Friday, August 31, 2012

Church Refurbished

It feels weird to be home for two weeks, but I like it. I may even get something done. I spent several days last week with others working on finishing the church. We've been at this for months now. A deadline, however, lit a fire under us. Restoration International were scheduled to have Family Camp starting on Wednesday. Thank God we were ready about an hour before the group moved in. (That was close.) The church looks great--new front, new carpet, new windows, new paint job and new platform. Y'all come and worship with us. We'd love to have you.

I was talking to my wife this morning. As some of you know, a hydro-electric company is wanting to take her land in Africa to build a dam. The electricity generated will be for the mining industry nearby. She apparently will have no choice. They say they will give her another piece of property and rebuild her school. If I know anything about that sort of dealing, I can almost guarantee the buildings and the land will be subpar. This big matata is suppose to happen in 4 or 5 years. 

Janet intents to go ahead with her plans as usual. We are praying for the Lord to intervene. If He doesn't an allows this to happen, Janet will strip all her buildings of everything she can carry away. She will accept the land and allow them to rebuild. Then she will give the school to the church and all the other stuff to Kibidula. At that point, she will be free to walk away. Now, having said that, do not go thinking that this is how this saga ends. She is warning the government that she will fight for her land. A lot can happen in four years. Keep praying.

Next week i am scheduled to fly to Brazil. Wish you all could come with me.


 This is the church's new look.
Candi Katsma painted a pic of Jesus knocking on the door of our hearts for Family Camp

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Good Two Months



That's a picture of my Africans. We had a great couple of months. I'll miss them. They are back home picking up the burden the Lord has placed on their shoulders. I pray for them a lot.

With them went my Lover. Because Jason came on furlough, she decided to come too. It was a great summer. But I worry a little. She still has bone spurs and something wrong with her neck. I assume she has worked too hard the last four years. After all, she is in her sixties and erecting buildings in a primitive setting is anything but easy. I'm praying the Lord will find a replacement for her soon.

I haven't had time to write lately. Too busy.

The ASI Convention was a success. I had the privilege of hearing Brianna preach her last evangelistic sermon in Fort Worth. She is good. Who would have thought. I couldn't be more proud. The Lord has given me an amazing family.

I prayed a lot about the role I was needing to play at ASI--boards, meetings with people with special interests, keynote address and numerous stage appearances. It was all quite nerve wracking. But by all accounts, the Lord gave me the grace needed to perform my part successfully. Now it is on to another year of service.

I spent one day at EVI before having to go on to Spokane, WA. Alexander Fowler asked me to speak at the North West Youth Conference. The Conference was not well attended. I do not know to what that small failure is attributable. Is it the economy? Is interest among the youth failing? Was there not enough effort put into the planning? I can't tell. In spite of that however, I felt that the Spirit of the Lord was strongly evident. I only had a couple of weeks to prepare the sermons I presented. Granted, I did use some material I had used in the past (1/3), but repackaged.

Thomas Mayer of Little Light Ministries was the other speaker. He spoke on the subtle deceptions engendered by Hollywood, corporate advertisers, rock music, cartoons, and kindred subjects. Thomas had amazon material, amazing. He gave me six DVD's to take home. Sometimes his material was so dark and sinister that  you can't imagine these things are out there preying on relatively innocent people. I'm convinced, the people need to know.

One of the highlights of my Spokane adventure was staying with Harold and Joan Lance. What a good time we had. They are extremely generous and amazingly hospitable. On Sabbath, I had lunch with them and three men they had over from church. These men were intrigued with my conversion experience and my wife's African adventure. Christian fellowship can be such fun.

Finally, I got to spend three weekends in a row with Brianna. A blessing--Fort Worth, ASI, and Spokane. I guess that will be all for now. The plans are to meet in Cashmere for Christmas. May the Lord allow.

I get to spend two weeks at home and then I am off on an adventure to Brazil. Never a dull moment. Blessings to all.