Salam,
We arrived in Ganca (pronounced Genga) on Saturday evening after a long, wild and bumpy ride in a rented mini-bus across the flat terrain of Azerbaijan. We took the quicker route instead of the road that runs through the Greater Caucasus Mountains because there were ten of us and our luggage crammed into the bus, and the driver was concerned about the bus overheating. We obliged him because although we are up for new and exciting adventures, being stranded on the side of the road is not one we wanted to experience. We arrived in Ganca around dinnertime and joined our hosts for a delicious meal of beef stew and potatoes.
The weather is beautiful here. If you close your eyes you might think you were back in the midst of an Oklahoma autumn, but with open eyes you would see that you were many worlds away. If you stand in Azerbaijan and turned to the south you would be facing Iran. Turn north and you are facing Russia. Look west and you will be looking toward Armenia. Turn east and you are facing the Caspian Sea. But we are here to look at Azerbaijan and to see the people here. And they are a beautiful people. Their dark piercing eyes seem to look us over with a mixture of curiosity and wonder, and perhaps with a little suspicion.
We visited the market on Sunday morning and our senses were overloaded with the sights, sounds and smells. Row after row of merchants were selling everything from fresh pomegranates (a favorite and plentiful Azeri fruit) to a sheep’s head. Some of us walked through the fresh meat section of the market. The smell is what you might expect from freshly slaughtered pigs, chickens, lamb and cows and they are hanging only a few inches from where you walk. We didn’t linger.
In other parts of the market piles of bright green fresh herbs, red tomatoes, orange carrots, black grapes, green cucumbers and bags of nuts are arranged neatly in baskets, and behind the arrangements sit the vendors: women with deep lines etched into their olive skin smile warily at us. The men all wear dark suits since the summer in Ganca is coming to an end. It is their preferred way of dressing. Even construction workers can be seen toting piles of lumber wearing the standard black suit. They dress up here in Ganca because appearances matter. Even if they don’t have enough to eat, they won’t leave the house looking underdressed.
It is Tuesday as I write this, and we have visited the baby orphanage, the vocational school, and the psychiatric hospital where we sat in on the art and sewing classes. It is an experience we will not soon forget. The women in this hospital will probably live here for the rest of their lives. Some have been placed here by their families because they could not take care of them. Some, however, have lived their entire lives in an institution – from the baby orphanage to the children’s orphanage to this hospital. “You have brought us joy today,” one of the patients – a young girl - told us before we left. “And you have brought us joy,” we replied, because they did. We laughed and joked with them and they wanted to talk about American music and singers and movies.
The men will be painting a room in the baby orphanage while we are here. They were going to paint it orange, but when they paint went on the walls, it turned out pink. But it looks nice and smells fresh.
We have met quite a few Azeris and enjoyed their hospitality, which always consists of a pot of tea, some pastry sweets and talk of family. Marriage and children are high priority, but family structures can be complicated arrangements of several generations living under one small roof. Life is not easy here.
We are here in Ganca for a few more days and will then take the night train back to Baku. Melanie and I will share a compartment and hope to get some sleep on the eight-hour ride across the rails. Until then, we will be visiting another orphanage, another psychiatric hospital, an international school and perhaps the market again. We hope to meet more Azeris before we leave on Thursday evening. Although we are confined to communicating with them through interpreters, we grow richer through each conversation we share.
We appreciate your continued thoughts for us.
Sag ol (goodbye) from Ganca, Azerbaijan,
Bill, Mark, Bob, Melanie and Lisa
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Asbury VIM Construction/Water Well mission trip - Entry 10
Jambo,
Well this will be my last journal entry. It is Sunday night about 8:00pm and we just arrived back at LJS we were 80km into the bush. The roads were much better than what we had experienced from our previous trips into the bush. Sorry I didn't get a chance to journal yesterday but on Saturday's there is no electricity until evening time and when I came to use the computer it was already in use by others. We went to Mukumi National Game Park on Saturday. It was very nice. We were able to see and take pics of many different animals; Hippos, Giraffes, Reebok, Impala, Baboon, Elephant, Zebra, Wilda Beast, Cape Buffalo...
We had to leave very early in the morning to get there early in hope of seeing the most animals. The park is an awesome place and you can actually rent bungalows and stay there. They had a very nice restaurant and small pool a true resort. We did not eat at the restaurant but we did enjoy a cold soda and relaxed on the patio and watched Zebras near by drinking in a watering hole. Our one and only night on the town was Saturday and we went to a Pizza Restaurant. It was very nice and the pizzas were brick oven and quite tasty. We also had COLD soda which is quite the luxury. I never realized how good a cold beverage taste until this trip.
Now how do I put into words one of the most special days of my life. We started early this morning, packed into a sport utility heading into the bush. Robert and I went with Herb Hofferman and 4 Wort Bird University students for a day of worship. Let's get one thing straight when I say a day of worship - that's exactly what I mean. We left LJS at 8:00am and arrived back home at a little after 8:00pm. I can't begin to tell you what all happened. Jjust understand it was truly unbelievable; food, music, music, music, music, preaching, family blessing, communion, offertory and I promise one like you have never seen unless you have been to Tanzania before. We started with the usual, money, and everyone and I do mean everyone gave something, may not have been much but by golly they gave what they could. Then the interesting part; bananas, 2 cases of soda, cookies, cloth, soap, rice, corn, maize and the always popular live chickens. They also had a goat but we ate it for lunch. Oh, did I mention one of those live chickens rode home with us in the car, yep you got it, he was a passenger...
They had the auction where people bid on all the offering stuff and at the end they even auctioned off the 2 paper envelopes that the cloth came in, and some newspaper that had been used for packing... I'm telling you I just can't believe what these people need and use in their lives just to survive. Robert and I were talking about these people don't live in poverty, this is survival of the fittest in every since of the term. Everyday when they wake up it's about what are we going to do today to survive... Again I have to mention that what little these people had they insisted on giving us the Lion's share of everything. Even if it may have meant they might do with out. Remember too, you need to eat their food, drink their drinks, or you will dishonor them and rob them from Blessing you. This county takes its hospitality very seriously.
