Saturday, November 10, 2007
Texans in the West Bank #5 provided by Jack
It is difficult to find words to do justice to the history and significance of the “old city” in Jerusalem. Invaded twenty-eight times, dominated by twelve different foreign powers, claimed by three world religions – Jerusalem is a multi-layered marvel, full of conflicts, contradictions and re-used stones.Today, we followed the path Jesus took from his arrest until he was laid in the tomb. (Of course, the exact location of several of these events is hotly debated and the appearance of many of them has been so radically altered by the “faithful” that they bear little, if any, resemblance to what people of Jesus time would have seen and experienced.) In spite of this, to walk some of the same paths (and even some of the same stones) that Jesus walked, to see the land and the people, and to experience some of the same conflicts and tensions that he faced, is a sobering and enriching experience. It is also sobering and encouraging to realize that Jesus’ love and salvation reach beyond human barriers and boundaries. They penetrate the hearts of people and draw them to him any time his people respond to his call.It is also difficult to find words to tell about our experience tonight at the Culture Center of Ramallah. A new film, which tells the story of Jesus’ ministry through the eyes of Mary Magdellan, was presented there and we were privileged to help. Over 1200 people came. The theater only seats 800 so many were standing. A thousand copies of the film were handed out at the end. We were divided into two groups. Some of us prayed for those who watched the film. The rest of us helped a group of about ten young Palestinian Christians work with about 120 children under ten who came. Before the showing, we met with the young Palestinians and prayed for the showing. This is the first time that the film has been shown to the public and no one was sure what would happen. But we knew who would be in control It was awesome.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Texans in the West Banks #4
Friday, November 09, 2007
Texans in the West Bank #4 provided by Jack
Early this morning our team headed for Bethlehem, birthplace of ourLord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We met with the Palestinian Christianleadership in Bethlehem in preparation to go in several teams to takefood supplies to needy Palestinian Christian families. One particular home we visited included a ninety-two year old motherand her daughter. The daughter thanked us for the food and shared howChrist had healed her from blindness. As she talked, she stood up,raised her hands in the air and began shouting praises to God for hishealing and protection. We all joined with her in praising God forHis goodness.I am always humbled by the faith Palestinians Christians have inJesus. Each team visited eight to ten families, bringing food and theblessings of Christ. We heard story after story of hardship, illnessand poverty. Yet their faith in Christ remains strong. I am always humbled by that fact.Later in the day, we drove down to Jericho to visit some believers from Gaza. They had just evacuated from the Gaza Strip, several of them having death threats on their lives from people who want them to renounce their faith in Christ. These are all members of the same church where Rami Ayaad was a member. Rami was a believer who was martyred for his faith in Christ several weeks ago. The grief and sadness of these friends was evident as we gathered with them for prayer. It was clear the Holy Spirit was present in the prayer meeting that night. God's comfort, blessings and peace was among us as we sharedour love for the believers. I pray for God to use the death of Rami to reach the people in the Gaza Strip for Jesus Christ. As we rode back to our apartment that night, we reflected on our deep abiding love for these believers and continued to pray God's blessings and protection upon them all. Please join with us in this prayer. JS
Texans in the West Bank #4 provided by Jack
Early this morning our team headed for Bethlehem, birthplace of ourLord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We met with the Palestinian Christianleadership in Bethlehem in preparation to go in several teams to takefood supplies to needy Palestinian Christian families. One particular home we visited included a ninety-two year old motherand her daughter. The daughter thanked us for the food and shared howChrist had healed her from blindness. As she talked, she stood up,raised her hands in the air and began shouting praises to God for hishealing and protection. We all joined with her in praising God forHis goodness.I am always humbled by the faith Palestinians Christians have inJesus. Each team visited eight to ten families, bringing food and theblessings of Christ. We heard story after story of hardship, illnessand poverty. Yet their faith in Christ remains strong. I am always humbled by that fact.Later in the day, we drove down to Jericho to visit some believers from Gaza. They had just evacuated from the Gaza Strip, several of them having death threats on their lives from people who want them to renounce their faith in Christ. These are all members of the same church where Rami Ayaad was a member. Rami was a believer who was martyred for his faith in Christ several weeks ago. The grief and sadness of these friends was evident as we gathered with them for prayer. It was clear the Holy Spirit was present in the prayer meeting that night. God's comfort, blessings and peace was among us as we sharedour love for the believers. I pray for God to use the death of Rami to reach the people in the Gaza Strip for Jesus Christ. As we rode back to our apartment that night, we reflected on our deep abiding love for these believers and continued to pray God's blessings and protection upon them all. Please join with us in this prayer. JS
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Texans in the West Bank #3
As posted on Wednesday, November 7 by Jack
We started the morning about 9:00 a.m. with a devotional before going out to some nearby villages. Our first stop was to deliver books to a school in a small village of about 600 people. The school has 120 elementary students in grades K-6. Upon arrival at the school, the children were on a recess break and we were greeted by both the students and school staff. We were received with many smiles by the school staff and children. The children wanted us to shake their hands as we walked into their school grounds. Numerous photos were requested, as the children wanted their pictures taken so that they could see themselves on the digital camera lcds. Here at the school we delivered 60 well-received books to their modest library. Also delivered to school staff were hunger relief supplies. From the school we walked down the road to a home that was visited by the PAL Team last year. The home is located just across a narrow street from the mosque. Last year the team painted the inside of the home and delivered items to the family. This year as we walked onto their property, we were greeted by three women and four children. We were shown yesterday's new arrivals to their small goat farm, two baby goats. The area where the goats live is attached directly to their house and just outside of the kitchen. The women invited us into their home for tea. We visited for a time, talked about their families' and gave the children some stuffed animals. We also provided some hunger relief supplies.The older woman of the home showed us some impressive needlework she has done. She showed us two dresses that were decorated with needlework. She also showed us some of her smaller items, including pillowcases and purses. A number of her wares were purchased by the PAL Team. From this house, we drove away from the Village back towards our apartment. We stopped along the way at hillside location with a view of the Village just visited. Here upon this dry and dusty hill we prayed for the small Village, the children and their families. During our prayer, we could hear the call-to-prayer sounds coming from the mosque. We proceeded next to one more home. We drove to another Village who was an acquaintance of one of the PAL Team members. Here we were greeted by a younger man then two women, one much older than the other. Here at this location we were shown the closeness of the family unit. There were five homes or so near each other. All of residents of these homes were related and it appeared to be a tight-knit family unit. There was much excitement by the family members as a brother was to be married tomorrow. His wife-to-be was from another village about 45 km away. We were served juice to drink by the young man we were visiting. This was the first time we had a man serve us while the women were present. The two women were sitting and talking with our group as the young man served us the drinks. We visited with the two women and young man for a time. The one to be most engaged in the conversation was the woman who was perhaps 35 or so. We provided hunger relief supplies to the five related families. We then joined for a prayer of blessing on tomorrows wedding, for much-needed rain and for the families. The homes visited today are stretched financially since the only work available for the men of these families is through day labor. Here it is a disgrace for a man not to work, however it is extremely challenging, if not impossible for many to sustain their families. Onward we went to our apartment for lunch and a break. From here, six of us drove to the Dead Sea. We had the opportunity to stop and take some pictures of some hillside caves. Upon arrival at the Dead Sea, we observed many uniformed teenage girls engaged in prayer. They appeared to be Hasidic Jews given their style of reading and prayer. Walking down the path to the shoreline, there were people coming up from the water whose skin looked like it was covered with tar. Some people cover their bodies with the black mud found at the bottom of the Dead Sea as a rejuvenating skin treatment. We were able to gather some stones from the shoreline and test the waters with our toes. Sunset came shortly after arrival at the shore, as the sun sets about 5:00 p.m. We could see the lights of Jordan across the Sea on our way back to the apartment. We arrived back at the apartment about 7:00 p.m. for a time of supper and fellowship.
