Reflections of Ghana...

After thirteen hours of flight, we finally made it back to the U.S.A. this morning. Our trip was incredible! A portion of my heart is still with the Sweetwater Girls and the kids behind the wall. I will add, however, that I was so thankful to see the “Welcome to America” sign when we arrived in customs. There’s just no place like home.

It’s been a little hard to process everything because my heart and mind are in transition mode. As most of you know, I packed up our home into boxes just before leaving to Africa. My husband loaded up the moving truck and moved us across the country while I was away on this mission. Now we’re back in Tennessee, but only for less than forty-eight hours. Then we’ll head to California to settle into our new home.

There’s another mission ahead: serving a church in the middle of our new neighborhood. But before I start blogging about all that, today’s post will simply be a reflection of this past week. Here are some pictures for you. I hope you enjoy!

Credit: Shayna @ Taproot Photography

Teachings and reflections on Identity in Christ.

Credit: Shayna @ Taproot Photography

Children we met along the way.

Credit: Shayna @ Taproot Photography

Amazingly colorful scenery

Credit: Shayna @ Taproot Photography

Falling in love with the kids behind the wall. (This was after we gave them all juice boxes)

Credit: Shayna @ Taproot Photography

Bonding with the girls! (After making purple bracelets together, symbolizing royalty)

Credit: Shayna @ Taproot Photography

My favorite part of the trip was being able to see the hope in their eyes. To see them move from loss, rejection, abuse, slavery, poverty, and hunger to healing, acceptance, restoration, freedom and plenty, is soul stirring. Hearing their stories and seeing the hand of God moving mightily is a blessing I will continue to treasure.

Thank you so much for being a part of these girl's transformation. Your prayers and your donations towards this ministry have had a life changing impact for these precious ones and everyone in their path. This last one is a short video message from the girls to YOU! Thanks for being a witness to their lives by stopping by my blog, and for keeping them in your prayers. 

To learn more about Sweetwater Ministries click here.

Blessings Beyond Measure,

Monique Zackery

The Beauty of it All...

"I am confidant of this: I will see the goodness of Yahweh in the land of the living."

Psalm 27:13

How do I begin to write about an experience that has been so rich on so many levels? My last blogs about Africa have only scratched the surface. I have not been able to blog over the past two days because there has been too much to process.

Isabella: Click here to read her story.

Wednesday felt so sacred I didn’t even take photos. The teaching was on forgiveness. A team member told the story of healing that God is currently taking her through. We were reminded of the need to forgive others the way God has forgiven us.

Stefani and Kate.

Many girls shared their difficulty in forgiving those who have harmed them both physically and emotionally. But this day wasn’t just for them. The need to forgive is universal. After the teaching was over, our team members probably cried more than the girls. It was a day of breakthrough for all of us.   In fact, we could not even dismiss ourselves for small group. Instead, we, along with the Sweetwater staff, and twenty-four girls, stayed in the sewing room to worship. We thanked God for His grace, forgiveness and  His everlasting love.

The Redemption Skit: A story of a girl whose heart was torn by circumstances. Yet she was redeemed by God's Truth.

Thursday was our final day at the Sweetwater House. Pastor Chris taught on redemption. He really helped to bring home Wednesday’s teaching by using Job as an example of praying for those who curse us. Then he reminded us that while Jesus was on the cross, He prayed for those who killed Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” While we were in our small groups we all took the time to bless those who have hurt us by asking God to cover them with His grace. Then we talked about what it means to be redeemed, bought with a price, adopted, and set apart. Oh, it was a powerful time! 

......................................

Our week with the Sweetwater Girls ended with an unforgettable foot washing ceremony. We kneeled before the girls and it was an honor to serve them. As I poured water over their feet, I thought of all they have been through. I noticed the marks of tribal scars from rituals on the feet of those who had been rescued from slavery. My small group partner, Melanie, began to pray over the girls, thanking God that they have now been marked with the Holy Spirit and set apart in His love. I later found out that she had not even noticed the marks when she prayed that. She was simply being led by the Holy Spirit. All the while, a sweet, refreshing wind was gently blowing as we washed. It reminded me of John 3:8.

"Now that I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, 

you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that  you should do as I have done for you." - Jesus {John 13: 14-15}

It was so hard to say goodbye when all was said and done. I hugged each girl tightly and soaked in the final moments at the home. Then the mission team piled into the van. We looked out at all the girls as they waved farewell. Some smiled brightly. Others cried. We blew kisses and drove away, forever changed by the beauty of it all, with their faces etched in our minds and their stories written on our hearts.  

Grateful,

Monique Zackery

My Redeemer Lives...

"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted."

Matthew 5: 3-4

As we walked up to The Sweetwater House today, we were greeted with the voices of angels. The girls worshipped God with hearts bowed and hands lifted high in a manner that brought a knot to all of our throats. The Lord was already setting the tone for what was about to happen.

