Sorry for the lag in communication, but the internet here at the LJS is really temperamental and spotty.
Yesterday I visited the well at Mazizi. I rode with Grant, Raymond, Joseph, and Solomon. At Mazizi we first had sweet tea, took Jefferson (the Mazizi evangelist) to the well site. The well is producing but has poor water quality.
Remind me to show you the pictures of the wheelbarrow...
We then took Jefferson back to Mazizi where we were invited to eat lunch. Rice and fatty meat of some kind. The hospitality is incredible. When leaving I was presented with a gift of appreciation. You probably guessed it... a chicken. I named it" Sandy" . We then went to a village called Lubungo to look at possible well sites.
While I was well inspecting, Mike went with Luca for the day. They spent all morning in Morogoro buying building supplies, then took them to the village (an hour's drive) and laid out the footprint for a new church. Mike got a good taste of what an average day for Luca "the master builder" looks like.
Last night Jacob invited all of the Americans to a dinner party at his house. The other Americans in our party are Floyd and Betty from Tulsa and Linda and Diane- both from the Seattle , Washington area. They befriended Jacob when he was at seminary there. There were probably 25 people there and we got to meet Jacob's mother. A good time was had by all. We took "Sandy" and left her there...
Today we went to the Masaai cattle auction. It was like a state fair. Hundreds of Masaai with their cattle. No games but everything Masaai: clothing, knives, clubs, shoes, goats, donkeys. There was also a food court with the freshest food possible. In fact the slaughter area was right next to the barbecue pit. Yum!!
After lunch, a group of us went to the orphanage and had a great time playing with the kids. Tonight we're off to a hotel for dinner.
Tomorrow is Jacob's consecration which is expected to last 5-hours. The Prime Minister is going to be here to address the crowd. It will be very interesting!
From Mark
Monday, November 26, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Tanzania Mission Fourth Update 2007
Well it's 10:50PM and I have a decent internet connection so I thought I'd strike while the iron's hot. Today was a relaxed day. We were supposed to meet with Jacob, but he was delayed in Dar es Salaam, so we just hung out here. At noon we ate lunch and Jacob arrived. Mike and I had a second very good meeting with him. Lots to discuss and think about.
For Thanksgiving dinner, the staff at the LJS fixed duck.
Duck! It was a roasted duck on a platter with carrots, tomatoes, and cucumber garnish around the sides. The duck was served with the obligatory rice (and potato salad for any who wanted it). It was really good. Here I thought I'd be having a weird Thanksgiving meal. It was a really sweet gesture by the staff.
Tonight, Mike, two kids from Wartburg College and I went to Grant's house to watch a movie (Amazing Grace). We all enjoyed the fellowship and the movie.
That's about it. Tomorrow I will visit more villages (and water wells) with Grant, and Mike will go with Herb and Luca to buy and deliver some construction supplies.
Saturday will be more of the same for me (I don't know yet about Mike). Sunday is the consecration (they're estimating 5-hours...). Monday is pack-up and head home.
I don't know if I mentioned that Raymond is home from seminary for the consecration. I spent a good deal of time with him Tuesday, Wednesday, and today. He sends his love to you...
Mark and Mike
For Thanksgiving dinner, the staff at the LJS fixed duck.
Duck! It was a roasted duck on a platter with carrots, tomatoes, and cucumber garnish around the sides. The duck was served with the obligatory rice (and potato salad for any who wanted it). It was really good. Here I thought I'd be having a weird Thanksgiving meal. It was a really sweet gesture by the staff.
Tonight, Mike, two kids from Wartburg College and I went to Grant's house to watch a movie (Amazing Grace). We all enjoyed the fellowship and the movie.
That's about it. Tomorrow I will visit more villages (and water wells) with Grant, and Mike will go with Herb and Luca to buy and deliver some construction supplies.
Saturday will be more of the same for me (I don't know yet about Mike). Sunday is the consecration (they're estimating 5-hours...). Monday is pack-up and head home.
I don't know if I mentioned that Raymond is home from seminary for the consecration. I spent a good deal of time with him Tuesday, Wednesday, and today. He sends his love to you...
Mark and Mike
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Third Installment of from our wonderful Tanzania mission team
The braids work out nicely as I don't have to worry about gelling my hair. Mike says it doesn't look too goofy.
Tuesday we looked at 4 water wells. All are working well.
The people at 3 of the villages were so thankful, they each independently gave us a chicken. We traveled a great distance with 3 chickens in the car. At one point we had an escapee and chased a chicken all over a farm field.
Finally Solomon (Luka's brother) dove on it. The result:
chicken poop all over Solomon's shirt. The first one we named Ben (in keeping with the new Kyle Tresch tradition of naming animals after sons). The second we named Mallory, and the third Lisa. All tasted wonderful, I'm sure...
The internet is not working too well at all. Hence the brevity of my message.
Tuesday we looked at 4 water wells. All are working well.
The people at 3 of the villages were so thankful, they each independently gave us a chicken. We traveled a great distance with 3 chickens in the car. At one point we had an escapee and chased a chicken all over a farm field.
Finally Solomon (Luka's brother) dove on it. The result:
chicken poop all over Solomon's shirt. The first one we named Ben (in keeping with the new Kyle Tresch tradition of naming animals after sons). The second we named Mallory, and the third Lisa. All tasted wonderful, I'm sure...
The internet is not working too well at all. Hence the brevity of my message.
Update From Tanzania
We visited several villages and saw the wells, etc. but did not really have time for tea with them except at New Land.
Consequently, they presented us with a live chicken. The first was given to directly to Mark and so we named it Ben in honor of the tradition that Kyle started in Ethopia. Of course the next two completed the Dalton clan. Two of them went home with Solomon but, alas, the third was given to the kitchen for Jacob's supper—I think it was Lisa.
Wednesday we started our day by going to the diocese office so that Mark could determine their computer status. While he was there, I accompanied Grant to St Mary's hospital so that he could pay for a man's hernia surgery. Quite a witness considering the man was not a Christian and he had to work through the evangelist to get this done. The evangelist was at the hospital with him. We next visited Gazeulole. There we had a good visit with Leonard and viewed the well. When we asked how many people used the well we were given a figure of about 500. Tonight is the english-speaking service at the school and Grant is leading it. I imagine if we don't like the TV selections we shall attend.
As to soccer balls, they were all given to Grant for his distribution. They will go to the villages and be used also for Kid's Camp.
Grant read the menu for tomorrow's dinner and it is to be duck, so our Thanksgiving dinner should be quite good.
Hopefully all of you back home will have a great Thanksgiving and as memorable of a day as I'm sure we will have.
Blessings to all
Love Mike
Consequently, they presented us with a live chicken. The first was given to directly to Mark and so we named it Ben in honor of the tradition that Kyle started in Ethopia. Of course the next two completed the Dalton clan. Two of them went home with Solomon but, alas, the third was given to the kitchen for Jacob's supper—I think it was Lisa.
Wednesday we started our day by going to the diocese office so that Mark could determine their computer status. While he was there, I accompanied Grant to St Mary's hospital so that he could pay for a man's hernia surgery. Quite a witness considering the man was not a Christian and he had to work through the evangelist to get this done. The evangelist was at the hospital with him. We next visited Gazeulole. There we had a good visit with Leonard and viewed the well. When we asked how many people used the well we were given a figure of about 500. Tonight is the english-speaking service at the school and Grant is leading it. I imagine if we don't like the TV selections we shall attend.
As to soccer balls, they were all given to Grant for his distribution. They will go to the villages and be used also for Kid's Camp.
Grant read the menu for tomorrow's dinner and it is to be duck, so our Thanksgiving dinner should be quite good.
Hopefully all of you back home will have a great Thanksgiving and as memorable of a day as I'm sure we will have.
Blessings to all
Love Mike
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Tanzania Mission Update 2007
"Well, we had a great visit to the orphanage yesterday in the afternoon. Grant walked us over there and we spent about an hour playing with the kids. They wanted to braid Mark's hair, probably because Grant and I wouldn't let them do ours. We had a good visit with Grant at his place Monday evening.
Tuesday we visited four water wells and several villages.
I got to see the pole church that we worked on in 2005 and it was the one that had the tin stolen off of the roof.
They now have the tin back on some wind break walls and have started an evangelist's house there. All four of the wells we visited were working and appear to have good water. Mark is wanting to set up to get samples so they can be tested.
Jacob came by for supper (pizza) and Mark visited with him regarding the vision for the programs here. Jacob was very agreeable and is very supportive of the this program. We will visit the diocese offices tomorrow for a little followup and then on to some more villages.
Luca has invited me to go with him on Friday to Morogoro to shop for building materials and then to lay out a church.
The visit so far has gone very well and we know it the results of all you guys praying for the success of this visit.
Hope that everyone's thanksgiving goes great and that you have some turkey for Mark and myself."
Tuesday we visited four water wells and several villages.
I got to see the pole church that we worked on in 2005 and it was the one that had the tin stolen off of the roof.
They now have the tin back on some wind break walls and have started an evangelist's house there. All four of the wells we visited were working and appear to have good water. Mark is wanting to set up to get samples so they can be tested.
Jacob came by for supper (pizza) and Mark visited with him regarding the vision for the programs here. Jacob was very agreeable and is very supportive of the this program. We will visit the diocese offices tomorrow for a little followup and then on to some more villages.
Luca has invited me to go with him on Friday to Morogoro to shop for building materials and then to lay out a church.
The visit so far has gone very well and we know it the results of all you guys praying for the success of this visit.
Hope that everyone's thanksgiving goes great and that you have some turkey for Mark and myself."
Sunday, November 11, 2007
VIM Updates from South America
Day 3
wow! what a great day. we saw around 150 patients today...mas o minus! it was a hopping place and they have already handed out over 100 numbers for tomorrow. the whole team is having a great time, working hard and living in a community. the host church here is amazing...they have started 10 churches and trying to open 25 in the next 5 years. we were able to visit one that our construction team worked on recently. it is in a very poor area and was very impressive. i talked to the rio bravo team and they also accomplished so much today at the school, rafters, roof, windows, paint stucco on inside and out. we are all tired tonight and trying to fall asleep as soon as possible. we are making great friends with each other and with some of the people we have seen. we thank you for the opportunity to be here. we are blessed by this trip.
Day 4
hello everyone! what an unbelievable day we had. we saw about 150 people. many of those went to all; doctor, eye doctor and dentist. gary smith, our dentist, and don england, his assistant worked so hard. i can not tell you how hard he worked! well everyone worked hard. we also have one pharmacist, jim brown, and he worked so hard while bending over filling the orders (he is very tall, too). we went to the juan wesley seminary and it is a beautiful building with beautiful big wooden doors. we have treated diabetics, found people with high blood sugar, pregnant moms (many very young), chicken pox, ingrown toenails, lots of colds, coughs and runny noses, lots of fungus and lots of stuff i don't even know about! we have smiled and laughed so much. we have prayed and done our devotions! we celebrated terry lawson's and don england´s birthday with a cake and a spiderman piñata. it was a fun way to end our time at our little church we have been working in. everyone of us have had a blast and i think everyone will be doing this again if given the chance. thank you so very much for the fantastic opportunity. tomorrow we will sleep just a little later, pack up and go to pastor guzmon´s church (several people have commented that he reminds us of rev. mason). that will be a treat to see and worship there. i think many of us will sleep on the way home...see you all soon.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Our two VIM teams serving in Rio Bravo and Monterrey!
hello everyone!
we miss yall and are trying to represent you the best we can...it was a great day today. we served an epispocal church, new with cement floors new building and bathrooms with flushing toilets. super. i was at the intake table and my 2 years of college spanish came in handy. we did not have enough interpreters so, i was it at the intake table...i did okay, forgot and remembered lots of words. we saw 138 patients and many went to two or three different doctors. we have two rooms with 4 doctor stations set up in each. Blanca, our main translator, could be in the room and translate for gary smith(dentist) and susie willard(doctor). She is a great help for us! we found a young girl that was in the circus in the USA for 6 years and we grabbed her up to be a translator. molly and Suzy were awesome helping translate also. we checked eyes, teeth, and for blood sugar. i think almost everyone with a little weight on them is diabetic. lots of cavities in lots of kids. several dogs running around the clinic as well...i think everything went so smooth, i am so impressed with the whole thing. it is very different from the youth trips in lots of ways and very much alike in lots of ways. oh, i have a funny story about amy cheatem yesterday...we were eating nopales and she asked blanca if the green beans in mexico were called cactus (it looked and tasted just like green beans), blanca says no, that is cactus! well, it was funnier when it happened. she never touched them for the rest of the meal! oh, i am also reporting on the guys in rio bravo...my husband joe brower is there with them and they had two teams working on a school. they finished it except for the roof and will put it on tomorrow. the other team worked on a casita. they love the accomodations they have! they also were reminded to work on their relationships with each other and of course, joe said, oh, yeah...oh, don't worry we are! he said it is really a great trip because their ages span from twenties on up.
well, we are back home and thankful for the day. i hope your day was a great one. i am sorry for my spelling and the keyboard is a little different. again thank you for this opportunity.
ruth brower
we miss yall and are trying to represent you the best we can...it was a great day today. we served an epispocal church, new with cement floors new building and bathrooms with flushing toilets. super. i was at the intake table and my 2 years of college spanish came in handy. we did not have enough interpreters so, i was it at the intake table...i did okay, forgot and remembered lots of words. we saw 138 patients and many went to two or three different doctors. we have two rooms with 4 doctor stations set up in each. Blanca, our main translator, could be in the room and translate for gary smith(dentist) and susie willard(doctor). She is a great help for us! we found a young girl that was in the circus in the USA for 6 years and we grabbed her up to be a translator. molly and Suzy were awesome helping translate also. we checked eyes, teeth, and for blood sugar. i think almost everyone with a little weight on them is diabetic. lots of cavities in lots of kids. several dogs running around the clinic as well...i think everything went so smooth, i am so impressed with the whole thing. it is very different from the youth trips in lots of ways and very much alike in lots of ways. oh, i have a funny story about amy cheatem yesterday...we were eating nopales and she asked blanca if the green beans in mexico were called cactus (it looked and tasted just like green beans), blanca says no, that is cactus! well, it was funnier when it happened. she never touched them for the rest of the meal! oh, i am also reporting on the guys in rio bravo...my husband joe brower is there with them and they had two teams working on a school. they finished it except for the roof and will put it on tomorrow. the other team worked on a casita. they love the accomodations they have! they also were reminded to work on their relationships with each other and of course, joe said, oh, yeah...oh, don't worry we are! he said it is really a great trip because their ages span from twenties on up.
well, we are back home and thankful for the day. i hope your day was a great one. i am sorry for my spelling and the keyboard is a little different. again thank you for this opportunity.
ruth brower
Monday, August 20, 2007
wait...I thought this was the easy day
Alright, to fill you in, we all have nicknames now, and Missy's has changed. We decided since Zippy is our team leader all our names should rhyme, sort of like the 7 dwarfs. So Missy is Skippy (still because of the long legs), Marilene is Yippee, for obvious reasons, Victoria is Drippy, because she's such a weepy puddle, Vicki is Trippy because of her coordination adventures, Marty is Nippy because she carries around a huge bottle of Purell everywhere, I'm Quippy, from the blogs, and Russ is Doc. It was sure nice to just sleep until we woke up, with no real agenda, though. But then, what a day! We walked to Old Town, which for your information, is totally different than driving, and if Zippy is giving you driving directions from only walking there, watch out, because you can walk the wrong way down a one way street, and down a path, and up stairs, etc. You get the idea, right? I think we may have done Russ and Marty in by doing all that walking. I hope they've got something left for one more day. The person who hates shopping the most (me) ended up with the most bags. Old Town is very quaint, and flowers everywhere, and beautiful views, and more lunch talk we're not allowed to repeat. It rained on us off and on, but that didn't stop us! There must have been 10 weddings within a span of 4 hours; they appear to have the tradition of driving in car caravans around town and honking their horns for several minutes. I do have to tell you that this has been an incredible team to serve with. God had His hand in the selection process, because we each had very unique and valuable gifts to contribute to the tasks we had to accomplish. Carolyn's leadership was top notch, and none of us could believe this was her first time to lead a team. Victoria's huge heart of love drew children and adults alike to her side. Marilene's ability to always be cheerful and make sure everyone's needs are met is absolutely amazing. Vicki's wonderful talent with children kept them engaged and having tons and tons of fun. Russ was invaluable in the assessment of needs of the facility and getting the 'messy' stuff done. Missy is playful and organized, so she was great with the kids and helped keep notes for future teams. Marty's servant heart enabled her to do much of the behind the scenes work that you don't usually notice, until it's not done. I was able to open doors with my music that enabled the love of God to be shared with many. And unless everyone's tired of me and I just don't know it, we have gelled as a family and are still enjoying each other every bit as much, if not more, than we did at the start of the trip. I'm pleasantly surprised that we're not even annoyed at each other after this much time. God is good! Tomorrow is worship in Estonian, worship in Russian, both at the Baltic Mission Center, a trip to the Lighthouse and a visit to Generation 2. Then packing and a tiny amount of sleep, then head home early Monday morning! Can't wait to see you all in person again, to share all the stories there hasn't been time to type!