We started the morning about 9:00 a.m. with a devotional before going out to some nearby villages. Our first stop was to deliver books to a school in a small village of about 600 people. The school has 120 elementary students in grades K-6. Upon arrival at the school, the children were on a recess break and we were greeted by both the students and school staff. We were received with many smiles by the school staff and children. The children wanted us to shake their hands as we walked into their school grounds. Numerous photos were requested, as the children wanted their pictures taken so that they could see themselves on the digital camera lcds. Here at the school we delivered 60 well-received books to their modest library. Also delivered to school staff were hunger relief supplies. From the school we walked down the road to a home that was visited by the PAL Team last year. The home is located just across a narrow street from the mosque. Last year the team painted the inside of the home and delivered items to the family. This year as we walked onto their property, we were greeted by three women and four children. We were shown yesterday's new arrivals to their small goat farm, two baby goats. The area where the goats live is attached directly to their house and just outside of the kitchen. The women invited us into their home for tea. We visited for a time, talked about their families' and gave the children some stuffed animals. We also provided some hunger relief supplies.The older woman of the home showed us some impressive needlework she has done. She showed us two dresses that were decorated with needlework. She also showed us some of her smaller items, including pillowcases and purses. A number of her wares were purchased by the PAL Team. From this house, we drove away from the Village back towards our apartment. We stopped along the way at hillside location with a view of the Village just visited. Here upon this dry and dusty hill we prayed for the small Village, the children and their families. During our prayer, we could hear the call-to-prayer sounds coming from the mosque. We proceeded next to one more home. We drove to another Village who was an acquaintance of one of the PAL Team members. Here we were greeted by a younger man then two women, one much older than the other. Here at this location we were shown the closeness of the family unit. There were five homes or so near each other. All of residents of these homes were related and it appeared to be a tight-knit family unit. There was much excitement by the family members as a brother was to be married tomorrow. His wife-to-be was from another village about 45 km away. We were served juice to drink by the young man we were visiting. This was the first time we had a man serve us while the women were present. The two women were sitting and talking with our group as the young man served us the drinks. We visited with the two women and young man for a time. The one to be most engaged in the conversation was the woman who was perhaps 35 or so. We provided hunger relief supplies to the five related families. We then joined for a prayer of blessing on tomorrows wedding, for much-needed rain and for the families. The homes visited today are stretched financially since the only work available for the men of these families is through day labor. Here it is a disgrace for a man not to work, however it is extremely challenging, if not impossible for many to sustain their families. Onward we went to our apartment for lunch and a break. From here, six of us drove to the Dead Sea. We had the opportunity to stop and take some pictures of some hillside caves. Upon arrival at the Dead Sea, we observed many uniformed teenage girls engaged in prayer. They appeared to be Hasidic Jews given their style of reading and prayer. Walking down the path to the shoreline, there were people coming up from the water whose skin looked like it was covered with tar. Some people cover their bodies with the black mud found at the bottom of the Dead Sea as a rejuvenating skin treatment. We were able to gather some stones from the shoreline and test the waters with our toes. Sunset came shortly after arrival at the shore, as the sun sets about 5:00 p.m. We could see the lights of Jordan across the Sea on our way back to the apartment. We arrived back at the apartment about 7:00 p.m. for a time of supper and fellowship.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Texans in the West Bank
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Texans in the West Bank #2
From Jack and the Team
We began the day with breakfast and prayer for the families we would visit today. Our prayer was for the H S to go before us and prepare the hearts of the people.We traveled to a village which is about 8km from the town we are staying in, but we had to travel about 25km to get there due to road access around the mountains.We divided into two teams to be able to visit more families. Our team visited with 3 families. Each visit was to a family including several generations... a mother, daughters and/or daughters-in-law and many grandchildren. Each family was obviously very poor but insisted on serving us coffee and tea, which was very good. There was only one man present in one family, none in the others. The women said the men were away looking for work. The second family, where the uncle was present, was grinding wheat to make flat bread as we arrived. After the uncle finished grinding, he came in to be with us while the daughter prepared the bread. She used an outside oven consisting of hot charcoal under stones. The dough was flattened, like tortillas, and placed on the hot stones to bake. We were given two flat breads as we were leaving. It was delicious. Each family had heavy burdens that they shared with us of poverty, lack of work, health problems and family members separated from them because borders have changed. They can no longer cross borders to visit family.Our purpose was to show them love through our visit and encouragement and small gifts for their children. My prayer is that each family will remember our visit each time they eat the food.
You may also log on to WWW.PALWALK.BLOGSPOT.COM
Texans in the West Bank #2
From Jack and the Team
We began the day with breakfast and prayer for the families we would visit today. Our prayer was for the H S to go before us and prepare the hearts of the people.We traveled to a village which is about 8km from the town we are staying in, but we had to travel about 25km to get there due to road access around the mountains.We divided into two teams to be able to visit more families. Our team visited with 3 families. Each visit was to a family including several generations... a mother, daughters and/or daughters-in-law and many grandchildren. Each family was obviously very poor but insisted on serving us coffee and tea, which was very good. There was only one man present in one family, none in the others. The women said the men were away looking for work. The second family, where the uncle was present, was grinding wheat to make flat bread as we arrived. After the uncle finished grinding, he came in to be with us while the daughter prepared the bread. She used an outside oven consisting of hot charcoal under stones. The dough was flattened, like tortillas, and placed on the hot stones to bake. We were given two flat breads as we were leaving. It was delicious. Each family had heavy burdens that they shared with us of poverty, lack of work, health problems and family members separated from them because borders have changed. They can no longer cross borders to visit family.Our purpose was to show them love through our visit and encouragement and small gifts for their children. My prayer is that each family will remember our visit each time they eat the food.
