PraiseWorks Global Missions

Animal Planet

2009-05-13T08:20:00.000-07:00

Here in Nairobi, all is well. I took a taxi from the border of Rwanda and DRC to the airport I Kigali. I was blessed to have a taxi that was relatively new and in good working order. The trip took 3.5 hrs, and was uneventful. The road to Kigali is 50% new and they are working on the rest. So nice to drive on a surface other that lava rock.

I have spent the last 3 hours in the Nairobi Java House, having a sandwich with a decaf mocha while watching Animal Planet. Usually it's 'football' or CNN which reruns the news regularly. Got about 3.5 more hours here, and after a little walk, I will probably be back at the Java House watching more TV.

Looking forward to getting home!

Michael

Michael's Goodbye

2009-05-12T22:04:00.001-07:00

The las few days have been very tiring, but rewarding. We have made a lot of good contacts and have heard the hearts of many when it comes to the topic of men. There has been so much information that it feels like my mind is full and it needs some time to digest the information. We had a good team meeting last night, going over teh Kinshasa part fo the trip. We went meeting by meeeting and shared what we got out of each one. It took a few hours, but we made it. Rest of the team will have to do the same for the Goma part of the trip on Friday.

So, I am 45 minutes from leaving Goma. Patrick will carry the PW torch here until he leaves on Saturday. I am looking forward to seeing my wife, kids, dogs, and getting back to ,my church family. God had shown me things I need to do at church and I am anxious to get going on them. Thanks for your prayers and I ask that you continue to pray for the work started here in Goma. Pray for Patrick in his last few days and for his safe travels home.

Grace and Peace.

Michael.

Jambo Tuesday...local time 5:40 pm

2009-05-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

Hello family,

Well we had a 9:00 meeting today with one of the heads of the local Baptist church. These meetings have sort of fallen into a smooth and predictiable format. Uaslly one of us will cast the vision of The Sons of Congo and then we ask for input. The main goal right now is finding the right people here to work with us in moving forward. So this mornings meeting was brief as we were only interacting w/ one person and we all had appointments at 10:00. Our 10:00 appointment was at a millitary camp with the Chaplin and a team of people who minister with him. It was an incredible and encourging meeting...that is all I can say about that meeting for now.

Mike is almost packed...he is begining his 40 hour journy home tomorow morning.

That's right I'm gonna be here in the most dangerous place in the world...alone.
In Danger of eminent Volcano eruption, in danger from an exploding lake, in dander from toxic gas, in danger from acid rain, in danger from lava flow, in danger from corrupt police, in danger from rampant militias, in danger from the local military.in dander from Malaria, in danger from explosive diarrhea, in danger from my over active mind. I love it. Good thing I got Jesus.

Shout out to all my peeps at P-dub & The Genesis house.

Love and miss you all see you soon.

P.

Kinshasa to Goma

2009-05-08T01:01:00.001-07:00

Wednesday was to be our travel day, but we were sold tickets for a flight that did not exist. So, we spent the morning at L’Arche church meeting with Pastors on staff and interns. We were sharing the vision for Sons of Congo and looking for their input. We are looking for an in country lead and this was a group of potential candidates. We also spent more time with Pastor Nsembe, getting a tour of the church under construction, and video taping his testimony and vision for the church. He is a great man of God! When our time with him was finished, he took a really nice stature off his desk and gave it to me in thanks for my input at his church.

With new tickets for the Thursday flight, we had to rush to pack and check out bags in. Here you check in you bags for domestic flights the night before you leave. It does make is much easier going to the airport with only a backpack to worry about. The check in process was also chaotic, with people wanting to help carry things and generally wanting to get some money for doing next to nothing. We had a nice dinner with the Turner’s and it was time to say good-bye to Kinshasa.

Thursday was a day of travel. We had the 8am flight out of Kinshasa into Goma, which meant we had, be out of the house by 5:45am. Our plan was to catch the CAA bus to the airport, which we had some reservations about. Turn out fine, ok bus that was only half full. You would think that a domestic flight would be less of a process, but no. Various check points and processes that seemed excessive to me. It was a hassle to get to the gate for departure, but we made it unscathed. Seating again was first come, first serve, so we made sure we got on the plane quickly. Got the exit row again! Flight was a now event, it went up when it was supposed to, and came down when it was supposed to. In Goma, it was a hassled to get through immigration as Camille attempted to handle us as a group. That set a worker over the edge, yelling at Camille and myself. We got through, received out bags, and we were out of there.

Good to be back in the Ntoto home, peaceful and great weather. After lunch Patrick and I crashed hard for a couple hours, then off to the English Bible study. At church we quickly discovered there was no bible study due to a conference that was going on. We had diner plans at a friend’s house, so after some conversation we were off. We had dinner at the home of Omer and Odette, friends of the Ntoto’s. They have a very nice home and are excellent hosts.

Looking back it was a slow day, but it was good to catch my breath before the final stretch of my trip.

More to come.

Grace and Peace,

Michael

Ditto

2009-05-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

Today(Tuesday) was much Monday, meetings. We had a breakfast meeting at the house which went from 8:30 to 11, then another at 1pm.

The 1pm meeting was with Pastor Jacques Vernaud who has one of the biggest churches in Kinshasa and had plant numerous other churches in Kinshasa and all over the DRC. I was expecting a native Congolese, but he is Swiss and born in Gabon. He has spent his entire life (76 years) in Africa. It was an amazing conversation with a man that has so much experience. I could have sat there for days just soaking in all that he had to offer. It took notes in what he said and God was triggering my mind to more. On hour with this pastor went by very quickly.

We had a dinner meeting with multiple pastors at 6pm at a local hotel. With traffic and finalizing arrangements, we did not have much time. We had not eaten since breakfast, so we stopped at Subway for a sandwich. (sandwich yes, but at Mozart's Cafe) We arrived promptly at 6pm at the hotel so we started promptly at 7:30pm! Seriously, Congo time. Good meeting with lots of really sound input. Each man knows that transformation in men in absolutely necessary.

Creative juices are not flowing right now.

More later,

Michael.

Meetings

2009-05-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

Today was a day of meetings. Our goal is to strategically connect with either people whose input we would like, or those who have connections we would like to have. Day started with a breakfast meeting at 8:30am and ended with a dinner meeting that ended at 8pm. We met with politicians, police and religious leaders, but I can't mention names here.

Patrick and I are well, tired, but doing okay. We both are missing home, we have been gone for over 2 weeks now.

Read more about our day at http://sons-of-congo.blogspot.com .

Michael.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

2009-05-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

In Kinshasa, Sunday is coming to an end. As I type this Patrick is sleeping in the bed next to mine and for those who need to know, he does not snore. Well, not when I have head phones on listening to music...

Early rise this morning, church at 8am and church about a 30 minute drive away. I was up even earlier finalizing my notes and thinking the message through. I was to preach today at ARCHE (Assemblies of God) church. This is the parent church of the church I spoke at last Sunday in Goma. We arrived a little after 8am and the music sounded good. At this point the church was about 60% full, but I knew that more would roll in. We where escorted to our seats up front and the music was fantastic. They had a worship choir and a good band, very very cool. The worship time was great with a mixture of dancing, singing and prayer. Camille introduced our team and Aimee and Kasareka shared a little bit of what we are about. Camille introduced me and it was go time and by this time the church was packed. God gave me a very cool message on justice and the churches roll in bringing the justice of God through the world. God was confirming the message before I spoke through comments the Assoc, Pastor said and the songs that where sung. As you can see from the picture, there was a lot of people, about 3,000+. The stage was up high with seating on three sides of me. Both sides a had balconies which where very full. It was a very cool experience and I am thankful for God using me, about 25 accepted Jesus for the first time!

We went home to change and I...fell asleep. No time to sleep, a knock on the door and it was time for lunch. After ,lunch we did had a little time to ret that got larger because our next appoint got pushed back a couple hours. We did end up meeting with a man who is a senator and the head of a large association f churches. We shared with him our vision for the Sons of Congo and he encouraged us to see it through. Don't how these meetings will affect what we are doing, but we will see in time.

Had a little pizza for dinner, not bad. trying to get this blog updated and I know i a leaving this out, but I guess i can tell you that stuff later.

Grace and Peace,

Michael

http://sons-of-congo.blogspot.com

GO LAKERS!

Emotions

2009-05-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

Nice to sleep in air conditioning, we actually got a little cold.

There were no team plans for the day but Camille was going to his sister's college graduation, and I wanted to find the biological family of Davina (my daughter). The problem with finding the family is that I did not have a phone number and no idea where the house was. So I did what I do in Kinshasa when I need to find something, call Francis. Francis is a good friend I met in 2004 and has helped in every trip I have taken to Kinshasa. We went to the house of Major Mwabidi who help in the adoption process. We picked up his son who new the way, so with Camille driving we headed out. I do not know how people know where to go. There are so many side roads and the ones we took were an absolute mess from recent rains. Fortunately we where in a nice Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 that handled the roads easily. I drove a lot in Goma, but I have zero interest driving here! As we drove up the street I had a flash back to the last day Davina was in that house. We came to pick her up to get passport and visa pictures taken. She was running around with a lot of other kids and her mother quickly changed her cloths and put her in the truck. We took her into the city and a simple process took awhile. By the time we where finished, we needed to return the car we were borrowing, so since we were the legal parents, we called and kept her with us. She never went back to her house again. I quickly came back from my memory to see a girl standing in the doorway of the house looking at me as if she new me. It was Roland, the 23 year old sister of Davina. Five of the seven children where home, one was in Angola and the other was at school. I talked with all the kids and my emotions were running very high, I did not expect to feel this way. Joanna had printed some pictures for them and I handed them to Roland one at a time. She grabbed a picture and said "my baby" and kissed the picture. I lost it, tears could not be contained. She could tell that Davina was healthy and very happy, and she was cool with that. I was a able to get pictures and write down the kids names and ages. I told them as much as I could and they asked me a couple questions. Roland and Enoch (9) were the most interested. I met Enoch last year, a really sweet boy. I did not know what to think or feel when I left. I was glad that Patrick was there to experience this with me, he really loves Davina.

From there we went to Camille's sisters graduation. In a word I would describe the scene chaotic. People everywhere on the campus, one big party. We were not there long, then we head over to Camille's dads house for the party. The party would not really get going until much later, but we stayed awhile, had some food, then head back for a team meeting.

Meeting was really hard to focus, partly because I preaching the next day and had to finish and partly thinking about the Nsombi family. We were focusing on our schedule and who we needed to meet with.

Got to bed, finished preparing, then slept!

Sleep in good.

More to come... Grace & Peace.

Michael.

http://sons-of-congo.blogspot.com

Goma to Kinshasa

2009-05-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

Future learning center

As you have already read, Patrick and I left the rest of the team to head to Kinshasa. In Kinshasa we will be meeting up with Camille, Aimee, and Kasareka to begin the initiative Sons of Congo. (more on that later). Esther stayed with us in the airport and handled getting as checked in. Last year we flew AireBora which had crashed a plane on take of the week before we flew. This time we flew CAA, which was a none event flight. Seating was first come first service so we positioned ourselves at the door and where the first ones on the plane. We enjoy the room of the exit row and did some reading and napping. Where met at the airport by Jean-Pierre who has been very faithful over the years getting us through the bureaucratic maze of the airport in Kinshasa.

We were taken to the Salvation Army headquarter(THQ) and met up with Rachel who is an American from LA doing development work at THQ. We went to dinner at an Indian restaurant building on the top floor (8th) of a building down town. The elevator was not working and looked very sketchy any way, so we walk. Weather in Kinshasa was about 15 degrees warmer than Goma with very high humidity. By the time we got to the restaurant, I was dripping went, ah Kinshasa. Dinner was excellent, I had never had Indian food and honestly I was kind of afraid. We had a good discussion on how to better do shirt term trips to Kinshasa doing sustainable projects. If e come and do work and it cant be maintained, then what's the point. Trips to Kinshasa in the future will take a lot more planning and probably an little less frequent. It is very important that we invest our time and money wisely into projects that are sustainable by the local church.

After dinner, Camille came and picked us up from THQ. We are staying with Wayne and Sylvia Turner who have been missionaries here for 36 years. The Assemblies of God (AOG) have a nice compound with a small apartment that we are sharing with Camille and Kasareka. The place is fully air conditioned and they installed a router for wireless Internet which is a bonus.

The link below will give you an idea of what we are doing now.

More later,

Michael.
http://sons-of-congo.blogspot.com

Leaving on a Jet Plane.....

2009-05-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

We have officially begun our journey home. We were up very early this morning, 5:00am, so that we could be ready to leave the house by 6:30. We had to be at the border by 7 am. Esther got us to the border with time to spare and worked her magic to get us to the front of the line that was already formed. We had a bus waiting for us on the other side to drive us through Rwanda to the airport.

After we were all stamped out of the Congo, we had a very emotional good-bye with Esther. We hopped on our bus with Jonatel and began the journey to the airport. We arrived at the airport around 10:15. We had plenty of time to spare as our flight was not until 1:45. So we walked around and enjoyed the shops.

We have now arrived in Naorobi, where we have a 6 hour layover. We are enjoying time in the Java House....people watching, playing some Uno and next a game of Catch Phrase. We are all excited to be heading home to see our families.

Please continue to pray for traveling mercies as we continue towards home, as well as for Michael and Patrick with the Sons of Congo team, that are still in Kinshasa.

See you soon!

Jess, Jen, Terry and Nona

And so We All Say Good Bye....

2009-05-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

So we woke up to our last full day in Goma. We finally had a day to sleep in and didnt have to be ready to go anywhere unril 8:30, so it was a nice morning of sitting around enjoying the morning with Esther and Nicole. We had a very busy planned out day. We started with a visit to Healing Arts to purchase a few more things handcrafted by the ladies of Heal Africa, which in turn, gave us a chance to say goob-bye to some of the women one more time. We spent about a good 45 minutes there going through all the beautiful things and trying to make decisions. If it was my choice, and affordable, I would have walked out with everything they had on display.