Sheryl Bob
Sheryl Bob
Friday is cry day
Today we very sadly left Parnu, our new second home. It was really tough saying goodbye to Kuuli, especially, because she's become such a good friend. I hope we get to cross paths soon again. We left 10 minutes early, much to Russ's surprise, traveling with 7 women. (OK, apparently I've been spelling Kulli's name wrong all week, too. Forgive me!) We got to Camp Gideon about 11:30 or so, and I've been corrected many times about its location...it's on the Gulf of Finland. It's actually only about 50 or 60 miles to Finland (or I may be wrong again, it could be kilometers, I'm all confused). The setting at camp is beautiful, but some of the buildings need a lot of work. That's why we keep coming back! We had lunch there...food of questionable origin and content. We're not allowed to say some words anymore because of the connotation with lunch there! Some of us did stick our toes into the water on the beach, and it was much colder than the Gulf of Riga at Parnu. I'm not sure why...I'll have to look into that when I get back and have time. Feel free to offer answers, then I won't have to do any work! :) While driving across the entire country in one day, we saw several storks, but always individually, not in a flock, and I expected them to be by water, I don't know why. Apparently, all babies come from Estonia originally, and Marilene says babies are small because storks are not really as big as the cartoon ones. We saw several moose crossing signs, but didn't see a moose. At one 'rest stop', the bathrooms were labelled rather questionably, with only triangles pointing different directions. Imagine 8 people staring at one door, then another, then the first, then the other...for several minutes. I'm not sure who the first brave one was, or maybe they just waited for someone else to come out! On the drive, I saw one very old windmill without its wings, but saw several newer windmills, like I've seen in California. And I swear I saw two fish crossing signs! Nobody believes me, though...We got to Tallinn around 3:30, checked into the hotel, unpacked the rental vans, ran to the store for chocolate and coffee, almost ended up on a ferry to Finland by mistake, almost got the rental car towed by mistake, went the wrong way on a one way street by mistake (no traffic coming, thank goodness)...when you have absolutely no clue or context to a language, driving can be difficult! I haven't had problems until today, because we've not spent any time in a big city. Oh, well! We turned the vans in in one piece, and full of gas! Three of us got separated from the rest of the group, and couldn't find them, and they never showed up at the place we arranged to eat dinner, but we had a great meal, and I hear them now, they've found their way back to the hotel. I'm sure they had an adventure! Tomorrow is tourist day! We'll go to Old Town and shop and stuff and I don't know what else. I'd like to visit the radio tower (I don't know what the actual name of it is) but it's where Estonia achieved its independence from the Soviet Union. Fascinating story from what I've heard, but I'll share it with you when I know more firsthand, so I don't get any facts misconstrued or unremembered. Missy's new name is Longlegs, and she and Zippy tend to end up well ahead of the rest of the group when we're walking. All week long, we've been referring to Artur at Camp Gideon, who was supposed to meet us today. All week long, Vicki thought we were saying "our tour" and just leaving off the word 'guide'...she didn't realize that was his name. We had a great laugh at that one. Vicki did, however, get very tired of her children in the van, with cries of "Are we there yet?" and "She's touching me!". We were disciplined appropriately. And then separated. Marty has been trying to read all the labels of the food we buy, and every label seems to say the same thing. In her words, "unpronoucable word, unpronoucable word". Reminds me of Tom's way of reading the Bible..."hard word, hard word". OK, so, I found out that there are TWO restaurants with the same name with 5 or 6 blocks of each other on the same street, and the other group was waiting politely at the other one, wondering why we never showed up, but not eating because they didn't want to be rude. Aren't they thoughtful? OUR meal was WONDERFUL!! Our starving lost children are safely home and eating bread crumbs left over at the hotel. :) Alright, back to the team. We had a wonderful tour of Rakvere accidentally on the way to Camp Gideon, thanks to Russ's copilot holding the map upside down. But it was a beautiful detour! We got to see a castle. Again, don't know how much computer time we'll get, so more later...?
Sheryl Bob
Sheryl Bob
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Wednesday on the Gulf of Riga
Have I told you we've discovered Estonian chocolate? We just can't get enough of it, so be prepared for an extra 5 lbs per person. Ice cream is actually a necessity, not a luxury, because it's the only really cold thing here (so maybe we should make that about 7 or 8 lbs!). They apparently don't believe in ice, or don't really like it, because it's very hard or next to impossible to find in the stores, and you have to ask for it specifically in a restaurant, and then they only bring you a few pieces. And they don't have ice cube trays, just these plastic bag things that are hard to fill. And the refrigerators don't get as cold as ours. Listen to me whine! Other than that, the country is perfect! :) Today we had almost 60 kids for VBS!! We were running around setting up craft stations at the last minute, but it was great! The smiles seem to get bigger and given more readily every day, and they just love when you remember their names - I think they have a sense of how hard it is for us to pronounce them and then commit to memory. We had even more adults come today than yesterday, and they stayed for most of the time, too. We're praying that all these people continue to come to events at the church, that will lead them to services at the church, that will lead them to Christ. This afternoon we went to the orphanage for a bell concert and to hang out with kids. We brought beanie babies for them, too. Not a big turnout, but that's OK. A couple of the kids there had been at VBS today, so that was great make a second connection with them. They seem to have a good life there, and they get lots of 'stuff' from people who want to make charitable contributions, but they don't get interaction with the same people on a regular basis, other than the teachers/house workers. One girl (she came to VBS with her 2 siblings) seems very sad all the time, and hardly ever speaks except to her brother/sister. She looks like the oldest of the 3, so we wonder what their home life was like, and what responsibilities she feels for the others. I'm sure there are many stories there, and things that only God knows how to heal. Please continue to pray for them. I hope they can find a way to connect with Agape regularly to get that 'love fix' that they seem to need so desperately. Tomorrow is the last day of VBS, then a concert in the evening, with each group of handbell kids playing their song, my duet with Rauno, etc. We of course hope for even more kids tomorrow. Kuuli and Meeli have been pleasantly surprised that most of the kids who came on Monday have come every day again, and we keep adding more new kids. Yay! Carolyn gave us bad news today...Monday we leave the hotel at 4:15 AM (yes, AM), have a 2 hour flight to Brussels, and then we're not supposed to sleep the rest of the trip in order to get back on USA time. Bummer! Oh, well, I don't have to worry about that for another few days. Please keep Vicki and Missy especially in your prayers, as their kids start school tomorrow and the moms are sad that they're not there for that. Speaking of Vicki, she wins the prize for losing the most stuff, but not on the trip here, just since we've been here in Parnu, at one place, where we eat, sleep and work all in the same building. At least so far she hasn't lost her mind. And here's a word of advice: don't say anything funny around Carolyn when she's drinking water, or at least wear waterproof clothing. This afternoon I saw Russ sitting down, watching Josep (an 18 year old Paul Newman look alike who does work around the church for free, just because he loves the church) do some tile work that we all thought Russ was going to do....hmmm.... Missy and Marilene have become my bell boys...bell roadies...bell caddies - I like that one! They tell me I have to say something bad about me, since I've tattled on them, so I will tell you that I'm ALWAYS the last one to breakfast. So much the last one, that I'm eating by myself, and they're waiting to have the prayer until my cereal is finished so it doesn't get soggy. We're going to have to find a white-chocolate-covered-almond supplier for Victoria's breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, evening snack and all those between meal times, too. And Mom Marty doesn't want us to eat ice cream at 4:00 because it will spoil our dinner. Plus she fusses at Russ and me for not eating our vegetables. Oh, mom! Oh! I have to tell you something funny about our trip to the orphanage. Marika is a 28 year old blind girl who is the youth leader for Agape. She went with us to the orphanage, along with her friend Moira. We wandered around trying to find the right building, the right entrance, the right room, until Marika said, "It's this way" and she led us back down the stairs, outside and around to exactly the right place. Then she got in the van with Marilene and I and gave us driving directions to the closest entrance to unload the bells. She doesn't speak English, so Moira interpreted for her. I don't know if it's more irony or a picture of God...someone who sees and speaks the polar opposite of you showing you the way. Ah, Lord God!
More later...
-Sheryl Bob
More later...
-Sheryl Bob
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Tuesday in Estonia
I figured it was easier to say the day than remember how long we've been here! Today was Day 2 of VBS, and we had more kids than yesterday! Around 45...many of the kids went home yesterday and talked it up among their friends. It was such a joy to see swarms of kids arriving - in their blue VBS T-shirts! We wondered if they would wear them the whole week. The theme for VBS this week is Noah's ark, but focusing on the boat as God's provision/protection, not the animals part. They put a big paper ark up on the wall in the sanctuary, and yesterday each child put their name on a fish and put it on the wall; today every child put their name on a piece of fabric that will become the sail by morning (Meeli is sewing all the pieces together...by hand! What a muti-talented woman!). They have some very creative ideas, and the children love having their very own name in full view of everyone. The kids are so well behaved, and love just being together, and practicing their English with the Americans. Still many, many smiling faces. We got to have tea and then dinner with Ullas & Meeli, and that was very enlightening. We talked a lot about the history and culture of Estonia in general and their church here in specific. Fascinating! Tomorrow we will be visiting an orphanage, but the only way to 'sneak us in' is for me to do a bell concert. So right after VBS, we'll be packing up the bells and going to the orphanage. We've been looking forward to that for weeks. According to Kuuli, most of the children there are not true orphans, but are children that have been taken out of the home by the government because the mother is an alcoholic. The parents have to pay a fine to get their children back, but they don't have the money because they spend it on drink. The government stops short by assessing fines and taking the kids away, but doesn't provide any means of treatment to get the adults out of this cycle. This means that many of the kids spend much of their childhood there, and are unadoptable because the parents are still living. Very sad! Needless to say, they deal with some difficult behavior problems there. Please pray for these people... Well, today was hotter and therefore more tiring than it has been, and we each seemed to have our own little (very minor) draining issues today, so I'm signing off. Marilene and Vicki continue to provide the giggles we so desperately need when we're worn out, Russ and Marty seem to be working longer hours than the rest of us, Victoria can't get enough hugs from the kids and their grandmothers, Missy has not stopped smiling since we got here, Carolyn zips from one task to another faster than anyone I've ever seen, and people seem to think I speak the language for some reason. Go figure! More later!
Love,
Sheryl Bob
Love,
Sheryl Bob
Greetings from Parnu
Hope you all are staying somewhat cool in that Oklahoma August heat! It is warmer than usual here also, but still much cooler than you are experiencing. It's Saturday evening and we just returned from eating outside at a quaint sidewalk cafe. Then, back to the church to help Sheryl Bob set up her handbells for tomorrow morning's church service. She is playing 2-3 solos - what a amazing God-given talent!!!!!
I think we're all ready for a good night's sleep, but everyone is doing very well. After a wonderful tour in London (which included fish & chips), we caught our fly to Tallinn (capital of Estonia.) Arrived to our hotel room about 1:00 last night. Our rental vans are very nice - a bright, cheery red!
Thanks for your prayers - we are all feeling well, all the luggage arrived, no problems with any of our connections, etc., etc. As we encounter people in this lovely city, it is quite apparent the need so many have for Jesus in their lives. How fortunate we are to have the peace & joy of Christ in our lives!!
God bless you all!!
Marilene Long
I think we're all ready for a good night's sleep, but everyone is doing very well. After a wonderful tour in London (which included fish & chips), we caught our fly to Tallinn (capital of Estonia.) Arrived to our hotel room about 1:00 last night. Our rental vans are very nice - a bright, cheery red!
Thanks for your prayers - we are all feeling well, all the luggage arrived, no problems with any of our connections, etc., etc. As we encounter people in this lovely city, it is quite apparent the need so many have for Jesus in their lives. How fortunate we are to have the peace & joy of Christ in our lives!!
God bless you all!!
