Dear family & friends,
It’s March now and already over a third of it has passed. It’s less than two months before Carol and I leave our home in Lassin for our home in the good ‘ol USA. Honestly, the struggle of the week is to remain focused on the work at hand. Carol has her teaching, but I seem to have become stuck waiting between projects. The lumber to build the desks, etc. has not been delivered to Lassin yet. The school building is completed, but the well project threatens to take over our wallet. It seems somehow larger than our limited time; although probably not. Bible studies continue very well with a few friends: Devine (“D” of D’s 5 & dime, card house and pub across the street from us- Sunday @ 1, plus a couple times a week), Emanuel (nurse at the Baptist Health Center of Lassin- when work permits), Shey John (owner of the finest general store in Lassin and ‘Shey’ (ambassador and advisor)to the Fon (top man of the village)- Wed. mornings), Franklin (our carpenter & his family and a few neighbors- Thursday night), and Moses (the school tailor and his whole family- Sunday night).
Have some of you been praying for Shey John? Likely. Here’s what happened today. Our New Beginnings bible study was entitled ‘Fooled by a Myth’, the last lesson about the Sabbath. Let me interject some of the events of the day. This morning, I stopped in at ‘Brother John’s’ store to drop off some government documents pertaining to our school staff and enrollment statistics, and to inquire where I could find running water. Lassin has been having water difficulties recently. Our ‘tap finish flowing’ two days ago. The faucet at our next door neighbor’s back yard was one of the last to dry up. John told me where to find the last faucet that still had water flowing in town. I drove to it with a 20 liter (5+ gallon) jug and ten 1.5 liter plastic bottles; 35 liters in all. After filling them and driving to the school, enjoying Carol’s program, and returning home as ‘school bus driver’ (Carol & me, plus 15 school children in our Corolla Tercel- 2 on Carol’s lap, 6 or 7 in the back seat and 6 or so in the luggage area. Don’t worry, we blaze along for about 3 miles at about 12 mph on a virtually empty dirt / sandy gravel road. What a gas!) After arriving home and munching some food with Carol, I shouldered our Toshiba lap-top and trundled off to Shey John’s store for the second time today. I took a seat on the raphia bench across from his ‘check out’ desk and listened to the animated conversation between the Shey and a few of his customers. After about a half hour and a dozen customers and visitors, John followed the last person to the door, and proceeded to close and lock the store. That was my first clue that he had time for a bible study; remember, friendship is so important that bible study or not, just hanging out is a big deal. We watched the lesson on ‘the Sabbath’. As the lesson concluded, I felt compelled to ask John if he would like to join us in worship on Sabbath. He explained that he would love to, and in his heart he is an Adventist, but that his wife and entire family structure (minus his sister Elizabeth and brother Jeffery who were baptized Adventist in ‘08) do not support his decision. We read the story of the ‘rich young ruler’ of Luke 18. We learned that God is inviting us to ‘follow’ him, and that with God, even the things that seem impossible become possible. We prayed that God would perform the impossible in John’s family and give John courage to stand for Him.
When John opened the store doors again, the first heavy rain of the rainy season was falling. The raphia benches lining the front porch of the store were occupied by people waiting out the steady heavy rain well punctuated by thunder. One of those just happened to be brother “D”. We were all invited in from the weather. For the next hour, the conversation was light and funny. “D” and Shey are best of friends (both are very friendly with distinctly varied humor- “D” is very dry and forthright letting the humor of the story stand alone, and Shey loves to listen, smile, then make some funny crack then laugh or chuckle). After a particularly long stretch of stories in the Noni language, the conversation broke into English and I became included in the fun. It seems that an amazing event occurred December 17, ’09. I had invited ‘brother John’ to accompany Carol and me in our Toyota from Lassin, over the mountain and down across the wide plain to Bamenda. John was our navigator. Well, on the morning of the trip, John stopped in at D’s pub for a last cigarette. John did not want to smoke in our car and discussed the problem of the 10 hour trip with D. D suggested that John quit his 2 pack a day habit that day. John agreed. The laughter resumed between the two of them as they retold the story. “I quit that day”, John said. “I have not smoked since then and it’s because of you! I save 1,000 franks a day.” (This is about the ‘wallet impact’ equivalent of $10 a day.) I had no idea of the event. Amazing!
