Today was the last day of training. Tomorrow I do the devotions on Ephesians 5, we hear testimonies and then we leave after lunch for Accra. We fly out for Atlanta at 12:30 am that night. The teaching has gone really well and I think the pastors gained a lot on Bible study methods and on the principles of marriage. It is always interesting to me how much I learn by teaching; even as I teach the same things, God opens up new insights to me over and over again.
I did learn a lot about the ministry here, called IN Network, Ghana. It is quite extraordinary. There is a cult here called the Trakosi. It teaches that if something bad happens in the family, like a death or serious problem, it is because the family is cursed by the gods. The only solution is to take one of your virgin daughters to a Trakosi priest and offer her to him as his slave. Girls as young as 5 or 6 sometimes are given into slavery in this way. The priest keeps them and sires many children from his "harem". Some have over 100 slaves. The ministry here helps liberate these girls, counsels them, offers training so they can earn a living, and gives their children an education. Nearly all become Christians in the process.
A man from Wisconsin came with us and has been taking great pictures. I have posted some on my Facebook page and hopefully I can attach more on the blog when I get home.
INN tries to plant a church wherever there is a shrine for this cult. We were training some of their church planters and some other pastors from the area that they invited. We are so privileged to be a part of this great ministry. Our prayer is that these men will be better equipped to go home to their churches and build them on the Word of God. Thanks for your help.
Al
We're Al and Edie, who are serving with ReachGlobal. We're engaged in Biblical and theological training for pastors around the world.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
A Great Week of Training
It has been a very good week training pastors. We have around 60 and many of them have come from long distances for the training. The are eager to learn and have great attitudes. I and another pastor, Lee Heyward, trade off teaching devotions in the morning from the book of Ephesians. The we split the group into two groups and I teach on Bible study methods in the morning and on Marriage in the afternoon. Lee teaches on leadership principles. Today we traded groups and will start over with the same material. It is so rewarding to see these pastors grapple with the Word and rethink their beliefs, especially in the area of their marriages. We are not trying to get them to adopt an American view of marriage but a biblical one.
I did the devotion today on being raised up with Christ in the heavenly places and what a display that is to the powers and authorities, chapter 3:8-12. They responded really well and we entered a really neat time of worship together in response to the Word. What a privilege to be here!
I posted some pictures on my facebook so you can see there some of the sights around here. Go to Alan J. Lewis and they should be on my profile.
Al
I did the devotion today on being raised up with Christ in the heavenly places and what a display that is to the powers and authorities, chapter 3:8-12. They responded really well and we entered a really neat time of worship together in response to the Word. What a privilege to be here!
I posted some pictures on my facebook so you can see there some of the sights around here. Go to Alan J. Lewis and they should be on my profile.
Al
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Seeing the Country of Ghana
It has been a couple of difficult days. I've been crammed together with two other guys in the back of a small SUV driving for about 16 hours in the last two days. The Ghanans wanted to show us their country and we have covered about half of it or so it seems. I think that in the Christian life a lot of time is spent in the mundane and unpleasant so that we are available when the opportunity comes to make an eternal difference.
The country is pretty, very green this time of the year although it is very hot and humid. We've seen some beautiful beaches and a rainforest and lots of countryside. We briefly visited a family that had just had a funeral right before we came. They do that a lot differently than we do. Everybody comes dressed in black or red and it seems the whole town turned out. It becomes quite a social event, usually on Saturdays, and after the service later in the afternoon everyone comes over to the relatives' house and they essentially have a party.
We learned an interesting fact about this culture. Everyone's first name is the day of the week they were born on, although men and women have different names for the day of the week. For Friday men are called "Kofi" as in Kofi Annon. All men born on Friday have that first name. Then they are named after a friend or relative, then a Christian name like Paul or David, etc. and then their father's name. So they all have four names. They asked us what day of the week we were born on and none of us had a clue. Do you?
There seems to be an abundance of small churches here but very little knowledge of the truth. It makes our passion to teach pastors the Word more pressing. I can't wait to get started on Monday.
Thanks for your prayers,
Al
The country is pretty, very green this time of the year although it is very hot and humid. We've seen some beautiful beaches and a rainforest and lots of countryside. We briefly visited a family that had just had a funeral right before we came. They do that a lot differently than we do. Everybody comes dressed in black or red and it seems the whole town turned out. It becomes quite a social event, usually on Saturdays, and after the service later in the afternoon everyone comes over to the relatives' house and they essentially have a party.
We learned an interesting fact about this culture. Everyone's first name is the day of the week they were born on, although men and women have different names for the day of the week. For Friday men are called "Kofi" as in Kofi Annon. All men born on Friday have that first name. Then they are named after a friend or relative, then a Christian name like Paul or David, etc. and then their father's name. So they all have four names. They asked us what day of the week we were born on and none of us had a clue. Do you?
There seems to be an abundance of small churches here but very little knowledge of the truth. It makes our passion to teach pastors the Word more pressing. I can't wait to get started on Monday.
Thanks for your prayers,
Al
News from Ghana
I (Al) am in Ghana and adjusting to the 6 hour time change. On the way because of weather I missed my flight out of Atlanta and had to spend the night and then fly to New York to come on to Ghana. It is very hot and humid this time of year here with heat indexes over 100 everyday. Quite a change from the Midwest and snow that we left.
We spent some time today with Walter Pimpong the leader here. It turns out that we were at Trinity Seminary at the same time years ago but did not know each other. He is a fine godly man whom the Lord has used greatly here in Ghana. He has a ministry that rescues women who have been enslaved by a satanic cult. They have schools to train the women and other ministries to aide them. His group has also planted around 80 churches and we will be training some of their pastors and other pastors from the area in our conference. We hope to build some bridges with ReachGlobal for the future. The conference starts on Monday and we will be seeing some of the sights here in Ghana until then. I'll try to update as I can over the next few days.
Al
We spent some time today with Walter Pimpong the leader here. It turns out that we were at Trinity Seminary at the same time years ago but did not know each other. He is a fine godly man whom the Lord has used greatly here in Ghana. He has a ministry that rescues women who have been enslaved by a satanic cult. They have schools to train the women and other ministries to aide them. His group has also planted around 80 churches and we will be training some of their pastors and other pastors from the area in our conference. We hope to build some bridges with ReachGlobal for the future. The conference starts on Monday and we will be seeing some of the sights here in Ghana until then. I'll try to update as I can over the next few days.
Al
Friday, October 15, 2010
The End of our Time in India
Today we finished our meetings at noon. We celebrated together with our Indian brothers and sisters with a communion service. I really believe that they were significantly impacted by our teaching and the manner in which we conducted ourselves. One group of pastors told me that our teaching was some of the most significant teaching they had ever received and that they were excited to be able to use it with their people. One pastor told Mark, our training partner, that he was impacted by the humility we showed as we taught them. We were so happy to hear that because it is one of our prime objectives to serve them with humility and build them up in Christ. I built relationships with several pastors that I think will turn into opportunities to train in their areas of South India. All in all, we were delighted with our time here. When we are planning on a trip to a new area like this I find it hard to imagine what the people are like. I picture them as more or less a uniform mass of people. When we arrive and live here awhile we soon find out that they are as distinct as we are with widely varying looks and personalities. It has been a real joy to get to know these folks.
This afternoon we went to a shopping area. It is hard to describe unless you have experienced it. Instead of a mall it was really a series of narrow streets jammed with people. Literally thousands of small motor scooters lined every street. One section we walked into was a Muslim section and the dress of all the people suddenly changed. Some seemed not too happy that we were there. It reminded us of the challenges that the pastors face here with opposition from the Hindus and Muslims. Yet they have such a fervor to reach them for Christ. Perhaps the stark differences between them and believers reminds them that unbelievers are lost and going to hell. We in American have only subtle differences from our lost neighbors and we sometimes forget where they are all going.
We are excited to soon be going home but not without a sense of loss that we leave good friends behind. We comfort ourselves with the fact that we will return here again. Edie and I head first to Spain for a short vacation, the first in a long time. We are looking forward to a few days together before we return to the US and dive into a pile of work to get ready for the future. Thank you for partnering with us.
Al
This afternoon we went to a shopping area. It is hard to describe unless you have experienced it. Instead of a mall it was really a series of narrow streets jammed with people. Literally thousands of small motor scooters lined every street. One section we walked into was a Muslim section and the dress of all the people suddenly changed. Some seemed not too happy that we were there. It reminded us of the challenges that the pastors face here with opposition from the Hindus and Muslims. Yet they have such a fervor to reach them for Christ. Perhaps the stark differences between them and believers reminds them that unbelievers are lost and going to hell. We in American have only subtle differences from our lost neighbors and we sometimes forget where they are all going.
We are excited to soon be going home but not without a sense of loss that we leave good friends behind. We comfort ourselves with the fact that we will return here again. Edie and I head first to Spain for a short vacation, the first in a long time. We are looking forward to a few days together before we return to the US and dive into a pile of work to get ready for the future. Thank you for partnering with us.
