What You Water Will Grow
Lately we’ve been telling our boys a simple phrase: “What you water will grow.”
It means that where we choose to place our attention eventually shapes who we become. Gratitude is often a choice. When we choose gratitude for what we have, we begin to walk in step with the Spirit. When we walk in the flesh, we tend to notice only what is missing.
Scripture reminds us:
“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise—think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8
The things we dwell on quietly shape our hearts.
Sometimes it seems that the amount of good we see in life depends on our ability to recognize it. When we begin to notice the good gifts God has already placed around us, gratitude grows.
At Abide Well, this year has been a reminder of that truth. Small acts of faithfulness, lived out day by day, begin to grow into something meaningful in the lives of people and communities.
So we keep showing up.
We keep watering what is good.
And we trust that, in time, God will bring the growth.
“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9
Q1 Ministry Update (So Far)
• Began a Sunday feeding program at Enoch’s church, providing meals for children and sharing the Gospel.
• Continued construction of a home for Gogo Thobela, bringing her closer to safe and secure housing.
• Hosted our first chicken farmer training, led by Lilanga Chicks, our chick supplier. Farmers received practical training for successful poultry farming.
• Welcomed five new chicken farmers into the program as they begin building sustainable poultry businesses.
• Conducted follow up visits with existing farmers, including Nomsa, to review progress and plan chicken production and distribution for the year.
• Planning construction of a proper chicken coop for the Matsebula family to support the growth of their flock.
• Served meals at multiple preschools and children’s ministries, including fried rice with chicken and pancakes with eggs.
• Met with the Malanda Community Council to discuss providing meals for local children two to three Sundays each month.
• Established Dora’s Pantry, a clean and sanitary food storage space to support our feeding programs.
• Visited a care point center in Piggs Peak, serving meals and exploring ways to support their manna packs with locally raised chickens.
• Set up a new ministry office, completing minor renovations and purchasing essential furniture and supplies.
• Secured stable housing for two employees, completing repairs and improvements to make the homes safe and livable.
When we choose to invest time, attention, and care into people, small seeds begin to grow into something meaningful. A home takes shape for a grandmother. A farmer begins raising chickens that can support a family. Children gather for meals and hear the Gospel. What begins as small acts of faithfulness becomes lasting fruit in a community.
Jesus said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” John 15:5
Thank you for being part of this work. Your prayers, encouragement, and support are helping plant and water seeds that continue to grow here in Eswatini.
Stay Well & Go Well,
Nate Burlingame