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.
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Elikya Centre
Today the guys were at the Elikya Centre. Here is what they have reported to us today:
From Jared:
I didn't get to preach on Sunday because they already had a special guest preacher lined up. Jim attended one service in Gemena with about 500 in attendance. Their service lasted over 4 hours. I attended a service at Tandala with over 750 in attendance. Our service lasted at least 3 hours--five to six choirs, two sets of announcements (including getting volunteers to work in the pastor's garden!), and an offering that took at least 15-20 minutes. The sermon was probably only 25 minutes.
It was raining on my trip from Tandala to Gemena on Sunday afternoon. What a wild ride. Had to put the truck in four wheel drive to make it up and down some of the roads.
Today Jim and I spent the whole day at Elikya interviewing two widows and two orphans. We heard about their stories, watched them do their work, and then traveled to see their living situations. Some of their situations are better than others. One of the boys lives with his grandparents. His "room" is barely the size our our closet. He has a bowl for washing, a straw mat to sleep on, and a wire handing with a few clothes, and walks at least 5 km one way to get to Elikya. We also met Mama Wesse who leads the Bible studies with the widows and orphans. It is great to see what God is doing.
The need is evident here. Able bodied people have a hard time making a living here and when you add a disability on to that, it's almost impossible. Evidence of malnutrition is commonplace among the children. I have two pictures of two boys--one at Tandala with a club foot that could have been treated in the US and one of a teenager today "walking" on his hands (using flip flops) and knees because of polio.
I'm not sure what is in store for us tomorrow (Tuesday). Some of the other team is arriving from Tandala. We are scheduled to leave for Bangui at 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning (9:00 p.m. Tuesday in Chicago) for our 12 hour drive. It is definitely one of the hardest parts of the trip. Please ask everyone to pray for us. We hope to reach the border crossing before it closes at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon. We'll be in Bangui all day Thursday and fly out for Paris that night.
From Jim:
I went to the market again today, but we took the truck and I did not get out of the truck while we were there. However, I was able to get some better pictures and video.
We had a very good day at Elikya today. There were four individuals whom we interviewed, watched them work and then visited their home. We were able to hear their stories and ask them a number of questions and take a lot of pictures. Many of these individuals walk five or more miles to Elikya each day. It was a very humbling and sad experience. I don’t think we would have been able to handle it emotionally had we done this the first few days here. I look forward to sharing more about their stories in the ABF class and the Sunday Service.
I am also partly embarrassed to say that we had a wonderful lunch at the Elikya Center. Mowa’s wife and Pastor Selenga’s wife cooked us pizza in the outdoor brick oven using some ingredients that Jim Snyder brought with him. Apparently one of the former missionaries taught the Selengas how to make pizza and they love it. The pizza was wonderful. We made both of the women come in after lunch (they did not join us for lunch which is fairly common) and we gave them a nice round of applause. It sure beat fuku and mpondu. I also got to briefly see and take a picture of Pastor Selenga’s son Jehoshaphat, the “turbulent one.”
It has been a very hot day today. I am actually looking forward to my cold shower tonight. I don’t think we’ll actually feel clean until we get home.
From Jared:
I didn't get to preach on Sunday because they already had a special guest preacher lined up. Jim attended one service in Gemena with about 500 in attendance. Their service lasted over 4 hours. I attended a service at Tandala with over 750 in attendance. Our service lasted at least 3 hours--five to six choirs, two sets of announcements (including getting volunteers to work in the pastor's garden!), and an offering that took at least 15-20 minutes. The sermon was probably only 25 minutes.
It was raining on my trip from Tandala to Gemena on Sunday afternoon. What a wild ride. Had to put the truck in four wheel drive to make it up and down some of the roads.
Today Jim and I spent the whole day at Elikya interviewing two widows and two orphans. We heard about their stories, watched them do their work, and then traveled to see their living situations. Some of their situations are better than others. One of the boys lives with his grandparents. His "room" is barely the size our our closet. He has a bowl for washing, a straw mat to sleep on, and a wire handing with a few clothes, and walks at least 5 km one way to get to Elikya. We also met Mama Wesse who leads the Bible studies with the widows and orphans. It is great to see what God is doing.
The need is evident here. Able bodied people have a hard time making a living here and when you add a disability on to that, it's almost impossible. Evidence of malnutrition is commonplace among the children. I have two pictures of two boys--one at Tandala with a club foot that could have been treated in the US and one of a teenager today "walking" on his hands (using flip flops) and knees because of polio.
I'm not sure what is in store for us tomorrow (Tuesday). Some of the other team is arriving from Tandala. We are scheduled to leave for Bangui at 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning (9:00 p.m. Tuesday in Chicago) for our 12 hour drive. It is definitely one of the hardest parts of the trip. Please ask everyone to pray for us. We hope to reach the border crossing before it closes at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon. We'll be in Bangui all day Thursday and fly out for Paris that night.
From Jim:
I went to the market again today, but we took the truck and I did not get out of the truck while we were there. However, I was able to get some better pictures and video.
We had a very good day at Elikya today. There were four individuals whom we interviewed, watched them work and then visited their home. We were able to hear their stories and ask them a number of questions and take a lot of pictures. Many of these individuals walk five or more miles to Elikya each day. It was a very humbling and sad experience. I don’t think we would have been able to handle it emotionally had we done this the first few days here. I look forward to sharing more about their stories in the ABF class and the Sunday Service.
I am also partly embarrassed to say that we had a wonderful lunch at the Elikya Center. Mowa’s wife and Pastor Selenga’s wife cooked us pizza in the outdoor brick oven using some ingredients that Jim Snyder brought with him. Apparently one of the former missionaries taught the Selengas how to make pizza and they love it. The pizza was wonderful. We made both of the women come in after lunch (they did not join us for lunch which is fairly common) and we gave them a nice round of applause. It sure beat fuku and mpondu. I also got to briefly see and take a picture of Pastor Selenga’s son Jehoshaphat, the “turbulent one.”
