You may remember that being a 'mission pilot', serving under Adventist Medical Aviation, was the initial attraction to the 'mission field'. Here we are in beautiful 'down town' Lassin Cameroon without an airplane. So, what does a 'grounded' pilot do?
The local taxi drivers were allowed to charge only 2000 CFA to transport people between Lassin and Kumbo. Well, they had been 'over charging' to the tune of 2500 CFA, some higher. The tolerance of local highway officials ran out. Toward the end of January they ran a crack-down. They put all the taxi drivers in jail, impounded the cars and demanded repayment of over charges. "Tough love"
Well, that made it difficult (nearly impossible for locals) to travel in or out of Lassin. I realized that medical care would be impacted, so I volunteered to drive our 4WD Toyota Corolla Tercel car to Kumbo for medical emergencies that came to the Baptist Health Center of Lassin. Health center workers were very grateful. February 1, I took a young man with 'peritonitis' and his father to the Banso Baptist Hospital in Kumbo. I saw the young man's father on the 7th and was told that surgery went well and the son was recovering well. On Sabbath, the 13th, while walking to church, this young man greeted me with a big hug and thanked me for saving his life.
Later, I learned that the surgeon had declared that this condition would have been fatal if one more day had passed without treatment.
The taxi drivers are out of jail and have their cars back, but the offer with the health center continues; free emergency medical transport. This is really a big deal since the taxi drivers hold out for 20,000 CFA for emergency runs to the hospital. On Sunday, February 7, I was asked to take a young man with a heart problem to Kumbo. When I set eyes on him (Marcus), I knew that he was in big trouble. Off we went with two of his brothers, my friend Divine, and a fellow who wanted to see his son in the hospital. We made record time, 24 miles in 1 hour 50 minutes; typical time is 2.5 hours.
We beat up the car. It's not necessary to tell you that the roads are rough. About 10 minutes from the hospital Marcus announced to his brothers that he could feel his body failing and he told them 'good-bye'. They began jostling his face, praying, and encouraging him. Ten minutes after arriving at ER, word came to me, "the man is finish". Within a half hour the ambulance became a hearse. The trip home took the usual 2.5 hours; no need to rush. On the 8th, I attended the burial at the family home. The family expressed their thanks for my attempt to help save Marcus. What do you say?
We tried. I offered my condolences.
Also, on the 8th, I repaired the solar electric system wiring at the same Baptist Health Center here in Lassin. A little creative wiring had to be undone. The lights in the office work again.
February 13, I was asked to take a man in his 70's with unstable temperature and high blood sugar. A large crowd of people, including the Fon ("fawn"), had come out to wish him well. When the Fon saw me he gave a wry smile and said, 'You again?' The man made it to the hospital. How I wish that these people would come to the health center as soon as they realize that they are in trouble. I attended his burial at the family home with Divine on the 14th.
February 17. A messenger arrived at our front door from the Lassin Health Center asking me to transport a lady to BBH in Kumbo. This gal in her 20's was 5 months pregnant. She had been bleeding for some time. The doctors were concerned and wanted her to have an ultrasound and get some medicine at the 'big city' hospital. The gal looked so strong and vibrant that I was tempted to ask if this was a 'real' emergency. Nothing doing, who knows how the baby is.
Today, November 19 is market day. I was shopping for pineapple, oranges, cabbage, onion, 'pumpkin leaf' (cooks up like spinach- pretty good), tomato, the basics. I saw a strangely familiar face. She was the mother of the gal that we carried to the hospital. 'Ma' told me that the gal and her baby are doing well at home now. She is using 'meksin'
(medicine). Apparently she has a history of difficult pregnancies.