Marilene Long
Monday, August 13, 2007
Day 3 in Estonia
Today was the first day of VBS, and we had about 35 kids this morning, about the number they expected for the first day. Each child got a T-shirt, which completely overwhelmed them at first...that was a huge gift for these kids, and they didn't want to put them on at first...wanted to take them home and show their parents. But Kuuli and the others encouraged them to go ahead and wear them for the day, and hopefully the rest of the week, so we ended up with a room full of blue shirts...it was a great sight! We had fun playing outside, they heard the story of Noah and learned of God's protection with the ark (the Estonian language does not have a word for 'ark'...they just say boat.) We brought little wooden arks made by Dean Cox for them to color today, and they loved that. Then we broke into small groups; they could pick between games outside, art or handbells. My group of handbell kids learned really fast...they learned to play a song they knew (VBS theme song for the day), and I taught them a song in English and how to play it. Supposed to be a 30 minute session, and I thought it would be pushing it to teach them two brand new songs in that time, but they were so quick, I had time left over! Somehow, it was our two klutzes, Vicki and Marilene, who were elected to demonstrate the 3-legged race. You can guess what happened! In the big group at the end, my kids performed their English song, which they loved...each day's handbell group will also perform in a concert on Thursday night. Many, many happy smiling faces...hopefully they'll tell their friends and bring some more with them tomorrow. I think the grownups had just as much fun as the kids, too. The chime choir director asked me if I could do anything with one of her former ringers, who is a very talented musician, and loved the chimes, but is too old now to play in their choir (he's 16). Rauno is amazing! He came over at 4:00, and we worked on a duet that we will perform Thursday night. Then later this afternoon we went to the beach (Gulf of Riga), and I was surprised at how warm the water was. Kuuli explained that it's because it's a sea, not an ocean. Then dinner, team meeting, and here I am! What have we learned so far? Missy has learned that Spanish doesn't really work here, Marty found out that potato salad is to spread on bread, I found out that I can't read the traffic signs, but I don't think I've gone the wrong way down a one way street yet, Marilene has found a new use for the laptop case, Carolyn found out that we should probably tell people when we're going to stand in their front yard and borrow their wifi, Victoria learned that if she doesn't have enough to do, Russ will put her to work in the basement, Russ apparently learned how to paint without getting his clothes dirty, and Vicki has discovered how to make cleaning the yard of pinecones a game for the children! Can't wait until tomorrow...what a great trip this has been already!
Love,
Sheryl Bob
Love,
Sheryl Bob
And the latest from Estonia
It's actually hot here...well, not like Tulsa hot, but hot for Estonia, even at this time of year. It's been around 80 degrees during the day, sunny, and with a breeze in the morning and evening, but pretty still in the afternoon. Although we're right on the sea, the humidity is only around 60+%, so it's a comfortable 80 (for me, the cold person on the team...Kuuli is melting!). Our 'dorm rooms' are really nice, but there's no air conditioning, which would have been fine for me if the weather had been what I planned for...and brought clothes for! Oh, well...we're flexible! Today we went to church and I played a couple of solo bell things and Carolyn brought greetings from Asbury. Victoria started crying during my songs (not sure what that means:))and never stopped the whole service. They have rotating preachers (a full time minister, but he doesn't preach every Sunday), so one of the deacons preached today (shouldn't that be 'praught'?). He was very energetic and emotional. The service was wonderful. Afterwards we had lunch with the whole congregation, and a VBS planning meeting after that. Then ice cream (that's a daily requirement here...and it's REALLY good!!) and then Russ made a presentation to the congregation late afternoon. He talked about Asbury's work in Tanzania, both the water wells and medical trips, which inspired Tonu to incite the congregation to mission work. I believe this is one of our goals for our mission trips...that the partner church would receive our help and in turn reach out to another group in need. This is the first trip to Parnu, and already they're thinking on that plane. That's awesome! So far we keep having great food. Tonight we went to a German restaurant, which the first contact teams have raved about, and their recommendation was absolutely on target. We couldn't all fit at one table, so Marty, Russ and I shared a table with Tonu and Kuuli, and learned some fascinating information about the Estonian culture and history. Let's see, so far I haven't crashed the car, Vicki hasn't broken any bones (although she keeps trying to trip on stuff), Marilene and Carolyn didn't suffocate in the back of the van, Victoria hasn't gotten hit by a car while crossing the street with her eyes closed, Russ hasn't come out of his room without permission, Marty hasn't gotten Kuuli to speak Okie, and Missy hasn't slept. But, we still have the week left! VBS starts tomorrow...I can't wait! More later...
Bob
(Sheryl Tomlinson)
Bob
(Sheryl Tomlinson)
Greetings from Parnu
Hope you all are staying somewhat cool in that Oklahoma August heat! It is warmer than usual here also, but still much cooler than you are experiencing. It's Saturday evening and we just returned from eating outside at a quaint sidewalk cafe. Then, back to the church to help Sheryl Bob set up her handbells for tomorrow morning's church service. She is playing 2-3 solos - what a amazing God-given talent!!!!!
I think we're all ready for a good night's sleep, but everyone is doing very well. After a wonderful tour in London (which included fish & chips), we caught our fly to Tallinn (capital of Estonia.) Arrived to our hotel room about 1:00 last night. Our rental vans are very nice - a bright, cheery red!
Thanks for your prayers - we are all feeling well, all the luggage arrived, no problems with any of our connections, etc., etc. As we encounter people in this lovely city, it is quite apparent the need so many have for Jesus in their lives. How fortunate we are to have the peace & joy of Christ in our lives!!
God bless you all!!
Marilene Long
I think we're all ready for a good night's sleep, but everyone is doing very well. After a wonderful tour in London (which included fish & chips), we caught our fly to Tallinn (capital of Estonia.) Arrived to our hotel room about 1:00 last night. Our rental vans are very nice - a bright, cheery red!
Thanks for your prayers - we are all feeling well, all the luggage arrived, no problems with any of our connections, etc., etc. As we encounter people in this lovely city, it is quite apparent the need so many have for Jesus in their lives. How fortunate we are to have the peace & joy of Christ in our lives!!
God bless you all!!
Marilene Long
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Pitorreal, Mexico • July 2007
We have arrived back to Creel at the edge of Copper Canyon after a week in Pitorreal. We had a mission team of 4 men and 8 women. We did construction on the new larger church that will be used starting August 4th. We built pews, hung sheet rock on the ceiling and closed in the roof gables. We also had Mission Bible School at four different locations.
We were working mostly with the Tarahumara Indian people and a few Mexicans. The children were beautiful, but oh so poor. We noticed that their shoes were soles crafted from car tires with homemade strings for laces. Some of the people we were serving live in caves in the side of the canyon! Sometimes you had to wait until later to cry over the circumstances. The MBS was music, puppets, crafts, Bible stories, crafts, snacks, and a take-home gift. We gave extra food to those that seemed hungry. Everyone would walk from great distances to get to us. The mothers would come and sit outside and weave baskets that they sell. The Tarahumara people are very quiet and do not look at you when you first meet them. When you turn away they are always looking at you. The smiles and eye contact would come after several days of getting to know us. We all wore name tags to help them. Some of the older children and parents have become believers. We trust we planted clear Bible stories of God´s love and care for each one of them.
We left lots of supplies and sports equipment for them. The mission church pastor Obed, and his wife, were of great help and guidance to us. The other couple are the Parsons from Claremore who helped connect us to this mission. They live in Pitorreal from March until October each year as they have for the last ten years. They show a level of Christian commitment that is not seen often. They are retired and just volunteer. We ate all our meals at the Parsons home. It was all very good.
What is Pitorreal like? It is a community of about 200 with horses and cows roaming the streets. It would rain every afternoon and stay cool at night at 7600 feet. The Copper Canyon train comes thru the middle of town in a horse shoe turn as it climbs to the west. Pitorreal is in a pine forest and looks a lot like around Durango, Colorado. The mission church has no power so Linda played on a battery powered keyboard. She could hardly see the keys when it got dark outside with thunderstorms. The men and women sit separate in the worship service. It is no big deal to have dogs sleeping under the pews. When I was leading our group in singing to the church members I could see a pig moving by the open doors! The pastor preaches in Spanish and a Tarahumara translates in into their language for those that don't understand Spanish.
We saw the rest of the team off this evening from Creel to Chihuahua on the train. They will fly to Tulsa tomorrow. We will go west on the train on Saturday to El Fuerte. Thank you for your prayers as we believe we made a small impact.
We had no notable injuries and stayed mostly well.
Jennifer you would be proud of me as I organized a soccer game in a apple orchard with the kids. I had to keep score and referee the games. They just love soccer!!
Linda can tell about cleaning out many outhouses one day!
Much more to tell all of you later, Rob and Linda
We were working mostly with the Tarahumara Indian people and a few Mexicans. The children were beautiful, but oh so poor. We noticed that their shoes were soles crafted from car tires with homemade strings for laces. Some of the people we were serving live in caves in the side of the canyon! Sometimes you had to wait until later to cry over the circumstances. The MBS was music, puppets, crafts, Bible stories, crafts, snacks, and a take-home gift. We gave extra food to those that seemed hungry. Everyone would walk from great distances to get to us. The mothers would come and sit outside and weave baskets that they sell. The Tarahumara people are very quiet and do not look at you when you first meet them. When you turn away they are always looking at you. The smiles and eye contact would come after several days of getting to know us. We all wore name tags to help them. Some of the older children and parents have become believers. We trust we planted clear Bible stories of God´s love and care for each one of them.
We left lots of supplies and sports equipment for them. The mission church pastor Obed, and his wife, were of great help and guidance to us. The other couple are the Parsons from Claremore who helped connect us to this mission. They live in Pitorreal from March until October each year as they have for the last ten years. They show a level of Christian commitment that is not seen often. They are retired and just volunteer. We ate all our meals at the Parsons home. It was all very good.
What is Pitorreal like? It is a community of about 200 with horses and cows roaming the streets. It would rain every afternoon and stay cool at night at 7600 feet. The Copper Canyon train comes thru the middle of town in a horse shoe turn as it climbs to the west. Pitorreal is in a pine forest and looks a lot like around Durango, Colorado. The mission church has no power so Linda played on a battery powered keyboard. She could hardly see the keys when it got dark outside with thunderstorms. The men and women sit separate in the worship service. It is no big deal to have dogs sleeping under the pews. When I was leading our group in singing to the church members I could see a pig moving by the open doors! The pastor preaches in Spanish and a Tarahumara translates in into their language for those that don't understand Spanish.
We saw the rest of the team off this evening from Creel to Chihuahua on the train. They will fly to Tulsa tomorrow. We will go west on the train on Saturday to El Fuerte. Thank you for your prayers as we believe we made a small impact.
We had no notable injuries and stayed mostly well.
Jennifer you would be proud of me as I organized a soccer game in a apple orchard with the kids. I had to keep score and referee the games. They just love soccer!!
Linda can tell about cleaning out many outhouses one day!
Much more to tell all of you later, Rob and Linda
Monday, July 16, 2007
Arrived in Chihuahua
The team has arrived in Chihuahua City late Friday night.
The train left Creel very late in the afternoon around five. The ride was enjoyable but all were ready to get off by the time we got here. The work at the mission church this past week went very well and the MBS grew from one on the first day to over 30 at the end. Both were quite successful.
Jack and Merie were very gracious hosts and made our stay quite enjoyable.
Just a note to let you know that all is well with the team.
Rob and Linda left us this morning and then we saw them again in Creel.
See ya manyana
Mike
The train left Creel very late in the afternoon around five. The ride was enjoyable but all were ready to get off by the time we got here. The work at the mission church this past week went very well and the MBS grew from one on the first day to over 30 at the end. Both were quite successful.
Jack and Merie were very gracious hosts and made our stay quite enjoyable.
Just a note to let you know that all is well with the team.
Rob and Linda left us this morning and then we saw them again in Creel.
See ya manyana
Mike
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Notes from Pitorreal
The group called this afternoon as they were returning from a sightseeing trip to Diversadero in the Copper Canyon, which is 4 times as large as our Grand Canyon. Clyde Doyle told me that everything is going extremely well in fact the anticipated rough spot, the transfers in Chihuahua, Mexico, went as smooth as glass.
The team is working in the sanctuary of the new church during the day and then doing MBS in the evenings. On Monday, the team had done all the MBS preparation work including setting up soccer field with goals and numerous outdoor activities when a sudden torrential downpour swept across the mountains. As a result, only one child and her mother were in attendance but what an event it must have been for those two as they were the group's center of attention. On Tuesday night they faired better with 27 children in attendance. Now the team is planning to run two MBS sessions on Thursday, one at the lodge and other at Pastor Obed's local church. Sounds to me like they are making a major impact for Christ in that community.
Everyone is in good health and enjoying the mountain mission in working with the Jack and Marie Parsons (their hosts), Pastor Obed and his wife (the local Methodist pastor) and the warm Tarahumaran people of Pitorreal. We can't wait to hear of their adventures and experiences as they witness for Christ in our newest mission, Pitorreal, Mexico.
Dave Wuellner
The team is working in the sanctuary of the new church during the day and then doing MBS in the evenings. On Monday, the team had done all the MBS preparation work including setting up soccer field with goals and numerous outdoor activities when a sudden torrential downpour swept across the mountains. As a result, only one child and her mother were in attendance but what an event it must have been for those two as they were the group's center of attention. On Tuesday night they faired better with 27 children in attendance. Now the team is planning to run two MBS sessions on Thursday, one at the lodge and other at Pastor Obed's local church. Sounds to me like they are making a major impact for Christ in that community.
Everyone is in good health and enjoying the mountain mission in working with the Jack and Marie Parsons (their hosts), Pastor Obed and his wife (the local Methodist pastor) and the warm Tarahumaran people of Pitorreal. We can't wait to hear of their adventures and experiences as they witness for Christ in our newest mission, Pitorreal, Mexico.
Dave Wuellner
Monday, July 09, 2007
Asbury VIM Team arrives in Pitorreal, Mexico - July 8, 2007
Well we have arrived safely with a minimum of incidents. We had one problem with passports left at home fortunately this was remedied because of the early arrival at the airport and aid of Sandy. The ten of us left and met up with the Marshalls at Chihuahua. The entire team then travelled to Pitorreal. All of our baggage made it and only a little toothpaste got confiscated by theTSA.
Dinner on the road was an experience as none of us could read the menu. Surprises were had by many upon receiving our meal. The weather is overcast with some rain each day predicted. Temperatures are very nice somewhat cool in the evenings, particularly for the ladies. We got settled into our quarters without any problems. Water is limited so we must learn some conservation.
We will attend church this afternoon. The service will have many children in it because this the end of their week of camp here. We will see many of these children in the MBS during the week. Our first project will be to repair some guttering on the clinic where we are staying so that we can colllect some rain water. Tomorrow we will start with a project at the church. All are well and we have all of our stuff "great beginnings". The local ladies are aware of our presence because there was one selling baskets on the back porch when we arrived for breakfast this morning. It appears that sales will be brisk.
We will not be able to email often as we must come into Creel to have access to the internet. We may have more reports but mostly like not.
Blessings to all Pitorreal team Rob, Linda,Judy, Clyde, Jeannie, Kaye, Paula, Nancy, Les, Stacey,Jan and Mike
Dinner on the road was an experience as none of us could read the menu. Surprises were had by many upon receiving our meal. The weather is overcast with some rain each day predicted. Temperatures are very nice somewhat cool in the evenings, particularly for the ladies. We got settled into our quarters without any problems. Water is limited so we must learn some conservation.
We will attend church this afternoon. The service will have many children in it because this the end of their week of camp here. We will see many of these children in the MBS during the week. Our first project will be to repair some guttering on the clinic where we are staying so that we can colllect some rain water. Tomorrow we will start with a project at the church. All are well and we have all of our stuff "great beginnings". The local ladies are aware of our presence because there was one selling baskets on the back porch when we arrived for breakfast this morning. It appears that sales will be brisk.
We will not be able to email often as we must come into Creel to have access to the internet. We may have more reports but mostly like not.