After we finshed at Healing Arts we headed over to the hospital at Heal Africa. We then distributed two suitcases of medical supplies that they were overwhelmingly blessed to recieve. They were thankful because there is a huge need for most of the supplies that were given. After Heal Africa, we headed to another medical center in town. There we were able to distribute the last two suitcases of medical supplies. We had a chance at this hospital to visit with some more victims of sexual violence. A few of the women shared their stories with us and there were many tears shared among us all. We sweetened it up with them by giving them each a piece of fabric, some jolly ranchers and some prays. By the time we left you could feel the joy of the Lord a;; the way around and everyone was smiling and looking absolutley beautiful!

I got to expericence two first that I've never done before. One, I got to drive in Goma.....Esther hates to drive and asked if any of us had our license with us and being that I was the only one, I got put in the hot seat. The second thing, the driver's seat is on the right side of the car here. It was the weirdest thing in the world to drive on what we would consider the wrong side. After a little while it became a little easier. But I'll tell you, I would take sitting in traffic on a smooth freeway then trying to share a lova rock, pothole, huge dips and bumps road with a million motorcycles that dont like to share the road, any day!

So after we took care of business this morning we had a little time to go shopping before having to be at the Learning Center at 2. Nicole laughed as she watched us shop and called us "pros" at being able to negoiate prices. Not long after shopping we made it back to house for some time to pack and a quick feast....i mean lunch. We had our last lunch with Priscilla, who could not wait to see the work we had been doing at the center. She is one of the few that works with the children at the center, so our project is a blessing to both her and all the kids. We headed over to the center where we got a chance to see her reaction as well as the children. They were all so happy!! After the excitment we sat down as a team and shared to story of Noah and the Ark with all the kids. They all were active particpants in the discussion which made us all so happy! They are so happy to learn its amazing.

After the center, we took a drive over to the Lucy's house. We all stood there and said.... "Were not in Goma anymore". It was absolutly breathtaking! We walked around the property and enjoyed to views of the lake.

We are now back at the house, just enjoying each others company and spending our last evening with Esther and Nicole. We are almost all finished up packng but none of us our ready to leave. We all are leaving a piece of ourselves here in Goma, and taking a piece of Goma with each one of us. This has been an amazing journey. We came here hoping to bless the lives of many and are leaving with an adundance of blessings from all of them! We will never forget those we have come in contact with and those we have spent lots of time with. Everyone will be missed by us all! Thank you to all of our families and friends for all their support for this trip. None of it would have been possible without you all and the Lord! We are all soooooooo extremely grateful!!

See you all soon!! Many stories and pictures to share when we all get home. So for the last time from Goma, good night!!

Jess, Jen, Terry and Nona

(and Michael and Patrick from Kinshasa!)

And we lose some of the team...

2009-05-01T10:39:00.000-07:00

Wow, was it tough getting up this morning. We had to be up as usual at 5 for prayer at 6. We are all feeling the soreness of our bodies from moving the tons and tons of rocks....literally tons! I think we estimated that we have movd anywhere between 2 and 3 tons of rocks....with our hands and no equipment. Its been really hard work but we are so happy with how its come out. We have all made a great team in working and building this project together!

Today was a mellow day. In Goma, today is a holiday. Its thier form of Labor Day. No one works! So it made being able to do stuff a little trciky as everything was closed. We knew we were sending off two of our team members to Kinshasa this afternoon. So we spent the morning with Michael and Patrick playing Catch Phrase and as a bonus for them leaving the girls let the guys win....hahahaha! We took the adventerous drive to take the guys to airport and got a chance to see the workers who were celebrating the holiday marching done the "road" in a parade. I say "road" because the streets here are not a street like you are thinking. In 2002 there was a volcanic eruption that took out most of Goma. So what remains is mounds and mounds of lova rock. The roads here are mostly all lova rock...which of course leads to an extremely bumpy drive no matter where you go in town. So at the airport we parted with two of our team members wishing them good luck and lots of prayers as they continue their work here with Sons of Congo.

The drive back to the house was very quiet. I think we were all a little sad to see some of the team leave but even more so realizing our trip is slowly coming near its end. Back at the house we had some lunch with some special guests. Priscilla joined us along with three boys she has taken under her care here in Goma. We ended lunch with giving the boys a soccer ball that they kicked around for hours in the front yard. It put smiles back on all of our faces.

Tonight was our last bible study with the women at Heal Africa. It was very powerful as Jen shared about what it means to be a Christian and how you can turn your life over to the Lord and the results you get from that. The women loved what she had to share and responded very well. After bible study the women got a chance to share whatever was on their hearts with us. Many of them shared about how blessed they have been by our presence here, others about how they will miss us when we go. There was many tears and lots of hugs to go around. We ended our visit by giving each of the women at the study a peice of fabric that they could use for sewing, clothing, etc. This brought many of them to tears as they were overwhelmed by recieving the gift!

After bible study we got a text message from Michael and Patrick saying they arrived in Kinshasa safe and sound so that made us all feel good. We headed back to the house were we shared a dinner prepared by Nona. We sat around the table for a few hours after dinner sharing many laughs, tears, more laughs, more tears from laughing so hard and many stories of our lives. It was a great time of reflection on where the Lord has brought us all in our lives. God is so AWESOME!!

Were now getting ready to plan out our last day in Goma for tomorrow....lots of things to do! Looking forward to it all. So until then..... we miss you and love you all very much! See you soon!!

Jess

A rain filled day....

2009-05-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

As every morning this week....we started off early and headed to prayer. After that we came back to the house and made the plans for the day.

We headed back the center to move some more rocks. But not before Michael and Terry got in some push ups. When we walked in to the gate we could see how much progress we have made. Our team has really helped this project come along quickly. The walls of the foundation are done, and we have filled in the center. We only need a layer of small rock to cover, then cap it with concrete. We really worked hard today and the team feels a real sense of accomplishment.
We headed back to the house around two or so. A quick shower and lunch and we all feel better. It started raining this afternoon, pretty hard. It rained for an hour or so. Some of the team took a short nap. Moving rocks is hard, dirty, tiring work and we all felt it. Michael led bible study tonight, he spoke on obedience to God. He used the book of Daniel chapters 1 through 3.It went very well. It seemed as though everybody could relate and apply it to their lives.
After bible study the team and Esther went out for dinner. It was our last dinner together. We ate at a hotel restaurant on Lake Kivu. Dinner was good. When we got to the house we spent some time watching a movie, then to bed. We had to be up early for bible study on friday.
Hi Barton family I love you and will see you soon.

Just a simple Wednesday in Goma

2009-05-01T06:36:00.000-07:00

Today we started the morning bright and early at 5:00 am to be ready for our prayer meeting at 6. I have to tell you…..there is not a better way to start off the day then praising the Lord through prayer and worship. Where two or more are gathered He is there and trust me ….we can feel him every morning!

After prayer we came back to the house for breakfast and to make the game plan for the day. We headed over to the center to make some more progress on our project. The shelter is going to be so awesome when its done. The kids are going to be able to focus more on their learning being under a shelter rather then sitting on the hot rocks in the very hot sun! We moved well over our share of rocks. We formed a line and just passed the rocks along to set our foundation. It was a very tiring job and a few of us got some bumps and bruises but continued to press on and work through! We had some great team bonding not only with us but with some of our new friends!

After our work was finished we came back to the house took showers and headed to an Art Exhibit at one of the UN buildings. The paintings were beautiful as well as the carvings. We all walked away with a little something.

From there we headed to the women’s bible study at Heal Africa. It was my (Jess) night to share with the ladies. I shared a powerful testimony and shared about the changes in my life the Lord has done. It was amazing. After I shared the women got a chance to share back. None of us were able to hold back tears. Those women are absolutely amazing. We talked with one woman who shared with us her fears of leaving Heal Africa because of the family rejection that comes with the result of the sexual violence done to her.

When we finished there, we headed to Shoppers to get stuff for dinner. It was our night to cook so we decided we were going Mexican! We made tacos, rice, beans and fresh chips with the deep fryer. It was a crack up for all of us. We busted out an awesome meal that was loved by all.

The night is ending with a couple rounds of Catch Phrase…..girls against guys…..(the guys are going down) and movie night!

Keep checking back to see what we are all up to! Until then we all miss you!

Jess

back to prison

2009-04-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

Hello all from Patrick.

Tuesday.

Well we got up at 5 and and went to church for prayer from 6 to 7, we will be doing this everyday this week. Thats right 6 am PRAYER MEETING and around 200 people show up...amazing. It is an inspiring thing to see all these people giving God their first fruits. There is some intercessory corprate prayer & a whole lot of free form pouring out of hearts...moving.

About 7:30 am Cam, Mike, Terry & I arrived at Goma Central Prison. I spoke here last year and remember it well. This year I spoke to them about how no disipline is enjoyable while it is happening but that afterwards is a peacefull harvest of right living. I also encouraged them to mark out a straight path for their lives and offered them biblical tools they can use to help make that happen. In closing I offered an oppertunity to give their lives to the Lord & for back slides to re commit...over 50 hands went up and they prayed the sinners prayer w/ us. PARTY IN HEAVEN.

Then we went to C&E's Learning Center and worked on the foundation for the class room our church is sponsoring...our estimation is that we haved moved over 4000 pounds of rock so far, by hand. It has been tough work and slow going (a given in Congo) but the project is coming along and I belive we will finish it with in a week.

SHOUT OUT TO THE GUYS, AND SHOTGUN AT THE GENESIS HOUSE. KEEP ENCOURAGING & SHARPENING EACH OTHER. SEE YOU SOON BROTHERS.

Miss you all.

Peace,
Patrick

Lots of Rocks

2009-04-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

Monday (27th)

Before Camille came to the US there where some problems starting to rise in the church. We decided that the best thing to do was to come together and pray in the morning. Things started to change in the church, now once a month they dedicate a week to prayer. They met at church from 6 to 7am to get the day started off right. These prayers are not quiet prayer meetings like I am used to. These are prayer meetings where people are kneeling, standing, sitting and walking praying out loud. It’s so cool! So we went, up at 5 something and at the church by 6am. It was a great time of focus and just letting it all out in prayer

The big project we are doing is building part of the learning center for the Ntoto’s. The property is the Ntoto’s and they use it now for the meeting place for Hope for the Helpless. The problem is that the children are exposed to the weather and can make it very uncomfortable for teaching. We are constructing a structure with a concrete foundation and a good roof. If they want to enclose it, that can be done at a later date. There is a good chance that this will be finished before I come home. So we start moving rocks, lots of rocks. The property is volcanic rock that they have paid someone to break up. The rock is used to level the ground and for the foundation of the shelter. Did I say we moved a lot of rocks? Fortunately we had gloves otherwise ours hands would have been chewed up. Cloud cover was nice, shielding us from the son, but well all got a little sun burned.

Back at the house a few of the team had a chance to experience the our door market with Esther. Building food there is a crazy experience with lots of negotiating. Seeing people who look like they have money walk up, increases the price. Esther is wise to that trick and forces them to market rate.

At 5pm we went to Heal Africa for a meeting with the victims of Sexual violence, where Nona was the speaker. She did a great job and the women responded well

Late into the evening was spent playing Catch Phrase and having movie night.

We have a good team and I am very proud of all of them. All are willing to speak or pray whenever called on.

More to come…

Michael.

We have Internet

2009-04-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

I am glad the Internet back, it has been down since Saturday night. I will do my best to get you caught up to today (Tuesday).

Sunday morning we had two Churches to go to . First was Heal Africa and then to ARCHE. At Heal Africa I spoke and Jenn, Terry, Nona and Jessica went and help with the kids. By the pictures they had a lot of them to deal with. I spoke on the Lord's Prayer as the foundation of our communication with God.

ARCHE is a church plant from Kinshasa and is becoming a large church on its own. They have just built a new building and it is already full. Patrick and I were with Camille and go to the church before the rest. The senior Pastor was out visiting a church they just planted so Camille was acting Pastor for the weekend. The music worship time was great, but difficult to sing along when all the songs are in French. They did sing "His Love Endured Forever", so I sang along in English. During the worship time, the rest of the team arrive with Esther and Jessica came in holding two year old Flory. Flory has been adopted by friends of Camille & Esther and are waiting for the immigration documents to be approved. When I got up to speak, I was about six feet higher than the congregation. They built the stage up high so everyone would be able to see the pastor. I spoke on Living for God and what it looks like to be different from the rest of the world. Camille was teasing me earlier that I do not speak very long, so I asked God to give me a long message. About an hour after getting up to preach I sat down! The team is wondering if I will be that long when I get home...time will tell. Camille led the prayer time after the message and many raised their hands to accept Jesus for the first time. They also were many that raised then hand to recommit their lives to Jesus.

A BBQ was plan for the afternoon and when we came home the food was already in process of being prepared. Camille had invited some Americans that are living here and some other friends of theirs from other NGO's. The food was fantastic as we sat outside over looking the lake. The rain rolled in during our meal so we huddled under umbrellas and kept eating. The rain did not last long and soon the sun was back out. Flory hung out with us all afternoon. Esther thought it would be a good idea for him to hear English and start getting used to it.

We had a chance to call into church at the beginning of the Sunday morning service. I was great to hear the rest of the church and to give each one of is a chance to say hello to our larger family. After getting off the call, we where all a little sad but yet rejuvenated for our time hear.

Patrick brought the game Catch Phrase and be played guys against the girls. The guys won 2 games to 1. I said 2 out of 3, but Patrick thought I would have changed it if the girls won the first 2. Would I do that? After the 'friendly' game, we enacted team movie night. We sat in one of our rooms and watched a movie on my computer. A bigger screen would have been nice, but I am not complaining. Patrick was very nice to share his stash of cashews and beef jerky.

Sunday was a good day.

We have pray meeting at 6am, I need to get some sleep. Check the blog before you goto bed, I will try to update again in the morning.

Michael.

Pictures...Finally

2009-04-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the silence, but we have been without internet for a couple days.

Hope you enjoy the pictures.Nona at the mouth of the 2002 lava flow.
Michael can't take seeing a kid with a snotty nose.
Terry the jungle gym.
Jessica and her buddy.
Jenn and Roger (rabbit).
Patrick...does this need to be explained?

Another Day in Paradise

2009-04-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

Jenn and Terry's turn to speak at Heal Africa. Todays service was an English service, but there still was translation into French. Unlike yesterday's service, todays was much smaller and was only scheduled for 30 minutes. Terry and Jenn spoke back-to-back and shared a linking message that was not planned by them. Terry says that he does not have much to say, but for someone that doesn't have much to say, he says a lot. After the service a 9 year old girl came to me a shared a cool blessing. She spoke at a very mature level, with a true knowledge of Jesus Christ.