It has been a very hot day today. I am actually looking forward to my cold shower tonight. I don’t think we’ll actually feel clean until we get home.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The weekend in Africa
We received several emails from Jim this afternoon. We had been looking forward to a phone call, but that is not working out for today. So we have settled for a few emails with some more information.
Friday night:
The two hour drive from Tendala to Gemena went fine, but travel on the roads is so hard. Even with the cushion I brought my butt is so sore when we arrive. I am not looking forward to the long drive from here to the border town of Zongo.
Pray for my time at Elikya. I will be the only non Lingala speaker and that is often hard and lonely. The main prayer however, is that I will learn a great deal about Elikya and about the people who have been helped there.
Saturday:
Yesterday we passed out layettes at Tandala Hospital. There were three Moms there with babies. They dressed each of the babies in the kimono and wrapped them in the blankets. Jared and I held the babies and took lots of pictures. We gave out our layette, Betty Wimers and an unnamed one.
I spent some time at Elikya this morning and early afternoon. Normally there would not be any activity there on a Sat, but 3 of the orphan boys were working on a project. They are the first graduating class of Elikya and they are soon going to be presented with their own set of tools to take with them when they leave. As one of their final projects they were instructed to build a wooden toolbox for their tools. They were so excited to finish their toolboxes that they asked if they could come on Sat to work on them. When the first one finished they loaded the full set of tools into the toolbox to see how heavy it was going to be and if they would be able to carry it for long distances. The young man then successfully picked up the toolbox and placed it on his shoulder and continued to walk around the room with a huge smile on his face. It was the smile of a young man whose life has been changed.
I had another very interesting experience today that few team members rarely experience. As you know, I left Tandala earlier than the other team members so that I could have some more time at Elikya. That means that it is just myself and Thelma and Jim Snyder from ReachGlobal. I told Thelma that I wanted to have some dresses made for my wife and daughters. I was supposed to be busy all afternoon so Thelma said that she would purchase some material for me that we could then take to the seamstress later on. However, my schedule changed (not uncommon here) and Thelma said that I could go with her and two local girls to the market. It was getting time for the market to close so we ended up taking a taxi to the market to get there before the vendors left. Actually, it would be more accurate to say that we each took a taxi to the market because a taxi ride here means climbing on the back of a motorcycle and holding on to the waist of the driver in front of you. (At least I hope the protocol involves holding on to the guy’s waist).
When we arrived at the market it was like something out of an Indiana Jones movie. I was expecting about a dozen produce stands based on some markets we drove by earlier. This, however, was huge. There were thousands of people there tightly packed together and rows and rows of booths selling all kinds of food, clothing, etc. All of the booths are crude constructions of wood and misc building material. The roads and paths were all dirt and mud. In addition to the booths many people walked around carrying their wares on their head. Many of the food and animals for sale I could not recognize. The girl we were with bought several live fish that I had never seen before. The fish were all still alive and they placed them into the cooler she brought with her. Out of the thousands of people, only two were white Americans and we were the center of attention where ever we went. I was quite nervous the entire time we were there. Party because when we first got there and I climbed off of the “taxi” some guy came up to me and grabbed me and wouldn’t let me go. The young girl we were with (the President of the CECU’s daughter) had to give him some money to let me go. I was way out of my element and I knew it and they all knew it. I was quite relieved when we climbed back on the “taxis” and arrived back at the mission.
Unfortunately, it was not a good place to take any pictures. I do have a picture of me on the motorcycle and of the lady selling us the fish, but that is it. I am so glad I had that experience, but I wouldn’t want to repeat it.
I believe that Jared arrives here tomorrow (Sunday). Tomorrow should also be my first and only visit to a local church. It should also be quite any experience.
Sunday:
I went to church today. The service went from about 9:30 AM to about 1:30 PM. It took about 20 minutes to do the announcements and an hour to do the offering. There were about 500 people and everyone of us had to come down to the front and put money in one of the two buckets (one for men and one for the women). I didn’t have any local currency so Jim Snyder slipped me some to put into the offering. After they went through the entire congregation (by the way they are standing and singing the entire time) then they still encouraged the people to make an extra trip down and put in some more. They had a specific dollar amount they were trying to raise. I believe all of the money was going to the equivalent of the national office/district. It was a special Sunday and they trade pastors as part of this annual event. Many of the songs they sang before the offering were about the importance of giving so they were really going out of their way to get people to give on this particular Sunday. They even said the specific amount that they were trying to raise. They hit and slightly exceeded their goal and they were thrilled. The women raised more than the men and when they found that out they were cheering like it was a sporting event. How much did 500 people raise with all of that extra effort and emphasis this Sunday? About $120.
At the beginning of the service they asked all visitors to stand and introduce themselves. After one of the visitors introduced himself, Jim or Thelma told me that he is the former ambassador to Tanzania and one of the sons of Pelendo. I’m not sure why, but I started to cry when I heard that. It was so amazing to realize that Pelendo was a very big part of the reason I was sitting in a church of over 500 Congolese people who were singing praises to Jesus. I did later meet him and was able to tell him that we read the story of his father to our children. I then had my picture taken with him. That was really the extent of our conversation. He did shake my hand again later when he left, but that was it. It was one of the highlights of my trip on a personal level.
Jared and the two girls on our team returned to Gemena this evening. It was great to have them back and to eat dinner together. We prepared our own dinner of tuna mixed with noodles and we served bread with peanut butter. It has been somewhat lonely and boring without them. Because of the pulpit exchange program this Sunday and the Elikya grand opening last Sunday, Jared was not given the opportunity to preach while here.