Blessings to all Pitorreal team Rob, Linda,Judy, Clyde, Jeannie, Kaye, Paula, Nancy, Les, Stacey,Jan and Mike
Final VIM report from Tanzania
We are in Dar! Grant dropped Marilene and Janie off at the airport and we are all settled in the catholic guest house.
John Simmons finally received his luggage (on Friday) but no word on the rest.
Clinic went well on Friday. It was sad to say good bye to everyone. We spent the rest of the evening packing. The next morning some of us brought rice and sugar to the orphanage and spent time playing with the kids.
Raymond rode with us to Dar and we spent the time eating at Spurs restaurant (i had a hamburger, some had pizza,
steak!!!!!) Then we went down the road to see the Indian Ocean! Oh, how beautiful. There were many large ships in the distance, sailboats, i saw a lighthouse across the way (i love lighthouses!) Janie kept thinking she would love to have time to scuba (she is a dive master).
We then went to Slipway, an outdoor shopping village, and made our last minute purchases for you back home. Grant thought we could be done in 1 hour, I told him there were alot of women here and we needed a little more time. He laughed at us and gave us a little more time. He had to get Marilene and Janie to the airport (they are on another
flight) and David wanted to check on the missing luggage.
The rest of the team checked into to Catholic Guest House (Hostel). Right after all of us were in our rooms and the sun had gone down, all of the electricity went out. It was pitch black in the hall, the internet, fans etc were not working. Can we handle any more fun! Well, we did and have yet another story to tell.
Some family members are worried about the London layover.
Please keep our team in your prayers for safety and security. There hasn't been any activity in a week and security is high in London. There will be more security and passport checks but we do not leave until 1pm so our team will have enough time to get thru.
Can't wait to see everyone Monday evening,
Deboria
John Simmons finally received his luggage (on Friday) but no word on the rest.
Clinic went well on Friday. It was sad to say good bye to everyone. We spent the rest of the evening packing. The next morning some of us brought rice and sugar to the orphanage and spent time playing with the kids.
Raymond rode with us to Dar and we spent the time eating at Spurs restaurant (i had a hamburger, some had pizza,
steak!!!!!) Then we went down the road to see the Indian Ocean! Oh, how beautiful. There were many large ships in the distance, sailboats, i saw a lighthouse across the way (i love lighthouses!) Janie kept thinking she would love to have time to scuba (she is a dive master).
We then went to Slipway, an outdoor shopping village, and made our last minute purchases for you back home. Grant thought we could be done in 1 hour, I told him there were alot of women here and we needed a little more time. He laughed at us and gave us a little more time. He had to get Marilene and Janie to the airport (they are on another
flight) and David wanted to check on the missing luggage.
The rest of the team checked into to Catholic Guest House (Hostel). Right after all of us were in our rooms and the sun had gone down, all of the electricity went out. It was pitch black in the hall, the internet, fans etc were not working. Can we handle any more fun! Well, we did and have yet another story to tell.
Some family members are worried about the London layover.
Please keep our team in your prayers for safety and security. There hasn't been any activity in a week and security is high in London. There will be more security and passport checks but we do not leave until 1pm so our team will have enough time to get thru.
Can't wait to see everyone Monday evening,
Deboria
Friday, July 06, 2007
Guatemala Update
Fresh off of a month of Spanish Immersion language school
in Antigua, Guatemala, I've moved down the road to
Guatemala City, and I'm anxious to see what the next month
will bring. I'm staying with Tom and Kerry Jones, who are
originally from Liberty Church in Tulsa. They've been here
three years working with Shalom Church, which is a church
reaching out to people in some of the poorest parts of
Guatemala City. On Sunday I went to church for the first
time here, and I got to meet many of the people I had been
hearing about for the past few months, such as Pastor
Alvaro and Kenneth Sese. I received a warm welcome from
both of them, and they, along with Tom Jones, have helped
me to feel very comfortable here after only a short time.
Shalom Church also has an outreach to single moms and
families that has developed into a ministry called Manos de
Amor, or Hands of Love. They have a medical clinic, dental
clinic, and pharmacy that provide services to the poor of
Guatemala targeting mothers and children. I'll be working
there, and also with some of the kids at the church (which
also has a school) during some of the afternoons. I can't
wait to see the work that God will do over the next month.
My only fear is that I could be more trouble than help.
I've learned quite a bit of Spanish over the last month,
but I'm by no means fluent. I can get around pretty well
but I just don't want to hold anyone back. For those of you
that have been looking for specific things to pray for,
this will be the first of many requests that I'm sure I'll
have in the next month.
For the past week, I've been working at Manos de Amor, the
clinic that has sprouted off from Shalom Church. In fact,
Paster Alvaro's office is at Manos de Amor - that's how
closely affiliated these organizations are. I've been
assisting with eye exams, helping with the initial test and
then doing random tasks and filling various roles within
the office. There are three men who are doing the eye
exams, and I'm mostly working with Mario, the director of
the clinic. We've been seeing about 100 patients each day -
and while some of the day is spent doing other
administrative tasks, the majority of the eight hour work
day is spent doing exams.
It's been quite challenging to adjust to some of my new
tasks, as some of the men are difficult to understand, and
I can only perform a limited set of tasks. I don't
particularly like feeling like my abilities are limited,
and it's tough to feel helpless at times, but sometimes
they have to walk me through things, mostly just because I
don't understand everything they say. Needless to say this
has been a hard adjustment for me (this should come as no
surprise to those who know me well), but it's getting
better every day. Each day I've felt more comfortable in my
surroundings, and I'm able to do a little more. All of the
people I've met have been quite receptive and very
friendly, so it's been encouraging amidst some of the
frustrations. Pastor Alvaro even said when he met me that
his biggest goal for me in the next month is that God speak
to my heart. Those were some of the most comforting words
I've heard in my 4+ weeks in Guatemala, and while it's a
tall task, I'm trying to shift my focus to listening to
God's instructions while I'm here.
I have many more stories available on my website at
ryanhuey.com, including many from my month spent in
Antigua. Thanks so much to those who have supported,
prayed, and emailed me over the past few weeks and I look
forward to writing and sharing with you again soon -
Ryan
in Antigua, Guatemala, I've moved down the road to
Guatemala City, and I'm anxious to see what the next month
will bring. I'm staying with Tom and Kerry Jones, who are
originally from Liberty Church in Tulsa. They've been here
three years working with Shalom Church, which is a church
reaching out to people in some of the poorest parts of
Guatemala City. On Sunday I went to church for the first
time here, and I got to meet many of the people I had been
hearing about for the past few months, such as Pastor
Alvaro and Kenneth Sese. I received a warm welcome from
both of them, and they, along with Tom Jones, have helped
me to feel very comfortable here after only a short time.
Shalom Church also has an outreach to single moms and
families that has developed into a ministry called Manos de
Amor, or Hands of Love. They have a medical clinic, dental
clinic, and pharmacy that provide services to the poor of
Guatemala targeting mothers and children. I'll be working
there, and also with some of the kids at the church (which
also has a school) during some of the afternoons. I can't
wait to see the work that God will do over the next month.
My only fear is that I could be more trouble than help.
I've learned quite a bit of Spanish over the last month,
but I'm by no means fluent. I can get around pretty well
but I just don't want to hold anyone back. For those of you
that have been looking for specific things to pray for,
this will be the first of many requests that I'm sure I'll
have in the next month.
For the past week, I've been working at Manos de Amor, the
clinic that has sprouted off from Shalom Church. In fact,
Paster Alvaro's office is at Manos de Amor - that's how
closely affiliated these organizations are. I've been
assisting with eye exams, helping with the initial test and
then doing random tasks and filling various roles within
the office. There are three men who are doing the eye
exams, and I'm mostly working with Mario, the director of
the clinic. We've been seeing about 100 patients each day -
and while some of the day is spent doing other
administrative tasks, the majority of the eight hour work
day is spent doing exams.
It's been quite challenging to adjust to some of my new
tasks, as some of the men are difficult to understand, and
I can only perform a limited set of tasks. I don't
particularly like feeling like my abilities are limited,
and it's tough to feel helpless at times, but sometimes
they have to walk me through things, mostly just because I
don't understand everything they say. Needless to say this
has been a hard adjustment for me (this should come as no
surprise to those who know me well), but it's getting
better every day. Each day I've felt more comfortable in my
surroundings, and I'm able to do a little more. All of the
people I've met have been quite receptive and very
friendly, so it's been encouraging amidst some of the
frustrations. Pastor Alvaro even said when he met me that
his biggest goal for me in the next month is that God speak
to my heart. Those were some of the most comforting words
I've heard in my 4+ weeks in Guatemala, and while it's a
tall task, I'm trying to shift my focus to listening to
God's instructions while I'm here.
I have many more stories available on my website at
ryanhuey.com, including many from my month spent in
Antigua. Thanks so much to those who have supported,
prayed, and emailed me over the past few weeks and I look
forward to writing and sharing with you again soon -
Ryan
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Tanzania 2007 Medical Team Report
Hello, all is well in Tanzania. Our 4th clinic day is completed. This was our busiest day yet. I guess word got around!!!
Last night (Wednesday) we attended church services with the students at the Jr. Lutheran Seminary. This gave us an opportunity to see Grant "in action". The students sang to us and played the drums. They sounded wonderful. Grant then offered us the opportunity to sing for them......we did.......and we sounded wonderful too!!!!!!
Grant took a group to St. Mary's Hospital to tour tonight. Tomorrow is our last clinic day. :( Our medicines and eyeglasses are running low (eye drops ran out days ago), the luggage hasn't shown up yet, two are
meds and one is eyeglasses and drops. BUT that hasn't kept us from
helping hundreds and hundreds of people. We love the challenge!!!!!!!
Lance brought a soccer ball to donate to the village and Brett and Conner have been on the "football" field playing with the kids. Boy are they good soccer players. The soccer ball they had before was cloth tied up with string to make a ball. How excited they were. Many brought trinkets for the sick children, they will hug onto them while receiving an injection. I hope it helped comfort them a little.
A lot of malaria, worms, abcesses, dry eyes...... some sent to the hospital for further treatment (at no expense to the patient). But still many, many happy faces after being told their baby will get better with the treatment we will give them today. What a blessing the people of Tanzania have given to all of us.
Keep up your prayers for safety, security, stamina of the team. And also, as always, keep Grant and the others here in Tanzania in your daily prayers.
Deboria
Last night (Wednesday) we attended church services with the students at the Jr. Lutheran Seminary. This gave us an opportunity to see Grant "in action". The students sang to us and played the drums. They sounded wonderful. Grant then offered us the opportunity to sing for them......we did.......and we sounded wonderful too!!!!!!
Grant took a group to St. Mary's Hospital to tour tonight. Tomorrow is our last clinic day. :( Our medicines and eyeglasses are running low (eye drops ran out days ago), the luggage hasn't shown up yet, two are
meds and one is eyeglasses and drops. BUT that hasn't kept us from
helping hundreds and hundreds of people. We love the challenge!!!!!!!
Lance brought a soccer ball to donate to the village and Brett and Conner have been on the "football" field playing with the kids. Boy are they good soccer players. The soccer ball they had before was cloth tied up with string to make a ball. How excited they were. Many brought trinkets for the sick children, they will hug onto them while receiving an injection. I hope it helped comfort them a little.
A lot of malaria, worms, abcesses, dry eyes...... some sent to the hospital for further treatment (at no expense to the patient). But still many, many happy faces after being told their baby will get better with the treatment we will give them today. What a blessing the people of Tanzania have given to all of us.
Keep up your prayers for safety, security, stamina of the team. And also, as always, keep Grant and the others here in Tanzania in your daily prayers.
Deboria
Happy July 4th!
Happy July 4th! We had pizza for dinner that we all appreciated very much. We also had peanut m&ms for dessert so we had an American meal to celebrate the occasion.
We spent the first of three days in a new village called Fulwe. The patients had already filled up the benches waiting for us when we arrived. We set up, listened to hymns and a short devotion, and saw patients continuously from 9-1. We broke for lunch that was cooked by the village women, most of which were evangelists' wives. We passed out our last prescription around 4, after treating 165 patients, meaning about 825 different prescriptions. The eye clinic dispensed over 170 glasses, and Deboria pulled 21 patients' teeth, with 22 more patients awaiting her arrival in the morning. Obviously, it was another busy day!
We are really seeing God move in these people. This morning, a woman going through triage asked Conner and his translator to pray for her because she wanted to become a Christian. Thank you all so much for your continued prayers and support.
Please continue to pray for our team's health and energy.
Also, the
lost luggage has still not arrived. David is improvising with a piece of cloth that he has made into a toga. The cloth is red, white, and blue, however please send your prayers his way! We love you and miss you!
-Suzanne Area
We spent the first of three days in a new village called Fulwe. The patients had already filled up the benches waiting for us when we arrived. We set up, listened to hymns and a short devotion, and saw patients continuously from 9-1. We broke for lunch that was cooked by the village women, most of which were evangelists' wives. We passed out our last prescription around 4, after treating 165 patients, meaning about 825 different prescriptions. The eye clinic dispensed over 170 glasses, and Deboria pulled 21 patients' teeth, with 22 more patients awaiting her arrival in the morning. Obviously, it was another busy day!
We are really seeing God move in these people. This morning, a woman going through triage asked Conner and his translator to pray for her because she wanted to become a Christian. Thank you all so much for your continued prayers and support.
Please continue to pray for our team's health and energy.
Also, the
lost luggage has still not arrived. David is improvising with a piece of cloth that he has made into a toga. The cloth is red, white, and blue, however please send your prayers his way! We love you and miss you!
-Suzanne Area
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Habari (hello) from Tanzania
All is great here. 2 days in the clinic. We have seen and treated over 400 people and dispensed between 2000-2500 prescriptions. The 5 missing pieces of luggage still haven't arrived. Some are medicines and some are team members personal luggage. Please pray for the luggage to arrive quickly.
Adella, a young teenage girl that was treated by our team 2 years ago came to the clinic today. She is thriving and wanted to spend time with everyone from the team. Keep your prayers coming for the health and safety of the team. Keep the weather as great as it is is now. And as always, pray for Grant and the people of Tanzania.
Lance Gill
Adella, a young teenage girl that was treated by our team 2 years ago came to the clinic today. She is thriving and wanted to spend time with everyone from the team. Keep your prayers coming for the health and safety of the team. Keep the weather as great as it is is now. And as always, pray for Grant and the people of Tanzania.
Lance Gill
Monday, July 02, 2007
Tanzania
Friday - June 29
We are here! Everyone has a great room with an awesome view. No problems with customs or immigration! Prayers are the key!! We are missing five bags - should arrive on Sunday. Thanks for the love, support & prayers. Tomorrow is exciting trip to Mkumi Game Park. Bishop Jacob Mameo is coming to dinner this evening.
Bwana Asifewe (the Lord is to be praised) Marilene
Saturday - June 30
An update from my conversation with Grant:
The team had fun visiting the game park this morning. The bus got stuck briefly but it just added to the adventure.