We spent the rest of the morning doing various things: some relaxed, some ran around with Esther at the market, some where preparing for Sunday speaking, and some did a combination.

Early afternoon we headed over to the Hope for the Helpless to interact with the children. (more about H for H go to www.hopeforthehelpless.org. Presilla, works for an american NGO and volunteers with H for H, was teaching the children. The kids where there from 2-5pm to have Bible study, teaching and tutoring. I told the story of Daniel and interacted with the children to make sure they understood the story. A few had heard the story before and they all grasped the main point. We then had a time of open questions so we talked about things we liked, where were from, etc. We even pulled out a world map and one student was quick to point out California and knew that the Terminator was our governor. The questions went on for a while back and forth, then it was time to move into more learning. The kids where then divided into two groups with one advanced group. Presilla is teaching about Martin Luther King Jr. by having them memorize his 'I Have a Dream Speech' in English. I heard a couple child's share how much they had competed and was very impressed.

We spent the rest of the evening getting ready for Sunday and having some down time. Tomorrow we have church at Heal Africa, Michael preaching, then to A.R.C.H.E. church, Michael preaching. In the after we are having a bbq with various NGO's so we have a chance to talk to others that are doing work in this area. Should be interesting.

Briefly spoke to Nate and Joanna today, really good to hear their voices.

Grace and Peace,

Michael

Friday in Goma

2009-04-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

Early rise this morning, we had to be at Heal Africa for their morning devotions at 7:30. It was a nice 10 minute walk to Heal Africa, and we got a lot of looks as we went along the road. I don't now why, just 6 white people dressed the same walking up the street. Morning devotions was for all the employees and volunteers and was mandatory. Jessica spoke and shared in James 1 about joy in trials and perseverance that God will deliver. She did an excellent job and I am very proud of her for getting up before 200 people to share. It is always good to be the mix of the people and getting to interact with them as much as possible.

We spent some time at Beroya school that I had visited last fall and where PraiseWorks sponsors 5 children. Jessica lead the way as she, with translation help from Camille, taught some English to the children. She started with a song, Jesus Love Me, then moved to basic greetings. The kids did an excellent job and had a lot of fun with it. We also taught the children what a high five was and had them all high fiving each other when we left. I remembered some of the kids and most remembered me.

Camille took us on a very informational excursion to the Goma volcano observatory. There are 8 volcano's around Goma and 2 are very active. The last lava flow was in 2002 and it did a tremendous amount of damage. Turns out that without military conflict, Goma is still the most dangerous place to live. Volcano's, earthquakes, acid rain and the potential of the lake exploding make it very dangerous. We were taken to a the mouth where the lave flowed. I thought that lava came out of the top of the volcano, but it actually can travel under ground and come up miles away. There were three main mouths where the lave came out and it was quite a interesting place.

On the way back to the house, we stopped at Heal Africa for the women's meeting. This is all the women who are in recovery from sexual violence, a truly remarkable group. I introduced the group and Jenn, Nona and Jessica all shared and prayed with the women. I was taken back by a 9 year old girl who spoke life into all of us. She spoke with a depth, that would but most Christian adults to shame.

Now we are about to eat dinner, so I must go.

Pictures to come...

Michael

Goma Day 2

2009-04-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

Hello all. This is Jessica. So we have had yet another exciting day here in Goma. If I could describe to you the feeling we all get when we get the chance to interact with either the woman from Heal Africa or the children from the orphanges its just simply amazing. To see how happy these woman and children are to see us and have vistors here, for them, its the biggest blessing in the world. They all survive with mostly nothing at all but with just a "Jambo", which is "hello" in Swhali, it has made their day complete!

The morning started off very beautiful here on this side on the world! Michael, Patrick and Terry started their morning off with Camille and his men's group for a bible study on the lawn. While Jen, Nona and myself all prepared for the day ahead and had some funny girl bonding time!

Today we had the oppurtunity to be all over the place. We attended a State of Affiars conference on the subject of "Stopping the Sexual Violence Against the Women and Children in Congo". Very powerful stuff. We got to hear insight from the UN and how they are making their attmepts to help as well as Camille with The Light of Africa network and Heal Africa. Please continue to keep all the victims in your prayers. This is a horrible situation!

After the confrence we went to Bethsaida, which is one of the many orphanges here. We got to meet many, many children, who were beyond excited to see us when we arrived! We got our own front row performance from the children praticing in the choir and they were amazing and sung and danced like crazy. At one point they even pulled all of us to dance with them. It is very entertaining for them to see a "munseki", which meants white person, dance. They had Jen in the middle of the floor dancing like crazy.....very funny! We left the orphange....but of course not without passing ot soccor balls! Which of course the kids went crazy over. We drove off watching them kick the balls around.

The day wound down with a bible study at the church. We had what was called a "Cultural Exchange". Its amazing to see how many different points of view but yet all having the same concept of God, each one of them shared with there questions. It was a bible study done in English so that everyone could have a chance to practice the language..... NO TRANSLATING was allowed! hahahaha. They were asking us many questions about life in America and continuously expressing how happy they were that we were here to see them!

We ended the night with a dinner around the table with Camille and Esther. Its amazing that no matter how far from home and our own families we are, we have a family here. We have all bonded and have been so beyond blessed with this trip, its a great feeling. We discussed and made plans to begin some of the much needed work that needs to be done here. We are all looking forward to tomorrow. We are headed to Heal Africa, where I am leading bible study. Im very excited for what God has in store.

Keep us all in your prayers. We miss all of you.

Love
Jess

First Day In Goma-from Jennifer

2009-04-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hello!!
This is Jennifer typing this time. We are experiencing God's favor here in Goma. When google searching Goma nobody ever shares the fact that is so beautiful here, pictures just do not do it justice. It does not seem right that a very short distance from here such human autrocities occur. Today we visited Heal Africa an organization that is trying to combat sexual violence. Heal Africa takes in survivors of sexual violence, they make medical care possible for them in order to restore their physical bodies, they house the women, teach them a trade so they can provide for themselves and their families. They also feed their spirits by witnessing to the women in order to instill in them that they are not worthless, violence should not be accepted and they matter and are loved by God. What moved me to almost to tears is you would think that these places we went would be a place of sadness or depression but it is just the opposite, these women sang to us when we arrived. We danced rejoiced and I was asked to pray for the women. I was honored to be in the presence of these strong women. Only God could work like this, there is no other explanation. To have joy in the midst of hurting, to be open when you have been violated in the worst way possible, to continue to praise God knowing that all this around you is only temporary and it does not help anyone to wallow in the past. This is what these women have taught me today and I will never forget my experience looking at these women and girls and hearing just a little bit of their suffering, my heart silently breaking. Their testimonies and joy are remarkable to me, I know a great work is being done here.
We visited two womens centers for Heal Africa today, we also saw Healing Arts which is were the women can sell what they have been taught to make as in clothes, handbags, jewlery, placemats, wallets and many other things. The women get to save some of the money to take when they leave and the rest of the profit is reinvested back to help more women.We also had an evening bible study at ARCHE- Camille and Esther's church. Michael delivered a sermon tonight and will do it again tomorrow night. Please continue to pray for us and to pray for Goma and pray for Camille and Esther, God's hand is on this place. I feel so blessed to be a witness to what God is doing here.

Arrived in Goma

2009-04-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

After 40+ hours of travel, we safely made it to Goma. We are all exhausted, but that will be fixed with a shower and some sleep. Layovers are brutal, and it does not matter if it's in a big airport or small.

When we arrived in Kigali, we were eventually met by Jonatal who had rented a minivan to get us, our 6 packbacks and 12 suitcases to Goma. The minivan was full and the seats were the not the most in comfort. The drive took 3.5 hours to get from Kigali to the border of Rwanda and the DRC. The drive was slowed by road construction and our hired driver getting a speeding ticket. After getting the ticket, I think he actually drove faster. Gettng out of the van was fantastic as all of leggs, backs and back sides were done.

The border crossing went very smooth with out a single bag being opened for inspection. It was strange walking with our bags accross the border in the dark. We were met by Camille and Esther who needed 2 SUVS to get all of us and our stuff to their house. It was great to finally be somewhere. We had a nice meal and got a chance to talk a little about what the next couple weeks are going to look like. They are very happy that we are here an I know that we are in the will of God being here in Goma.

Everyone is showering up, get rid of 40 hours of funk!

Tomorrow we will be at Heal Africa and then at ARCHE church for Mid week bible study. (I found out I am teaching)

Much more to come.

Michael.

Amsterdam

2009-04-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

A very uneventful flight has gotten us safely to Amsterdam. With an 8 hour layover, we left the airport and saw some sights. Amsterdam has an extensive canal system that reminded me of Venice (what I have seen in The Italian Job). We saw Anne Franks house but did not have time for the tour. The city is very green with rain frequent, but today the weather is fantastic. Probably mid 60's with some breezes.

We are resting in some really comfortable chairs and are about to get to our gate for the next flight. Keep praying for us and we will do our best to keep this blog updated.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Next stop Goma

2009-04-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

Well we are at it again.

In few short hours, six of us will be leaving for the Democratic Republic of Congo going to the city of Goma. Goma is in the east and borders with Rwanda. It is a region that is ravaged by violence that affects everyone. We will be partnering with Camille & Esther Ntoto of Light f Africa Network, who are wonderful people of God.

I ask that you keep us in your prayers as we travel and for favor as we go do the work of Jesus. We will be updating this blog as much as possible so keep checking back. You can also read about prior trips in the archives of this blog.

Grace and Peace.

Michael.

Ya Man

2009-03-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

I went to The Salvation Army's school for the blind this morning. It is a sprawling campus covering almost 8 acres. Ages of the students range from 3 to 20 and they live at the school 10 months a year. The school is in excellent shape a teams from Canada have come regularly and have fixed the school up. I was amazed to see the students running around and running around me as if they could see me. They were preparing the field for sports day next week. They will have running races using rope to guide as well as playing cricket. The cricket ball makes a sound and they play by hearing, amazing. The school is the only school for the blind in the Caribbean, so there are students from many countries.

After the school for the blind, I went to the ARC. Yes they have an ARC here. There program has 8 men in it and can have a maximum of 12. A couple from Australia came about a year ago to get the ARC financially and programmly on track. He went to Miami and spent time at the ARC learning there system so to make the ARC in Kingston viable. He is working hard to open 5 to 7 more thrift stores on the island in the next year. He believes he can make the ARC profitable at the same time infusing capital in to other Salvation Army ministries. On the program side, an officer was brought in how has counseling experience who has made a tangible difference in the success of the men in the program. I would like to come back in a year and see how the ARC has changed.

I was taken around today by Captain Jonah, who is from the Dominican Republic. He is awaiting his work permit for St. Martins where he will be in charge of a corps. Being from the Dominican, we talked baseball and he asked me if I knew who Vladamir Guerrero was. Oh yea! We talked about the Angels and Nates and Davina's baseball teams.

Good day. Right now I am being updated about Nate and Davina's baseball games happening back home. I am stressed sitting here waiting for updates. I new a web cam at the park.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Jamaica

2009-03-25T06:12:00.001-07:00

Well I am on a new adventure to a part of the world I have never been. I am currently sitting in the home of the Castor's who are the leaders of The Salvation Army for the Caribbean. They were previously the second in charge for the DRC and where transferred here in the fall of last year. I am researching opportunities for a mission trip this summer to Kingston Jamaica partnering my church with our mother church in Tustin Ranch.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to tour three different ministries: two corps (churches)Rae Town & Allman Town and our training school for officers (pastors). The corps are in the heart of Kingston and the area was described as the ghetto by the corps officers (pastors). I agree. A very poor area with many, many need. Both corp operate a preschools that are in need of funding. They have space for more children but cannot afford more teachers so many children get turned away. There is a big literacy problem, so there is an effort to teach children how to read. The buildings are in decent shape and the Corps in Rae Town was in process of some fix ups. The work is being performed and paid for by people of the church. The corps officers have great hearts and big vision for their churches and need some partnering in order to make it happen.

I also visited the Training College when men and women spend two years being trained to become Salvation Army Officers (Pastors). The training principal and his wife are Canadians who only arrived here last year. The school was a disaster when they arrived, and with help from a large team from Canada the school was significantly fixed up. Turns out the training principal and his wife were the corps officers of my grandparents in Parie Sound, Ontario Canada. They new my uncle and my dad...small world. The Training School is in need of some IT help to aid in the education of the cadets (students).

I spent the evening visiting with the Castor's talking about church and politics.

I have taken only a few pictures thus far, but I do not have a way to down load them. I will do that when I get home.

Until later, Grace & Peace.

Michael.

Goma in Turmoil

2008-10-10T14:29:00.000-07:00

I(Michael) received this email today:

I am sending this message to everyone in my personal address book. As a board member of Light of Africa Network, I am asking that each person take time out of their busy schedule to pray for the safety and well being of our missionary couple, Camille and Esther Ntoto, who are in this war torn region of the world in the DR Congo. We just spoke to Camille. The borders are closed. Esther is coming home from Belgium and WILL NOT return to Goma. It is too dangerous! She is praying and hoping that she will be able to meet Camille in Kinshasa (a much safer area for the time being.) Our prayers should always be with the people of Congo; the victims of rape, the children; the families torn apart, and yes, even the men that are creating this violence. We need to pray for their souls that God may place His hand upon their hearts for a deep change from within. Our Lord can do this. Please pray!

Please pray for Camille. He is stuck in Goma and trying to find an airline seat out of the area. He is trying to move around without much notice. His leg has just been taken out of a cast and he is struggling with that issue, too. Pray that he can close up the house, transfer funds and proceed safely to meet Esther. By praying, we will remember that “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) Please pray that God will provide that refuge and strength to Camille and Esther as they continue through day by day. PLEASE, PLEASE take a moment from your day and pray. Through prayer, we can make a difference and at this moment we need to stand together and show the power of prayer.