Are you wondering if I'm drumming up funds for an airplane? Nope. If necessary, the little car can scramble up those dusty rocks that threaten to disassemble it. The 1 hour 50 minute record time stands. I have done the 'time' math for use of an airplane. It goes something like this: 15 minutes to load the patient into the car and drive to the airstrip. 15 minutes to check out the plane, warm it, get cows off the air strip and 'taxi' into take-off position. 20 minutes to fly to Kumbo. The patient will require transfer to a local or hospital taxi and be driven to the hospital, about 20 minutes. This assumes that light and weather permits and that no transportation delays exist. Total time: about 1 hour 10 minutes, saving 40 minutes. The big problem now is not time, but education; (get to the clinic early).
Note: If you have your doubts about our health care here, take this into consideration. There are many facts that have been omitted from these stories. The guy with the heart condition waited 3 days before coming to the clinic. The guy with the unstable blood sugar and temp had damaged his health for years, then spent weeks trying 'traditional' medicine from the 'Erbalist'; that's what they call him now. We used to call an Erbalist the 'Medicine Man'. Get the idea?
What is the point? It's this. Because we're sharing the blessings that God has given us, the community of Lassin appreciates our presence even more.
One of the night watchmen at the clinic asked me if he could join us in worship this Sabbath. He has been very friendly, but has had a 'wait n see'
attitude. The ice is melting. Last Sabbath a nurse from the clinic had the Sabbath school lesson. Another nurse's aide type completed his 3rd bible study on the 18th. We are not trying to 'buy' Christians. I don't think that Jesus was trying to buy followers either. The gospel seed is being planted. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers.
Steve & Carol
Friday, February 19, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
HOMEY NEWS
Steve and I are having a fun day together. After eating banana pancakes, we watered the garden together. I planted more kale and spinach. Then we washed some clothes together.
Washing clothes by hand is crazy, but we have found a way to make it fun. We tell each other stories from our childhood. It’s fun reliving old memories!
Then I made lunch while Steve went across the street to the local bar----and gave a Bible study! Seriously, the owner has become a good friend and has given his heart to God! It is exciting to see him pour over the Bible and make decisions for a new life. It is extremely hard for people here to step apart from the family and make decisions that will set them apart, as in worshipping God on Saturday instead of Sunday.
A neighbor girl also came over and helped me with some housework. She peeled some coco yam and then picked some rice. Most of the time Steve and I do all our own chores, but sometimes the local young people like a little extra money. Today, the girl wanted to help me without pay. She did not say, but I suspect she was grateful that we paid for a Medical Clinic visit recently. She had some type of skin rash, but she is much better now.
Another mundane chore that can be fun is picking the hulls out of our “wild” whole grain rice. We did a little of that today also. Steve and I see a lot more of each other than in California, and we like it! God is good!
This last week we celebrated Youth Day on Thursday. The event actually included activities on every day Mon thru Thurs, and Friday was a holiday. So it was an interesting and fun week! Monday the school children did a community project—we swept the “compound” of a local ruler. On Tuesday running races and soccer games were held here in Lassin; our children ran but were some of the youngest runners. On Wednesday we made small Cameroonian flags for the children to carry while marching on Thursday. On Thursday we marched with all the other schools. It seemed like everyone and his brother was marching in a school or some kind of club. Our school received a small prize of a plastic bucket, plastic bowl, and some small notebooks. There was also a teacher get-together that day; that was nice and interesting. There was also a teacher get-together that day; that was nice and interesting. At that event, a heated argument began over the fact that a local education dignitary had been called away from our get-together to be hosted by another group.
Carol
Washing clothes by hand is crazy, but we have found a way to make it fun. We tell each other stories from our childhood. It’s fun reliving old memories!
Then I made lunch while Steve went across the street to the local bar----and gave a Bible study! Seriously, the owner has become a good friend and has given his heart to God! It is exciting to see him pour over the Bible and make decisions for a new life. It is extremely hard for people here to step apart from the family and make decisions that will set them apart, as in worshipping God on Saturday instead of Sunday.
