Jim and Jared are probably heading to bed just about now, and will wake up in the morning to catch the first of three flights tomorrow. None of these flights are overnight, so they are very happy at the prospect of not trying to sleep on a plane. They will fly from Geneva to Paris, from Paris to Philadelphia, and from Philadelphia to O'Hare.
Please pray:
1. For a good nights sleep tonight.
2. For luggage to travel smoothly and safely with them on all three legs of this trip -- particularly that nothing would break in transit.
3. That they might be able to get an earlier flight from Philadelphia to ORD (right now they are due in at 9:30 pm -- if things went very smoothly they might be able to get an earlier flight bringing them in at 6:10)
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Rutters
We are having a wonderful time with Ian and Teri Rutter. It has been a real blessing to get reacquainted and to visit with them in their home environment. Jared and I have a greater understanding of the work that they do and the challenges that they face here in France. We had the privilege of attending their church this morning and we will be getting together with their Pastor (who is from IL) tomorrow for lunch. The church is as international as they come. They have about 350 people who attend their church and who come from about 35 different countries.
We also met with another missionary who is a friend of Jared's and that also helped us gain a greater appreciation for the difficulty of spreading the gospel in France. Evangelical Christians make up about 0.5% of the population and most of the rest of the population is highly resistant to any type of religious experience let alone a personal relationship with the Lord. As Jared's friend pointed out, missionaries in France have really been unable to find any consistently effective method of evangelism. "It's like nothing works here," he said.
So while the living conditions of a missionary in France are among the nicest in the missionary world, the emotional struggles and discouragement are among the most difficult in the missionary world. Please pray that Ian and Teri and the other missionaries here in France will not be discourage and that the Lord will open the hearts of the French people to the Good News of the Gospel.
Tomorrow is the last full day of our time here in France. Please pray that we will be an encouragement to Ian and Teri while we are here and after we return home.
We also met with another missionary who is a friend of Jared's and that also helped us gain a greater appreciation for the difficulty of spreading the gospel in France. Evangelical Christians make up about 0.5% of the population and most of the rest of the population is highly resistant to any type of religious experience let alone a personal relationship with the Lord. As Jared's friend pointed out, missionaries in France have really been unable to find any consistently effective method of evangelism. "It's like nothing works here," he said.
So while the living conditions of a missionary in France are among the nicest in the missionary world, the emotional struggles and discouragement are among the most difficult in the missionary world. Please pray that Ian and Teri and the other missionaries here in France will not be discourage and that the Lord will open the hearts of the French people to the Good News of the Gospel.
Tomorrow is the last full day of our time here in France. Please pray that we will be an encouragement to Ian and Teri while we are here and after we return home.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
A few more photos
The master planning team for Tandala hospital. We were meeting in an open aircraft hangar on the property because there were no rooms big enough for the group.
Jim delivering the baby layette he, Jenn and the kids made.
Jared and Jim with Ian and Terri Rutter after touring Calvin's church in Geneva, Switzerland.
Out of Africa
Jim emailed this to be shared with you all on the blog:
On Thursday evening around 8:00 PM Jared and I and the rest of our team drove to the Bangui airport to catch our 11:00 PM flight to take us out of Africa. We did not have any of our checked luggage with us because we had to make an earlier trip that same morning to have the bags inspected and checked through to our final destination.
The Bangui airport is unlike any airport to which I have ever been. It is quite small and we were the only flight going out that evening and possibly even that entire day. When we arrived we had to stand in a number of lines and in each line someone (and sometimes two or more people) would inspect our passport and boarding pass. My passport was looked at at least 8 to 10 times. And even though we and our bags went through the typical metal detector and x-ray machine they still hand searched our bags afterwards. There were a number of tables set up for the manual bag inspection and a number of individuals there to search. It was difficult to determine where to go and what to do. It was rather chaotic and the strange thing was that the people inspecting your bag would often ask you to give them some of the items in your bag or try to say that they posed a security risk. I was getting quite concerned that they were not going to let me take my special camera batteries on the plane with me, but they let me keep everything and they only searched my bag once at that point. I think that having my dirty laundry at the top of my bag helped discourage them from digging around too much. However, one young lady on our team had her bag searched five times. The whole process felt rather uncomfortable and like an invasion of privacy.
When we finally did get through security we were able to wait in the waiting area which was nicer than I was expecting by local standards. We were then surprised that they started boarding the plan quite earlier than I was use to in the States. I thought perhaps that we might even take off early. But it was not to be. The reason we had to head out to the plane (you just walk right out on the runway to your plane) was because the airline has their own security check and we and our bags were inspected all over again. Granted, the second time was not feel like as much of a personal violation as did the first time, but it was still an exhausting process.
The last interesting thing was that after we all boarded the plane, the airline crew walked through the cabin spraying a solution designed to kill mosquitos.