Pray does work! Let us commit to it and do it without quitting.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Goma - Day 12

2008-10-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

As we drove up to the prison, you could not help but notice that a transformation was happening. A revitalization group was sponsoring the renewing of the exterior of the prison. A fresh coat of colored cement texture as well as fresh paint in other places was covering the outside of the prison. Once in side, it was evident that the exterior changes did not make it into the inside. Kind of like us, we make so much effort change our outward appearance, but inside we are the same old person. Remember God is not concerned with what you look like, but who you are. As we walk into the yard of the prison, you could feel the coolness of the morning air with the security of protection from God. There are no guards in the prison, it is self-governed and all the police were safely on the outside of the prison door. There are just over 700 inmates in the prison and they counted about 565 inmates at the service. When Patrick and I were here in April the service was help inside in a small, dark, Closter-phobic room. They know hold the service in the yard, which was to my delight. There was a lively praise and worship time followed by a message from me. I spoke on our identity and that our identity is found in Jesus. We are not identified by color, language or nationality. We are not identified by the thing that we have done, but by who God has created us to be. I used many verses from the book of Romans to show that all of us have sinned and all need a Savior. That salvation is a free gift available to us all. It was evident that God was with us and that many of these men had hearts committed to Jesus. I asked how many remembered Patrick and by the response he is still well know in Goma prison. I sent greeting to the men from Patrick and they all cheered. We gave the beans and rice, which were very well received. Pastor Bitha who is the regular prison pastor told them that I did not just come to give them food for their heart, but I also came to give them food for their stomach. He shared the verse in James that says faith without deeds is not faith at all. My tattoos have generated more attention in the past, mostly because the new one I got is pretty obvious. Many of the prisoners came around me to check out my arm and I able to share a short word on obedience to them. Outside, Camille was talking to the director of the prison and he informed us that the uprising began Tuesday morning when we were first scheduled to visit. God is always taking care of us.

I spent then rest of the morning preparing for an English Bible study, working out and started to pack up my suitcases. I came with three suitcases, two of them filled with stuff that C & E needed. Packing to come home will be a lot easier with more room. I did purchase items to resell at church to raise money for more work in the DRC. There are some specific areas I think we as a church can get involved with here. I will be working through some stuff and will share when I have more clarity.

At C & E’s church they have an English Bible study on Thursday nights. C & E came up this idea to help the youth of their church to learn English. I taught a passage about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. Each person had to speak English and I had to talk real slow so they had a better chance to understand, which is very hard for me.

The almost two weeks here have flown by. I thank all of you for your prayers and for taking this trip with me through this blog. I pray that the words God spoke through me would invoke change in people and change in a nation. I truly believe that the church needs to rise up and be the church he has called us to be. We need to stop sitting on our hands and get out to bring about change through Jesus Christ.

Over the next 2+ days I will spend 23 hours in the air and 15 hours in airports, Lord have mercy!

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Goma - Day 11

2008-10-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

Wow Day 11, where has the time gone. Did you know that the Angels have the best record in baseball and are entering the playoffs tonight versus the Boston Red Sox? It is difficult to stay up with all the sports scores with slow internet, but I do get on the internet in the morning and see how everything went.

I took care of the sponsoring of children in school today. We ended up sponsoring 10 kids in the Hope for the Helpless program and 5 children in the Berea school I visited last week. I will be receiving names and photos of all the kids and will put them up at church so we can continue to pray for these kids.

Camille and I just got back from the youth service at La Source Church. The praise & worship was fantastic. I preached from the book of Daniel and took a look at Daniel's life. Many times he had the opportunity to compromise his relationship with God but he never did. God blessed him for his uncompromising life. What would life look like for us if we never compromised? Are we missing out n blesses because of our compromise?

The pastor from the prison came by today to tells us that there had been an uprising at the prison. The issue was over the total lack of food and the prisoners were very hungry. He phoned later and said things where back to 'normal', pray! We will be taking the beans and rice with us, which should make us well liked. We will present the food to the authorities in front of the prisoners so they know that the food is there.

Pretty much all of Goma was on strike today to protest the lack of peace in the area. We think there was some sort of demonstration today, but we did not see anything. I did make the raids easier to drive on with less people and vehicles. I lost by chauffeur job this afternoon. Camille got his cast off and was back behind the wheel. His calf muscle is still very stiff and his knee is sore from lack of movement, but he should gain better mobility over the next few days.

Remember that as you pray, God may use you to answer your very own prayers.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Goma - Day 10

2008-09-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

This morning the staff and volunteers of Light of Africa Network(LOAN) got together for prayer and bible devotions. It was a truly blessed time of heart felt worship and prayer from the depths of the heart. We prayed for the country, the sexual violence issue as well as many other topics. We believe that we serve a God who not only hears these prayers but also delights in answering them.

Much of the morning was finishing the preparations a a two recording engineers from Ghana coming to record the bible in Swahili. They are partnering with LOAN on this project and with be here for about two weeks to complete the project.

With Camille still in a full length cast on his leg, I have taken o the responsibility of chauffeur. I drove to the port and pick up Esther when she returned from a very successful trip to Bukavu. Esther and I went to the market (with me driving) which was an eventful trip. Driving at home is easy because all there is on the road is cars and the road is well paved. Try driving on a dirt and rock road after a night of rain. Then add lots of people, motorcycles driving crazy, little kids wandering about, and other various obstacles, Oi! The market is not stores you walk into, it's the streets lined with everything you might need or not need. As soon as we started to slow down, we had the mama's coming to Esther's window try to sell their goods. On my side were people staring at the Muzungu (white guy) wondering why is he driving around this Congolese. I did see something you don't see in OC. I was looking across the car to what Esther was doing when there was a knock on my window. I turned to see a man holding up a handful on chickens, big & dead, I declined!

Today was the first day here that I did not have a speaking engagement. Part of me feels like a slacker, but I have enjoyed some rest and re-cooping from the past week and a half. I was to speak at the prison this morning but that got moved to Thursday. I bought 100kg of beans and about the same in rice for the prisoners. Patrick, you will be happy that I did not forget to take care of that.

I have committed our church to sponsor 10 kids in the Hope for the Hopeless program. I encourage you to check out their website to learn more about them. (www.hopeforthehelpless.org) This ministry works closely with C & E, and you can see pictures on the blog from the day I went to their tutoring and bible study program. The young man, Andre, who runs the program here keeps very busy. Every other week he is in the schools checking on the sponsored kids and once a month he goes to the home to do the same. Every Saturday they come for tutoring and Bible study. This isn't just pay some school fees and that's it, there is a lot of accountability.

"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results." - James 5:16

Keep praying.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Goma - Day 9

2008-09-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

The power was out all night, but I was able to get the blog out thanks to the generator. At about 3:30pm the power came back one.

Esther left for Bukavu early this morning and arrived there safely about 2 hours later.

Our plan for the morning was to do a half-day seminar at Lake Kivu’s Christian Centers ‘International School of Evangelism’ on the outskirts of Goma. Patrick and I gave medical supplies to a medical clinic in this area back in April. The schools focus is to train up evangelists and then release them back to their homes to do the work God called them to do. They are in classes every morning and then in the afternoon they have various jobs to do, including agriculture. They take the model from the Apostle Paul who called himself a tent maker. I was amazed that none of the students are from Goma, the people in Goma think it is too far out of town, about 10 minute drive. The students are from all over the country and as far away as Kinshasa. I taught one session on the role of the church and another one the role of the leader. They were very eager to learn and after each session we had a good Q & A time. Everywhere that I have been able to teach there is a visual hunger for the Word. They really take what was taught and struggle at time to see how that looks in their life. It is really what we should be doing, not just hearing a message, but struggling to see the application in our lives.

Back at the house Camille and I had a very introspect discussion, and we are more alike that I first thought. We (they, I took a pause to type this while the power is back) are working some new shelving in their house. We (again they) are rearranging the studio to make room for a couple guys that will be here for a couple weeks to record a dramatic portrayal of the Bible.

It has been nice to have a little non speaking work this afternoon, although I could use a nap. I am looking forward to the plane ride home; actually I am looking forward to sleeping the whole way home.

For those who have been to Kinshasa before or those of you have seen the photos, remember the VW vans with 20 or so people in them? I have got another crazy one for you. At the end of last week, I told you about giving the sowing machine and supplies to women going back to their villages. That night we helped get one women, her baby, her sowing machine still in the box, and a large bag of her personal items off to her village…on a 125 motorcycle! She had her baby tied to her back and the sewing machine on her lap. The taxi driver (motorcycle was the taxi) had her bag in front of him on the gas tank. This journey a little was away, cost less than 1000fc, which is about $2. I thought this was crazy, but everyone looked at me like I was the crazy one. You would be amazed at what people carry on these motorcycles. We would use a truck or SUV, and they use a motorcycle. I have seen women with large bags on their lap with their toddler sitting on the gas tank! These ‘taxi’ drivers are crazy drivers, and not crazy fun, but crazy bad.

I do not think I have ever been this exhausted on one of these trips. For me, preparing to speak and then speaking is more tiring than all the manual labor I have done in the past.

Your prayers are working, don’t stop.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Goma Pictures

2008-09-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

Hope for the Helpless
Hope for the Helpless
Hope for the Helpless
A precious one.
Last weeks Conference.

Goma - Day 8

2008-09-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

The early mornings keep getting earlier and earlier. I was up last night working the message for the first church and was having difficulty because of being so tired.
I decided to go to bed and get up at 5am to finish preparing and then ready to leave the house by 7:15am. The first service was at Heal Africa’s chapel and was attended by 200 or so people. Many of the people were women from Heal Africa’s programs. I preached on healing, that Jesus wants to heal and that we need to have some faith in our prayers as we ask for healing. I primarily used the passage in Mark 5 with the synagogue leader wanting healing for his daughter and the women how had been bleeding for 12 years touching Jesus’ robe for healing. At the end I asked for anyone who wanted healing to stand and raise a hand to God. I wanted to pray with each person individually, but I would still be there if I did that, so I had to do a collective prayer of healing for all. It was a very anointed time and I am looking forward to the testimony of healed hearts, minds and bodies.

We swung by home and grabbed a quick breakfast before heading to La Source Church. La Source is one of the original French speaking churches in Goma and the place was jump’n in worship. I spoke out of Ezekiel 22, the need for someone to stand in the gap. The church is the one that sound stand on the gap between how things are today and how there are meant to be. The church should be the catalyst for change in the world. Message seemed to be received well and after the service we sat down with the pastors and elders for a piece of cake a beverage.

We had lunch with Hayward, the US diplomat I had met at the end of last week. C & E shared with him what they are involved with and he wanted their take on the over all situation in Goma.

Back at the house, about 5:30pm, we decided to sit out side and relax. The weather had a different plan as a light sprinkle turn into a downpour with thunder and lightening. I think it has rained about evening since I arrived. As I type this power is out and I am using my flashlight to type.

Tomorrow I will be doing a morning seminar at a school for evangelists. I will be using some of the same material I used last week, plus some new material I need to finish preparing tonight.

Pray without ceasing!

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

PS. Sometimes I add pictures a day later to these posts because of connection speed. So if you don't see a picture, check back later.

Goma - Day 7

2008-09-27T10:34:00.001-07:00

Early morning again today as I preached at Heal Africa's employee chapel service. Spoke on the importance of taking out burdens to Jesus, in fact HE asks us to do so. The verse says,"Come to me all who are weak and carrying heaven burdens and I will give you rest." That is an amazing promise and when you think of the context of our world, we will not continue moving forward unless we release our burdens to Jesus. After the service I had a few hours until I was to go to Hope for Helpless. I spent the time napping, relaxing, working out, and getting ready for Sunday. I accepted another speaking invitation for Sunday morning. I will speak in one church for their 7am service, then go to another church for their 10am service.

I went to Hope for the Helpless (hopeforthehelpless.com) in the afternoon. This is a ministry which sponsor children in school but does so much more than that. On top of the school fees, uniforms, shoes, and school supplies they provide, they have tutoring, and bible study every Saturday. Children are expected to come every Saturday and if they do no they are followed up with. I was given the opportunity to speak to the kids and I was truly blessed. We ran out and picked up cokes and bread for all the kids. I observed one girl, about 14, doing a little dance while she ate. Andre said she was happy and I ask why. He gave an amazing answer, "because she is eating!" Wow! We need to see how we can plug into this ministry with sponsorship, and help with food for bible study and tutoring times. There is also vision for a basic structure to help to protect kids from the sun and rain. After the Saturday meeting was done, we packed kids into C & E's two suv's and dropped them off close to home. The kids in my suv enjoyed my driving. I pretended that we where all in my Mini, they where laughing hard, especially the boys in the very back.

Esther is going to Bukavu on Monday to keep the "Breaking the Silence" movement moving. The governor of South Kivu was moved by the victims stories and she wants to discuss how the government can help make keeping women safe a reality. She purchased her ticket (travel to Bukavu by 'high' speed boat) next to nice hotel on Lake Kivu. We decided to have dinner there and as we sat we could see the coast of the DRC and Rwanda. It was a very relaxing time.

Pray for Esther's upcoming trip, for protect and favor.
Pray for the continue healing of Camille's leg, recovering from muscle tear. Cast to be on until Wednesday.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

PS. The two girls in the picture are in the Hope for the Helpless program. They are both 8 years old and last year were both victims of sexual violence.

Goma - Day 6

2008-09-26T10:41:00.001-07:00

Normally I have all week to prepare to speak at our weekend services. With all the speaking I am doing, I have the night before to get ready for the following day. I did not think that cramming in college was good but it is paying off. This morning I spoke at Heal Africa (www.healafrica.org). The meeting consisted of all employees, volunteers and those in there various programs about 350 people. There was a team from a Baptist church in Brisbane Australia who has been doing a lot of great work. Their team consisted of Doctors, Dentists and teachers, a very valuable combination for Goma. I met a guy from Berkley, California who taught the women how to produce peanut butter for malnourished children. The peanut butter consisted of peanuts, sugar, milk and vitamins.

I met a diplomat from the US embassy in Kinshasa who was in Goma to assess the situation. He had heard about Esther’s Breaking the Silence rally and wanted to learn more. With him was the assistant regional security officer for the US embassy in Kinshasa. Nice guy and he gave his contact information for the next time I’m in Kinshasa. His card says that he is a ‘Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent’. I am not sure what that means, but sounds cool to have special agent on your business card. I wonder if I can get the title of special agent put on my card, Michael Freeman, ‘Special Agent for Advancing the Kingdom’, sounds good.