Al
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Teaching in Bangalore
Our teaching here in Bangalore has been going very well. I have been teaching on our design as human beings and how in Christ we have a new identity. We are working our way through Romans 5-8. I am teaching them how to use these truths in counseling. The pastors and their wives have been super responsive and already making applications to their lives. Several mentioned that they wondered why their bible schools did not teach them these things. They are so thankful for what they are learning. One woman, Neena, was sitting with Edie and wrote a note saying, "deep and meaningful, a different perspective. I will use this in my counseling." It is a privilege and delight to teach them life-changing truths.
The women are warming up to Edie and becoming more open. They tend to be a little reserved at first. They responded well to her teaching. She has especially connected well with Neena and Beth, the leader's wife.
One interesting thing happened as I taught the first day. A pastor sitting in front began strongly shaking his head side to side as if in strong disagreement. However as time went on I realized that was not the case. It turns out that if the Indians are really engaging with what is being said they tend to shake their head that way, just the opposite of what we do in our culture. We all had a good laugh together about that when I mentioned it to them.
Some of the couples in our group have recently experienced strong persecution, with some of them being actually beaten and threatened for their faith. It impressed me that they are acting so ordinary, laughing, singing, engaging in conversation. I realized that they are just like us, ordinary people who are experiencing a cost for their faith. Pray for them.
We are enjoying the Indian food which is a bit spicy. We have tried a lot of new dishes and quite a few new varieties of fruit. We did walk down to the local KFC last night for a little bit of America again and it was so good! We have been invited to one of the pastor's homes for supper tonight, which will be fun.
Thanks for praying,
Al
The women are warming up to Edie and becoming more open. They tend to be a little reserved at first. They responded well to her teaching. She has especially connected well with Neena and Beth, the leader's wife.
One interesting thing happened as I taught the first day. A pastor sitting in front began strongly shaking his head side to side as if in strong disagreement. However as time went on I realized that was not the case. It turns out that if the Indians are really engaging with what is being said they tend to shake their head that way, just the opposite of what we do in our culture. We all had a good laugh together about that when I mentioned it to them.
Some of the couples in our group have recently experienced strong persecution, with some of them being actually beaten and threatened for their faith. It impressed me that they are acting so ordinary, laughing, singing, engaging in conversation. I realized that they are just like us, ordinary people who are experiencing a cost for their faith. Pray for them.
We are enjoying the Indian food which is a bit spicy. We have tried a lot of new dishes and quite a few new varieties of fruit. We did walk down to the local KFC last night for a little bit of America again and it was so good! We have been invited to one of the pastor's homes for supper tonight, which will be fun.
Thanks for praying,
Al
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
First week in India
We are now in Bangalore and it is much cooler here, probably in the high 70's. It was up to 100 in Ahmadabad. We had a great time with Wilson and his wife there. Wilson and his son Nish and I had great discussions about our plan to train current and future pastors in their movement. We made a lot of progress but the issue is quite complicated. Training up to 20,000 pastors in the next 10 years is a logistical challenge. We still have some work to do to get the system worked out for training multiple levels of trainers to accomplish the task. You can pray with us for wisdom for all of that.
Here in Bangalore we have had a good time meeting with Charles and Beth who are the leaders of the Southern India EFC affiliate churches. We start our training this morning on biblical counseling and then this afternoon we speak on marriage. We look forward to a great week. Our hotel has internet so we will update regularly on the blog about what we are doing.
Al
Here in Bangalore we have had a good time meeting with Charles and Beth who are the leaders of the Southern India EFC affiliate churches. We start our training this morning on biblical counseling and then this afternoon we speak on marriage. We look forward to a great week. Our hotel has internet so we will update regularly on the blog about what we are doing.
Al
Monday, September 6, 2010
Summary of Kenya Training
We finished our week of training here in Kenya today. We have tomorrow (Saturday) off for the first time in ages, and then I preach on Sunday morning. I leave for the airport on Sunday afternoon for the long flight home (arriving home in IA on Monday evening). It has been an interesting week with lots of surprises. The pastors and women worked very hard at learning how to do bible study. It is obvious that they have never been taught anything like this before. It became apparent that they rarely have preached on anything other than what they have heard. Looking in the bible for what it says and preaching on that is new to all of them. But they have come to realize that this is what they need. They are so open to learning and changing. They have made steady progress but still have a long ways to go. Considering their lack of study skills, it is amazing to me that God has preserved them from so much of the false teaching and heresy that are common in churches around them. God has been gracious to them and now they have the privilege of beginning to learn from His word directly.
I asked one day how many of them had read the whole bible. None had. I challenged them to do so within the next two years, a great challenge for them. They were eager to try. Few seem to have ever read through any book in its entirety. We worked a lot in Philippians to get them started working through the whole book. We got almost all the way through chapter two so they now have studied and have preaching outlines for that much of the book. My hope is that they will preach through the whole book in the near future.
I do not want to give the impression that these men are immature. Far from it. What they lack in study skills is more than made up in other areas. I listened to my translator pray in English and was amazed at the depth of reverence, intimacy, submission and expectancy in his prayer. I was moved. I thought of how shallow my praying seems in comparison. I have learned much from my Kenyan brothers. What a privilege to help them learn to study and preach and to teach others as well. Each pastor was assigned one or two others to train them in what they learned this week. They are excited to begin this. Would you pray for them that they would not only grow in their own ability but also be able to help others grow in His word as well?
Thank you for your interest, prayers, support and partnership with us in this ministry. The pastors asked me to tell the people in the US how much they appreciate the training they received. I wish I could communicate their smiles, hugs and enthusiasm to you. One day you will see it yourself when you meet them in God’s presence. God bless you.
Al
I asked one day how many of them had read the whole bible. None had. I challenged them to do so within the next two years, a great challenge for them. They were eager to try. Few seem to have ever read through any book in its entirety. We worked a lot in Philippians to get them started working through the whole book. We got almost all the way through chapter two so they now have studied and have preaching outlines for that much of the book. My hope is that they will preach through the whole book in the near future.
I do not want to give the impression that these men are immature. Far from it. What they lack in study skills is more than made up in other areas. I listened to my translator pray in English and was amazed at the depth of reverence, intimacy, submission and expectancy in his prayer. I was moved. I thought of how shallow my praying seems in comparison. I have learned much from my Kenyan brothers. What a privilege to help them learn to study and preach and to teach others as well. Each pastor was assigned one or two others to train them in what they learned this week. They are excited to begin this. Would you pray for them that they would not only grow in their own ability but also be able to help others grow in His word as well?
Thank you for your interest, prayers, support and partnership with us in this ministry. The pastors asked me to tell the people in the US how much they appreciate the training they received. I wish I could communicate their smiles, hugs and enthusiasm to you. One day you will see it yourself when you meet them in God’s presence. God bless you.
Al
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
God's Grace
We have had two good days of training so far this week. I am teaching the pastors, and a couple women, bible study methods and sermon preparation. They will then teach others. They are very receptive and working hard to learn. It is difficult for them since they do not learn to think critically in their schools or culture. It is hard for them to think through a passage and understand its meaning. We will have a lot of practice this week and will depend on the Lord to help them put it to good use in their churches. It is so good to see some signs of progress among the students. The Lord is definitely working.
As I write I have the Muslim call to worship going on in the background over the loudspeakers. It goes on continually for over an hour each night until just after 10 and then again in the morning at 4:30 and 5:30. It gets old fast. It reminds me of God’s grace in opening my eyes to Jesus. I pray He opens many eyes here as well.
I am heavy hearted tonight for my wife. She is home and continuing to struggle with severe dizziness and vertigo. My daughter is taking her to see the doctor this afternoon. Would you pray for her recovery and healing? It is hard for me to be 10,000 miles away while she is struggling. Pray that I might have peace leaving her in God’s hands and can sleep well tonight so I can teach effectively tomorrow.
Thanks,
Al
As I write I have the Muslim call to worship going on in the background over the loudspeakers. It goes on continually for over an hour each night until just after 10 and then again in the morning at 4:30 and 5:30. It gets old fast. It reminds me of God’s grace in opening my eyes to Jesus. I pray He opens many eyes here as well.
I am heavy hearted tonight for my wife. She is home and continuing to struggle with severe dizziness and vertigo. My daughter is taking her to see the doctor this afternoon. Would you pray for her recovery and healing? It is hard for me to be 10,000 miles away while she is struggling. Pray that I might have peace leaving her in God’s hands and can sleep well tonight so I can teach effectively tomorrow.
Thanks,
Al
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Sunday in Kenya
Today we set out for some village churches at 8 am. Bishop Daniel received a call from one pastor requesting an urgent meeting so we went far out of our way to visit him briefly. We travelled through the forest, or jungle we would say, to the other side. The landscape here is beautiful and varied. After meeting with the pastor we stopped at a little thatched roof café for some fried bread for breakfast. It was a joy to sit there while one of the pastors with us talked about what he had learned in our previous teaching session. It is so encouraging to see the effect God has had on them through our teaching. They are so eager to learn biblical teaching and to put it to use in their churches, preaching, and everyday lives.
