I walked into the dimly lit room and saw big smiles and bright faces on kids that were orphaned by HIV/AIDS. For the next hour wewere exposed to the great opportunity we have to provide care to hundreds of kids just like them. Our brothers and sisters in the EFC of Congo have a vast church-driven network to bring relief to those suffering from this tragic disease. My emotions went from joy to sorrow during the presentation. Up and down over and over again. I was depressed to see these children who had lost their parents and then so proud of the church's passion and effort to place them in nurturing homes. The church is shining a bright light into the darkness. We've heard story after story of God using the church to bring hope. Hope for this life and for eternity. My eyes are being opened.
John
Saturday, July 19, 2008
More Photos from Saturday
Saturday the 19th! Here are some pictures from our day.
One of the first things we did, as mentioned on our last post, was visit a VBS program. These are the WONDERFUL kids who welcomed us with song!
One of the first things we did, as mentioned on our last post, was visit a VBS program. These are the WONDERFUL kids who welcomed us with song!
After visiting with the kids, we returned to the CECU center to sit with the Women's ministry leaders and learn about their work with widows in the area.
We drove out to an area where they are doing sewing training. The women of Hope have done a lot to help these ladies. Here is our representation of the women of Hope, with the women leaders of the CECU in Gemena!
I have to post this picture because my oldest daughter complained there weren't enough photos of Mommy and Daddy (Daddy is usually behind the camera). Our family sponsored the sending of a sewing machine. We took this picture specifically for our girls, to show them where our families efforts have gone.
Saturday Morning
Good Morning America!
I will quickly hammer this one out before the generator is shut off.
It is noon on Saturday (6am in Oakdale). After a wonderful breakfast at the residence of the ministry president, we spent the morning meeting with the Women's ministry here at CECU in Gemena. We also had a chance to visit a VBS program taking place across town.
The (160) children welcomed our visit with many (loud) songs and lots of dancing. I took some video of it, but the bandwidth here isn't sufficient to support the upload. I will upload it when we return.
One of the songs they sang was a Lingala translation of the children's song "B-I-B-L-E". We returned their music by singing it in English. A few of them sang along in Lingala.
After that visit, every one of the children filed past us and greeted us indivudually. They were adorable!!!
We then returned to the CECU center and met with the women's ministry. We had a chance to drive out and see some more of the sewing machines in use. We had NO idea what kind of an impact the sewing machine's Hope has sent, are having on vocation and biblical instruction in this region.
I can not continue to say "Thank You" enough, from these people.
We shared the story of the Aprons with the leaders of the women's ministry, and gave them a picture of a couple of our Hope ladies (June and Angie) with the aprons.
It is almost time for lunch now! Most of the breakfasts and suppers here are made up of dried goods we packed from the states. So lunch is a great time for us to have the flavor of the Congolese homecooked (over coals out behind the house).
God bless you all (this blog has seen a lot of traffic... that is so encouraging to us!)
I will quickly hammer this one out before the generator is shut off.
It is noon on Saturday (6am in Oakdale). After a wonderful breakfast at the residence of the ministry president, we spent the morning meeting with the Women's ministry here at CECU in Gemena. We also had a chance to visit a VBS program taking place across town.
The (160) children welcomed our visit with many (loud) songs and lots of dancing. I took some video of it, but the bandwidth here isn't sufficient to support the upload. I will upload it when we return.
One of the songs they sang was a Lingala translation of the children's song "B-I-B-L-E". We returned their music by singing it in English. A few of them sang along in Lingala.
After that visit, every one of the children filed past us and greeted us indivudually. They were adorable!!!
We then returned to the CECU center and met with the women's ministry. We had a chance to drive out and see some more of the sewing machines in use. We had NO idea what kind of an impact the sewing machine's Hope has sent, are having on vocation and biblical instruction in this region.
I can not continue to say "Thank You" enough, from these people.
We shared the story of the Aprons with the leaders of the women's ministry, and gave them a picture of a couple of our Hope ladies (June and Angie) with the aprons.
It is almost time for lunch now! Most of the breakfasts and suppers here are made up of dried goods we packed from the states. So lunch is a great time for us to have the flavor of the Congolese homecooked (over coals out behind the house).
God bless you all (this blog has seen a lot of traffic... that is so encouraging to us!)
Friday, July 18, 2008
Elikya
Hey ALL!! As John would say "mbote kuwanna bahnahnah!
One major miracle was receiving every piece of luggage--16 in all, many with goodies for the nationals here. We visited Elikya today as you can see in the picture. I was so impressed with the great and plentiful ideas the workers there have put into practice through the cottage industries there. They not only sew but also make soap, learn carpentry, make stools and are interested in a few other ventures. The students in the carpentry training were all orphans who are learning a trade they can use when they are on their own.
Weather is hot but not horrible. We're doing well with that. Met the president of the EFC in Congo and John had preached at his installation service years ago when he became a regional supt. Also met the head and vice of women's ministries. So interesting to hear of their hope in the midst of so much need.
Thanks again for your interest and prayers as we are over here.
Ruth Ann
One major miracle was receiving every piece of luggage--16 in all, many with goodies for the nationals here. We visited Elikya today as you can see in the picture. I was so impressed with the great and plentiful ideas the workers there have put into practice through the cottage industries there. They not only sew but also make soap, learn carpentry, make stools and are interested in a few other ventures. The students in the carpentry training were all orphans who are learning a trade they can use when they are on their own.
Weather is hot but not horrible. We're doing well with that. Met the president of the EFC in Congo and John had preached at his installation service years ago when he became a regional supt. Also met the head and vice of women's ministries. So interesting to hear of their hope in the midst of so much need.
Thanks again for your interest and prayers as we are over here.
Ruth Ann
God is definately with us!
Today's experiences were just amazing and we saw God with us every step of the way. We rose early in Kinshasa to depart for the airport (which was not one of the most pleasant experiences!) and thanks to the people here that work with TouchGlobal, we got through without a problem. Seeing the faces of the people that greeted us (see posted picture) was a bit overwhelming for me, and brought the first set of tears! When we got to the Elikya Center and saw the women teaching the orphans (both girls & boys) to sew, was another God moment. What an amazing place this is. These people truly love the Lord and to see their environment and how much they care for each other, makes me feel like we sometimes are missing quite a bit of life. We look forward to coming home to share these experiences with you in person... the pictures and the words don't come close to what it's really like, but we thank God for the ability to share even this little piece! We love you all! Continue the prayers because we definately feel them. ~Deb
Cynthia works on one of the machines. Cynthia led the apron sales at Hope. It was so neat to be with her when she saw this vision completed.
Carpentry is also taught at the school.
These young men are working on window casements as they learn the skills.
The view from the Elikya center. Elikya means "Hope".
Pictures from Gemena
John and Dave riding the back of the truck from the airport.
The line of brothers and sisters waiting to greet us
Dave brought a camera for this gentlman.
Orphan students in class learning to sew. They are sewing outfits that will be used as uniforms. The sewing machines you see here were purchased using funds from the sale of aprons at Hope Church! Thank you!
MORE PICTURES TO COME SOON!
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