You may also log on to WWW.PALWALK.BLOGSPOT.COM
Texans in the West Bank
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Texans in the West Bank#1
We started out in New Jersey airport and ended up here. Seven of us arrived on Saturday morning and have gotten off to a great start! I and two other team members visited and encouraged a good Palestinian friend of ours, while the rest of the team toured outside the Old City of Jerusalem...seeing key Biblical sites: Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemani and Caiphas' house. Virginia was taken back by the lifesize statue of Peter's denial...Peter's hands were lifted in denial and his head seemed to be shaking "No, I don't even know the Man." As I write this, I see the irony of this statement....That is why we are here! Day one was full! Today we worshipped the Lord with local Palestinian Christians. They sang in Arabic as we sang and hummed along. Some songs we recognized by the tune...but others???? No clue! I sung along inserting my own words in a form of a prayer over the church members. To my surpise, the message echoed my prayer. God is in our midst!
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Texans in the West Bank#1
We started out in New Jersey airport and ended up here. Seven of us arrived on Saturday morning and have gotten off to a great start! I and two other team members visited and encouraged a good Palestinian friend of ours, while the rest of the team toured outside the Old City of Jerusalem...seeing key Biblical sites: Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemani and Caiphas' house. Virginia was taken back by the lifesize statue of Peter's denial...Peter's hands were lifted in denial and his head seemed to be shaking "No, I don't even know the Man." As I write this, I see the irony of this statement....That is why we are here! Day one was full! Today we worshipped the Lord with local Palestinian Christians. They sang in Arabic as we sang and hummed along. Some songs we recognized by the tune...but others???? No clue! I sung along inserting my own words in a form of a prayer over the church members. To my surpise, the message echoed my prayer. God is in our midst!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Final day in Luanda
Dearest Prayers,
Today was a day of celebration of all that has transpired over the last week.
We met the health workers, the health activists, the teachers from the school, Papa Destino, Pastor Joao and his wife Filomena, the Baptist Women's Executive Director for Angola, Joan - the British missionary who has been our hostess, and hundreds of children and adults. It was a ceremony honoring each of the groups that participated in making the past week successful. They took the time to celebrate all parties working together in the sharing of the gospel and the distribution of the Nets.
One beautiful event was a ceremonial handing of the Nets from each team member to 5 pregnant Moms carrying their baby on their backs, 5 school-age children representing the children in the community, and the reading of a letter of appreciation to our church and His Nets for their part in this ministry. It was a great time of rejoicing in God's provision for all He's done both leading up to and during the time spent here.
We made Texans out of the Health Minister of the IEBA and the Pastor of the church by presenting each of them with Lone Star State T-Shirts. Sorry, T and Don and Pastor Greg, they didn't sell any OU shirts at the Texas Bookstore!!!
After the festivities we passed out soccer balls, baseball caps and "beanie babies" to the workers who labored with us. Leslie decided to try some behavior modification with the local kids by offering candy for a piece of trash. In 30 seconds they filled a 30 gallon trash can and we were mobbed by hundreds of kids!!!!!
After leaving the clinic we went to dinner with all of the dignitaries of the Igrega Evangelica Baptista em Angola and evaluated this week's effort. The heads of the convention were very impressed and so thankful that Angola was remembered.
We ended the week following up on the family that we witnessed to our very first day. More people from the neighborhood were present so we shared the gospel again and 8 people prayed asking Christ into their lives. We had saved 8 nets for them and were able to share a suitcase of clothing we had brought with us.
Thank you for the sweet messages of encouragement and continued prayers while we've been here. Only God knows for sure but we think over 100 adults plus children prayed asking Christ to come into their lives. Continue to pray because we aren't home yet (we have to be at the airport 4 hours in advance because of the way things operate in Angola). We'll leave our rooms at 5:30 in the morning on our way to Lisbon, Newark, and Dallas. We'll arrive in Dallas at 6:00p.m. Sunday night.
See you soon!
All of our love,
Your Angolan Team
Norm, Bob, Dave, Leslie and Charlotte
Today was a day of celebration of all that has transpired over the last week.
We met the health workers, the health activists, the teachers from the school, Papa Destino, Pastor Joao and his wife Filomena, the Baptist Women's Executive Director for Angola, Joan - the British missionary who has been our hostess, and hundreds of children and adults. It was a ceremony honoring each of the groups that participated in making the past week successful. They took the time to celebrate all parties working together in the sharing of the gospel and the distribution of the Nets.
One beautiful event was a ceremonial handing of the Nets from each team member to 5 pregnant Moms carrying their baby on their backs, 5 school-age children representing the children in the community, and the reading of a letter of appreciation to our church and His Nets for their part in this ministry. It was a great time of rejoicing in God's provision for all He's done both leading up to and during the time spent here.
We made Texans out of the Health Minister of the IEBA and the Pastor of the church by presenting each of them with Lone Star State T-Shirts. Sorry, T and Don and Pastor Greg, they didn't sell any OU shirts at the Texas Bookstore!!!
After the festivities we passed out soccer balls, baseball caps and "beanie babies" to the workers who labored with us. Leslie decided to try some behavior modification with the local kids by offering candy for a piece of trash. In 30 seconds they filled a 30 gallon trash can and we were mobbed by hundreds of kids!!!!!
After leaving the clinic we went to dinner with all of the dignitaries of the Igrega Evangelica Baptista em Angola and evaluated this week's effort. The heads of the convention were very impressed and so thankful that Angola was remembered.
We ended the week following up on the family that we witnessed to our very first day. More people from the neighborhood were present so we shared the gospel again and 8 people prayed asking Christ into their lives. We had saved 8 nets for them and were able to share a suitcase of clothing we had brought with us.
Thank you for the sweet messages of encouragement and continued prayers while we've been here. Only God knows for sure but we think over 100 adults plus children prayed asking Christ to come into their lives. Continue to pray because we aren't home yet (we have to be at the airport 4 hours in advance because of the way things operate in Angola). We'll leave our rooms at 5:30 in the morning on our way to Lisbon, Newark, and Dallas. We'll arrive in Dallas at 6:00p.m. Sunday night.
See you soon!
All of our love,
Your Angolan Team
Norm, Bob, Dave, Leslie and Charlotte
End of the week
The need is great but the Nets are few...got rocks thrown at us because people wanted to see their children saved too and we didn't have enough to hand out!