We travelled on to our churches, mine was far back in the bush on a very narrow trail; not really a road. When we got there I was told I would be walking back, several miles. I wished I had not worn my dress shoes. The little church plant met in a partially built little church building, but the people were enthusiastic. I taught on the man born blind, John 9, and when I got to the part where he could see they cheered. They seemed to follow the teaching and my application well. One woman came forward to receive Christ, which was a great blessing.
After church was over we walked a mile or so to where they want to build a permanent church building. The place where they meet now is on land that they do not own. The pastor wants to buy several acres and has paid about $200 so far and will need about $500 more. They are trusting the Lord for so great a sum and believe soon he will provide.
We walked on to the pastor’s home, another mile or so through the countryside. His wife had made a special dinner for us, chicken cooked in coconut milk with a corn mush substance which we dipped in the soup by hand since we had no silverware. It was delicious. Pastor Enoch has numerous projects going on around the house to make money; casarina trees, cattle, goats, chickens, and corn and cassava plants. He is a real model for the other pastors supporting themselves. I found out he is 66. It is hard to tell how old the Africans are without asking.
We finally walked back to the other church and sat and talked with the men. What a blessing to be able to fellowship with good brothers in Christ. All in all it was a long, but blessed day. I hope your Sunday was blessed as well. The people here send greetings to you.
Al
We travelled on to our churches, mine was far back in the bush on a very narrow trail; not really a road. When we got there I was told I would be walking back, several miles. I wished I had not worn my dress shoes. The little church plant met in a partially built little church building, but the people were enthusiastic. I taught on the man born blind, John 9, and when I got to the part where he could see they cheered. They seemed to follow the teaching and my application well. One woman came forward to receive Christ, which was a great blessing.
After church was over we walked a mile or so to where they want to build a permanent church building. The place where they meet now is on land that they do not own. The pastor wants to buy several acres and has paid about $200 so far and will need about $500 more. They are trusting the Lord for so great a sum and believe soon he will provide.
We walked on to the pastor’s home, another mile or so through the countryside. His wife had made a special dinner for us, chicken cooked in coconut milk with a corn mush substance which we dipped in the soup by hand since we had no silverware. It was delicious. Pastor Enoch has numerous projects going on around the house to make money; casarina trees, cattle, goats, chickens, and corn and cassava plants. He is a real model for the other pastors supporting themselves. I found out he is 66. It is hard to tell how old the Africans are without asking.
We finally walked back to the other church and sat and talked with the men. What a blessing to be able to fellowship with good brothers in Christ. All in all it was a long, but blessed day. I hope your Sunday was blessed as well. The people here send greetings to you.
Al
Saturday post from Kenya
I am now in Kenya again for the second week of training. We will be working with a smaller group of pastors that have been selected to be trained as equippers of the other pastors, and also any new pastors that come into the denomination. We met tonight to decide on the format and schedule.
I was able to talk to Edie tonight on Skype and she is doing well on her journey. She is now in NJ and will be going on to Chicago at 4:45 and then on to Des Moines arriving at 9:45 pm. It’s quite a trip for her alone. Thanks for praying for her.
I will update the blog as the training week goes on. I will be preaching at one of the new church plants tomorrow. I preached at the pastor’s church last year. It was a fairly large church for here. Now he has turned that ministry over to another man and is planting a new church. He is about my age and is making quite a sacrifice to do this. I really respect him and look forward to our time together.
Al
I was able to talk to Edie tonight on Skype and she is doing well on her journey. She is now in NJ and will be going on to Chicago at 4:45 and then on to Des Moines arriving at 9:45 pm. It’s quite a trip for her alone. Thanks for praying for her.
I will update the blog as the training week goes on. I will be preaching at one of the new church plants tomorrow. I preached at the pastor’s church last year. It was a fairly large church for here. Now he has turned that ministry over to another man and is planting a new church. He is about my age and is making quite a sacrifice to do this. I really respect him and look forward to our time together.
Al
Friday, August 27, 2010
The End of Training in Burundi
We just finished our week of training here in Burundi. It has gone well but Burundi takes a toll on your strength. It is a bit rustic, hot and challenging. Edie left this morning to fly to Nairobi and then on to Des Moines on her own. This is her first solo international trip, so please pray for her. She is still concerned about having another vertigo episode so pray especially for her over the next two days.
I had a very interesting meeting this evening with the leaders of the Burundi Evangelical Association. They are very interested in working with us to train pastors in 20 different evangelical denominations here in Burundi. We are talking about having a pastors’ conference sometime next year. We are also beginning to think about training some of the best in each denomination to become trainers of the other pastors. This is a very exciting opportunity and we will be seeking the Lord about how He may be leading in all of this.
Mark Wold and I leave early tomorrow morning to travel back to Kenya to train some of the pastors that they have designated as future trainers for the others. This our first attempt at that, so we would ask your prayers for that as well.
With Edie gone the blogs may become a little shorter and less interesting but I will do my best.
In Christ,
Al
I had a very interesting meeting this evening with the leaders of the Burundi Evangelical Association. They are very interested in working with us to train pastors in 20 different evangelical denominations here in Burundi. We are talking about having a pastors’ conference sometime next year. We are also beginning to think about training some of the best in each denomination to become trainers of the other pastors. This is a very exciting opportunity and we will be seeking the Lord about how He may be leading in all of this.
Mark Wold and I leave early tomorrow morning to travel back to Kenya to train some of the pastors that they have designated as future trainers for the others. This our first attempt at that, so we would ask your prayers for that as well.
With Edie gone the blogs may become a little shorter and less interesting but I will do my best.
In Christ,
Al
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Life in Burundi is Challenging
Life is challenging here. The enemy is definitely sending out his darts and it is wearing us down. This morning I struggled to focus during my quiet time though I had plenty of sleep. My heart was heavy and here’s a sample of what we are facing.
Sunday afternoon the police told Jean- Bosco he could not have his visitors preach. He tried to negotiate and most people went home. The Police said it was because he has a problem with another man. This other man came into J.B.'s church and took over and ran him out. This is a legal dispute, not a confrontation. Mark and Al were only able to visit with a few people but held no church service. Since then the sessions have gone without incident. Praise the Lord!
The women are sweet and appreciative, but illiterate and their children are dirty and sick looking. Still they are a committed to learning from the Word. They are cooking the meals for the conference. They are tasty, but African food is repetitive and we are eating less.
I witnessed some abuse of the children that is disturbing. We have been driving through the neighborhoods to take home our translator. The city has swollen with people, and the poverty and conditions are heartbreaking.
Top it off with "off and on" electricity, cold water (no hot), late meals and no fans (it is warm and humid) at our accommodations. However, God allowed me to be encouraged through the words of a young Mom who has many children. She said, “You came last year and gave to us, and now this year you teaching us what we need for our children. I know you care about us and that you bring to us what we can use”.
The Lord is my guide and it is a walk of faith each day. The women enjoyed learning the folding of the cup. I wasn’t so sure if they would. Tomorrow I do my Martha first person and pretend they come to my home. I am getting cookies for them and then candy for the children. The children speak English phrases to us and really love to be around us.
There was some extra time in the morning before lunch and Al took questions. Oh my, there is so little understanding of the gospel! They are now changing some things so he can do what he did in Kenya to explain the gospel. It is so foundational. Mark is doing Bible survey, which is a good thing as well. Al is doing Bible study methods. As usual, the Africans are eager learners.
I am getting bit up with mosquitoes and they came to set the table so we hope some dinner is coming (8pm).
Thank you for your devotion to prayer. We need your strength and understanding.
With Love,
Al and Edie
Sunday afternoon the police told Jean- Bosco he could not have his visitors preach. He tried to negotiate and most people went home. The Police said it was because he has a problem with another man. This other man came into J.B.'s church and took over and ran him out. This is a legal dispute, not a confrontation. Mark and Al were only able to visit with a few people but held no church service. Since then the sessions have gone without incident. Praise the Lord!
The women are sweet and appreciative, but illiterate and their children are dirty and sick looking. Still they are a committed to learning from the Word. They are cooking the meals for the conference. They are tasty, but African food is repetitive and we are eating less.
I witnessed some abuse of the children that is disturbing. We have been driving through the neighborhoods to take home our translator. The city has swollen with people, and the poverty and conditions are heartbreaking.
Top it off with "off and on" electricity, cold water (no hot), late meals and no fans (it is warm and humid) at our accommodations. However, God allowed me to be encouraged through the words of a young Mom who has many children. She said, “You came last year and gave to us, and now this year you teaching us what we need for our children. I know you care about us and that you bring to us what we can use”.