A neighbor girl also came over and helped me with some housework. She peeled some coco yam and then picked some rice. Most of the time Steve and I do all our own chores, but sometimes the local young people like a little extra money. Today, the girl wanted to help me without pay. She did not say, but I suspect she was grateful that we paid for a Medical Clinic visit recently. She had some type of skin rash, but she is much better now.
Another mundane chore that can be fun is picking the hulls out of our “wild” whole grain rice. We did a little of that today also. Steve and I see a lot more of each other than in California, and we like it! God is good!
This last week we celebrated Youth Day on Thursday. The event actually included activities on every day Mon thru Thurs, and Friday was a holiday. So it was an interesting and fun week! Monday the school children did a community project—we swept the “compound” of a local ruler. On Tuesday running races and soccer games were held here in Lassin; our children ran but were some of the youngest runners. On Wednesday we made small Cameroonian flags for the children to carry while marching on Thursday. On Thursday we marched with all the other schools. It seemed like everyone and his brother was marching in a school or some kind of club. Our school received a small prize of a plastic bucket, plastic bowl, and some small notebooks. There was also a teacher get-together that day; that was nice and interesting. There was also a teacher get-together that day; that was nice and interesting. At that event, a heated argument began over the fact that a local education dignitary had been called away from our get-together to be hosted by another group.
Carol
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Greetings from Steve & Carol
Before telling stories that I love, you should know that most of life here is routine, not much to write home about. So, don't think that this is how we spend all our time or that life is always exciting.
Today is Sabbath. It is the second week of my experiment to really accomplish something in church besides extending my church family's time spent sleeping. Before revealing the experiment, let me quote Ellen White.
"The people have had too much sermonizing; but have they been taught how to labor for those for whom Christ died? Has a line of labor been devised and placed before them in such a way that each has seen the necessity of taking part in the work?"--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 431.
I heard this quote on my MP3 player while washing dishes lately; not that I listen too often. It is true, sermons are too soon forgotten and outreach is so important; both for the community and the members. Nobody learns a lesson better than the teacher. But to become a teacher requires a mentor.
The experiment: I, as 'pastor', am the mentor, training my church members to give bible studies. When they teach, they review the gospel and learn it better. The gospel is spread. Everyone feels useful and experiences the joy of working with God. Jesus understood this well. He sent the disciples out in pairs to 'the lost sheep of the house of Israel', those who would probably be most receptive. Also, the disciples would have the gospel implanted in their minds.
Last week's sermon was on the sending out of the disciples. Afterwards, friends were paired up. Each person was given a 20 lesson packet of bible studies. Each pair was asked to visit and offer a bible study to a friend or neighbor that would really enjoy having it. Excitement was high among the members and they left soon after services. "We" had about 4 or 5 bible studies that Sabbath afternoon last week. Carol and Nadia even shared a lesson with our next door neighbor, Evelyn. She is the wife of the chief of the Baptist Health Center of Lassin. She loved it.
Today, the 'sermon' was based solely on lesson 2 of the bible study series.
The sermon was used to familiarize each member with the lesson and topic.
Essentially, the members were being mentored on how to give this bible study later today. Members were all asked to look up the texts (now they can find the text). One would read it, and I would comment or elaborate minimally.
When we were finished, pairs were reestablished or new ones formed, and then sent out. Off we went like kids with money in our pockets being sent to the market for sweet yams (a local yummy 'fast' food).
I went with Roget and his new wife Blessing. We visited two of his cousins, Polycarp and Julius. They were happy to have a bible study with us. Roget asked me to lead out. I declined and said that I would support him. He led out in Nooni (local dialect) at first, then in English. (The easy way to speak in tongues is to have someone else speak). Opening and closing
prayers were given by Roget, then Polycarp. It was so exciting to think
that 4 bible studies were taking place simultaneously across town! Lunch
came last. After lunch, as I walked down the red dusty road to the church, I passed Carol, Evelyn, and Amygdaline sitting on low raphia stools on the red earth front porch of Evelyn's house having a bible study. The beaming smiles on each lady told the whole story. Passing the health center, I saw Emanuel. He smiled and we walked toward each other. He apologized for missing church today, but a medical emergency detained him. I asked him if he would like to teach the Sabbath school lesson from the quarterly within the next two weeks. He said that he had wanted to ask us if he could.