The heavy rains had changed the dry, dusty main market road in front of John’s store into a swift little stream. When they let up, D & I excused ourselves and walked home together. “Hey D, how about a bible study tonight?” “Sure.” Just as amazing as the last story, just before study time, Emanuel showed up at our back door and was very interested in staying for the bible study with D. New Beginnings ‘After the Smoke Clears’ was next for D. They each learned how brief the final cleaning of the earth will be.
Again, let me assure you that not all of our time is spent this way, but when it is, it is incredibly enjoyable!
Have you noticed that I don’t spend much time telling you what goes wrong? There are reasons for this. If I tell you of every pot hole in our road of life, every cloud of road dust that we breath, every cloud of the neighbor’s cooking fire that we inhale, I may scare off some unsuspecting volunteer that may have come out to teach in the school. Well, I’m going to let you in on a secret. Carol and I have a new sport. After just a couple minutes of it, our hearts are pounding and we are giggling like little kids. We play it in the evening about 7 PM. We both play on the same team. It lasts between 2 and 5 minutes each evening. Required equipment? A fly swatter each. Okay, it is at this time that the bats that have begun roosting about March 1 in our eves begin to take to flight. Between 1 and 6 of these flying wonders will enter our living room one at a time. We calmly turn on both lights, take up the swatters and the game begins. We always win. The solution? Start a fire in the house at night, smoke up the rafter area and the bats find a new home. I haven’t had the nerve to light a big fire yet; so far, just a couple old rags. I don’t like smoke either; especially near bed time. Your serve.
News from the “Adventist Medical Automotive” project. Five transports so far. The last two were women; one with severe ‘stomach’ ache from PID, and the most recent with severe ‘pleural effusion’. As I was driving the lady with pleural effusion to Kumbo, her husband was sitting in Shey John’s store telling of how he was going to have to sell some corn to pay for his wife’s medical condition. As he was talking, someone entered the store to tell him that his wife had just been driven out of town on her way to Kumbo. He was shocked. He didn’t even know that she was that bad or that she was planning on leaving. (Life without phones is different here) I had no idea of who she was, only that I had been asked to transport her. Later I learned several things. In Kumbo, she had 3 liters of fluid drained from her lungs. She farms very near our school. I had hired her husband to dig the toilet pit at our school. He was also one of the first farmers that I met on my December ’08 expedition to Lassin. He carried a ‘huge knife’! (farming ‘cutlass’) He really had me worried back then- certainly not now. I saw him a few days ago at the bustling Lassin village market. Our eyes met, he took my hand and earnestly told me how thankful he was for the kindness we showed to him and his wife. “Thank God. Thank God.”
Aside: “True & Sierra”, my heart really goes out in appreciation to you two. Even with all these exciting experiences, there are still times that I’m ready to bag it all and head for ‘home’. This has been an incredible character development project; God has been an excellent instructor. The other day, Carol’s 4 month old avocado pits finally began to sprout in the garden. We had lost all hope of ever seeing sprouts. We never know when the seed of God’s word will sprout in the heart of a person; it could be long after we’ve given up hope. I’m glad you spent years of sowing out there in You-land. God bless you.
There are more stories, but only our closest friends are still reading.
Next ‘issue’: “I’ve known about Seventh-day Adventists and the Sabbath for 20 years. I just never knew where one of their churches was.”
Time feels as if it is really flying now. Pray that we do not let any of it pass without caring for the future of our neighbors. Thank you!
Steve & Carol
Friday, March 12, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Taxi Driver with a Pilot's Certificate
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
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
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
Friday, January 29, 2010
Dear family and friends (these lines blur so much since each is true of the
other)
We got an SMS from our friend GKP reminding us that we have not sent you an update for a while. True. Sorry. There's much to tell.
