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.

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.