We have given out our last nets and there are so many people angry at us because they didn't receive one. If we had 100.000 nets it wouldn't have been enough for the area of Terra Vermelha (red dirt) where we were working. The good news is that there were MANY souls saved today. They are so open to listen to the story of God's love for them and when they pray they do it from the depths of their hearts. The Baptist pastor from that area accompanied us and in his testimony yesterday afternoon said that he had felt very encouraged by the way we shared Christ's love and that he had actually learned a lot from the team. Pray for him, Pastor Joao Tuto, who has a monumental job to do right there. He took down the names of those who were praying to receive Christ and promised to go visit them.
Wednesday night we had the opportunity of meeting some of our IMB missionaries and had an American meal (we've been eating boiled bananas and peanuts every day for lunch because that is what they eat)! Luckily the power didn't go out until the food was cooked so we got to enjoy a candlelight dinner. The missionary was trying to decide whether to open the door and let the air in so we wouldn't smother or keep the door closed and the mosquitos out--we kept the mosquitos out :0)!!! Scott Mcainey told us about a near-death experience awhile back when he contracted malaria. The village people thought he had died and had a funeral for him. He did live and sent word back to them because if he showed up in person they would think he was Lazarus!!!
It has been a humbling experience to put it mildly! No words will ever convey to you the poverty and the need of this people. However, they keep smiling and trying. We white people scare them to death and that has been humbling. Some of the children cry when they see us because a local cult church tells them that white people are of the devil and will eat their young.
We are so different and interesting to them that they throng around us touching our arms, feeling our hair, and stare at us like something from another planet. We have literally hundreds of kids following us everywhere so we've used those opportunities to teach them songs, tell them bible stories and just show them God loves them!
Today we will have a closing ceremony with the local authorities. We are somewhat concerned about the big black pot with boiling water they've prepared for us (just kidding)!
We love you and have definitely felt your prayers. Keep praying. We have today's activities and two days of travelling ahead of us.
Your Angolan Team...
Bob, Leslie, Norm, Dave and Charlotte
We have given out our last nets and there are so many people angry at us because they didn't receive one. If we had 100.000 nets it wouldn't have been enough for the area of Terra Vermelha (red dirt) where we were working. The good news is that there were MANY souls saved today. They are so open to listen to the story of God's love for them and when they pray they do it from the depths of their hearts. The Baptist pastor from that area accompanied us and in his testimony yesterday afternoon said that he had felt very encouraged by the way we shared Christ's love and that he had actually learned a lot from the team. Pray for him, Pastor Joao Tuto, who has a monumental job to do right there. He took down the names of those who were praying to receive Christ and promised to go visit them.
Wednesday night we had the opportunity of meeting some of our IMB missionaries and had an American meal (we've been eating boiled bananas and peanuts every day for lunch because that is what they eat)! Luckily the power didn't go out until the food was cooked so we got to enjoy a candlelight dinner. The missionary was trying to decide whether to open the door and let the air in so we wouldn't smother or keep the door closed and the mosquitos out--we kept the mosquitos out :0)!!! Scott Mcainey told us about a near-death experience awhile back when he contracted malaria. The village people thought he had died and had a funeral for him. He did live and sent word back to them because if he showed up in person they would think he was Lazarus!!!
It has been a humbling experience to put it mildly! No words will ever convey to you the poverty and the need of this people. However, they keep smiling and trying. We white people scare them to death and that has been humbling. Some of the children cry when they see us because a local cult church tells them that white people are of the devil and will eat their young.
We are so different and interesting to them that they throng around us touching our arms, feeling our hair, and stare at us like something from another planet. We have literally hundreds of kids following us everywhere so we've used those opportunities to teach them songs, tell them bible stories and just show them God loves them!
Today we will have a closing ceremony with the local authorities. We are somewhat concerned about the big black pot with boiling water they've prepared for us (just kidding)!
We love you and have definitely felt your prayers. Keep praying. We have today's activities and two days of travelling ahead of us.
Your Angolan Team...
Bob, Leslie, Norm, Dave and Charlotte
Monday, October 22, 2007
Angola Day 1
Day 1
Wow, what a day!!! Today was our first day to pass out nets to the people of Angola. We first visited the General Baptist Secretary of the Country of Angola and his first Vice-President. He graciously welcomed us and was quite moved that we would be willing to leave our country to come serve his people. He is already inviting us to come back! Because of the poverty of the country the needs are endless. Due to the overwhelming population and the traffic and lack of paved roads it is a 2-hour journey to get across town. We never travel the same path so its hard to grasp where you are or where you've been.
We returned to the community Terra Vermelha (Red Dirt) near one of the churches we visited on Sunday. This community came about as trash was dumped from the city and people would come and dig through the trash to find sustenance. They stayed and built their huts beside the dump so this is truly a city built amongs the refuse.
We split up in two groups , one at the Health Clinic and the other one walking door-to-door (there are a LOT of doors). We had 10 Angolan health workers from the local church to assist us. For each net distributed we explained its correct use, recorded their address and number of family members, number of children under five, as well as the GPS coordinates of each location. This will allow follow-up mission group to gauge the effectiveness of the nets. We were overwhelmed by the masses of people desiring nets and saddened by their desperate conditions. We had 400 nets to pass out today but within a few hours our quota had been delivered and people were literally screaming for them.
We did have the opportunity to share Christ's message with quite a few people. One man, Joao, came demanding that his family receive a net (he has 10 children). He was soon set in place by "Mama" Charlotte and while waiting his turn we had the opportunity to lead him to Christ. We prayed that God would use his assertive character as a positive force for Jesus within his community. Wherever we went flocks of children followed us. We used those moments to tell them the gospel story and teach them English praise songs.
Angola is a country torn by almost 30 years of civil war. Take notice of the picture of the young boy standing next to a bomb shell casing that was used as a crude decoration in his yard.
We finished up the day with the kids playing soccer with one of the balls donated by our church and passing out lollypops. Having learned from today's experience, tomorrow we look forward to passing out 600 nets and sharing the love of Jesus.
We are all doing real well and are in good health. Such things as frequent power outages, cold showers, and fumigating our rooms before bedtime have underlined the importance of flexibility in our vocabulary! We are cooking our own meals after discovering the high cost of eating out in Angola. So far Norm and Dave have done a good job. Bob, Leslie and Charlotte are responsible for the clean-up!!!
We are having an awesome experience sharing the love of Christ with this needy people. Your prayers are being vital to this mission and we continue counting on them.
In His service,
Bob, Dave, Leslie, Norm and Charlotte
Wow, what a day!!! Today was our first day to pass out nets to the people of Angola. We first visited the General Baptist Secretary of the Country of Angola and his first Vice-President. He graciously welcomed us and was quite moved that we would be willing to leave our country to come serve his people. He is already inviting us to come back! Because of the poverty of the country the needs are endless. Due to the overwhelming population and the traffic and lack of paved roads it is a 2-hour journey to get across town. We never travel the same path so its hard to grasp where you are or where you've been.
