It is already Saturday afternoon. Tomorrow we have a church service and then everyone will begin to leave to go to their various places of ministry. It has been a long time in Africa for us but a rich time of meeting both nationals and US missionaries.

The cultural, medical and spiritual challenges are numerous but we know our God is not frustrated or without the wisdom or power to handle it all. We just need to do what little part we are called to do.

We are to meet with the ReachGlobal director and our team after the last session tonight and that will conclude our responsibilities. I am trying to figure out when I will pack. We have some things we are bringing home for the Westers whose home church is Oakdale not far from us. We are glad we can do the favor.

Yesterday afternoon they offered a shopping excursion. Alan was not feeling well so I went ahead, cramming into a bus that clearly was built to carry one third less of us…oh well. Rules for safety and hygiene may not exist, at least I am not seeing evidence of it.
The Africans we are working with on a leadership level are by God’s grace educated and very sharp recognizing and addressing some of this in the context of the church and reaching out to their communities.

Anyway, we headed off in intense heat and humidity. When we arrived almost immediately the vendors were shoving their wares in our faces naming prices. The shops are long, narrow and dark. I would go in to look at something and felt like I was in a sauna. The sweat was literally running off of me to the extent that I had to change my clothes when I got back because they were very damp. I purchased some material, a necklace and some sandals. I really didn’t like the atmosphere and was wishing Alan could have come with me.

The ministries are so exciting to hear about. Everyday they have someone in the morning and evening give a story of people coming to Christ and how that came about or the open doors that are happening. Many of them are Muslim which is exciting.

This will probably be it until we get home. Think about today how maybe you could reach out to someone you know with the message of hope.

Love, Edie

I, (Al), finally have a few moments to share my thoughts about our trip. We were so thankful to the Lord that He helped us maintain a good attitude at the London airport after flying all night and then standing in line with thousands of other stranded passengers. Thank you for praying for us as we travel.
We had a great time in Prague with our CZ missionaries. On Saturday I was able to speak to them from I Thess. 2 on continuing to give yourself in ministry even when it is personally painful. It was good for us to get to know them better and to see their hearts for ministry. On Sunday I preached at the Vlassim church south of Prague. I did not know what to preach on since I had no idea what was going on in the church. The Lord led me to preach on unity as taught in John 17: 20-24. It turned out to be a perfect fit for what they needed. The missionary with us said he could see the pastor getting more and more excited about what he was learning as he translated for me. Afterward they immediately asked me to come back and do more teaching on that subject as they want to gather several area churches and seek to develop a better working relationship together.
On Monday, we flew on to Nairobi by way of London. We stayed in a guest house that was quite nice for our first taste of Africa. The traffic rules in Nairobi were interesting to say the least. We had a wonderful time with the brothers and sisters gathered there for training. Rwanda is a beautiful land with beautiful people, so many smiles. The pastors we began with were leaders, like district superintendents in the Free Church and were eager to learn. We soon found out however that they were at a much more basic level than we expected. Only five pastors in the Rwanda EFC have formal degrees and many have only a primary education. They are good and godly men but we will have to start our training at a foundational level. I am going to be working on developing a basic Bible study course that fits their abilities. We also plan to do some training in chronological story telling through the Bible, as soon as I get a good grasp of the concepts myself. I think this will be especially effective in helping them train their people to share Christ with others and also in helping them learn theology.
On Friday we traveled north to where the volcano area of Rwanda. They were just like you imagine but without smoke or lava. It was incredibly beautiful. We drove about three hours on pavement, although we had to constantly slow down to avoid huge potholes, and then about an hour on a dirt, rather a rock, road. What a ride! We visited an EFC school for kids. The primary kids swarmed us when we arrived. I had about 50 to 100 crowded around me all saying “Good Morning”, about the only English they knew, even though it was well into the afternoon. A few started feeling my arms which are hairy, unlike anything they had ever seen before. The whole group erupted in almost a frenzy of joy and laughter. It was a very emotional moment for me seeing their openness and enthusiasm to experience my differentness. I could not help wishing I could share something much more significant and joyful with them, the joy of knowing Christ. Later we met with a group of country pastors gathered in a simple church with no lights or coverings on the windows. We enjoyed worshipping with them even though we could not understand anything they said. They also are so eager to learn and so passionate about serving Christ. It struck me that hearing about people, kids or pastors in Africa, as you are now, is way different than meeting them in person. To get to know these dear brothers even a little bit fires up my passion to make a difference in their lives by teaching them how to study and teach, and apply the Word. We left Rwanda with a commitment to return as soon as we are able.
We came to Dar es Salaam on Saturday and then toured various ministries here after church on Sunday. We were so impressed with the devotion, skill and perseverance of our workers here. We continue to be thankful for the wonderful partners we have. I have been able to reconnect with several leaders from various African countries and to meet several more. We are grateful for the the opportunities that are unfolding for us to return to partner with them in training their pastors. Thank you so much for your role in helping us in this significant work.

