pay attention because it's preparation for what's to come.



More about Living Way's Entrepreneurial Development Training

From Monday to Wednesday I participated in Living Way's entrepreneurial development courses. This is the second phase of the program (the first phase took place in September). Entrepreneurs are essential to the reduction of unemployment (and indirectly, the combat of HIV/AIDS). Therefore, Living Way has put together a program to come alongside prospective entrepreneurs to train, mentor, and support them. Initially I had planned to assist the facilitators in sharing of the material. But I soon became a student with wide eyes and an eager attitude. Each day I walked out of the classroom with a brain full of knowledge.

Approximately a dozen students participated in phase one of the program. Each entrepreneur was given a homework assignment to do market research for their company. They were to instructed to share their findings with the Living Way facilitators in order to attend the classes in phase two. When phase two began (last week), only five students remained. These five individuals have proven their commitment to this program and to running their own company. It's been amazing to watch their dreams turn into a reality. Phase three takes place in November.

Living Way's Spring 2008 Entrepreneurs:

* Tania - Sells diapers and other baby products
* Jeremy - Music production and audio recording studio
* Elizabeth - Car wash
* Mark - Photography
* Bradley - Sports replica shop