Dear friends and family,
The 2009 year is about wrapped up, but the whole old year / new year thing seems nearly inconsequential. What does seem important is that, after a 6 day massive road trip from Lassin to Yaounde and back, we are now residents (not citizens) of Cameroon for 2 years! Wow, how wonderful; no more wondering if our visa will be approved. This means that we can continue to teach ‘our’ children through the end of the school year, we can continue bible studies with our friends, and we can keep eating our fill of bananas and coco yams!
Note: (for readers that want the whole story) On Thursday evening 12/17/09, I phoned Charles, In Douala, to find out what had to be done to secure our visa before the 60 day extension grace period ran out on 12/27/09. We appreciate the much required help of Elder Richard Gates (David’s father) for vital GMI documents, the kind lady at the GMI office who typed them and e-mailed them to Charles. But even with this help we were going to have to leave THE NEXT MORNING on the long trip to the capital of Cameroon; originally, we thought we would only go as far as Bamenda- one dusty, bumpy, long day’s drive (158 km, 98 miles). Friday, drove to Bamenda, stayed with the Ichu family (see photos of Charles folks) home until Sunday morning. We took the bus to Douala Sunday. Charles picked us up, took us home and fed us some of the world’s best pineapple along with his wife’s great cooking. We met Nadia; what a treat! Monday at 4 AM, we took a taxi, then a bus to Yaounde, then a taxi to the office of immigration. You have no idea of how God led here. We were taken by Charles into a room with an officer that was very busy. We waited while a young man named Stephen came to take us through many strong doors and gates to a photo and finger printing office. While he created our temporary residence permit cards we waited outside the office. It was only then that we were shown a covered waiting area that had benches for about 60 people. How was it that we were literally taken around the line? Any guesses? After details were arranged we retraced our steps from Yaounde to Doualla arriving at 11 PM. Tuesday Charles drove us to Bamenda (all day outing). Wednesday we shopped a little for parts to make an attic heated, 80 liter (20 gallon) water supply for showering and then drove our little red Corolla home to Lassin by 9 PM. Nadia was such a good sport. She sat in back with all her things. Some boxes would try to fall into her lap, but only when the car would hit a bump during left hand turns; countless times.
Home: we’re settling in again. Nadia brought some wonderful things for us; things that had to be hand carried. Someone may wish to help me with this one; send the answer via SMS to our Iridium phone (Iridium.com, our phone number is 8816 316 72129. Again, this is free to you and free to us, BUT do not call us on this number- you’ll pay too much so we do not ever answer). I would love to know the frequencies for the following radio stations: ‘Voice of America’ in West Africa, BBC, and Adventist World Radio (Again, all stations within reception in Cameroon) Thanks!
All windows have mosquito net on them now. Bathroom plumbing is coming really slowly especially with the interruption of the Yaounde trip. I bent 45 degree turns into two of the sections using our Coleman stove to heat the plastic. The radius is really gradual, but it worked. I also flared the ends of the pipe so that one could slip into another; no slip-slip or 45 degree PVC fittings available. But now they sit waiting for more ‘spare’ time.
Some day we’ll do the shower job, but for now, the hot water from the bucket routine works just fine.
School: brick work is progressing very well to prepare classroom two for service next year. Gregory is the chief ‘technician’ on the job. The new walls are plumb and straight! They look beautiful and I feel very good about the structural integrity. Next plans are to continue total reconstructive brick work of this type throughout the remainder of the school until complete. Then we’ll address tasks like concrete ‘plaster’ of walls and floors. I need to take time to locate wood for desks and window shutters. Oh yes, I need a carpenter basically full time. Hey, don’t panic. Look what God has done so far. It’ll work out.
Church: the bible study list is growing steadily. Carol and Nadia began a new study with the mother of one of our members. I need to contact Moses, the tailor, to set a day and time for his studies. Story time: after the call to Charles on ‘that Thursday night’, I felt pushed way out of my comfort zone. I really feared traveling on lonely mountain roads in a small car during the Christmas season; bandits. I struggled to trust God for safety. My mind still reeling from the realization of this trip, I began the ¾ mile walk home from the spot where the cell phone gets reception. 100 feet down the path a large flashlight was shone in my face, “Is that you?” How do you answer this? It was Moses. He was walking home from town very late. He was happy to see me and immediately asked, “When you come back from your trip, can you have Bible studies in my home?” Immediately, I was reminded exactly why we are here and why I could be so sure that God would be with us. I believe that this really is the difference between faith and presumption.