I am very disappointed that I have not been able to write in my blog for some time. Currently we are in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We are in a “4 star Hotel” that has had numerous electricity and internet problems. We had a rain storm today that literally came down in sheets of water. I am not sure what the temperature is but trust me it is hot and extremely humid. We have a beautiful view of the Indian Ocean.
Friday, in Rwanda we spent all day going up into the mountains. We visited a training center an American free church built and a school another Amer. free church built. Both are tremendous success stories. They are located far apart but well worth the effort. I say that because we had a flat tire and the roads were very rough to cross so it was slow. The children would come up to our car to greet us as moved along (that gives you an idea how speedy we were). Eight of us were crammed into an SUV. Fortunately at least 3 were on Dramamine because initially the paved road was quite winding.
At the school the kids were so excited to meet us, greet us and practiced what little English they had learned. The grades included up through high school with about 40% orphans. It is a Christian School. You pay for any schooling for your children in Rwanda and that was one of the things the women expressed as a desire. They want their children to go to school but can’t afford it. When we arrived each of us had a group of kids gathered around us. At some point I looked over at Alan and the kids were feeling his arms. They had never felt hair like that. They eventually, after we had had a presentation by the principal, by some students in an older class and a tour, walked with us a fair distance to our vehicle. They were so precious and I will always remember that time.
Part of the morning was spent training about 20 pastors from the rural areas of the mountains. Alan didn’t participate except to get to know the pastors and later think through what was done and how successful it was. It was concluded that Church health was not what they need, it is basic bible survey which is more Alan’s area to handle. We had lunch in this church and then were on our way.
All throughout the mountainsides crops were being tended. They have flat areas and then terrace up the mountain other crops. The soil is black and they were harvesting potatoes and carrying large bags to the village to be sold and taken away by trucks. Most carried the sacks on their heads. Probably 50-100 lbs. It was Amazing. Everyone we saw smiled and waved. They were such a blessing to us.
Sat. morning Alan left with the group while I stayed back to pack. He saw the real Hotel Rwanda and they drove around town. Then we left for the airport to come here. It has been a time of getting to know several new people and get to know what creative evangelistic efforts are being done in this predominately Hindu and Muslim city. There are a lot of Indians that live here. The work I was especially impressed with is what 3 single gals are doing in schools and in their home. It is very intentional and strategic and meeting the needs it is intended for.
Tonight is the official kick off of the conference and things will be especially busy with meetings etc. I hope this gets posted soon and that I can say more later. Thanks for following us and especially for your prayers. Edie

Training time

Just in case you didn't notice. A couple nights ago I realized a couple of my posts were in a drafts listing. So I went ahead and sent them. I am very sorry but probably in my haste hit the wrong button (or jet lag).
We have had a couple of long hard days. Yesterday was my day with the women. It is hard to say how much they profited but I feel confident we established a rapport. From the discussion tonight with some pastors/leaders they want more teaching for women in the future as they certainly are pleading for training for the Pastors and church leaders. The women dressed in beautiful fabrics and all had such vibrant smiles. They work hard and have numerous children as well as being very helpful to their husbands in the church. Alan had to be mostly an observer but was hard at work connecting with the Pastors. A question was asked about the biblical view of women and Alan spoke up how to view the submissive role as not one of lesser value using the example of the trinity. The American team talked about this later as being a significant contribution to the training. He also lead some other discussion times.
Today was a big celebration. The church where we are meeting has a number of outreach ministries one of which is a cyber cafe. They have hired trainers that will help you. For a small fee people can come to use the computers. They were asked to partner with the police department and train the police officers in computer skills. Today was the graduation. They had a children's choir, marching band and a couple to provide lots of music. Speeches by the police chief, mayor and our regional leader for Africa. They did tours of the campus too.
After lunch we headed to the genocide memorial. That was a tastefully done, sequencial list of events as the whole nightmare unfolded. One million people were killed in 100 days. It was carried out by sharp and blunt objects along with awful torture. Some killing by guns however that seemed to be too merciful. It is amazing how much people, especially Christians have forgiven those who did this. It was friends, neighbors and in some cases family members. It was sobering to say the least.
We next went to a craft market and looked around. Later connecting with local Pastors to talk over what can be done in the area of training in Rwanda and Burundi. The mosquitos were in full force as we sat outside in the gardens of a local hotel.
Tomorrow we head for the mountains at 6:30am to meet some Pastors in an area for training. It is a 3 hour drive and won't be home until late tomorrow but may see some volcanoes.
It will take some time to process the last couple days. Good night, May the Lord's mercy be on us all in these last days. Love In Christ, Edie and for Alan as well

Winging it, my favorite thing (NO!)