The Lord is my guide and it is a walk of faith each day. The women enjoyed learning the folding of the cup. I wasn’t so sure if they would. Tomorrow I do my Martha first person and pretend they come to my home. I am getting cookies for them and then candy for the children. The children speak English phrases to us and really love to be around us.
There was some extra time in the morning before lunch and Al took questions. Oh my, there is so little understanding of the gospel! They are now changing some things so he can do what he did in Kenya to explain the gospel. It is so foundational. Mark is doing Bible survey, which is a good thing as well. Al is doing Bible study methods. As usual, the Africans are eager learners.
I am getting bit up with mosquitoes and they came to set the table so we hope some dinner is coming (8pm).
Thank you for your devotion to prayer. We need your strength and understanding.
With Love,
Al and Edie
Arrival in Burundi
We are here in Burundi. It is warmer but doesn’t feel as humid. The mosquitoes aren’t as bad either. In Kilifi they were thick like back home in Iowa. They don’t hum though or else they may have drowned out the Muslim call to prayer!
It is a down day for Al and I. He doesn’t preach today after all and I am recovering. Just before boarding our plane at 11:30pm I suddenly became disoriented, sick and couldn’t walk. Al took me to the bathroom (I don’t have any recollection) to throw up and then had to get me to the gate so we could board the plane. He said I looked drunk. I threw up the whole hour plane ride and thankfully they brought a wheelchair for me to get off the plane. I was so out of it. When we got to the guest house I dropped into bed. Today I came to the conclusion that I had an attack of vertigo. I have only had it a couple of times but when I do, there is no warning. In my refection time this morning, I found solace in the truth that God is sovereign and in control of all that comes into my life; this was no exception. In conclusion I found myself saying, "Yes, Lord I still trust you to protect me, care for me and provide all I need at any given moment". I am traveling alone home on Friday. "Yes, Lord I committed to serve you not matter what the cost and the hardship. Just guide me and give me the counsel I need whatever the situation". I believe I am right where God wants me to be, sufficient with His Grace.
Yesterday was hard to say good-bye. I just love those men and their wives. They love us too. There was an question and answer time with the team and they said it could have gone on all day. They have many thoughtful questions to ask. It is evident that after 3 years of training, the Word has fallen on fertile soil and it is flourishing well. It proves that God’s imparting of knowledge is not always by the usual ways. Having a teachable mind along with the discipline to think carefully about the truth has great rewards. So we are convinced, though we are only with a group of men and women for a week, it is worthwhile. In this intense time lots of things happen. We have appreciation for one another though we come from different cultures; we see the body of Christ functioning well together and personal ministry during breaks and meals. The one piece I hope we can pray about is how we can involve them more in ministering to us. They too have a knowledge of Christ in ways we don’t and it would be good for us to learn from them as well.
Probably the most significant relationship I have been able to forge is with Josephine. She is quiet and calm, in her 30’s, and fluent in English. When she speaks wisdom flows. Yesterday I pulled her out of the men’s session so we could visit. I wanted to hear more of her story. I first asked her how she met her husband who is not a believer. She told me when she took the exams to complete her high school diploma her scores were so high that they accused her of cheating and wouldn’t give her the diploma. Her parents were very poor and couldn’t pay for another year. She said she cried and cried. Another boy comforted her, he was the only one who did so, and eventually they married. Then the Lord came into her life. She has 6 children and started teaching them herself. Soon neighborhood children began to join her. She said this year she has 52 children and two other teachers. She charges for the school now which pays for her teachers and feeds her family. Her school is gaining a reputation for being the best around. The Muslims are sending their children to her and approached her about teaching Islam instead of Christianity. She said no and was firm but kind. They are still sending their children. Then the chief approached her and said she is exercising too much authority, more than the men. However, He too seems to be satisfied with her quiet and gentle ways. She told me her teachers and rent are paid on time, which is a big witness. The witch doctors have placed curses on her children and her. She said she just prayed to the Lord that he would not let them succeed or else it will bring shame to His name. So far so good. Recently, she was bitten by a black snake while going to the bathroom in the night and became very ill. She had to travel 6 hrs to receive health care. The snakes are everywhere so this is a part of life. She has tried to go back to school, but she has a black mark on her record and they want her to pay money she doesn’t have to get that diploma. I sure hope I was able to encourage her to just press ahead walking through the doors God has opened rather than spending so much time pressing a door that won’t open. God has His plan for her and is already blessing the works of her hands. I gave her my supplies of crayons, pencils, and the origami book I brought. She was happy. Next year I would like to bring early readers for her students.
Thanks so much for the comments on our blog. I wish I could figure out how to respond. Tim, it was good to hear from you, it has been a long time.
With more joy,
Al and Edie
It is a down day for Al and I. He doesn’t preach today after all and I am recovering. Just before boarding our plane at 11:30pm I suddenly became disoriented, sick and couldn’t walk. Al took me to the bathroom (I don’t have any recollection) to throw up and then had to get me to the gate so we could board the plane. He said I looked drunk. I threw up the whole hour plane ride and thankfully they brought a wheelchair for me to get off the plane. I was so out of it. When we got to the guest house I dropped into bed. Today I came to the conclusion that I had an attack of vertigo. I have only had it a couple of times but when I do, there is no warning. In my refection time this morning, I found solace in the truth that God is sovereign and in control of all that comes into my life; this was no exception. In conclusion I found myself saying, "Yes, Lord I still trust you to protect me, care for me and provide all I need at any given moment". I am traveling alone home on Friday. "Yes, Lord I committed to serve you not matter what the cost and the hardship. Just guide me and give me the counsel I need whatever the situation". I believe I am right where God wants me to be, sufficient with His Grace.
Yesterday was hard to say good-bye. I just love those men and their wives. They love us too. There was an question and answer time with the team and they said it could have gone on all day. They have many thoughtful questions to ask. It is evident that after 3 years of training, the Word has fallen on fertile soil and it is flourishing well. It proves that God’s imparting of knowledge is not always by the usual ways. Having a teachable mind along with the discipline to think carefully about the truth has great rewards. So we are convinced, though we are only with a group of men and women for a week, it is worthwhile. In this intense time lots of things happen. We have appreciation for one another though we come from different cultures; we see the body of Christ functioning well together and personal ministry during breaks and meals. The one piece I hope we can pray about is how we can involve them more in ministering to us. They too have a knowledge of Christ in ways we don’t and it would be good for us to learn from them as well.
Probably the most significant relationship I have been able to forge is with Josephine. She is quiet and calm, in her 30’s, and fluent in English. When she speaks wisdom flows. Yesterday I pulled her out of the men’s session so we could visit. I wanted to hear more of her story. I first asked her how she met her husband who is not a believer. She told me when she took the exams to complete her high school diploma her scores were so high that they accused her of cheating and wouldn’t give her the diploma. Her parents were very poor and couldn’t pay for another year. She said she cried and cried. Another boy comforted her, he was the only one who did so, and eventually they married. Then the Lord came into her life. She has 6 children and started teaching them herself. Soon neighborhood children began to join her. She said this year she has 52 children and two other teachers. She charges for the school now which pays for her teachers and feeds her family. Her school is gaining a reputation for being the best around. The Muslims are sending their children to her and approached her about teaching Islam instead of Christianity. She said no and was firm but kind. They are still sending their children. Then the chief approached her and said she is exercising too much authority, more than the men. However, He too seems to be satisfied with her quiet and gentle ways. She told me her teachers and rent are paid on time, which is a big witness. The witch doctors have placed curses on her children and her. She said she just prayed to the Lord that he would not let them succeed or else it will bring shame to His name. So far so good. Recently, she was bitten by a black snake while going to the bathroom in the night and became very ill. She had to travel 6 hrs to receive health care. The snakes are everywhere so this is a part of life. She has tried to go back to school, but she has a black mark on her record and they want her to pay money she doesn’t have to get that diploma. I sure hope I was able to encourage her to just press ahead walking through the doors God has opened rather than spending so much time pressing a door that won’t open. God has His plan for her and is already blessing the works of her hands. I gave her my supplies of crayons, pencils, and the origami book I brought. She was happy. Next year I would like to bring early readers for her students.
Thanks so much for the comments on our blog. I wish I could figure out how to respond. Tim, it was good to hear from you, it has been a long time.
With more joy,
Al and Edie
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Power of Prayer
It’s the end of another day. I have showered tonight which consists of heating water in a bucket with a heat wand, taking a water bottle I cut off and using it to pour water over me. It felt good and rinsed off that stickiness from the humid day. I think it will be better for sleeping. The Muslim Prayers continue but not on the loud speaker. Praise the Lord! Something happened. It still is routine to be awoken at 5 am to the chanting. An inspiration came to me; instead of covering my ears I should pray too. So I may try it though I am not sure I will be as long winded!