Tomorrow is big day at Elikya. Pray that we get lots of great stories and pictures.
Got a good video tonight of Jared killing a large spider for one of the girls.
I believe we leave Gemena Wed morning at about 3:30 AM (you should still be up). We have to make it to the border before it closes around 4:00 or 5:00 PM.
Friday night:
The two hour drive from Tendala to Gemena went fine, but travel on the roads is so hard. Even with the cushion I brought my butt is so sore when we arrive. I am not looking forward to the long drive from here to the border town of Zongo.
Pray for my time at Elikya. I will be the only non Lingala speaker and that is often hard and lonely. The main prayer however, is that I will learn a great deal about Elikya and about the people who have been helped there.
Saturday:
Yesterday we passed out layettes at Tandala Hospital. There were three Moms there with babies. They dressed each of the babies in the kimono and wrapped them in the blankets. Jared and I held the babies and took lots of pictures. We gave out our layette, Betty Wimers and an unnamed one.
I spent some time at Elikya this morning and early afternoon. Normally there would not be any activity there on a Sat, but 3 of the orphan boys were working on a project. They are the first graduating class of Elikya and they are soon going to be presented with their own set of tools to take with them when they leave. As one of their final projects they were instructed to build a wooden toolbox for their tools. They were so excited to finish their toolboxes that they asked if they could come on Sat to work on them. When the first one finished they loaded the full set of tools into the toolbox to see how heavy it was going to be and if they would be able to carry it for long distances. The young man then successfully picked up the toolbox and placed it on his shoulder and continued to walk around the room with a huge smile on his face. It was the smile of a young man whose life has been changed.
I had another very interesting experience today that few team members rarely experience. As you know, I left Tandala earlier than the other team members so that I could have some more time at Elikya. That means that it is just myself and Thelma and Jim Snyder from ReachGlobal. I told Thelma that I wanted to have some dresses made for my wife and daughters. I was supposed to be busy all afternoon so Thelma said that she would purchase some material for me that we could then take to the seamstress later on. However, my schedule changed (not uncommon here) and Thelma said that I could go with her and two local girls to the market. It was getting time for the market to close so we ended up taking a taxi to the market to get there before the vendors left. Actually, it would be more accurate to say that we each took a taxi to the market because a taxi ride here means climbing on the back of a motorcycle and holding on to the waist of the driver in front of you. (At least I hope the protocol involves holding on to the guy’s waist).
When we arrived at the market it was like something out of an Indiana Jones movie. I was expecting about a dozen produce stands based on some markets we drove by earlier. This, however, was huge. There were thousands of people there tightly packed together and rows and rows of booths selling all kinds of food, clothing, etc. All of the booths are crude constructions of wood and misc building material. The roads and paths were all dirt and mud. In addition to the booths many people walked around carrying their wares on their head. Many of the food and animals for sale I could not recognize. The girl we were with bought several live fish that I had never seen before. The fish were all still alive and they placed them into the cooler she brought with her. Out of the thousands of people, only two were white Americans and we were the center of attention where ever we went. I was quite nervous the entire time we were there. Party because when we first got there and I climbed off of the “taxi” some guy came up to me and grabbed me and wouldn’t let me go. The young girl we were with (the President of the CECU’s daughter) had to give him some money to let me go. I was way out of my element and I knew it and they all knew it. I was quite relieved when we climbed back on the “taxis” and arrived back at the mission.
Unfortunately, it was not a good place to take any pictures. I do have a picture of me on the motorcycle and of the lady selling us the fish, but that is it. I am so glad I had that experience, but I wouldn’t want to repeat it.
I believe that Jared arrives here tomorrow (Sunday). Tomorrow should also be my first and only visit to a local church. It should also be quite any experience.
Sunday:
I went to church today. The service went from about 9:30 AM to about 1:30 PM. It took about 20 minutes to do the announcements and an hour to do the offering. There were about 500 people and everyone of us had to come down to the front and put money in one of the two buckets (one for men and one for the women). I didn’t have any local currency so Jim Snyder slipped me some to put into the offering. After they went through the entire congregation (by the way they are standing and singing the entire time) then they still encouraged the people to make an extra trip down and put in some more. They had a specific dollar amount they were trying to raise. I believe all of the money was going to the equivalent of the national office/district. It was a special Sunday and they trade pastors as part of this annual event. Many of the songs they sang before the offering were about the importance of giving so they were really going out of their way to get people to give on this particular Sunday. They even said the specific amount that they were trying to raise. They hit and slightly exceeded their goal and they were thrilled. The women raised more than the men and when they found that out they were cheering like it was a sporting event. How much did 500 people raise with all of that extra effort and emphasis this Sunday? About $120.
At the beginning of the service they asked all visitors to stand and introduce themselves. After one of the visitors introduced himself, Jim or Thelma told me that he is the former ambassador to Tanzania and one of the sons of Pelendo. I’m not sure why, but I started to cry when I heard that. It was so amazing to realize that Pelendo was a very big part of the reason I was sitting in a church of over 500 Congolese people who were singing praises to Jesus. I did later meet him and was able to tell him that we read the story of his father to our children. I then had my picture taken with him. That was really the extent of our conversation. He did shake my hand again later when he left, but that was it. It was one of the highlights of my trip on a personal level.
Jared and the two girls on our team returned to Gemena this evening. It was great to have them back and to eat dinner together. We prepared our own dinner of tuna mixed with noodles and we served bread with peanut butter. It has been somewhat lonely and boring without them. Because of the pulpit exchange program this Sunday and the Elikya grand opening last Sunday, Jared was not given the opportunity to preach while here.
Tomorrow is big day at Elikya. Pray that we get lots of great stories and pictures.
Got a good video tonight of Jared killing a large spider for one of the girls.
