Reflections - LTLA Update - June & July 2025 sent

 

Greetings LTLA Friends, Thank you for your prayers for the LTLA ministry and the groups that served there last month. The first group was comprised of Ed Hett and his three teenage children: Justus, Elise and Abigail. Ed's father and mother in law, Rex & Debbie Rector, oversaw the building of the triplex at the LTLA Community Center back in 2012. Here are their reflections from the experience serving with the LTLA team: "I saw God working through the ministry in many ways, but the most vivid for me was faithfully providing for those who have been abandoned by the world. The depth of love and care that I witnessed between the workers at LTLA was incredible. The sacrifice for one another was inspiring and something that is rarely seen in this world. The community cared for one another and worked very hard to be faithful to one another's needs. This community, that God is moving and directing, is physically becoming Father to the fatherless. The ministries to the orphan, the widow and the alien were clear. With all that, the spreading of the gospel was still being done as well and central to all action. We feel truly blessed to have been able to share the week with the LTLA team, and our lives will never be the same."  Ed Hett "I saw God working through the soft-spoken and quiet, those who I didn't hear talk but their actions spoke volumes."  Justus Hett "I saw God working through LTLA to minister to every age. The key lesson I learned was that no individual is able to do their part of the ministry without the team."  Elise Hett "I saw God helping people through LTLA by providing spiritual and physical care. I learned to appreciate what I have."  Abigail Hett The second group that served was a family affair as my brother in law, Josh Bundt with his wife, Amanda and their three children: Edi, Gabby and Caleb joined my family: Julie, Johanna and Micaela.  Here are reflections from Josh, Amanda, Gabby and Johanna: "I witnessed the body of Christ in action (Rom 12): many different gifts, all serving together, serving one another, all for the glory of His Kingdom. God taught me that his strength is shown in our weakness and not to underestimate how He will use us (our family)."  Josh Bundt "The impact of the LTLA ministry is far reaching to the second and third generations. The ministry cares deeply for the community as shown through the Critical Care Center for pre-school orphans, the weekly youth Bible studies and the outreach to those living at the landfill. It was a blessing to do daily devotions and Bible studies where the love of Christ flows through the cultural and language barriers."  Amanda Bundt "I was amazed by how many people LTLA reaches from every age group. I learned that helping others when you expect nothing in return brings great joy!"  Gabby Bundt "I was so blessed by my brothers and sisters in Christ who work with my Dad. They were so welcoming, kind and encouraging. Diving into God's Word with them was beautiful to see how the blood of Christ unites us. It was an experience that will shape the rest of my life." Johanna Sulc Both groups were a great encouragement as the LTLA team shared words of gratitude and blessing to each group upon their departure. As you can see from the reflections above the feelings were mutual. The photos and video below display the blessings of the experiences. Grateful for the blessed experiences, Mike Sulc Life to Life Africa

Abigail on the ladder and Elise painting one of the triplex bedrooms. All three triplex units were plastered and painted for the first time, covering up the bare concrete walls.

Ed watching Justus cut a tile. They did an excellent job instructing Zviko and Tino in the fine art of tiling.

Tino (left) and Zviko were trained in tiling by Ed & Justus. Tino & Zviko showed proficiency in tiling, a skill they can use to earn some extra income.

Zviko (left) and Tino putting the finishing touches on tiling by the sink in one of the triplex units.

Ed helped get one of the drains unclogged. His plumbing skills came in handy and he was able to provide plumbing training to Shelton, LTLA Community Team leader.

Justus (left) joined in this "hood" Bible study, where guys get together for encouragement in their relationship with Christ.

Elise rode in the back of the truck with all the kids being picked up for youth Bible study, including the kids from the landfill.

Abigail with LTLA Critical Care orphans.

The Hett family with the LTLA team by the triplex, built by Uncle Rex, where they helped paint and tile the interior.

Abigail, Justus and Elise with the Chosen Generation (young adult) group. Justus facilitated the discussion.

Micaela, Edi and Johanna also joined the Chosen Generation (young adults) group with Johanna facilitating the discussion.

Johanna teaching "Jesus Loves Me" to the youngest kids at the Children of Hope Bible study.

Josh sharing with Men of Hope.

Amanda sharing with Women of Hope.

Julie and Tinotenda (Shelton's wife) preparing a dinner meal.

The Hett family introduced the fun card game of "spoons."

Tatenda & Zviko enjoyed continuing to play "spoons" with the Bundt & Sulc families.

Gabby holding one of the broiler chickens as Caleb and Edi look on with Brian.

Julie (at the sink) and Marvelous (with the hat) demonstrating washing laundry by hand.

Caleb and Gabby shared a Bible story and taught a game with the youngest group at the LTLA Community Center youth Bible study.

Edi (left) and Micaela spent time hanging out with Daisy, whose father, Arthur, directs LTLA in Zimbabwe.

Josh spoke on the ethical use of artificial intelligence to a group of faculty and staff at Chinhoyi University of Technology. Josh is the Chief Technology Officer at the Military Academy so it was good to have him serve the university in this way.

The Bundt & Sulc families with the LTLA team during a devotional.

Bundt & Sulc families with the LTLA team.