I went and bought 5 sewing machines, scissors, thread and tape measures for five women that will be leaving Heal Africa to go back to their villages. They will be equipped to provide for themselves and I pray that God will protect them from further violence, sexual or otherwise.

I spoke at Restoration for their Thursday night meeting. The meeting start at 3:30pm but they said I did not need to be their until about 4:15 or 4:30. Within a few minutes of arriving, I was preaching. I used Mathew 13, Jesus telling the story of the different kinds of soil and the seed. My translator was very animated and he helped me to kick it up a few notches. The message seemed to be received well and there was a good response.

After the meeting we went to Heal Africa where Esther and Dieudonne were leading a meeting of the women who are recovering from sexual violence. I was asked to share a few words and I was honored. These are amazing women and they really believe in Jehovah-Rapha, God is my healer. There were 5 women who where leaving to go back to their villages and one by one I present each women with a sowing machine and supplies. They were so overjoyed that they all started dancing and singing. They were so appreciative and I know that this project is something that we need to be a part of going forward. I took pictures, but because of darkness they did not turn out.

It’s now 7:30pm and I think I am done for the evening. I am not sure of the plan for tomorrow and that will determine if I have other things to prepare.

All is well, keep praying.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Goma - Day 5

2008-09-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

Day two of the conference had me teaching on unity in the church and love for your neighbor. To teach these topics in the DRC context is very different that at home. They have dealt and continue to deal with so much, that to live the disciple of Jesus life in difficult. I thought life was tough in OC, but this puts my life into a whole new light. The workshop time produced a lot of discussion especially when it came to breaking down the national, denominational, social, gender and tribal walls. I pray that these church leaders can take these tough messages back and live them out. If this area, even the world is going to change, than it is the church that needs to rise up and be the catalyst for the change.

I am working with Esther on a plan to help their learning center. She has a great vision but lacks the resources to make it a reality. There is good potential for a team trip here and I hope that people start asking God if He want s them to ome to Goma. I am also working to supply 5 women with sowing machines. When these women come to Goma to recover from injuries due to sexual violence, they are also taught skills so they can provide for themselves. Many are taught sowing but for them to buy a sowing machine is out of the question due to the expense ($80). There are five women who have recover and are ready to go back to there villages. We are working to purchase the sowing machines for them.

Tomorrow I am teaching at Heal Africa and then preaching at The Restoration Church in the afternoon.

Pray for Congo.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Goma - Day 4

2008-09-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

Short night, only about 4 hours sleep, but I started my day with P90X, which got by blood flowing.

Our schedule consisted of the seminar, which I was the guest speaker. We (well, Camille) contacted a Pastor from Heal Africa to come and translate for me. Not all the Pastor’s can speak French so Swahili needed to be the main language. Not many can translate from English to Swahili but this guy was good and passionate. Camille translates when going from English to French, but his Swahili is not good enough for speaking on that level.

The two main sessions went well, over 90 Pastors in attendance. God spoke to me and though me in such a freeing way. I spoke for over an hour at each sessions and the time seemed to fly by for me. I did not see anyone sleeping, so I think it went well for the listeners also. There was a pause café (coffee break) in between sessions and a workshop after the second sessions. There where 10 different groups who had predetermined questions to answer. They spent about an hour in there groups and then where fed lunch. After lunch each group reported their answers to the questions we asked. The two main questions were: Has the church fulfilled its roll in North Kivu? & Have Pastors fulfilled their roll in North Kivu? I was insightful hearing the answers as most said they have fallen short. One group referenced a passage I taught on in Ezekiel 34, talking about the self-serving shepherd. As this women presented her groups answers, there where a lot of sounds of agreement in the room. This time was followed by and boisterous time of prayer. It was a great day 1 of the conference. The pictures are from the conference and the picture of me is at the request of Patrick Peterman, who was with me in Goma earlier this year.

I got to drive right hand drive SUV today. It was tricky enough driving here, but now on the other side of the car I felt all out of balance. Fortunately, not incidents major or minor.

If you have any questions about what you have read, you can comment on the blog and I will get it. Your comment may not end up for public viewing, that’s my option.

Keep praying.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Goma - Day 3

2008-09-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

Tuesday found us with restored mobility around Goma. Driving around the only remnants of the previous days trouble was a few looted stores and a UN presence on the main street. The talk among the people is that would rather see the UN out fighting the warlord that sitting on the main road.

Esther and I went with Pastor Ushindi from the Nazarene Church of Goma, to visit a school that is part of their association of churches and schools. It was a fantastic school that focused on educating the children in French. This is important because if the children grown up only speaking Swahili, then there education and job opportunities will be severely limit. This school also has focused time of prayer and bible study throughout the week. Esther and I walked through each class, which went from preschool (3 & 4 year olds) through 6th grade. At least one child from each class presented themselves speaking French to show us how much they had learned. There is a need for child education sponsorship, which cost $60 per year per child. Thanks to Pastor Karie’s “Change Africa” campaign, we will be sponsoring some children. I will be looking into another opportunity to help vulnerable children on Saturday.

I was scheduled to speak to the women of C & E’s (Camille & Esther) church in the afternoon. I was asked to speak the day before and quickly accepted without thinking that I have never spoken to all women’s crowd. But I committed so…

On the way to the meeting, Esther and I stopped by a boutique of hand made goods. These items are made from women involved in a Catholic program that helps them recover from sexual violence. Esther initiated an event called “Women Breaking the Silence”, which had women who were the victims of sexual violence sharing their stories with government and other important officials. The mission was to bring the reality of the situation into the faces of those that can do something about it. The picture of the girl with Esther is one of the individuals who broke the silence. Her name is Mado and she is eleven years old. I will be going back to that boutique and purchasing things that we can sell at church to further support our Congo missions.

The meeting with the women was fantastic, I was so blessed to be able to share with them. God spoke a message of equality, empowerment and importance to women who are part of a male dominated society. The whole time I spoke, their ears were fixed on every word. It was a truly blessed time.

At night we had a great time of prayer thanking God for he day and asking his direction for the next. God convicted me of my concern for all the speaking at the upcoming conference. It felt good to confess and ask God to forgive me, it was no freeing. After prayer I sat down at the table and God poured into me as I wrote my notes for the first day of the seminar. My first two topics are The Role of the Church and the second is The Role of the Pastor. The over all topic of the conference is “The Role of the Church in Times of Crisis”.

Tomorrow will be a full day with the conference.

Continue to pray.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Goma - Day 2

2008-09-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

Because of the events from last night, we had to stay on the down-low today. It turns out that there was wide spread looting and the burning of a gas station believe to be owed by the warlord. All NGO'S(non government organizations) were told to stay in today for fear of more violence. People seem to be looking for someone to blame and willing to take it out on anyone. We have been told and it has been verified that many check points have be setup by the government limiting movement in the hopes of calming things down.

So todays initial plan was to begin a seminar outside Goma for pastors which was cancelled due to fighting at the end of last week. The new plan was to visit an orphanage and to see how we (PraiseWorks) can get involved. That was postponed to to the trouble last night.

So I spent the day preparing for other scheduled speaking engagements, specifically a seminar to begin on Wednesday. Camille had me go into the studio to record a message on the role of Pastors. I found it difficult to sit in front of a microphone and preach. I did it bare foot but that did not seem to help. Maybe I will give it another try tomorrow.

I am well and well taken care of.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Goma - Day 1

2008-09-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

After 20 hours of plane travel, 12 hours in layovers and a 4 hour can ride, I arrived at the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC). The border closes to vehicle traffic at 6pm and to foot traffic at 8pm, and we arrived at 7:55pm. We (Esther and Jonettle who works with Camille) quickly got ourselves through the border on foot to a waiting car driven by Clark a friend of the Ntoto's. Camille could not come get us as he tore a muscle in his right calf and was put in a full length cast for a week to immobilize the leg.

On Sunday we went to New Song Evangelistic Church, where I was the guest preacher. The message was received well and about 8 people made decisions to follow Jesus and be doers of the Word not just hearers. (See James 1:19-25) After church we went and had lunch on Lake Kivu in Rwanda. It was a nice time to relax and begin to catch up on life with Camille and Esther. Back in Goma, we began to strategize for the next week.

Some fighting broke out not too far outside Goma tonight. The word on the street is that MONUC (UN force in the DRC), mistakenly bombed a DRC military position that was keeping a dangerous warlord back. He since taken the position previously help by government troops. The injured and dead were brought back to Goma to the General Hospital. The governor came to check on the situation and the people began to throw stones at him, holding him responsible. The police came and had to use force to disburse the crowd. It's 9:15pm and things are quiet and we will reassess the situation in the morning.

Pray for Goma. Pray for the DRC. Pray for Camille, Esther & me.

Grace & Peace.

Michael.

New Adventure to Goma

2008-09-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

On September 18 I will be leaving on a trip to Goma, which is in the DRC on the border with Rwanda. This is an area that continues to be devistated by waring factions with the greatest atrosicties against women. Violence against women is ramped and there does not seem to be an end in sight. Much is being done through organizations such as Heal Africa and Light of Africa Network(LoAN) to help nurse these victims back to physical, emotional and spiritual health. The real challenge is to stop the circle of violence so communities and a nation can heal for an endless time of strife. I will be working with LoAN to reach out to the men to begin to teach them what it means to be a man. The following is an except from an email I received from Camille Ntoto who is the field coordinator for LoAN:

We are going to work closely with Pastors equipping them with the tools they need to best assist those in dire need of God’s comfort. Here are my thoughts:
1) The identity of the church, body of Christ (agent of Love and Salvation).
2) Why should we care? (an idea of biblical aspects of social justice)
3) What do we need in order to be a good shepherd of God’s sheep?
4) How can the church effectively break social, economic, racial, tribal, GENDER divides/injustices in our community?
5) Examples of Jesus; The Good Shepard: The Idea of a Good Pastor.
6) Empowering the survivors of abuse with the encouraging Words of God: Turning Pain to Power.
7) The Importance of Reconciliation: with God, Self, and Others.

The task ahead is extensive, but I believe that God has already equipped us to be victorious. Pray for favor. Pray for protection. Pray for wisdom and discernment. Pray for peace. Pray that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Grace & Peace,

Michael.

May 17th and 18th

2008-05-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

I know I have said this and Patrick has to, but mark your calender for these two dates. Saturday at 6pm and Sunday morning at 10:30a, we will dedicate our services to our recently completed trip. You can click on the link below for a map to our church. It you have any questions please email me at pwmissions@sbcglobal.net.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

http://www.praiseworks.org/411/meeting/where.htm

No place like home, Patrick

2008-05-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

We land at LAX. I beat Mike through customs so I was walking ahead of him by myself. I didn't really know where I was going but as I turned a corner I found I was in the right place.I thought the Beatles must have been on the same flight & standing behind me because the crowd went wild. It turns out a huge group of people from P-dub showed up at the airport to greet Mike & I. Everybody else in the airport must have thought we were famous, the roar was deafening... It was awesome, thanks guys. Seeing everybody I had been missing was touching, hearing them scream like rock & roll crazed teenagers...Priceless.

So this is the end of this journey but not the end of the mission. Your mission field, my mission field, mission work in general does not have to be on the other side of the planet & it doesn't have to cost a bunch of money. It doesn't have to start on a particular date & end when a plane lands back in your home town.
If you are a believer, you have a mission... spread the WORD, be HIS hands & feet, love people like Jesus would. It is amazing what you can do when you do it in HIS name & in HIS power. With God all things are possible.

If you would Like to here & see more about our trip, please come to Praiseworks May 17Th & 18Th. Mike & I will be sharing our experiences, Photos,& videos.

Thanks for reading.

Patrick,

John 3:30

And We're Back...

2008-05-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

We'll here I am sitting in my office on my laptop thinking, "Did what I just experience really happen?" It's surreal to be back home, where did the time go? The last 25 days flew by!

Patrick and I were greeted by thunderous applause by many of our church family after we cleared immigration and customs at LAX. Patrick got through first and was about 50 feet ahead of me. As he exited the customs area to freedom, the ovation was deafening. Thanks to our church family that drove up to LAX to see us back. It touched my heart to be welcomed home with so much love.

So, what was my first meal back? Chipotle!

Well, what is next? I am determined not to let the momentum generated by this trip come to a grinding halt. Having seen what God did though our church and beyond, I know that there is more work for us to do. We will talk about our trip at church in our weekend services on May 17 and 18. What ever I put together visually, I will work to put on UTUBE, so those of you who are out of the area can see what happened. Keep checking this blog over the next couple weeks and I will let you know what is happening.

As always,

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

London to LAX

2008-05-04T05:51:00.000-07:00

We are here safe in London and are waiting for the next flight. Looking forward to getting home.

Grace and peace,

Michael

Nairobi to London

2008-05-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

Well, we are officially on our way home. We are here in Nairobi enjoying our 8+ hour layover.

Yesterday afternoon we left Goma for the drive to Kigali, Rwanda. The scenery along the drive is very difficult to explain. Rolling hills, lush landscape, great views, simply amazing. He got into Kigali about 7pm and the lights from the city coming in were very cool. We spent the night at Hotel des Mille Collines, which is the hotel in the movie Hotel Rwanda. We had a nice evening with the Ntoto's and enjoyed God's favor. This morning we drove around the city, which is very clean, and purchased a few things.

We will miss Camille and Esther, they definitely are family to us.

The flight to Nairobi was pretty uneventful and full. We are hoping that our flight to London won't be full so we can lay down.

This will be one our last blogs. I hope and pray that you have been able to journey with Patrick and I as we took this most excellent adventure. Mark your calender for May 17 and 18. We will use our weekend services to share our experiences, in pictures and word.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Coming to an end

2008-05-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

We have been quiet for a couple days as we have had no internet service. It's Friday afternoon here and we are about to leave to spend the night in Rwanda so we can catch our flight Saturday morning. I will summarize, as best I can, the last couple days.

Wednesday, April 30.
Morning start at 6:30am with a run/walk with Camille, Esther and Patrick. Following that at 7:30am was a prayer meeting with all the staff and volunteers of Light of Africa Network on the patio. It was a fantastic way to start the day.

We spent the morning with Esther going to Heal Africa. We got to see the hospital and visit with the founding Doctor. Part of what they due with the victims of sexual violence is teach them job skills and the best one is sowing. We went and visited the program and purchased a lot of the things that they made. We are bringing them back with the intent of selling them to fund more projects.

