Archive for April, 2009
Monday, April 6th, 2009
French, heat, and dancing
It’s the end of another long and good day. I asked the people in my van what I should report tonight. Here are a couple of things.
It’s more challenging working in Yaounde, because French is the trade language here. But we had excellent translators in several studed former students from Rain Forest International School. The school is run by several missions organizations in Yaounde. Many of the students are missionary kids, and there are also national students.
Another challenge here is the heat and the travel stomachs that a few have developed. We’re all coping pretty well though. So THANKS for praying.
Some chairs are fitted quickly, others take hours. Children’s chairs are particularly challenging. A therapist could explain that more precisely. But from a layman’s viewpoint, I’d say it’s largely because most of the children are there with birth defects or very early illnesses that have more over-all physical effect than for many of the adults. Still, no matter how long the wait is, each mother and child wait with amazing patience.
As the second–and last–vanful of people waited for the last chair to be done, the pastors and other counselors began singing and dancing and using empty water bottles against their hands for percussion. One by one, several of the American team members joined in to praise the Lord in ways that most had not done before.
I hope to post a video when I get home and have faster internet. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to post any pictures, but that’s the problem. There’ll be lots to see later.
Sunday, April 5th, 2009
If it’s Sunday, this must be Yaounde
This morning most of us went to a 7:00 am church service in Bamenda, where Dan Eriksen gave his testimony and the church rocked with the music and dancing.
After we packed ourselves and all our stuff into a bus, we started toward Yaounde. About 1/2 hour outside Bamenda, we stopped for lunch at the home of Achete Achu, the former prime minister of Cameroon. He is a benefactor of CEFED, Magdalene’s ministry. His wife, Esther is on the CEFED board. We were honored to be their guests.
Speaking of honor, Saturday night we were guests at Magdalene’s home for dinner to celebrate the end of our ministry in Bamenda. She presented each team member with a shirt or dress made of traditional-patterned material. With each, she spoke a few words of thanks and blessing.
Now we have ridden 8 hours in the bus and are back in Yaounde. Tomorrow, our ministry begins at Monique Bessomo’s center.
These work days are long and hot with lots of heavy lifting. Please pray for God’s strength and refreshment and that we would be protected from injuries.
We love you all and miss you. And we have lots of stories to tell when we see you again.
Friday, April 3rd, 2009
How much did you pay for this chair?
We are working in a large multipurpose hall. Adjacent is a recording studio. Yesterday a man from the studio spoke to one of our team members. He said:
One of my coworkers told me Americans are here giving away wheelchairs to Cameroonians who need them. I said, “Never! I don’t believe you. No one gives away wheelchairs.” Then I came in to watch. That confirmed my suspicions. You can scarcely find such equipment in Cameroon. People are desperate for something like that. I knew you must be getting a high price for each one.
So I went outside and waited for people who had received a chair. I asked several, “How much did you pay?” Every one of them said, “Nothing. It is a gift from people who follow Jesus.”
Now I know it is true. I am so thankful for my people. I can do nothing to help, but I want you to know I am praying for you.
Our team member said, “Don’t say it is nothing! The best thing you can give us is prayer for us.”
And we say that to you too. Thank you for praying for us. God is great and he answers your prayers.
Thursday, April 2nd, 2009
Internet! Finally!
We are here–all of us–and working hard. And all but 2 of our bags have arrived.
Jennifer, Bryan says to tell you he tried to call, but none of the phones seem to work for international calls. The same message goes to all of you who love us and are wondering where and how we are. All are healthy.
Yesterday we worked hard for a couple of hours, unwrapping and sorting chairs by size and setting up work stations. Then 25 people were fitted with chairs, mostly children.
One Muslim family had a little girl who screamed with terror–probably about so many white people surrounding her. Silas, one of our Cameroonian team members, wheedled her attention with toys and silliness. She became somewhat calmer so that a chair could be provided for her.
As her family left, they intended bypassing the pastors’ counseling area. But Silas led them in and since they knew him now, he was the one who presented them with the gospel. They listened more and more intently and then were willing to accept a Bible. Silas offered for a pastor to pray with them, but only if they wanted it. They did.
Over the course of the conversation, their demeanor transformed from hesitant and resistant to leaning forward eagerly to hear more. At the end, they said they wanted Jesus and were glad for Pastor Alfred to follow up with them.
That is why we are here. Chairs are good, but temporary. Eternitywith Jesus is real and forever.
P.S. to Laurence’s boss. She wants you to know she is working hard. I tried to upload some photo, but the internet is too slow this morning.