People walked for hours to come worship today. The songs they sang were indescribable. One of the songs was about AIDS and how if you turn your life over to "YESU KRISTO" (Jesus Christ) you will not want to or be involved in the things that lead to death and life with AIDS. They sang about young people needing prayers because they are going down the wrong path. Their songs have very deep meaning, about today's issues and answers. There were 4 choirs today from 4 different locals; I would say all together we heard or sang approximately 40 songs. Robert and I decided during service we know there were more than 20 songs. Dub and Heart eat your hearts out (no Pun intended) how would you all like to prepare for that each week...
Well, it's getting late and I need to go pack up the things I am taking home. We are leaving for Dar in the morning (Monday) but won't be leaving the country until 11:00 pm. We arrive home on Tuesday afternoon at 4:30pm so just another quick flight home... haha
One final thing I don't know if I mentioned it or not but if you have not been on a mission trip WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??? If you have, I hope that I have inspired you to sign up and go again. I guarantee you will receive the blessing far over what you are able to give to those you are serving in the name of Jesus. If you haven't been apart of this work of our church please get involved.
Last but certainly not least; I want to personally thank all of you who made this trip possible for me with your financial support, and all of you who have prayed for me and the rest of the team while we have been gone. We have felt your prayers and appreciate knowing that we are covered in prayer while we are here... God Bless you all, I can't wait to share my experience with al who will listen. See ya soon!!! Bwana Asufiwe
In His Grip,
Glen Grusendorf Jr.
Well this will be my last journal entry. It is Sunday night about 8:00pm and we just arrived back at LJS we were 80km into the bush. The roads were much better than what we had experienced from our previous trips into the bush. Sorry I didn't get a chance to journal yesterday but on Saturday's there is no electricity until evening time and when I came to use the computer it was already in use by others. We went to Mukumi National Game Park on Saturday. It was very nice. We were able to see and take pics of many different animals; Hippos, Giraffes, Reebok, Impala, Baboon, Elephant, Zebra, Wilda Beast, Cape Buffalo...
We had to leave very early in the morning to get there early in hope of seeing the most animals. The park is an awesome place and you can actually rent bungalows and stay there. They had a very nice restaurant and small pool a true resort. We did not eat at the restaurant but we did enjoy a cold soda and relaxed on the patio and watched Zebras near by drinking in a watering hole. Our one and only night on the town was Saturday and we went to a Pizza Restaurant. It was very nice and the pizzas were brick oven and quite tasty. We also had COLD soda which is quite the luxury. I never realized how good a cold beverage taste until this trip.
Now how do I put into words one of the most special days of my life. We started early this morning, packed into a sport utility heading into the bush. Robert and I went with Herb Hofferman and 4 Wort Bird University students for a day of worship. Let's get one thing straight when I say a day of worship - that's exactly what I mean. We left LJS at 8:00am and arrived back home at a little after 8:00pm. I can't begin to tell you what all happened. Jjust understand it was truly unbelievable; food, music, music, music, music, preaching, family blessing, communion, offertory and I promise one like you have never seen unless you have been to Tanzania before. We started with the usual, money, and everyone and I do mean everyone gave something, may not have been much but by golly they gave what they could. Then the interesting part; bananas, 2 cases of soda, cookies, cloth, soap, rice, corn, maize and the always popular live chickens. They also had a goat but we ate it for lunch. Oh, did I mention one of those live chickens rode home with us in the car, yep you got it, he was a passenger...
They had the auction where people bid on all the offering stuff and at the end they even auctioned off the 2 paper envelopes that the cloth came in, and some newspaper that had been used for packing... I'm telling you I just can't believe what these people need and use in their lives just to survive. Robert and I were talking about these people don't live in poverty, this is survival of the fittest in every since of the term. Everyday when they wake up it's about what are we going to do today to survive... Again I have to mention that what little these people had they insisted on giving us the Lion's share of everything. Even if it may have meant they might do with out. Remember too, you need to eat their food, drink their drinks, or you will dishonor them and rob them from Blessing you. This county takes its hospitality very seriously.
People walked for hours to come worship today. The songs they sang were indescribable. One of the songs was about AIDS and how if you turn your life over to "YESU KRISTO" (Jesus Christ) you will not want to or be involved in the things that lead to death and life with AIDS. They sang about young people needing prayers because they are going down the wrong path. Their songs have very deep meaning, about today's issues and answers. There were 4 choirs today from 4 different locals; I would say all together we heard or sang approximately 40 songs. Robert and I decided during service we know there were more than 20 songs. Dub and Heart eat your hearts out (no Pun intended) how would you all like to prepare for that each week...
Well, it's getting late and I need to go pack up the things I am taking home. We are leaving for Dar in the morning (Monday) but won't be leaving the country until 11:00 pm. We arrive home on Tuesday afternoon at 4:30pm so just another quick flight home... haha
One final thing I don't know if I mentioned it or not but if you have not been on a mission trip WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??? If you have, I hope that I have inspired you to sign up and go again. I guarantee you will receive the blessing far over what you are able to give to those you are serving in the name of Jesus. If you haven't been apart of this work of our church please get involved.
Last but certainly not least; I want to personally thank all of you who made this trip possible for me with your financial support, and all of you who have prayed for me and the rest of the team while we have been gone. We have felt your prayers and appreciate knowing that we are covered in prayer while we are here... God Bless you all, I can't wait to share my experience with al who will listen. See ya soon!!! Bwana Asufiwe
In His Grip,
Glen Grusendorf Jr.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Greetings from Baku
Dear Asbury family,
The team in Baku is doing well! The consultation meetings were held Thursday and Friday where we made new friends and renewed old friendships. We learned some of the new things being done in the country and were encouraged at the growth that is occurring. There is an increasing number of things being organized for children and a focus on the youth also. The local people are very committed to seeing advancements. It is humbling for us to see and hear their passion as it is not so easy for them to be bold here, yet they are. We were eating lunch together in a local restaurant and one of the girls who had sung at the meeting got up and sang in the restaurant. It was a song that we were surprised to hear when we learned what she was singing - the content was not what we expected! Despite that, she sang right on and was not afraid.