We spent most of the afternoon at the house preparing for Thursday's speaking engagements.

Sounds like a slow day, but is was nice to catch our breath and be prepared for Thursday.

Thursday, May 1
Day started like Wednesday, run followed by prayer. I was able to share some scripture that God gave me while we were praying. We spent time asking questions about the passage and talking about how it applies to us.

First on the schedule was a couples retreat and the Full Gospel Church. The event was sponsored by the Christian Business Men's Association of Goma. I spoke for an hour on marriage focusing on equality, love and covenant. The message was very well received and once again, Camille did an excellent job translating. When I finished, a pastor spent 30 minutes going over the main points in Swahili for those whose French is not that good.

Second we went to a youth retreat at a Baptist Church. Patrick was scheduled to give his testimony. At this point I had heard it a few times, but it gets better and better each time. The youth were very focused and we had open question and answer after. The three of us answered the questions, then Camille did a teaching on the first couple verses in Hebrews 11. He is an amazingly gifted teacher, I only wish I could understand French better.

We then where off to an event at Holywood City, this event was a week in the making. Last week, we attended an English Bible study, see entry from that day. Clark the owner had the idea to get the bible study, drug addicts, and street kids together to hear Patrick’s testimony. Clark went into the streets of Goma and found where the addicts hung out and invited them personally to the event. He told them that he had a friend who had a story that they had to hear. Thursday night came and there where almost 60 people in attendance! Drug addicts, street kids, and believers in Jesus all together, the way Jesus would want it. Camille started it out with worship and we discovered his gift on the guitar and to draw people into worship. He taught each song, in English, and to my surprise everyone was participating. Patrick was first up and gave his testimony. It seemed that some where thinking that Patrick had nothing that could relate to him, but boy were they wrong. The Spirit locked them into his journey through his bad decisions, into his great decision to follow Jesus. I followed Patrick with a message about the choice between heaven and hell and that we get to choose. Camille followed with a decision to follow Jesus time. At least 12 people made first time commitments to follow Jesus! Party time in heaven! It was truely overwhelming.

We funded and meal and Clark's people came through big. They made rice, beef and beans, with various soft drinks available. He used his good dishes and silverware, treating people as VIPs. The streets kids ate as if there was no tomorrow...Bellies where all full and the love of Jesus was displayed in tangible ways. Clark is one of my new hero's. God told him to go into the street and bring the neglected of society into his restaurant/hotel. Next Thursday they are meeting again to begin leadership training and discipleship. I just received Celebrate Recovery Material from home today, that Camille and Esther will use to meet the huge needs of recovery here. CR Goma, we will have to let Saddleback Church know that their progam has landed in Goma, DRC.

After the event, we hand an opportunity to have dinner with Clark, Esther, and Camille and reflect on the day, in a word...Transforming.

Friday, May 2

Travel day as we are off the Kigali Rwanda.

This morning Patrick Esther and I went to a hospital in the outskirts of Goma to drop off the medical supplies we brought. They were very appreciative as they do not receive much help. They serve a lot of displaced people from the war and cannot afford to pay, they are doing a great work.

In the way back, we stopped at a Heal Africa Clinic and bought more stuff to sell at home.

Well, off to Kigali. We will update the blog from Nairobi.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Refugee Camp

2008-04-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

Today we set out for the refugee camp. We had a SUV full of people, plus we rented a pickup to carry the 1200 salted dried fish we bought for distribution. The camp was about 1.5 hours from Goma along some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. The views of the mountains and lake Kivu are spectactular. Most camps are isolated, but this one is situated right next to a village. The difficulty in distributind to this camp is that the villagers want whatever is being handed out. The camp we went to was a pygmy camp. These people had to flee there villages because of the fighting. They are a neglected group and aid does not come very often for them. Three workers from Caritas came with us and were very organized. All the refugees had a registration card and only those people could get aid. We distributed to almost 600 families which covers about 2600 people. The distribution went well until the end. When all the refugees had received their fish, we had some left over. We tried to get them to the villagers that were around, but it turned very close into a mob scene. So we hopped in the truck and left. Along the road on the way back, we stopped and handed fish to people. We had also bought some candy to distribute to kids and had some left ofer. Camille would slow the care down and we would throw the candy to children. It was a lot of fun.

Pretty tired so that's all for now.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Preparation Day

2008-04-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

Today was a day of running around and getting things prepared for tomorrow. We first went to World Vision to talk to them about feeding at a refugee camp. We ran into protocol and procedural issues, and it did not seem like they wanted to help. We ended up at Caritas, a Catholic organization, and found out that they do a monthly feeding at this camp. Long story short, we care going to the camp with three people from Caritas to do the feeding.

We then went to Heal Africa which in the best source of medical care in most of Congo. We met with the founding doctor and he shared that their operating room in up to date and the best in Congo. All the equipment has come straight from the U.S. The hospital does great work and is the base for their main work. They send teams of medical personal into the bush to provide medical care. They bring the most serious cases back to Goma for treatment. We met with women who where in recovery from surgery to repair damage from sexual violence. Most of the women remembered us from last Friday when we met with them. Once women asked if I would pray from God to heal them, and I was honored to do so.

After a break for lunch and misc. things, we went with Esther to buy salted dried fish for the distribution. When we got in the SUV, Esther asked if I wanted to drive because she was tired so, I go my first experience driving in the DRC. It was not as crazy as Kinshasa, but I certainly was more focused they when I drive at home. The fish buying took awhile, we purchase 1200 fish. They are large and each family will get two.

Pray for us as we go out of Goma to the refugee camp. There are about 500 families living there, with about 5 people per family. These people had to flee their homes in the mountains because of rebel forces.

The connection is here is very slow and I have been unsuccessful getting any more pictures up load, but I will keep trying.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Church and Orphanage

2008-04-27T12:26:00.000-07:00

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

It should not be a challenge to preach, I do it every weekend. But this weekend Satan has been playing tricks with my mind. I started to think that I have nothing to offer these people and why would they listen to a white guy from the U.S. I stayed up late last night preparing for the message today and was woken up early thinking about the message. While I was taking a shower, the Lord spoke to me this verse: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." That was the answer, not to depend on myself but to trust in the Lord.

Church started at 9am so we left at 9:15...seriously. When got to church the place was all ready charged up in worship and prayer. There were 400 people in the sancuary with an other 100 in the overflow. Eventhough all the worship was in french, I was able to really enjoy the worship and God continued to prepare me to speak. I spoke on Romans 12:1-2 with the focus on God's will for our lives. Camille is an incredible translator and we had good flow together. Camille led the response and several people make first time commiments to Jesus and a lot more recommitted their lives to Jesus! Great stuff!

A women gave a moving tetimony of deliverance. She was in the airplace that crashed here in Goma a couple weeks ago with her three daughters. She pushed her kids out a window because they were trapped. When the older daughter (not more than 12) saw her mom still in the plane, she went back in the plane to help her mom. The mom ended up with burns to her lower back but generally okay.

Camille and Esther do not cook on Sundays so they took us to a nice restraurt on Lake Kivu. It was a very relaxing time and made me want to take a nap.

No nap because we were off to the orphanage. We have brought a huge sack of shoes to take to the kids, also a tether ball, soccor ball and a pile of bananas that we bought on the side of the road for $5. We met under some shelter with the kids and got to hear a couple of their stories. To say the least, they were very heart braking. One boy had to flee his home by the direction of his parents as they were being attacked, he was 6 at the time. He lived on the streets with other kids stealing to get by. He was brought to the orphanage where he has food, shelter and is getting an education, he is now 13. We were able to out fit most kids with shoes, but we did not have some bigger sizes. Many children were doing a "happy dance" when they got their shoes. Patrick hooked up the tether ball and we tossed them the soccor ball, more "happy dancing".

Tonight we had nice time sitting outside talking about God and drinking tea. We called church and got to hear the combined voices from home, very moving.

Tomorrows plan: UN, Heal Africa, preparing for refugee camp feeding.

Thank you for you continued prayers.

I miss my family...

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Prison, radio station and motorcycle

2008-04-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

I think Patrick summed up the prison experience well, so if you haven't read his entry, make sure you do. It was a truly cool experience and Patrick did do a great job. He was translated from English to French to Swahili. They asked me to share a few words at the end, and it was very invigorating sharing with the men. Camille had been to this prison before and he commented that the inmates reaction and receptivity to the message was far better than when he had came before. The terms the men are serving range from a few months to life. Some are in prison because they could not pay their fine, as little as $10.

We accompanied Esther to the market to buy food items. And when I say market, I do not mean Stater Bros. or Whole Foods, I am talking about an outdoor market on the side of the street. It was actually a drive through, because if you pull up and roll your window down all the sellers run up to you to try to get you to buy their stuff.

We took care of the radio station computer and the station director asked Camille about getting me on the air. He wanted me to do an hour long live program every day next week. Do to our schedule, we can't make it happen, but I might record a program in the Light of Africa studio for radio air play. Camille is going to get the Passion for Souls CD played on the radio in Goma.

We went to the Youth meeting at church where I had spoke yesterday. Patrick did a good job again and then fielded some tough questions. He answered the questions thoroughly and from his heart.

We spent the evening with Camille (Esther was out) talking, and singing outside looking out at Lake Kivu. Patrick taught Camille how to ride a motorcycle, one again the Jedi master gets to use his skills.

We did not get to the orphange today but it is on the schedule after lunch tomorrow. I am preaching in the morning meeting at the Assemblies of God church when Camille and Esther go.

That's all from me for now, it's getting late and I need to finished getting prepared for tomorrow.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

Prison...& more! Patrick

2008-04-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

Hey Family,

At 7:00 am we arrived at the prison here in Goma. So far this country has been all new experiences. Standing out in front of this prison I understand some things are universal. Prisons will always look some what the same & for me feel somewhat the same. This one was no different. If you know, you know & if you don't, praise God. So Mike, Camille & I are greeted by some men out front & in a few moments there is rattling coming from behind the heavy steel door, it swings open & we begin to file in. This is strange for me I have never voluntarily entered a facility like this & never expected to be able to walk back out in a few hours. The Lord put prison ministry on my heart a long time ago. The anxiety I am feeling is over come by the realization that God is working through me, & that I am equipped & ready for the challenge. I have brought my sword to the battle , I have put on the armor & I all ready know who wins.The truth rings through my mind, "All things work out for the good of those that love God & are called according to his purpose"... I am on fire. I expected to be scared, I'm not. This is nothing like when I have seen visitors & Pastors come to prison, usually they come through a safe & secured passage & are escorted by correctional officers. We walked through a door right on to the yard. This "high security" facility was built to imprison 300 men, as we squeeze our way, face to face with the inmates, through the press of the 600 men who live here I realize there are no towers, no guards with mini 14s, it is us & the inmates. who I will later be informed have been left to govern themselves. I am more & more pumped up with each step. By the time we can hear the worship music coming from the room we are headed to I am ready to explode. We walk in & it is dark, the only light is the sun shining through the bars high on the wall, coming in from outside. As my eyes adjust I realize there are approx 300 guys in a room built for 100. Walking very carefully so as not to step on people sitting on the floor we make our way across the room & sit. The worship is amazing, passionate, genuine...tribal. I am moved. The time has come, I stand, these are my peeps, I understand them. I begin to tell them my testimony... & I ignite. It's on like Donkey Kong. This feels so awesome, natural. These guys were more than listening, they were receiving, they were passionately responding. We were all in the middle of a blessing experience & we realized it. So the Lord let me spit fire for a few min.s & then it was time to go. Afterwards we were taken on a "tour" of the facility. Man after man called out my name as we walked by, there is a language barrier but no other words were needed. The Lord is building bridges, changing lives, saving souls.

In the after noon we went with Camille to one of the radio stations he supports & is broadcast on.
Camille gave them a VERY nice new Dell to use for recording, editing, whatever. Very cool, they hooked it it up & it was super fast, nice ...

Next we went to a youth function at the AOG church & I was asked to speak again. I gave my testimony & afterwards we opened it up for question & answer. It was awesome the questions were well thought out & very challenging.

As it turns out Camille has a little Honda motorcycle but he doesn't know how to ride it.this eve we fired it up & Now he is a rider...cool huh?

I'm out.

P

Not the same old thing

2008-04-25T12:15:00.001-07:00

There has been and will continue to be many opportunities to preach and teach. I preached at the church Camille and Esther attend today. There service is very similar to ours, except for the language, French. Immediately after the service we went to a meeting with women and girls who have been the victims of sexual violence. They come from their homes outside the city to Goma to get physical healing. Esther works with the women to deal with the emotional and spiritual brokenness and shares with them the healing power from the love of Jesus. The women were at various stages of the mental and spiritual process. In some of their faces you could see hope and others did not believe that hope exists, who can blame them! I could tell you some of their stories, but it is a little to disturbing for this blog. Check out http://www.healafrica.org/ to read more, this is the organization that is taking care of these women. Patrick and I were asked to share, and the women were very receptive to the message. Esther had them respond individually with what the message meant to them. Very cool!

Patrick, Camille and I had a nice walk back to the house as Esther had the car. The weather is fantastic, but it is hard to walk on lave rocks with sandals. 40% of Goma was cover in a new lava flow a few years ago, so lava rock is everywhere.

It has been nice being in constant fellowship with Camille and Esther. They are doing fantastic work and always have new ideas they want to implement. Their cell phones are constantly ringing with people who need help, direction, or many other things.

Tomorrow's plan includes: prison, radio station, assessing a feeding at a refugee camp, orphanage and youth meeting. We are out by 6:30am, so it should be a good full day.

Love to all.

Grace and Peace,

Michael.

friday april 25th 7:00 pm Patrick. A whole new level

2008-04-25T10:09:00.000-07:00

Hello all...

A whole new level...

This morning Mike, Camille, Ester & I got to meet with the regional director of World Vision. It was a very exciting meeting discussing possibilities for partnerships.It was very educational & inspiring.

This after noon we went to church & Mike delivered a smoking Holiness in action message.It was Awesome! The AOG congregation lit up! that place was on fire!