Want another story? (if not, skip this paragraph) I met with my friend Musa Abduli (deputy Emom of our local mosque) for a brief study of the Quran and the Bible. At the end of the study he began talking about our dear friend ‘Shey’ John. I was informed that this title means that John is required to come to the palace whenever needed and that he is involved in assigning the ‘Juju’ men tasks. Have I told you about Juju men? Google this. These guys are the strong arm of local ‘traditional’ spiritualism, ancestral worship / communication with dead ancestors, ‘death celebration’ (funeral) stuff. These are the guys that I hesitate to photograph from a great distance because I wonder if I should have even this much interaction with them. Here’s the rub, the big deal… my dear friend John is involved in the coordination of this group! My heart was sick when Abduli told me. By the way, John and I have bible studies on Wednesday or Thursday mornings between 9 and 10 AM. We wrestle not against flesh and blood. Please join me in prayer for this delightful man; not once in a while, but regularly. Don’t fear the lesser / loosing power, but don’t leave home without securing yourself to the Strongest power! So, about Abduli? We ended our visit together in earnest prayer for John and each other. What an adventure!!! Want to visit?
Enjoy the photos!
We love getting your SMS messages! Keep keeping us in your prayers. God is very real and we’re really enjoying working and living here.
Thank you for your donations! Keep in mind, you get no tax benefit from this, but believe me, there are other benefits! We do not use this for food or feathering our nest; we have funds for this. We’re spending money as fast as we can to get the school ready for next year. We are careful to use funds wisely; striking the stewardship balance as well possible. Believe me, having Bible studies and seeing work go forward at the school is more exciting and fulfilling than I ever imagined possible. Carol’s work with the children is such an effective ‘bridge’ to peoples homes! She is still learning to appreciate this, but her work is indispensible (so is she!!!)
We’re praying for you too. Our daughter Julie tells me that there are some new movies sweeping America- not the kind of stuff that we want in our minds. Please avoid this stuff! Leave them for the ‘dung beetle’ (see photo).
Faithfully shaving once or twice a week now,
Your friend, Steve
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
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Sunday, December 6, 2009
Dear Friends and Family,
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Cameroon. God has been so good to us. We do miss you all! Please pass on our greetings to all our friends wherever you are.
We are settling into Lassin even more. By this I mean we are becoming more comfortable, not only in the place where we live, but also with the people.
It is very exciting to work with people who are listening to the Bible studies and those who are coming to church. We think there are probably many out there who would come but perhaps are just waiting to be invited.
We had one new visitor today and one repeat visitor who Steve is studying with during the week. Praise the Lord!
We are very excited that we will be picking up a Bible Worker in less than three weeks. Nadia comes from Australia but has been in the U.S. attending ARISE, a Bible Worker training school. She has an interest in the Muslim population here, and we are anxious to reach them as well as others.
Steve has been busy supervising work at our house and busy arranging for work to be done at the school during Christmas vacation. We decided we needed all the floors in our house to be concrete (three rooms and the hall were dirt) and to make the indoor bathroom/toilet usable, especially because we are planning to have other workers staying with us. We also will be completing/improving Classroom 2 at the school. Part of the work includes walls that need to be replaced and then plastered. The school is truly in a beautiful spot; the school children just love it. They are having a wonderful time there-the stream is nearby and we send them down there to "carry water" for the school. In the surrounding "bush" there are fruits they pick and eat by the dozen-a bright red fruit called dinjee, guava, and raffia fruit. The cows come to visit about once a week. It is a neat place even though the walk is far; but they usually manage that just fine even when it is hot.
We have 19 students at the school now, and school is going fine. We have had a few students contract malaria. Some of them have been able to continue coming to school in spite of it or perhaps only miss a day or two.
The students are learning English quickly. We have had one or two students
come to school without eating breakfast. That can be uncomfortable for them and a challenge for us teachers. One boy cried inconsolably for quite a bit of our walk to school. Come to find out, he was just hungry. Fortunately when we arrived at Naphtali's house, he understood the problem and gave the child some food to eat. The child was quite happy after that. The students are looking forward to participating in Youth Day in February where all the Lassin schools will get together and march in a parade, sing, and perform.