The one thing that causes angst with all of us is the driving in the city. Driving is the art of negotiation done with the front bumper. Lanes on the street are just for options - not for driving within. We are most thankful for our very experienced and accident-free driver!
Lisa, Melanie, and Bob arrived late Thursday night and were able to see some of the city yesterday with our host. We all went to an old caravan place which is now a restaurant last night and had a typical Azeri meal and Azeri music. It was great fun with a flame swallower and other entertainment in addition to the meal. Lisa has gotten some wonderful pictures of the city and we are looking forward to sharing those when we return.
This morning we are preparing to leave our American host home which is hardly mission accommodations! They are so good to us and we are grateful for their wonderful hospitality. The work really starts today as we drive to G-City which is about 5 hours away. We are hoping to see the Greater Caucuses Mountains on the way if the clouds lift. We are looking forward to our time there and will try to send an update of our work in that city.
Thank you all for your thoughts and messages to "Dad". The notes for the team have been much appreciated!!
Mary Ann
The team in Baku is doing well! The consultation meetings were held Thursday and Friday where we made new friends and renewed old friendships. We learned some of the new things being done in the country and were encouraged at the growth that is occurring. There is an increasing number of things being organized for children and a focus on the youth also. The local people are very committed to seeing advancements. It is humbling for us to see and hear their passion as it is not so easy for them to be bold here, yet they are. We were eating lunch together in a local restaurant and one of the girls who had sung at the meeting got up and sang in the restaurant. It was a song that we were surprised to hear when we learned what she was singing - the content was not what we expected! Despite that, she sang right on and was not afraid.
The one thing that causes angst with all of us is the driving in the city. Driving is the art of negotiation done with the front bumper. Lanes on the street are just for options - not for driving within. We are most thankful for our very experienced and accident-free driver!
Lisa, Melanie, and Bob arrived late Thursday night and were able to see some of the city yesterday with our host. We all went to an old caravan place which is now a restaurant last night and had a typical Azeri meal and Azeri music. It was great fun with a flame swallower and other entertainment in addition to the meal. Lisa has gotten some wonderful pictures of the city and we are looking forward to sharing those when we return.
This morning we are preparing to leave our American host home which is hardly mission accommodations! They are so good to us and we are grateful for their wonderful hospitality. The work really starts today as we drive to G-City which is about 5 hours away. We are hoping to see the Greater Caucuses Mountains on the way if the clouds lift. We are looking forward to our time there and will try to send an update of our work in that city.
Thank you all for your thoughts and messages to "Dad". The notes for the team have been much appreciated!!
Mary Ann
Friday, September 22, 2006
Asbury VIM Construction/Water Well mission trip - Entry 9
Jambo,
Well, just another day in paradise. I worked on computers all day and in my opinion didn’t help much. They think I did a good job, but they are nicer and have lower expectations than we do back home. I burned up a power source on a new computer (to them) it was about 6 years old. I went to town to try and get a new power source and they didn’t have one that would work. So, hopefully I can get the right one in the US and send it back with Grant.
The construction team finished the cement floor in the church and they were very happy about this. The floor project has been in the works for almost 2 years. It is tough to not help with so many little things that you know a couple of bucks could solve the problem and potentially change a community livelihood for years to come. Not to mention the opportunity we would have to show the Love of Jesus to people who may or may not be believers.
The "Wet Ones" came back with good news today the well we drilled 2 days ago will be up and running the first part of next week and the water supply looks great. Hallelujah praise the Lord…
Tomorrow morning Saturday we are leaving the school at 5:00am to go to a Game Park that is about a 2 hour drive away. Then on Sunday everyone but Robert and me will go to regular church service. Robert and I will be going with Herb Hofferman to a village about 100miles from here. We leave early in the morning on Sunday and return late at night. We will enjoy baptisms and communion with our brothers and sisters in the bush. This should prove to be a very memorable moment for the 2 of us.
It amazes me how we came over to serve others, but you can’t help but feel like we are the ones receiving all the blessings from those who have little to nothing in relation to possessions to offer us. What they lack in stuff they make up for 1,000 times over with smiles, love, generosity, hospitality, kindness, etc… These people are truly amazing, putting it mildly.
I will say it again if you have never been on a mission trip drop whatever you are doing and go sign up now… If you have been in the past what are you waiting for this is old news to you and you know what you are missing out on…
In His Grip,
Glen
Well, just another day in paradise. I worked on computers all day and in my opinion didn’t help much. They think I did a good job, but they are nicer and have lower expectations than we do back home. I burned up a power source on a new computer (to them) it was about 6 years old. I went to town to try and get a new power source and they didn’t have one that would work. So, hopefully I can get the right one in the US and send it back with Grant.
The construction team finished the cement floor in the church and they were very happy about this. The floor project has been in the works for almost 2 years. It is tough to not help with so many little things that you know a couple of bucks could solve the problem and potentially change a community livelihood for years to come. Not to mention the opportunity we would have to show the Love of Jesus to people who may or may not be believers.
The "Wet Ones" came back with good news today the well we drilled 2 days ago will be up and running the first part of next week and the water supply looks great. Hallelujah praise the Lord…
Tomorrow morning Saturday we are leaving the school at 5:00am to go to a Game Park that is about a 2 hour drive away. Then on Sunday everyone but Robert and me will go to regular church service. Robert and I will be going with Herb Hofferman to a village about 100miles from here. We leave early in the morning on Sunday and return late at night. We will enjoy baptisms and communion with our brothers and sisters in the bush. This should prove to be a very memorable moment for the 2 of us.
It amazes me how we came over to serve others, but you can’t help but feel like we are the ones receiving all the blessings from those who have little to nothing in relation to possessions to offer us. What they lack in stuff they make up for 1,000 times over with smiles, love, generosity, hospitality, kindness, etc… These people are truly amazing, putting it mildly.
