Feeling Fancy in Africa

Some people would equate going to Africa with giving up all the comforts of life. While that may be true in part, we have still found ways to feel fancy.  

While it's not Dr. Pepper, we still
enjoy a coke every now
and then.

 Drinking your coke only from glass bottles.

Being waited on at the gas pump. It is mandatory for an attendant to pump your gas for you.

Sleeping under a luxurious canopy every night. Some might call it a mosquito net.

Having the nickname of chief or boss all the time. This name is shared with others who do not originate from the Congo.

Macy and Connor modeling Macy's canopy

Having our own personal parking attendant anywhere in town. There is always someone eager to “help”.

Always getting the front row seat at church. 

Small Blessings

It’s the small things we take for granted that the Lord uses in spite of us.

We have had so many boxes and tons of paper left from unpacking our crate from the U.S. Some young boys asked if they could take some boxes and paper to fix the roof at their house. We gladly let them take as much as they wanted.

Gavin has befriended a couple of the men who guard our neighbor’s houses. One guard, Lawrence, has mentioned he would love to try mazungu (white person) food. Thursday night we had electricity, so I made a rice casserole. While we were eating Gavin and I thought we should have Lawrence try it. It’s not too different from what he is used to eating, but still different enough. Gavin found Lawrence and he was very excited to try our dinner. After he had eaten he told Gavin, “I don’t know what made you think to share dinner with me tonight but I am thankful. I have not eaten all day and I was very hungry.” It was the Lord using us to take care of one of His children.

Since our arrival, many Congolese have blessed us as well. From one Nazarene pastor helping us get our Congolese driver’s license and Laissez-Passez (which will hopefully lessen the times we get stopped by the police) to the District Superintendent helping us find furniture for our house and stores for food. I only pray we can offer that small blessing onto others. We count ourselves fortunate and thankful and hope to stay close enough to the heart of God to continue to be used by Him in whatever way He needs us.

The One We Need

Here we are. In the middle of Africa. During rainy season. I think of so many things that make life different for us today. From figuring out how to get our clothes dry during weeks where it rains constantly (we actually just found a dryer-so one problem solved) to going into a small shop and getting a loaf of bread and eggs. I still don’t know how I’m saying les oeufs wrong, but no one seems to understand me. Even when they correct me, I think, “That’s exactly what I said.” And, don’t get me started on the number deux. 

Most comforts we once knew are no longer here. The language is different, the concept of time is different and even views of roles within the family are different. But, I can say that through these differences, I’ve come to appreciate what I have even more. Every time we have a hot shower, every time the electricity comes on and every time we drive through town without being stopped by the police I thank the Lord for these blessings. It is a daily reminder that we need the Lord. 

One of my (Jill) favorite musical groups is Shane and Shane. So many of their songs seem to speak to me on a personal level. Their CD "The One You Need" has a song called Without You. The song talks about wanting to be where the Holy Spirit is. This song really caught my attention when we knew the Lord was releasing us from our assignment with the Nazarene Border Initiative over a year ago. We didn’t know where He was leading us next, but we just wanted to do what God was calling us to. If the Spirit was staying, we wanted to be there. But, if the Spirit was leading somewhere else we wanted to go. So, here we are. In the middle of Africa. During rainy season. With the Spirit of God leading us. We couldn’t be here without Him and we give Him all the praise...even on the hard days.

“I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:1-3

To Be a Witness

The DRC is known for many things; both challenging and rewarding.  One of the things that most visitors will be confronted with on a regular basis is the "roulage" or traffic stops.  Although they don't have weapons, radios, handcuffs, or even vehicles, the police carry on their work of controlling traffic and enforcing the rules of the road.  Armed with their bright yellow helmets, reflective safety vests, and whistles that are blown without end during rush hour, the police are out in force all across the city every day of the week.

Although it is not considered a "major offense," I have been "arrested" on several occasions already during our first two months here.  It is actually quite comical at times.  The DRC must be the only place where, when you get arrested, the Police officer kindly asks for a ride back to the police station where they "take you in" or perhaps, more accurately, they accompany you as you take yourself in.  Besides those incidents, we are stopped multiple times daily by police officers who would like to just say hello.

It can be a long process and ruin your plans for the day, but we have had the opportunity to witness to dozens of officers during those times.  Today, whilst arrested, I spoke with an officer who asked me what she must do to be presented clean before God on judgement day.  A passage from Luke 18 came to mind, where the Rich Young Ruler asks Jesus a similar question in the form of; "What must I do to inherit eternal life."  We paused for two hours during the process of my arrest to speak about the Gospel, eternal life, and even holiness.

While concluding our business after our long talk, and as I began to feel a bit annoyed with being arrested, the Lord gave me a new perspective on the whole ordeal.  Perhaps being stopped, and even arrested, should be considered an opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Why not use these opportunities to advance the Kingdom one whistle blow at a time?  In fact, why can't all inconveniences be used as an opportunity to bare witness?  Please pray for our courage to proclaim the Gospel boldly and our patience to accurately portray the One who has called us.