God has been very good to us in so many ways. Our translator, Naphtali, has been one huge blessing. The school building (Classroom 1) was almost ready when we arrived. Our local neighbors and church members have been so welcoming and friendly. Best of all, God has been working on our own characters; yes, we really needed it! Praise God, He hasn't given up on us, though. Steve and I are growing in God's grace, and what happiness He brings! Keep praying for us. We still have many blind spots that need to be revealed to us, but God is faithful and able to work mighty changes.
Please see our blog: Lassin.blogspot.com for pictures and more stories.
We try to update it weekly.
We love you all,
Steve & Carol Rose
We are settling into Lassin even more. By this I mean we are becoming more comfortable, not only in the place where we live, but also with the people.
It is very exciting to work with people who are listening to the Bible studies and those who are coming to church. We think there are probably many out there who would come but perhaps are just waiting to be invited.
We had one new visitor today and one repeat visitor who Steve is studying with during the week. Praise the Lord!
We are very excited that we will be picking up a Bible Worker in less than three weeks. Nadia comes from Australia but has been in the U.S. attending ARISE, a Bible Worker training school. She has an interest in the Muslim population here, and we are anxious to reach them as well as others.
Steve has been busy supervising work at our house and busy arranging for work to be done at the school during Christmas vacation. We decided we needed all the floors in our house to be concrete (three rooms and the hall were dirt) and to make the indoor bathroom/toilet usable, especially because we are planning to have other workers staying with us. We also will be completing/improving Classroom 2 at the school. Part of the work includes walls that need to be replaced and then plastered. The school is truly in a beautiful spot; the school children just love it. They are having a wonderful time there-the stream is nearby and we send them down there to "carry water" for the school. In the surrounding "bush" there are fruits they pick and eat by the dozen-a bright red fruit called dinjee, guava, and raffia fruit. The cows come to visit about once a week. It is a neat place even though the walk is far; but they usually manage that just fine even when it is hot.
We have 19 students at the school now, and school is going fine. We have had a few students contract malaria. Some of them have been able to continue coming to school in spite of it or perhaps only miss a day or two.
The students are learning English quickly. We have had one or two students
come to school without eating breakfast. That can be uncomfortable for them and a challenge for us teachers. One boy cried inconsolably for quite a bit of our walk to school. Come to find out, he was just hungry. Fortunately when we arrived at Naphtali's house, he understood the problem and gave the child some food to eat. The child was quite happy after that. The students are looking forward to participating in Youth Day in February where all the Lassin schools will get together and march in a parade, sing, and perform.
God has been very good to us in so many ways. Our translator, Naphtali, has been one huge blessing. The school building (Classroom 1) was almost ready when we arrived. Our local neighbors and church members have been so welcoming and friendly. Best of all, God has been working on our own characters; yes, we really needed it! Praise God, He hasn't given up on us, though. Steve and I are growing in God's grace, and what happiness He brings! Keep praying for us. We still have many blind spots that need to be revealed to us, but God is faithful and able to work mighty changes.
Please see our blog: Lassin.blogspot.com for pictures and more stories.
We try to update it weekly.
We love you all,
Steve & Carol Rose
12/06/09 from Steve
News from Lassin
Church:
Friday the 4th, a neighbor came by and after visiting a while he said, 'I heard that you worship down the road'. Getting a nudge from 'Above', I asked him if he would like to join us for worship the next day. Yes he would like to come, and yes he came. His name is Emanuel and he works at the Baptist medical clinic between our house and the church. He turned out to be quite the bible student. He commented after the program that he really appreciated the Sabbath school lesson's bible study format and that the sermon was based on a series of scriptures. Hey, Franklin came to church again and also came for the afternoon singing and It Is Written 'New Beginnings' 'film' as they call it. Note: this is a really big deal since he is a very busy carpenter with many mouths to feed and all work is done by hand. (try planing eucalyptus by hand until it shines like it has been through a power planer- not easy.) I roped him into coming up front with me to give the scripture reading for the church service. He did fine.
Naphtali presented the Sabbath school lesson. I realize that technically a member should perform this task, but 'he who teaches learns best'. His presentation was excellent- well prepared with smooth transitions through the topics. His teaching skills well utilized at church.
School:
It's dry season. When the rain is away the people make hay. Gregory, who lives very near the school, has two sons attending, and enjoys weekly bible studies has been really busy lately. He has made 500 mud bricks- they lie in the final stages of drying in the unused 3rd classroom and offices. He has hauled about 5 cubic yards or 350 'hail pans' (whatever that is) of clean sand from the stream bed below the school to classrooms 2 and 3. I asked him to prepare a bid for the work to restore the 2 walls of classroom 2. He broke the project down by tasks with the fee for each task. We discussed it Friday and I accepted it as presented. The work will be done during the 2 weeks of Christmas break.