I will say it again if you have never been on a mission trip drop whatever you are doing and go sign up now… If you have been in the past what are you waiting for this is old news to you and you know what you are missing out on…
In His Grip,
Glen
Asbury VIM Construction/Water Well mission trip - Entry 8
Jambo,
I have stayed back at LJS (Lutheran Junior Seminary) today to try and fix some of their computers. The 2 computers that are in the common area that everyone has access to are very-very-very-very slow. In case you didn’t understand me I said they are SLOW! The scary thing is I am the one with the most knowledge around here on how to attempt to speed them up just a little bit. They are Pentiums with 48m of ram, running windows 98. It is very frustrating for the students to work on. What would take us back home an hour or two of research will take them weeks (Literally.) This is due to how slow they are and they have to share them too. I would rather have my teeth pulled without anesthesia, than have to do research on these 2 PCs they have here. Some of the foreign students (not all) bring laptops which help out some. But don’t forget there are NO high speed connections here.
The people we have been working with are not in the city areas but rather the outer laying areas around Morogoru.
When I say poor, I don’t think you have the ability to picture what I mean. I know maybe you have seen pictures on TV or documentaries but it is just not the same as seeing and experiencing these things in person. Many of the people we have been with literally wear rags for clothing. I don’t think I am off the mark by saying that in the US we wouldn’t even consider them rags they would be trash. They wear these same clothes day in and day out, for many days in a row before they put on something different, if that option is even available to them… I was talking to Linda Spitalari this morning and while walking with her I asked her what about the greeting she and another woman exchanged. Now get this, I hope you are sitting down; she said the greeting basically was how are you, did you make it through the night, did your family make it through the night, and is everyone in your family ALIVE and ok this day. Wow! Now I don’t know about you, but as a normal casual greeting with someone in the states I have never been concerned about did everyone in your family live through the night (with the exception of people in the hospital). That is how short and devastating it is to live in this country. Grant has told us some really sad stories about unfortunate things happening to people here.
I have to admit you would have to be something other than human to not appreciate ALL of the luxuries we have back in the US . I mean even the smallest of things are HUGE deals in this country.
Now let’s talk about some things that are very positive that we can and have learned from these wonderful people.
Glen
I have stayed back at LJS (Lutheran Junior Seminary) today to try and fix some of their computers. The 2 computers that are in the common area that everyone has access to are very-very-very-very slow. In case you didn’t understand me I said they are SLOW! The scary thing is I am the one with the most knowledge around here on how to attempt to speed them up just a little bit. They are Pentiums with 48m of ram, running windows 98. It is very frustrating for the students to work on. What would take us back home an hour or two of research will take them weeks (Literally.) This is due to how slow they are and they have to share them too. I would rather have my teeth pulled without anesthesia, than have to do research on these 2 PCs they have here. Some of the foreign students (not all) bring laptops which help out some. But don’t forget there are NO high speed connections here.
The people we have been working with are not in the city areas but rather the outer laying areas around Morogoru.
When I say poor, I don’t think you have the ability to picture what I mean. I know maybe you have seen pictures on TV or documentaries but it is just not the same as seeing and experiencing these things in person. Many of the people we have been with literally wear rags for clothing. I don’t think I am off the mark by saying that in the US we wouldn’t even consider them rags they would be trash. They wear these same clothes day in and day out, for many days in a row before they put on something different, if that option is even available to them… I was talking to Linda Spitalari this morning and while walking with her I asked her what about the greeting she and another woman exchanged. Now get this, I hope you are sitting down; she said the greeting basically was how are you, did you make it through the night, did your family make it through the night, and is everyone in your family ALIVE and ok this day. Wow! Now I don’t know about you, but as a normal casual greeting with someone in the states I have never been concerned about did everyone in your family live through the night (with the exception of people in the hospital). That is how short and devastating it is to live in this country. Grant has told us some really sad stories about unfortunate things happening to people here.
I have to admit you would have to be something other than human to not appreciate ALL of the luxuries we have back in the US . I mean even the smallest of things are HUGE deals in this country.
Now let’s talk about some things that are very positive that we can and have learned from these wonderful people.
- Slow Down
- Put on a smile
- Be thankful & grateful
- Be Happy!
- Take life as it is and enjoy
- Help others in all you do
- Always believe it can be done, especially if you have no other choice ***
- Take time to talk to people and get to know them. Care about their families and loved ones.
Probably one of the most important and enjoyable things here is to spend time with our unbelievably kind, gracious, considerate, loving, giving, servants of God.
Grant Miller ( he is our Asbury Man, born & raised in our Church)
Robert & Linda Spitalari (Missionaries)
Herb & Kierstan Hofferman (Missionaries) Staff and others at LJS
I just want to make sure all of our Asbury friends know just how much EVERYONE here appreciates all we do as the body of Christ for our brothers and sisters here in Tanzania . I still cannot put into words the way in which we are enhancing their way of life by installing water wells and building churches and supporting evangelists in these remote areas of the world. May God continue to bless our church and all of those who support us with their Prayers, gifts, talents, service and witness… I love you all…
IN His Grip,Glen
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Asbury VIM Construction/Water Well mission trip - Entry 7
Jambo,
Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Well, no pun intended, the "Wet Ones" kicked me off their team today… Not really, but that sounds better than they needed me on the construction team. Today we were back at the church were we worshipped at on Sunday in Gezeloule. Today we were pouring a concrete floor for them. There were many men their working along side of us. It was amazing watching them hand mix almost 5 yards of concrete. The truth is "we" the men, were playing soccer with kids while the men of the village were mixing concrete. We had a blast watching the kids eat the sour Jolly Rancher candy (tum-tum) that I brought for them. I am just guessing but I don’t think they had ever tasted any candy like that before today.
The "Wet Ones" had lots of planning with village leaders to clear paths for the drilling rig to get to the well sight. It is interesting all the villages have community leaders called "Chairman"; it was a chairman that I gave my hat to yesterday.
