Lisa Harris's Blog, page 35

Christmas Giveaway!

With the Christmas season upon us, I'm so looking forward to spending this holiday with family for the first time in many years. It's a huge blessing for our family to hang out with cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents so we can nurture those relationships.

Every Christmas, I love giving away something from the Heart of Africa as a small thank you to my readers. This giveaway will
include four signed copies of my books plus tea and chocolate from Africa. Everyone signed up for my Yahoo newsletter will be automatically entered into the December 21st drawing so if you haven't already done so, be sure and sign up. Plus, if you leave a comment on this blog post, I'll enter you into the hat as well. Leave a way for me to contact you and let me know what you're looking forward to for Christmas this year.

The bottom line is that you can double your chances of winning by leaving a comment here and signing up for my newsletter. (The winner's mailing address is limited to the U.S.)

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas!

Lisa Harris


This contest is limited to US residents and void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

Mozambique Update

Untitled from Lisa Harris on Vimeo.

While our time in the States has been a blessing, we miss deeply our teammates and the Christians back home. Even without our presence, though, God continues to move among the people, and we praise Him for continuing to transform lives.

We recently received an update from Luis and Fernanda about baptisms in three different villages. Please pray for these new Christians!

Be blessed,

Lisa

Four Christmases-Four Countries

Christmas in Brazil (2007)



Time is flying by and our furlough schedule is busier than ever. This weekend we enjoyed a reunion with a wonderful group of friends, all who have been to Mozambique as a part of a different mission teams to help with our work. It was such an encouragement to share updates on people they had connected with, hear their dreams for serving God, and to just enjoy being together.



On Sunday, we participated in Sugar Creek's Mission Day. They've recently posted a powerful video that asks the questions, "What's Your Mission." We were so encouraged to see what Sugar Creek is doing not just in Mozambique, but in other parts of the world and right here in Houston. We are so thankful to be a part of their vision.



This will be the first Christmas we've spent in the States in seven years, and it's such a blessing to be with family and friends over the holidays. We recently put up a Christmas tree, and I was struck by the fact that we've celebrated the past four Christmases (including this year) in four different countries. I took a quick peek in my photo album and pulled out a few photos from our international Christmases in Brazil, Mozambique, South Africa, and this year, the US.



This year, I'm looking forward to time with family, drives through decorated neighborhoods, and the reminder of a God who "so loved the world that He gave His one and only son."



What about you? What are you looking forward to this year?



Be blessed,



Lisa





Christmas in Mozambique (2008)







Christmas in South Africa (2009)







Christmas in the US (2010)

Amazing Online Event!

75 Christian Authors * One Amazing Online Event

The Christian Review of Books in conjunction with CrossPurposes Bookstore
is excited to announce the first annual Christmas Book Signing Bash.

Beginning on the day after Thanksgiving and lasting ten days (26 November
- 7 December), this book signing will be an unprecedented online event. 75
of today's favorite Christian Authors have come together to answer
questions, chat with their readers, and offer signed copies of their
books—all without leaving the comforts of home and hearth!

Readers can search by author, title, or genre at the Christian Review of
Books and then follow the purchase links to CrossPurposes Bookstore and buy autographed copies of each book featured. The authors will sign the books and ship them
to the customers.

For a full list of participating authors, visit the CRoB or check out my page here!

Heart of Africa winner

Congratulations to Michelle who won my Thanksgiving giveaway. Thanks so much to all of you who stopped by and shared! I'll have another fun giveaway next month, so be sure and stop by.

Be blessed,

Lisa

Happy Thanksgiving! (And a giveaway!)

(Posing with fellow writers Jane Thorton and Lynne Gentry)


One of the great things about being home on furlough is the chance to catch up with friends and family we haven't seen for a long time, as well as the chance to spend time with family over the holidays, something we haven't done for seven years. We've been extra busy--and without internet the past week--but were blessed to be back with the church in Dallas that we attended before moving to Africa.

Then on Monday night, I was able to visit the crit group that meets at author Lena Nelson Dooley's home. I began attending this group before I was a published author, so it was so much fun to catch up with some of my author friends, some that I've known for years, and others that I've been blessed to get to know more recently.

Even though it's a couple days early, I want to wish all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving. As I spend this year's holiday season back in the States, I'm reminded of the great blessings of both freedom and opportunity, something I never want to take for granted.

And I'd love to hear from you! What are you thankful for this year? As an expression as to how thankful I am to you, my readers, I'll choose a winner from the comments who will receive a necklace from Africa and a signed copy of Blood Ransom! Please leave a way for me to contact you. I will draw a winner on the 29th.

May we be thankful for friends and family, and especially the gift of life through Christ Jesus.

Be blessed today!


(More writer friends-- Kellie Gilbert, me, Lena Nelson Dooley, and Ronie Kendig)


Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

Never stop dreaming!

(Signing copies of Blood Ransom for Zondervan to use as giveaways.)

It's been such an encouragement for us this past month, to meet with different churches and individuals who are engaged in our ministry and this past weekend was no exception. We spent all day Sunday with a church outside of Chicago who supports our orphan program. Scott spoke during two services, as well as to the youth that evening, while Janelle and I spoke to the children. That night, Scott was also able to share about our ministry in Mozambique to a large group over dinner.