Again, the teacher will learn the most. Note: Emanuel speaks English well and has a quick mind. He is currently a Baptist. Our neighbor Divine gave him a shotgun bible study on the Sabbath, leaving him with many questions.
(3 point study: creation Sabbath, Exodus 20 Sabbath commandment, Jesus'
friends did not complete embalming Jesus on Friday, but kept the Sabbath according to the commandment, then went to the tomb on Sunday to complete their work). I decided to take a chance and show the Most Amazing Prophesy sermon on the Sabbath by Doug Bachelor to Emanuel. Note: Doug talks so fast that most people here have difficulty keeping up; no fault of Doug's. At the end of the sermon, after taking two pages of notes, Emanuel said, 'It answered all my questions.' Then he asked how he could share this discovery with his Baptist friends. Another note: last Sabbath, Emanuel teamed up with Divine and gave a bible study to two of their friends. (You are right, neither of them are members, but both of them have a wonderful love of bible study and the desire to spread the gospel in preparation for the soon coming of Jesus.)
Perhaps it is time to tell the story of my neighbor Divine. He operates a single counter convenience store across the street from our house. He sells soap, sugar, salt, cigarettes, 30 ml plastic packets of whisky, and other daily consumables. Between customers he steps out under his front porch to play killer cards with 2 to 10 fellows that hang out there most of the day and evening. Frankly, when we moved here, I did not care for the place. I had no idea who ran it, nor did I have interest. There was this one guy who tried to be friendly (nosey, I thought). He asked too many questions for my comfort. Many encounters later and none initiated by me, he told Carol that he wanted to ask me a question. The next day I responded. He said, "I hear that you go to people's homes and preach to them. Would you come to my home and preach to me?" He seemed genuinely interested and I agreed to meet him at his room / store that night at 8 PM. He asked me to show him the same sermons that I had been showing to others. So, once again, the It is Written, New Beginnings, 'metal man' study was shown again. He watched silently, eyes glued to the laptop screen. We sat behind the store counter, on his bed, laptop in front of us on his only chair. His small, single room of red mud brick was lit by the laptop screen and a kerosene lamp. In the dim light, I would periodically glance from the bible study to his never moving face; he kept all his questions until the end, not wanting to interrupt the presentation. Then the questions began coming one after another. "What if there was a guy who could not read, whose parents never told of him of Jesus. He lived his whole life and then died. Would he go to heaven?" Deep stuff, questions of eternal importance. The bible study had triggered his sense of the nearness of the return of Jesus and he wanted to be sure he was ready. 10 PM, 11. We had to call it enough for one day.
The next day he asked for a bible. I gave him one of the Bibles for Africa, and a 'Steps to Jesus'. He spent most of his days divided between playing cards and reading the bible. Note: I've seen his scores, he's good. He could not get enough of the bible though. We met about every other night for the New Beginnings series; usually ending about 10. It was clear that he needed more material to read during the day. I gave him the 20 lesson bible study set. Within a few days he announced that he had read it twice and was now beginning to fill in the questions. He has attended church with us for the last two weeks. It would have been 3, but he had to attend a funeral. He understands Sabbath pretty well. He does not appear to run his business; that's work. Now, after church he comes home and plays cards until his friends show up for the bible study. He missed the sermon on Sabbath observance. I need to provide a private lesson. Yes, I'll have him teaching the Sabbath school lesson before long.
Divine has arranged an empty room next door to his store. He invited me to host a private 'church' where we show New Beginnings 'films' at 1 PM on Sunday afternoons. The first week 6 showed up and 2 remained afterwards to ask questions; 'metal man' again. It's been about 2 guys plus Divine since then.