They saw a lot of giraffes and zebras as well as other animals. They are still awaiting the delayed luggage, so please pray that it will be delivered soon. This is some personal luggage, not medical supplies. (Shopping options are limited for those who don't have their toothbrushes:)
This afternoon the entire team accompanied Grant on a forty-five minute walk to the Catholic orphanage. He said it felt good to "stretch their legs". When they arrived, the Catholic Sisters were doing their monthly weighing of all the children. Apparently they use a scale somewhat like what you used to see in the produce section of the grocery store. Grant said they just lay the babies in the basket to weigh them, but for the older children they remove the basket and the the little kids grab the overhead chain, draw their knees up to their chest and hang on until their weight is registered. He said the kids all knew the routine well and seemed to enjoy it as they went through roll call.
I hope someone took photos of this for us!
Tomorrow morning they will go to Mhungamkola (I believe) for worship together.
Donna M
We are here! Everyone has a great room with an awesome view. No problems with customs or immigration! Prayers are the key!! We are missing five bags - should arrive on Sunday. Thanks for the love, support & prayers. Tomorrow is exciting trip to Mkumi Game Park. Bishop Jacob Mameo is coming to dinner this evening.
Bwana Asifewe (the Lord is to be praised) Marilene
Saturday - June 30
An update from my conversation with Grant:
The team had fun visiting the game park this morning. The bus got stuck briefly but it just added to the adventure.
They saw a lot of giraffes and zebras as well as other animals. They are still awaiting the delayed luggage, so please pray that it will be delivered soon. This is some personal luggage, not medical supplies. (Shopping options are limited for those who don't have their toothbrushes:)
This afternoon the entire team accompanied Grant on a forty-five minute walk to the Catholic orphanage. He said it felt good to "stretch their legs". When they arrived, the Catholic Sisters were doing their monthly weighing of all the children. Apparently they use a scale somewhat like what you used to see in the produce section of the grocery store. Grant said they just lay the babies in the basket to weigh them, but for the older children they remove the basket and the the little kids grab the overhead chain, draw their knees up to their chest and hang on until their weight is registered. He said the kids all knew the routine well and seemed to enjoy it as they went through roll call.
I hope someone took photos of this for us!
Tomorrow morning they will go to Mhungamkola (I believe) for worship together.
Donna M
Friday, June 22, 2007
Estonia Lighthouse VIM update - Thursday
Ok, so I hate to break the news to you, but this is going to be my last e-mail. Camp Gideon does not have very fast internet. But anyways here is the interesting stuff that happened to me today.
Stephen and I headed on a little adventure to the grocery store. We picked up a few things as well as a little present for Ben Dalton as he arrives tomorrow. It was really chilly this morning and a little bit rainy, but it turned out to be a very nice day.
We jumped on the tram and headed over to our last day at the Lighthouse. Today was a very special day for them because they have three students that are graduating from primary school. So pretty much all morning and afternoon we spent getting ready for a party that we put on for them. It was great and I think that it was a very special tme for them. We stayed at the Lighthouse til about 5 o cock today and headed straight into Old Town. We ate at a very good resteraunt called the Turg (You guessed it, compliments of Sergei). I got a very tasty pork roast. UMMMMM....so good!
Today was one of our friends 23rd birthday. His name is Denis but some of you might know him as Tahiti. He always keeps us laughing. So we headed over to Apteegi and it turns out that it was a surprise party. We played some very fun games and just enjoyed ourselves. We had a very good cherry cake and bread of course. I had a very fun surprise....I think some of you know a guy named Andrei. He is from Finland and is the cousin of Erkii and nephew of Artur. I met him the very first time I was here and ran into him at the party tonight. And it turns out that he is going to camp Gideon this week! I am sooooooo excited!
After the party we headed back to the church with all of our Generation 2 freinds and stopped for some Italian Ice Cream! It was amazing. We got to the church and played jungle pong for about 2 hours. (Jungle Pong is a very intense type of ping pong game played with about 5 players.) It was a very fun night. And some of you might have seen us go and pose for the webcam.
It is very late right now and I am about to head for bed. I have REALLY enjoyed writing these e-mails and hope that you have liked reading them. This has been such a great trip and there is still ONE WEEK left (for some of us)!!!!!! Thank you so much for your prayers, I am so excited to share all of my stories with you guys! I love you all and thank you so much for the continuous encouragement for me on this trip. Pray that God will do amazing things this week at Camp Gideon.
In Him,
Dave
Stephen and I headed on a little adventure to the grocery store. We picked up a few things as well as a little present for Ben Dalton as he arrives tomorrow. It was really chilly this morning and a little bit rainy, but it turned out to be a very nice day.
We jumped on the tram and headed over to our last day at the Lighthouse. Today was a very special day for them because they have three students that are graduating from primary school. So pretty much all morning and afternoon we spent getting ready for a party that we put on for them. It was great and I think that it was a very special tme for them. We stayed at the Lighthouse til about 5 o cock today and headed straight into Old Town. We ate at a very good resteraunt called the Turg (You guessed it, compliments of Sergei). I got a very tasty pork roast. UMMMMM....so good!
Today was one of our friends 23rd birthday. His name is Denis but some of you might know him as Tahiti. He always keeps us laughing. So we headed over to Apteegi and it turns out that it was a surprise party. We played some very fun games and just enjoyed ourselves. We had a very good cherry cake and bread of course. I had a very fun surprise....I think some of you know a guy named Andrei. He is from Finland and is the cousin of Erkii and nephew of Artur. I met him the very first time I was here and ran into him at the party tonight. And it turns out that he is going to camp Gideon this week! I am sooooooo excited!
After the party we headed back to the church with all of our Generation 2 freinds and stopped for some Italian Ice Cream! It was amazing. We got to the church and played jungle pong for about 2 hours. (Jungle Pong is a very intense type of ping pong game played with about 5 players.) It was a very fun night. And some of you might have seen us go and pose for the webcam.
It is very late right now and I am about to head for bed. I have REALLY enjoyed writing these e-mails and hope that you have liked reading them. This has been such a great trip and there is still ONE WEEK left (for some of us)!!!!!! Thank you so much for your prayers, I am so excited to share all of my stories with you guys! I love you all and thank you so much for the continuous encouragement for me on this trip. Pray that God will do amazing things this week at Camp Gideon.
In Him,
Dave
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Estonia Lighthouse Update, Wednesday afternoon
Hey Guys,
So today we woke up with a suprise. Stephen could not find his wallet! So he called the credit card company and put his card on hold while he began looking for it. And being the great friend that I am, I rolled over and went back to sleep for an extra 30 minutes. It turns out that it slipped into one of the action packers. But he did find it after about an hour.
We really had nothing to do this morning so we went to the Lghthouse at about 11. We had tea (my favorite) right when we got there. We discussed our plans and it sounds like Stephen and I will be going to Camp Gideon on Friday with the college kids. And guess who is driving???RACHEL!! Ya, very, just imagine a blonde American girl driving in the streets of Estonia in a huge Deisel engine astro van type monster! It will be an experience.
We had a great day of just relaxing with the kids and just getting to know them a little bit better. There are some very sad stories coming from these kids pasts. The Lighthouse is such a great place for these kids to grow in the adolesence years aswell as developing a relationship with Christ.
We left the Lighthouse and went to a GREAT resteraunt. Once again, compliments of Segei. It is called a "pancake" place but I think its more of a crepe type place. I got a crepe stuffed with Bacon and smoked cheese....hmm..hmm.hmmm..TASTY!! It was very good. After dinner with the entire crew, Rachel, Stephen, Emily, and I went to Apteegi (this is what we are calling the Generation 2 House) and we went to a prayer. It was very neat but difficult because after hearing an hour long prayer in Russian while standing up, you just start to notice your legs a little bit more, and then you feel the back get stiff, and then your mind starts to wonder, and before you know it, you forget that you are talking to the creator of the universe. Well maybe I can try it again sometime. Rachel and I went for a little walk around Old Town afterwords and then returned to the BMC. The guys went to pose for the webcams in our "suits" (if you get curious about suits, just ask my dad, he can explain). Lets just say that it was an experience for us, and all the people around us. Not to mention a great way to end the day.
Tomorrow is our last day at the Lighthouse so I want to ask you all to please pray that we can bring Christ's love to them tomorrow and really change some lives.
I love you guys and I am so excited to see you all. We have so many stories so we might have to have a story/dessert night at our house when we return....mom and dad, this is me asking permission???
God Bless You All,
David
So today we woke up with a suprise. Stephen could not find his wallet! So he called the credit card company and put his card on hold while he began looking for it. And being the great friend that I am, I rolled over and went back to sleep for an extra 30 minutes. It turns out that it slipped into one of the action packers. But he did find it after about an hour.
We really had nothing to do this morning so we went to the Lghthouse at about 11. We had tea (my favorite) right when we got there. We discussed our plans and it sounds like Stephen and I will be going to Camp Gideon on Friday with the college kids. And guess who is driving???RACHEL!! Ya, very, just imagine a blonde American girl driving in the streets of Estonia in a huge Deisel engine astro van type monster! It will be an experience.
We had a great day of just relaxing with the kids and just getting to know them a little bit better. There are some very sad stories coming from these kids pasts. The Lighthouse is such a great place for these kids to grow in the adolesence years aswell as developing a relationship with Christ.
We left the Lighthouse and went to a GREAT resteraunt. Once again, compliments of Segei. It is called a "pancake" place but I think its more of a crepe type place. I got a crepe stuffed with Bacon and smoked cheese....hmm..hmm.hmmm..TASTY!! It was very good. After dinner with the entire crew, Rachel, Stephen, Emily, and I went to Apteegi (this is what we are calling the Generation 2 House) and we went to a prayer. It was very neat but difficult because after hearing an hour long prayer in Russian while standing up, you just start to notice your legs a little bit more, and then you feel the back get stiff, and then your mind starts to wonder, and before you know it, you forget that you are talking to the creator of the universe. Well maybe I can try it again sometime. Rachel and I went for a little walk around Old Town afterwords and then returned to the BMC. The guys went to pose for the webcams in our "suits" (if you get curious about suits, just ask my dad, he can explain). Lets just say that it was an experience for us, and all the people around us. Not to mention a great way to end the day.
Tomorrow is our last day at the Lighthouse so I want to ask you all to please pray that we can bring Christ's love to them tomorrow and really change some lives.
I love you guys and I am so excited to see you all. We have so many stories so we might have to have a story/dessert night at our house when we return....mom and dad, this is me asking permission???
God Bless You All,
David
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Quito, Ecuador VIM Update
Two phone calls from our VIM team in Quito, Ecuador. There are some communication problems in the area so they are not able to email us. They are all doing pretty well. Please pray for one of the ladies who is fighting a little intestinal bug and two others that are dealing with colds. Due to the change in altitude, it took a couple of days for everyone to acclimate, but that is all going well now. They’ve been working very hard clearing out several acres in a fruit orchard. And, they have the opportunity to work with a large number of children in Mission Bible School. They will do three more days of MBS on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, where they had been planning on about 120 children. As of yesterday, they have been asked to expect 280 per day. God is amazing!! Thanks for your prayers. They will return Sunday late afternoon.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Estonia Lighthouse Update-Tuesday
Hello all,
Today, like yesterday was a great day. We woke up and had a very interesting Bible study. We talked mostly about the cultural differences between Bible times and our time. Very NEAT!
We headed over to the Lighthouse at about 10 o clock this morning. We were put right to work when we got there. Stephen and I have a big project this week of putting a sealing paste to seal up cracks in the windows because it gets so cold in the house during the winter. We had a delicious lunch which included soup...and a great cake! We played with the kids all afternoon and took them to McDonalds in Old Town to top of the day. Stephen and I decided that our new favorite part of the day is Tea Time. I still don’t know why, but I just look forward to it every single day.
After McDonalds the kids went home and Rachel, Emily, Stephen and I (Chris and Dustin went to Tartu today to do an interview) went to exchange some money, which actually took a really long time and then we headed back to McDonalds to meet up with some friends from Generation 2.
It is Tuesday today, which means pizza night. So Sergei took us on a really long walk to the restaurant called Rosso. It is a very modern, newer part of town. We ate very good pizza. We find that when Sergei chooses the restaurant, we can’t go wrong, plus it’s always cheap. He is pretty handy.
We actually got back to the BMC very early tonight. (7:30) So, we have just been hanging out all night. I’m craving some ice cream so I might run to the gas station next door in a minute. Everything is going great in Estonia. The only annoying thing is me and Stephen are still waiting on our own room. The people were supposed to move out on Friday, then they changed it to today, but still nothing, who knows, we might just be rooming with Dustin and Chris the whole time, which is not bad but it involves a lot of snoring.
I hope all is well with you all, remember to visit Stephen’s blog site to see pictures at www.stephenmission.blogspot.com
God Bless,
Dave
Today, like yesterday was a great day. We woke up and had a very interesting Bible study. We talked mostly about the cultural differences between Bible times and our time. Very NEAT!
We headed over to the Lighthouse at about 10 o clock this morning. We were put right to work when we got there. Stephen and I have a big project this week of putting a sealing paste to seal up cracks in the windows because it gets so cold in the house during the winter. We had a delicious lunch which included soup...and a great cake! We played with the kids all afternoon and took them to McDonalds in Old Town to top of the day. Stephen and I decided that our new favorite part of the day is Tea Time. I still don’t know why, but I just look forward to it every single day.
After McDonalds the kids went home and Rachel, Emily, Stephen and I (Chris and Dustin went to Tartu today to do an interview) went to exchange some money, which actually took a really long time and then we headed back to McDonalds to meet up with some friends from Generation 2.
It is Tuesday today, which means pizza night. So Sergei took us on a really long walk to the restaurant called Rosso. It is a very modern, newer part of town. We ate very good pizza. We find that when Sergei chooses the restaurant, we can’t go wrong, plus it’s always cheap. He is pretty handy.
We actually got back to the BMC very early tonight. (7:30) So, we have just been hanging out all night. I’m craving some ice cream so I might run to the gas station next door in a minute. Everything is going great in Estonia. The only annoying thing is me and Stephen are still waiting on our own room. The people were supposed to move out on Friday, then they changed it to today, but still nothing, who knows, we might just be rooming with Dustin and Chris the whole time, which is not bad but it involves a lot of snoring.
I hope all is well with you all, remember to visit Stephen’s blog site to see pictures at www.stephenmission.blogspot.com
God Bless,
Dave
Estonia Lighthouse Update…Monday night
Hi guys!
Today was so far my favorite day in Estonia. We woke up and went straight to the Lighthouse. We spent the morning playing with the kids and getting to know them. We had a good time drinking tea and enjoying stories. We ate a little bit of lunch and then we began to teach them the puppet show. It was a lot of fun and we had some good laughs. We left about 4 o’ clock and headed to Old Town.
Stephen, me and the college students went to a little pub called St. Patricks and it was amazing! It was a fun pub and I got a great pasta dish. Then Chris and Dustin headed off to do an interview and the four of us went on to the methodist house. This was my favorite part of the day. We had a neat "small group" time and there were about 20 of us. Anton led the group and they decided to interview the "Americans". It was such a great time because we felt that they really got to know us and it was nice for them to know us better rather than just put a name with a face. We played basketball for about an hour afterwords and just got to hang out with the youth group.