I believe we leave Gemena Wed morning at about 3:30 AM (you should still be up). We have to make it to the border before it closes around 4:00 or 5:00 PM.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Photos!
Here are a few photos that Jared was able to upload:
Jim and Mowa, the leader of the Elikya project near Gemena.
A photo of Jared and the class from the Bible Institute at Tandala. They had a wonderful time as they studied the Big Picture of the Penteteuch.
The first orphan and widow graduates of the Elikya center--22 in all!
Jim and Mowa, the leader of the Elikya project near Gemena.
A photo of Jared and the class from the Bible Institute at Tandala. They had a wonderful time as they studied the Big Picture of the Penteteuch.
The first orphan and widow graduates of the Elikya center--22 in all!
Crossing the Ubangi River in dugout canoes (one for luggage and one for people!) from Bangui (CAR) to the Democratic Republic of Congo
An overnight stay at the Grace Bretheren mission house in Bangui (Central African Rebpulic).
The resolution is poor only because of how we had to upload and transmit -- come to the ABF on May 17th at 9:00 for better quality photos and fuller descriptions. :-)
Jared reports that he finished teaching today. It went quite well -- they had some extra time stoday so they had more time to ask Jared questions. They were quite curious how Jared was treated as an associate pastor at VCL. He was able to tell them that he was treated very well and about the relationship that he and Lee share. They were encouraged and challenged by this information. Much of today Jared spent with Tom and the medical team in the hospital, helping where he could. It doesn't look like he will get to preach on Sunday. It happens that this Sunday is a very special Sunday with a pulpit exchange from another church. "It would have been fun to preach, but thats okay."
An overnight stay at the Grace Bretheren mission house in Bangui (Central African Rebpulic).
The resolution is poor only because of how we had to upload and transmit -- come to the ABF on May 17th at 9:00 for better quality photos and fuller descriptions. :-)
Jared reports that he finished teaching today. It went quite well -- they had some extra time stoday so they had more time to ask Jared questions. They were quite curious how Jared was treated as an associate pastor at VCL. He was able to tell them that he was treated very well and about the relationship that he and Lee share. They were encouraged and challenged by this information. Much of today Jared spent with Tom and the medical team in the hospital, helping where he could. It doesn't look like he will get to preach on Sunday. It happens that this Sunday is a very special Sunday with a pulpit exchange from another church. "It would have been fun to preach, but thats okay."
Friday, May 1, 2009
Going in separate directions
Jim and Jared have split up for the time being. Jared has remained in Tandala to finish teaching and to preach on Sunday.
Jim has returned to Gemena and The Elikya Centre. Jim said the local food he had tonight was very good. He had rice, fish, chicken and COKE -- the best coke ever.
Pray for these guys as they are apart and doing the things that they are responsible for. Jared will join Jim on Tuesday when they prepare to return home.
Jim has returned to Gemena and The Elikya Centre. Jim said the local food he had tonight was very good. He had rice, fish, chicken and COKE -- the best coke ever.
Pray for these guys as they are apart and doing the things that they are responsible for. Jared will join Jim on Tuesday when they prepare to return home.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
More from Tandala
Today they had generator for the Internet, but not for the lights. The bugs were drawn in swarms to the laptop screen making it a challenge to type. We were able to chat on Facebook but could not do Skype today.
Jared’s teaching is going very well. The students seem to enjoy it and the dialogue has been good. The class greets him each morning by standing and singing when he arrives. And whenever he makes reference to a scripture passage they write it down. Sunday he will preach in a local church. Pray for him as he prepares to preach.
Jim will leave for Gemena on Friday to begin the process of gathering stories from the widows and orphans in the program and who have passed through the program. Pray that they would have God ordained contacts and hear great stories of hope.
They continue to observe cultural things up close. You cannot look outside and not see women walking by with stuff on their heads. This morning they saw a goat slaughtered and then ate it for a later meal. Showers consist of taking cold water from a big barrel and pouring it on themselves. Shaving can be done in Tandala as there are mirrors – there are none in Gemena. And Wednesday evening Tom Cairns, Jared and Jim were hosted in a local home. A meal was served to the three of them and the family did not join in. This either meant that they skipped dinner, or would later eat food not as good. They served goat and plantains.
A big concern for them right now is the swine flu epidemic. They are keeping tabs on it. Pray that this would not affect this region of Africa or any of their travel plans in the next 12 days.
Jared’s teaching is going very well. The students seem to enjoy it and the dialogue has been good. The class greets him each morning by standing and singing when he arrives. And whenever he makes reference to a scripture passage they write it down. Sunday he will preach in a local church. Pray for him as he prepares to preach.
They have been touched by the humble buildings and the library – we have more books in our home than their library.
The Master Planning is coming along. The language has made it a challenge, but They have been very impressed with the leadership there. Continue to pray for them as they work through this process.Jim will leave for Gemena on Friday to begin the process of gathering stories from the widows and orphans in the program and who have passed through the program. Pray that they would have God ordained contacts and hear great stories of hope.
They continue to observe cultural things up close. You cannot look outside and not see women walking by with stuff on their heads. This morning they saw a goat slaughtered and then ate it for a later meal. Showers consist of taking cold water from a big barrel and pouring it on themselves. Shaving can be done in Tandala as there are mirrors – there are none in Gemena. And Wednesday evening Tom Cairns, Jared and Jim were hosted in a local home. A meal was served to the three of them and the family did not join in. This either meant that they skipped dinner, or would later eat food not as good. They served goat and plantains.