We returned to the community Terra Vermelha (Red Dirt) near one of the churches we visited on Sunday. This community came about as trash was dumped from the city and people would come and dig through the trash to find sustenance. They stayed and built their huts beside the dump so this is truly a city built amongs the refuse.
We split up in two groups , one at the Health Clinic and the other one walking door-to-door (there are a LOT of doors). We had 10 Angolan health workers from the local church to assist us. For each net distributed we explained its correct use, recorded their address and number of family members, number of children under five, as well as the GPS coordinates of each location. This will allow follow-up mission group to gauge the effectiveness of the nets. We were overwhelmed by the masses of people desiring nets and saddened by their desperate conditions. We had 400 nets to pass out today but within a few hours our quota had been delivered and people were literally screaming for them.
We did have the opportunity to share Christ's message with quite a few people. One man, Joao, came demanding that his family receive a net (he has 10 children). He was soon set in place by "Mama" Charlotte and while waiting his turn we had the opportunity to lead him to Christ. We prayed that God would use his assertive character as a positive force for Jesus within his community. Wherever we went flocks of children followed us. We used those moments to tell them the gospel story and teach them English praise songs.
Angola is a country torn by almost 30 years of civil war. Take notice of the picture of the young boy standing next to a bomb shell casing that was used as a crude decoration in his yard.
We finished up the day with the kids playing soccer with one of the balls donated by our church and passing out lollypops. Having learned from today's experience, tomorrow we look forward to passing out 600 nets and sharing the love of Jesus.
We are all doing real well and are in good health. Such things as frequent power outages, cold showers, and fumigating our rooms before bedtime have underlined the importance of flexibility in our vocabulary! We are cooking our own meals after discovering the high cost of eating out in Angola. So far Norm and Dave have done a good job. Bob, Leslie and Charlotte are responsible for the clean-up!!!
We are having an awesome experience sharing the love of Christ with this needy people. Your prayers are being vital to this mission and we continue counting on them.
In His service,
Bob, Dave, Leslie, Norm and Charlotte
Sunday, October 21, 2007
ANGOLA
Well, we made it! After two days of travelling we were kind of tired but ready to serve. Even those that have travelled third-world countries before were taken-back by the level of poverty and how it just goes on and on from neighborhood to neighborhood - It just never ends! Even in the downtown area we saw high-rise buildings that were started and never finished and eventually taken over by the poor people. There are no railings, no doors, no windows, and there they are 20 stories up in the air.
Water and electricity are a luxury. The only running water is the kind you run and get! We see kids that are 7 or 8 years old carrying hundreds of pounds of water on their backs. A lot of the women carry everything on their heads -- from bread, to laundry, to water, gasoline...whatever the need!
Yesterday after settling into our apartments which are very modest at best (cold showers -- but we're not complaining after seeing a man bathing in the sewer water --no air conditioning, etc) we went grocery shopping (we are cooking our own meals to save money--eating a hamburger and french fries was $12). After returning we walked past the guarded gate and went across the road where we met 8 families living in one little area. We had the joy of sharing Christ with them and having 3 of them pray to receive Christ into their lives. We left floating on air and thanking the Lord for allowing us to come.
Today has been a great day. We visited and worshipped in 7 (yes, seven) different Baptist churches. We were blessed by some of the prettiest a capella music that you will ever hear. They were singing in the Congo language and even though we couldn't understand we knew they were praising Jesus and we wept!!! People were most appreciative that we were there, and didn't understand why we would come all the way from America to help them. We were accompanied by Mr. Destino Garcia, the Minister of Health of the Igreja Evangelica Baptista de Angola, and Joan Woodyer, a missionary nurse with the British Missionary Society.
The little children are so happy to have their picture taken. As a matter of fact, anybody will stop and ask you to take their picture. We'' will try to send some pictures as soon as possible.
Tomorrow we start the distribution of the Nets so please continue to pray as we have 2000 Nets to distribute in 5 days.
We will get back to you later with more details. Our battery is running out.
In His service,
The Angola Team
Water and electricity are a luxury. The only running water is the kind you run and get! We see kids that are 7 or 8 years old carrying hundreds of pounds of water on their backs. A lot of the women carry everything on their heads -- from bread, to laundry, to water, gasoline...whatever the need!
Yesterday after settling into our apartments which are very modest at best (cold showers -- but we're not complaining after seeing a man bathing in the sewer water --no air conditioning, etc) we went grocery shopping (we are cooking our own meals to save money--eating a hamburger and french fries was $12). After returning we walked past the guarded gate and went across the road where we met 8 families living in one little area. We had the joy of sharing Christ with them and having 3 of them pray to receive Christ into their lives. We left floating on air and thanking the Lord for allowing us to come.
Today has been a great day. We visited and worshipped in 7 (yes, seven) different Baptist churches. We were blessed by some of the prettiest a capella music that you will ever hear. They were singing in the Congo language and even though we couldn't understand we knew they were praising Jesus and we wept!!! People were most appreciative that we were there, and didn't understand why we would come all the way from America to help them. We were accompanied by Mr. Destino Garcia, the Minister of Health of the Igreja Evangelica Baptista de Angola, and Joan Woodyer, a missionary nurse with the British Missionary Society.
The little children are so happy to have their picture taken. As a matter of fact, anybody will stop and ask you to take their picture. We'' will try to send some pictures as soon as possible.
Tomorrow we start the distribution of the Nets so please continue to pray as we have 2000 Nets to distribute in 5 days.
We will get back to you later with more details. Our battery is running out.
In His service,
The Angola Team
Friday, July 20, 2007
Family Mission Trip Overview
Thank you all for all of your prayers and support throughout this trip. You're prayers have meant so much to us on this trip.
Well, although the week started out rough and we were all a bit discouraged. The rain that blessed us daily put a damper on our activities. We were not sure exactly what God was thinking and what His plans were for the trip because, from the way it was looking, most of our activities would not have a good turn out.
God obviously did have fantastic plans for us. Although we had fewer children at the VBS we truly had an impact on the children. Many of them were questioning religion and hungry to learn more. We had one child at VBS accept Christ and four of the mothers. This alone was an incredible act of God's strength. At the VBS it was incredible to see the way that God worked through the children and youth that we brought with us on the trip. I will admit that i was skeptical about having young kids on the mission trip. These kids totally proved me wrong! They were ready and eager to let God work through their lives. They were excited and totally willing to do whatever needed to be done to help the kids that we had there. They were incredible with the children. They could have almost run it themselves! It is so cool to see how God can work through so small a person as long as they have a willing heart.
