On Your Mark, Get Set, Go to Africa!

This is me, a guitar, and 4 kids who love music... i brought this guitar out and a bunch of kids crowded around and stood in silent reverence like they were watching the shuttle launch or something. Then i started playing the bass-line to Walk the Line and eventually they all joined in vocally- bombombom bom, bom, bom, bombombom bom, bom, bom... it was great, the kids over there are wonderful and musical!

It's 9 days before i fly to Africa for the second time in my life. The first time was in Aug. '05 for 3 weeks. Now, i'm returning to work for the Agathos Foundation for an 8 month duration.

The Agathos Foundation is at an exciting time in their story. Word of what we're doing is getting out and we are being called on for many partnership and start-up opportunities. If you don't know, the Agathos Foundation (AF from now on) is a Seattle based organization which strives to relieve AIDS victims through the purchase of commercial farms in Africa, then using the profits and properties to house children and widows left helpless in the wake of the AIDS pandemic.

As i said, the momentum is picking up, therefore my role will be primarily 3-fold. I'll assist the local pastor in his church duties which is on-site at our existing village. He and i will be looking for pastors to join the pastor training program we are beginning to establish. Second, as founder Rob Smith travels to and from Africa to the United States, i'll be his eyes and ears when he's not around. That means i'll join with the South African AF directors to visit and assess potential sites for AF to acquire. As well, i'll personally assist Rob during his visits to Africa. 3rd, i will host short-term church groups visiting our village. That means i'll drive them around, give them projects work on, and organize community outreach events focused on the spreading of the Gospel.

You are reading my weekly blog. This is how i will stay in touch with you while i'm away and keep you informed of all the excitement which transpires. Due to slow internet speeds and minute-by-minute costs for internet use, the uploading of pics will be minimal. However, periodically i'll add a link to a whole bunch of pics i'll put online for your viewing enjoyment!

I look forward to hearing from you through comments and emails. You can reach me at

richardharleman@gmail.com

Let me know you're praying for me!