We have now arrived at the Rutters home in France just outside of Geneva. It feels like we are staying at the Ritz Carlton after living in the Congo for two weeks. They have running water, carpeting and electricity that works 24 hours a day. I also judged Ian to be an excellent driver because he did not run over a single chicken as we drove around town (something that often happened while in the Congo.)
On Thursday evening around 8:00 PM Jared and I and the rest of our team drove to the Bangui airport to catch our 11:00 PM flight to take us out of Africa. We did not have any of our checked luggage with us because we had to make an earlier trip that same morning to have the bags inspected and checked through to our final destination.
The Bangui airport is unlike any airport to which I have ever been. It is quite small and we were the only flight going out that evening and possibly even that entire day. When we arrived we had to stand in a number of lines and in each line someone (and sometimes two or more people) would inspect our passport and boarding pass. My passport was looked at at least 8 to 10 times. And even though we and our bags went through the typical metal detector and x-ray machine they still hand searched our bags afterwards. There were a number of tables set up for the manual bag inspection and a number of individuals there to search. It was difficult to determine where to go and what to do. It was rather chaotic and the strange thing was that the people inspecting your bag would often ask you to give them some of the items in your bag or try to say that they posed a security risk. I was getting quite concerned that they were not going to let me take my special camera batteries on the plane with me, but they let me keep everything and they only searched my bag once at that point. I think that having my dirty laundry at the top of my bag helped discourage them from digging around too much. However, one young lady on our team had her bag searched five times. The whole process felt rather uncomfortable and like an invasion of privacy.
When we finally did get through security we were able to wait in the waiting area which was nicer than I was expecting by local standards. We were then surprised that they started boarding the plan quite earlier than I was use to in the States. I thought perhaps that we might even take off early. But it was not to be. The reason we had to head out to the plane (you just walk right out on the runway to your plane) was because the airline has their own security check and we and our bags were inspected all over again. Granted, the second time was not feel like as much of a personal violation as did the first time, but it was still an exhausting process.
The last interesting thing was that after we all boarded the plane, the airline crew walked through the cabin spraying a solution designed to kill mosquitos.
We have now arrived at the Rutters home in France just outside of Geneva. It feels like we are staying at the Ritz Carlton after living in the Congo for two weeks. They have running water, carpeting and electricity that works 24 hours a day. I also judged Ian to be an excellent driver because he did not run over a single chicken as we drove around town (something that often happened while in the Congo.)
Friday, May 8, 2009
With the Rutters
Jim called tonight (12:30 am Saturday their time). They had a safe and smooth trip from Bangui to Geneva. Unfortunately they did not sleep on the plane, so other than a 2-hour nap this afternoon, they have been going strong for almost 2-days.
They arrived at the Rutter's this afternoon. Jim says they have gone from one end of the food spectrum to the other. And they had REAL showers today, and feel clean. Friday evening they went to the Rutter's church to see the youth group and get a flavor of what that looks like. That was followed by a surprise birthday party for Ian, who celebrated his 60th on Tuesday. All in attendance spoke English and worked for organizations like the UN, so it was a very enjoyable evening.
As much as Jared and Jim long to be home by now, they are very thankful that they have been able to see the Rutter's and are looking forward to the next 3 days with them. Please continue to pray for their safety and health, and that they would finish this trip strong. Please specifically pray that they would not get sick after returning home.
They arrived at the Rutter's this afternoon. Jim says they have gone from one end of the food spectrum to the other. And they had REAL showers today, and feel clean. Friday evening they went to the Rutter's church to see the youth group and get a flavor of what that looks like. That was followed by a surprise birthday party for Ian, who celebrated his 60th on Tuesday. All in attendance spoke English and worked for organizations like the UN, so it was a very enjoyable evening.
As much as Jared and Jim long to be home by now, they are very thankful that they have been able to see the Rutter's and are looking forward to the next 3 days with them. Please continue to pray for their safety and health, and that they would finish this trip strong. Please specifically pray that they would not get sick after returning home.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
A day of rest
Jim said that the travel to CAR was incredibly smooth. A dinner had been prepared for them to eat that evening, but they arrived so early it was served for lunch.
Here is part of an email he sent today:
Here is part of an email he sent today:
We have been eating very well here in Bangui. I am concerned that I am going to gain back some of the weight I lost in the Congo. We had such unusual food in the Congo that many of us have been eating even when we are not hungry because we are so excited about the flavors.
It has been raining all day and I am actually quite chili. Tom is very grateful. Normally it is an extremely hot process to get ready to travel. Although our flight leaves sometime around 11:30 PM tonight, this morning we had to go and check in our bags with customs and Air France. They did check our bags through to Geneva which is great. So all I have with me right now is my carry-on bag. We will leave for the airport at about 8:30 tonight.