Then a few of us went to get some ice cream and to the store. Then we headed back to the BMC. We also learned a few more Russian words today and got a few laughs in trying to pronounce the words.
Well I better go, it looks like Dustin and spinning all the girls on the marble floor and I want a turn. HAHA!
God Bless,
Dave
Today was so far my favorite day in Estonia. We woke up and went straight to the Lighthouse. We spent the morning playing with the kids and getting to know them. We had a good time drinking tea and enjoying stories. We ate a little bit of lunch and then we began to teach them the puppet show. It was a lot of fun and we had some good laughs. We left about 4 o’ clock and headed to Old Town.
Stephen, me and the college students went to a little pub called St. Patricks and it was amazing! It was a fun pub and I got a great pasta dish. Then Chris and Dustin headed off to do an interview and the four of us went on to the methodist house. This was my favorite part of the day. We had a neat "small group" time and there were about 20 of us. Anton led the group and they decided to interview the "Americans". It was such a great time because we felt that they really got to know us and it was nice for them to know us better rather than just put a name with a face. We played basketball for about an hour afterwords and just got to hang out with the youth group.
Then a few of us went to get some ice cream and to the store. Then we headed back to the BMC. We also learned a few more Russian words today and got a few laughs in trying to pronounce the words.
Well I better go, it looks like Dustin and spinning all the girls on the marble floor and I want a turn. HAHA!
God Bless,
Dave
Quito, Ecuador VIM Update
The team is doing great in Quito, Ecuador. They arrived safely. They have seen over 250 kids in Mission Bible School thus far. There has been a little altitude adjustment for some of the team, but they are adjusting.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Estonia Lighthouse VIM team Update Monday morning…
We have rain again today (check the current weather in Tallinn, Estonia), actually a mist this morning. I am sending this from the Lighthouse. We are getting started here with the music and art project and I am not sure what else. We had a wonderful time yesterday. Mall took us to the TV tower and it was incredible. This is where the Russian tanks and army turned back and Estonia attained their independence. We had a beautiful lunch there 21 floors up. Even in the rain, the view was spectacular.
We are learning a lot and it is hard to take all of it in at times. We attended the service yesterday at the mission center and were all introduced and welcomed. Cynthia and I knew two of the songs and sang along in English. We had a very good interpreter.
Blessings from Tallin,
Beth
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi everyone,
Well sorry I didn’t update yesterday...I was exhausted so I went to bed early!'
Yesterday we went to the Estonian church service at the Baltic Mission Center. It was similar to the 11:00 o’ clock sanctuary service at Asbury. There were probably about 100-200 people at the service and there was a great sermon give by Olav (spelling) and I do not want to even try to spell his last name. He is a very cool man. Stephen and I talked to him after the service and it turns out that he is a huge part of the survival of the Methodist Church in Estonia. (Mom and Dad I can’t believe you haven’t told me this!) But while the soviets were still in control of Estonia they tried to completely wipe out the church. But Olav stood for the Methodist Church here and did underground services and actually got kids to come to Sunday school on Sundays by inviting them to his house and telling people that it was a birthday party. This was one of the first times I have talked to him and he is an incredible person!
After church we met up with Mal (I’m not sure if I spelled her name correctly) and she took us to the radio\TV tower just on the outskirts of Tallinn. It is a very significant building because it is where Estonia gained their independence. The soviets wanted to destroy the tower because it was where the Estonians broadcasted all of their news. So the people of Estonia gathered on the lawns of the tower and connected hands and began singing and praying. The soviet tanks continued to charge directly at the people that were surrounding the tower, very suddenly the tanks just stopped! They turned around and went home!!!! The people continued to pray and sing while celebrating! To this day, no one knows why the tanks turned away....I’d like to think that it was a MIRACLE!!! So we went into the tower (21 stories high) and just looked at the beautiful scenery of Estonia. We actually got to eat lunch in the tower and it was delicious!!!! (rather expensive though) The building was circular with windows on all walls so we could see out over all of Tallinn!
We got back to the BMC around 3 and had a very relaxing afternoon! A few of us went to the store and picked up some food. We found a new delicious snack.....cheese sticks with marinara. It was Cynthia’s birthday so we went to an authentic Estonian restaurant! It was good food, but being with the WHOLE group was a lot of fun. We got back to the BMC around 9 o’ clock and many of us went right to bed!
It was an all around very fun day. We got a chance to really see why Estonia is such a conservative country. It was a very neat day and it was great to be able to relax for a little while. I think tomorrow we will begin our work at the Lighthouse and be able to spend time with the people there.
God Bless and I will do my best to update tomorrow,
In Him,
David
We are learning a lot and it is hard to take all of it in at times. We attended the service yesterday at the mission center and were all introduced and welcomed. Cynthia and I knew two of the songs and sang along in English. We had a very good interpreter.
Blessings from Tallin,
Beth
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi everyone,
Well sorry I didn’t update yesterday...I was exhausted so I went to bed early!'
Yesterday we went to the Estonian church service at the Baltic Mission Center. It was similar to the 11:00 o’ clock sanctuary service at Asbury. There were probably about 100-200 people at the service and there was a great sermon give by Olav (spelling) and I do not want to even try to spell his last name. He is a very cool man. Stephen and I talked to him after the service and it turns out that he is a huge part of the survival of the Methodist Church in Estonia. (Mom and Dad I can’t believe you haven’t told me this!) But while the soviets were still in control of Estonia they tried to completely wipe out the church. But Olav stood for the Methodist Church here and did underground services and actually got kids to come to Sunday school on Sundays by inviting them to his house and telling people that it was a birthday party. This was one of the first times I have talked to him and he is an incredible person!
After church we met up with Mal (I’m not sure if I spelled her name correctly) and she took us to the radio\TV tower just on the outskirts of Tallinn. It is a very significant building because it is where Estonia gained their independence. The soviets wanted to destroy the tower because it was where the Estonians broadcasted all of their news. So the people of Estonia gathered on the lawns of the tower and connected hands and began singing and praying. The soviet tanks continued to charge directly at the people that were surrounding the tower, very suddenly the tanks just stopped! They turned around and went home!!!! The people continued to pray and sing while celebrating! To this day, no one knows why the tanks turned away....I’d like to think that it was a MIRACLE!!! So we went into the tower (21 stories high) and just looked at the beautiful scenery of Estonia. We actually got to eat lunch in the tower and it was delicious!!!! (rather expensive though) The building was circular with windows on all walls so we could see out over all of Tallinn!
We got back to the BMC around 3 and had a very relaxing afternoon! A few of us went to the store and picked up some food. We found a new delicious snack.....cheese sticks with marinara. It was Cynthia’s birthday so we went to an authentic Estonian restaurant! It was good food, but being with the WHOLE group was a lot of fun. We got back to the BMC around 9 o’ clock and many of us went right to bed!
It was an all around very fun day. We got a chance to really see why Estonia is such a conservative country. It was a very neat day and it was great to be able to relax for a little while. I think tomorrow we will begin our work at the Lighthouse and be able to spend time with the people there.
God Bless and I will do my best to update tomorrow,
In Him,
David
Caspian Team Sunday morning update
Everyone has arrived safely. They had a good first day in Baku...Went to church, saw the Foxworths, did some touring, had a nice dinner. They were off to bed early. Leaving for Ginga early Monday morning Baku time for 5 hour drive. Looking forward to seeing all their friends there and doing their work. I'll keep you updated as I hear from them.
Claudia
Claudia
Update from Beth & David
We had a great time today at the Open Air Museum. It is a center depicting historical lifestyle of Estonia. We saw Estonian folk dancing and our group participated. I have it on video. We had lunch there and then returned to Old Town for more sight seeing and shopping at the market on the square. Tomorrow we will attend church at the Baltic Center and Mall tells us we will have lunch in the TV tower. We had another beautiful weather day and have had a great time getting to know each other and Mall. I will try to get some pictures sent when the ones in the know return to the center. We are headed to dinner now. We have eaten our way through the city and certainly have enjoyed it.Blessings,
Beth McCalman
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello everyone,
TODAY HAS BEEN GREAT!!!!!
This morning we got to sleep in till 10 a.m! It was very nice to get well rested. We went to the Estonia outdoor museum today and it was a PERFECT day to be outside. The museum was great....we learned a lot about the old Estonian culture and even got to dance as part of a skit that the people put on. (Yes the girl I danced with was very pretty!) We had a delicious lunch at the museum that consisted of soup, veggies, potatos, and a pork roast.We spent a lot of the day in Old Town, Tallinn where there was beautiful weather. We walked up to Toompea, the upper city, and looked out over all of Tallinn. We also went to a coffee shop and just relaxed for about an hour. We had a great time!!!
Last night we went to a great worship service at the Generation2 building. The music was great as well as a great message from Anton*, a good friend from last year. We played basketball for a couple hours after the service. On the way home we had to stop for ice cream at the American Embassy...aka McDonalds. We saw a man skiing, yes skiing, down the streets of Old Town in a womens bathing suit. It was a beautiful sight....NOT!!! We got a pretty good laugh of it though. We stayed up really late,or I guess you could say early, and played Jungle Pong with a new friend we met from Illinois named Jason, very cool guy.Tonight we plan on eating at the grocery store and plan to lay low. I'm sure that Stephen and I will try to meet up with the college students and hopefully hang out with the Generation 2 youth group.
If you would like to hear more about the trip and see a few pictures (don't worry the half naked skiing man will not be shown) then Stephen Pittman has created a blog for this trip. The website is http://www.blogger.com/www.stephenmission.blogspot.com You can comment on the trip at this website or I would love for you to e-mail me. I miss you all and have some great stories already...and I have only been gone 3 days!!!!!
God Bless,
David Read
Friday, June 15, 2007
Estonia Lighthouse Update, Friday morning
I am mailing from the Lighthouse. We made it to Tallin yesterday afternoon with no complications. Our flights were all on time and smooth. We were able to spend a couple of hours walking around Stockholm while on our layover there. We rode the bullet train into town. All of our luggage arrived with us which was definitely a relief. We were met at the airport by Mall and the college team and they got us to the mission center and helped us get into our rooms. The kids walked us to the bank to exchange currency and took us to the buffet they have found. Very good food. We all slept well and have toured the Lighthouse this morning and had some lunch here. Some of us are preparing to tour the city. It was rainy and cool when we arrived and cloudy and windy this morning, but has turned into a beautiful afternoon. We will write more later.
Blessings,
Beth McCalman
Blessings,
Beth McCalman
Tallinn Update from Dick Read
Hi Everyone,
We arrived in a rainy Tallinn around 4 p.m. yesterday. All of the students here came to pick us up at the airport along with Mal. It was really great to see everyones faces and they were very excited about our arrival.
We had a six hour layover in Stoãkholm yesterday so we took the train into town. It was very cool, the train traveled at over 100 mph and was VERY smooth. The city was beautiful. It was cold and rainy but we still enjoyed it very much. We got to go into old town and see the palace and just enjoyed the experience. (Not to mention all the very pretty blonde girls!)
Last night we went to a small restaurant in the supermarket. It was very tasty and it was great to catch up with all of the college students. A young girl from Generation 2 (the Youth Group from Baltic Mission Center) had her birthday party last night so a few of us went to the Methodist house to celebrate with her. It was so nice getting to see lots of my old friends at he party. We went back to the church about 10:30 p.m. and it was RAINY!!
This morning we are at the Lighthouse and just hanging out with the kids. The sun recently came out and we are going to go eat in Old Town this afternoon as well as sight seeing.
I am looking forward to tonight because Rachel and Emily are singing at the Generation 2 worship service. And for those of you that know them you know that they are no Celine Dion. It is going to be GREAT!!
All is well here and we are all very excited to be here. I hope to hear from you all and i will write again in the next couple of days.
God Bless,
David Read
We arrived in a rainy Tallinn around 4 p.m. yesterday. All of the students here came to pick us up at the airport along with Mal. It was really great to see everyones faces and they were very excited about our arrival.
We had a six hour layover in Stoãkholm yesterday so we took the train into town. It was very cool, the train traveled at over 100 mph and was VERY smooth. The city was beautiful. It was cold and rainy but we still enjoyed it very much. We got to go into old town and see the palace and just enjoyed the experience. (Not to mention all the very pretty blonde girls!)
Last night we went to a small restaurant in the supermarket. It was very tasty and it was great to catch up with all of the college students. A young girl from Generation 2 (the Youth Group from Baltic Mission Center) had her birthday party last night so a few of us went to the Methodist house to celebrate with her. It was so nice getting to see lots of my old friends at he party. We went back to the church about 10:30 p.m. and it was RAINY!!
This morning we are at the Lighthouse and just hanging out with the kids. The sun recently came out and we are going to go eat in Old Town this afternoon as well as sight seeing.
I am looking forward to tonight because Rachel and Emily are singing at the Generation 2 worship service. And for those of you that know them you know that they are no Celine Dion. It is going to be GREAT!!
All is well here and we are all very excited to be here. I hope to hear from you all and i will write again in the next couple of days.
God Bless,
David Read
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Estonia Report from our College Students
Hello Everybody!
We have arrived safely in Estonia and have been here for about 5 days now. This is the first time that we have had any down time since our arrival. We have a had a very busy past few days, but we are having a wonderful time!
Our first day in Estonia was a little rough on all four of us, the jet lag was pretty intense and it was cold and rainy, but we were just so thankful to be here! Once we arrived we ate lunch with Robert and Amy, Robert is one of the Pastor's at the Baltic Mission Center and Amy is his wife from Tulsa, and helped around the BMC preparing for the 100 Celebration of Methodism. It was a good way to keep us awake. The next day the four of us,Dustin, Emily, Chris and I, were the welcoming committee for all the people coming to the celebration. We sat at the Hotel Viru for 9 hours welcoming people. It was really neat! There were Bishops and Superintendents from South Korea, Norway, Estonia, Russia, America and a few other places. It was really exciting to get to talk to them and hear about different ways that Methodism and Christianity are influencing the world. The celebration was out on this beautiful island called Kuurasaree. It was wonderful to worship God with people from all over the world, to hear their passion for bringing God to the nations and to celebrate their history.It was a great learning experience and was also very encouraging. The boys are shooting a documentary while we are here and got some wonderful footage while we were out on the island. We returned to Tallinn, the capital, late Saturday night and went back to our guest house and went to bed. On Sunday we woke up and and went to church. The service was very special, because the Russian and Estonian congregation were combined, which does not usually happen, so the service was spoken in Russian, Estonian, and in English. It was really neat. Sunday afternoon we went to the Zoo with the youth group from the Baltic Mission Center and we had a blast! It`s really neat to get to know these people on a more personal level and to actually get to hang out with them! Tom Harrison and Mary Ann Smith also arrived yesterday, but we have not really seen a lot of them yet besides getting ice cream with Tom last night!