Although the rain made it harder for the construction team, they pushed forward. The hammered and nailed in the rain and worked through the afternoon when necessary. They had an obvious impact on the family of the small house that they built and on pastor Omar and his wife. Not only that but they also got the chance to reach out to the family next door to one of the houses. They helped them to fix their sagging roof and, though this, had the chance to witness to them and tell them about Jesus and Omar's church. The construction team planted a seed that Omar and his church will pursue.
The block parties were the area that we definitely had to be the most flexible and had to trust God and put our faith in him. Both block parties were planned at parks but had to be moved indoors to different facilities because of the rain. We were discouraged because we knew that this would hurt the attendance dramatically. Di spite our skepticism, God did incredible things. The first block party, which ended up being held at the church, drew mainly church members. On this night, although many of the attendees were already believers, there were eight people who accepted Christ. This was something we totally did not expect and knew was definitely God's hand in our work. The second block party drew more people from the community that did not attend church. God totally blew our expectations out of the water with this one. We were expecting a smaller turn out for this block party and we ended up having more people than we could have ever expected or hoped for in these circumstances. On that night we had 28 professions of faith! We were dumbfounded. God definitely worked in spite of and through the rain.
Well, although the week started out rough and we were all a bit discouraged. The rain that blessed us daily put a damper on our activities. We were not sure exactly what God was thinking and what His plans were for the trip because, from the way it was looking, most of our activities would not have a good turn out.
God obviously did have fantastic plans for us. Although we had fewer children at the VBS we truly had an impact on the children. Many of them were questioning religion and hungry to learn more. We had one child at VBS accept Christ and four of the mothers. This alone was an incredible act of God's strength. At the VBS it was incredible to see the way that God worked through the children and youth that we brought with us on the trip. I will admit that i was skeptical about having young kids on the mission trip. These kids totally proved me wrong! They were ready and eager to let God work through their lives. They were excited and totally willing to do whatever needed to be done to help the kids that we had there. They were incredible with the children. They could have almost run it themselves! It is so cool to see how God can work through so small a person as long as they have a willing heart.
Although the rain made it harder for the construction team, they pushed forward. The hammered and nailed in the rain and worked through the afternoon when necessary. They had an obvious impact on the family of the small house that they built and on pastor Omar and his wife. Not only that but they also got the chance to reach out to the family next door to one of the houses. They helped them to fix their sagging roof and, though this, had the chance to witness to them and tell them about Jesus and Omar's church. The construction team planted a seed that Omar and his church will pursue.
The block parties were the area that we definitely had to be the most flexible and had to trust God and put our faith in him. Both block parties were planned at parks but had to be moved indoors to different facilities because of the rain. We were discouraged because we knew that this would hurt the attendance dramatically. Di spite our skepticism, God did incredible things. The first block party, which ended up being held at the church, drew mainly church members. On this night, although many of the attendees were already believers, there were eight people who accepted Christ. This was something we totally did not expect and knew was definitely God's hand in our work. The second block party drew more people from the community that did not attend church. God totally blew our expectations out of the water with this one. We were expecting a smaller turn out for this block party and we ended up having more people than we could have ever expected or hoped for in these circumstances. On that night we had 28 professions of faith! We were dumbfounded. God definitely worked in spite of and through the rain.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Reach for the Goal Sports Camp ~ Vancouver 2007
God is working here in Vancouver at the Sports Camp! There are four different teams, three from different churches in the states working together with The Bridge, to form one team with a single purpose. It is a beautiful picture of how the body of Christ works together for His purposes.
The weather was terrific the first day - lots of sunshine. We had 42 kids in attendance. The very first day one of the new kids (a seven year old Asian boy) had a great conversation with one of the teenage counselors. They were talking about God. When the teen asked the little boy if he knew about God, he said he thought he died at Christmas. When the teen explained about Jesus' birth and death and reason God planned it that way, the boy said "he didn't live very long then, did he?!" The teen explained his death was several years later. Another little boy brought a book called Questions and Answers About the Bible. He has been bringing it every day. Jerry, the pastor of The Bridge, is telling a Bible story each day. This year he is telling the story about Daniel. Each day he leaves off the story at an exciting point, which causes the kids to anticipate the next day. It's exciting to see at the end of the story, the little boy with the Bible book always gets it out and turns to the Daniel story to look ahead.
Tuesday and Wednesday did not look so well as far as the weather is concerned. It rained all morning Tuesday, and most of the day on Wednesday. It is supposed to rain the rest of the week - please pray for sunshine for us! In spite of the gloomy weather, spirits remained high and we had a great time. All the kids still showed up and participated in the activities. We have had to modify games because we can't play basketball when the court is so wet.
Today (Wednesday) two of the campers asked a lot of questions about God and church. They asked why Christians go to church. One of the kids said he was a Christian (he prayed a salvation prayer with Jeremy a few years ago), but that he doesn't go to church. Please stay in prayer for us as the leaders answer all the questions the kids are asking. We are thrilled that they are asking such deep, probing questions.
Matthew 28:19 tells us to go and make disciples of all nations. There are numerous nationalities represented at the sports camp, some of whom don't speak much English! Of the 42 kids, 40 of them come from completely unchurched homes. Even with the language and religious challenges, we are seeing how God's love breaks through, so that they don't become barriers.
South Mountain Community Church, New Jersey
We have finally gotten access to a computer this morning. We worshipped with the South Mountain church on Sunday morning and were encouraged with the growth we saw compared to our time here last summer. This is a warm congregation working hard to share God's love with a community that is not very receptive to the Gospel. The locals are very nice people and the working parent typically rides the train to NYC every day. Pastor Bob Griner and his nine summer interns are striving to make an impact on this metro New York suburb.
Our team was originally planning to assist in leading a soccer camp however registrations were not what they had hoped for. We have been doing various servant evangelism projects such as handing out breakfast bars at the train station each morning, picking up trash at local parks, prayer walking and assisting with VBS. Please pray for our team along with mission teams from Maryland and Kansas as we work together to help South Mountain Community Church impact their community with God's love.
Our team was originally planning to assist in leading a soccer camp however registrations were not what they had hoped for. We have been doing various servant evangelism projects such as handing out breakfast bars at the train station each morning, picking up trash at local parks, prayer walking and assisting with VBS. Please pray for our team along with mission teams from Maryland and Kansas as we work together to help South Mountain Community Church impact their community with God's love.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Family Mission Trip Beginnings
Hey guys! Well, in case anyone was worried, we made it down here on Saturday night despite the little run-in that Collins had with an impatient driver on the highway. Don't worry - no one was hurt, and with God's help, the damages were repaired quickly and we were on our way.