It's been about a month now since our first bible study. I have a real friend. He's a serious thinker and wants to be a pastor. He fits this
description: Acts 17:11 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." God had to literally shove this guy in my face with a request for bible studies. I'm so glad He did.
What an incredible experience for both of us.
So., how are we doing otherwise? We're getting fat on pineapple, papaya, banana, and other great stuff; some of it sent by you! Thanks, but please no more packages, we'll be back to California before long; end of May. It took the last package two months to arrive, but oh how nice.
Thanks for your prayers. Each name in this note is worthy of your prayers- they are our family too.
Love, Steve & Carol
Today is Sabbath. It is the second week of my experiment to really accomplish something in church besides extending my church family's time spent sleeping. Before revealing the experiment, let me quote Ellen White.
"The people have had too much sermonizing; but have they been taught how to labor for those for whom Christ died? Has a line of labor been devised and placed before them in such a way that each has seen the necessity of taking part in the work?"--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 431.
I heard this quote on my MP3 player while washing dishes lately; not that I listen too often. It is true, sermons are too soon forgotten and outreach is so important; both for the community and the members. Nobody learns a lesson better than the teacher. But to become a teacher requires a mentor.
The experiment: I, as 'pastor', am the mentor, training my church members to give bible studies. When they teach, they review the gospel and learn it better. The gospel is spread. Everyone feels useful and experiences the joy of working with God. Jesus understood this well. He sent the disciples out in pairs to 'the lost sheep of the house of Israel', those who would probably be most receptive. Also, the disciples would have the gospel implanted in their minds.
Last week's sermon was on the sending out of the disciples. Afterwards, friends were paired up. Each person was given a 20 lesson packet of bible studies. Each pair was asked to visit and offer a bible study to a friend or neighbor that would really enjoy having it. Excitement was high among the members and they left soon after services. "We" had about 4 or 5 bible studies that Sabbath afternoon last week. Carol and Nadia even shared a lesson with our next door neighbor, Evelyn. She is the wife of the chief of the Baptist Health Center of Lassin. She loved it.
Today, the 'sermon' was based solely on lesson 2 of the bible study series.
The sermon was used to familiarize each member with the lesson and topic.
Essentially, the members were being mentored on how to give this bible study later today. Members were all asked to look up the texts (now they can find the text). One would read it, and I would comment or elaborate minimally.
When we were finished, pairs were reestablished or new ones formed, and then sent out. Off we went like kids with money in our pockets being sent to the market for sweet yams (a local yummy 'fast' food).
I went with Roget and his new wife Blessing. We visited two of his cousins, Polycarp and Julius. They were happy to have a bible study with us. Roget asked me to lead out. I declined and said that I would support him. He led out in Nooni (local dialect) at first, then in English. (The easy way to speak in tongues is to have someone else speak). Opening and closing
prayers were given by Roget, then Polycarp. It was so exciting to think
that 4 bible studies were taking place simultaneously across town! Lunch
came last. After lunch, as I walked down the red dusty road to the church, I passed Carol, Evelyn, and Amygdaline sitting on low raphia stools on the red earth front porch of Evelyn's house having a bible study. The beaming smiles on each lady told the whole story. Passing the health center, I saw Emanuel. He smiled and we walked toward each other. He apologized for missing church today, but a medical emergency detained him. I asked him if he would like to teach the Sabbath school lesson from the quarterly within the next two weeks. He said that he had wanted to ask us if he could.
Again, the teacher will learn the most. Note: Emanuel speaks English well and has a quick mind. He is currently a Baptist. Our neighbor Divine gave him a shotgun bible study on the Sabbath, leaving him with many questions.