My day went super with the women today. I once again got out the origami and began showing a few women during a break. I had made step by step examples and pretty soon I had a group of ladies trying it, catching on and then some definite enthusiasm for it. One of the women I connected with last year had started a school just by letting neighborhood children join her as she was teaching her own children. She told me that she now has 52 students in kindergarten and first grade. She only teaches English and has great support from the villagers. She was able to save enough to buy a plot of land that she hopes to build a building for the school. I am giving her my origami book because I showed her these techniques and told her it would be good for her children to learn. She is just the type of woman to run with it and I will be interested in hearing next time how it is working. The narrative stories are also going well. Yesterday I did a first person of Martha, setting up my “home” and welcoming them and then talking about how I invited Jesus to my home. I then had some starburst candies that I passed out. They had to answer questions that match their wrapper color. Alan actually gave me the questions when I was just stumped. They aren’t used to that kind of sharing but it gave me some “mentoring moments” which I loved. I asked them how they met their husbands. Most of them were introduced to their “man” as one who loved them and wanted to marry them. Parents were involved. African men have to pay to marry their wives so men count your blessings! Ha.
Alan’s teaching in Acts is really going well. Such good interaction among the men and eagerness to learn. They have assignments in the evenings after all day sitting and learning. They always come prepared. Remarkable! An older man approached Al concerning Grudem’s bible doctrine book and it was a precious moment to be able to hand it to him. He speaks English well and told me he is going to begin teaching his wife how to read and write. She is one of the more outgoing women. Al also put a New American Standard bible in the hands of a young pastor that he asked for last year. When Al gave it to him he said, "I want you to read it and share it with other brothers." This young man had wondered if Al would remember his request and bring him a bible.
Today I gave out aprons to the pastor’s wives and they seemed to love them. Then I called in the cooks and talked about how all who minister within the body of Christ play a vital role. I really wanted to elevate what these hard working women are doing for us and show how they have earned our admiration. I also had given them aprons. They were wearing them and were very appreciative.
Well, I have lots of paper to prepare for tomorrow’s lesson and project. Tomorrow I will teach about the Samaritan Woman. Thank you for your prayers. I have to say that your prayers must be like the man who knocked on his friend's door late at night to get some bread for unexpected visitors. The Muslim calls to prayer have really calmed down to a tolerable tone. Your prayers are powerful and effective! The teaching is also giving us encouragement and blessing, confirming His call for us to “stand in this gap” in teaching those for whom formal education is out of reach. “With God all things are possible”. By His grace, His church will not be left defenseless without the knowledge of the truth.
His servants too,
Al and Edie
My day went super with the women today. I once again got out the origami and began showing a few women during a break. I had made step by step examples and pretty soon I had a group of ladies trying it, catching on and then some definite enthusiasm for it. One of the women I connected with last year had started a school just by letting neighborhood children join her as she was teaching her own children. She told me that she now has 52 students in kindergarten and first grade. She only teaches English and has great support from the villagers. She was able to save enough to buy a plot of land that she hopes to build a building for the school. I am giving her my origami book because I showed her these techniques and told her it would be good for her children to learn. She is just the type of woman to run with it and I will be interested in hearing next time how it is working. The narrative stories are also going well. Yesterday I did a first person of Martha, setting up my “home” and welcoming them and then talking about how I invited Jesus to my home. I then had some starburst candies that I passed out. They had to answer questions that match their wrapper color. Alan actually gave me the questions when I was just stumped. They aren’t used to that kind of sharing but it gave me some “mentoring moments” which I loved. I asked them how they met their husbands. Most of them were introduced to their “man” as one who loved them and wanted to marry them. Parents were involved. African men have to pay to marry their wives so men count your blessings! Ha.
Alan’s teaching in Acts is really going well. Such good interaction among the men and eagerness to learn. They have assignments in the evenings after all day sitting and learning. They always come prepared. Remarkable! An older man approached Al concerning Grudem’s bible doctrine book and it was a precious moment to be able to hand it to him. He speaks English well and told me he is going to begin teaching his wife how to read and write. She is one of the more outgoing women. Al also put a New American Standard bible in the hands of a young pastor that he asked for last year. When Al gave it to him he said, "I want you to read it and share it with other brothers." This young man had wondered if Al would remember his request and bring him a bible.
Today I gave out aprons to the pastor’s wives and they seemed to love them. Then I called in the cooks and talked about how all who minister within the body of Christ play a vital role. I really wanted to elevate what these hard working women are doing for us and show how they have earned our admiration. I also had given them aprons. They were wearing them and were very appreciative.
Well, I have lots of paper to prepare for tomorrow’s lesson and project. Tomorrow I will teach about the Samaritan Woman. Thank you for your prayers. I have to say that your prayers must be like the man who knocked on his friend's door late at night to get some bread for unexpected visitors. The Muslim calls to prayer have really calmed down to a tolerable tone. Your prayers are powerful and effective! The teaching is also giving us encouragement and blessing, confirming His call for us to “stand in this gap” in teaching those for whom formal education is out of reach. “With God all things are possible”. By His grace, His church will not be left defenseless without the knowledge of the truth.
His servants too,
Al and Edie
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tuesday in Kenya
It is the end of a full day of teaching and engaging with the Pastors and their wives. What a difference coming back with some frame of reference as to who they are and their needs. Al has had significant opportunities to counsel and instruct one on one with many. His teaching has been significant in that his assignment was to teach on church planting. He chose to use the book of Acts. His first lesson was to reference scriptures that point to the gospel. He then asked the men to do an assignment of writing out the key elements of the gospel. From that he realized more teaching was in order. It was so neat as Al told them they were missing something and they kept saying don't tell us until 15 minutes have past, and finally he told them a key element was the death of Christ and then explained it for them. They are obviously enjoying the learning and the engaging of their minds together. It is such a priviledge to see the eyes of their hearts seeing new things.
I, Edie, had my first chance to teach this afternoon. The women were enjoying the story. After sharing the story with another woman next to them we talked about who God is etc. They were struggling a little to know how to answer the questions but I think ground was made and overall I was happy with the results. Then I went to the project of making a simple fold book to draw the story and that was really a challenge for them. I concluded that they probably had never used crayons and colored pencils before. As the time went on they seem to be enjoying it more. I learned some important "cultural" and "teaching" lessons. I talked to Jim and said I am not going to change my lessons but persevere as I think they might discover some abilities they thought they didn't have. I did ask some of the ladies to act out the story and that went over well. The Lord is good and I know He is with me. I was having a terrible time staying awake in the morning session that is taught by someone else so I took a walk reading Psalm 18 out loud as I walked. It was so therapeutic for me as I felt the freedom to pray.
Al had a meeting tonight with Esron, who leads the EFC of Rwanda and is training here with us, and Daniel, the bishop here. They were discussing a training plan that Al is working on for India. The plan is to train Indian pastors to train other pastors. Esron and Daniel looked the plan over and offered suggestions. Al hopes it sparks some interest in them to set up something similar for their own pastors. They plan to meet again in a couple of days to discuss the issue further.
That brings me to a prayer request. My attitude is growing more negative with tension. The Muslim prayers were loud and went on forever it seemed last night. It wore on me. I wore ear plugs but still could hear it. I prayed the man would lose his voice or the sound system would break down. It does not sound as loud tonight. But it sure makes it hard for me to concentrate on anything significant. They also pray over the speaker other times during the day but it is the 9pm hour that they seem to get carried away.
I must close as I am borrowing a modem from Jim and need to return it. We are trying to buy our own but it has been a challenge to catch them in the store. We ordered it. So please pray we get the modem soon.
With Joy in the Savior,
Al and Edie
I, Edie, had my first chance to teach this afternoon. The women were enjoying the story. After sharing the story with another woman next to them we talked about who God is etc. They were struggling a little to know how to answer the questions but I think ground was made and overall I was happy with the results. Then I went to the project of making a simple fold book to draw the story and that was really a challenge for them. I concluded that they probably had never used crayons and colored pencils before. As the time went on they seem to be enjoying it more. I learned some important "cultural" and "teaching" lessons. I talked to Jim and said I am not going to change my lessons but persevere as I think they might discover some abilities they thought they didn't have. I did ask some of the ladies to act out the story and that went over well. The Lord is good and I know He is with me. I was having a terrible time staying awake in the morning session that is taught by someone else so I took a walk reading Psalm 18 out loud as I walked. It was so therapeutic for me as I felt the freedom to pray.
Al had a meeting tonight with Esron, who leads the EFC of Rwanda and is training here with us, and Daniel, the bishop here. They were discussing a training plan that Al is working on for India. The plan is to train Indian pastors to train other pastors. Esron and Daniel looked the plan over and offered suggestions. Al hopes it sparks some interest in them to set up something similar for their own pastors. They plan to meet again in a couple of days to discuss the issue further.
That brings me to a prayer request. My attitude is growing more negative with tension. The Muslim prayers were loud and went on forever it seemed last night. It wore on me. I wore ear plugs but still could hear it. I prayed the man would lose his voice or the sound system would break down. It does not sound as loud tonight. But it sure makes it hard for me to concentrate on anything significant. They also pray over the speaker other times during the day but it is the 9pm hour that they seem to get carried away.