Thank you all so much for your prayers! Continue praying for opportunities to share Jesus with people and for deep relationships while we are here. Sorry if this was a boring e-mail, but there was a lot to share! God is doing some amazing things here in Estonia and we are so excited to be seeing first hand!
In Him,
Rachel Read
We have arrived safely in Estonia and have been here for about 5 days now. This is the first time that we have had any down time since our arrival. We have a had a very busy past few days, but we are having a wonderful time!
Our first day in Estonia was a little rough on all four of us, the jet lag was pretty intense and it was cold and rainy, but we were just so thankful to be here! Once we arrived we ate lunch with Robert and Amy, Robert is one of the Pastor's at the Baltic Mission Center and Amy is his wife from Tulsa, and helped around the BMC preparing for the 100 Celebration of Methodism. It was a good way to keep us awake. The next day the four of us,Dustin, Emily, Chris and I, were the welcoming committee for all the people coming to the celebration. We sat at the Hotel Viru for 9 hours welcoming people. It was really neat! There were Bishops and Superintendents from South Korea, Norway, Estonia, Russia, America and a few other places. It was really exciting to get to talk to them and hear about different ways that Methodism and Christianity are influencing the world. The celebration was out on this beautiful island called Kuurasaree. It was wonderful to worship God with people from all over the world, to hear their passion for bringing God to the nations and to celebrate their history.It was a great learning experience and was also very encouraging. The boys are shooting a documentary while we are here and got some wonderful footage while we were out on the island. We returned to Tallinn, the capital, late Saturday night and went back to our guest house and went to bed. On Sunday we woke up and and went to church. The service was very special, because the Russian and Estonian congregation were combined, which does not usually happen, so the service was spoken in Russian, Estonian, and in English. It was really neat. Sunday afternoon we went to the Zoo with the youth group from the Baltic Mission Center and we had a blast! It`s really neat to get to know these people on a more personal level and to actually get to hang out with them! Tom Harrison and Mary Ann Smith also arrived yesterday, but we have not really seen a lot of them yet besides getting ice cream with Tom last night!
Thank you all so much for your prayers! Continue praying for opportunities to share Jesus with people and for deep relationships while we are here. Sorry if this was a boring e-mail, but there was a lot to share! God is doing some amazing things here in Estonia and we are so excited to be seeing first hand!
In Him,
Rachel Read
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Estonia Update From Dick
Suffice it to say that our week here has been incredibly valuable. We came simply to share love and fellowship, as well as exchange ministry ideas with our dear friends in Tallinn, Parnu and Johvi. While not completing any construction, teaching VBS lessons or directing recreation or evangelism projects, I have found our time here to be among my favorite and most profitable among these dear fellow-believers.
I suggested to our team members that 50% of our mission was accomplished the moment we arrived. While skeptical, they later heartily agreed to that truth. At the same time, what an incredible remaining 50% of the mission we shared together these six days!
We have much to share with Asbury's Estonia Ministry team and look forward to hearing stories from this summer's remaining four Estonia VIM teams.
Thanks for praying for us! Please pray for our continued health and safety as we travel home on Thursday. Our Tulsa arrival is expected just after 10PM.
Dick Read
I suggested to our team members that 50% of our mission was accomplished the moment we arrived. While skeptical, they later heartily agreed to that truth. At the same time, what an incredible remaining 50% of the mission we shared together these six days!
We have much to share with Asbury's Estonia Ministry team and look forward to hearing stories from this summer's remaining four Estonia VIM teams.
Thanks for praying for us! Please pray for our continued health and safety as we travel home on Thursday. Our Tulsa arrival is expected just after 10PM.
Dick Read
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Update from Estonia - From Glen
It has been an amazing trip and we arrived back in Tallin this afternoon. We spent the night at Camp Gideon last night and went to dinner with Artur and Valentina. This man is unbelievable all the things he is doing for God, the church, camps, city council, and the list goes on and on… He wakes every morning to go to his church to pray at 6:00am, returns home for breakfast, then takes his kids to school and off to work again. He came to Tallin today to be filmed for a TV show. He is a spiritual leader in his community and was even asked by the Mayor to have special prayer services while the riots were going on a couple of weeks ago. Valentina is fasting for 3 days preparing for a group coming to camp on Thursday. They are an amazing couple.
We have all been blessed in our own special ways. As usual it feels as though we were the ones being ministered too. These people here are amazing and God is working in their hearts in a very special way.
Congratulations to all of you who have been to Estonia pray for and support Estonia in any way. Also for those who are coming to Estonia before the year is up… God is blessing your efforts and great works are being done. We have over 1,000 pics so we will have no problem showing or explaining to anyone what wonderful works Global Outreach is doing here in Estonia.
I just thought I would send you all a little update from to young men we met on our retreat with Agape Church. Vallo is 16 years old almost 17 and he is 6’7” tall. Joosep is 18 years old and loves Americans and the US like it is his Holy Land… I guarantee you this young man will not stop until he makes it to the US. They are both very good young men and have a heart for God and the church. Both of these boys will be in the 11th grade next year. Joosep was so excited to know that Earl (we have renamed him professor McGyver) knows Morse code. He is going to send Earl a coded message when we get back. It just looked it up on the internet a couple of weeks ago and taught himself. Now are you beginning to understand what I mean when I say nothing will stop this young man from making it to the US.
Well, I will finish by saying that our trip has been a huge success in our minds and our friends in Estonia are all very happy to have had us here… It means more to them than they or I can put into words…
Glen Grusendorf
We have all been blessed in our own special ways. As usual it feels as though we were the ones being ministered too. These people here are amazing and God is working in their hearts in a very special way.
Congratulations to all of you who have been to Estonia pray for and support Estonia in any way. Also for those who are coming to Estonia before the year is up… God is blessing your efforts and great works are being done. We have over 1,000 pics so we will have no problem showing or explaining to anyone what wonderful works Global Outreach is doing here in Estonia.
I just thought I would send you all a little update from to young men we met on our retreat with Agape Church. Vallo is 16 years old almost 17 and he is 6’7” tall. Joosep is 18 years old and loves Americans and the US like it is his Holy Land… I guarantee you this young man will not stop until he makes it to the US. They are both very good young men and have a heart for God and the church. Both of these boys will be in the 11th grade next year. Joosep was so excited to know that Earl (we have renamed him professor McGyver) knows Morse code. He is going to send Earl a coded message when we get back. It just looked it up on the internet a couple of weeks ago and taught himself. Now are you beginning to understand what I mean when I say nothing will stop this young man from making it to the US.
Well, I will finish by saying that our trip has been a huge success in our minds and our friends in Estonia are all very happy to have had us here… It means more to them than they or I can put into words…
Glen Grusendorf
Udates from the Estonia - From Dick
We have finished out discussions and work here in Parnu. Our time here has been very good in growing our friendships with our Agape brethren and each of us is coming back with information and ideas for growing partnership. We spent a good amount of time this morning walking around and thru the Agage building and Earl has a prioritized list of projects that we look forward to bringing before the Estonia Ministry Team.
Our time with Tonu and Kuuli ended with a wonderful meal at an local German food restaurant and then shared a sweet prayer time at in the Agape sanctuary.
We will drive to Johvi Tuesday afternoon to see Camp Gideon and to share some time with Artur Pold.
Back to Tallin Wednesday afternoon -- we will be able to send email update from Tallinn, but no likely from Camp Gideon.
We are all well as we begin winding down our time in Estonia.
Dick Read
Our time with Tonu and Kuuli ended with a wonderful meal at an local German food restaurant and then shared a sweet prayer time at in the Agape sanctuary.
We will drive to Johvi Tuesday afternoon to see Camp Gideon and to share some time with Artur Pold.
Back to Tallin Wednesday afternoon -- we will be able to send email update from Tallinn, but no likely from Camp Gideon.
We are all well as we begin winding down our time in Estonia.
Dick Read
Udates from the Estonia - From Christy
It's Christy... you will be amazed by this incredible place. You don't need to plan anything for VBS. Kulli and Meeli have everything ready for VBS.
They put me to shame. :-) What they need is for you to show up with people ready to love on kids. There are other little things we can do, like everyone on
The team could bring a "school supply" type kit for their group of 6 - 8 kids. I'll explain when I get home. They have kids that walk over from an orphanage and kids who ride the city bus alone to come to VBS. The city is filled with atheists. The kids know little to nothing about God... much different than what we are even able to understand. But they need folks to love on the kids and help them to realize that Agape Church is where they can feel loved. You will do a great job at that and they are counting the days until you arrive. I can't even express the joy on Kulli's face when we walked in the door. You would have thought it was Christmas morning.
I have gained 1,000 more blessings than I think I've brought to them. I've been humbled and learned so much from this church. One small thing I've learned that I hope we can do is hang up our children's artwork in displays on the walls. I will show you a picture of how they do it but it is so impressive and looks great!
Everyone in the church stops to look at the children's work. Joanne and Susan would benefit from a trip here as well. Their preschool program involves the parents through age 3. They don't drop off the kids... they stay and do the lessons with their child. I know, it's a shocker but it works well for them and is an incredible outreach to these non-believers.
I have lots more to share with you but that's just a taste. The beach is beautiful here. The food is good. The people are the salt of the earth. Prepare to be loved on!
Hope all is well in Tulsa... can't wait to see you
In Christ,
Christy Capps
They put me to shame. :-) What they need is for you to show up with people ready to love on kids. There are other little things we can do, like everyone on
The team could bring a "school supply" type kit for their group of 6 - 8 kids. I'll explain when I get home. They have kids that walk over from an orphanage and kids who ride the city bus alone to come to VBS. The city is filled with atheists. The kids know little to nothing about God... much different than what we are even able to understand. But they need folks to love on the kids and help them to realize that Agape Church is where they can feel loved. You will do a great job at that and they are counting the days until you arrive. I can't even express the joy on Kulli's face when we walked in the door. You would have thought it was Christmas morning.
I have gained 1,000 more blessings than I think I've brought to them. I've been humbled and learned so much from this church. One small thing I've learned that I hope we can do is hang up our children's artwork in displays on the walls. I will show you a picture of how they do it but it is so impressive and looks great!
Everyone in the church stops to look at the children's work. Joanne and Susan would benefit from a trip here as well. Their preschool program involves the parents through age 3. They don't drop off the kids... they stay and do the lessons with their child. I know, it's a shocker but it works well for them and is an incredible outreach to these non-believers.
I have lots more to share with you but that's just a taste. The beach is beautiful here. The food is good. The people are the salt of the earth. Prepare to be loved on!
Hope all is well in Tulsa... can't wait to see you
In Christ,
Christy Capps
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Update from Joe
Wanted to give you a quick update on today's activities (Sat.,5/12). We ate breakfast at the hotel & arrived at the Agape church at 9 AM. We headed to an Orthodox retreat center about 10-15 miles south of Parnu but still on the ocean coast line Reminded us of a small camp Gideon. We could see Parnu across the bay. There were about 20 of us (15 Agape church members) there for an all day retreat. It was a great setting and was lead by Tonu & Kuuli. We had 2 interpreters there. One was Kuuli & the other was Meire, the associate Pastor at Agape. They were great and made the day very meaningful. We drove back to Parnu with one of our new friends, Joosep. This is the closest to Joseph we could get. He & I hit if off real quick.
We also had a 16 year old boy that was 6' 7" tall and we think still growing. He enjoyed baseball and wanted to know more about it (we are not sure but we think he is a Cardinal fan!).
Great time was had by all. We are looking forward to church service and going to Ullas & Meeli's home afterwards. Hope all is well in the states. God bless you.
Joe Spence
We also had a 16 year old boy that was 6' 7" tall and we think still growing. He enjoyed baseball and wanted to know more about it (we are not sure but we think he is a Cardinal fan!).
Great time was had by all. We are looking forward to church service and going to Ullas & Meeli's home afterwards. Hope all is well in the states. God bless you.
Joe Spence
Update from Dick
Well, its Saturday morning here and we getting ready to go eat breakfast and then head across town to Church to leave on the retreat. It is such an exciting time for us all. Yesterday when we toured the church and found out the have essentially a full basement it gives us great opportunities to help them expand their present facilities. They have had some others here lending their time and efforts and funds to help prepare the basement as well. The church is beautiful backing up to a local park. Dick, Christy and I will get to speak at the retreat today and Dick will get to do the sermon tomorrow at church as well. We are all very excited about these opportunities. While Christy was visiting with Kulli yesterday she was told how the very young kids walk or even ride busses to come to bible school in the summer time (could you imagine that happening in the US, I think not.)
We also visited the Seminary in Tallin yesterday before we left and Christie was able to make a connection there too, with a woman whom she is going to send materials too as well.
This trip is very relationship oriented. We are building relationships so that we are better able to help serve their needs here and understand what those needs will include. I am praying that I will meet a man and woman who will be willing to "Champion Celebrate Recovery." I have brought over materials in Russian as well as English. Please pray for us all that we will recognize the opportunities God puts in front of us to help our brothers and sisters in Christ of Estonia.
Dick Read
We also visited the Seminary in Tallin yesterday before we left and Christie was able to make a connection there too, with a woman whom she is going to send materials too as well.
This trip is very relationship oriented. We are building relationships so that we are better able to help serve their needs here and understand what those needs will include. I am praying that I will meet a man and woman who will be willing to "Champion Celebrate Recovery." I have brought over materials in Russian as well as English. Please pray for us all that we will recognize the opportunities God puts in front of us to help our brothers and sisters in Christ of Estonia.
Dick Read
Update from Glen
Here is my most recent update. Thanks for all your prayers and support...
Well, we made it and everything is going very well...I am blessed to be rooming with "McGyver" otherwise known as Earl Stutzman. The sad thing for Earl is he might not get his normal sleep having to room with me. Long story short about 2:30am this morning Earl woke up and helped me fix my plug adapter that was on loan from Mary Ann. McGyver discovered there was a burned out fuse. No problem, he disassembled a razor blade and used it to bypass the fuse that we didn't actually need anyway.
Christy plugged in her hair dryer this morning and blew out the electricity for her room and Dick and Joe's too. They did get it fixed and we have all survived. We had a great breakfast this morning and will be heading to Parnu in about 30 minutes... We are praying and expecting to have a wonderful day with our friends of Estonia. Joe didn't get much sleep either, but our spirits are burning bright and excited for the day!
Earl and I have a great view of the harbor right out our window. We have watched ships come and go last night and this morning. This is a beautiful old city with lots of new and exciting development every where you look. The combination of the two worlds the "Old & New" makes it very modern yet extremely interesting with all the old architecture.
We are in Parnu now and preparing for a leadership retreat tomorrow with our sister church "Agape United Methodist." Kulli was so happy to see us all. We are looking forward to see what God has in store for us all tomorrow...
Glen Grusendorf Jr.
Well, we made it and everything is going very well...I am blessed to be rooming with "McGyver" otherwise known as Earl Stutzman. The sad thing for Earl is he might not get his normal sleep having to room with me. Long story short about 2:30am this morning Earl woke up and helped me fix my plug adapter that was on loan from Mary Ann. McGyver discovered there was a burned out fuse. No problem, he disassembled a razor blade and used it to bypass the fuse that we didn't actually need anyway.