We had some time of debriefing this morning as well. Please pray for Jared and I as we prepare to come home. Pray that we will not forget the lessons we have learned here and that we will have minimal reverse culture shock. I am actually a little more concerned about that than I was before I left. The Congo was very different from what we are used to at home and I have been quite surprised how different I see the Central African Republic on the return trip than I did when I first arrived here. On the way here I was really surprised by what a step down it is here from the US and what they don’t have here. After being in the Congo, I am surprised at what a step up this is from the Congo. Rather than noticing what they don’t have I have been noticing what they do have. The first thing I noticed was that many of the roads are paved. The entire time in the Congo we did not drive on concrete or any type of pavement even one time. They also have cars which I never saw in the Congo. The only vehicles I saw in the Congo were either motorcycles or 4x4 trucks.
Often after a trip like this people come back and are quite critical of the materialism in America and/or the ignorance of the plight of the poor in other countries and/or all of the things we take for granted in the US. And there is certainly much truth in that and that is a big part of what I am feeling. However, I have also left this experience with even greater pride and appreciation for my home country. I have been thinking about how much our country has achieved and changed in the last two to three hundred years and I am amazed. Basically I feel that the Lord has given me a greater appreciation for both the strengths and weakness of our country/culture.
As we re-enter the US pray that:
1. We will not be overwhelmed by the cultural differences.
2. We will not become depressed or feel like we don’t fit in.
3. The Lord will provide us with individuals who are willing to spend time to hear about our experiences.
4. We will have a greater appreciation for what we have in our country, but that we will not be judgmental of others.
5. That we can effectively communicate what we saw and experienced.
6. Please also pray that we can sleep well on the plane ride to Paris.
Overall we are very thankful for how smoothly things have gone for us on this trip. We have really been blessed. As one of our team members put it, “Figuratively speaking, we have had very few bumps in the road. Speaking literally, we have had many, many bumps in the road.”
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Arrived in CAR
Just got a text (7:45 am CT/ 1:45 pm Africa) that the team arrived in plenty of time to cross the border into the Central African Republic (CAR) before the 4:00 border closing. The trip was good, they have been up since 2 am their time, but are still feeling fairly well. It's been a long day already.
They now have about 32 hours before the next leg of the journey. Pray that Jim and Jared will have good opportunity to "debrief" and discuss the Congo portion of the trip -- specifically the ways the Lord showed them VCL may be integral -- while they have this time in Bangui and on their subsequent flights to the Rutters. Their desire is that while they are with the Rutters that they will be able to give their full focus and energy to the Rutters and their ministry. Having debriefed together already will be a huge help toward this end.
They now have about 32 hours before the next leg of the journey. Pray that Jim and Jared will have good opportunity to "debrief" and discuss the Congo portion of the trip -- specifically the ways the Lord showed them VCL may be integral -- while they have this time in Bangui and on their subsequent flights to the Rutters. Their desire is that while they are with the Rutters that they will be able to give their full focus and energy to the Rutters and their ministry. Having debriefed together already will be a huge help toward this end.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Homeward Bound
Jared and Jim don't get home until next Tuesday, but this evening they will begin the long journey back. They have been amazed, encouraged and overwhelmed by the things they have seen God doing through the church in the Congo.
Jared reports that today has been a good day. They visited a CECU primary school nearby. It was a primary class with 11-13 year olds and 60 students with one teacher. They started the year with over 700 students but are now down to 500 because their parents can no longer afford it. The cost is from 6-20 US dollars per year depending on the exchange rate. Parents have to also pay for 12 notebooks. When the average salary is $1 a day and you have 6 children, it makes paying for school very difficult.
They also had the opportunity to give one more layette this morning. The baby was just 15 minutes old when they got there and Jared got to hold her. The mother apologized for not sitting up to greet them! They gave a pink layette made by Pamela Hedges.
The doctors on the team arrived back from Tandala. They'll meet up with the rest of the team on their way back to Bangui tomorrow.
Pray for the trip to Bangui. At 9:00 CT tonight (Tuesday) they will be waking up to begin the drive so they can cross the border before it closes at 4:00 (10:00 am CT Wednesday). Pray that between now and then they would sleep and get good rest. Pray that all would go smoothly so they can be in Bangui to sleep Wednesday night.
Jared reports that today has been a good day. They visited a CECU primary school nearby. It was a primary class with 11-13 year olds and 60 students with one teacher. They started the year with over 700 students but are now down to 500 because their parents can no longer afford it. The cost is from 6-20 US dollars per year depending on the exchange rate. Parents have to also pay for 12 notebooks. When the average salary is $1 a day and you have 6 children, it makes paying for school very difficult.
They also had the opportunity to give one more layette this morning. The baby was just 15 minutes old when they got there and Jared got to hold her. The mother apologized for not sitting up to greet them! They gave a pink layette made by Pamela Hedges.
The doctors on the team arrived back from Tandala. They'll meet up with the rest of the team on their way back to Bangui tomorrow.
Pray for the trip to Bangui. At 9:00 CT tonight (Tuesday) they will be waking up to begin the drive so they can cross the border before it closes at 4:00 (10:00 am CT Wednesday). Pray that between now and then they would sleep and get good rest. Pray that all would go smoothly so they can be in Bangui to sleep Wednesday night.
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