When worship came to a close, we took our seats as Isabella stood up to share her testimony. She began by saying it has been her desire to tell us her story. Our eyes were focused and our ears were attentive. Her gentle and sincere spirit captivated everyone in the room. She told of how she moved from home to home, living with different extended relatives and how she worked different types of jobs on the street in order to provide for herself. Times were hard, but she never gave up. A relative noticed an advertisement for Sweetwater House and shared it with her. She came, applied, and was accepted.

When she arrived at the school, she was completely taken back by the warm welcome she received. She felt loved. She explained how the home has blessed her, provided for her and been an answer to prayer in her life. She thanked God for this ministry.

...Then she transparently revealed her pain.

"You may be wondering where my parents where in all of this..." She said.

She paused.

Her eyes filled up with tears.

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. We all felt the weight of her hurt.

"They are gone... along with my sister."

Tears fell freely down her cheeks. She didn't need to say another word. We all knew what she meant. We all began to mourn with her. I lifted my head and looked across the room. Many of the other girls were wiping their tears. They too have lost parents.

Suddenly, the most beautiful ray of hope made it's way through the thickness of sorrow surrounding us. With a quivering voice, Isabella began to sing - praising God for what He has done for her - for saving her.

"Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?... And who told the ocean you can only come this far?..." The words barely escaped her mouth as she cried quietly. "And who showed the moon where to hide till evening? Who's words alone can catch a falling star?"

Then, in one accord, we all joined her song through our tears...

"Well I know my Redeemer lives. I know my Redeemer lives. Let all creation testify, let this life within me cry, I know my Redeemer lives."


She closed her eyes tightly and lifted her head toward the sky as she continued singing.

"The very same God that spins things in orbit, runs to the weary, the worn, and the weak. And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken," she wrapped her arms around herself, as if to symbolize a hug from God, "they conquered death to bring me victory....


And I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer lives."


I don't know if I've ever heard someone worship with such depth of sincerity. She believed the words she was singing, and they penetrated the hearts of every soul in the house. Later she shared that "REDEEMER" is her favorite word. God Redeemed her life and gave her hope when she had none; we thanked Him with her and for her.

Isabella and me. 

"Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn." - Romans 12:15. Today we did both of those things, almost simultaneously, and our lives may never be the same.

Me and the girls, after Doris and Stefani taught them fabric flower making. 

This was just a small glimpse of our day. If I wrote about all of it, my blog would be a mile long, so I'll end here, until tomorrow. Please keep us in prayer and I will do the same for you.

Redeemed,

Monique Zackery

A Heart That's Full...

My heart is so full today. I still can't believe I'm back in Africa. Oh, how I wish you were here to see their smiles in person, to witness their tears when the Gospel is shared and to look them in the eye and remind them of God's love as they remind you of the same. 

Today's topic at the Sweetwater House was identity; understanding our position and significance in Christ. During our breakout sessions, one group decided to write down all the negative lies they have believed about their worth. A team member shared how she was moved when she glanced at the paper of the young girl next to her and realized she had written down all the same lies... word for word, without copying it. Hearing their stories, and learning their hurt reminded us that, regardless of geographic, cultural or economic differences, we each have something significant in common-- we are all broken, and in need of The Savior. Throughout this trip I am continually reminded that we are only beggars, showing other beggars where The Bread is.

Each small group made purple fabric bracelets as a reminder of their significance in Christ. Purple represents royalty. They are each a daughter of the King! (Left) The girls were given a small devotional book - "His Princess: Love Letters From  Your King" - to remind them of God's faithful promises daily. (Right)

In a slight shift of topic, I cannot end this post without introducing you to "The Kids Behind the Wall". They are dearly loved by the residents at Sweetwater and they quickly melt the heart of every one who meets them. Their name came about because they live behind The Sweetwater House {which is surrounded by four walls}. They somehow climb up the wall and we usually find their precious wide, eyes peering over the top as they giggle to draw our attention. 

The Sweetwater Girls understand first hand what it means to be hungry and in need. In an effort to spread the love and provision that has been given to them through this ministry, they are often found sharing their meals with these children. And as a side note/warning, I'd like to add that you just might fall in love with them! :)

So, without further delay, I introduce to you, the kids...

This is the moment they realized they could see themselves in my camera phone. Ah, the simple joys in life...

Aren't they beautiful?!

Remember the little girl I mentioned yesterday? The one who wasn't home?... Well, we saw her today!! Look closely. You can see her in the pictures below, with an African wrap around her head. 

The kids are giving their best "macho" pose... turned out to be a mixture of sweet, sassy and silly! (Left)  Playing Patty Cake with little Abana. (Right) She was serious about this game and she was good! You can tell in the photo on the left that she means business ;) ... I feel a rematch coming tomorrow! 