Christy plugged in her hair dryer this morning and blew out the electricity for her room and Dick and Joe's too. They did get it fixed and we have all survived. We had a great breakfast this morning and will be heading to Parnu in about 30 minutes... We are praying and expecting to have a wonderful day with our friends of Estonia. Joe didn't get much sleep either, but our spirits are burning bright and excited for the day!
Earl and I have a great view of the harbor right out our window. We have watched ships come and go last night and this morning. This is a beautiful old city with lots of new and exciting development every where you look. The combination of the two worlds the "Old & New" makes it very modern yet extremely interesting with all the old architecture.
We are in Parnu now and preparing for a leadership retreat tomorrow with our sister church "Agape United Methodist." Kulli was so happy to see us all. We are looking forward to see what God has in store for us all tomorrow...
Glen Grusendorf Jr.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Estonia Update
Well, we made it and everything is going very well… I am blessed to be rooming with “McGyver” otherwise known as Earl Stutzman. The sad thing for Earl is he might not get his normal sleep having to room with me. Long story short about 2:30am this morning Earl woke up and helped me fix my plug adapter that was on loan from Mary Ann. McGyver discovered there was a burned out fuse. No problem, he disassembled a razor blade and used it to bypass the fuse that we didn’t actually need anyway.
Christy plugged in her hair dryer this morning and blew out the electricity for her room and Dick and Joes too. They did get it fixed and we have all survived. We had a great breakfast this morning and will be heading to Parnu in about 30 minutes… We are praying and expecting to have a wonderful day with our friends of Estonia. Joe didn’t get much sleep either, but our spirits are burning bright and excited for the day!
Earl and I have a great view of the harbor right out our window. We have watched ships come and go last night and this morning. This is a beautiful old city with lots of new and exciting development every where you look. The combination of the two worlds the “Old & New” makes it very modern yet extremely interesting with all the old architecture.
Glen Grusendorf
Christy plugged in her hair dryer this morning and blew out the electricity for her room and Dick and Joes too. They did get it fixed and we have all survived. We had a great breakfast this morning and will be heading to Parnu in about 30 minutes… We are praying and expecting to have a wonderful day with our friends of Estonia. Joe didn’t get much sleep either, but our spirits are burning bright and excited for the day!
Earl and I have a great view of the harbor right out our window. We have watched ships come and go last night and this morning. This is a beautiful old city with lots of new and exciting development every where you look. The combination of the two worlds the “Old & New” makes it very modern yet extremely interesting with all the old architecture.
Glen Grusendorf
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Estonia Greetings
The five of us arrived in Tallinn right on schedule after three air flights (via Chicago and Copenhagen). All of our luggage arrived with us and a member of Kaupo and Thea Kant's church met us at the airport to pick up the sound system that Earl rev'd up for them. He was very pleased - Kaupo certainly will be even more so.
After checking into our hotel (Portus), we went to Old Town for a bit to eat, then the supermarket to buy pure water and are now back at the hotel preparing for a good night's sleep.
Thanks for your prayers as we travel to Parnu on Friday!
Dick Read
After checking into our hotel (Portus), we went to Old Town for a bit to eat, then the supermarket to buy pure water and are now back at the hotel preparing for a good night's sleep.
Thanks for your prayers as we travel to Parnu on Friday!
Dick Read
Friday, April 27, 2007
Men's Construction Team in Rio Bravo, Mexico
Work is going well... two casitas have walls & steps poured. Today (Thursday) is rafters and roofing... then stuco for the outside + windows. Juan (our job-site maistro) says we'll get it all done by noon tomorrow. The food is fine... the new place to stay is not so close to the work sites, but it is comfortable, private & quiet. Very nice all around.
We've apparently provided great entertainment for the neighborhood kids. I'm hoping we are able to establish more of a relationship with the family who will receive the casita we're building. God's hand is just SO apparent in all that is happening here. Poor in "things" has NO bearing on His love and blessings!
Thank you and everyone at home for all the prayers. Keep them coming.
Joe Ford
We've apparently provided great entertainment for the neighborhood kids. I'm hoping we are able to establish more of a relationship with the family who will receive the casita we're building. God's hand is just SO apparent in all that is happening here. Poor in "things" has NO bearing on His love and blessings!
Thank you and everyone at home for all the prayers. Keep them coming.
Joe Ford
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Update from Earl on our Monterrey VIM Team - thanks for continuing with the prayers!
Just to let you know we all made it and are doing fine. The new Mission Bible School site in Solaridadad had 60 children the first night and over 100 last (Tuesday) night. We are expecting more tonight (Wednesday). The work project is remodeling the last dorm room upstairs. We are waiting for the window man to make 2 windows, but in the mean time we are building out the other walls. We probably won't get to finish the walls. No rain so far, it has been cloudy Monday and Tuesday, but today is bright and sunny. Thursday and Friday we will be at a new MBS site so we don´t know what to expect. Thanks for the prayers.
Earl Stutzman
Earl Stutzman
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Greetings from Tanzania
Greetings,
It has been a good day in Dar es Salaam. I taught on Transformational Leadership today. The basic message is that a biblical leader promotes positive change and develops others. We studied Matt 5 – the Sermon on the Mount. It was a very interesting section and the interaction was wonderful. I have to talk slowly and be careful with my words as they are used to British English. They brought up real issues that they are struggling with as a church – polygamy, forgiveness, birth control, tribal teachings, politics in the church, etc. I think today I felt like I had a very small grasp on their issues and was able to offer some suggestions.
This ILI material is good. The format and sequence is superb to lead them down a journey throughout the week. At the end of the week, they will have a vision statement, goals and many new strategies for accomplishing what God has called THEM to do. It is really powerful because we have several denominations and demographic areas represented. So, not only is there learning taking place, but networking as well. I really think ILI has a positive strategy. Tanzania can be won for Christ with this plan. Now, I’m praying about how Asbury fits into that picture.
I also shared part of my testimony. I taught how God first transforms us before we can transform others. I got personal and vulnerable, big surprise. They were very quiet and I wasn’t sure how to take it. Later, Grant shared with me that for a man to be vulnerable and real in public is very rare. I wasn’t sure if that was good or bad, but I had several guys pull me aside and thank me and explain how powerful it was. One guy said he saw the redemptive Christ in my story. I trust it was what God wanted.
Mameo and I have become fast friends. He is the acting Lutheran Bishop in the district Grant is located. He is very friendly and full of joy. He and I have laughed a lot. We had a great conversation about America and the crazy roads and stadiums. Now, I can understand how wild those things are to them. We have also had our share of serious conversations. He is a good thinker and a good leader. Grant told me he is national leader in the Christian movement in Tanzania. That doesn’t surprise me because he is a serious man of God. Tom, I gave him some prayer journals. So, now we will have friends reading and praying over the same scriptures - half way around the world.
I have had about 15 initiations to visit churches. Everyone is asking when I am coming back and when I am going to Kenya. Andrew and I had a very serious conversation about this. He was trying to convince me that I have laid the foundation, so I must come back to lay the first row of bricks (other conferences). I have given no commitments, but I wonder if he is right. (Jennifer, don’t freak out. They are also asking when you are coming.) It is hard to describe how close I feel to this group in such a short time. I love these wonderful people. They have such a pure passion for the lost, unending desire to learn, unbelievable worship and commitment to complete this mission. If we had more people like this in America – it would be completely won for Christ. I think I’m learning more than I’m teaching.
Your Servant...Teil
It has been a good day in Dar es Salaam. I taught on Transformational Leadership today. The basic message is that a biblical leader promotes positive change and develops others. We studied Matt 5 – the Sermon on the Mount. It was a very interesting section and the interaction was wonderful. I have to talk slowly and be careful with my words as they are used to British English. They brought up real issues that they are struggling with as a church – polygamy, forgiveness, birth control, tribal teachings, politics in the church, etc. I think today I felt like I had a very small grasp on their issues and was able to offer some suggestions.
This ILI material is good. The format and sequence is superb to lead them down a journey throughout the week. At the end of the week, they will have a vision statement, goals and many new strategies for accomplishing what God has called THEM to do. It is really powerful because we have several denominations and demographic areas represented. So, not only is there learning taking place, but networking as well. I really think ILI has a positive strategy. Tanzania can be won for Christ with this plan. Now, I’m praying about how Asbury fits into that picture.
I also shared part of my testimony. I taught how God first transforms us before we can transform others. I got personal and vulnerable, big surprise. They were very quiet and I wasn’t sure how to take it. Later, Grant shared with me that for a man to be vulnerable and real in public is very rare. I wasn’t sure if that was good or bad, but I had several guys pull me aside and thank me and explain how powerful it was. One guy said he saw the redemptive Christ in my story. I trust it was what God wanted.
Mameo and I have become fast friends. He is the acting Lutheran Bishop in the district Grant is located. He is very friendly and full of joy. He and I have laughed a lot. We had a great conversation about America and the crazy roads and stadiums. Now, I can understand how wild those things are to them. We have also had our share of serious conversations. He is a good thinker and a good leader. Grant told me he is national leader in the Christian movement in Tanzania. That doesn’t surprise me because he is a serious man of God. Tom, I gave him some prayer journals. So, now we will have friends reading and praying over the same scriptures - half way around the world.
I have had about 15 initiations to visit churches. Everyone is asking when I am coming back and when I am going to Kenya. Andrew and I had a very serious conversation about this. He was trying to convince me that I have laid the foundation, so I must come back to lay the first row of bricks (other conferences). I have given no commitments, but I wonder if he is right. (Jennifer, don’t freak out. They are also asking when you are coming.) It is hard to describe how close I feel to this group in such a short time. I love these wonderful people. They have such a pure passion for the lost, unending desire to learn, unbelievable worship and commitment to complete this mission. If we had more people like this in America – it would be completely won for Christ. I think I’m learning more than I’m teaching.
Your Servant...Teil
Greetings from Dar
I have had a great trip. I find the people of Tanzania to be beautiful people with a rich culture and incredibly hospitable. This trip has been a journey of contrasts for me. It is truely hard to get your mind around. Riduculous roads that need an SUV and internet cafes on the side of the road. Dirty water and disease yet people have cell phones. It is like they have skipped forward with technology without providing basic needs. It seems backward, but that is my American point of view.
Sunday I went to a church and experienced African worship. I think Asbury folks could learn something from these people. They are so uninhibited. So sign of ego or worrying about perceptions. There focus is to praise God – and they do with all their hearts. The little church I was in had 30-40 people. When they started singing it was incredible. I have never heard anything so loud and powerful from such a small group. It was like a party. The women and children were doing “line dancing” around the room. It was in Swahili, but I was with them in spirit. Of course, I began crying at the sight of such a wonderful thing. The pastor invited me to come say a few words. I did through a translator. It was like a political rally. I would say something – the intepreter would repeat and the people would cheer, clap and shout. Incredible.
The teaching got off to a difficult start – but since has been good. My Keynon brothers (other faculty) did not get here on time – so I had to start without them. I had people introduce themselves, spent time in prayer and when I could stall no longer – I started. So, without materials, projectors, class rosters, etc – I began to teach the unit 1 (that I wasn’t scheduled to teach and had barley reviewed). I have always been flexible and had some ability to wing it - was that ever put to the test. Just my book and the holy spirit. I taught 4 of 6 units the first day – of which I had planned to teach 1. I was exhausted. Then, my fellow teachers arrived and it has been better. Still, I see God working in these people.
I want to tell you about Andrew. The first night students were here, Monday night, Andrew and I were getting to know each other. He is a pastor in Dar. During the conversation, I mentioned the fact I couldn’t send and email to my wife as there was no net connection here. After a bit, he got up and said he was going to get his computer that had net connectivity. With reluctance, I thanked him and he left. Four hours later, he returned with his computer full of joy. Four HOURS! He walked across the city to pick up his laptop. (people here don’t have transportation – they walk everywhere) I was in awe. Do you know anyone that would drive to OKC and back to pick up something for a stranger?... So, today I was teaching on Servant Leadership. We discussed Jesus washing the disciples feet. At the end, I asked Andrew if I could wash his feet in front of the class. He came forward and sat down. I washed his feet. There was an amazing sweet spirit in the room. When I was finished, we hugged and the class sat stunned soaking up the moment. After a minute or two, they broke out with a huge applause. It was amazing. I think Andrew and I will always be connected by that experience.
I have many more stories I could tell but that is just an idea of the divine appointments God has set up during this trip. I would like to thank everyone for their support of my family during my absence. Jennifer is overwhelmed by it. Also, thank you for your prayers for me on this journey. I am having a productive time, but also am eager to get home. Your servant...Teil
Sunday I went to a church and experienced African worship. I think Asbury folks could learn something from these people. They are so uninhibited. So sign of ego or worrying about perceptions. There focus is to praise God – and they do with all their hearts. The little church I was in had 30-40 people. When they started singing it was incredible. I have never heard anything so loud and powerful from such a small group. It was like a party. The women and children were doing “line dancing” around the room. It was in Swahili, but I was with them in spirit. Of course, I began crying at the sight of such a wonderful thing. The pastor invited me to come say a few words. I did through a translator. It was like a political rally. I would say something – the intepreter would repeat and the people would cheer, clap and shout. Incredible.
The teaching got off to a difficult start – but since has been good. My Keynon brothers (other faculty) did not get here on time – so I had to start without them. I had people introduce themselves, spent time in prayer and when I could stall no longer – I started. So, without materials, projectors, class rosters, etc – I began to teach the unit 1 (that I wasn’t scheduled to teach and had barley reviewed). I have always been flexible and had some ability to wing it - was that ever put to the test. Just my book and the holy spirit. I taught 4 of 6 units the first day – of which I had planned to teach 1. I was exhausted. Then, my fellow teachers arrived and it has been better. Still, I see God working in these people.
I want to tell you about Andrew. The first night students were here, Monday night, Andrew and I were getting to know each other. He is a pastor in Dar. During the conversation, I mentioned the fact I couldn’t send and email to my wife as there was no net connection here. After a bit, he got up and said he was going to get his computer that had net connectivity. With reluctance, I thanked him and he left. Four hours later, he returned with his computer full of joy. Four HOURS! He walked across the city to pick up his laptop. (people here don’t have transportation – they walk everywhere) I was in awe. Do you know anyone that would drive to OKC and back to pick up something for a stranger?... So, today I was teaching on Servant Leadership. We discussed Jesus washing the disciples feet. At the end, I asked Andrew if I could wash his feet in front of the class. He came forward and sat down. I washed his feet. There was an amazing sweet spirit in the room. When I was finished, we hugged and the class sat stunned soaking up the moment. After a minute or two, they broke out with a huge applause. It was amazing. I think Andrew and I will always be connected by that experience.
I have many more stories I could tell but that is just an idea of the divine appointments God has set up during this trip. I would like to thank everyone for their support of my family during my absence. Jennifer is overwhelmed by it. Also, thank you for your prayers for me on this journey. I am having a productive time, but also am eager to get home. Your servant...Teil
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