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