A big concern for them right now is the swine flu epidemic. They are keeping tabs on it. Pray that this would not affect this region of Africa or any of their travel plans in the next 12 days.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
That's life in Africa
Well, Jim and I had a Skype date scheduled for this afternoon and he was a no show. After awhile I discovered that I had some text messages from him telling me that the generator wasn't working so there was no power for internet connections. Here is what I have gleaned from today:
The rain stopped everything so they had some down time to read. Jared and Jim ate dinner in a local home this evening. Because of the lack of generator, Him was laying in the dark -- bored. He said that Jared couldn't 'play' because he had to study. :-) He saw some baby goats and ate an adult goat. :-)
I hope that we can connect more tomorrow as once they return to Gemena on Saturday there will be less opportunity for internet.
The rain stopped everything so they had some down time to read. Jared and Jim ate dinner in a local home this evening. Because of the lack of generator, Him was laying in the dark -- bored. He said that Jared couldn't 'play' because he had to study. :-) He saw some baby goats and ate an adult goat. :-)
I hope that we can connect more tomorrow as once they return to Gemena on Saturday there will be less opportunity for internet.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
It's a Small World After All
Jim Skyped this afternoon. We could see and hear him, he could see us. So we typed questions and answers and he talked.
Today was their first day of Master Planning. They toured the hospital and were surprised that it was so much bigger than they expected. The balance of their planning session was committed to prayer -- hours of prayer it sounds like. And they weren't encouraged to pray as they felt led, it was announced that "each of us will now pray" and so they took turns praying over the time they will spend this week planning.
They had a formal reception last night -- Jim said the last time he shook so many hands was at our wedding! They have learned the word "Mbote" well. Part of that was a formal presentation of the layettes and other gifts to the President of CECU who in turn formally presented them to the hospital.
Not having light after sundown has been an adjustment. You truly have to "make hay" while the sun shines. On the plus side, they are going to bed early and getting up early, so are maximizing their days. Last night they got an excellent night of sleep. Jim thinks it is getting a bit cooler and they have had a nice breeze.
While we were skyping he introduced Micah and me to Mambo, one of the Africans. Mambo has a degree from North Park and has spoken at Deerfield High School, so he can picture almost exactly where Village Church is and what it is like here. Mambo helps keep the hospital functioning. Jim also met a nurse who has been at the hospital 50 years and has known every doctor to have worked there.
Jared is teaching each morning at the Bible Institute and Jim will go with him tomorrow or Thursday when he does that.
They are still eating lots of local food, and Jim is doing better with that. He really misses Big Macs and Lou's Pizza!
Please continue to keep this vision trip lifted in prayer.
Today was their first day of Master Planning. They toured the hospital and were surprised that it was so much bigger than they expected. The balance of their planning session was committed to prayer -- hours of prayer it sounds like. And they weren't encouraged to pray as they felt led, it was announced that "each of us will now pray" and so they took turns praying over the time they will spend this week planning.
They had a formal reception last night -- Jim said the last time he shook so many hands was at our wedding! They have learned the word "Mbote" well. Part of that was a formal presentation of the layettes and other gifts to the President of CECU who in turn formally presented them to the hospital.
Not having light after sundown has been an adjustment. You truly have to "make hay" while the sun shines. On the plus side, they are going to bed early and getting up early, so are maximizing their days. Last night they got an excellent night of sleep. Jim thinks it is getting a bit cooler and they have had a nice breeze.
While we were skyping he introduced Micah and me to Mambo, one of the Africans. Mambo has a degree from North Park and has spoken at Deerfield High School, so he can picture almost exactly where Village Church is and what it is like here. Mambo helps keep the hospital functioning. Jim also met a nurse who has been at the hospital 50 years and has known every doctor to have worked there.
Jared is teaching each morning at the Bible Institute and Jim will go with him tomorrow or Thursday when he does that.
They are still eating lots of local food, and Jim is doing better with that. He really misses Big Macs and Lou's Pizza!
Please continue to keep this vision trip lifted in prayer.
Master Planning
This week Jim and Jared will be involved with 4 days of Master Planning sessions at the Tandala Hospital. Please pray that they would have valuable input and a fresh perspective as this is their first time at the hospital and they come with no prior history associated with that facility and ministry. Continue to pray for their health and safety.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Arrived in Tandala
Jim emailed today with the following:
We have arrived safely in Tandala. I am feeling much better, but I need some food soon. We did not have lunch and then we were served dinner here after our arrival. However, I only took a little rice because I just could not stomach more local food yet.
We were very moved by the reception when we arrived. I look forward to showing you pictures and video. The President of the CECU (who rode here with us) said something like, if your brother does not love you then he does not think about you, but if he does love you then he will think about you and surely come and visit you. He was refering to us traveling so far to see them. They really seem to understand how difficult the journey is. I did not understand until this trip.
On a lighter note, during the formal greeting ceremony a cell phone of one of the Congelese rang in the crowd. It was fun to see that that happens here too.
The housing for us here is better in many respects. At the place in Gemena I had my own room which was 10 x 10 with a bed and a plastic lawn chair. However, I had to go outside to use the bathroom in the out house. Here, I will share a room with Jared and soon one or two others, but there is a bathroom in our room so I do not have to go outside at night (by the way the computer I am using is on French settings so I am not using contractions because they look like this Ièm).
Jared will be teaching his class at the bible institute for an hour every morning. We will then have our master planning meeting for a few hours in the morning and then a few more in the afternoon. Tomorrow will be slightly different because we need to take a tour of the hospital before we start our meetings. We had hoped to do that today, but it rained this morning so we got a much later start in the morning than we had planned.
Pray that our meeting will go well and that it will be a help to the hospital and the staff. Many people here are highly educated so I hope this is helpful in their eyes.
Today has been the best weather day since we arrived. We had lots of cloud cover due to the rain and the temp was probably in the low 70s. I actually do not think that the temp actually gets too high, but the humidity is unbelievable.
Right now I am in a make shift internet cafe on the Tandala property. They are running a generator to allow us access to the internet. The sun goes down by 6:00 so it is pitch black outside and there are no screens on the windows of this room. Because there are lights in this room we are a magnet for flying insects so all five of us here are typing and swatting flys at the same time.