It's easy to find yourself experiencing a mixture of emotions around here. On one hand there's joy overflowing at the simple sound of their laughter, on the other hand, you fight back tears as a mother offers you her child, asking you to take her to the United States in hopes of a better life.  

Part of me wants to take all of them home. They will certainly be present in my heart as I board the plane in five days. Lord willing, I can continue to come back and watch them grow throughout the years. Who knows... maybe next time you'll come with me! 

Until then, please say a prayer for these children, for the Sweetwater girls and for our team. And I promise to say a prayer for you as well. 

Blessings Beyond Measure,

Monique Zackery

A Glimpse of Heaven

I believe we got a glimpse heaven this morning in church. We danced before the Lord and praised His name in multiple languages. The Spirit was thick in the room, causing our eyes to well up with tears.

“If I live, I live for you. If I die, I die for you.”

Those were the lyrics of a song we sang. It was a reminder of why we are here. We are here to live for Christ, to glorify His name, and to make Him known among all nations. We live for Him, and if we die in the process, we die for Him. Those words were so convicting as they flowed from my mouth, and I believe them.  

Our Pastors in Franklin, Tennessee often say that church begins after you leave the building on Sunday morning {a reminder to live what you learn}. This is true each week, but it felt especially true today. After a full service of worship and the Word, we headed out on foot toward our mission field, The Sweetwater House, and we took pictures along the way. 

(Left to Right) Me, Margaret, Little Debbie, and Melanie

This precious one stole our hearts with her beaming smile as she peered through the front door of her home to peek at the foreigners.

The Community Wash Room: This roofless shack (above) is where the locals bathe, use the restroom and wash their laundry by hand. {Why do I ever complain about having to throw in a load of laundry when I'm tired?} 

This home, behind the Sweetwater House,  belongs to Ma'mae and her family. She is a sweet little girl, full of life. Curtis {my husband} met her about four years ago when he visited. I saw her last January when I visited. We have been able to watch her grow through the years. This time she wasn't home. Hopefully we'll see her tomorrow.

After making our way through the neighborhood, we found ourselves at the entrance of the Sweetwater House. True to its name, the home is reminiscent of a fresh water spring in the middle of the dessert--a source of life and provision for those in need. And then...
I met the girls! 

They've already made their way into my heart. All I can say is WOW. Thank you to everyone who provided a way for us to be here and love these precious ones. 

The Sweetwater girls have been rescued from the streets and difficult circumstances. Some were purchased out of slavery in order to be here. At the home they are given three healthy meals each day, clothes, education, and Bible studies. They are taught a trade of their choice, either sewing or hair dressing, so that when they graduate, they may provide for themselves and give back to the community. 

And here they are. Another glimpse of Heaven... 

Our time at the home today was brief. The real work starts tomorrow as we begin our Young Women's Vacation Bible School. Please pray for us as we teach on identity, purpose, forgiveness, freedom and redemption throughout the week. However, I believe they will be teaching us just as much. Our hearts are ready. :)

This marks Day 2. Tomorrow is full of promise. Until then, I pray that you are blessed wherever you are in the world. May you be mindful of those in need, always remembering that they are not forgotten by God... and neither are you, my friend, neither are you {promise}! 

See you here tomorrow.

Blessings beyond measure,

Monique Zackery

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Greetings From Africa

Dear Workmanship of God,

It feels like a year has passed since I last blogged. I can’t believe it’s only been a couple of weeks. Life has been a bit of a whirlwind lately, but it’s an exciting whirlwind! The hubby and I have been submitting to the wind of the Holy Spirit, allowing our hair to get tussled in the movement of it all. It’s been an incredible journey so far—a journey that feels a bit like a roller coaster actually. You know the kind... it seems to call your name. You hurry up to the line. Then you wait and wait for hours. Finally, after all the anticipation, you find yourself next up to hop on. You knew this moment would come but you didn’t expect the cocktail of feelings all mixed in together… butterflies, excitement, anticipation and maybe even a little anxiety. 

All of these only escalate as you strap yourself in and sit. The ride slowly makes it’s way up the first drop. Click. Click. Click. Click. You brace yourself. You hold on tight. There’s no sense in resisting it. You make your way over the top of that first drop and before the momentum builds to a free fall you throw your arms up in the air, surrendering to the thrill of it all… That’s where I am right now. Arms lifted high, surrendering to the adventure of saying yes to God.

When the Lord calls, we must act. Part of that whirlwind of prompting has led me back to the mission field. Nine other passengers and I have strapped ourselves in on a ride that brought us all the way to Ghana, West Africa. This marks day one. Tomorrow is full of uncertainty, but it is also full of promise. I can’t wait to post the reports of all that God is doing in our midst. Will you join us for the ride?

Meet the team (left to right): me, Dante, Margaret, Melanie, Stefani, Karen, Shayna, Pastor Chris, Alisa & Doris

Stop in throughout the week for testimonies and thrills.

Blessings,

Monique Zackery