Afterwards we met with a group of approx 40 women. They are in a "hospital" that treats women who are victims of sexual violence, some of them have contracted HIV due to the attacks & some have been left pregnant with their attackers baby. There is a woman who has huge, deep, horrifying scars on her face, & one of the victims is just a child,maybe 7 years old.After Mike encouraged & excited them with the story of the woman who was healed by touching Jesus' robe, I was asked to speak...I thought to my self, as I'm reeling from what I've learned & being stared at by these women who's eyes convey all the pain they have been through & are still in. What can I possible have to say. Me, I've got nothing.
I said a short prayer & asked the LORD to handle my business. We started in Romans 8:38-39 & we were off... I don't even know where I ended up I think Hebrews & Job.These women were so hungry for the Word & received the message with enthusiasm. God is Good & continues to bless & encourage me.

Tomorrow morning around 6:30 am we are off to Prison to bring the message to the inmates.

I miss you all.

P.

Safely in Goma

2008-04-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

Today was a day of movement. Our scheduled departure to Goma was right on schedule and went off with out a hitch. Last week an airplane crashed on take off from the Goma airport, the same airlines that we flew on. We took off from Kinshasa, then stopped in Kisangani before our arrival in Goma. On each landing most passengers clapped as if a safe landing was not supposed to happen. Our luggage made it safe which was kind of a surprise. We actually had to check in our bags the night before we flew at the airlines office in town. They then drive our bags to the airport and load them, kind of different.

It was great to see Camille and Esther! Esther met us in the airport and help us get through the process faster. I did not think there would be any process for a domestic flight, but... Our accommodations are a little different than what we experienced in Mato, running water and electricity are fantastic. Patrick and I taught a a bible study tonight. Camille had started a 3 week crash course in English, then kept it going through Bible study. They started with worship, all in English and that is a way to learn more. We sang Lord I Lift Your Name and Trading My Sorrows to start. A great way to start the Bible Study! Patrick and I did our bit and left time for questions, a great time. The Bible study was at a restaurant/guest house/hotel owned by a good friend of Camille and Esther's. It was a fantastic safe environment, which are few in Goma.

We gave Camille and Esther all the stuff we brought and they are very happy. Thanks to all of you for making it possible.

We just finished eating a late dinner and having great conversation. In the next week I will be preaching on a few occasions and we will be teaching and sharing in other situations. Keep praying for Camille, Esther, Patrick and myself. Goma is not the safest place but God's will be done.

Grace and Peace,

Michael

Pictures from Mato

2008-04-23T02:25:00.000-07:00

Mama Captain with the fufu machine

Motobike Mike

Captain on the moto we gave

Last day in Kinshasa

2008-04-23T02:20:00.000-07:00

Kinshas is coming to an end. Today we left money at headquarters for more child sponsorships and for the pig project to be completed in Mato. We are going to souveneer shop and take care a few other things.

I spoke to Camille ane Esther in Goma last night and they are very excited for our visit. I am scheduled to preach on Friday and Sunday, so please pray for me.

I miss you family and ask that you keep praying for us.

To Mrs. Peytons class: I keep reading your notes to me and it makes me smile alot. I look forward to seeing all of you when I get home.

Grace and Peace,

Michael

monday 4-21 12:15 Pm Patrick/ Re:Motorbike Mike

2008-04-23T02:11:00.002-07:00

Freeman is now a motorcycle rider!
I only have a second because Motorbike Mike is standing next to me tapping his impatient little shifting foot, waiting for me to grab the keys to the other bike so we can go on a burn run.
This is cool, he is so excited...priceless.

Now he understands :-)

Late.
P.

Tuesday April 22 Michael

2008-04-23T02:11:00.001-07:00

I was not looking to the drive back, a truck full of stuff and 6 people in a truck that seats five. Besides the general uncomfort, the trip was fine until we got into Kinshasa. We were pulled over for four people in the back seat of the truck. What is rediculous is that a VW van can have 20 people but 4 in the back seat of the truck is wroung. The injustice. It costs us 12 dollars to get out of the jam and keep moving. Not like getting pulled of at home. The journey back took just over 3 hours and my back side was done with bumpy roads.

We spent the rest of the day in town having lunch and spending a couple hours in the cyber cafe. It is an air condition place with nice equipment. At night we were back in Kitambo and for dinner we had chocotate browine flavor Power Bar dipped in peanut butter, dinner of champions.

Grace and Peace,

Michael

monday 4-21 10:15 am Patrick

2008-04-23T02:05:00.000-07:00

Well like I said our driver Alan has priors it is now 10:15 and he just came back w/ the truck. It's all good he came back w/ a goat that will be slaughtered & prepared for a big meal tonight. this will be the first meat we or anyone else has eaten since we have been here. Seeing this little goat tied up & knowing his fate reminded me that I am just a soft Moondeli (white guy).

P.

Monday April 21 Michael

2008-04-23T01:49:00.000-07:00

Last full day in Mato. The day started with us waiting for our driver to come back with the truck. He left early to go buy a goat for our feast tonight. The people here do not get much opportunity to eat meat and this is the longest I have gone with out meat. If I was unsure before, I am not a vegetarian. In-N-Out, thats what a hamburger is all about. Day dreaming...I am back and now hungry! With our driver still not back, we will go down to the farm after lunch to wrap up a few loose ends. So what to do...

Did I tell you that we bought a motorcycle? I have never driven one and now I have! I was taught by Jedi Master Patrick on the ways of the motocycle. As I let out on the clutch and reved the gas way to much, I was slowly off with Patrick running behind me. It reminded me of when I took Nates training wheels off his bike and I was running behind him to keep him safe. After a couple laps around the compound it was time to get out in the road. Patrick hopped in the truck and drove with our drive riding next to him. He had fun 4x4ing thought all the mud and water I went around. Once we came back, Partick jumped on the Captians motorcycle and we were off together. We ended up taking a couple rides today with the last one as dusk was approaching. Riding was fantastic! As we were riding back through the village several children were making faces at us thanks to Parteick, you know the one where he twists his ears and puffs his face out.

After lunch we went down to the farm to deal with a hole in one of the pipes, unfortunarly we could not find the hole without the water pumping. I created a fix and showed them what to do. We also discussed the placement for the water tank and what it would take to make it happen. This was the hottest day in Mato with no cloud cover. We were blessed all the other days with overcast skies which keep the sweat factor down.

The goat feast was a huge success! We all sat outside together under the moon and the lights from our truck. They made a couple of speaches thanking us for all that we did there and for the great food. Partick inturn thanked them for making us a part of their family. We need to keep praying for these people.

Tomorrow back to Kinshasa.

Grace and Peace,

Michael

monday 4-21 7:00 am Patrick

2008-04-23T01:35:00.000-07:00

I forgot to write yesterday...sorry. We went to church, both Freeman & I were given an opportunity to address the congregation. I shared my testimony & delivered the message of forgiveness & grace, it was well received. We have come here on a mission to spread the gospel & instigate economic development. However after a 3 hour church service I feel like they should be sending missionaries to our country.The way they worship & praise the LORD in the midst of the plight that is life here is amazing & inspiring. After church Freeman were involved in a village meeting where we gave a Fufu machine(huge food grinder) to Mrs. Captain. This will greatly speed up a process that was being done by hand & they will be able to rent out use of the machine for a decent profit. The machine is another investment in the people of Mato from the people of Praiseworks & all of you who offered support. It was very much appreciated & will have a great effect on economic development. Later in the day Freeman & I were stoked to sit in on a 2 hour project meeting, it was actually very encouraging to see the level of organization & the vision that Abendego, Eric, & the Captian are working with. That was Sunday.

Today is Monday & it is back to the veg. farm to do some finish work on the irrigation system.(hold on a sec Mike & I are doing push ups & I gotta do a set) OK I'm back. Well our driver took off this morning to go buy a goat & still is not back (he's got priors) as soon as he shows up we will be off to work.

P.

Sunday April 20 Michael

2008-04-23T01:34:00.000-07:00

We do not allow ourselves much Sabbath, a day of rest, in the U.S. Sabbath is commanded by God way back in Exodus and we took Sabbath today. Church started at 10:30, so with travel by foot, we had to leave at 9:59, the church was accross the compound. We had a good sleep and a slow morning. Church lasted about 3 hours and Patrick gave a really cool testimony and the people seemed to really get it. When he talked about his past and the transformation that has taken place, there were a lot of amens being said. I gave a small lesson on peace. Not peace that is absent of conflict, but peace that comes from God that exists even in the midst of conflict. After church walked back to our room, sat on our beds and...fell asleep. Ah Sabbath!

Nap was followed by lunch which was followed by a community meeting where we presented the fufu machine. Mama Captain, received the machine and explained that what the machine will do for the village. They are assembling a team of three to establish the rate people will pay to use the machine.

We then sat in on a staff meeting from the varous areas of the farm. Beef production, vetables, rabbits, and tractor. Each area gave an update and the current challenges they are facing and they looked to Patrick and I for input. The input we were able to give was in the organization and procees which they were using. The team is strong and the future is bright for this farm.

As the meeting ended dusk had set in setting up a beautiful sunset. The sunsets here rival the ones I have watched with my family in Maui.

One more day in the bush...

Grace and Peace,

Michael

Pictures

2008-04-23T01:13:00.000-07:00

Fight Quest DRC

Patricks influence

Sunset in the bush

Sat 4:19, 8:00 pm Patrick

2008-04-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

I am wore out. What a great day. Mike & I work well & quickly together. we put down & glued all the pipe. We don't have the adaptor we need to get the water from the pump into the pipe. It took a few hours & much creativity but we now have an operational, irrigated vegetable farm, success! Other than bring the money to purchase the farm this is a big part of what we came here to do. WATER IS LIFE.
We got back to the village and started to work on the pig pen. Normally I just neglect picking up after my self & in no time I have a pig pen... this is more involved. I we sunk 10 posts & nailed something like chicken wire (I guess this would be pig wire) to the posts. there is so much more to write I just can't, I'm exhausted. I'll write you in the morning.

I HAVE RUN OUT OF TIME HERE AT THE CYBER CAFE. I MISS YOU GUYS I'LL WRITE MORE SOON

Sat 4:19, 6:20 am Patrick

2008-04-22T06:37:00.000-07:00

The big truck w/ the pipe showed up last night! We headed back down to the farm (9 kilometers) & off loaded the pipe. When we got back it was amazing how many people came out of nowhere to get a ride & to bring their stuff to town on the big truck.
This morn. it is back to the veg. farm for Mike & I. Hopefully we will get all the pipe fitted & have water pumping up to the veg rows early so we will have time to come back & work on the pig pen.
The bell is ringing I gotta go to devotion.

P.

Fri. April 18th, evening Patrick. Mfumu

2008-04-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

Mike & I just met the Mfumu (leader) of another local village. This guy has crazy bad JuJu, or MoJo...whatever. He is known as a very powerful witchdoctor. Freaky stuff, pray hard.

Peace,
Patrick

Fri. April 18th, 4:15 pm Patrick. pig pen

2008-04-22T06:20:00.000-07:00

HA! I thought I was filthy before, now Mike & I are truly dirty.We cleared a 60 foot by 60 foot area that was just overgrown jungle & now it is clean, flat, & fit for a pig! this is just the beginning of the pig farm that we hope to finish before we leave. Now we are going out in to the surrounding villages to get to know our neighbors, their needs & more about life here in the bush.

I'm out.

Patrick

Saturday April 19 Michael

2008-04-22T06:13:00.001-07:00

The goal for today was to get water from the well up to the vegetable beds about 800 feet away and then build the pig enclosure.

With 800 feet of trench already dug, Patrick and I got to work laying and glueing the pipe. It was like puting my sprinklers together just much bigger pipe and a lot more of it. We ran the pipe down and created a connection for where the pump would connect. That did not take much time time but the next step would. No one thought of how to connect the pipe to the water pump, a much needed step. Fortunately our driver Alan was also able to create someting out of nothing. He created a connector using misc. parts including a part from the engine! I was relieved that this was only a temporary option! After one failed attempt, it worked. I ran to the end of the line in my rubber book, note to self rubber boots are not good for running, and watched as water come pumping out. The guys who are responsible for the cattle and vegetables where jumping up and down with excitement. Later they are going to add a water take and pump water into it, then irrigate from the tank. The farm willl be hopping with fresh vegetables very soon.

As we were preparing to go back to our compound, 8 children came out of the bush with huge sacks of leaves on their heads. The leaves are used to wrap the kwanga in. These kids were no more than 10 years old and a couple looked no more than 6. The walk back to the village was about 4 miles and these kids would have already walked down and then now to walk back. To make this story shorter, they got in the truck and got a ride, they were very excited.

After lunch and rest,we went to work on the pig enclosure. We had 20 meteres of fencing so the enclusure was 20 meters square, well kind of square. We put in posts then nailed the fencing to the posts. Patrick held the fencing, I nailed and about 20 people watched! No pressure. It did not take long and it was finished. We hope to have pigs in here Monday, but we will see...

All in all, another great day in the bush. We finished the day by washing up in a 3 walled enclosure that faced the bush. There you strip down and use a bucket of water to clean up. That is what the locals do, so we did too. Good to be clean.

Pictures to come tomorrow.

Grace and Peace,

Michael

Fri. April 18th, 12:04 pm Patrick. progress

2008-04-22T06:04:00.001-07:00

This morning Mike rode in the truck & I rode the motorcycle, this is very tough terrain. We got to the river we are going to pump water from & most of the trench had already been dug! Mike & I grabbed machetes & cleared a path so we could carry the pump down to the waters edge. we got the pump next to the water & after some messing around with the motor we got the pump started...so now we have pumping water but no pipes to pump it into:-(
The ride back, Well I decided to take this new motorcycle & throw it on the ground a few times. other than some bruises & a busted fender we came out unscathed.

We are going to break for lunch & then we will go & clear a place behind the village where we are going to build a pig pen. I gotta go wash up I am filthy.

God is good.

Patrick

Friday, April 18 Michael

2008-04-22T05:49:00.000-07:00

5:30 wake up for 6am devotions. They ring a big bell and the people make it in for morning prayers. The church building is open qnd fairly new. Not sure what the devotions were about but it was somewhere in Revelations.

We spent the moring working on the water well down at the farm. The irrigation system is a top priority as it makes it impossible for crops to grow without water. Up to this point, they have been walking pails of water up from the stream to the field. We got some good time to interact with the locals and even clown around a bit. I know, shocking that Patrick and I would clown around. Patrick helped clear some growth out of the well while I took a machete and cleared off over growth around the well. We both then took machetes to over growth and cleared a path to the road. (Cool pictures to come of machetes).