Everyone is very pleased with the amount of work both teams are able to accomplish in the short amount of time we are here.
On the interesting side we had a bat flying around in the dining hall this evening while we were eating. We also had a famous artist (wood carver) bring some of his goods in for a private showing and sale. I was able to get some great stuff at a great price.
We had a wonderful Devotion tonight. We all talked about our families in depth. It was an assignment I gave the group so we could get to know each other on a more personal level. Then we spent about an hour talking about Matthew 25 (the least of these). We had a great discussion.
Again, I just can’t begin to tell you all what you are missing out on by not being involved in missions. For those of you who participate in mission trips I am just wetting your appetite, preparing, and encouraging you for your next great adventure; whether it be across town or across the globe.
In His Grip,
Glen
Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Well, no pun intended, the "Wet Ones" kicked me off their team today… Not really, but that sounds better than they needed me on the construction team. Today we were back at the church were we worshipped at on Sunday in Gezeloule. Today we were pouring a concrete floor for them. There were many men their working along side of us. It was amazing watching them hand mix almost 5 yards of concrete. The truth is "we" the men, were playing soccer with kids while the men of the village were mixing concrete. We had a blast watching the kids eat the sour Jolly Rancher candy (tum-tum) that I brought for them. I am just guessing but I don’t think they had ever tasted any candy like that before today.
The "Wet Ones" had lots of planning with village leaders to clear paths for the drilling rig to get to the well sight. It is interesting all the villages have community leaders called "Chairman"; it was a chairman that I gave my hat to yesterday.
Everyone is very pleased with the amount of work both teams are able to accomplish in the short amount of time we are here.
On the interesting side we had a bat flying around in the dining hall this evening while we were eating. We also had a famous artist (wood carver) bring some of his goods in for a private showing and sale. I was able to get some great stuff at a great price.
We had a wonderful Devotion tonight. We all talked about our families in depth. It was an assignment I gave the group so we could get to know each other on a more personal level. Then we spent about an hour talking about Matthew 25 (the least of these). We had a great discussion.
Again, I just can’t begin to tell you all what you are missing out on by not being involved in missions. For those of you who participate in mission trips I am just wetting your appetite, preparing, and encouraging you for your next great adventure; whether it be across town or across the globe.
In His Grip,
Glen
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Asbury VIM Construction/Water Well mission trip - Entry 6
Habari,
Well, it just gets old telling you all the same old thing, but I guess I have to. Just another unbelievable day in paradise. I don’t have much to report from the construction team. They went and finished some work on the Evangelist home where we had been working and spent a lot of time with the kids. They had some fun entertaining them and Bill even road a bicycle backwards sitting on the handle bars (no accident). This amazed everyone but I think it amazed the team the most… haha
Now, do I have some stories to tell. I joined the "Wet Ones" today on a drilling project. Oh, I guess I need to tell you they did not like me naming them the "Wet Ones" and therefore nicknamed me for the day "Wet Wipe"… I guess that let’s you in on a secret we are all bonding really well and having plenty of fun with each other. We were at Mananila drilling a well; we found water and are going to set a pump there for the locals. We found out some interesting facts. For one this well will help over 400 people that live in the bush and believe me when I say bush, they are in the jungle. It was about a 40 minute trip into the plains and over some hills and valleys. There, nestled in a valley was the most beautiful area. It looked like what I imagined an Oasis would look like in the dessert. They had banana trees, papaya, peppers, corn, and onions. Just the most amazing green in an environment of jungle that was mostly brush with the occasional tree here and there. Most of the trees are very small. The reason for this is they cut down the big ones and make charcoal out of them. We had a great day working with the villagers. When we left at the end of the day, we had one of the locals run in front of our vehicle looking out for stumps and cut off brush that will spear the tires and result in a flat tire, which they had 2 days ago. This guy ran for over a mile in front of our vehicle and never broke a sweat or even started breathing hard. These are amazing people and I could go on and on for hours.
Well, they are going to run us out of the computer room soon, so I have to wrap up. We went to a worship service tonight where Grant Miller preached the gospel and we had communion. You should hear these kids sing - it is unbelievable…
In His Grip,
Glen
Well, it just gets old telling you all the same old thing, but I guess I have to. Just another unbelievable day in paradise. I don’t have much to report from the construction team. They went and finished some work on the Evangelist home where we had been working and spent a lot of time with the kids. They had some fun entertaining them and Bill even road a bicycle backwards sitting on the handle bars (no accident). This amazed everyone but I think it amazed the team the most… haha
Now, do I have some stories to tell. I joined the "Wet Ones" today on a drilling project. Oh, I guess I need to tell you they did not like me naming them the "Wet Ones" and therefore nicknamed me for the day "Wet Wipe"… I guess that let’s you in on a secret we are all bonding really well and having plenty of fun with each other. We were at Mananila drilling a well; we found water and are going to set a pump there for the locals. We found out some interesting facts. For one this well will help over 400 people that live in the bush and believe me when I say bush, they are in the jungle. It was about a 40 minute trip into the plains and over some hills and valleys. There, nestled in a valley was the most beautiful area. It looked like what I imagined an Oasis would look like in the dessert. They had banana trees, papaya, peppers, corn, and onions. Just the most amazing green in an environment of jungle that was mostly brush with the occasional tree here and there. Most of the trees are very small. The reason for this is they cut down the big ones and make charcoal out of them. We had a great day working with the villagers. When we left at the end of the day, we had one of the locals run in front of our vehicle looking out for stumps and cut off brush that will spear the tires and result in a flat tire, which they had 2 days ago. This guy ran for over a mile in front of our vehicle and never broke a sweat or even started breathing hard. These are amazing people and I could go on and on for hours.
Well, they are going to run us out of the computer room soon, so I have to wrap up. We went to a worship service tonight where Grant Miller preached the gospel and we had communion. You should hear these kids sing - it is unbelievable…
In His Grip,
Glen
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Asbury VIM Construction/Water Well mission trip - Entry 5
Habari,
Hey all - just another wonderful day in paradise. We had a great day today on the construction team and everything went as planned. We were even able to do additional work at the church we had not planned on.