The poverty here is overwhelming. People here are encouraged to build their homes by the road so as you drive you pass one home after another. We drove for hours and probably 85% of the time we were passing a house as we drove. We could see many malnourished children with large bellies. Every home has a small stand out front where they try and sell things as they can such as food or small crafts.
One of the members of our team is a Pediatrician from Washington. He has been a good resource for telling us some of the medical issues the children are facing and explaining some of the diseases. When ever we stop at a health clinic they give us a tour and tell us why every patient is there. No HIPPA rules apply. A few days ago we were gathered around one young womans bed and they said that she had been raped.
One of the baby layettes we passed out was one of the ones that Kirsten Sittler made. I was going to take a picture the mom was breast feeding. Apparently that would have still been OK to do in their culture, but not in ours. I do not know anything else about her to tell Kirsten other than she seemed very young (typical marriage age is 14-17) so this may have been her first or second baby.
We have arrived safely in Tandala. I am feeling much better, but I need some food soon. We did not have lunch and then we were served dinner here after our arrival. However, I only took a little rice because I just could not stomach more local food yet.
We were very moved by the reception when we arrived. I look forward to showing you pictures and video. The President of the CECU (who rode here with us) said something like, if your brother does not love you then he does not think about you, but if he does love you then he will think about you and surely come and visit you. He was refering to us traveling so far to see them. They really seem to understand how difficult the journey is. I did not understand until this trip.
On a lighter note, during the formal greeting ceremony a cell phone of one of the Congelese rang in the crowd. It was fun to see that that happens here too.
The housing for us here is better in many respects. At the place in Gemena I had my own room which was 10 x 10 with a bed and a plastic lawn chair. However, I had to go outside to use the bathroom in the out house. Here, I will share a room with Jared and soon one or two others, but there is a bathroom in our room so I do not have to go outside at night (by the way the computer I am using is on French settings so I am not using contractions because they look like this Ièm).
Jared will be teaching his class at the bible institute for an hour every morning. We will then have our master planning meeting for a few hours in the morning and then a few more in the afternoon. Tomorrow will be slightly different because we need to take a tour of the hospital before we start our meetings. We had hoped to do that today, but it rained this morning so we got a much later start in the morning than we had planned.
Pray that our meeting will go well and that it will be a help to the hospital and the staff. Many people here are highly educated so I hope this is helpful in their eyes.
Today has been the best weather day since we arrived. We had lots of cloud cover due to the rain and the temp was probably in the low 70s. I actually do not think that the temp actually gets too high, but the humidity is unbelievable.
Right now I am in a make shift internet cafe on the Tandala property. They are running a generator to allow us access to the internet. The sun goes down by 6:00 so it is pitch black outside and there are no screens on the windows of this room. Because there are lights in this room we are a magnet for flying insects so all five of us here are typing and swatting flys at the same time.
The poverty here is overwhelming. People here are encouraged to build their homes by the road so as you drive you pass one home after another. We drove for hours and probably 85% of the time we were passing a house as we drove. We could see many malnourished children with large bellies. Every home has a small stand out front where they try and sell things as they can such as food or small crafts.
One of the members of our team is a Pediatrician from Washington. He has been a good resource for telling us some of the medical issues the children are facing and explaining some of the diseases. When ever we stop at a health clinic they give us a tour and tell us why every patient is there. No HIPPA rules apply. A few days ago we were gathered around one young womans bed and they said that she had been raped.
One of the baby layettes we passed out was one of the ones that Kirsten Sittler made. I was going to take a picture the mom was breast feeding. Apparently that would have still been OK to do in their culture, but not in ours. I do not know anything else about her to tell Kirsten other than she seemed very young (typical marriage age is 14-17) so this may have been her first or second baby.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
They may speak like the French, but they don't cook like the French
Both Tammy and Jenn received unexpected phone calls from Jim and Jared this afternoon. It was great to speak with them, but the delay was so long that we had to say "stop" at the end of our sentences -- a throw back to ham radio conversations. Some of the things they said were:
Jim titled this blog and is convinced that the inundation of Congolese food is why he has been ill. he said it is very bland and limited to about 5 things which are served at every meal. He is feeling much better and hopes that he will sleep well tonight and be back on track in the morning.
It is the rainy season and a big storm came through the other night which actually cooled things down and brought a pleasant breeze which lasted through this morning. They were thankful for that relief.
Jared shared that the Elikya Centre Grand Opening had about 750 from the churches there. The mayor of Gemena was there as well. There was a presentation of gifts which included a beautifully worded letter of thanks to the churches from America (including Village Church), a wood carving for the ReachGlobal staff, and a wood carving to be presented to President Obama if the opportunity should ever arise. 22 widows graduated today. The widows are truly receiving hope from the Elikya Centre as well as a vision for the future and how they can use their skills in their community and for the kingdom. They have started a communal money box with the money they make using these skills, similar to our mercy fund, out of which they can care for each others needs and help one another corporately. Praise God for this opportunity to celebrate the hope found in Him.
Tomorrow they leave for Tandala. If Jim is well enough, they will all go, otherwise he will follow a day or two later. It is about 2-3 hours away and they will visit more health centers on the way. Pray that Jim will be healed and able to travel with the group.
"The roads are unbelievable!"
"The canoe crossing was worse than I expected" (a side note -- the other night Micah prayed that Pastor Jared and Daddy would be kept safe as they dug out their canoe!) :-)
"The heat is oppressive"
Jim titled this blog and is convinced that the inundation of Congolese food is why he has been ill. he said it is very bland and limited to about 5 things which are served at every meal. He is feeling much better and hopes that he will sleep well tonight and be back on track in the morning.
