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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Trip to Burundi & Kenya begins

We are ready, set to go. This time we are heading out for a return trip to Burundi and Kenya. This is nice in that we know what to expect and are looking forward to seeing again the kind and loving believers there. We thank you for your prayers for me and my recovery. Saturday I finally felt normal again and I have been enjoying getting so much done. I asked the Lord to give me both the strength and the discernment with packing and all the numerous details. I was amazed to see how He really was my guide and sustainer.

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 Kenya on August 12^th with a day to catch up on the time gap. We will do some visiting of churches in the area and then the conference begins Sunday the 15^th. It will be good for me to have some time to finesse my lessons and learn them well.

With Joy in my Savior whose grace is always sufficient,

Edie for both of us