We completed the trusses and made perlins for them as well.
We are having a great experience with the people of this village. We had some extra time on our hands today so Bill, Mike, Bo and I went for a walk in the bush with some of the people of the village in search of Baboons. EUREKA >>> We found them - several different groups of them actually. We couldn’t get any closer than about 75-100 yards. It was awesome just walking in the bush with these other men. They have a unique custom of holding hands with you as you walk along. In America not only would I probably not do this, I would feel very uncomfortable as well. They don’t do it every time you walk; just occasionally. It’s really quite cool and humbling. These people teach you life lessons that you will never forget, but probably have a hard time adhering to them when you return.
The water well team or as I called them tonight the "Wet Ones" had another great day filled with tons of walking and searching with the Massai people. They all came back with many questions about the clothing that is worn and the significance it represents. They wear very beautifully colored clothing and lots of jewelry too. They also have these plastic white sandals as part of their attire. They found a well that had been dug 15 meters deep by a small boy (Chief’s son) this is close to 50’ and it was only about 30 inches wide. I can only imagine what that was like.
Both teams are having a great time and we are both experiencing two completely different yet similar things along the way. We have people interacting with us on the construction team. The "Wet Ones" are dealing with tribal elders and many other things in an attempt to start the drilling process for new wells.
Bo and I had a great time this evening at a meditation area that looks out across the plains that are at the base of the Uruguru mountain range. I don’t know how tall they are but I would guess at least 5,000 feet. These aren’t the hills of Oklahoma … I would call it a beauty that you cannot imagine without being here. So, have you signed up for your next mission trip yet, or even your first one, what are you waiting for? You too can be a part of Asbury’s wonderful mission experience serving God and others… I will close with letting you all know we have been praying for Mary Ann, Bill Abernathy , and Mark Watkins as they head to Azerbaijan . We wish them well and pray that God will work through them in mighty & powerful ways.
P.S. It’s Bo’s 45th birthday tomorrow and we have something special planned for him… In His Grip, Glen
Hey all - just another wonderful day in paradise. We had a great day today on the construction team and everything went as planned. We were even able to do additional work at the church we had not planned on.
We completed the trusses and made perlins for them as well.
We are having a great experience with the people of this village. We had some extra time on our hands today so Bill, Mike, Bo and I went for a walk in the bush with some of the people of the village in search of Baboons. EUREKA >>> We found them - several different groups of them actually. We couldn’t get any closer than about 75-100 yards. It was awesome just walking in the bush with these other men. They have a unique custom of holding hands with you as you walk along. In America not only would I probably not do this, I would feel very uncomfortable as well. They don’t do it every time you walk; just occasionally. It’s really quite cool and humbling. These people teach you life lessons that you will never forget, but probably have a hard time adhering to them when you return.
The water well team or as I called them tonight the "Wet Ones" had another great day filled with tons of walking and searching with the Massai people. They all came back with many questions about the clothing that is worn and the significance it represents. They wear very beautifully colored clothing and lots of jewelry too. They also have these plastic white sandals as part of their attire. They found a well that had been dug 15 meters deep by a small boy (Chief’s son) this is close to 50’ and it was only about 30 inches wide. I can only imagine what that was like.
Both teams are having a great time and we are both experiencing two completely different yet similar things along the way. We have people interacting with us on the construction team. The "Wet Ones" are dealing with tribal elders and many other things in an attempt to start the drilling process for new wells.
Bo and I had a great time this evening at a meditation area that looks out across the plains that are at the base of the Uruguru mountain range. I don’t know how tall they are but I would guess at least 5,000 feet. These aren’t the hills of Oklahoma … I would call it a beauty that you cannot imagine without being here. So, have you signed up for your next mission trip yet, or even your first one, what are you waiting for? You too can be a part of Asbury’s wonderful mission experience serving God and others… I will close with letting you all know we have been praying for Mary Ann, Bill Abernathy , and Mark Watkins as they head to Azerbaijan . We wish them well and pray that God will work through them in mighty & powerful ways.
P.S. It’s Bo’s 45th birthday tomorrow and we have something special planned for him… In His Grip, Glen
Monday, September 18, 2006
Asbury VIM Construction/Water Well mission trip - Entry 4
Habari,
Wow, I realize this is just a 3 letter word but I just can’t think of what to say about so many different things.
The construction team was building trusses today for a new church. We have to build 10 trusses. This is more than normal for the typical church. They usually build 4 trusses. This church is an actual brick building with windows and a door, but dirt floors. The work was very hard and hot, but extremely rewarding to know that a new church is going to give worship opportunities and so many other things to yet another community. Again we had a great meal and I was shocked to have such great food. God has gone before me and provided the entire mission team with outstanding food.
The water well team had a great day working with the Massai tribe and was able to actually explore drilling in 3 different locations. They too had a wonderful meal. They had the opportunity to change a tire, meet some new people, and show God’s love to others with their servant hearts.
The financial backing from Asbury offers a whole new way of life to a group of people half way around the world. I don’t want anyone to under estimate the great things that the body of Christ called Asbury is doing for our Christian brothers and sister here in Tanzania . We are truly helping them change what they had for centuries believed was their way of life, in a way that enhances all their lives, and the community they live in.
I just have to say I think everyone needs to experience a mission trip. So, if you haven’t scheduled one what are you waiting for? Get with it, you’re wasting time, burning day light, resting on your laurels…haha J I guess you get the message. Tom and Mary Ann are not the only ones that think everyone should be involved in missions.
I will close with I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring. Oh, we are having a rain shower right now and it’s not the rainy season, just another miracle from God… I was talking with Bo on the way over to send this email (he walks over here with me every night) anyway we were discussing how easy it is to see God’s hand at work in a place like this on a trip like this… Wow, what a joy it is to walk with Jesus…
In His Grip,
Glen & Bo
Wow, I realize this is just a 3 letter word but I just can’t think of what to say about so many different things.