I must close as I am borrowing a modem from Jim and need to return it. We are trying to buy our own but it has been a challenge to catch them in the store. We ordered it. So please pray we get the modem soon.
With Joy in the Savior,
Al and Edie
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sunday
Yesterday, because of various needs for the car and airport runs, we were here all day at our guesthouse which is on a University campus. In the afternoon, we walked to the town about a mile from here and went all over it. It had rained in the morning , then it started again so we bought an umbrella. The town is chaotic with little stands of an assortment of wares. Then there is a large building that had various crude tables filled with vegetables for sale. Tomatoes, greens, potatoes, bananas and watermelons. We were told most of the produce comes from outside the country.
Today was a long day with church and lunch. The choir sang, the congregation gave testimonies of the work of God in their lives, we had a concert of prayer and Alan preached. He had his favorite translator. This young man spent the day with us. He has a new son and a challenging job fighting the corruption. He works in Animal Science.
A few of the pastors for the conference were beginning to trickle in. They are expecting a large group. A pastor from Casper, Wy. is here to do some teaching. We are enjoying getting to know him. He also pastored a church in rural Iowa for a number of years and has fond memories of his time there (near Iowa City). He grew up on a farm and majored in agriculture. You can imagine all the strategizing for growing things in Kenya. Jim Watson had actually been helping with ideas for family gardens. One of the Pastor’s wife is anemic and he told him the things to grow to help her. The pastor right away started some seeds and has some seedlings to show for it. Being teachable is a gift with rich rewards both practically and spiritually.
Jim, our leader from the Canon City Free Church, has his nursing license now. As you can imagine he is busy administering nursing care and counseling. Jim always prays with people and talks about the Creator God and how He made our bodies to work. He has brought one of his professors to check out possibilities for bringing nurses for training/ practice as part of their teaching program. She is going to be teaching the women some practical “nursing” to help with the issues they have, as well as their children. I too am looking forward to hearing what she has to say so that I may be able to pass on some of the information when I am sharing with women in other places.
The Muslim prayer time over the loud speaker just began. It is so intrusive and happens about 4 times a day with 4:45am being the first. We have heard this in other African countries and it is concerning. There seems to be more Muslims this time in the airport and around the city and villages. It only serves to magnify the amazing grace we have, in that we walk in the light instead of darkness. We worship the everlasting King and the Rock of our Salvation. I stand in awe of Him.
Edie for both of us
Today was a long day with church and lunch. The choir sang, the congregation gave testimonies of the work of God in their lives, we had a concert of prayer and Alan preached. He had his favorite translator. This young man spent the day with us. He has a new son and a challenging job fighting the corruption. He works in Animal Science.
A few of the pastors for the conference were beginning to trickle in. They are expecting a large group. A pastor from Casper, Wy. is here to do some teaching. We are enjoying getting to know him. He also pastored a church in rural Iowa for a number of years and has fond memories of his time there (near Iowa City). He grew up on a farm and majored in agriculture. You can imagine all the strategizing for growing things in Kenya. Jim Watson had actually been helping with ideas for family gardens. One of the Pastor’s wife is anemic and he told him the things to grow to help her. The pastor right away started some seeds and has some seedlings to show for it. Being teachable is a gift with rich rewards both practically and spiritually.
Jim, our leader from the Canon City Free Church, has his nursing license now. As you can imagine he is busy administering nursing care and counseling. Jim always prays with people and talks about the Creator God and how He made our bodies to work. He has brought one of his professors to check out possibilities for bringing nurses for training/ practice as part of their teaching program. She is going to be teaching the women some practical “nursing” to help with the issues they have, as well as their children. I too am looking forward to hearing what she has to say so that I may be able to pass on some of the information when I am sharing with women in other places.
The Muslim prayer time over the loud speaker just began. It is so intrusive and happens about 4 times a day with 4:45am being the first. We have heard this in other African countries and it is concerning. There seems to be more Muslims this time in the airport and around the city and villages. It only serves to magnify the amazing grace we have, in that we walk in the light instead of darkness. We worship the everlasting King and the Rock of our Salvation. I stand in awe of Him.
Edie for both of us
Saturday post from Africa
Things are low key here as people continue to filter in. Yesterday, Al went with Bishop Daniel to pick up one of the trainers. He is Jack from Casper, Wy. His luggage didn’t make it and he was late getting in. After a long time trying to figure out arrangements they left to visit a Pastor and arrived back at the guest house at 8pm. It was a long day for Al but always great in getting to know people better. I stayed back here so I could finalize some of my prep for my lessons. Enjoyed my time of study and just having time in solitude.
The plans for today are somewhat up in the air. Esron from Rwanda is coming in and has to be picked up at the airport which is 1½ hrs away. Hopefully Jack’s luggage will be there as well. Originally we were to visit around but doubt that will happen with all the travel glitches.
It is cool and rainy here, very different from last year. Guess they are experiencing some climate change like us. Things are very green and the mosquitoes thick.
With Joy in the Savior,
Edie for both of us
The plans for today are somewhat up in the air. Esron from Rwanda is coming in and has to be picked up at the airport which is 1½ hrs away. Hopefully Jack’s luggage will be there as well. Originally we were to visit around but doubt that will happen with all the travel glitches.
It is cool and rainy here, very different from last year. Guess they are experiencing some climate change like us. Things are very green and the mosquitoes thick.
With Joy in the Savior,
Edie for both of us
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Safe Travels
We have a flight this morning to Mombasa and then a drive to Kilifi. Everything has gone well so far. We even got some sleep and slept well, though not terribly long last night. Thanks for prayers for our safe arrival. I just spent a few minutes reading Psalm 27 and am so thankful for God's hand that holds us and cares for us. The song came to me "you are beautiful beyond description, too marvelous for words". His purposes are higher than any human endeavor and so we commit our whole activity to His sovereign will. We entrust ourselves totally into His care.
With Love,
Edie and Al
With Love,
Edie and Al
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Our Trip to Burundi & Kenya begins
We are ready, set to go. This time we are heading out for a return trip to
We ask that you pray with us for our protection. Also that in whatever our day brings (no sleep, delayed flights etc), we would acknowledge His sovereign hand in it all for our benefit. May we not forget who we are; ambassadors for Christ where ever we go.
We will be arriving in
With Joy in my Savior whose grace is always sufficient,
Edie for both of us
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Congo Trip Report
Dear Friends in Christ,
We arrived back from Congo on Saturday night (July 17) around 9:30 pm after being up for almost 48 hours with little sleep. Edie contracted a bug on the last day in Congo and had a grueling trip home. She finally has gotten the right medication and is starting to feel better now 5 days later.
Overall, ou
r trip was outstanding. The Shammah church that we worked with most of the time we were there received us really well. They are a rather affluent church for Africa and did a great job of organizing the training conference. We had expected to train a small number of pastors and, as it turned out, we had large crowds. In the mornings, we had around 200 with half of those being pastors. In the evenings, we had 500 or more. Al, and his partner Mark, both had to change the materials they had prepared to fit the larger crowds. Chairs were set up outside for about half the crowd. Edie had about 100 women in the sessions that she taught.
In the evening
s, singing groups, famous in Congo, were brought in to lead worship. They were excellent. Everything was videotaped and played on a TV for those outside to watch. They gave us CD’s of the entire conference to take home with us.
One of the Shammah pastors commented that they were glad we were offering the pastors an alternative to the “health and wealth” teaching that is so prevalent in the Congo. We hope that the biblical foundation we gave them will help to steer them away from this teaching and other heresies that are abundant in the churches there. On the weekend, we presented several teachings on marriage and it really seemed to help them begin to establish a biblical perspective on marriage.
On Satu
rday, they wanted to take us to a cave that was about 3 hours from Kinshasa, so we got to see some of the countryside. The cave was quite a challenge. It was undeveloped and we walked a long ways to get to it and then down a steep hill into a ravine to the entrance. Inside we hiked further down to a waterfall at the bottom. It was a difficult trip in but much more challenging coming out. The Africans had not been there before and were as surprised as we were about the hike. Happily, we all made it out okay, although we were a little sore the next day.
The following week we spent a couple of days with the Free Church pastors in the Kinshasa area. It was a delightful time together to begin to build relationships with these men. We only taught a couple of times and spent the rest of the
time listening to their stories and learning about their challenges. We hope to return to help train them in the future.
Once again, we want to thank you for your prayers and support that make it possible for us to do this work. We saw God provide in marvelous ways. Please continue to pray as we prepare to travel to Kenya and Burundi August 10 through September 5.
Al and Edie
We arrived back from Congo on Saturday night (July 17) around 9:30 pm after being up for almost 48 hours with little sleep. Edie contracted a bug on the last day in Congo and had a grueling trip home. She finally has gotten the right medication and is starting to feel better now 5 days later.