Carol & I are doing well. Our nest feathering has progressed nicely.
During January, the bathroom plumbing to septic tank was completed, the shower floor drain installed, and shower floor concrete was poured. No more carrying dirty water out of the house after showers. The overhead shower plumbing was completed. We now have 80 liters of water sitting atop a bathroom wall. The sun heats it to a refreshing 70+ deg F by afternoon.
What's left? An indoor commode would be nice someday. I also plumbed a drain for a sink; the sink can definitely wait.
Food: here's a typical breakfast. To prepare for about a week's eating, I mix and grind: an 8oz glass of dried 'pumpkin' seed, 2 glasses brown rice, 2 glasses soy beans, 3 glasses corn. This is stored as a dry powder, then cooked like oatmeal and eaten with dry, powdered 'Soy Good' and one to three
6 inch bananas on top. This is chased down with slices of fresh local pineapple and papaya. Last market day I bought 4 green pineapples for about 50 cents each. Later, I couldn't resist 2 more that were a beautiful golden color. Carol did not fuss about the prospect of having to help eat 6 pineapples in one week. They were about 6 inches tall by 4.5 inches wide.
They all taste about the same; really good.
School: 20 students in grade 1. Carol's doing such a wonderful job! Those kids are learning English so much better. She also found a way to enhance their kindness to each other. A certain number of pebbles are placed in a can after a peaceful walk to school, more pebbles for a peaceful day at school, and more for the walk home. If a heated tussle breaks out, pebbles are removed. When the can is full, she rewards them with a fun activity.
It is working so well. God, she and Naphtali are making such progress in all aspects of these children's growth.
Talk about an opening into the homes of our community, we are having bible studies in the tailor Moses' home now; parent of 2 of 'our' kids.
School renovation: 75% of the walls of the school have been torn down and rebuilt beautifully; straight, plumb, proper brick and mortar composition, interlocking walls at all junctions, redesigned wall layout for greater structural rigidity. The brick laying aspect of wall renovation is complete now. There are a few more tasks to complete on the walls before we begin the redesign and replacement of several roof rafters & ceiling joists.
The result of the remodeling is a 4 classroom school; up from 3. It will accommodate all 6 grades of primary school. Previously, it would have required two grades per room to achieve this. We feel that grades one and two would be served better by individual rooms; especially because our first graders begin at 5 years old (cultural pressure).
Wall plastering and concrete floors can wait a year or so. Carol is not too keen about this prospect though. Something about permanently dirty floors bothers her.
Work at the school is being carried out by Gregory. He hired a neighbor man to help him perform brick work. Both Naphtali and Gregory told this neighbor that he should 'get his son off the street' (quiet, single lane, dirt road between towns) and send him to our school. The neighbor took the advice; number 20 is a nice little fellow. God works through brick work too.
Franklin the carpenter has helped us tremendously from his shop in town. We spent about 6 hours planning, designing, and calculating the wooden items needed for the school. It looked like this: imagine sitting down on low bamboo stools with Joseph in his mud-brick carpenter shop in Nazareth, ankle deep in wood shavings, Toshiba laptop running an Excel spreadsheet. We determined how much eucalyptus lumber was required to build 45 desks; each desk will hold 2 students, 15 desks per each of the 3 new rooms. We did the same for window shutters. Note: we don't use glass here. Window shutters are opened in the morning for light and breeze, and then closed after school for security.