Next phases:
revised roof rafter system, plastered walls and concrete floor.
Next year- repeat all this stuff in classroom 3 and the offices.
Note: Carol and I are considering combining the square footage of classroom
3 and the offices and producing two classrooms. This will give us 2 smaller, yet good size rooms for grades 1 and 2, and two large classrooms that can combine grades 3 & 4, and 5 & 6. In this way we will have an entire elementary or primary school under one roof. See how soon we will need more teachers! Won't be long.
Home:
Our home has been the site of much activity! All the outer and bathroom walls have been plastered. There are no more dirt floors in the house- all rooms have concrete floors; between 3 and 5 inches thick.
The electric lights are up, and outlets work. We hardly ever use the romantic kerosene lanterns any more.
We're planning to install bathroom plumbing next. Carol really wants a
toilet- kind of fussy don't you think. Someday, indoor running water.
Adventist Medical (not) Aviation-
You probably know that we are working under the name 'Adventist Medical Aviation'. Yes, we have no airplane. As of today, 12/06/09, the 1989 4WD Toyota Tercell will probably be able to drive 24 miles without the engine dying. After installing a new fuel filter the mysterious stalling 'feature'
should fade from memory. So, why tell about our mighty Toyota in the aviation section? We plan to use the car to perform some level of medical transportation service for the people of Lassin, instead of an airplane as originally planned. This Thursday we hope to transport a woman with cancer to visit a physician at the hospital in Kumbo, 24 miles away. A few days ago, I heard that she had opted for a 'natural' home remedy of hot and cold water and massage treatments to try to shrink the tumor; because she hadn't the funds to get to the hospital for consultation and surgery. My heart revolted. I could just see metastases forming while she waited for funds to ride to the hospital. So, 'Adventist Medical Transportation' begins.
Pigeon coop:
It's about time I learn some local form of communication. Likely Pigeon.
We were given a beautiful copy of the New Testament in Pigeon English- 'GUD NYUS FO OL PIPUL' (Good News For All People). It is fun to read and pronounce and decode. Here's a sample. If you like it, let us know via SMS.
Decoding tips: 'a' is short, 'e' is long, 'I' is a long 'e', 'o' is long, 'u ' is short or 'oo'. Sometimes you have to listen to yourself read. By hearing, you may recognize a word. Frequently, the last letter or sound is left off of a word. Have fun.
Title: Jesus e sen yi twef lanboi dem-
Jesus e bin tok meik yi twef lanboi dem kam si yi. Tam weh dem bin don kam fo wan pleis, e giv pawa fo dem fo draiv ol devul dem an fo meik sik pipul dem fo wel fo dem sik. 2) Den e sen dem for go tok de gud nyus abaut God yi rul an e meik pipul dem wel fo ol kain bai kain sik dem. 3) E bin tok fo dem sei, <>
Hint: Luke 9: 1-6
A little more help-
Wuna- pleural form of 'you'.
Lanboi- hear 'learn boy', think 'student' (disciple).
Tam- time
Weh- when
e- neutral gender of 'he' / 'she' (the person)
bin- been
meik- make
chop- food
na- is (how are you? Na fine.)
waka- walk (waka fine- have a good walk)
fo- for
dem- them
don kom- done come, came (frequently heard here- ya don kom. You came.)
sei- say
eni pleis- any place
6) Time when he finish for talk, the learn boy them come out and them walka for all village them, and them talk the good news and them make people where them been the sick for well.
Come out and walka for all village! Steve & Carol
Church:
Friday the 4th, a neighbor came by and after visiting a while he said, 'I heard that you worship down the road'. Getting a nudge from 'Above', I asked him if he would like to join us for worship the next day. Yes he would like to come, and yes he came. His name is Emanuel and he works at the Baptist medical clinic between our house and the church. He turned out to be quite the bible student. He commented after the program that he really appreciated the Sabbath school lesson's bible study format and that the sermon was based on a series of scriptures. Hey, Franklin came to church again and also came for the afternoon singing and It Is Written 'New Beginnings' 'film' as they call it. Note: this is a really big deal since he is a very busy carpenter with many mouths to feed and all work is done by hand. (try planing eucalyptus by hand until it shines like it has been through a power planer- not easy.) I roped him into coming up front with me to give the scripture reading for the church service. He did fine.