Overall, ou
r trip was outstanding. The Shammah church that we worked with most of the time we were there received us really well. They are a rather affluent church for Africa and did a great job of organizing the training conference. We had expected to train a small number of pastors and, as it turned out, we had large crowds. In the mornings, we had around 200 with half of those being pastors. In the evenings, we had 500 or more. Al, and his partner Mark, both had to change the materials they had prepared to fit the larger crowds. Chairs were set up outside for about half the crowd. Edie had about 100 women in the sessions that she taught.In the evening
s, singing groups, famous in Congo, were brought in to lead worship. They were excellent. Everything was videotaped and played on a TV for those outside to watch. They gave us CD’s of the entire conference to take home with us.One of the Shammah pastors commented that they were glad we were offering the pastors an alternative to the “health and wealth” teaching that is so prevalent in the Congo. We hope that the biblical foundation we gave them will help to steer them away from this teaching and other heresies that are abundant in the churches there. On the weekend, we presented several teachings on marriage and it really seemed to help them begin to establish a biblical perspective on marriage.
On Satu
rday, they wanted to take us to a cave that was about 3 hours from Kinshasa, so we got to see some of the countryside. The cave was quite a challenge. It was undeveloped and we walked a long ways to get to it and then down a steep hill into a ravine to the entrance. Inside we hiked further down to a waterfall at the bottom. It was a difficult trip in but much more challenging coming out. The Africans had not been there before and were as surprised as we were about the hike. Happily, we all made it out okay, although we were a little sore the next day.The following week we spent a couple of days with the Free Church pastors in the Kinshasa area. It was a delightful time together to begin to build relationships with these men. We only taught a couple of times and spent the rest of the
time listening to their stories and learning about their challenges. We hope to return to help train them in the future.Once again, we want to thank you for your prayers and support that make it possible for us to do this work. We saw God provide in marvelous ways. Please continue to pray as we prepare to travel to Kenya and Burundi August 10 through September 5.
Al and Edie
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Bible Conference Begins
We have now been here 4 days. Staying in a missionary guesthouse has afforded us interesting people to talk with during our meals. There are missionaries , short term mission groups and even a group from a medical school.
The drive to and from the church takes us about 30 minutes in heavy traffic. It gives us opportunity to see people, their places of dwelling and businesses. Everything is dirt so can't imagine what it is like during the rainy season.
Our conference began last night. They probably had around 250 last night with a well known singer and his band. He was enjoyable to listen to, we just don't know what they are saying.
Today (Tuesday) was quite full as well. Alan spoke first, Mark next and just a short time for me. I did say what I needed to say this time but hope to have more time tomorrow. It threw me some when the pastor asked that I speak to the whole group and the men began to protest that they would have to leave. It was a ruckus for a few minutes. Alan was very conflicted not knowing what we should do and I was also feeling unnerved. Then it occurred to me to have the women sit in front and the men could sit in the back and listen in if they wanted. There was cheering and I was then unsure when I was to go up on the platform, with partial translation it is challenging...oh just one of those situations. But my confidence in Christ my Lord was with me, though I was feeling weird as I spoke . I just pray it meant something to some of the women. It was about our call to a close walk with God helping us to face our very busy responsibilities. Alan said I was very serious and not my usual countenance. He said at the end I began to smile a little. Having the message translated twice was something I didn't do well but feel it was partly because of the total experience being different and up on this stage with this big wooden podium. :-)
Mark our partner also struggled last night in a different way. He felt he had to change what he was going to do to fit the audience. Today was much better for him. They had planned interactive stuff but with the large group it won't work so this afternoon they are changing some things around and revamping. Alan's training is pretty much the same only it is more of a preaching format than teaching. This is what it is all about...being flexible and responding in grace and with the confidence that God is in control.
Relying on His strength,
Edie
The drive to and from the church takes us about 30 minutes in heavy traffic. It gives us opportunity to see people, their places of dwelling and businesses. Everything is dirt so can't imagine what it is like during the rainy season.
Our conference began last night. They probably had around 250 last night with a well known singer and his band. He was enjoyable to listen to, we just don't know what they are saying.
Today (Tuesday) was quite full as well. Alan spoke first, Mark next and just a short time for me. I did say what I needed to say this time but hope to have more time tomorrow. It threw me some when the pastor asked that I speak to the whole group and the men began to protest that they would have to leave. It was a ruckus for a few minutes. Alan was very conflicted not knowing what we should do and I was also feeling unnerved. Then it occurred to me to have the women sit in front and the men could sit in the back and listen in if they wanted. There was cheering and I was then unsure when I was to go up on the platform, with partial translation it is challenging...oh just one of those situations. But my confidence in Christ my Lord was with me, though I was feeling weird as I spoke . I just pray it meant something to some of the women. It was about our call to a close walk with God helping us to face our very busy responsibilities. Alan said I was very serious and not my usual countenance. He said at the end I began to smile a little. Having the message translated twice was something I didn't do well but feel it was partly because of the total experience being different and up on this stage with this big wooden podium. :-)
Mark our partner also struggled last night in a different way. He felt he had to change what he was going to do to fit the audience. Today was much better for him. They had planned interactive stuff but with the large group it won't work so this afternoon they are changing some things around and revamping. Alan's training is pretty much the same only it is more of a preaching format than teaching. This is what it is all about...being flexible and responding in grace and with the confidence that God is in control.
Relying on His strength,
Edie
Sunday in Congo
Today (Sunday) Alan preached with translation in Lingala and French. Most people speak French. He did well and it flowed well with everyone listening intently. You just don't know how it will go sometimes. We have been able to say a few words but have an excellent translator with us all the time. We are really enjoying the people and their warm fellowship. Can't wait to start the conference on Monday. We teach right up to the end (we fly out on the 16th). The services are always loud but reverently lively. There wasn't the praying all at once like we have had in some African countries. The church has 250 with a couple sister churches in outlying areas.
The women are so attractive with straighter hair-do's, nails done and beautiful styled dresses in native fabrics. They have that French flavor in the stylishness of their clothes and shoes. We are definitely working with a group that has education and more of the basics.
The food is mostly cubes of beef in a gravy or chicken, rice and greens. Really reminds me of southern food. They make good white bread French-like. Our meals at the guest house are simple and plain. Breakfast was different this morning with a small bowl of granola, bananas (very tasty)and cinnamon rolls. Yesterday at the restaurant I had a chicken quarter smothered in a curry gravy and rice.
Tonight (Sunday)we are meeting with someone they call an "apostle". I think he is considered a spiritual leader. We will learn more I am sure.
Love,
Edie
The women are so attractive with straighter hair-do's, nails done and beautiful styled dresses in native fabrics. They have that French flavor in the stylishness of their clothes and shoes. We are definitely working with a group that has education and more of the basics.
The food is mostly cubes of beef in a gravy or chicken, rice and greens. Really reminds me of southern food. They make good white bread French-like. Our meals at the guest house are simple and plain. Breakfast was different this morning with a small bowl of granola, bananas (very tasty)and cinnamon rolls. Yesterday at the restaurant I had a chicken quarter smothered in a curry gravy and rice.
Tonight (Sunday)we are meeting with someone they call an "apostle". I think he is considered a spiritual leader. We will learn more I am sure.
Love,
Edie
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Another Day in Congo
Today we were picked up and taken to a refuge for the Bonolo Ape. It is on the endangered species list and they have them in the wild. Then we were driven to a man made lake to eat. As we had to wait for our food for quite a while, we had the chance to have some good conversation about meaningful things. It was a good time of getting to know one another. Tomorrow they are looking forward to Alan preaching. It sounds like an all morning service, then we return for the evening service tomorrow night. I am so tired that I can't write anymore.
Love for the brethren everywhere and peace to you,
Edie
Love for the brethren everywhere and peace to you,
Edie
Friday, July 2, 2010
Safe arrival in Congo
I just wanted to post that I received a short email from my mom saying that they had arrrived safely in the capital city of Congo. They are staying in a nice facility but got just a few hours of sleep and then enjoyed a day with the head pastor and his wife. They were served a delicious congolese meal of chicken, fried fish and other traditional dishes (2 kinds of greens, plantains) as well as fried catapillers. Tonight they have an all night prayer meeting, so no rest! Congo is 6 hours ahead of Central Standard time in the US. They asked for prayers for "stamina, and Love that overflows and covers a multitude of things."
Anne Lynn
Daughter of Al & Edie
Anne Lynn
Daughter of Al & Edie
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Summary of Venezuela Trip
Our day at the beach on Saturday went well and was very relaxing. We enjoyed talking about ministry issues with Mario and Alexander who went along with us. Thank you for praying with me about the carsickness issue. With some meds, I did pretty well.
The final day in Venezuela, I preached at the church in Limon. I was concerned because the translator that we had used in the conference was a bit rusty. Mario and I were greeting people as they arrived for the service. A young man named Daniel greeted us and we talked. He spoke excellent English and said that he had done a lot of translating in ministry before. He was new to the church and had only been coming for about a month. I jokingly said to him, “You can translate for me this morning.” Mario chimed in and encouraged him to do so. He agreed readily and did an excellent job. It was a great blessing to me and I think helped Daniel get some exposure in the church. He is a fine young man committed to ministry and I think he will be an asset to the church.