Hang on. While writing this letter to you, I was pleasantly interrupted by a knock at the door. The time was 2:00 PM and 'Godhead' had arrived for his first Bible study with me. I have seen this man who works as a nurse at the Baptist Health Center of Lassin for several months. He has expressed an interest in Bible studies, but never had the time. Today, while gardening, I saw him again and invited him. He agreed to come at 2. Since we will be returning to the 'states' in May (for the summer), I decided to show him the "Most Amazing Prophesy" 10 episode series by Doug Bachelor. Lesson 1 was on the prophesy of Daniel 2. I weighed the necessity of this message. This man is a Baptist and believes that the Bible is the inspired word of God. Perhaps, for the sake of time, we could skip this one. Somehow (Providence) I decided to show it to him. Of course, the story discusses the (not so) 'wise' men of Babylon who were unable to ask the 'gods' to tell them the king of Babylon's dream. During the presentation, we discussed that those 'sorcerers', as Godhead called them, were not really able to tell the future. After one hour and forty five minutes of watching and pausing for note taking, the study ended. Then Godhead said, "I would like to take a few minutes to tell you who I am." Note: he has always seemed like a fine man, but after this comment, he had my full attention. This smiling young man said that he had grown up in another subdivision of northwest Cameroon in a small town, the son of "polygamist", the son of his father's first wife (of 3). "My father is a traditional healer.. (medicine man) People come to him to tell them the future. My father is a sorcerer. He lives in Douala now. When I come to visit him, he will try to pressure me into joining him in the rituals of inquiring into the future. Now, I will have to decline his request to join him in this." (This message of Daniel 2 was absolutely vital and applicable to this man today! Can God work or what!!!) As Godhead left, I was still reeling by the significance of telling the whole story, by the power of God to 'tell the future' and work RIGHT NOW.
By the way, don't you love the names of my friends? Godhead, Divine, Blessing, Mercy, Godlove, Godfree, Naphtali, John, and Isa (Jesus in Aribic).
Woodwork continued. There are 32 window shutters to make, 4 large teacher's desks, each with 3 shelves below, fully enclosed below with locking doors.
I'll spare you further details, but we calculated the quantity of lumber and its dimensions. We did a rough calculation of cost. All this week was a sawyer with a large chainsaw has been working on this order.
Money: I sure hope that it is appropriate to tell you how much you have donated to this project since we began it; if it is not, I'm sure to learn why later and never do it again. You have donated roughly $1,100! This is a big deal. This will purchase all the lumber required to completely outfit grades 2 through 6 with desks, window shutters and teacher's tables (about $900). The remaining funds will help with the labor to plane this hand sawn lumber, and construct the items.
Just a note regarding small gifts: If you gave $2, it would still be enough to buy the six screws that will fasten a desk seat, occupied by two wiggly second graders, together so that they do not crash to the ground. It all matters.
Our goal of being ready to provide classes 1 through 6 next year appears on schedule as far as facilities are concerned. Guess what we need next?
Teachers. Four of them. We'll be ready by God's ability. We are going forward as if the teachers were already arranged. What else can we do? We are in Good hands!
I'm locating temporary rental housing for next year's teachers now. I'll just tell you that they are in good neighborhoods; far from train tracks.
If you are, or know an adventurous and rugged individual looking for a place to work with God, and be stressed and blessed more than you can imagine (no kidding), get in touch with our daughter Julie (juliebirdie@gmail.com) and fill out an application with GMI (Gospel Ministries International).
Thanks for your prayers and SMS notes,
Steve & Carol
Lassin, Cameroon
other)
We got an SMS from our friend GKP reminding us that we have not sent you an update for a while. True. Sorry. There's much to tell.
Carol & I are doing well. Our nest feathering has progressed nicely.
During January, the bathroom plumbing to septic tank was completed, the shower floor drain installed, and shower floor concrete was poured. No more carrying dirty water out of the house after showers. The overhead shower plumbing was completed. We now have 80 liters of water sitting atop a bathroom wall. The sun heats it to a refreshing 70+ deg F by afternoon.
What's left? An indoor commode would be nice someday. I also plumbed a drain for a sink; the sink can definitely wait.
Food: here's a typical breakfast. To prepare for about a week's eating, I mix and grind: an 8oz glass of dried 'pumpkin' seed, 2 glasses brown rice, 2 glasses soy beans, 3 glasses corn. This is stored as a dry powder, then cooked like oatmeal and eaten with dry, powdered 'Soy Good' and one to three
6 inch bananas on top. This is chased down with slices of fresh local pineapple and papaya. Last market day I bought 4 green pineapples for about 50 cents each. Later, I couldn't resist 2 more that were a beautiful golden color. Carol did not fuss about the prospect of having to help eat 6 pineapples in one week. They were about 6 inches tall by 4.5 inches wide.