On Sunday morning, we experienced a new and different type of service than most of us were used to. At Omar's church we experienced a special praise and worship service. Although the majority of the service was in Spanish and we did not understand the words, we could definately feel God's spirit in that place. Their hearts spoke to ours with their words and their songs. We felt their emotions and the power of God surging through the church. Although it was one of the longest services the majority of our crew had experienced (the service lasted three hours), we didn't want to leave because we were still hungry for more. These people at the church truly love God and yearn for His presence.
Today was our first day of work both at the construction sites and VBS at the community center. We awoke this morning to pouring rain and lightning storms. I was immediatly fearful that not only the contruction crew would fall behind because they would not be able to work, but that VBS would also be a flop because the children would not show up. Well, God obviously had other plans. He will provide; we only need to trust Him. The rain stopped just in time and the guys at the construction site didn't lose much time and are right on schedule. They have the roof up on the smaller of the houses, and they have finished the electrical wiring and the insulation at Omar's house! God is truly blessing our labor. VBS also went well today. We had 16 kids which was more that we expected considering the rain. The children are already warming up to us and seem ready to learn more about God. It is cool to see God working through all of the members of our team. He uses each of us and our unique talents for His glory. He is working not only through the adults but through the children on the trip as well. Pray for us as the week progresses. God is with us and is going to do great things on this trip. We are here for one reason and one reason only, to glorify Him and that is what we intend to do.
Thank you for your prayers and your support!
Caroline Davidson
On Sunday morning, we experienced a new and different type of service than most of us were used to. At Omar's church we experienced a special praise and worship service. Although the majority of the service was in Spanish and we did not understand the words, we could definately feel God's spirit in that place. Their hearts spoke to ours with their words and their songs. We felt their emotions and the power of God surging through the church. Although it was one of the longest services the majority of our crew had experienced (the service lasted three hours), we didn't want to leave because we were still hungry for more. These people at the church truly love God and yearn for His presence.
Today was our first day of work both at the construction sites and VBS at the community center. We awoke this morning to pouring rain and lightning storms. I was immediatly fearful that not only the contruction crew would fall behind because they would not be able to work, but that VBS would also be a flop because the children would not show up. Well, God obviously had other plans. He will provide; we only need to trust Him. The rain stopped just in time and the guys at the construction site didn't lose much time and are right on schedule. They have the roof up on the smaller of the houses, and they have finished the electrical wiring and the insulation at Omar's house! God is truly blessing our labor. VBS also went well today. We had 16 kids which was more that we expected considering the rain. The children are already warming up to us and seem ready to learn more about God. It is cool to see God working through all of the members of our team. He uses each of us and our unique talents for His glory. He is working not only through the adults but through the children on the trip as well. Pray for us as the week progresses. God is with us and is going to do great things on this trip. We are here for one reason and one reason only, to glorify Him and that is what we intend to do.
Thank you for your prayers and your support!
Caroline Davidson
Monday, July 9, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Vancouver - Monday, June 18, 2007
Update on Sports Camp site -
It is going to happen, just waiting to hear God's choice. The Bridge Church has definite permission to use McBride Park in Kitsilano; however, that would mean having to change the basketball portion of the camp to "field sports". Jerry and Rodney have already spoken to Jeremy Jackson and he is willing to do whatever is needed - he knows of some great games that would encompass all sports to go along with soccer camp.
Now, the ideal we are praying for is the site at a private school - Fraser Academy. This one does offer a basketball court. The head master's assistant has called this morning with word that the head master realizes our deadline and will definitely give an answer today. Please pray God's will and His choice. We are so excited to hear His answer.
Since our last note, we have prayer walked the campus of University of British Columbia, attended The Bridge Worship Service, participated in a church-wide prayer meeting on Sunday evening and have spent lots of time encouraging the church staff and their families. Today as we await answer on the sports camp (so we can prepare their mailouts), we are at the church office putting together "welcome packets" to take to Vancouver's Welcome House - a place where new immigrants arrive into Canada. Families and individuals actually stay there for a couple of weeks for orientation and help finding housing and jobs. These "welcome packets" contain toiletries and info about The Bridge. After we deliver we will "prayer walk" by car so we can cover more territory.
Our prayer:
In Vancouver, "The Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." However, the lost here do not see the beauty around them as being designed by God, the Creator, the Heavenly Father. We pray these scriptures:
"For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 4:6
"I now send you to open their eyes, in order to turn then from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me." Acts 26:17-18
It is going to happen, just waiting to hear God's choice. The Bridge Church has definite permission to use McBride Park in Kitsilano; however, that would mean having to change the basketball portion of the camp to "field sports". Jerry and Rodney have already spoken to Jeremy Jackson and he is willing to do whatever is needed - he knows of some great games that would encompass all sports to go along with soccer camp.
Now, the ideal we are praying for is the site at a private school - Fraser Academy. This one does offer a basketball court. The head master's assistant has called this morning with word that the head master realizes our deadline and will definitely give an answer today. Please pray God's will and His choice. We are so excited to hear His answer.
Since our last note, we have prayer walked the campus of University of British Columbia, attended The Bridge Worship Service, participated in a church-wide prayer meeting on Sunday evening and have spent lots of time encouraging the church staff and their families. Today as we await answer on the sports camp (so we can prepare their mailouts), we are at the church office putting together "welcome packets" to take to Vancouver's Welcome House - a place where new immigrants arrive into Canada. Families and individuals actually stay there for a couple of weeks for orientation and help finding housing and jobs. These "welcome packets" contain toiletries and info about The Bridge. After we deliver we will "prayer walk" by car so we can cover more territory.
Our prayer:
In Vancouver, "The Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." However, the lost here do not see the beauty around them as being designed by God, the Creator, the Heavenly Father. We pray these scriptures:
"For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 4:6
"I now send you to open their eyes, in order to turn then from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me." Acts 26:17-18
Friday, June 15, 2007
Vancouver Prayer Walking Mission Trip
Greetings from the Vancouver Ladies Prayer Walking Mission Trip. Our "mission trip miracles" began yesterday on our flight. Trisha had the honor and privilege of sitting next to two ladies from Maryland. They were traveling to Vancouver to visit family and were looking forward to leaving on a cruise especially-designed for a community of very special people who are both deaf and blind. The older woman, Ann, was deaf/blind and the younger woman, Irene, was deaf, but had been Ann's companion and "connection to the world" for 10 years. As I sat beside them, God said, "Trisha are you going to sit her on this plane for four hours and not tell them about me?" I decided to write a note introducing myself and my traveling companions, Rubye Dacon, Barbara Borth, Nelda Gentsch and Lynnette Powell. I told them we were on a Prayer Walking Mission Trip. Irene wrote that she had been on a two-week Prayer Walking Mission Trip to Japan. She told me when she had accepted Jesus as her Savior. When I asked about Ann's faith, Irene said she did not know if Ann had Jesus in her heart (after knowing her for 10 years). We continued writing and then Irene began "signing" into Ann's hand. Their relationship was beautiful to watch. Ann began smiling and wanted to talk to me (she does have some speaking ability). She showed me the sign for Jesus and Bible and pointed to her heart. Then in her lovely broken voice she sang to me "Jesus Loves Me". I gave them a copy of our group's Bible verses we had chosen as our theme verses for Vancouver (about 15 verses). Irene then turned to Ann and took the time to sign every word of every verse to her. It was beautiful to watch them, constantly touching (a blessing that hearing people miss) with lovely smiles on their sweet faces. Their relationship now has a bond into Eternity and we can't wait to see them there with their sight and sound perfectly restored by our wonderful Lord.