The construction team was building trusses today for a new church. We have to build 10 trusses. This is more than normal for the typical church. They usually build 4 trusses. This church is an actual brick building with windows and a door, but dirt floors. The work was very hard and hot, but extremely rewarding to know that a new church is going to give worship opportunities and so many other things to yet another community. Again we had a great meal and I was shocked to have such great food. God has gone before me and provided the entire mission team with outstanding food.
The water well team had a great day working with the Massai tribe and was able to actually explore drilling in 3 different locations. They too had a wonderful meal. They had the opportunity to change a tire, meet some new people, and show God’s love to others with their servant hearts.
The financial backing from Asbury offers a whole new way of life to a group of people half way around the world. I don’t want anyone to under estimate the great things that the body of Christ called Asbury is doing for our Christian brothers and sister here in Tanzania . We are truly helping them change what they had for centuries believed was their way of life, in a way that enhances all their lives, and the community they live in.
I just have to say I think everyone needs to experience a mission trip. So, if you haven’t scheduled one what are you waiting for? Get with it, you’re wasting time, burning day light, resting on your laurels…haha J I guess you get the message. Tom and Mary Ann are not the only ones that think everyone should be involved in missions.
I will close with I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring. Oh, we are having a rain shower right now and it’s not the rainy season, just another miracle from God… I was talking with Bo on the way over to send this email (he walks over here with me every night) anyway we were discussing how easy it is to see God’s hand at work in a place like this on a trip like this… Wow, what a joy it is to walk with Jesus…
In His Grip,
Glen & Bo
Asbury VIM Construction/Water Well mission trip - Entry 3
Habari…
I will start with wow!!! What a day we had today. We were blessed with wonderful worship and fellowship at Gezaulole. This is the village where the first water well was drilled. It was wonderful to see the economic impact and other uses for this well. The well, besides doing the very obvious (providing healthy and clean drinking water,) has allowed them the opportunity to start making bricks. In return this has given them the opportunity to start growing their community. The village has a much better countenance - the people are great! Several of the groups that had been there previously were able to share stories of changes in the lives of those they had met in the past trips.
One of the many highlights of the day was when Mike Mastraccio gave a young man his ball cap. The young man was wearing a ball cap that literally was torn to shreds, not just holes but rather strings… Mike gives him the hat and he just began to glow and instantly threw his old hat into the bush. It was very funny and everyone laughed but you can tell he was overjoyed to receive the hat as a useful and needed gift.
We are having wonderful devotions at night. The food has been GREAT! You have to understand this is coming from a person who feared what I may have to eat (I am very picky.) They served us great food, broke out the China, and best of everything to show us their gratitude.
We met Leonard, the resident evangelist, and his brother who is a traveling Evangelist, who gave the message today. It was a great story about the widow’s mite and being thankful for all the ways you can give and receive blessings. I was touched beyond measure and we were lucky he insisted that Grant interpret for us, which I understand is not always done (it can be disruptive.)
We also were blessed with being present for an auction. This is where they bring things in and our entire group bought everything and then we gave it to those who could use the items that we purchased. It is a great system where we overpay and then give everything away … The people would run up and fan you, it was in fun and they are singing to you and trying to encourage you to bid higher… The highest priced item purchased today was a large bag of corn, which we gave back to the church. You should have seen the look on those faces around the circle as the priced just continued to rise. You have to understand we are just having a great time bidding against one another. There is no attempt to try to purchase the items for the lowest price possible. It’s the exact opposite we are trying to see just how much we can pay…
This is such a beautiful place with the mountains and valleys. It is truly amazing. Tomorrow the construction team is going to Maseyu to put a roof on a church there. The water well team is off Sietema to check on a local for a new well. We stopped to see 2 other churches that have been either built or worked on by Asbury Mission teams. We also witnessed first hand the horrible water that these people have to use when there is no water well. I cannot put into words the blessings we are giving these people, village upon village by drilling these wells.
Well, I will sign off for now and ask that you continue to remember the teams in your prayers...
In His Grip,
Glen
I will start with wow!!! What a day we had today. We were blessed with wonderful worship and fellowship at Gezaulole. This is the village where the first water well was drilled. It was wonderful to see the economic impact and other uses for this well. The well, besides doing the very obvious (providing healthy and clean drinking water,) has allowed them the opportunity to start making bricks. In return this has given them the opportunity to start growing their community. The village has a much better countenance - the people are great! Several of the groups that had been there previously were able to share stories of changes in the lives of those they had met in the past trips.
One of the many highlights of the day was when Mike Mastraccio gave a young man his ball cap. The young man was wearing a ball cap that literally was torn to shreds, not just holes but rather strings… Mike gives him the hat and he just began to glow and instantly threw his old hat into the bush. It was very funny and everyone laughed but you can tell he was overjoyed to receive the hat as a useful and needed gift.
We are having wonderful devotions at night. The food has been GREAT! You have to understand this is coming from a person who feared what I may have to eat (I am very picky.) They served us great food, broke out the China, and best of everything to show us their gratitude.
We met Leonard, the resident evangelist, and his brother who is a traveling Evangelist, who gave the message today. It was a great story about the widow’s mite and being thankful for all the ways you can give and receive blessings. I was touched beyond measure and we were lucky he insisted that Grant interpret for us, which I understand is not always done (it can be disruptive.)
We also were blessed with being present for an auction. This is where they bring things in and our entire group bought everything and then we gave it to those who could use the items that we purchased. It is a great system where we overpay and then give everything away … The people would run up and fan you, it was in fun and they are singing to you and trying to encourage you to bid higher… The highest priced item purchased today was a large bag of corn, which we gave back to the church. You should have seen the look on those faces around the circle as the priced just continued to rise. You have to understand we are just having a great time bidding against one another. There is no attempt to try to purchase the items for the lowest price possible. It’s the exact opposite we are trying to see just how much we can pay…
This is such a beautiful place with the mountains and valleys. It is truly amazing. Tomorrow the construction team is going to Maseyu to put a roof on a church there. The water well team is off Sietema to check on a local for a new well. We stopped to see 2 other churches that have been either built or worked on by Asbury Mission teams. We also witnessed first hand the horrible water that these people have to use when there is no water well. I cannot put into words the blessings we are giving these people, village upon village by drilling these wells.