It is afternoon in Kilgali, Rwanda. It is beautiful and with lush foilage. We have a few hours and are enjoying fellowship with Al's team partner (does church health) and his wife. A whole group of pastors met us at the airport. They were dressed in suits and were so friendly and welcoming. Tonight we will have supper at the church not far from here. Then at 7pm we will have some introductions and an hour where we separate as men and women. I did not have anything planned and so I prayed and prayed. I decided to share my life verse and share how what we will be learning on the next two days has to do with putting our roots down deep. I will tell them what that has meant in my life as I have been a wife, mother and Pastor's wife (these are all Pastor's wives). I doubt you will get this on time but if you do your prayers are greatly appreciated. I am not the most eloquent especially without prep. so the Spirit must be in control!! Take on the Day for the Lord, Edie

Can't wait to wake up tomorrow

We are here in Africa!!! Words cannot express how I felt as we began to discend into Nairobi, Kenya. Never ever did I think I would see Africa much less minister here. Our God is an amazing God. It is so humbling. We are staying at the Mayfield Guesthouse owned by African Inland Mission. Tomorrow we fly out around noon to Rwanda. We are now with 2 of our 4 other team members. We will join the others in the airport in Kigali. It is cooler here because it is the Altitude of Denver. Still it is summer and I feel warm. Not a bad thing. :-) . Good night my fellow sojourners. Serve the Lord with Gladness! With so much gratefulness in my heart, Edie

On the Plane again

It's a wet, snowy day in Vlasim, Czech Republic. We went to church this morning and Al preached a message that seemed to resonate with the men. He spoke on John 17:20-24 on our oneness in Christ and how that is related to how we treat one another. Someone asked the Pastor if he told him to preach on that and he said the Lord did. So guess it hit a chord with them. The Fellowship afterwards was wonderful! We stayed and visited with translation. I was able to talk to one lady in her early 30's Katrina who spoke good English. We had a very interesting conversation. Al has been asked to do a teaching time to expand on the topic in Aug. when we are in Poland for the European Conference.

This past weekend we spent Friday and Sat. with the Prague team. We really enjoyed our time with them in prayer, study and reflection. Alan gave a message from the word that I have to say was excellent. Short but so good.

We are leaving now for the airport and on our way to Africa. I may not have good internet connection until we go to Tanzania. We will be in Rwanda...I can't wait. With Joy, Edie

We're Here in Budapest

Greetings from a wet budapest, Hungary.
It is so good to be here sitting with a bunch of men discussing the ins and outs of Church based training. I am here using the internet connection. I had planned to go back to the hotel but it is a challenge especially since he took us a short cut. Then we go to a cafeteria for lunch and I have to find that. Oh dear...
The last two days were a hardship but I am thankful it was not a trial. Yes, you can stand for 13hrs. with little sleep and still survive. I thought my feet would hurt for days but I guess IBP works well for me. People were friendly, and the airport did their best to have lots of people around to be helpful. It was very disorganized but other cultures are used to that. It is Americans and Germans that value timeliness and good methods of efficiency.
I was thankful that God provided us an elderly, Indian, pastor's wife to share her home with us. Her husband and her were from India and came to England to pastor a Methodist Church. She left her church (her husband is deceased) to help a struggling Baptist church in her area so it would not fall in the hands of muslims. The neighborhood she has lived in for 44years has become Pakistanie which adds even more intrigue in that she is partnering with her Pakistanie pastor to reach families in the area. You know the history.
I was praising the Lord that he provided in a way you know it was a God happening, a man to get our second cancelation rebooked on the next flight without having to get in a undefinable massive line. As it was we only had to wait 4hours to get our bagguge checked in. Then the security line went pretty fast, comparatively. We were able to get near our gate and find a bite to eat.
It was a God-send that as I was cleaning out the fridge and found some fried chicken leftover from the night before. I also had some cheese sticks. I frozen them over night and a blue ice. We went to Des Moines for church, lunch and then a friend took us to the airport. I put that and some fruit in a small insulated bag. (I left the blue ice in the car when we left) That was our lunch the day we were stuck in line (still cold). It was such a blessing for us and that we weren't taking food from others. They ran out of food as you can imagine.
Enough of that! He went before us and will go before you whether it is going to the grocery store, or across the ocean. We belong to Him and He cares for us. When we got ready to leave the lady we stayed with said she enjoyed having us and that it was nice to know God can still use her.
Take on the Day for Him, Edie