We also had the chance to spend some time with Janelle and her children and grandchildren which was also a huge blessing, as I was able to meet five of my nieces and nephews for the first time! Another thing I really really enjoyed is a taste of fall, something we don't see in Mozambique.

We left Chicago Monday afternoon and headed for Michigan so I could meet with my editor & marketing director at Zondervan. I've been really excited about this chance to meet face-to-face some of the people who work behind the scenes on my books.

Visiting Zondevan reminded me of another meeting four years ago, when I first met Sue Brower (she's my editor at Zondervan) at a writer's conference. I hadn't planned to go to go to the conference until the last minute, and when it came time to sign up for author/editor meetings--where authors have 15 minutes to talk to an editor about their book ideas--there were only two publishers left, one being Zondervan.

In my mind, Zondervan was completely out of my league as a writer, so I almost cancelled at the last minute. I finally decided to go to the appointment, thinking it would be a good learning experience. I never imagined once that one day, I'd actually visit as one of their authors. This experience has reminded me of a lot of things that I've been learning the past few years.

Dream big. (Don't stop dreaming, no matter who you are, or how old or young you are!)

Never give up. (Coming from a writer this means even with rejection after rejection.)

Work hard. (Yes, following a dream can be extremely exhausting work!)

Step out of your comfort zone. (This is another hard one for me!)

Pray daily for God's direction.

This last one has been key for me. Through the process, I've watched God bring things together that are definitly more than I ever imagined or thought possible--often with Him pushing me in directions I wasn't sure I wanted to go.

I'd love to hear from you! What are you dreaming about today? How has God lead you on your journey whether you've "arrived" where you want to be or not? I've found that it's along the journey (during good times and bad) where I learn the most.

Be blessed!

Lisa

Thank you, Creek Kids!

Yesterday, I mentioned our launch of the ECHO Project, a ministry that will reach out to those we are working with in Africa who are in need physically. Today, I want to share how God is already using people to make a difference.

Creek Kids on Mission, the elementary classes from Sugar Creek Baptist Church, have been saving money in banks for the past few weeks. Part of the money they have been collecting is going to help a young boy who is in one of our house churches. He needs an operation, but he will have to go to South Africa. Without the operation, he will continue losing his motor skills and eye sight. The other part of the money will go to help pay for nutritional supplements for children in need.

Last Sunday, we visited a half a dozen of the elementary classes and had a great time interacting with the children. It was such an encouragement to us to hear that not only did they know who we were and who we are working with, but that they had been praying for us. And the money they collected--over $2400--will make a big difference in these children's lives!

Thank you Creek Kids on Mission!

Launch of The ECHO Project!

The ECHO Project from Lisa Harris on Vimeo.

For the last few months, I've been busy working behind the scenes on something that I'm so excited to finally be able to share about! In our day to day ministry, we're constantly faced with the physical needs of the people we work with. Earlier this year, I started feeling that God was going to lead me in a new direction. Then Scott and I were talking one night and he told me that he wanted me to start a non-profit that would help increase our resources that would in turn meet some of these physical needs.

I hesitated. A non-profit? I'm not exactly the run-an-organization type.

But I couldn't let the idea go. There are so many needs everywhere I look. So many people hurting not only spiritually, but physically as well. And I have access to resources that could make difference.

I also needed help. A close friend of mine, Lynne Gentry, and I have been working on writing a series together that deals with some social issues in Africa, and I knew she too has a passion for those who need a voice. Together, we started talking, praying, and dreaming about how God might use us to make a difference, and the ECHO project was born to help individuals through Education, Compassion, Health and Opportunity.

Even though today is our official launch, several who we've mentioned the project to have already stepped forward to make a difference. A sorority raised $1400 through a silent auction that will go to put a young woman in Zimbabwe through trade school. A group of Sunday school classes in Houston raised over $2500 by collecting change last month that will allow a young boy to get the life-saving operation he needs. A youth group bought bracelets made by Alex to help support him and his family.

Ordinary people, like you and I, making a difference in the lives of individuals.

There is one verse in particular that has motivated Lynne and I as we've worked to get this project going. "...speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. (Proverbs 31:8)

Will you help us be that voice?

Dare to become involved and let the ECHO be heard around the world.

Visit The ECHO Project website for more information or email us for more information on how you can get involved.

Be blessed today,

Lisa

Life on the other side

(High school foot ball game with friends on Saturday).

It was quite a weekend as we met with a number of different people, both old friends and new ones, visiting and sharing about what God is doing in Africa. While the pace remains hectic, not only are the kids keeping up with school, but we are enjoying the fellowship and, of course, the food--which also means that we are thankful to access to a gym where we live! So far we've enjoyed a couple African meals (I fixed these), Brazilian, and good ol' southern BBQ.

Last night, I met with a local book club (photo below) and had a great time sharing an African meal and chatting about Blood Ransom and ministry. It was a real encouragement to meet with these wonderful ladies and hear some of their stories.

There was one other exciting thing that happened over the weekend, but I'll be sharing more about that in a new post tomorrow along with some exciting news about some doors God is opening in our ministry.

Stay tuned!

Lisa