The church service was very dynamic and the worship was heartfelt, passionate and loud. It was a delight to be there. I was encouraged as I was able to figure out the Spanish in about 80% of the lyrics of the songs. Most of them I had never heard before. The people seemed to listen attentively and I heard good reports later, although I had few discussions with the people after the service because of the language issues.
Overall, our experience in Venezuela was very positive. The pastors not only listened well, but also talked seriously together about how to apply what they were learning and what the Lord had been saying to them through us. We could not have asked for a better response. They have tentatively invited us back in March to do training during their national conference. They want us to help fill in some gaps in their current training process.
There were a couple of stories that I thought were especially interesting about the trip:
Abdy Pereira Junior (10 years old), son of one of the pastors, went to his grandpa, who lives in apartment above them, and asked if he would let him host a cell group. Then he went to his Mom and asked if he could have permission to start a cell group with the needy kids in a nearby neighborhood. He told his Mom that he knew his parents were busy, but that he was willing do it himself since his grandpa had offered a place for him to host. They gave permission and Abdy hosted a cell group for 5 weeks. Nineteen children gave their lives to Christ! A few weeks later, he asked his mom, Paola, if he could ride his bike over to the neighborhood to follow-up on the converted kids. She said yes, and he went there, spent time with them, played soccer and found out how they were doing. He has done more follow-up. He recently asked if he could host another evangelistic cell group.
Saturday night it poured down rain and the Mario Lopez home was flooded. He was the pastor that organized the conference. It is the fourth time this has happened. The first time the water was 5 feet high and they lost everything. They had some work done to protect their home so this time the water only rose a couple feet. They have a terrazzo floor so no damage was done to wall or flooring but it will take time to get things back in order. And, since the water is infected with garbage, they have to disinfect everything. Please pray for energy and help. They also asked that we pray for their son Timothy (about 8 yrs old) who is experiencing some trauma every time there is a storm. When we met them for breakfast at the church Sunday morning, Madilva, Mario’s wife, was cheerfully singing as she worked to prepare the meal as if nothing had happened, even though they had been up much of the night working on the flooding. They are quite a godly couple.
I spent Monday night in Miami with my teammate Gene and then flew on to Iowa on Tuesday. It was a wonderful trip but I was also glad to be home. Now Edie and I will travel to St. Louis this weekend to speak at a Congolese church. A new adventure cross-culturally here in the US! Please pray that we will be able to communicate well with them on the issue of marriage. Thanks for your interest and prayers on our behalf.
Al
The final day in Venezuela, I preached at the church in Limon. I was concerned because the translator that we had used in the conference was a bit rusty. Mario and I were greeting people as they arrived for the service. A young man named Daniel greeted us and we talked. He spoke excellent English and said that he had done a lot of translating in ministry before. He was new to the church and had only been coming for about a month. I jokingly said to him, “You can translate for me this morning.” Mario chimed in and encouraged him to do so. He agreed readily and did an excellent job. It was a great blessing to me and I think helped Daniel get some exposure in the church. He is a fine young man committed to ministry and I think he will be an asset to the church.
The church service was very dynamic and the worship was heartfelt, passionate and loud. It was a delight to be there. I was encouraged as I was able to figure out the Spanish in about 80% of the lyrics of the songs. Most of them I had never heard before. The people seemed to listen attentively and I heard good reports later, although I had few discussions with the people after the service because of the language issues.
Overall, our experience in Venezuela was very positive. The pastors not only listened well, but also talked seriously together about how to apply what they were learning and what the Lord had been saying to them through us. We could not have asked for a better response. They have tentatively invited us back in March to do training during their national conference. They want us to help fill in some gaps in their current training process.
There were a couple of stories that I thought were especially interesting about the trip:
Abdy Pereira Junior (10 years old), son of one of the pastors, went to his grandpa, who lives in apartment above them, and asked if he would let him host a cell group. Then he went to his Mom and asked if he could have permission to start a cell group with the needy kids in a nearby neighborhood. He told his Mom that he knew his parents were busy, but that he was willing do it himself since his grandpa had offered a place for him to host. They gave permission and Abdy hosted a cell group for 5 weeks. Nineteen children gave their lives to Christ! A few weeks later, he asked his mom, Paola, if he could ride his bike over to the neighborhood to follow-up on the converted kids. She said yes, and he went there, spent time with them, played soccer and found out how they were doing. He has done more follow-up. He recently asked if he could host another evangelistic cell group.
Saturday night it poured down rain and the Mario Lopez home was flooded. He was the pastor that organized the conference. It is the fourth time this has happened. The first time the water was 5 feet high and they lost everything. They had some work done to protect their home so this time the water only rose a couple feet. They have a terrazzo floor so no damage was done to wall or flooring but it will take time to get things back in order. And, since the water is infected with garbage, they have to disinfect everything. Please pray for energy and help. They also asked that we pray for their son Timothy (about 8 yrs old) who is experiencing some trauma every time there is a storm. When we met them for breakfast at the church Sunday morning, Madilva, Mario’s wife, was cheerfully singing as she worked to prepare the meal as if nothing had happened, even though they had been up much of the night working on the flooding. They are quite a godly couple.
I spent Monday night in Miami with my teammate Gene and then flew on to Iowa on Tuesday. It was a wonderful trip but I was also glad to be home. Now Edie and I will travel to St. Louis this weekend to speak at a Congolese church. A new adventure cross-culturally here in the US! Please pray that we will be able to communicate well with them on the issue of marriage. Thanks for your interest and prayers on our behalf.
Al
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Day 3 in Venezuela, Part 2
Today was my day to teach so naturally I woke early at 4 am and could not get back to sleep. It was just a good reminder from the Lord that I need to trust in Him and He was faithful in helping me through.After two good days of careful training by my teammates it seems that the Lord called me to inspire the men from the Word. I taught on the centrality of the Word in our thinking, on the necessity and joy in suffering, and on our unity in Christ. The Lord seemed to speak though these topics and the men respon
ded well. Someone said they would have been disappointed if they had not been encouraged in this way before they went home. The Lord is good because when we came I did not know anything about the pastors and their needs, but He did. We have been asked to come back in March to do specific training for all of the pastors at their denominational meetings. Tomorrow we go to the ocean traveling on a winding road through the mountains. Car sickness may be an issue for me. Sunday I preach in one of the churches and I have chosen Col. 3:1-4 as a text.
Thank you for your interest and prayers for our ministry here. You have partnered with us in this good work.
Al
Day 3 in Venezuela
Yesterday went well. Mark Wold did a fine job teaching about church health. The pastors are very warm and responsive. They love to get into discussion groups and are very serious about working on good ideas. We have been impressed with the overall maturity of the pastors attending the conference. We have about 35 total, about 1/4 of the total denomination.Last night we heard from Daniel, a missionary from Venezuela to India. He had great stories to tell of the good work God is doing in bringing Hindus and Muslims to Christ. It was
good to see the Venezuelan commitment to missions.One interesting thing that happened yesterday is that a very large iguana fell out of a tree near the building we are meeting in. There were three or four of them in the tree. It was an unusual sight for a Iowan to see.
Pray for me today as I teach on the centrality of the Word in our thinking, the necessity of suffering and our unity in Christ. Thanks for standing with us as we serve the Lord here
.Al
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day 2 in Venezuela
Yesterday was a good but frustrating day. All of the teaching and discussion were conducted in Spanish with no translation. I could get about 1/3 of the teaching but none of the discussion. It makes your brain hurt to try to understand all day. After a full day it makes you feel rather inadequate not to be able to understand anything but we praise God that he is our adequacy.The pastors here seem articulate and mature as far as I can tell. In the evening we had a general discussion with all the pastors and I could not
understand anything that was being said. It turns out that the time was a great blessing as all the men were responding so well to the teaching and encouraging one another to band together to do more church planting. It is apparent that God was working although he did not include me until later when it all was explained to me. Pray for Mark today as he teaches with translation and for me tomorrow that God would work through us as well. Thanks for being partners with us in serving Him.Al
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Day 1 in Venezuela
We arrived last night and everything went well. We flew first into Coracao, part of the Dutch Antilles, and then on to Valencia. I had a little trouble filling out the visa form, it was really small print and my glasses were in my luggage (I know, I should be wearing them all the time). The other guys, all with glasses, helped me out.It was a short drive on over to Limon where we will be staying and teaching. Our room was a step up from Africa, but had air conditioning that worked well. It is warm and humid, coming into summer sooner than we are at home. We are at the edge of the mountains as far as I can see, it is very hazy, almost foggy here.
Mario met
us at the airport and seems to be a fine brother, one of the leaders of the EFCA here. If I can figure out how, I will try to send some photos later. We have internet in the eating area of our small hotel. Hopefully I can write often.Al
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