They all taste about the same; really good.
School: 20 students in grade 1. Carol's doing such a wonderful job! Those kids are learning English so much better. She also found a way to enhance their kindness to each other. A certain number of pebbles are placed in a can after a peaceful walk to school, more pebbles for a peaceful day at school, and more for the walk home. If a heated tussle breaks out, pebbles are removed. When the can is full, she rewards them with a fun activity.
It is working so well. God, she and Naphtali are making such progress in all aspects of these children's growth.
Talk about an opening into the homes of our community, we are having bible studies in the tailor Moses' home now; parent of 2 of 'our' kids.
School renovation: 75% of the walls of the school have been torn down and rebuilt beautifully; straight, plumb, proper brick and mortar composition, interlocking walls at all junctions, redesigned wall layout for greater structural rigidity. The brick laying aspect of wall renovation is complete now. There are a few more tasks to complete on the walls before we begin the redesign and replacement of several roof rafters & ceiling joists.
The result of the remodeling is a 4 classroom school; up from 3. It will accommodate all 6 grades of primary school. Previously, it would have required two grades per room to achieve this. We feel that grades one and two would be served better by individual rooms; especially because our first graders begin at 5 years old (cultural pressure).
Wall plastering and concrete floors can wait a year or so. Carol is not too keen about this prospect though. Something about permanently dirty floors bothers her.
Work at the school is being carried out by Gregory. He hired a neighbor man to help him perform brick work. Both Naphtali and Gregory told this neighbor that he should 'get his son off the street' (quiet, single lane, dirt road between towns) and send him to our school. The neighbor took the advice; number 20 is a nice little fellow. God works through brick work too.
Franklin the carpenter has helped us tremendously from his shop in town. We spent about 6 hours planning, designing, and calculating the wooden items needed for the school. It looked like this: imagine sitting down on low bamboo stools with Joseph in his mud-brick carpenter shop in Nazareth, ankle deep in wood shavings, Toshiba laptop running an Excel spreadsheet. We determined how much eucalyptus lumber was required to build 45 desks; each desk will hold 2 students, 15 desks per each of the 3 new rooms. We did the same for window shutters. Note: we don't use glass here. Window shutters are opened in the morning for light and breeze, and then closed after school for security.
Hang on. While writing this letter to you, I was pleasantly interrupted by a knock at the door. The time was 2:00 PM and 'Godhead' had arrived for his first Bible study with me. I have seen this man who works as a nurse at the Baptist Health Center of Lassin for several months. He has expressed an interest in Bible studies, but never had the time. Today, while gardening, I saw him again and invited him. He agreed to come at 2. Since we will be returning to the 'states' in May (for the summer), I decided to show him the "Most Amazing Prophesy" 10 episode series by Doug Bachelor. Lesson 1 was on the prophesy of Daniel 2. I weighed the necessity of this message. This man is a Baptist and believes that the Bible is the inspired word of God. Perhaps, for the sake of time, we could skip this one. Somehow (Providence) I decided to show it to him. Of course, the story discusses the (not so) 'wise' men of Babylon who were unable to ask the 'gods' to tell them the king of Babylon's dream. During the presentation, we discussed that those 'sorcerers', as Godhead called them, were not really able to tell the future. After one hour and forty five minutes of watching and pausing for note taking, the study ended. Then Godhead said, "I would like to take a few minutes to tell you who I am." Note: he has always seemed like a fine man, but after this comment, he had my full attention. This smiling young man said that he had grown up in another subdivision of northwest Cameroon in a small town, the son of "polygamist", the son of his father's first wife (of 3). "My father is a traditional healer.. (medicine man) People come to him to tell them the future. My father is a sorcerer. He lives in Douala now. When I come to visit him, he will try to pressure me into joining him in the rituals of inquiring into the future. Now, I will have to decline his request to join him in this." (This message of Daniel 2 was absolutely vital and applicable to this man today! Can God work or what!!!) As Godhead left, I was still reeling by the significance of telling the whole story, by the power of God to 'tell the future' and work RIGHT NOW.