We shared a meaningful evening with The Bridge Church at their weekly "Build-Up" Meeting (Bible Study). Jerry Conner, the Pastor, spoke on 1 Peter 1 and his wife, Diana led a discussion on James 1:12-15. We enjoyed meeting several of their newest church members that we had prayed for over the last year.
Many of you know the church has been searching for a new site for this year's Outreach Sports Camp. We received word this morning that another much hoped for location is also not available. And so, as Jerry says, "We move on in faith". They are now awaiting a call from the Vancouver Parks and Recreation Board to secure a site at a local park. We are leaving the church office now to go on a prayer walk at some of the possible locations and in their neighborhoods.
Please continue praying for God's perfect site.
We shared a meaningful evening with The Bridge Church at their weekly "Build-Up" Meeting (Bible Study). Jerry Conner, the Pastor, spoke on 1 Peter 1 and his wife, Diana led a discussion on James 1:12-15. We enjoyed meeting several of their newest church members that we had prayed for over the last year.
Many of you know the church has been searching for a new site for this year's Outreach Sports Camp. We received word this morning that another much hoped for location is also not available. And so, as Jerry says, "We move on in faith". They are now awaiting a call from the Vancouver Parks and Recreation Board to secure a site at a local park. We are leaving the church office now to go on a prayer walk at some of the possible locations and in their neighborhoods.
Please continue praying for God's perfect site.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Going BIG in Germany
Hello from Tommy:
Our group started our second full day in Weimar today. We taught US Geography to the kids. Jarrett and Travis Porter led in the classrooms and did real well. We spent the afternoon playing soccer in the park then went to the church for a good German dinner.
We also were encouraged by the testimonies of three German believers. Its cool to see how God moves here in Germany. One girl spoke about coming to visit the church 3 years ago because a group of Americans were here. She is now a Christian.
We all ate dönners for lunch. They're turkish gyros and De-lish! The kids are learning German like crazy. They are loved very much by our hosts.
Pleas pray that God will energike our group as the week rolls on!
Our group started our second full day in Weimar today. We taught US Geography to the kids. Jarrett and Travis Porter led in the classrooms and did real well. We spent the afternoon playing soccer in the park then went to the church for a good German dinner.
We also were encouraged by the testimonies of three German believers. Its cool to see how God moves here in Germany. One girl spoke about coming to visit the church 3 years ago because a group of Americans were here. She is now a Christian.
We all ate dönners for lunch. They're turkish gyros and De-lish! The kids are learning German like crazy. They are loved very much by our hosts.
Pleas pray that God will energike our group as the week rolls on!
Sunday and Monday
On Sunday, we went to church and then mostly hung out with our host families because the rest of the week we will tend to leave early and get home late. At church, we observed the Lord's Supper and it was really cool. Rather then pass the bread and juice down the aisles, people go up to the front in small groups and take the communion together, out of a common glass and a common bread basket.
Many families chose to take their students around Weimar and see the sights and historical sights (many nationally famous philosophers and so forth). Jarrett and my family took us to Erfurt, the capitol of Thuringen, Germany (the state we're in). It was a lot of fun.
Today, Monday, we went into the schools and taught English for the first time. It was a lot of fun getting to know the kids and speak with them.
In Him,
Mark Evans
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Greetings from Weimar,Germany
Hi from Christina Wiechecki
Well we made it to Germany safely. We only had one mishap along the way. While at the Frankfurt Airport we waited at McDonald's for Tim. When he got there, we took off to the train station, and once we got there Mark realized he didn't have his back pack! So he had to run back to find it...keep in mind that it took us twenty minutes to get to the station so double that and it would be forty minutes, which Mark did not have. However he did make it back in time and with his backpack, the only thing he lost along the way was a pillow.
My first night in Weimar was great and the family I am staying with is very nice. They do not speak very much English but it works out. They took me sitghtseeing today and we got to know each other a little better.
Tommorrow we go into the schools so please pray for us because we just found out we are going to have more classes then expected. It is going to take some flexibility and creativity to get things in order.
In Christ,
Christina
Well we made it to Germany safely. We only had one mishap along the way. While at the Frankfurt Airport we waited at McDonald's for Tim. When he got there, we took off to the train station, and once we got there Mark realized he didn't have his back pack! So he had to run back to find it...keep in mind that it took us twenty minutes to get to the station so double that and it would be forty minutes, which Mark did not have. However he did make it back in time and with his backpack, the only thing he lost along the way was a pillow.
My first night in Weimar was great and the family I am staying with is very nice. They do not speak very much English but it works out. They took me sitghtseeing today and we got to know each other a little better.
Tommorrow we go into the schools so please pray for us because we just found out we are going to have more classes then expected. It is going to take some flexibility and creativity to get things in order.
In Christ,
Christina
Friday, March 9, 2007
Germany Mission Trip
March 9-March 18, 2007
Our 13 member team left for Weimar, Germany at 8:40 a.m. today and will arrive in Frankfurt Main Airport in Germany at 6: a.m. on March 10. Please pray for them as they lead in Basketball Camp and English Classes.
Our 13 member team left for Weimar, Germany at 8:40 a.m. today and will arrive in Frankfurt Main Airport in Germany at 6: a.m. on March 10. Please pray for them as they lead in Basketball Camp and English Classes.
Our team is:
Travis Blanton
Tommy Courson
Rachel Denton
Shawn Dickerson
Mark Evans
Andrew Gunter
Katherine Harrell
Travis Porter
Jake Shepherd Sac
Greg Sipe
Christina Wiechecki
Courtney Zajac
Travis Blanton
Tommy Courson
Rachel Denton
Shawn Dickerson
Mark Evans
Andrew Gunter
Katherine Harrell
Travis Porter
Jake Shepherd Sac
Greg Sipe
Christina Wiechecki
Courtney Zajac
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