Naphtali presented the Sabbath school lesson. I realize that technically a member should perform this task, but 'he who teaches learns best'. His presentation was excellent- well prepared with smooth transitions through the topics. His teaching skills well utilized at church.
School:
It's dry season. When the rain is away the people make hay. Gregory, who lives very near the school, has two sons attending, and enjoys weekly bible studies has been really busy lately. He has made 500 mud bricks- they lie in the final stages of drying in the unused 3rd classroom and offices. He has hauled about 5 cubic yards or 350 'hail pans' (whatever that is) of clean sand from the stream bed below the school to classrooms 2 and 3. I asked him to prepare a bid for the work to restore the 2 walls of classroom 2. He broke the project down by tasks with the fee for each task. We discussed it Friday and I accepted it as presented. The work will be done during the 2 weeks of Christmas break.
Next phases:
revised roof rafter system, plastered walls and concrete floor.
Next year- repeat all this stuff in classroom 3 and the offices.
Note: Carol and I are considering combining the square footage of classroom
3 and the offices and producing two classrooms. This will give us 2 smaller, yet good size rooms for grades 1 and 2, and two large classrooms that can combine grades 3 & 4, and 5 & 6. In this way we will have an entire elementary or primary school under one roof. See how soon we will need more teachers! Won't be long.
Home:
Our home has been the site of much activity! All the outer and bathroom walls have been plastered. There are no more dirt floors in the house- all rooms have concrete floors; between 3 and 5 inches thick.
The electric lights are up, and outlets work. We hardly ever use the romantic kerosene lanterns any more.
We're planning to install bathroom plumbing next. Carol really wants a
toilet- kind of fussy don't you think. Someday, indoor running water.
Adventist Medical (not) Aviation-
You probably know that we are working under the name 'Adventist Medical Aviation'. Yes, we have no airplane. As of today, 12/06/09, the 1989 4WD Toyota Tercell will probably be able to drive 24 miles without the engine dying. After installing a new fuel filter the mysterious stalling 'feature'
should fade from memory. So, why tell about our mighty Toyota in the aviation section? We plan to use the car to perform some level of medical transportation service for the people of Lassin, instead of an airplane as originally planned. This Thursday we hope to transport a woman with cancer to visit a physician at the hospital in Kumbo, 24 miles away. A few days ago, I heard that she had opted for a 'natural' home remedy of hot and cold water and massage treatments to try to shrink the tumor; because she hadn't the funds to get to the hospital for consultation and surgery. My heart revolted. I could just see metastases forming while she waited for funds to ride to the hospital. So, 'Adventist Medical Transportation' begins.
Pigeon coop:
It's about time I learn some local form of communication. Likely Pigeon.
We were given a beautiful copy of the New Testament in Pigeon English- 'GUD NYUS FO OL PIPUL' (Good News For All People). It is fun to read and pronounce and decode. Here's a sample. If you like it, let us know via SMS.
Decoding tips: 'a' is short, 'e' is long, 'I' is a long 'e', 'o' is long, 'u ' is short or 'oo'. Sometimes you have to listen to yourself read. By hearing, you may recognize a word. Frequently, the last letter or sound is left off of a word. Have fun.
Title: Jesus e sen yi twef lanboi dem-
Jesus e bin tok meik yi twef lanboi dem kam si yi. Tam weh dem bin don kam fo wan pleis, e giv pawa fo dem fo draiv ol devul dem an fo meik sik pipul dem fo wel fo dem sik. 2) Den e sen dem for go tok de gud nyus abaut God yi rul an e meik pipul dem wel fo ol kain bai kain sik dem. 3) E bin tok fo dem sei, <
Hint: Luke 9: 1-6
A little more help-
Wuna- pleural form of 'you'.
Lanboi- hear 'learn boy', think 'student' (disciple).
Tam- time
Weh- when
e- neutral gender of 'he' / 'she' (the person)
bin- been
meik- make
chop- food
na- is (how are you? Na fine.)
waka- walk (waka fine- have a good walk)
fo- for
dem- them
don kom- done come, came (frequently heard here- ya don kom. You came.)
sei- say
eni pleis- any place
6) Time when he finish for talk, the learn boy them come out and them walka for all village them, and them talk the good news and them make people where them been the sick for well.
Come out and walka for all village! Steve & Carol
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