By the way, don't you love the names of my friends? Godhead, Divine, Blessing, Mercy, Godlove, Godfree, Naphtali, John, and Isa (Jesus in Aribic).
Woodwork continued. There are 32 window shutters to make, 4 large teacher's desks, each with 3 shelves below, fully enclosed below with locking doors.
I'll spare you further details, but we calculated the quantity of lumber and its dimensions. We did a rough calculation of cost. All this week was a sawyer with a large chainsaw has been working on this order.
Money: I sure hope that it is appropriate to tell you how much you have donated to this project since we began it; if it is not, I'm sure to learn why later and never do it again. You have donated roughly $1,100! This is a big deal. This will purchase all the lumber required to completely outfit grades 2 through 6 with desks, window shutters and teacher's tables (about $900). The remaining funds will help with the labor to plane this hand sawn lumber, and construct the items.
Just a note regarding small gifts: If you gave $2, it would still be enough to buy the six screws that will fasten a desk seat, occupied by two wiggly second graders, together so that they do not crash to the ground. It all matters.
Our goal of being ready to provide classes 1 through 6 next year appears on schedule as far as facilities are concerned. Guess what we need next?
Teachers. Four of them. We'll be ready by God's ability. We are going forward as if the teachers were already arranged. What else can we do? We are in Good hands!
I'm locating temporary rental housing for next year's teachers now. I'll just tell you that they are in good neighborhoods; far from train tracks.
If you are, or know an adventurous and rugged individual looking for a place to work with God, and be stressed and blessed more than you can imagine (no kidding), get in touch with our daughter Julie (juliebirdie@gmail.com) and fill out an application with GMI (Gospel Ministries International).
Thanks for your prayers and SMS notes,
Steve & Carol
Lassin, Cameroon
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Note from Carol:
ATTENTION! Teachers needed urgently for the 2010-2011 school year! This is the adventure of a lifetime! This year we have 20 eager young students who love to hear about Jesus and other Bible characters and who love to learn new Bible songs. We would love to enlarge the school next year with grades 2 and 3 (maybe through 6th), but it will be impossible without volunteers helping. No teaching experience necessary, but a love for Christ, love for children, and a flexible, positive personality is a must! (there will be a local teacher’s assistant for each classroom) Email our daughter Julie at Juliebirdie@gmail.com. She will get us in touch.
ATTENTION! Teachers needed urgently for the 2010-2011 school year! This is the adventure of a lifetime! This year we have 20 eager young students who love to hear about Jesus and other Bible characters and who love to learn new Bible songs. We would love to enlarge the school next year with grades 2 and 3 (maybe through 6th), but it will be impossible without volunteers helping. No teaching experience necessary, but a love for Christ, love for children, and a flexible, positive personality is a must! (there will be a local teacher’s assistant for each classroom) Email our daughter Julie at Juliebirdie@gmail.com. She will get us in touch.
Dear friends!
We have had a bit of excitement lately. On January 6, Carol came home from school and announced that the roof over the construction area (classrooms 3 and 4) had shifted to the East. Naphtali had noticed and told her that it needed to be braced. He and I drove to the school to brace it. It had in fact shifted about 2 inches. The pressure from the stable portion of the roof and the hand of God were all that kept the school safe. Let me paint a mental picture: 60 x 40 feet of sheet metal roof was supported by only one wall while the other 3 walls had been ‘scattered’ and were in process of being rebuild. The remaining wall was supported by portions of two internal walls, but these were not up to the task. Oh yes, the rafters were supported vertically by strong eucalyptus poles, but the lateral support was ‘a bit shy’. A photo will come some time.
The progress on the school is exciting. We should be able to provide the entire primary school education (class 1 – 6) – provided we have teachers. Know any?