In the afternoon we cleared jungle to prepare for a pig pen. The growth was well over 6 feet high and we cleard a large area.

Cool thing about how they work, they work hard in the morning then break for lunch and rest. Then pick it up again in the afternoon. We were all about the rest!

We were going to go into the village but the truck with our supplies arrived. We took the supplies, mostly for irrigation, down to the farm so we could work on it the next day. We had a generator repaired so now we can have some light in the evening. We also bought a fufu machine for womens ministries of the Salvation Army. Fufu: take kasava and soak it water, then dry it out, then pound it by hand into a power. This machine will grind the kasava taking the pounding part out. The women will be able to produce more kwanga, a staple, and also charge in the village to use the machine.

Francis , main translator and friend, was a huge help. He stayed back in Kinshasa and made sure all of the supplies made it to us in Mato. When we left the truck it was sti!ll being worked on. Unfortunatly we could not stay with us as he is preparing to go to South Africa for some schooling for 3 months.

Pictures to come tomorrow.

Grace and Peace,

Michael

Fri. April 18th, 5:40 am Patrick. Back in Mato

2008-04-22T05:38:00.000-07:00

(all of the following was written in the bush & now we are back and posting to the blog)

We are in Mato now. we arrived yesterday. Mike & I came out in a 4x4 but the big truck w/ the pipe has not arrived yet. The road was not as bad & we took a different route ( big muddy hill climbs) it was a blast! Last night was cool, Abendego the farmer from Kenya who was hired by the SA to run this farming project shared how he was here by himself for a long time and it was very difficult for him. So he requested & was sent a companion (Eric). That reminded me of Ecclesiastes 4: 7-12 so grabbed my bible. By moonlight, around the hood of our truck, standing in the mud we tore into scripture in 3 languages & as I quite often do we ended up in Romans...it was awesome.
Last night was our first night sleeping out here in the bush, these are the toughest people I have ever met. This morning we are going to go down to the veg. farm & start digging.

Mosquitoes are gangsters.

I gotta go there is work to be done.

Late
P.

Thursday, April 17 Michael

2008-04-22T05:36:00.000-07:00

Drive out was not as stressfull this time. The back of the truck was piled high with our supplies Congo style, minus all the people on top. We did not try to accmplish too much as darkness was falling. We ( Patrick, Eric, Abendego, Alan, Captain, and I) hung out at the front of the truck and an impromptu devotion broke out. Patrick took us to Eccessiates where it talks about the value and necessity of companionship. I was able to use my wedding ring tatoo as an illustration to the scripture.

A mamma came out to cook for us, not our decision, and she made our beds and cooked for us. We ate local congolese food, rice, kasava leaves, kwanga and sardines. Can you say Power Bar? We ate most of the food but had to consider the effects on our stomachs.

Sleep? We had good accomodations especially for the bush. The temp. was mild and I actually used a sheet over me. In the bush you go to bed early with there being no electricity. Best sleep so far.

Pictures to come tomorrow.

Grace and Peace,

Michael

Education Sponsorship

2008-04-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

This is Sonia Nzuzi one of the youths we sponsor. She is 17 years old and is close to finishing secondary school.

We have pictures with the other kids we have sponsored to put up at church.

Congo time...

2008-04-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

Well we had planed to buy supplys today & be out of here (kinshasa) early tomorrow. we bought 61, three inch, 20 foot long pvc pipes that we are going to use to pump water from a river to the vegetable farm area. we are also going to be digging the ditch to bury the pipe...pray for strength. The huge Iveco diesel 4x4 we are supposed to use to get the pipes to Mato was supposed to have repairs done on it today...we just came from checking on the truck & nothing has been done :-) . there is also a generator that we are supposed to be taking out to the people in Mato, it also was supposed to have repairs done today... again nothing has been done. I think somewhere along the line brother Michael must have prayed for patience & I have received the blessing of seeing prayers answered right before my eyes.

Ok I was going to give shout outs to some people but I dont want to leave anybody out & ruin my political career. To Melvin, Betty & Michael Peterman thank you so much for never giving up,Much love. The AOG church in Mi. & My Uncle's (Rick Lineberger) church in Fl. thank you for your prayers & support. The Kingdom is moving forward & into the jungle because of you;

To my precious family in Orange(Praiseworks)... I don't even know what to say, I miss you all so much. You are my peeps. Agape

Nate, Dave, & Joanna, Michael & I are taking good care of each other... We love & miss you, be home soon.

Patrick,
John3:30

Kids in Mato

2008-04-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

Notice all the smiles? All you have to do is say seca (pronounced say-ka) whick means smile; These are some of the kids out at Mato and we are going to have a nice game of football (aka soccor). I sence significant defeat in our future...

Road to Mato

2008-04-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

That is supposed to be a road and not two streams.

Patrick in Kinshasa

2008-04-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Patrick riding in down town Kinshasa. A place he never thought he would ride!

The Farm

2008-04-15T10:57:00.001-07:00

Today was an amazing & exhusting day. The day started with a bus ride to T.H.Q. from where we are staying in Kitabo. 20 of us in an 8 passenger bus in crazy trafic for an hour... This is how it is done here in Kinshasa. I made a few adjustments to the motorcycle we bought (they forgot to tighten the front axel,nice) scored some tiedowns, loaded the bike in the back of a 4x4, & headed out for Mato. It has been raining for days so the road was more like a river, It was very difficult driving & very difficult for me as we have someone driving us & I really wanted to drive.

Mato is amazing & beautiful. We will be gathering more supplies tommorrow & then go back out there the next day. We have many very tough jobs ahead of us. It will be extremely challenging but I have faith where God called us HE will equip & empower us. Once we get back out there we will be out of contact for approx a week so do not be concerned when we do not post.

I only have a min. so remind me to tell you about Rebeca, the girl we brought out of the bush & took to the hospital.

Please continue to pray for our health & saftey.

I gotta run, the Jungle is calling.

Peace,
Patrick

Tuesday

2008-04-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

I find it difficult right know to share with you today as a lot has happened. Patrick in I are in a cyber cafe using the internet to get this out. He is sitting next to me typing his blog entry.

Todays goal was to get out to Mato and assess the situation. After three hours of driving on the worst roads I have ever been on, we made it. Roads being bad is an under statement. For a long streach, a few miles, it was just mud and deep water. Fortunately we had a good driver and a 4x4 truck. On the way back we hit a hole and we came as close to rolling the truck with out rolling as possible. We met with Abendego, a farmer from kenya whom the salvation army has brought to get the farm working effeciently. We spent about 1.5 hours there, seeing the land and making a list of needed supplies. We could not stay very long as we needed to get back before any more rain hit and it got too dark.

On the way back, we were stopped in a very muddy section in a small village with a man asking for help. I thought money, but it was much bigger. A women had just given birth 3 months premature and needed to get to the hospital. Francis and I jumped in the back the truck and put the women, her baby, daughter, and sister in law in the truck. They only wanted a ride to the main road so they could get a taxi, but we decided best for us to get her to the hospital. In the truck Patrick exposed them to Power bars. I do not know if they liked them, but they ate them. We got them to the hospital and made sure that they had money to pay for the bill. We prayed for them and I ask you to pray for Rebekah and her baby. That is life in the bush. God had that in the plan for the day, and I thank him for the opportunity.

This maybe the last entry for awile. WE will be staying in Mato which has no electricty, water, cell phone coverqae or In-N-Out burger. We will keep a log of out experiences and update the blog when we get back to Kinshasa.

Nate and Davina; Patrick had beaucoup pili pili and it made his mouth on fire. He was sweating a lot and was drinking lots of water. I hear you are being very good for mommy, keep it up!

To much to tell in a blog, but I can fill in small details later.

Grace and Peace,

Michael

PS. Kenny and Jeni called while updating this, very cool to touch home.

Off and running

2008-04-14T10:00:00.001-07:00

Mobte!

Everytime I arrive here, I have this felling like I never left. The sites, sounds and smells are so familiar and in a strange kind of way relaxing. It has been fun watching Patrick experience so much for the first time, it keeps it fresh for me.

The "small" incident at the aiport asside, it has been all good. We are staying in Kitambo which is about 15 minutes from downtown Kinshasa when there is no traffic. After resting about and hour we took a 1 kilometer walk to get water at a small grocery store. I do not know why people where looking at us, two white guys who are dressed exactly the same walking in a way that says I know your looking at me. Saturday night we had dinner with the heads of the Salvation Army for Congo at a home accross the street...great local food.

Patrick already gave you a taste of Nzelo, and all I can add is that joy from the Lord is undeniable. These people seemingly had nothing, yet that had everything. The meeting was filled with singing which was crazy good. When we (Castors, Patrick and I) left, they loaded us up with gifts. Sugar cane, banannas, papyas, kasava, squash and...a goat. The goat was not trilled being tied to the truck and Patrick and I tried not to discuss what was going to happen to the goat. If the goat knew what was coming, he would had been even more upset, I know I would have been.

Sunday evening we met with some family of Davinas and shared with them some photos of her. We were then made a congolese meal that was enough food for many people. Francis was translating for us so he heped us with the consumtion of food. We both feel asleep early, then paid the price by being awake from midnight to four in the morning. Needless to say, we are not quite adjusted to the time zone yet.

Thanks to all that have given in various ways for child sponsorship. Being able to see the kids and pay their fees was a real joy today. Patrick was documenting well each child so we share accurately when we get home. By the time we leave, we will have paid school fees for at least 30 children. That is 30 kids would otherwise not be in school.

Our big project has buying the farm and we did that today. I handed commissioner Mungate(head of the Salvation Army for Congo) 12,000 dollars cash money. I commend you church for raising all the money to pay for this worth while project. They told us that they had sleepless nights wondering where they were going to get the needed money for this project. It is very cool that God used you, He used us, to answer the prayers of the people here. Tomorrow we will go and see the "promised land" and work with a Kenyan name Abednego on what we will do over the next week.

About the motorcycle...Patrick as like a little kid at Christmas getting the present he always wanted. We will use the motorcycle in Mato to get around then give it away when we leave.

We hope to get some pictures up tomorrow.

To Mrs. Peytons class: The farm we are going to has no aminals yet. I get to buy pigs and chickens and maybe a dairy cow for the farm that the people here will take care of. Can you guess how many pigs and chickens I will buy? I will tell you later and the winner will get a present from the Congo.

To my family: Some day, we will experience this all together. Nate and Davina, listen to mommy and hug the dogs for me. Joanna...you know...

Grace and Peace,

Michael

Motorcycling through Kinshasa

2008-04-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

This letter is from Patrick, chosen by the will of God to serve Jesus Christ. I am writing to the Church in Orange & to you who have been called by God to be his own Holy people.

We do not have much time so I will have to keep it short.

As I walked off the plane into the bathtub that is the air here, I was excited & amazed. When I walked up to the officals who check your passport, I opened mine to the page with my Visa & showed it to them. It was immediately taken from me & I was escorted away from Michael & everybody else. Long story short...God is good, HE gave me the words & courage to prevail, after some convincing I was let go with my baggage & not having to pay any fees.

Church Sunday was amazing was... 12 Kilometers down a 4x4 trail into the bush we came to Nselo a little village in the middle of nowhere. We joined the locals for 3 & a half hours of the most amazing worship. Rejoice my brothers & sisters, here in Africa the truth is being preached, I received an amazing, convicting message about Holiness. I was so blessed. I was also honered and humbeled with an opportunity to address the congregtion on behalf of Jesus.

Today we visited many schools & helped children to get an education for the remainder of the year. We met so many great kids ...what a awesome day. We also purchesed an 175 Enduro motorcycle to take out to Mato tomorrow (farm) . 2 wheels is the only way to roll in this crazy city, I had a blast flying through Kinshasa. Praise the Lord.

There is SO much more to tell but I do not have the time. I miss you all & will see you soon.

Peace,
Patrick

Nairobi

2008-04-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Kenya. This last flight was full, but I was ableoget some slept. Patrick wasn't so forunate. Things are well and we are about to board.

So...Grace and Peace.

Michael/Patrick

Best Flight Ever

2008-04-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

God takes care of ever the smallest things. We checked in with excess pounds in our bags and didn't have to pay any additional fees. On the plane we had the two seats next to the window on a plane that seemed only half full. After take off, we ended up with a row of seats each. Yep, we laid out and had complete rows to ourselvs and got some much needed rest.

Now we are in London, well we are in a secure part of the airport and technically not anywhere right now. So far everything has gone well, really easy. We are all checked in for the next couple flights and now just have to pass the time. We are both looking forward to what God is going to do and ask that you keep praying for us.

To Nate's first grade class, thank you very much for all the notes you wrote me. I will be reading them often and it will remind me of all of you. There were a lot of good movies to watch on the plane and also so good tv shows. Listen to Mrs. Peyton and learn your memory verses.

Thank you to all of the encouraging texts and phone calls on the day of our departure. Please continue to pray for traveling mercies, those prayers work!

Joanna,Nate & Davina, Na linge yo!

Grace and Peace,

Michael/Patrick

PS, you can post comments. They won't show up on the blog until after we read them.

Here we go.

2008-04-09T23:27:00.000-07:00

In less than 24hours, Patrick and I (Michael) will be off to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), for a 25 day trip. We will be spending the first two week in and around Kinshasa the capital. We are funding the purchase of a 400 acre farm which will be used to teach poor people how to farm. This is a project that will help break the cycle of poverty for generation to come. We are not sure all that we will be doing , so check back here and we will update as much as possible. We will also we sponsoring 35 children, which will ensure that they are getting an education. We will spend some time meeting some of the children and getting a look at their schools.

The third week will be spent in Eastern Congo in a city named Goma. Goma is on the border with Rwanda and has had an influx of hundreds of thousands of refugees dating back to the Rwanda genocide in the early 1990's. We will be with Camille and Esther Ntoto of Light of Africa Network, who came and spoke at our church in February. Check out their website as well as healafrica.org to see what work they are doing.

Patrick and I are very excited about this trip and appreciate all the support that has been given to us so far. I am personally excited to experience this with Patrick. I get to experience the DRC through the eyes of someone who has never experienced this before, it keeps it fresh for me.

So I ask you to pray for us as we are praying for you.

Grace and Peace,

Michael and Patrick