(3 point study: creation Sabbath, Exodus 20 Sabbath commandment, Jesus'
friends did not complete embalming Jesus on Friday, but kept the Sabbath according to the commandment, then went to the tomb on Sunday to complete their work). I decided to take a chance and show the Most Amazing Prophesy sermon on the Sabbath by Doug Bachelor to Emanuel. Note: Doug talks so fast that most people here have difficulty keeping up; no fault of Doug's. At the end of the sermon, after taking two pages of notes, Emanuel said, 'It answered all my questions.' Then he asked how he could share this discovery with his Baptist friends. Another note: last Sabbath, Emanuel teamed up with Divine and gave a bible study to two of their friends. (You are right, neither of them are members, but both of them have a wonderful love of bible study and the desire to spread the gospel in preparation for the soon coming of Jesus.)
Perhaps it is time to tell the story of my neighbor Divine. He operates a single counter convenience store across the street from our house. He sells soap, sugar, salt, cigarettes, 30 ml plastic packets of whisky, and other daily consumables. Between customers he steps out under his front porch to play killer cards with 2 to 10 fellows that hang out there most of the day and evening. Frankly, when we moved here, I did not care for the place. I had no idea who ran it, nor did I have interest. There was this one guy who tried to be friendly (nosey, I thought). He asked too many questions for my comfort. Many encounters later and none initiated by me, he told Carol that he wanted to ask me a question. The next day I responded. He said, "I hear that you go to people's homes and preach to them. Would you come to my home and preach to me?" He seemed genuinely interested and I agreed to meet him at his room / store that night at 8 PM. He asked me to show him the same sermons that I had been showing to others. So, once again, the It is Written, New Beginnings, 'metal man' study was shown again. He watched silently, eyes glued to the laptop screen. We sat behind the store counter, on his bed, laptop in front of us on his only chair. His small, single room of red mud brick was lit by the laptop screen and a kerosene lamp. In the dim light, I would periodically glance from the bible study to his never moving face; he kept all his questions until the end, not wanting to interrupt the presentation. Then the questions began coming one after another. "What if there was a guy who could not read, whose parents never told of him of Jesus. He lived his whole life and then died. Would he go to heaven?" Deep stuff, questions of eternal importance. The bible study had triggered his sense of the nearness of the return of Jesus and he wanted to be sure he was ready. 10 PM, 11. We had to call it enough for one day.
The next day he asked for a bible. I gave him one of the Bibles for Africa, and a 'Steps to Jesus'. He spent most of his days divided between playing cards and reading the bible. Note: I've seen his scores, he's good. He could not get enough of the bible though. We met about every other night for the New Beginnings series; usually ending about 10. It was clear that he needed more material to read during the day. I gave him the 20 lesson bible study set. Within a few days he announced that he had read it twice and was now beginning to fill in the questions. He has attended church with us for the last two weeks. It would have been 3, but he had to attend a funeral. He understands Sabbath pretty well. He does not appear to run his business; that's work. Now, after church he comes home and plays cards until his friends show up for the bible study. He missed the sermon on Sabbath observance. I need to provide a private lesson. Yes, I'll have him teaching the Sabbath school lesson before long.
Divine has arranged an empty room next door to his store. He invited me to host a private 'church' where we show New Beginnings 'films' at 1 PM on Sunday afternoons. The first week 6 showed up and 2 remained afterwards to ask questions; 'metal man' again. It's been about 2 guys plus Divine since then.
It's been about a month now since our first bible study. I have a real friend. He's a serious thinker and wants to be a pastor. He fits this
description: Acts 17:11 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." God had to literally shove this guy in my face with a request for bible studies. I'm so glad He did.
What an incredible experience for both of us.
So., how are we doing otherwise? We're getting fat on pineapple, papaya, banana, and other great stuff; some of it sent by you! Thanks, but please no more packages, we'll be back to California before long; end of May. It took the last package two months to arrive, but oh how nice.
Thanks for your prayers. Each name in this note is worthy of your prayers- they are our family too.
Love, Steve & Carol
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