It is the rainy season and a big storm came through the other night which actually cooled things down and brought a pleasant breeze which lasted through this morning. They were thankful for that relief.
Jared shared that the Elikya Centre Grand Opening had about 750 from the churches there. The mayor of Gemena was there as well. There was a presentation of gifts which included a beautifully worded letter of thanks to the churches from America (including Village Church), a wood carving for the ReachGlobal staff, and a wood carving to be presented to President Obama if the opportunity should ever arise. 22 widows graduated today. The widows are truly receiving hope from the Elikya Centre as well as a vision for the future and how they can use their skills in their community and for the kingdom. They have started a communal money box with the money they make using these skills, similar to our mercy fund, out of which they can care for each others needs and help one another corporately. Praise God for this opportunity to celebrate the hope found in Him.
Tomorrow they leave for Tandala. If Jim is well enough, they will all go, otherwise he will follow a day or two later. It is about 2-3 hours away and they will visit more health centers on the way. Pray that Jim will be healed and able to travel with the group.
Health Update
Jim texted a few more times yesterday -- texting is currently the only mode of communication and not cheap, so the messages can read like a telegram. :-)
On Saturday they met Pastor Selenga's wife and visited the health center. There were 3 newborns and he was able to give 2 of our layettes to the moms. There was also a rape victim they visited. They are seeing the heart of the ministries -- the people they serve.
Saturday evening he was not feeling well -- a combination of travel fatigue, intense heat, and local foods. Sundays Elikya celebration is expecting 100's of people -- it is an exciting event that he does not want to miss, so asked us to "pray hard" for him to feel better.
In the middle of the night their time he texted that he had vomited several times. Thankfully they all took personal pharmacies so he took a zofran (a drug used for chemo patients and pregnant moms to control nauseau and vomiting) and that stopped it. As he said, "hard to be sick away from home with only an outhouse."
His morning text (12:45 am CT/ 6:45 am Congo) was that he is feeling better, but the thought of Congolese food -- which can't be avoided -- churns his stomach. As I was typing this another text came through that said he is feeling 50% better but diarhea is now the issue. :-(
Jared is doing well and feeling fine so far. Pray for Jim's health to be restored and for Jared's to be sustained for the balance of this trip.
I also asked if all the bags arrived with them and they did. Praise God for that provision.
On Saturday they met Pastor Selenga's wife and visited the health center. There were 3 newborns and he was able to give 2 of our layettes to the moms. There was also a rape victim they visited. They are seeing the heart of the ministries -- the people they serve.
Saturday evening he was not feeling well -- a combination of travel fatigue, intense heat, and local foods. Sundays Elikya celebration is expecting 100's of people -- it is an exciting event that he does not want to miss, so asked us to "pray hard" for him to feel better.
In the middle of the night their time he texted that he had vomited several times. Thankfully they all took personal pharmacies so he took a zofran (a drug used for chemo patients and pregnant moms to control nauseau and vomiting) and that stopped it. As he said, "hard to be sick away from home with only an outhouse."
His morning text (12:45 am CT/ 6:45 am Congo) was that he is feeling better, but the thought of Congolese food -- which can't be avoided -- churns his stomach. As I was typing this another text came through that said he is feeling 50% better but diarhea is now the issue. :-(
Jared is doing well and feeling fine so far. Pray for Jim's health to be restored and for Jared's to be sustained for the balance of this trip.
I also asked if all the bags arrived with them and they did. Praise God for that provision.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
4-hour Church Service
Jim sent a text message this morning at 4:00 that they arrived safely in Gemena yesterday. He woke up this morning with a bat in his room. :-)
Their Sunday, like most of ours, will be spent in church. However, unlike ours, they will be participating in a 4-hour service. Pastor Selenga explained many of the practical reasons for such a long service when he was visiting here, but regardless, when you do not speak or understand the language, this is a long time. Pray that they will be able to engage with a spirit of worship despite the language barrier.
Sunday also marks the 1st anniversary and official Grand Opening of The Elikya Centre. While it has already been working for some months now, they waited to have the big ceremony until some of the Consortium churches and ReachGlobal staff could be there. The event will be Sunday afternoon (after the 4-hour church service!) Pray God's blessing on this ministry.
Their Sunday, like most of ours, will be spent in church. However, unlike ours, they will be participating in a 4-hour service. Pastor Selenga explained many of the practical reasons for such a long service when he was visiting here, but regardless, when you do not speak or understand the language, this is a long time. Pray that they will be able to engage with a spirit of worship despite the language barrier.
Sunday also marks the 1st anniversary and official Grand Opening of The Elikya Centre. While it has already been working for some months now, they waited to have the big ceremony until some of the Consortium churches and ReachGlobal staff could be there. The event will be Sunday afternoon (after the 4-hour church service!) Pray God's blessing on this ministry.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Traveling African Style
As far as we know, Jim and Jared's Friday travel plans were to cross the Ubangai River into the DRC today (if not today, then tomorrow). That crossing will be done in 2 large dug-out canoes lashed together with ropes. One will contain all the luggage and the other the team members. On the other side of the river is the border patrol where they would provide their passports. They have taken extra copies of their passport pages in the hope that this will make the crossing easy. (On a previous crossing all of the passport information was painfully hand copied and took over 4-hours.)
Once on the other side of the river, the 180 mile drive will begin -- on unpaved roads in vehicles with no padded seats. It should take about 10 hours before they arrive in Gemena.
Pray for:
- Smooth border crossing, specifically that the passport copies will be welcomed
- Their backs and bodies as they bounce along the African terrain for so long
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Hot! Hot! Hot!
Jim sent a brief email. They have arrived in Bangui safely and had the chance to visit an internet cafe. It took him 30 minutes to email because of slow connections getting to the website and then keyboard keys in a different order than we are used to.