Next bit of excitement… Our church family would like to build a church on a piece of land of its own. We’re renting and this is mostly good, but land for a church could also provide other benefits such as a nice location for gardening and teacher housing- close to town and closer to the school. This is not really an expensive proposition as the Fon of Lassin has promised to give us land. Labor for bricks and other things is reasonable, roofing is ‘expensive’, but all-in-all a church is the next logical step after the school is completed. Housing is last, as for now our rental house is fine- we have a shower with a concrete floor and a drain piped to the septic tank! We have one more bedroom that will provide two lucky people a place to stow their stuff some day. Bedroom number two is occupied by Nadia, from Australia, an ‘Arise’ graduate, and energetic bible worker. We are happy to have her with us in the home and in the community.
I would love to discuss finances in concrete terms, but it is enough to say that God has provided well.
Last note, I said that your gifts were not tax deductible. Well, if you hand them to my dad, they are not. If you give them to Gospel Ministries International, then they are. My dad has been a big help with facilitating transfer of funds! Enough talk of money. Continue to keep us in your prayers. We do the same for you!
I must tell ‘one more story’. We received two boxes containing 12 new church hymnals! Thanks WR & PR! You should have seen the faces and heard the squeals of delight from our church members. How nice it is for each person to have one. Last night, Wednesday, we had mid week meeting. Naphtali and Franklin each had a hymnal. Flashlight in hand, they read and sang the hymns that they chose. The two kerosene lamps lit the room enough to see the 20 or so children, but the hand ‘torches’ were required for reading. Don’t get any ideas about lighting, we’re happy.
Love from Lassin,
Steve & Carol
We have had a bit of excitement lately. On January 6, Carol came home from school and announced that the roof over the construction area (classrooms 3 and 4) had shifted to the East. Naphtali had noticed and told her that it needed to be braced. He and I drove to the school to brace it. It had in fact shifted about 2 inches. The pressure from the stable portion of the roof and the hand of God were all that kept the school safe. Let me paint a mental picture: 60 x 40 feet of sheet metal roof was supported by only one wall while the other 3 walls had been ‘scattered’ and were in process of being rebuild. The remaining wall was supported by portions of two internal walls, but these were not up to the task. Oh yes, the rafters were supported vertically by strong eucalyptus poles, but the lateral support was ‘a bit shy’. A photo will come some time.
The progress on the school is exciting. We should be able to provide the entire primary school education (class 1 – 6) – provided we have teachers. Know any?
Next bit of excitement… Our church family would like to build a church on a piece of land of its own. We’re renting and this is mostly good, but land for a church could also provide other benefits such as a nice location for gardening and teacher housing- close to town and closer to the school. This is not really an expensive proposition as the Fon of Lassin has promised to give us land. Labor for bricks and other things is reasonable, roofing is ‘expensive’, but all-in-all a church is the next logical step after the school is completed. Housing is last, as for now our rental house is fine- we have a shower with a concrete floor and a drain piped to the septic tank! We have one more bedroom that will provide two lucky people a place to stow their stuff some day. Bedroom number two is occupied by Nadia, from Australia, an ‘Arise’ graduate, and energetic bible worker. We are happy to have her with us in the home and in the community.
I would love to discuss finances in concrete terms, but it is enough to say that God has provided well.
Last note, I said that your gifts were not tax deductible. Well, if you hand them to my dad, they are not. If you give them to Gospel Ministries International, then they are. My dad has been a big help with facilitating transfer of funds! Enough talk of money. Continue to keep us in your prayers. We do the same for you!
I must tell ‘one more story’. We received two boxes containing 12 new church hymnals! Thanks WR & PR! You should have seen the faces and heard the squeals of delight from our church members. How nice it is for each person to have one. Last night, Wednesday, we had mid week meeting. Naphtali and Franklin each had a hymnal. Flashlight in hand, they read and sang the hymns that they chose. The two kerosene lamps lit the room enough to see the 20 or so children, but the hand ‘torches’ were required for reading. Don’t get any ideas about lighting, we’re happy.
Love from Lassin,
Steve & Carol
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