Well, I will sign off for now and ask that you continue to remember the teams in your prayers...
In His Grip,
Glen
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Asbury VIM Construction/Water Well mission trip - Entry 2
Habari,
Well we arrived finally and all is well. The accommodations are great and the hospitality too. I am really happy to admit it is great being 5’8" tall, because poor Jack who is 6’5" tall had a terrible experience on the plane being jammed into the seats. The girl in front of him even insisted on reclining her seat to add to his misery. I guess as we talked earlier he was suffering for Jesus.
I have to report that Bo is one up on me. We have decided to have a snake killing contest. We were hardly here an hour an Bo takes his first victim. It was an 20’ long spitting Cobra… NOT REALLY! It was about as big around as a pencil and wouldn’t kill or hurt a bumble bee…
If you were here, you would know that last year Bo killed a snake which is not done very often here, so they were all talking about it when we arrived.
Our flight was about 32 hours long total and took approximately 48 hours to actually get here to the LJS. It is a very beautiful place with a magnificent mountain range to gaze upon. We are in a flat land. Bo and I just walked past a church service going on and we are anxious to get back there. It is Saturday night here almost 10:00pm. We were experiencing the Holy Spirit in that service in a mighty and memorable way. I will right more later I have to get off the computer now. I actually tried to email when we arrived but had problems with the PC… Surprise surprise…
In His Grip,
Glen & Bo
Well we arrived finally and all is well. The accommodations are great and the hospitality too. I am really happy to admit it is great being 5’8" tall, because poor Jack who is 6’5" tall had a terrible experience on the plane being jammed into the seats. The girl in front of him even insisted on reclining her seat to add to his misery. I guess as we talked earlier he was suffering for Jesus.
I have to report that Bo is one up on me. We have decided to have a snake killing contest. We were hardly here an hour an Bo takes his first victim. It was an 20’ long spitting Cobra… NOT REALLY! It was about as big around as a pencil and wouldn’t kill or hurt a bumble bee…
If you were here, you would know that last year Bo killed a snake which is not done very often here, so they were all talking about it when we arrived.
Our flight was about 32 hours long total and took approximately 48 hours to actually get here to the LJS. It is a very beautiful place with a magnificent mountain range to gaze upon. We are in a flat land. Bo and I just walked past a church service going on and we are anxious to get back there. It is Saturday night here almost 10:00pm. We were experiencing the Holy Spirit in that service in a mighty and memorable way. I will right more later I have to get off the computer now. I actually tried to email when we arrived but had problems with the PC… Surprise surprise…
In His Grip,
Glen & Bo
Asbury VIM Construction/Water Well mission trip - Entry 1
Habari
The team has reached Tanzania . We left Tulsa on schedule at 6:00 am Thursday arriving in Detroit . There we enjoyed a great brunch at the Cracker B arrel. From there it was on to the Henry Ford museums. We had a limited amount of time there and then back to the airport. B o was the first one off to Amsterdam . We tried in vain to get him moved to the flight the remainder of the team was on but to no avail. We rejoined B o at Amsterdam and then after a couple hour layover it was on to Dar. We arrived on schedule to find all of our luggage as well as Robert, Linda and Grant waiting to pick us up. The travel indeed had gone smoothly.
We spent the night at the Catholic guest house (God bless those Catholics) and awoke for a 7:00 am breakfast. At the same time the water well team met with their contractor Wilson to discuss the progress and problems of the deep wells that they are attempting. The construction team moves on to the LJS for some more rest.
At the Catholic guest house Glen experienced his first internet problem. He spent much time composing a message to send back only to have the system go down and then they switched from the power grid to their generator and then there was something else so he never got a message off.
We are currently resting at the LJS awaiting the water well team. We lunched on potatos, rice, greens and meat with bananas for a fruit. We did stop on the road for some cashews. The construction team (Dwight, B o, Glen, B ill and Mike) are staying a the guest house adjacent to Grant's while the water Well team (Jack, Robert and Mark) will be staying in the rooms for the language seminary.
Sometime ask Jack how well a 6 ft 5 inches guy fits into the KLM economy seats. Pray that the return trip he can get the bulkhead.
Tomorrow we go to one of the villages to worship.
Mike Mastraccio
The team has reached Tanzania . We left Tulsa on schedule at 6:00 am Thursday arriving in Detroit . There we enjoyed a great brunch at the Cracker B arrel. From there it was on to the Henry Ford museums. We had a limited amount of time there and then back to the airport. B o was the first one off to Amsterdam . We tried in vain to get him moved to the flight the remainder of the team was on but to no avail. We rejoined B o at Amsterdam and then after a couple hour layover it was on to Dar. We arrived on schedule to find all of our luggage as well as Robert, Linda and Grant waiting to pick us up. The travel indeed had gone smoothly.
We spent the night at the Catholic guest house (God bless those Catholics) and awoke for a 7:00 am breakfast. At the same time the water well team met with their contractor Wilson to discuss the progress and problems of the deep wells that they are attempting. The construction team moves on to the LJS for some more rest.
At the Catholic guest house Glen experienced his first internet problem. He spent much time composing a message to send back only to have the system go down and then they switched from the power grid to their generator and then there was something else so he never got a message off.
We are currently resting at the LJS awaiting the water well team. We lunched on potatos, rice, greens and meat with bananas for a fruit. We did stop on the road for some cashews. The construction team (Dwight, B o, Glen, B ill and Mike) are staying a the guest house adjacent to Grant's while the water Well team (Jack, Robert and Mark) will be staying in the rooms for the language seminary.
Sometime ask Jack how well a 6 ft 5 inches guy fits into the KLM economy seats. Pray that the return trip he can get the bulkhead.
Tomorrow we go to one of the villages to worship.
Mike Mastraccio
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