They visited the local seminary today, took showers, and say that it is "Hot! Hot! Hot!"
They visited the local seminary today, took showers, and say that it is "Hot! Hot! Hot!"
On-time Arrival
The best we can tell, Jim and Jared have arrived in Bangui. This particular flight scores 1.2 out of 5 for being on time. And according to Air France they were on-time on both ends, for which the guys are very thankful, I'm sure. We do not know if their bags made it with them and do not know how soon we will be able to talk with them again.
- Their plan for today is to sleep -- they will have all day and overnight to rest up from the travel they have done and the travel yet to come. Pray for them to sleep and rest well.
- It is also at this point that they may need to leave some of the items they brought for the Congolese simply because of space constraints (these would be taken the rest of the way at the end of the trip when the group is returned to Bangui). Pray that they will not leave behind anything that is important now for their time in Congo.
- A couple days before they departed Jared learned that he would be doing some teaching and had some concerns about how to prepare. He wrote yesterday, "I found out today that I will likely be teaching at the Bible School right near Tandala. Everyone should have a Bible and be able to particpate well in the study that I had prepared on Ephesians. That is a big help, but would still appreciate everyone's prayers." Pray for Jared as he finishes preparations and teaches.
Congo is 6-hours ahead of us if you are tracking them in real time. As they go along, please feel free to leave comments for them on this blog. They would be so encouraged to see these as they continue through these next weeks.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
A Day in Paris
Jim and Jared have arrived in Paris with no issues. However, neither of them slept. Today they will be sightseeing (it's Jared's first time in Paris) as they wait for their next flight which leaves Paris at 11:20 PM (4:20 CT) arriving in Bangui Thursday morning at 5:00 AM (Wednesday evening 11:00 PM CT).
Pray:
Pray:
- For energy as they go through the day
- For a smooth flight to Bangui
- That all their luggage would arrive with them in Bangui (they have 5 checked bags -- 2 with personal items and 3 with items for the Congolese, including a trunk they are couriering for the Evangelical Covenant Church)
Update: Jim emailed this afternoon with the following below. Please keep these guys in your prayers the rest of today -- their travel night.
I am exhausted. We saw the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame & Arc de Triumphe (sp?). We will try and get showers in now before we go to the airport. I hope to sleep at airport before we go and if lucky on the plane. I walked to the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower. We spent a lot of time walking today. Feet are very tired and I am very thirsty.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Leaving on a Jet Plane
Jim and Jared are in Philadelphia getting ready for the next leg of the trip -- Paris. All bags made it with them and are now checked through to Bangui -- obstacle #2. Some of the bags were a few pounds over the weight limit, but we thank God that the agents did not charge them any additional fees for this.
Their flight leaves at 5:40 CT arriving in Paris at what will feel like 1:30 in the morning. Please pray that they will sleep on this leg of the trip so that they will have the energy to see Paris and enjoy their day there. Pray too that the bags will make the connection and that they will arrive in Bangui with Jim and Jared -- that's obstacle #3.
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Samantha "helping" Jim pack (or unpack -- depending on your perspective)
Monday, April 20, 2009
A Good Nights Rest
Today is it -- all of the last minute preparations for the Congo are being completed. Tammy was able to spend the day with Jared, and Jim was able to spend time one-on-one with each of his kids and his wife at some point today. They will leave early Tuesday morning for the first leg of the trip -- flying to Philadelphia. This leg is on United and the balance of the trip is on Air France. A longer layover in PHL has been planned in case their bags don't make with them from ORD. Once in PHL they should be able to consolidate their flights and have the bags checked all the way through to Bangui. They will arrive in Gemena around mid-afternoon our time on Friday or Saturday (portions of the travel itinerary are still a bit unclear) -- it will be a long trip.
Please pray for:
1. A good nights rest tonight -- it may be the last for many nights.
2. All of the bags to be where they need to be, specifically that they arrive in PHL with them and that they arrive in Bangui with them.
3. For a kind-hearted ticket agent when they check in with Air France in PHL. There is no reason that they shouldn't be able to show all their tickets and check their bags through to Bangui -- unless the agent can't be bothered.
4. For the ability to sleep on the plane -- they will have 2 red-eyes, 2 nights in a row followed by a dug-out canoe ride and a 10-hour drive on unpaved roads.
As Jim and Jared are able to communicate while they travel, they will and this blog will be updated with the answers to these prayers.
Please pray for:
1. A good nights rest tonight -- it may be the last for many nights.
2. All of the bags to be where they need to be, specifically that they arrive in PHL with them and that they arrive in Bangui with them.
3. For a kind-hearted ticket agent when they check in with Air France in PHL. There is no reason that they shouldn't be able to show all their tickets and check their bags through to Bangui -- unless the agent can't be bothered.
4. For the ability to sleep on the plane -- they will have 2 red-eyes, 2 nights in a row followed by a dug-out canoe ride and a 10-hour drive on unpaved roads.
As Jim and Jared are able to communicate while they travel, they will and this blog will be updated with the answers to these prayers.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Jim's Back and Jared's Brain
Jim did something to his back a day or two ago and has been in some pain since then. He has been doing all the things he normally does when this happens but it just isn't getting better. Please pray that God would heal his back quickly so that travel -- specifically maneuvering his luggage and sitting so many hours in planes and bouncy vehicles -- would not be difficult for him.
Also, Jared just found out that he will be teaching for 5-days at the Bible Institute. Please pray for him as he figures out what this involves and preps for teaching in the midst of all the other final preparations they are making.
Also, Jared just found out that he will be teaching for 5-days at the Bible Institute. Please pray for him as he figures out what this involves and preps for teaching in the midst of all the other final preparations they are making.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Visas Arrived
Great news! Less than a week after submitting for visas to both Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo, they were approved and returned -- Praise God for this quick turn around and answer to prayer.
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